Zhizhen Zhang shocks Evgeny Donsky as Musetti exits qualifiers in Doha MONday, JANUARY 11, 2021 page 15 Nasser Al Attiyah stays second as Peterhansel extends lead

Nasser Al Attiyah of Toyota Gazoo Racing (centre) sits with his team during the rest day of the Dakar 2021 in Saudi Arabia’s city of Hail on Saturday. (AFP) Mini’s driver Stephane Peterhansel (also inset) and his co-driver Edouard Boulanger of France compete during stage 7 of the Dakar Rally 2021, between Saudi Arabia’s northern cities of Hail and Sakaka, on Sunday. (AFP) “Normally we take two or three minutes but I think we stopped seven or eight min- Yazeed Al Rajhi claims Stage Seven; Dakar mourns former winner Auriol utes,” he added. Stage seven was the first Agencies It’s hard to beat a buggy with part of a two-day marathon Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) a 4x4.” stage, with competitors having Attiyah of for Toyota Ga- to get through it without exter- Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah zoo Racing team was fourth nal assistance. stayed a firm overall second, fastest with five stages still re- Defending champion Car- trailing by 7m53secs, even as maining. los Sainz, Peterhansel’s X- Frenchman and veteran The day ended on a sad Raid Mini JCW teammate, campaigner Stephane Peter- note as the rally mourned the was third on the stage and hansel extended his Dakar passing of former champion third overall with 41 minutes Rally lead in Saudi Arabia Hubert Auriol, the first to win to make up. on Sunday. on both two wheels and four. In the motorcycle category, The 7th stage of Dakar was Organisers said former defending champion Ricky Bra- won by Toyota’s Saudi driver race director Auriol, who tri- bec won the stage but was eighth Yazeed Al Rajhi. umphed on a motorcycle in A file photo, taken on January 9, 2013, of French driver Hubert Auriol overall and 15 minutes behind Peterhansel led much of 1981 and 1983 and in the car who died on January 10, 2021 aged 68. The organisers of Dakar Rally Honda teammate and new lead- the 453km Stage 7 between category in 1992 when the mourned his loss. (AFP) er Jose Ignacio Cornejo. Ha’il and Sakaki, the first part its peak. suffered a flat tyre and, from rally was held in Africa, had Australian Toby Price was of the two-day marathon stage Attiyah, however, re- then on, we were extra cau- died after a long illness. He those victories on a motorcycle destroyed the rim. It was re- only a second behind Chilean where crews have to do with- mained unfazed saying, “Tack- tious to avoid breaking things. was 68. before switching to cars, said, ally complicated to remove the Cornejo overall, with Britain’s out external assistance, his ad- ling the marathon stage after We’re still close to Stephane Peterhansel, Dakar winner “In the last 40km we had a wheel because it was blocked Sam Sunderland, also on a vantage stretching to 4m15s at a rest day wasn’t easy. We and there’s a long way to go. a record 13 times with six of big impact on the rock and we on the caliper. KTM, third. Cricket Australia apologises as India players racially abused

Agencies Melbourne

Cricket Australia apolo- gised to the India team on Sunday and launched a probe into allegations visiting play- ers were subjected to racial abuse by some fans in the crowd during the third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground. The Indian team lodged an official complaint after play on Saturday after bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj complained of hearing racist slurs while fielding near the boundary rope. On Sunday, Siraj ap- proached the umpire point- ing towards the stands and action was paused as police ejected a small group of fans from the ground. Cricket Australia launched a parallel investigation with Policemen speak to the spectators as the game was halted after ‘racist’ remarks were made by the India’s Mohammed Siraj gestures next to the umpire as the game was halted after ‘racist’ remarks were New South Wales Police, spectators on the fourth day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground made by spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Sunday. (AFP) promising to take the “strong- (SCG) on Sunday. (AFP) est measures” against anyone Langer joined the condemna- insulted by Sydney spectators tional Cricket Council’s anti- found to be guilty. apologise to the Indian