FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2018 21

You need to find the perfect SPORT balance to do well in South TODAY’S 6.30am QNB Stars League Africa, especially where there Virat Kohli ACTION ATHLETICS Round 12 is more bounce. You cannot be Indian skipper said ahead Ooredoo Doha 4.20pm: Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa casual at the same time you of the second Test against Marathon 2018 6.20pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi cannot have loose shots also South Africa starting tomorrow

Livingstone Indian cricketers warm up ahead of their match against South Africa Bjorn eyes EurAsia in England victory with squad for NZ tour Ryder Cup in mind REUTERS

REUTERS PARIS: Thomas Bjorn (pictured) will look LONDON: England named to lead Europe to a victory batsman Liam Livingstone in over hosts Asia in this their squad for the two-Test week’s EurAsia Cup with tour of New Zealand starting the event also serving as in March. a dress rehearsal for one The 24-year-old Living- of the teams contesting stone has not played Test the 2018 Ryder Cup. but took part in two Le Golf National in internationals Paris will host the 42nd against South Africa last year. Ryder Cup in September Fast bowler Mark Wood when the Dane will lead a was also included after recov- India brace for tough side trying to wrest the ering from injury. title back from the United “Liam has been a player States, who last won in Europe 25 years ago. that we have been impressed With that longer-term goal in mind, Bjorn has six with for quite some time, former Ryder Cup players at his disposal in a 12-man having performed well in the task in second Test team that will take part in the third edition of the EurAsia county system with Lancashire Cup at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala and over the past couple of REUTERS South Africa lead the strengths. If you want to beat the Lumpur. years with the England Lions,” three-Test series 1-0 best team in the world, which The last time the event was played, a European team National Selector James CAPE TOWN: If India were India are, then maybe we have to led by Northern Irishman Darren Clarke romped to an 18 Whitaker said. hoping for a reprieve from fast after they romped to do something slightly different to 1/2-5 1/2 blowout win over their Asian counterparts in Wood, 27, was named in and bouncy South African a 72-run victory at what we’ve done in the past. the second edition of the biennial matchplay contest in the squad for the first time in the second Test starting Newlands in Cape Town “We have to get stuck in and 2016. since last year. tomorrow, they will not find it in on Monday, a match be tough with the bat and the ball; The current side includes Englishmen Tommy Fleet- All-rounder , a ground where the get in their faces a bit and use our wood, who won last season’s Race to Dubai, Tyrrell Hatton, was included, although he is home side have a formidable that effectively needed physicality in terms of our pace.” Ross Fisher and Matthew Fitzpatrick, Spaniard Rafa still suspended by England and record. just three days to be India know what is coming Cabrera-Bello, Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, Ireland’s Paul missed the recent Ashes series South Africa romped to a completed with one lost and their success will be deter- Dunne, Belgian Thomas Pieters, and the Swedish duo of after being arrested in Sep- 72-run victory in the first Test of to rain. The second Test mined by how they handle the Alex Noren and Henrik Stenson. tember on suspicion of the three-game series at New- threat. Experienced Englishman Paul Casey and France’s causing actual bodily harm in lands in Cape Town on Monday, starts tomorrow. They managed a match aggre- Alex Levy are Bjorn’s two wildcard picks against an Asian an incident outside a Bristol a match that effectively needed gate of 344 over their two innings side led by three-time European Tour winner Arjun Atwal nightclub. just three days to be completed in Cape Town and captain Virat of India. Batsman , with one lost to rain. Steyn. He will also strengthen the Kohli has told his batsmen to take “We’re very well aware that Asia has never fielded a fast bowler Jake Ball and all- The Pretoria is likely batting. the attack to the home side. stronger team than they do this time,” the Dane told rounder , who to be similar, with perhaps not the There have been murmurings “We need to have intent reporters this week. “Golf is a strange game. Whatever it were all in the squad for the same sideways movement of that South Africa may even select because of the kind of says on the paper very rarely comes out on top. Ashes series which England Newlands, and will provide a fifth seamer and leave spinner attack they have,” Kohli said. As golf in Asia continues to grow at a rapid rate, the lost 4-0, were left out. another Test of the Indian bats- Keshav Maharaj on the sidelines, “You need to find the perfect amount of players from the region making a positive men’s bravery against a seam with , Andile Pheh- balance to do well in South Africa, impact on tours around the world points to a