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Paris Saint-Germain’s players hold up a banner that reads, ‘Thank you to all our fans in Qatar’ following their winter training session at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, yesterday.

Qatar 2022 will be an ‘excellent’ Neymar eyes slice World Cup: PSG coach Tuchel of ‘history’ ARMSTRONG VAS PSG’s German coach Thomas Tuchel looks on during the THE PENINSULA team’s winter training camp in Doha, yesterday. Connecting with in Qatar Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Thomas Tuchel while fans is important, praising the state-of-the-art RIZWAN REHMAT facilities at Aspire Academy says Mbappe THE PENINSULA is confident that Qatar will deliver an ‘excellent’ World Feared striker Neymar is looking forward to Cup in less than four years. THE PENINSULA leading Brazil to glory at the 2022 FIFA World “It’s a pleasure to be here DOHA Cup to be held in Qatar. (in Doha), sun is shining all Neymar, who currently plays for French the time. People make sure Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is happy giants PSG, was last night speaking to the media the visiting teams are pro- and thrilled that he and his team-mates got an oppor- after a training session at the Khalifa Interna- vided with excellent condi- tunity to connect with fans in Doha. tional Stadium. tions to play and practice. I PSG’s Brazillian “It’s exciting here (in Qatar) and everywhere to PSG are in Qatar on a five-day winter am very sure and hopefully it forward Neymar meet fans. I think it’s important to have contact with training camp and yesterday's training was con- will be a nice and challenging attending your fans. Not only here, but around the world. They ducted at one of the venues to be used at the World Cup. I am eagerly yesterday’s have the chance to come to the training session and 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. awaiting it and it will be nice, training session. it is open to them. So it was an opportunity for us to "I'm very happy (as) this is my first time in only three years time,” said spend some time together,” the Frenchman said in this stadium," Neymar said yesterday. the German, while speaking an interview on the club website. "The temperatures are so wonderful and to journalists here The French champions, who are on a four-day the fans here are amazing," the heavily-tat- yesterday. winter tour to Qatar to prepare for the second half tooed Brazilian forwarded added. Tuchel is on a four-day of the season, yesterday meet local fans during an "It is a great feeling to train in a stadium visit to Qatar with the training session at the Khalifa International that will host the 2022 World Cup (matches)," champions as they prepare Stadium, a venue for the 2022 World Cup. Neymar, 26, said after the training session for the second half of the Mbappe said PSG is a ‘young club’ which is watched by more than 5,000 fans at the Khalifa season in Doha. ‘growing’ on and off the field. International Stadium. The PSG tactician is “PSG is a young club that wants to develop itself. The former Barcelona star said he is looking delighted that the FIFA show- Of course, that firstly comes on the pitch, but also in forward to leading the charge for Brazil, piece event of 2022 will be in terms of marketing. That’s what ‘growing’ means, in winners of five World Cup trophies. winter season and he is every sense of the word. It’s about sport, that’s the "I am excited to represent my country in eagerly looking forward to it. most important aspect, but also marketing. PSG have (the) 2022 (FIFA World Cup) and to write new “The weather conditions understood that.” history of Brazil," Neymar said. at the World Cup will be very The Frenchman is happy with the way the Brazil lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals excellent as it will be in training sessions have been progressing in at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. winter. So big challenge for Qatar. Neymar said PSG - under coach Thomas PSG players with the students everybody and we all are “The weather is good, hot, the sun is out...that’s Tuchel - are ready to resume Champions of Doha’s PSG Academy. looking forward to that and I a bit of a change! We’re taking part in a number of League battle next month. am pretty sure Qatar will host marketing activations, interviews, and - of course - The French giants take on Manchester an excellent world Cup.” been here, I can tell you that been using for the last couple training, because we have a game to prepare against United in the round of 16 in February. Speaking further, the it is a friendly place so people of days during their winter Guingamp at the Parc des Princes on Saturday,” "We are here in Qatar to prepare for the 45-year-old trainer who are welcoming, everybody is tour. He said his team-mates are putting in a lot of upcoming matches and challenges, especially joined PSG from Germany open and very friendly,” he “Exceptional and work on the training pitch. in the Champions League because our oppo- club Dortmund said people added. incredible. This is the best “We have to prepare for the games to come. We nents are strong," Neymar said. have been very friendly in The former defender also pitch I’ve ever seen. The started 2019 without a lot of training, because the "But we are also have a strong team that Qatar to him and his team heap praises on the excellent academy is incredible and it games came around quickly. Now, we have a bit can go really far," the Brazilian added after players and officials. infrastructure at the Aspire offers excellent and amazing more time, so we’re going to take advantage of that meeting a group of young fans yesterday. “From the time i have Academy, which his team has opportunities,” he said. to work,” he added. Neymar's fellow striker Kylian Mbappe, who powered France to 2018 FIFA World Cup glory in Russia last summer, said the team was enjoying their stay in Qatar. Fans take selfies "The weather is good, hot, the sun is out... Al Attiyah extends Dakar Rally with Toyota’s Qatari that's a bit of a change! We're taking part in a driver Nasser Saleh number of marketing activities, interviews, and lead with another stage win Al Attiyah at the end - of course - training because we have a game of the Dakar Rally to prepare against Guingamp at the Parc des Stage 7 around San Princes on Saturday," Mbappe told the club Juan de Marcona, in website. Peru, on Monday. Al "We have to prepare for the games to come. Attiyah impressed by We started 2019 without a lot of training winning eighth stage because the games came around quickly. Now of this year’s event, we have a bit more time so we're going to take his 34th in the Dakar advantage of that to work," the 20-year-old Rally. Al Attiyah French forward added. currently occupies Owned by Qatar, PSG have spent a busy time in Doha the last two days visiting Al the overall lead, Wakrah Stadium, heading out to the desert 46.29 minutes ahead besides launching their Academy at Qatar of the second-placed Foundation on Monday. PSG arrived in Qatar Spanish driver Nani on Sunday and head out back to Paris Roma. tomorrow. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019

Murray’s agony: Nishikori feels sorry for opponent ‘It’s so sore I even hate after surviving scare in first round walking the dogs’