team.” match fee in 2012 for respond- thetic things said on the tion. in the past but the racial abuse discrimination policy, it falls “It is most regrettable that New South Wales, which ing to abuse from the Sydney boundary lines, this is the ab- “It’s upsetting and it’s dis- had crossed a line during the on Cricket Australia to investi- an otherwise excellent test operates the stadium, said se- Cricket Ground crowd by ges- solute peak of rowdy behav- appointing,” he said. “It’s one continuing match, which is be- gate the incident and submit a match contested in tremen- curity camera footage was be- turing at them with his middle iour,” Kohli said on Twitter. of my greatest pet hates in ing played in front of a reduced report to the global governing dous spirit by two friendly ri- ing reviewed to assist the inves- finger. “It’s sad to see this hap- life that people think they can crowd of less than 10,000. body within two weeks. vals has been tarnished by the tigation and any fans identified Kohli, who returned home pen on the field.T he incident come to a sporting event and “It is definitely not accept- A man was banned from actions of a small number of as engaging in racial abuse after playing in the first test needs to be looked at with abuse or say whatever they able in this day and age. This attending cricket matches in spectators over the past two would be banned from the Syd- to attend the birth of his first absolute urgency and serious- like. I hated it as a player and I must definitely be dealt with New Zealand for two years af- days,” Head of Integrity and ney Cricket Ground and other child, said racial abuse was ness and strict action against hate it as a coach. It’s really sad iron fist and we must make ter being found guilty of abus- Security Sean Carroll said in a major stadiums in Sydney. completely unacceptable. the offenders should set things to see it happen in Australia.” sure it doesn’t happen again,” ing England fast bowler Jofra statement. India’s regular captain Vi- “Having gone through straight for once.” India’s Ravichandran Ash- the bowler said. Archer during a 2019 tour. “As hosts, we once again rat Kohli was fined half of his many incidents of really pa- Australia coach Justin win said the team had been According to the Interna- (Aljazeera.com) Sports Monday, January 11, 2021 13 Judokas eye berths as Doha World Masters kicks off today

IJF president thanks HH The Amir, Qatar for making the event possible I would like to thank HH the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his Tribune News Network government, the National Olympic Committee, the Doha Asian Judo Union, the Qatari Judo Federation, the Since the resumption of the sponsors and the media, as well as all the World Judo Tour at Grand Slam , last October, the judo participants of the World Judo Masters, for having world had been eagerly waiting done everything in their power to make this major for the launch of the new sea- son. With the Doha World Judo event possible. Masters which begins Monday, this has been made possible, – International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer thanks to Qatar. The draw for Doha World Judo Masters – the 2020 To- kyo Olympics qualifying event -- took place at the Lusail Multi- purpose Hall on Sunday. With tight regulations in place as per the Ministry of Pub- lic Health guidelines, the Qatar Judo & Taekwondo Federation and the International Judo Fed- eration have ensured a much looked forward to event. IJF President Marius Vizer thanked HH The Amir of the State of Qatar during his wel- come speech on the occasion of the draw, which was held en- The International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer and Qatar tirely online. Judo & Taekwondo Federation President Khalid Hamad Al Attiyah. “I would like to thank HH the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh categories, the heavyweight ti- Silva Morales (CUB), Krisz- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Officials preside over the opening ahead of the official draw of the IJF World Judo Masters 2021 at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Sunday. tle could be contested by the tian Toth (HUN), the 2019 and his government, the Na- legend Idalys Ortiz (CUB), the world champion Noel Van T tional Olympic Committee, two Brazilians Beatriz Souza End (NED) and another world the