bright future ENGLAND SQUAD: bowling barrage. lukwayo and uncapped Lungi especially where there is more for the sport and adds credibility to the EurAsia Cup. (captain), Moeen Vernon Philander looked at Ngidi in the squad to offer that bounce. You cannot be casual at Atwal believes his youthful team, which boasts 11 Euro- Ali, James Anderson, times unplayable in Cape Town, option. the same time you cannot have pean Tour titles between them, including multiple win- , Stuart while the new leading bowler in “In this series and for the rest loose shots also.” ners Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and India’s S.S.P Broad, , , , of the summer, we will be looking South Africa have a dominant Chawrasia, has the strength in depth to turn the contest Mason Crane, , brings plenty of pace, fire and to see how best we can fit four fast record in Pretoria, with 17 wins in Asia’s favour. Liam Livingstone, Dawid skill. He took 13 wickets in a Test bowlers into whatever formula we and three draws in their 22 Tests. Current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Gavin Green Malan, Craig Overton, Ben against England at the venue two come up with,” South Africa coach Four of their last six victories of Malaysia, his compatriot Nicholas Fung, India’s Ani- Stokes, , years ago. Ottis Gibson told reporters this have been by an innings, rban Lahiri, South Korea’s Kang Sung-hoon and An James Vince, Chris Morne Morkel will be the third week. including against India in 2010, Byeong-un, Thai pair Phachara Khongwatmai and Poom Woakes, Mark Wood seamer, with likely “When you are playing at and the other two by more than Saksansin, China’s Li Haotong and Japanese duo Yuta to play in place of the injured Dale home, you must play to your 200 runs. Ikeda and Hideto Tanihara complete the side. White replaces Lynn for England ODIs Thomas teams up with ‘Bones’ for title defence AFP hundreds and two fifties. He has played four Tests, 88 ODIs and 47 Twenty20 REUTERS SYDNEY: Cameron White (pictured) internationals and replaces big-hitting has replaced injured Chris Lynn in Lynn who was ruled out with a calf HAWAII: Justin Australia’s squad for this month’s problem. Thomas (pictured) one-day international series against “Cameron’s in very good form, as returns to Hawaii England, Cricket Australia said his figures demonstrate. He’s playing for the Sony Open yesterday. very well,” chief selector Trevor Hohns this week with a The Victorian right-hander has said. new, but familiar, been in outstanding limited-overs form “He’s one of the leading run- caddie on his bag as with 285 runs at an average of 142.5 scorers in this season’s BBL, he’s expe- he looks to defend and a strike-rate of 115.85 for the Mel- rienced, he’s a very smart cricketer a title he won in bourne Renegades in the Big Bash and he’s a good fielder. He ticks all the spectacular style League. boxes for what we need at this stage.” last year. White was the domestic one-day The opening match of the five- With his regular tournament’s top-scorer last season game series takes place at the Mel- caddie unavailable with 457 runs at 76.16, including two bourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. due to injury, the world number four has turned to five- times major champion Phil Mickelson’s former mentor, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay, to help him around the course at the Waialae Country Club. ICC gives green light to Perth Stadium Thomas may not need that much guidance, though, after having tamed the course a year ago by opening with a magical 59 before going on to set the tour’s all-time REUTERS scoring record in a 72-hole event at 253. Thomas, who is grouped with Jason Dufner and Kevin PERTH: Perth Stadium is set to take over hosting Kisner for the opening two rounds, is coming off a share duties from the historic WACA ground after the of 22nd place last week at Kapalua, where a year ago he International Cricket Council (ICC) approved earned the second of three victories in his first five starts the newly-built venue to host all international to the season. formats, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday. He ended the year just as strongly, capturing his first The 50,000-seater stadium will now major with a triumph at the PGA Championship and the become the main venue for cricket in Western The newly-completed Perth Stadium near central business district of Perth. FedExCup to capture Player of the Year honours. Australia, and the fifth one-day international Thomas will have his hands full this week with a field between Australia and England on January 28 that includes world number two Jordan Spieth and Aus- will be the first major sporting event held at the January 28.” The state-of-the-art stadium will be the fifth and final match of the series, which tralian Marc Leishman, who is fresh off a tie for seventh ground. also host matches from the domestic Big Bash begins on Jan. 14. It follows the home side’s dom- at Kapalua where he led after 36 holes. “The stadium is a magnificent asset for the League, Australian rules football and soccer. inant 4-0 Ashes Test series win. British Open champion Spieth is riding a string of seven state of WA and its sports fan,” said Cricket Aus- ICC match referee said The WACA, which has hosted cricket consecutive top-10 finishes and has been installed as the tralia CEO James Sutherland. “We very much the stadium was “world class” after an matches since the early 1890s, will be turned favourite a week after a ninth place finish at Kapalua. look forward to bringing this big Australia-Eng- inspection. into a boutique ground with a capacity of Spieth will tee off alongside fellow Americans Xander land one-day match to Perth to the Stadium on The ODI between Australia and England will 10,000-15,000 by the local board. Schauffele and Daniel Berger. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2018