AFP AFP Japan’s Kei Nishikori throws MELBOURNE MELBOURNE his racquet after losing a point against Poland’s Kamil Andy Murray has opened up Kei Nishikori survived a Majchrzak during their men’s I have to say he had about the personal agony of his dramatic first- singles first round match battered right hip after losing round match yesterday after it today. He played an epic Australian Open five- of the Australian Open, very well and it was his Polish qualifier opponent yesterday. setter, saying he can’t even retired with cramp in the unfortunate how it enjoy simple pleasures like searing Melbourne heat having finished. I didn’t do walking his dogs. raced to a shock two-set lead. anything, but he was The Scot fought to the bitter Eighth seed Nishikori of hurt and I feel sorry for end in what could prove his final Japan won 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-0, match before losing a four-hour 6-2, 3-0 but the scoreline fails him: Nishikori thriller to 22nd seed Roberto to tell the story of world Bautista Agut on Monday night. number 176 Kamil Majchrzak’s He now faces a heart- torrid end to the match. the fifth set leaving Nishikori wrenching dilemma -- having Majchrzak had never to thank his lucky stars he to decide over the next week before played in a Tour-level made it through. whether to battle on through the event other than Davis Cup ties “I was trying to play but he pain for an emotional farewell but showed no sign of nerves was playing amazing (in at Wimbledon or undergo major against Nishikori, who won his the first two sets),” said surgery knowing it may mean 12th ATP Tour at the Brisbane Nishikori, who has previously he can never play tennis again. International warm-up. made three “I mean, I’ll probably decide It was the young Pole’s first semi-finals. in the next week or so. But that’s ever match against a top 50 “I have to be happy that I what I was saying the other day, opponent but you would never didn’t lose today,” added the that this might be my last have known it as he took a Japanese, who missed the Aus- match,” the 31-year-old three- two-set lead with a succession tralian Open last year due to time Grand Slam champion told of blistering winners off both with temperature pushing into It was a heart-wrenching medication and massage a wrist injury. a news conference in the early wings. the mid 30s Celsius, the sight as a tearful Majchrzak which helped him emerge for On his last appearance in hours of yesterday. “I have to say he had it 23-year-old began to cramp so was left almost unable to the fourth. 2017, he reached the last-16, “If I go ahead with the oper- today,” conceded Nishikori. badly that he could hardly grip move and the former US Open He finally began to regain falling to Roger Federer in five ation and I don’t recover well “He played very well and it was his racquet. finalist Nishikori dropped some movement and broke a sets. from it, then I don’t play again,” unfortunate how it finished. The physio was called and only six points as he profes- run of 10 consecutive losing The Japan number one will added the Scot who has won “I didn’t do anything, but gave Majchrzak some pickle sionally eased to the third set games to a huge cheer. now play Croatian world two Wimbledons, a US Open, he was hurt and I feel sorry for juice to drink after he reported 6-0. But Majchrzak had nothing number 71 Ivo Karlovic or the Davis Cup and two Olympic him.” pain in both thighs, both arms Majchrzak had more more in the tank and sensibly another Pole, Hubert Hurkacz, golds in his storied career. At the start of the third set and his right hand. treatment and was given some called it a day midway through in the second round. “I’m aware of that. That is the decision that I have to make. “It will improve my quality of life, I’ll be in less pain doing Australian Open After losing in Melbourne, teary just, you know, normal things like walking around and putting Yesterday’s highlights your shoes and socks on and things.” REUTERS Azarenka admits to struggling The former world number MELBOURNE one tried to describe his pain, AP of being a travelling, working which has become almost Highlights of yesterday’s second day of the Australian Open, the first MELBOURNE mom. unbearable. Grand Slam tournament of the year. She’s dealing with that, “Just now, like, going to (pictured) and with trying to find a way walk my dogs, playing football Osaka races into second round cried, pausing for a minute, to convert the form she with my friends, is like the worst Fourth seed produced a clinical display to beat Poland’s trying to reflect on the differ- believes she has found in thing I can think of doing,” he 6-4, 6-2 in 58 minutes. ences between her past and practice into matches. Her revealed. The reigning US Open champion struck 30 winners to 16 unforced errors present experiences of the first-round loss at the last “I hate it because it’s so sore in a measured performance to reach the second round at Melbourne for a Australian Open. French Open was followed by and it’s uncomfortable.” fourth straight year. A back-to-back champion a second-round exit at Wim- Murray said he would talk Halep survives Kanepi scare in 2012 and ‘13, Azarenka sat bledon and a third-round to his team, his surgeon John World number one came back from a set down to beat in a small interview room at appearance at the US Open, O’Donnell and other players 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-2, avenging her US Open opening round defeat Melbourne Park answering moving her ranking back into who have had similar opera- by the Estonian veteran last year. questions for 10 minutes in the the 50s. The trajectory didn’t tions, such as American doubles Halep will next face American , who won her maiden WTA wake of her 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2 keep going up. great Bob Bryan, before making title at the Hobart International last week without dropping a set. first-round loss to No. 110- Then there was another up his mind. Djokovic eases past Krueger ranked Laura Siegemund yes- “I’ve been through a lot of question about comparing her “I just don’t really know yet. World number one Novak Djokovic needed just over two hours to beat terday. Eventually, it drove her things in my life,” she said, level pre-2016 with where But, you know, if today was my American qualifier Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round. to tears. crying again. “Sometimes I she’s at now. last match, look, it was a bril- The six-time Melbourne champion won 41 of 48 points on his first serve Even when she was wonder why I go through “Every time you look back liant way to finish, as well. and struck 42 winners in an all-round display. winning and ranked No. 1 them. But I think they’re going you always see the good That’s something that I’ll It was Djokovic’s 15th consecutive Grand Slam match win after lifting there were struggles, she said. to make me stronger. things and the results. You probably take into titles at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. But it was a different kind of Her son, Leo, was born in don’t see the struggle, and the consideration. Determined Venus stays afloat struggle - a word she used a December 2016 in a period in days that you had a bad match “It was an amazing atmos- Former world number one was made to work hard in dozen times. A tournament which Wimbledon in 2017 was but you managed to win,” she phere. I literally gave everything her opener against Romanian 25th seed Mihaela Buzarnescu but the 2017 official gave the 29-year-old the only Grand Slam tour- said. that I had on the court, fought runner-up switched gears in the decider to secure a 6-7(3), 7-6(3), 6-2 victory. Belarussian the option of nament Azarenka entered in “It’s hard to compare that as best as I could, and per- End of the road for Azarenka stopping the news conference, two years between the French with what’s happening right formed a lot better than what I Twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, ranked 52 in the and a member of her man- Opens in 2016 and last year. now because the obvious indi- should have done without the world, began her match against Laura Siegemund strongly but could not agement team attempted to She had to skip some tour- cator is the result, and the amount I’ve been able to quell the determined German who prevailed 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-2. shut it down. But Azarenka, naments while working out a result is not there. So the practise and train. Zverev off to flyer against Bedene excusing herself first, and custody dispute with the assumption is the level is not “I’d be okay with that being ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev stamped his authority as one of taking deep breaths, insisted father of her son. And she has there, but that’s not neces- my last match.” the main contenders for the year’s first Grand Slam, thumping Aljaz Bedene on answering a question. spoken about the challenges sarily the case.” 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. The German hit 11 aces and 35 winners during a controlled display to prevail in a little under two hours. Muguruza too good for Zheng Former world number one Garbine Muguruza defeated China’s Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-3 in 75 minutes. Bouchard relishing test Muguruza, who has slipped to number 18 in the rankings after an incon- sistent 2018, meets in the second round after the Briton overcame local hope Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-6(7). Nishikori survives scare against ‘No.1’ Serena Kamil Majchrzak had eighth seed Kei Nishikori on the ropes with a two-set lead before severe cramps in his left quadricep and right hand forced him to eventually retire from the contest. AFP “Her ranking is top 20 right now, but to me With Majchrzak’s movement restricted, Nishikori levelled the match at MELBOURNE she’s always basically number one,” she said. two sets each and went ahead in the decider before the Polish qualifier retired “I admire the longevity of her career, her with the score at 6-3, 7-6(6), 0-6, 2-6, 0-3. (pictured) insisted yesterday dominance over such a long amount of time, Merciless Serena blasts past Maria she was thrilled to face in the how she’s come back so many times from Serena Williams began her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam Australian Open second round, saying it will injury, pregnancy.” title with a 6-0, 6-2 thrashing of Germany’s Tatjana Maria in 49 minutes to provide a gauge of how her comeback is Bouchard has lost her only two cruise into the second round. The American next faces Eugenie Bouchard progressing. meetings with Williams, who is gunning who outclassed 6-2, 6-1. The former Wimbledon finalist has targeted for her eighth Australian title. Pliskova safely through 2019 as the year she will rejoin the tennis elite The American was full of praise Former world number one Karolina Pliskova eased past Czech compa- after a slide down the rankings to number 79 in for Bouchard’s determination to triot Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-2 in 69 minutes to improve her record against the world. return to the pinnacle of the sport. qualifiers at all majors to 5-1. But after a 6-2, 6-1 first round win over “She does everything well, and Keys bundles out local hope China’s Peng Shuai, the Canadian finds herself I really like that she doesn’t quit,” American 17th seed , a 2015 semi-finalist at Melbourne drawn against a fired-up Williams, who is chasing Williams said. Park, began her campaign with an easy 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australian a record-equalling 24th Slam at Melbourne Park. “People write her off and she wildcard Destanee Aiava as they opened play on the main showcourt Rod Most would complain about meeting her so doesn’t let that bother her. She Laver Arena. The 23-year-old Keys had too much power for the highly-rated early in the tournament but Bouchard said it was continues to fight and do what Aiava and will meet either France’s Pauline Parmentier or Russia’s Anastasia an honour to test herself against “the greatest she needs to do. I think that’s Potapova in the second round. ever”. really good.” WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 09