Asian Judo Union, the (BRA) and Maria Suelen Althe- champion in the judogi of Ser- Qatari Judo Federation, the man LHEMAN (BRA) or Iryna bian Nemanja Majdov (SRB). sponsors and the media, as Kindzerska (AZE), but surprises Will (ISR) well as all the participants of cannot be ruled out. be able to re-affirm his hard- the World Judo Masters, for For men, the show will al- won European title form, from having done everything in ready be worth it in the -60 kg the end of 2020? Will Varlam their power to make this ma- opening group, with the Rus- Liparteliani (GEO) be able to jor event possible,” he said. sian team and the winner of show that he is still one of the “The Masters is one of the the 2018 edition of the Guang- favourites for the Olympic title biggest events in the world. The zhou Masters, Robert Mshvi- next summer? best judokas are present. As dobadze (RUS). Will Jorge Fonseca (POR) we enter the last phase before The little Italian who is remain the best in the world, the Tokyo Olympics in July in constantly climbing, Manuel following his performance dur- Japan, I wish everyone great Lombardo, will want to prove ing the last world champion- health and success. that he deserves his world ships? The Doha Masters shall “We are now opening the number one rank, in a cat- reveal. sports season in Qatar and The medals athletes would be aiming for at the IJF World Judo egory where the Mongolians, Finally, in the heavyweights, we will soon also meet for the Masters 2021 in Doha. the Georgians and the Brazil- there is Harasawa Hisayoshi Grand Slams of , Tash- ians could find themselves in a (JPN), David Moura (BRA), kent, and Paris, ahead of World Championships on the in her favourite category af- position to decide the winner. Roy Meyer (NED), Rafael Silva the World Championships in horizon, our goal is to develop ter a test at -52 in Everything is possible. (BRA), Inal Tasoev (RUS), Or Budapest in June,” he added. judo in order to make it an edu- in October, and the Japanese Hashimoto Soichi (JPN) Sasson (ISR), Guram Tush- Obaid Al Anzi, President of cational tool for our youth, so judoka Tonaki Funa. will be a scarecrow figure in the ishvili (GEO) and Henk Grol the , said, “I that they are ready to live in a In the -52kg category, -73kg category. He could find in (NED), and Teddy Riner (FRA). would like to thank the authori- fulfilling way. The World Judo Amandine Buchard (FRA) will the quarterfinals a certain Fa- Action begins at 10am on ties of Qatar and the Judo Fed- Masters will contribute greatly have a lot to do, with Majlinda bio Basile (ITA), reigning -66kg Monday. eration for the work they have to this. Thanks to Mr. Marius Kelmendi (KOS), Shishime Ai Olympic champion. done. It is a very great honour Vizer, who supports us and be- (JPN) or even Odette Giufridda The Qatar Judo & Taekwondo Federation officials with International The -81 kg category will be PROGRAMME for Asia to host such a compe- lieves in us.” (ITA) standing in front of her, Judo Federation President Marius Vizer. followed with attention because tition. Thanks to Mr. Marius As many as 399 judokas while in the next weight group we will find the Belgian, Mat- Day 1 Vizer for believing in our ability (215 male, 184 female) from 69 Jessica Klimkait (CAN) could -70kg world champion, Marie only be one -70kg place at the thias Casse, who does not make Women -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg to do so.” countries will be seen in action score valuable points in the Eve Gahie (FRA) will try to re- Olympics for the French delega- much noise but who progresses Men -60 kg, -66 kg Khalid Hamad Al Attiyah, in Doha at the World Judo Mas- absence of her great rival and gain the top of the podium in tion. with each competition. President of the Qatar Taek- ters over the next three days. compatriot, the world cham- her weight division. Another French world There will also be the in- Day 2 wondo, Judo and Karate Feder- Among the stars will be pion Christa Deguchi. She will have a lot to do to champion, Madeleine Malonga, eradicable Antoine Valois-For- Women -63 kg, -70 kg ation said, “We are very happy Distria Krasniqi (KOS) aim- In the -63kg category we get there with the other French will be on the mat at -78 kg, in a tier (CAN), the reigning world Men -73 kg, -81 kg to welcome you to our country. ing keep the lead in the world will watch