AUSTRALIA OPEN MEN’S DRAW Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) vs Vsictor Estrelle Burgos ‘Favourite’ Federer to begin (DOM) Nicolas Jarry (CHI) vs Leonardo Mayer (ARG) John Millman (AUS) vs Borna Coric (CRO) Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) vs Damir Dzumhur (BIH x28) Diego Schwartzman (ARG x24) vs Dusan Lajovsic campaign against Bedene (SRB) Qualifier vss Qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolovs (UKR x14) vs Andreas Haid- er-Maurer (AUT) AGENCIES rated Federer as ‘clear favour- Matthew Ebden (AUS) vs John Isner (USA x16) ite’ to retain his Australian Open Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP x10) vs Jason Kubler MELBOURNE: Roger Federer title over an injury-riddled field. (AUS) will open his Australian Open Federer’s bid for a 20th Gilles Simon (FRA vs Marius Copil (ROM) title defence against Slovenian Grand Slam title will be aided Qualifier vs Malek Jaziri (TUN) Aljaz Bedene next week, while by the absences of Andy Mur- top seed Rafa Nadal, the losing ray and Kei Nishikori, as well Federico Delbonis (ARG) vs Gilles Muller (LUX x23) finalist last year, was paired with as lingering injuries to top play- Pablo Cuevsas (URU x31) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) Dominican Victor Estrella Burgos ers who are still expected to Dudi Sela (ISR) vs Ryan Harrison (USA) at the draw yesterday. play like Rafa Nadal and Stan Qualifier vs Joao Sousa (POR) Women’s top seed Simona Wawrinka. Lu Yen-hsun (TPE) vs Marin Cilic (CRO x6) Halep of Romania faces Austral- But more so than the com- Grigor Dimitrovs (BUL x3) vs Qualifier ian wildcard Destanee Aiava in petition, it is the 36-year-old Qualifier vs Qualifier the first round, with second seed Federer’s dominant play at this Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs Qualifier Caroline Wozniacki starting out month’s Hopman Cup, where he Davsid Ferrer (ESP) vs Andrey Rublevs (RUS x30) against Halep’s compatriot won all four of his singles Nick Kyrgios (AUS x17) vs Rogerio Dutra Silvsa Mihaela Buzarnescu. matches and led Switzerland to (BRA) Serena Williams will not a third title, that gives him the Vsiktor Troicki (SRB) vs Alex Bolt (AUS) defend the women’s title having edge. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs Denis Shapovsalovs had her first child last year but (CAN) 2008 champion Maria Sharap- “He looks younger than Qualifier vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x15) ova, who failed a drugs test at ever,” ESPN tennis analyst and the tournament in 2016, is back former professional Patrick Kevsin Anderson (RSA x11) vs Kyle Edmund (GBR) unseeded after a ban and will McEnroe told reporters on a call Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) vs Denis Istomin face Germany’s Tatjana Maria. on Wednesday. (UZB) Williams’s sister Venus, who “He’s moving as beautifully Gerald Melzer (AUT) vs Nikoloz Basilashvsili (GEO) lost to her sibling in the final last as ever. He’s hitting the ball bril- Qualifier vs Lucas Pouille (FRA x18) year, is seeded fourth and the liantly. Wins four or five matches Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x27) vs Yoshihito Nish- 37-year-old was handed a tricky at the Hopman Cup against high- ioka (JPN) first encounter against Swiss Switzerland’s Roger Federer holds the Men’s singles trophy as he participates in the official draw level competition. To me, he’s the Andreas Seppi (ITA) vs Corentin Moutet (FRA) former world number seven ceremony ahead of the Australian Open yesterday. clear favourite.” Ivso Karlovsic (CRO) vs Laslo Djere (SRB) Belinda Bencic, who is 17 years Bookmakers are also expect- Yuichi Sugita (JPN) vs Jack Sock (USA x8) her junior. Six-times Melbourne Park If the draw goes to seeding, The Wimbledon champion ing the world number two to Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) vs Guido Pella (ARG) Men’s third seed Grigor Dim- champion Djokovic, seeded 14th Dimitrov would face American is scheduled take on France’s successfully defend his title. Stevse Johnson (USA) vs Qualifier itrov will face a qualifier, with after missing the back end of last Jack Sock in the last eight, with Jessika Ponchet in the first Federer ($2.75 AUD) is the Qualifier vs Jiri Vsesely (CZE) Alexander Zverev, ranked fourth, season with an elbow injury, will ailing world number five round, while French Open cham- favourite to