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: MEN’S SINGLES FIRST ROUND RESULTS - DAY 2

Ruthless Serena, Djokovic Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Mitchell Krueger (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt Martin Klizan (SVK) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) make Open statements Taro Daniel (JPN) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 5-7, 4-2 retired AFP “It feels great to be healthy Denis Shapovalov (CAN x25) bt Pablo MELBOURNE and back on this court again,” Andujar (ESP) 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) he said of Rod Laver Arena. David Goffin (BEL x21) bt Christian Garin A focused Serena Williams sent an ominous “I had a tremendous (CHI) 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 Australian Open warning with a 49-minute first- success in the last six Marius Copil (ROU) bt Marcel Granollers (ESP) Serena round demolition yesterday as world number months. It got me to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 Williams of one Novak Djokovic destroyed his opponent as great position. Hopefully Ryan Harrison (USA) bt Jiri Vesely (CZE) 6-0, the US serves he targets a record seventh title. I can follow up on 7-5, 6-3 against US Open champion Naomi Osaka also this victory tonight Daniil Medvedev (RUS x15) bt Lloyd Harris Germany’s stormed through, but world number one with a good (RSA) 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 Tatjana Maria Simona Halep was lucky to stay alive, needing performance.” Fabio Fognini (ITA x12) bt Jaume Munar (ESP) during their to dig deep and claw back from a set down Fourth seed 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (9/7), 3-1 retired women’s before beating Kaia Kanepi 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2. Alexander Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) singles American giant Williams is bidding to match Zverev, who is 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3 match on day Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam looking to win his first Ilya Ivashka (BLR) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 4-6, two of the crowns on her first return to Melbourne Park Slam title and establish 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 4-0 retired Australian since winning in 2017 while eight weeks himself as a serious Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x23) bt Luca Vanni Open, pregnant. threat to Djokovic, (ITA) 6-7 (5/7), 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 yesterday. Now 37, she kept a low profile in the Federer and Rafael Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x32) bt Li Zhe lead-up to the opening major of the year and Nadal, cruised past (CHN) 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 came out of the blocks flying against fellow Aljaz Bedene 6-4, Joao Sousa (POR) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 7-6 AUSTRALIAN OPEN: WOMEN’S SINGLES FIRST mum Tatjana Maria, pummelling her German 6-1, 6-4. (7/2), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-2 ROUND RESULTS - DAY 2 opponent 6-0, 6-2. “I’ve had about Ivo Karlovic (CRO) bt Hubert Hurkacz (POL) Sporting a striking jade green jumpsuit and 86 injuries and the 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) Sofia Kenin (USA) bt Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 fine mesh stockings on Rod Laver Arena, the ankle is still a bit Kei Nishikori (JPN x8) bt Kamil Majchrzak Alize Cornet (FRA) bt (ESP) 6-2, 6-2 16th seed wasted no time in getting out of the swollen,” said the (POL) 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-0, 6-2, 3-0 retired Venus Williams (USA) bt Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU x25) 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 blistering Melbourne heat and said it was good 21-year-old. “But Alexander Zverev (GER x4) bt Aljaz Bedene Carla Suarez (ESP x23) bt Clara Burel (FRA) 7-5, 6-2 to be back. I’ve done everything (SLO) 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 (UKR) bt (AUS) 7-5, 6-2 “The last time I was here I was pregnant right in my prepa- Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Ugo Humbert (FRA) Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) bt Peng Shuai (CHN) 6-2, 6-1 and playing at the same time which is insane,” ration. Now I either 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/6) Serena Williams (USA x16) bt Tatjana Maria (GER) 6-0, 6-2 she said. “It’s weird walking back on -- by play well or I don’t.” Alex Bolt (AUS) bt Jack Sock (USA) 4-6, 6-3, (SUI) bt Darya Kasatkina (RUS x10) 6-3, 6-0 myself this time -- it feels good. I have so many But eighth seed Kei 6-2, 6-2 Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) bt Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-4 memories from last time I was here.” Nishikori, who won in Gilles Simon (FRA x29) bt Bjorn Fratangelo Johanna Konta (GBR) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 7-6 (10/7) Bidding for an eighth Melbourne Park Brisbane last week, had a lucky escape. (USA) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-2 Garbine Muguruza (ESP x18) bt Zheng Saisai (CHN) 6-2, 6-3 crown, few are betting against Williams despite The Japanese star looked down and out Chung Hyeon (KOR x24) bt Bradley Klahn Camila Giorgi (ITA x27) bt Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 6-3, 6-0 her lowly seeding and she next faces Canadian against little known qualifier Kamil Majchrzak, (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Iga Swiatek (POL) bt Ana Bogdan (ROU) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 Eugenie Bouchard who eased past China’s Peng losing the first two sets before the Pole began Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Sam Querrey (USA) bt Misaki Doi (JPN) 6-4, 6-0 Shuai. badly cramping. (USA) 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-1 Karolina Pliskova (CZE x7) bt Karolina Muchova (CZE) 6-3, 6-2 Williams played at the mixed teams He bravely fought on before calling it a day Stan Wawrinka (SUI) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT) Tamara Zidansek (SLO) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 7-5, 6-3 Hopman Cup in Perth this month, but her after winning just two of the next 17 games. 3-6, 3-1 retired Laura Siegemund (GER) bt Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 appearance on Tuesday was her first outing on Elsewhere, 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka Milos Raonic (CAN x16) bt Nick Kyrgios (AUS) Hsieh Su-wei (TPE x28) bt Stefanie Vogele (SUI) 6-2, 6-1 tour since a meltdown in losing the US Open benefited from an opponent pulling out, with 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 Wang Qiang (CHN x21) bt (FRA) 6-4, 6-3 final to Osaka in September. Ernests Gulbis calling it quits after hurting his Borna Coric (CRO x11) bt Steve Darcis (BEL) Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) bt (KAZ) 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 Japan’s Osaka, seeded four, wasted little back in the second set. 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 (CAN) bt Whitney Osuigwe (USA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-7 (0/7), 6-3 time in dispatching Poland’s Magda Linette 6-4, Among the women, sixth seed Elina Svi- Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Albert Ramos Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x13) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 6-3, 6-1 6-2 and will next play Tamara Zidansek of tolina easily progressed, as did Williams’ sister (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 Slovakia. Venus, who incredibly played her first Grand Serbia’s Novak (BEL x12) bt Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK) 6-2, 7-5 Djokovic in action Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) (RUS) bt Lin Zhu (CHN) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 Like Williams, Djokovic is also Slam tournament 22 years ago. during the match 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) Anastasia Potapova (RUS) bt Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) gunning for a slice of history as he looks But two-time champion Victoria Azarenka against Mitchell Filip Krajinovic (SRB) bt Marco Cecchinato Madison Keys (USA x17) bt Destanee Aiava (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 to win a seventh title. Fellow six-time was bundled out, along with 10th seed Darya Krueger of the US (ITA x17) 4-6, 0-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x26) 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 champion Roger Federer is aiming for the same. Kasatkina. Lucas Pouille (FRA x28) bt Mikhail Kukushkin Seventh seed Karolina Pliskova, who has during his Australian Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) bt Anna Blinkova (RUS) 7-6 (7/2), 2-6, 6-2 The Serb blasted past American qualifier (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 made the quarter-finals in her last two appear- Open first round Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) bt (UKR) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to set up a clash Maximilian Marterer (GER) bt Gleb Sakharov with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who he beat in Mel- ances at Melbourne Park, went through, as did match at the (UKR x6) bt (SUI) 6-1, 6-2 (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 bourne to win the first of his 14 Grand Slam American Madison Keys, who reached the semis Melbourne Park, Simona Halep (ROU x1) bt Kaia Kanepi (EST) 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 Alexei Popyrin (AUS) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) crowns back in 2008. at the French and US Open last year. yesterday. Naomi Osaka (JPN x4) bt Magda Linette (POL) 6-4, 6-2 7-5, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 Top seed Halep digs deep for