carefully to see if fighter, Margaux Pinot (FRA), category where the French del- champion (ISR) and After the organisation of the IJF ranking at -48kg, the double someone is able to compete who is proving more and more egation will align no less than Saeid Mollaei (MGL). Day 3 Refereeing and Coaching Semi- world champion Daria Bilo- with the great favourite Clarisse dangerous on the world circuit. three athletes. The -90kg men will not be Women -78 kg, +78 kg nar last year and with the 2023 did (UKR) who will be back Agbegnenou (FRA), while the No matter the result, there will Finally, in the women’s left behind with Ivan Felipe Men -90 kg, -100 kg, +100kg India face improbable task as Aussies eye victory Granerud wins ski

Agencies looked imperious during jumping World Cup Sydney the final session of the third day, carried on from where DPA In what seemed for the most they left off, extending their Frankfurt part a dominant day for Aus- partnership to 103 runs. La- tralia, India battled hard in buschagne, overnight on 47, World Cup standings leader the final session of the fourth went on to post 73 before Halvor Egner Granerud re- day to reach 98/2 by stumps, edging one from Navdeep turned to the top of the podium but still face the improbable Saini to the substitute wick- with victory in Titisee-Neustadt target of 407 for victory. et-keeper Wriddhiman Saha. on Sunday by narrowly edg- India weren’t helped The wicket of Matthew ing out Norwegian compatriot by their fielding, Hanuma Wade two overs later raised Daniel Andre Tande. Vihari dropping a straight- Indian hopes of triggering a Granerud, who was second forward chance to dismiss slide, but Smith did the real in Saturday’s event at the same Marnus Labuschagne damage at the other end. He German venue, leapt 140 me- off the second ball The duo combined resist- his enterprise, attempting a went from his overnight 29* tres and 138m on the large hill Norway’s Halvor Egner Granerud of the day. There ance with aggression, over- pull off Pat Cummins, only to to 81, with Green offering for 299.4 points, 2.4 more than at the Four-Hills in would be more re- turning a couple of dismiss- find Mitchell Starc stationed good support at the other Tande (138.5m and 138m). Bischofshofen, Austria. (AFP) prieves handed out als on the way via the DRS. at deep backward square leg. end. The duo added 60 for Reigning overall champion to the home batsmen As far as India were con- It meant Ajinkya Rahane, the fifth wicket, taking the had a positive re- or the Polish nation,” organizers throughout the day, as Aus- cerned, things would have the captain, was in the mid- total past 200, but R Ashwin sult in third in a difficult season wrote in a Facebook statement. tralia posted 312/6 declared been ideally placed had the dle to fend off the last few got his man once again, when hampered by an early coronavi- “We regret all the more that in their second innings, a two been able to see through overs of the day along with Smith missed the turn and rus infection but was 8.1 points our technology failed yesterday mammoth lead of 406. the day unbeaten. Unfortu- Pujara, in circumstances al- was trapped in front. off the winner from jumps of at the award ceremony and that With Australia declar- nately, Gill, having looked most similar to what India The hosts were already 138m and 136m. we could not honour Kamil’s ing their innings at tea, after good for most of his 64-ball faced in the first innings. Ra- in a commanding position. Poland’s , who victory with the national an- Cameron Green had scored knock, edged one behind off hane and Pujara saw through It meant their captain Tim won the them,” they added. a 132-ball 84, the Indian Josh Hazlewood. the day without much fuss, Paine could come in and get for the third time on Wednes- The organizing committee batsmen had to see out Rohit was joined by but with Ravindra Jadeja un- on the attack, along with the day and claimed victory on Sat- formally apologized “to the Pol- a whole session. For the Cheteshwar Pujara thereaf- able to bat, India essentially well-settled Green. It was urday, had an unusually poor ish ski jumping team, the Polish most part, it went to plan, ter, with the opener increas- have seven wickets left to their 104-run stand – off just display to finish 17th. federation, the Polish fans and India’s Rohit Sharma walks back with Rohit Sharma and