win the tournament, Filip Krajonovsic (SRB) vs Adrian Mannarino (FRA playing Italian Thomas Fabbi- take on American lefthander Dominic Thiem, who withdrew pion Jelena Ostapenko was according to Australian Gam- ano but with 2014 champion Donald Young in his first match from Kooyong because of illness paired with veteran Francesca bling, with world number one x26) Stan Wawrinka, returning after with mercurial Frenchman Gael yesterday, taking on Zverev. Schiavone and U.S Open cham- and last year’s Australian Open Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x20) vs Fernando surgery, in his section of the Monfils looming in round two. Britain’s Andy Murray and pion Sloane Stephens will take runner-up Nadal ($5.50) trailing Vserdasco (ESP) draw. Federer also has Milos Japan’s Kei Nishikori have on China’s Zhang Shuai. him. Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) vs Maximilian Marterer Young gun Zverev had little Raonic, Juan Martin del Potro, already withdrawn from the Australia’s sole men’s seed, “He could always get picked (GER) luck in his first Australian Open David Goffin and Tomas Berdych championships and women’s Nick Kyrgios, takes on Brazilian off early,” McEnroe said. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) vs Tennys Sandgren (USA) draw as a top five seed with in his quarter of the draw, while world number three Garbine Rogerio Dutra Silva and local “But based on what I’ve seen Ricardas Berankis (LTU) vs Stan Wawrinka (SUI x9) either Wawrinka, who plays Nadal would appear to have the Muguruza has twice pulled out women’s 18th seed Ashleigh so far... I don’t think there’s any- Novsak Djokovsic (SRB x14) vs Donald Young (USA) Ricardas Berankis, or Novak easier section, although former of tournaments over the last two Barty takes on Belarusian Aryna body else that you could say is a Gael Monfils (FRA) vs Qualifier Djokovic potentially standing in US Open champion Marin Cilic weeks due to leg cramps and a Sabalenka. favourite other than Roger at the Tim Smyczek (USA) vs Alexei Popyrin (AUS) his path in the quarter-finals. looms as a last-eight opponent. thigh problem. Meanwhile, tennis analysts moment.” Jared Donaldson (USA) vs Albert Ramos-Vsinolas (ESP x21) Mischa Zvserevs (GER x32) vs Hyeon Chung (KOR) AUSTRALIA OPEN WOMEN’S DRAW Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) vs Daniil Medvsedevs Qualifier Giorgi sets up Kerber clash (RUS) Simona Halep (ROM x1) vs Destanee Aiavsa (AUS) Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) vs Oceane Dodin (FRA) Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) vs Peter Gojowczyk (GER) Lauren Davsis (USA) vs Jana Cepelovsa (SVsK) REUTERS and Venus Williams this week. Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) vs Alexander Zvserevs (GER Andrea Petkovsic (GER) vs Petra Kvsitovsa (CZE x27) Camila Giorgi of Italy in “I’m not looking back 2017 x4 Ashleigh Barty (AUS x18) vs Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) SYDNEY: Italian qualifier action yesterday. any more,” Kerber, who won Davsid Goffin (BEL x7) vs Qualifier Camila Giorgi (ITA) vs Qualifier Camila Giorgi continued her the Australian Open and the US Julien Benneteau (FRA) vs Taro Daniel (JPN) Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs Kristina Kucovsa (SVsK) Evsgeny Donskoy (RUS) vs Florian Mayer (GER) Ons Jabeur (TUN) vs Elena Vsesnina (RUS x16) impressive run at the Sydney Open titles in 2016, said. Johanna Konta (GBR x9) vs Madison Brengle (USA) International by racing past “I’ve had a great off-sea- Horacio Zeballos (ARG) vs Fabio Fognini (ITA x25) Qualifier vs Margarita Gasparyan (RUS) Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-2 son and I’m working hard. I’m Tomas Berdych (CZE x19)vs Alex de Minaur (AUS) Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) vs Richel Hogenkamp (NED) yesterday to set up a last four trying to do my best on court Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs Benoit Paire (FRA) Kristie Ahn (USA) vs Barbora Strycovsa (CZE x20 clash with Angelique Kerber. and win as many matches Karen Khachanovs (RUS) vs Qualifier Lucie Safarovsa (CZEx 29) vs Ajla Tomljanovsic (AUS) Giorgi, belying her ranking before going to Melbourne. Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG Sorana Cirstea (ROM) vs Zarina Diyas (KAZ) of 100th in the world, beat US The other semi-final in x12) Lizette Cabrera (AUS) vs Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) Open champion Sloane Sydney will be an all-Austral- Sam Querrey (USA x13) vs Feliciano Lopez (ESP) Vseronica Cepede Royg (PAR) vs Karolina Pliskovsa (CZE x6) Stephens in the first round and ian affair between Ashleigh Radu Albot (MDA) vs Marton Fucsovsics (HUN) Garbine Muguruza (ESP x3) vs Jessika Ponchet (FRA) then ousted twice Wimbledon Barty and Daria Gavrilova. Nicolas Kicker (ARG) vs Jordan Thompson (AUS) Hsieh Su-wei (TPE) vs Qualifier and former Sydney champion Barty completed a confi- Natalia Vsikhlyantsevsa (RUS) vs Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) Petra Kvitova. dent 6-3 6-2 victory over Lukas Lacko (SVsK) vs Milos Raonic (CAN x22) Kristyna Pliskovsa (CZE) vs Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x26) She is yet to drop a set over Czech Barbora Strycova, while Richard Gasquet (FRA x29) vs Blaz Kavscic (SLO) Angelique Kerber (GER x21) vs Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) Qualifier vs Robin Haase (NED) Nao Hibino (JPN) vs Donna Vsekic (CRO) six matches in qualifying or the Dominika Cibulkova in the last last year but has made a strong Gavrilova advanced after her