Venus opening win Down Under Williams of the US hits a return against AFP Romania’s MELBOURNE Mihaela Buzarnescu World number one Simona Halep I’m just happy that I admitted she was struggling for during their could win. Nothing else women’s form after narrowly surviving a singles match first-round scare at the Australian matters because I’m not yesterday. Open yesterday, saying she had at the highest level of my “no expectations” about how far tennis. I’m just trying to she can go at the season-opening Grand Slam. feel good on court and The Romanian had to dig to improve day by day: deep for a come-from-behind Simona Halep win against Kaia Kanepi, the unseeded Estonian who dumped her from last year’s US Open first She said there was no hurry round. to find a replacement. Halep said she was proud of “I’m just chilling for the the fight she showed grinding out moment and we will see after this a 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 victory, but tournament,” she said. conceded it was not the type of “I have no expectations performance expected of the top because I’m not at the highest seed and French Open champion. level. But I’m motivated. So it’s Germany’s Laura Siegemund “I’m just happy that I could just kind of taking out the celebrates her victory against win,” she said. “Nothing else pressure a little bit.” Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka. matters because I’m not at the Halep said her relaxed Romania’s Simona Halep reacts after scoring a point against Estonia’s highest level of my tennis. attitude was partly because she Kaia Kanepi during their women’s singles first round match of the Germany’s “I’m just trying to feel good had an extended off-season and Australian Open in Melbourne, yesterday. Alexander on court and to improve day by arrived in Australia later than Zverev day.” usual. in action The 27-year-old showed no Park on a five-match losing last year. “I had a normal life for two during sign of the back injury that ended streak, equalling the worst run of Halep later admitted the months, which is great,” she said, his match her season prematurely last year, her career. defeat “broke me a little bit” until explaining she was “exhausted” against instead she simply struggled to Her horror show at Flushing she claimed her own maiden after last season’s breakthrough Slovenia’s cope with the Estonian’s powerful Meadows would have been Slam at Roland Garros. efforts. Aljaz . repeated if Kanepi had not But the back injury, poor She insisted she was uncon- Bedene. “At one point I didn’t know undermined her own cause with form and an amicable split from cerned about losing the number what to do any more because the a mammoth 62 unforced errors Australian coach Darren Cahill one ranking if she failed to go ball was coming so strong,” she and five double faults. -- who left to spend more time deep in the tournament. said. The Estonian outgunned with his family -- have shaken “It’s not in my mind,” she “I just thought I have to be Halep with 40 winners to 25, her confidence. said. “I finished three years at strong on the legs, to be there underlining her opponent’s She said Melbourne Park number one, the ranking doesn’t closer to the line. If I went back, recent struggles. seemed “weird and tough” matter any more. “I play tennis I would not have a chance to Expectations for her Aus- without her local mentor, because I like it. Now my chal- return the balls.” tralian campaign were initially although they had been in contact lenge is to win every match I Halep came to Melbourne high after she lost an epic final to since she arrived in Australia. play.” 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019 Qatar eye top show against giants Sweden