Shub- ingly looking fluid and play- battle through day five and 116 balls – that really de- Organizers had earlier apol- the Polish nation.” to the pavilion after his dismissal man Gill putting on India’s ing his strokes. He reached eke out a draw. flatedI ndian hopes, and put ogized to him after Saturday’s Stoch’s victory was his 39th on the fourth day of the third best opening stand in the his half-century with a The day started with Australia in a position from award ceremony took place World Cup triumph to take him Test against Australia at the series so far – their 71-run boundary – his sixth overseas Australia asserting their which they have a realistic without the country’s anthem. level with compatriot Adam Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) partnership held Australia at in Test cricket and his first as authority. Labuschagne chance of taking an unassail- “It was never our intention Malysz, who is now a sport di- on Sunday. (AFP) bay for nearly 23 overs. an opener – but then paid for and Steve Smith, who had able 2-1 lead. to mock or hurt the Polish team rector with the Polish team. 14 Monday, January 11, 2021 Sports Crawley shock Leeds in FA Cup; Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City through DPA ted the second two minutes London later and Jordan Tunicliffe put paid to Leeds’ hopes of Fourth-tier League Two a comeback on 70 minutes side Crawley Town stunned after he knocked in the third Leeds United in the FA Cup from close range to seal their third round on Sunday with place in round four. a 3-0 home win. “You have to enjoy these There was no dream up- games - you work hard set for semi-professional enough for it,” said Crawley side Marine against eight- coach John Yew. “It was time cup winners Tottenham a really good team perfor- Hotspur as Jose Mourinho’s mance and it’s clear that men hammered the Liver- we’ve got 11 star men. we’ve pool-based eighth-tier team showed what we can do 5-0. against a really good side in Carlos Vinicius scored a Leeds.” first half hat-trick with Lucas Leeds are the second Moura adding a superb free- Premier League team that kick to show that the hosts have been knocked out of the were out of their depth by competition after West Bro- the break. mwich Albion lost a penalty Alfie Devine, Totten- shoot-out to third-tier Black- ham’s 16-year-old prospect, pool on Saturday. fired in the fifth on the hour Bernardo Silva scored mark. Nick Tsaroulla had twice as Manchester City an emotional day for Craw- eased past Birmingham City ley after the former Totten- with a comfortable 3-0 vic- ham academy player burst tory. Manchester City boss through to score the second- Pep Guardiola confirmed half opener against Leeds. later that striker Sergio The 21-year-old was re- Aguero was absent because leased from his contract by he is self-isolating after com- Spurs two years ago and he ing into contact with corona- had to fight back the tears virus. in his post-match interview. Unfortunately he was in “It’s crazy. It’s been a long contact with a person who hard road for me with a cou- has tested positive [for coro- ple of tough years, but what navirus] and that’s why he a moment for me,” said Tsa- must be isolated for a few roulla. days,” he explained. “I don’t Crawley Town’s English striker Tom Nichols (centre) jumps to win a header during the English FA Cup third round match against Leeds United at Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, “It was all a bit of a blur. know exactly how long he England, on Sunday. (AFP) But I am buzzing. Anyone will be missing because he can come back from every- has been tested, like all of us, ley’s fellow League Two op- more goals maybe but the break them down but I was Barnsley, Bristol City and County, who reached the thing and I just hope that I six times in the past 10 or 15 position Morecambe in a game was very comfortable, pleased. It was a game we Cheltenham Town are also fifth round in 2019, will aim can inspire somebody else days.” 4-0 home win at Stamford although it wasn’t easy,” should win with the squad we through in the day’s other to start a similar run this out there.” Frank Lampard’s Chelsea Bridge. Lampard said. have and we did because results. year at home against Bright- Ashley Nadesan net- had no trouble with Craw- “We could have scored “It took a while to we did everything right.” Welsh outfit