Kwon Soon-Woo (KOR) vs Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) Tatjana Maria (GER) vs Maria Sharapovsa (RUS) main draw and will next meet eight. start to the year ahead of next last-eight opponent Garbine Vsarvsara Lepchenko (USA) vs Anastasija Sevsastovsa (LAT x14) world number 22 Kerber who Former world number one week’s Australian Open with Muguruza withdrew due to a Aljaz Bedene (SLO) vs Roger Federer (SUI x2) Kristina Mladenovsic (FRA x11) vs Ana Bogdan (ROM) staged a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Kerber fell out of the top 20 victories over Lucie Safarova leg injury. Yulia Putintsevsa (KAZ) vs Heather Watson (GBR) Polona Hercog (SLO) vs Ekaterina Alexandrovsa (RUS) Wang Qiang (CHN) vs Madison Keys (USA x17) Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO x28) vs Shelby Rogers (USA) Del Potro to meet Bouchard gets first Christina McHale (USA)vs Aliaksandra Sasnovsich (BLR) Kurumi Nara (JPN) vs Marketa Vsondrousovsa (CZE) win of the year at Carina Witthoeft (GER) vs Caroline Garcia (FRA x8) Ferrer in semi-final Vsenus Williams (USA x5) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI) Qualifier vs Johanna Larsson (SWE) Kooyong Classic Alison Vsan Uytvsanck (BEL) vs Petra Martic (CRO) REUTERS ATP NextGen Finals cham- Irina-Camelia Bego (ROM) vs Ekaterina Makarovsa (RUS x31) pion Chung Hyeon of South Daria Gavsrilovsa (AUS x23) vs Qualifier AUCKLAND: Juan Martin del Korea 6-3 6-2. AFP Qualifier vs Elise Mertens (BEL) Potro kept his Australian Ferrer is yet to drop a Alize Cornet (FRA) vs Wang Xinyu (CHN) Open preparations on track set in Auckland and has MELBOURNE: Struggling star Eugenie Bouchard Sofia Kenin (USA) vs Julia Goerges (GER x12) with a 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over shown glimpses of his old won her first match of the year yesterday, posting Sloane Stephens (USA x13) vs Zhang Shuai (CHN) Russia’s Karen Khachanov in form that saw him win the a 6-2, 6-0 defeat of Australian teen Destanee Aiava Qualifier vs Pauline Parmentier (FRA) the Auckland Classic yester- tournament in 2007, 2011, at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne. Jennifer Brady (USA) vs Magda Linette (POL) day, setting up a semi-final 2012 and 2013. The Canadian had gone down in three group Qualifier vs Daria Kasatkina (RUS x22) meeting with David Ferrer. “I tried to play consistent matches last week at the Hopman Cup in Perth Peng Shuai (CHN x25) vs Qualifier Former US Open cham- and aggressive because with and was eliminated in the first round at Hobart on Jaimee Fourlis (AUS) vs Olivsia Rogowska (AUS) Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs Katerina Siniakovsa (CZE) pion Del Potro fired down 11 Chung, he plays with power, Monday, denting her Australian Open Qualifier vs Elina Svsitolina (UKR x4) aces and did not face a break and it’s never easy,” Ferrer preparations. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x7) vs Francesca Schiavsone (ITA) point during the one hour, 33 said in a court-side inter- “I was happy to be out there in a pretty offi- Duan Ying-Ying (CHN) vs Mariana Duque-Marino (COL) minutes match. view. “He has a really great cial-feeling match,” said the 23-year-old. “There Monica Niculescu (ROM) vs Mona Barthel (GER) The 29-year-old second future.” were stands, a crowd, and an umpire. It was like Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) vs Anett Kontavseit (EST x32) seed, who won the tourna- Ferrer’s countryman a practice match but kind of real.” Dominika Cibulkovsa (SVsK x24) vs Kaia Kanepi (EST) ment the last time he played Roberto Bautista Agut will With time running out for her to be ready for Samantha Stosur (AUS) vs Monica Puig (PUR) in it in 2009, will now return play Dutchman Robin Haase the opening Grand Slam of the year, the 2014 Wim- Carla Suarex-Navsarro (ESP) vs Qualifier to the top 10 in the ATP rank- in the other semi-final of the bledon finalist, now ranked 83rd after a dismal Timea Babos (HUN) vs CoCo Vsandeweghe (USA x10) ings on Monday for the first tournament. last season, eagerly accepted a late invitation for Anastasia Pavslychenkovsa (RUS) vs Kateryna Kozlovsa (UKR) time since August 2014 after 2016 champion Bautista a hit-out at Kooyong. Qualifier vs Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) struggling with injuries over Agut defeated Czech Jiri Ves- Bouchard, who made the Australian Open Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) vs Alison Riske (USA) Taylor Townsend (USA) vs Magdalena Rybarikovsa (SVsK x19) the past few years. ely 7-6(1) 6-2 in the last eight semi-finals in 2015 and the quarters a year later,