FAWAD HUSSAIN WORLD HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP DOHA

Qatar head coach Valero Rivera is Hungary. “They played better than hopeful that his side will give a good We will try our best us. We played a lot better in the show against group leaders Sweden against Sweden and will second half. I think the bad per- today in their fourth match at the IHF continue to work hard formance in the first half let us Men’s World Handball Champi- to reach the next round: down,” he said. onship in Copenhagen, Denmark. After their penultimate group Qatar have won one and lost two Coach Valero Rivera match today, Al Annabi will take on matches in the tournament so far but bottom-placed Argentina in their they are still alive in the event in final game of the first phase which top three teams from each Rivera said his team will be firing tomorrow. group will advance to the next stage. on all cylinders to reach the next Meanwhile, Brazil registered a Al Annabi lost to debutants round after a ‘much-needed’ rest. hard-fought 25-23 win over Russia Angola 24-23 in their first match “Our players are not used to play while Tunisia defeated Saudi Arabia before bouncing back against Egypt that much, in short intervals so the 24-20 to earn winning points in yes- with a 28-23 win. In their third rest day was important for us. We terday’s matches. match on Monday, they suffered a will try our best against Sweden and 26-32 defeat against Hungary. will continue to work hard to reach TODAY’S MATCHES The coach Rivera side is cur- the next round.” Angola vs Argentina rently third on the table, ahead of On the loss against Hungary, the Japan vs Iceland Angola and Egypt on a better goal Qatar coach said: “Hungary were Croatia vs Bahrain difference. better against us and they deserved Hungary vs Egypt Hungary occupy second spot to win.”

with two victories while Sweden Qatar’s Anis Zououi, who plays Macedonia vs Spain

A Qatari player scores a goal against Hungary during a Group D match at the IHF World Qatar vs Sweden have won all their three matches to for Al Sadd said bad performance in Handball Championship in Copenhagen, on Monday. sit on top of the points standings. the first half cost Qatar dearly against Kohli, Dhoni steer India to series-levelling win

AFP SCOREBOARD Skipper Aaron Finch earlier ADELAIDE Australia Jadeja 10-1-49-1 (1w) struggled for runs before he was A. Carey c Dhawan b Shami ...... 18 India bowled by Kumar off an inside Veteran wicketkeeper Mahendra A. Finch b Kumar ...... 6 R. Sharma c Handscomb b Stoinis ...... 43 edge for six in the seventh over. Singh Dhoni steered India to a U. Khawaja run out (Jadeja) ...... 21 S. Dhawan c Khawaja b Behrendorff ...... 32 Finch was soon followed by six-wicket victory over Australia S. Marsh c Jadeja b Kumar ...... 131 V. Kohli c Maxwell b Richardson ...... 104 opening partner Alex Carey, who in the second one-day interna- P. Handscomb st Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 20 A. Rayudu c Stoinis b Maxwell ...... 24 attempted a pull shot off Shami M. Stoinis c Dhoni b Shami ...... 29 M.S. Dhoni not out ...... 55 tional to level the series in G. Maxwell c Karthik b Kumar ...... 48 D. Karthik not out ...... 25 only to balloon a catch to Shikhar Adelaide yesterday. J. Richardson c Dhawan b Shami ...... 2 Extras (lb9, w7) ...... 16 Dhawan at mid-wicket for 18. Former skipper Dhoni, N. Lyon not out ...... 12 Total (4 wickets; 49.2 overs) ...... 299 Usman Khawaja put on 56 playing in his 334th ODI, coolly P. Siddle c Kohli b Kumar ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Dhawan), 2-101 (Sharma), runs for the third wicket with guided India across the line with J. Behrendorff not out ...... 1 3-160 (Rayudu), 4-242 (Kohli) Marsh before he was brilliantly four balls to spare to back up a Extras (lb4, w6) ...... 10 Did not bat: R. Jadeja, K. Yadav, B. Kumar, M. run out by Ravindra Jadeja with dazzling century from captain Total (9 wickets; 50 overs) ...... 298 Shami, M. Siraj a direct throw from cover point Virat Kohli. Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Finch), 2-26 (Carey), 3-82 Bowling: Behrendorff 8.2-1-52-1, Richardson for 21. (Khawaja), 4-134 (Handscomb), 5-189 (Stoinis), 10-0-59-1 (2w), Siddle 8-0-58-0 (3w), Lyon 10- India successfully chased 6-283 (Maxwell), 7-283 (Marsh), 8-286 (Richard- 0-59-0 (1w), Stoinis 9-0-46-1, Maxwell 4-0-16-1 Peter Handscomb threw down a target of 299 runs set by son), 9-286 (Siddle) Result: India won by 6 wickets away his wicket when he rashly Australia who scored 298 for nine Bowling: Kumar 10-0-45-4 (2w), Shami 10-0- Series: 1-1 tried to sweep Jadeja but was well with Shaun Marsh scoring 131 off 58-3, Siraj 10-0-76-0 (3w), Kuldeep 10-0-66-0, Toss: Australia beaten and smartly stumped by 123 balls. Dhoni on 20. The three-match series now Stoinis was caught behind off goes to a decider in Melbourne before he was snapped up by Marsh hammered 11 fours and a short ball from Shami for 29, on Friday after Australia won the Usman Khawaja at mid-wicket three sixes, claiming his seventh and Maxwell produced a lively opening game in Sydney by 34 off Jason Behrendorff for 32 from ODI century and second against cameo with Marsh before he was runs. 28 balls in the eighth over. India as Australia made the caught at long-off by Karthik. When Kohli holed out to India were sailing along tourists sweat in the field in tem- Marsh followed in similar Glenn Maxwell at deep mid- before Sydney centurion Rohit peratures hovering around 40 fashion two balls later when he wicket to end his stellar knock of Sharma on 43 top-edged Marcus Celsius (104F). was deceived by a slower ball 104 off 112 balls, it was 37-year- Stoinis to deep forward square India could have been chasing from Kumar and lofted to Jadeja old Dhoni who took charge to where Peter Handscomb, looking an even higher total if not for the at long-off. pilot his side home with support into the setting sun, took a safe last three overs from Bhuv- The wickets kept tumbling from Dinesh Karthik with an catch to break up a dangerous neshwar Kumar and Mohammed late in the innings with Jhye Rich- unbeaten 25. 54-run partnership with Kohli. Shami. ardson caught at deep point by Dhoni was physically strug- Ambati Rayudu was the third They took a combined four Dhawan off Shami for two and gling in the hot conditions and wicket to fall caught at deep mid- for 17 in the last 18 balls with Peter Siddle was out for a first- needed treatment from the team wicket by Stonis off Maxwell for Kumar claiming the big wickets ball duck caught by Virat Kohli physio to finish his match- 24. of Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. on the run at deep backward winning knock and keep India Kohli was annoyed to get out Maxwell had kicked along point off Kumar. alive in the series. with the job unfinished and six Australia’s scoring rate with a The Australians lost four India lost four wickets in their overs left but Dhoni used his vast typically rumbustious knock of wickets for three off 11 balls Indian captain Virat Kohli celebrates his century against Australia chase after Australia’s total. experience to get his team safely 48 off 37 balls coming into bat at before Nathan Lyon blasted a six during their second ODI in Adelaide, yesterday. Shikhar Dhawan hit out home. No.7. off the final ball. Sawhney named new Kohli a great competitor: Langer

IANS is extraordinary and for ICC chief executive ADELAIDE AUSTRALIA COACH someone to make so many JUSTIN LANGER runs as he has, it is incredible DUBAI delivery of our new global Comparing Virat Kohli with like all the great players,” he REUTERS growth strategy for the game,” Sachin Tendulkar, Australia said. Manohar said in a statement. coach Justin Langer said the “Sachin and Virat, and MS Manu Sawhney, the former “Our search produced a host Indian captain’s balance while Dhoni, who averages 50-plus managing director of ESPN Star of excellent candidates from shot-making in all formats of in 340 games, they are all-time Sports, has been appointed as around the world, but Manu the game is ‘unbelievable’. great players and our guys are International Cricket Council’s stood out as the man to work Kohli scored his 39th ODI in the best seats at the moment, (ICC) new chief executive, the with our Members and take hundred to help India register playing some of the best all- sport’s governing body cricket forward. a series levelling win yes- time great ODI players and announced yesterday. “He has proven success in a terday. Langer was asked if he they will be better from the Sawhney will join the ICC number of leadership roles in was having the same impact experience,” Langer added. next month before formally both sport and broadcasting. He as Tendulkar. Dhoni slammed an taking over the reins from David is a strategic thinker and under- “I would like to have them unbeaten 55 off 54 balls after Richardson, whose contract stands the cricket landscape and Kohli laid the foundation for expires at the end of the World its complexities.” India’s series-levelling victory Cup in July. Indian-born Former Singapore Sports Hub both in my team. Sachin was his balance is unbelievable. For in the second ODI with a fluent Sawhney was the unanimous chief executive Sawhney was an incredible cricketer. I used him to play 360-degree shots 104. choice following a global with ESPN Star Sports for 17 to watch him and it was like in all formats of the game, his “We were playing against recruitment process led by ICC years and during his tenure led He is so calm and he was meditating. He was so balance is unbelievable.” three all-time great one-day chairman Shashank Manohar the global broadcast partnership so competitive, calm and that’s why his record Langer said the young Aus- international players (also and the nominations deal with the ICC that ran from and technically is peerless,” Langer said after tralian team will learn a great referring to Rohit Sharma at committee. 2007-15. He is also a non-exec- Australia’s six-wicket loss in deal playing against class the SCG). We saw it in the first “He brings 22 years of out- utive director and member of the his balance is the second ODI here. players like Kohli and one, and class always come to standing commercial experience audit committee at Premier unbelievable: Aussie “Virat is doing the same Mahendra Singh Dhoni. the top, and we have seen that to the ICC and will lead the League club Manchester United. coach Justin Langer thing. He is so calm and so “He (Kohli) is a great com- with India so we must respect competitive, and technically petitor and his concentration that,” he said. WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 11