Kiki Bertens (NED x30) vs Catherine Bellis (USA) Waiting for Del Potro in while Hasse beat Peter said her current tennis was a work in progress after the last four will be Spaniard Gojowczyk of Germany 6-4 changing her routine and coaches in the Nicole Gibbs (USA) vs Qualifier Juan Martin del Potro Ferrer, who brushed aside 6-4. off-season. FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 23

Bounedjah to miss Al Legends share tips with Markhiya clash Aspire Academy boys QNA DOHA: Al Sadd’s Algerian star striker Baghdad Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah and other running stars train Bounedjah (pictured below) with young Aspire Academy’s athletes yesterday. will miss QNB Stars League (QSL) match because of a fracture in the right leg that he suffered during Al Duhail match in Round 9, which kept him away from Round 10 and 11 matches. Bounedjah will also be absent from Round 12 when his team take on Al Markhiya tomorrow at Al Sadd Club’s Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The striker is still under- going a therapeutic and rehabilitation programme to reach full physical readiness and will aim to return in Round 13 against Al Sailiya on January 20. Under the leadership of coach Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd increased their training sessions in preparation for Al Markhiya match as the tech- nical staff were keen to take care of the tactical aspects during the training sessions through the implementation of some of the technical offensive and defensive THE PENINSULA have gone through to get to German runner, Pfeiffer formations. the top. That’s why I appreci- said that, like the student ath- Al Sadd are second on 27 DOHA: Aspire Academy ate opportunities like this letes, he is still learning from the points, two behind Al Duhail hosted four-time Olympic when you can share experi- The kids see us winning on TV, but they likes of Farah, Thompson and who have 29 points. champion and six-time World ences with young athletes.” Abdirahman, saying: “It’s a priv- Meanwhile, Al Markhiya champion Mo Farah, fellow Farah’s told the young ath- don’t see what it takes and what you have ilege for me to listen to these top coach Yousef Adam said his British long-distance runner letes that the keys to his own gone through to get to the top. That’s why I athletes. Even l am still work- team will seek revenge in Chris Thompson, four-time success include: “Hard work, appreciate opportunities like this when you ing hard on cultivating the right tomorrow’s match. Olympian Abdihakem Abdi- commitment and your belief can share experiences with young athletes: positive attitude that will drive “This is a revenge game rahman from the USA, and in yourself.” me to be the best l can be.” for us. We had beaten Al Sadd Hendrik Pfeiffer from He added: “I adopted an Six-time World champion Mo Farah Some of Aspire student on the pitch in the opening Germany yesterday. attitude that encouraged me athletes who attended the week of first phase, but the The athletes, who are in not only to be better but be the stimulus and can bring out the me the path and what I had to training session with the stars result was overturned for Doha to take part in the Oore- best. I resolved to push myself best in you and it definitely do in the different stages of my are travelling to Iten in Kenya fielding an ineligible player. doo Doha Marathon 2018 to my highest potential and helped Mo and I get better career to be successful. It’s for high altitude training in the So we are out to prove a apart of the Qatar Tourism aimed to be more than just the when we were young.” very important to surround coming period, and Pfeiffer, point,” he said. Authority (QTA)’s initiative to British champion or a Europe Commenting on the Acad- yourself with people that care who will also be heading to “It is tough for any side to promote Qatar as a top desti- champion but a world cham- emy’s student-athletes, about you.” train there, expressed that he play against Al Sadd. We had nation for sports and tourism, pion. Nothing in life gets given Thompson said: “I’m very Abdihakem who at 41 would like to train with them worked hard during the break met with the young Aspire to you, you always have to impressed, they are enthusi- years of age is still competing in Kenya if it was possible. in the league,” the coach Academy athletes, spoke to work for it.” astic young lads with clearly at the top in marathons, Established in 2004, added. them about their careers in When asked about the a lot of talent. They have huge extolled the student athletes Aspire Academy has two pri- sport and engaged them in importance of rivalry in opportunities here and there to find passion for their sport mary aims. First, to identify warm-up exercises and a short encouraging motivation, is no doubt that they are on a and find enjoyment in doing and transform talented young training session, held on the Thompson responded: “I grew pathway to become success- their sporting activity: “When athletes with real potential Aspire outdoor athletics track. up with Mo Farah, we trained ful athletes.” you love your sport and enjoy into world-renowned cham- Speaking in an interview a lot together, we constantly Meanwhile, praising the