Arch-rivals Aussies down Syria to qualify Iran and Iraq AFP eye Group D AL AIN top place Tom Rogic’s injury-time thun- derbolt settled an Asian Cup AFP thriller yesterday as defending DUBAI champions Australia beat Syria 3-2 to reach the last 16 and One of football’s great knock out their war-torn rivals. rivalries takes centre-stage at The result meant the holders the Asian Cup today when finished second in Group B Iran play Iraq still smarting behind Jordan, whose simulta- from their controversial exit neous 0-0 draw with Palestine four years ago. gave the Palestinians hope of Iran played most of the qualifying as one of the best classic 2015 quarter-final third-placed teams. with 10 men after Mehrdad Syria, vocally backed by Pooladi’s hotly disputed first- thousands of their fans in Al Ain, half dismissal but when it twice fought back from a goal ended 3-3 after extra-time, behind before Rogic slammed Iraq edged the penalty home the winner in the third shoot-out. minute of injury time. Iran’s protest that Iraq Injury-hit Australia, with yielded an ineligible player only six outfield players on the was dismissed as Carlos Que- bench, needed just a draw to go iroz’s three-time winners through as they kicked off at the were sent packing from the same time as Jordan against tournament in Australia. Palestine. Four years on from their Syria looked an early threat clash in Canberra, Iran before Australia started to get a forward Saman Ghoddos said grip on the game and Hibernian memories were still fresh as striker Jamie Maclaren flashed Team Melli take on Iraq in a header just wide. their final game of Group D. There was drama on the “Iraq are tough opponents half-hour when a Syrian free- and I think that this will be a kick bounced through a packed revenge match for us,” said Australia’s defender Mark Milligan (centre) heads the ball against Syria’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Almeh during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup penalty area and into the net, but Ghoddos, according to Iran’s Group B match at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain yesterday. the goal was ruled out for a foul Varzesh3 website. on Mark Milligan. “I’ve been waiting for this But Australia were getting On 54 minutes, Chris Ikono- Australia looked firmly in escape with a vital point before game before beating Syria 2-0. match ever since the last close and Awer Mabil, after midis’s shot was hooked away control and they could have had Celtic’s Rogic, playing the tour- But they found plucky Pal- Asian Cup. We will win this seeing one raking shot blocked, by Omro Al Midani -- but the ball a third goal when substitute nament with a broken hand, estine a tougher nut to crack in match for the people.” unleashed a fabulous effort was judged to have crossed the Apostolos Giannou saw a low belted Australia’s third from Abu Dhabi. Football is one of the which curled into the top line by the additional assistant shot cannon off the base of the distance. Abdallatif Al Bahdari header remaining points of con- corner four minutes before referee, who was surrounded by upright. Meanwhile in Dubai, Jordan gave Jordan a scare on the hour- tention between the Middle half-time. Syrian players. But Mexican referee Cesar were held to a goalless draw by mark of a match that was not one East neighbours, who fought However, the lead lasted just The incident silenced the Ramos threw Syria a lifeline Palestine in a fiery clash to pre- for football purists. a bloody war in the 1980s in two minutes as Mouaiad Ala- massed ranks of Syrian fans but when he gave them a penalty serve their unbeaten record Jordan went close when which hundreds of thousands jaan’s cross picked out Omar there was uproar around the after Omar Al Soma went down and progress as Group B Ahmad Ersan’s long-range blast of people died. Khrbin, who on his 25th birthday stadium shortly afterwards in the box -- and the striker winners. was blocked by Palestine goal- Relations between the saw his header saved by Mat when their team vehemently stroked them level once more Twice quarter-finalists, in keeper Rami Hamada before the two countries have warmed Ryan but then gobbled up the claimed a penalty for a Milligan with 10 minutes to go. 2004 and 2011, Jordan stunned game petered out with both sides since the removal of long- rebound. handball. It looked like Syria would holders Australia in their opening content to take a draw. serving Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, but games between the two are not for the faint-hearted. India coach Stephen Constantine Iran, the three-time Asian Man City ease past during the AFC Asian Cup Group Cup winners, lead Iraq on A match against UAE at the Zayed goal difference at the top of Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Group D, with both teams on January 10. already qualified for the next 10-man Wolves round. Former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Queiroz, to cut gap at top linked with a move to the Colombia national team after REUTERS only 10 minutes to go ahead at the Asian Cup, said his prime LONDON the Etihad Stadium. concern was maintaining Aymeric Laporte played a Iran’s perfect start. Gabriel Jesus took his tally to superb pass to release Leroy seven goals in three games with Sane down the left channel and a double as Manchester City his cross was perfect for Jesus Arsenal’s Cech beat 10-man Wolverhampton to score with a simple finish in Wanderers 3-0 to cut Premier front of goal. What was already to retire at end League leaders Liverpool’s a tough assignment for Wolves advantage to four points on became a seemingly impossible of the season Monday. one nine minutes later when The Brazilian tapped in Boly launched into a tackle on REUTERS after 10 minutes and struck Bernardo Silva and won the ball LONDON again from the penalty spot but also left the City midfielder before the break after Wolves rolling around with his follow Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech had been reduced to 10 men as through. announced yesterday his Willy Boly was shown a straight Wolves had a rare retirement at the end of the red card. breakaway and perhaps should Premier League season after After back-to-back league have equalised when Raul 20 years as a professional and defeats during the Christmas Jimenez burst forward and winning everything in club fixtures, City have now won five played in Jonathan Castro Otto soccer. matches in a row in all compe- who just failed to pick out the India coach Constantine One of the world’s great titions, racking up 24 goals in unmarked Jota when a shot at keepers, the 36-year-old the process, and look primed to goal would have been a better joined the Gunners from give chase to Juergen Klopp’s option.= Shortly afterwards at quits after Asian Cup exit London rivals Chelsea in 2015 Liverpool. the other end Raheem Sterling and holds several Premier With Tottenham Hotspur was sent sprawling in the area REUTERS decision & thank him for his “I’m sad to be leaving, the League records, including the losing on Sunday, it now looks by Ryan Bennett and Jesus con- NEW DELHI contribution to #Indianfootball,” players and staff have been fan- most clean sheets (202 in 443 a two-horse race to win the verted the penalty and there AIFF general secretary Kushal tastic throughout... even those appearances). Premier League with Liverpool was no way back for Wolves. Stephen Constantine has Das was quoted as saying. who failed to make the final “It has been 20 years on 57 points and City on 53 To their credit Wolves were resigned as India’s head coach Constantine said he was squad. since I signed my first profes- from 22 games. Tottenham diligent in defence after the after they were knocked out of stepping down having achieved “It’s my wife’s birthday sional contract, so it feels like have 48. break and restricted City’s the AFC Asian Cup following a the target of helping India today and I haven’t been back the right time to announce “We have played a lot of chances although they did 1-0 defeat by Bahrain in Sharjah qualify for the continental to my house in six years. I’ve that I will retire at the end of time with 10 against 11 and we concede again when substitute on Monday. showpiece after an eight-year only seen my three daughters this season,” the Czech said. should be more aggressive in Kevin de Bruyne whipped in a Needing a draw to progress gap. The side also broke into the every three or four months and “Having played 15 years our attacking play, but we have cross that glanced in off Wolves’ to the knockout stage for the top 100 in the FIFA rankings last the time has come for me to in the Premier League, and a lot of matches in our minds Conor Coady. first time, India finished bottom year. move on.” won every single trophy pos- and our legs,” City manager Pep City racked up 870 passes of Group A after conceding an “My objective from day one Constantine’s team started sible, I feel like I have Guardiola, perhaps disap- to the 271 of Wolves and such injury-time penalty that allowed was to qualify for the Asian well thumping Thailand 4-1 but achieved everything I set out pointed not to boost his side’s was their control that keeper Bahrain to leapfrog them into Cup,” the 56-year-old Eng- defeats by hosts United Arab to achieve,” he added. goals tally further, said. Ederson joined in upfield during third place. lishman, who first coached India Emirates and Bahrain dashed “I will continue to work “We were solid and didn’t one passage of play in the The All India Football Fed- from 2002-2005, told reporters their hopes of making the hard at Arsenal to hopefully give away many chances so it second half. Wolves remain in eration (AIFF) confirmed on its after the match. knockout stage for the first time. win one more trophy this is three points to keep the 11th spot and boss Nuno Espirito Twitter account that the former “I’ve done that and I’m Hosts United Arab Emirates season, then I am looking pressure on the team at the Santo had no complaints, Millwall coach, who took over exceptionally proud of the topped the group ahead of forward to seeing what life top.” City, who have now scored agreeing with the decision to the job in 2015 for a second stint players for everything they have Thailand following their 1-1 holds for me off the pitch.” 99 goals in all competitions this send off Boly. with the team, had stepped given. draw. Both teams advanced to Cech started the season season, knew only a victory “Not only the red card down. “I think my cycle has fin- the knockout stage while as Arsenal manager Unai would suffice after Liverpool’s changed the game, but the way “We haven’t received any ished. I did what I was asked to Bahrain also progressed as one Emery’s first choice but lost weekend win at Brighton & we conceded with a long pass,” official communication from and a little bit more and, after of four best third-placed out to new signing Bernd Hove Albion and they needed he said. him yet but we accept his four years, it’s time to leave. teams. Leno. WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07 Twelve months ago it was quite Novak Djokovic a different sensation on the court after beating Mitchell FOOTBALL HANDBALL with the elbow injury. Twelve Krueger of the US in Asian Cup: World Championship: months forward, obviously things first round of Australian South Korea vs China Qatar vs Sweden ACTION

are quite different. Open. TODAY’S Harden scores season-high 57 as Rockets down Grizzlies

AFP LOS ANGELES

NBA scoring juggernaut James Harden poured in a season-high 57 points on Monday to power the short-handed Houston Rockets to a 112-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Carl Soderberg of the Colorado Avalanche in action against the Harden’s latest monster Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday in Toronto. game highlighted a night of NBA action that saw Hornets point guard Tony Parker receive a Soderberg hat-trick hero’s welcome in San Antonio -- the city where he starred for 17 seasons. powers Avalanche Parker had a modest eight points, four assists and three REUTERS Wayne Simmonds also added rebounds in 19 minutes on the TORONTO two goals for the Flyers, who court in the Hornets’ 108-93 win had lost nine of their previous -- all with Spurs fans cheering Carl Soderberg scored his first 10. Scott Laughton tallied three him on. career hat trick -- including the assists for Philadelphia, while “Man, a lot of love,” said go-ahead goal midway through Claude Giroux and Radko Parker, who won four NBA titles the third period -- and the Gudas recorded two assists with San Antonio. “I’ve been with visiting Colorado Avalanche each. Flyers goaltender Carter those fans for a long time and I Houston Rockets guard James Harden (centre) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies players defeated the Toronto Maple Hart made 34 saves. really appreciate (this). during the first quarter of their NBA game on Monday. Leafs 6-3 on Monday night. Canadiens 3, Bruins 2 “It’s hard to describe the Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Jeff Petry scored the feeling I have right now.” Rantanen and Matt Calvert also overtime winner to cap a two- Harden departed the court NBA RESULTS His latest huge game came The third quarter opened scored goals for the Avalanche, point game, and goalie Carey in Houston to a rousing ovation a day after he scored 38 points with the Grizzlies throwing who won for the second time Price was sensational in a as well, and it owed nothing to LA Clippers 117, New Orleans 121 in a loss to the Orlando Magic, double- and triple-teams at in the past 11 games. Calvert’s 41-save performance as Mon- nostalgia. San Antonio 93, Charlotte 108 despite connecting on a dismal Harden, whose scoring pace goal and Soderberg’s third tally treal won at Boston. With the Rockets reeling Brooklyn 109, Boston 102 one of 17 three-point attempts. slowed. were into an empty net in the Just 15 seconds into overtime, from the news that center Clint Sacramento 115, Portland 107 “I knew he was dog-tired,” His team-mates stepped it third period. which was forced by a late Capela will likely miss at least Utah 100, Detroit 94 Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni up, however, and the Rockets

Igor Ozhiganov, Kasperi Boston goal, Montreal’s Max four weeks with a thumb injury said. “I knew he was trying to took an 87-70 lead into the final Houston 112, Memphis 94 Kapanen and Mitch Marner Domi fired a shot that Boston -- joining an injury list that orchestrate it early and try to quarter. scored for the Maple Leafs, who goalie Tuukka Rask couldn’t already included Chris Paul and save his legs a little bit.” Harden got a breather early have lost five of their past seven control. Petry, whose father Dan Eric Gordon -- Harden happily It’s the longest such streak But D’Antoni admitted he in the fourth, but re-entered the games. Auston Matthews added was a major league pitcher, shouldered the burden. since Wilt Chamberlain had 20 could only marvel at Harden’s contest when Memphis closed two assists for Toronto. batted the puck out of the air “No pressure,” Harden said. straight games of 30 or more determination. within 13 points with 7:11 left to Flyers 7, Wild 4 for his 10th goal of the season. “I do this for a living. I have fun points in 1964, surpassing Lakers “The guys guarding him are play. James van Riemsdyk The Canadiens, who have with it.” great Kobe Bryant’s 16-game really good defenders,” said With 4:43 remaining notched his fourth career hat won two straight and three of He extended his streak of 30-point streak in the 2002-03 D’Antoni, who notched his 600th Harden was fouled as he trick to lift host Philadelphia four games, also got goals from consecutive 30-point games to season. It was the 11th 50-point career win as a coach. drained a three-pointer, past Minnesota. Paul Byron and Brendan Gal- a remarkable 17 -- and he did it game for an NBA player this “It’s beyond impressive,” making the free throw to com- Nolan Patrick scored two lagher. David Krejci and Brad by halftime with 36 points before season -- three of those D’Antoni said. “It’s rare that plete the four-point play as goals and had two assists while Marchand scored for the Bruins. the break. belonging to Harden. people can do what he’s doing.” Houston pulled away. Garcia in no hurry to become captain

AFP he is the defending champion, Garcia but stressed he was not pushing for SINGAPORE said the memory of the Ryder Cup that to happen “any time soon”. victory was still fresh. He said he still wanted to play on Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia said France “was different, it was the European team for a few more yesterday he is in no hurry to captain extremely, extremely special the way Ryder Cups if possible, and would the European team despite his record it came down to energy and the first only think about becoming captain playing success, stressing his focus tee, the way it was set up, the crowds, after that. is on defending the title in 2020. everything,” he told reporters. The focus “is for all of us to keep Garcia, 39, was on dominant “The golf course was amazing playing well, to keep at it because in form as Europe beat the United and the weather was incredible. The two years it’s going to be tough” States last year in France, and in the way the team came together... it defending the title on American soil, process became the cup’s all-time meant a lot to all of us and to Garcia said. points leader, eclipsing Nick Faldo’s Europe.” “Wisconsin is going to be a big Sergio Garcia of Spain (centre), Matthew Fitzpatrick (left) and Paul Casey of 21-year record. Asked if he had ever aspired to challenge for us to keep the cup... EnglandEngland pose with the trophy afterafter aa presspress conconference,ference, yesterday.yesterday. Speaking ahead of the start of the captain Europe’s campaign, Garcia so we need to keep our level up,” Singapore Open, yesterday where said the thought did cross his mind he said. Viviani wins opening Tour Down Under stage in brutal heat

AFP leader’s jersey here in Tour Down peloton closed within 10 kilometres of ADELAIDE Under, it’s the best way,” said Viviani. the finish. “Now we know we’ve done a good But with two final 90-degree turns ’s Elia Viviani won a tight finish to job during the winter -- that’s the within the final kilometre, the bunch take the opening stage of Australia’s question we’ve already answered.” scrambled for positions as the finish Tour Down Under in brutal tempera- Viviani comes into the Tour Down closed in. tures in Adelaide yesterday. Under on the back of a successful 2018 Walscheid broke best heading to the Deceuninck-Quick-Step’s Viviani, season. line before Viviani swooped to claim the the omnium gold medallist at the 2016 The Italian won 18 races, including opening stage, winning by two bike Rio Olympics and one of the world’s stage 3 at the Tour Down Under, the lengths. leading sprinters, powered out of the overall classification at the Dubai Tour, Slovak triple world champion Peter pack to reel in Germany’s Max Wals- four stages at the Giro d’Italia, the Sagan was eighth, while Australia’s cheid and claim the ochre jersey after Hamburg Cyclassics race and three Down Under Classic winner Caleb Ewan the first of six stages. stages at the Vuelta a Espana. was down the order in 23rd. Walscheid of Team Sunweb finished The riders braved temperatures Organisers have shortened Wednes- second across the line ahead of another hovering above 40 Celsius (104 Fahr- day’s Stage 2 amid forecasts of con- Italian in the CCC Team, Jakub enheit) in the opening 129-kilometre tinuing extreme temperatures from Mareczko. (80-mile) stage from North Adelaide to Norwood to Angaston through the It was a reversal of fortunes for Port Adelaide. Adelaide Hills and the wine-growing Viviani, 29, who crashed on the final lap The peloton eased its pace with 20 Barossa Valley. of Sunday’s Down Under Classic cri- kilometres to go as it made its way South Africa’s Daryl Impey, who fin- terium leading into the tour. through the northern suburbs of ished 11th, is bidding to become the first The peloton rides through Snake Gully towards the King of the Mountain checkpoint “When you start the World Tour Adelaide. cyclist to win back-to-back titles at the during stage one of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, yesterday. season with the stage win and the The pace then quickened as the Tour Down Under.