it you are more likely to put in pions who represent Qatar in on the sidelines of the visit, Mo battled each other. One time I role of coaches in athlete your all. That combination of national teams across a wide Farah noted: “The kids see us was faster, the next time he development, Abdihakem passion and effort usually range of sports. Second, to winning on TV, but they don’t was. Friendly competition and said: “I have been with my brings success and promote a sports culture in see what it takes and what you rivalry is definitely a good coach for 25 years. He showed satisfaction.” Qatar and the region. Zidane pens new PSG reach League Cup semis Real Madrid deal AFP Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot. PARIS: Neymar scored a until 2020 second-half penalty as four-time defending champions Paris AFP Saint-Germain toiled before overcoming 10-man Amiens 2-0 MADRID: Real Madrid to reach the semi-finals of the (pictured) coach Zinedine French League Cup on Wednes- Zidane on Wednesday day. confirmed that he has signed a PSG were again without contract extension which will leading scorer Edinson Cavani, keep him at the European who also missed Sunday’s champions until 2020. French Cup rout of Rennes after “It’s signed,” said the French returning late from his Christ- star after his side drew 2-2 with mas and New Year break in Numancia to progress to the Uruguay. quarter-finals of the Copa del Amiens’ hopes of springing Rey 5-2 on aggregate. and struggled into the Copa del an upset were heavily under- After a dream start at Real, Rey last-eight. mined by the dismissal of with eight trophies out of a pos- Zidane could afford to rest goalkeeper Regis Gurtner on 34 sible 10, Zidane has endured a his superstars with one eye on minutes for a foul on Kylian tough season with his side 16 La Liga and the Champions Mbappe after charging out of his points behind Barcelona in the League last 16 with a clash area. La Liga title race. against Paris Saint-Germain And Neymar eventually And the 45-year-old cau- next month. made the visitors’ numerical Marquinhos also struck the used for the rest of the compe- PSG will travel to Rennes, who tioned: “I’m enjoying what I do However, they were far advantage count by winning and woodwork after connecting with tition as a test ahead of its they thrashed 6-1 in the last 64 of every day, because that’s the from convincing at the converting a spot-kick eight a cross from Giovani Lo Celso, expected arrival in Ligue 1 next the French Cup, in the semi-finals way it is. I can’t imagine myself Bernabeu. minutes into the second half at but Adrien Rabiot wrapped up a season -- after goal-line tech- at the end of the month, with as a coach in two, three years, Lucas Vazquez scored both the Stade de la Licorne. remarkable 35th consecutive nology failed to award it. Monaco set to host Montpellier in because things are not like that. of Real’s goals after the 11th and Mbappe, earlier denied by a win in domestic cup ties for PSG “Our team worked hard but the other last-four tie. “I know how it goes, noth- 59th minutes. fingertip save from Jean-Chris- with a glancing header from an we didn’t shine like on Sunday, Isaac Mbenza scored with ing more, even with this But on both occasions, their tophe Bouet, was then thwarted Angel Di Maria corner on 78 but we also didn’t concede four minutes left as Montpellier contract it does not change modest visitors fought back by a combination of the substi- minutes. chances. It was easier to win snatched a 1-0 win at Angers, anything.” thanks to a brace from Guill- tute keeper and the crossbar The goal was given follow- because we played with an extra while Adrien Hunou struck twice On Wednesday, Real fielded ermo on the stroke of half-time before firing another effort nar- ing consultation with the video man,” said PSG coach Unai late on as Rennes defeated Tou- an almost unrecognisable team and then after 82 minutes. rowly wide. assistant referee (VAR) -- being Emery. louse 4-2. SPORT Friday 12 January 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Bjorn eyes ‘Favourite’ Federer Zidane pens newew EurAsia to begin campaign Real Madrid dealal victory against Bedene until 2020 Darragi In-form Qatar to go all out double seals for victory against Oman easy win for Umm Salal CHINTHANA WASALA Qatar’s Akram Afif (second THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA right) in action during a DOHA: Despite wining the training session with team- DOHA: Tunisian midfielder Oussama opening fixture of the AFC U23 mates ahead of their AFC U23 Darragi struck twice while Mohammed Al Championship against Championship match against Sayed added one goal just before the first Uzbekistan, Qatar will focus on Oman in Changzhou, in southern half as Umm Salal got the better of Al the task in hand when they Jiangsu province of China. Kharaitiyat. The QNB Stars League (QSL) meet Oman at the Changzhou Round-12 fixture was played at the Al Khor Olympic Sports Centre in Stadium yesterday. Changzhou, in southern Darragi, scored the first goal for coach Jiangsu province of China Mahmoud Jaber’s side in the 22nd minute today. when he beat the Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper Influential midfielder with a well-hit kick from 20 yards away. Akram Afif has said that Qatar He then doubled their advantage just two remain focussed on the task in minutes later, causing more trouble for Al hand despite the morale Kharaitiyat who are hovering above the rel- boosting 1-0 win over egation zone. Uzbekistan. Al Sayed added the third goal of the day A well worked Almoez Ali, for Umm Salal in the 42nd minute to take with assistance from mid- the game completely away from Al fielder Hashim Ali, flicked a Kharaitiyat. ball from close range to score The victory also saw Umm Salal reduc- the only goal of match in the ing the gap with third placed Al Rayyan at 56th minute after both the the fourth slot in the QNB Stars League. Al sides failed to score in the first Kharaitiyat are currently placed 10th in the half. standings, having lost a total of eight That gave Qatar a perfect matches so far. start to their Group A cam- Today, At Al Ahli Stadium, Dutch star paign, but Afif insisted that his Wesley Sneidjer is expected to wear the blue side should not get carried and yellow jersey for the first time as sev- away by their early success. enth-placed Al Gharafa (11 points) meet “Our team really did well, sixth-placed Al Ahli (14 points) for their and it was important to win Week 12 game which kicks off at 4.20pm . that game,” explained the Al Gharafa roped in the 33-year-old 21-year-old who plays in Bel- attacking midfielder few days back, giving gium for Eupen. a massive boost for coach Bulent Ugyen’s “Yes, we won the game team. and got the three points, but Later, at the same venue, Al Arabi will that doesn’t mean that we have face Al Sailiya at 6.30pm. Al Arabi who are won (the tournament). It’s not currently placed ninth in the standings, will enough, and right now we are field their newly-signed Croatian defender only looking ahead to playing out, and I think they will go far more about our next two team. We have played against Ivan Foster who replaced Tunisian defender Oman,” Afif said. in this tournament,” Afif said. games. We will fix our mis- them a lot, especially in the last Ammar Jemal. Hosts China had it easy On the other hand, Oman takes and we need to win the two years. against Oman in the opening will try their best to bounce next two matches,” he said. “We are confident we can Yes, we won the match on Tuesday which put back following Tuesday’s 3-0 With their continued par- progress, but we must think QNB STARS LEAGUE them at the top of the Group. loss and make sure they stay ticipation in the competition more about our next step. All game and got the Coach Felix Sanchez’s boys in contest. potentially in the balance, Al the teams in Group A are at the three points, but YESTERDAY’S RESULT: are currently occupying sec- Omani striker Zahir Al Aghbari said that they are fully same level, and I believe that that doesn’t mean Umm Salal beat Al Kharaitiyat 3-1 ond spot behind Qatar and Afif Aghbari said that they will focused on the task in hand. the team which can focus more that we have won TODAY’S FIXTURES: is aware of the capabilities of learn from mistakes before “We will focus on our at this stage of the competition (the tournament). the host team. going into the all-important game against Qatar first,” he will qualify,” Al Aghbari said. Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa “China are a very good clash against Al Annabi. said. Today’s match will kick off It’s not enough, and At Al Ahli Stadium: 4.20pm team.” “We will learn from our “Qatar play in the Gulf Cup, at 2.30pm Qatar time. Qatar right now we are “No one particular player mistakes,” the 18-year-old so we know them better than will play their final Group only looking ahead Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi stands out. They are all very said. the other teams, and we know match against hosts China on to playing Oman: Afif At Al Ahli Stadium: 6.30pm good and they help each other “We now need to think exactly how they play as a January 15.

Dakar dream Qatar’s Al Attyah in action during 40th Dakar Rally ends for Villas-Boas AGENCIES

AREQUIPA: Portuguese soccer manager Andre Villas-Boas has withdrawn from the Dakar Rally after he injured his back in the Peruvian desert. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager, who left Chinese side Shanghai SIPG in November, had entered the 40th edition of the endurance event to mark his 40th birthday. “We jumped off a dune and crashed the car nose first. The Dakar unfortunately is finished for us,” he said on Instagram. “Better luck next time.” Villas-Boas had been driving a Toyota and was running two hours and 18 minutes behind the leader, Stephane Peterhansel of France. The 40th edition of the 14-stage race is based in Peru, which it last visited in 2013, for the open- ing five stages, using a route largely comprised of Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar and Matthieu Baumel of France drive their Toyota during the fifth stage of the 40th Dakar Rally in Arequipa, sand dunes, before moving to Bolivia and end- Peru on Wednesday. ing in Argentina on 20 January.