Newport on & Hove Albion. Stuttgart outclass Augsburg; Bielefeld out of Bundesliga bottom three DPA it was way too little,” he said of the contact in the box. “A wrong decision in my eyes.” VfB Stuttgart cruised 4-1 Only a superb save by Gregor away to Augsburg on Sunday Kobel, touching Caligiuri’s free to leapfrog their hosts into kick onto the bar, prevented 10th place in the Bundesliga Augsburg levelling at 1-1 but while their fellow promoted from that point on Stuttgart side Arminia Bielefeld left the were in complete control. bottom three with a 1-0 home Hertha had the better of win over Hertha Berlin. the early stages in Bielefeld A slick performance from but the hosts turned the tide Inter ’s Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi (left) celebrates after Stuttgart began with Nicolas before the break and had a scoring during the Italian Serie A against AS Roma at the Olympic Gonzalez’s penalty and their penalty revoked after video re- stadium in on Sunday. (AFP) lead was doubled by Silas Wa- view showed Niklas Stark was mangituka. blameless in sending Fabian Augsburg’s Marco Richter Klos to the deck. Inter draw at gritty cut the deficit 30 seconds after The video consultation the restart but Stuttgart cap- took more than four minutes tain Gonzalo Castro restored to resolve the issue. Roma, Milan extend the two-goal advantage, after “I can’t get out of the way,” a video review, and Richter’s said Hertha captain Stark. late dismissal ended Augs- “I’m biased but I was going lead in Serie A burg’s hopes. sideways and he ran into me.” Daniel Didavi then com- Sergio Cordova fired just wide pleted the rout by adding a late but Hertha did not heed the DPA utes left to ensure a share of fourth. warning and Bielefeld went in Rome the spoils. Stuttgart are four points front when Yabo turned Peter “We had the chance to off sixth, the final automatic Pekarik and drove into the top Inter Milan drew 2-2 at close the game, but we lacked European spot, with Augsburg corner while Jessic Ngankam hosting Roma on Sunday and the killer instinct,” Inter coach two worse off a place below Stuttgart’s German midfielder Daniel Didavi (left) celebrates with Stuttgart’s Austrian forward Sasa was off injured for the visitors. slipped three points behind Antonio Conte said. them. Kalajdzic after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga match against FC Augsburg in Augs- “I’m just really happy we Serie A leaders AC Milan over “We played against a Hertha are 12th and just burg, Germany, on Sunday. (AFP) could decide this game in our the weekend. strong team who have been five points above the relega- favour,” said Yabo after his The front-runners beat To- doing great things and despite tion play-off place now oc- form in the Bundesliga over the scored,” said Stuttgart coach 76th minutes to see reds, ru- first Bundesliga goal, and add- rino 2-0 on Saturday, bouncing the [2-1] deficit we had the cupied by Cologne. Reinhold season and needed only six min- Pellegrino Matarazzo. ining the good work he did in ed the team had been “reward- back from a first league defeat strength to bounce back. It’s a Yabo grabbed the only goal to utes to open the scoring when “Overall, it was a good dis- netting in Augsburg’s first at- ed for a good performance suffered in midweek against pity to then have conceded on lift Bielefeld up a place to 15th Reece Oxford clipped Mateo Kli- play from us. I’m happy that tack of the second half. over 90 minutes.” A superb champions Juventus, who sit a set piece.” Napoli went fifth and outright safety. mowicz in the box. we were able to win again.” “We have again missed out shot from Ritsu Doan hit the 10 points off the top with a past Juve thanks to a last-gasp League leaders Bayern Gonzalez stroke home the Castro, initially flagged off- on attaching ourselves to the inside of the post for Bielefeld game in hand against Napoli. 2-1 win at Udinese. Munich and second-placed spot-kick and when Waman- side, slotted in Stuttgart’s upper group, that would have but they held on, aided by a Juve close the day’s pro- The Neapolitans’ skipper RB Leipzig both suffered de- gituka from Borna Sosa pass third just after the hour and been a very, very important handball decision ruling out gramme against Sassuolo. Lorenzo Insigne converted a feats this weekend, 3-2 at made it two in the 29th there Didavi converted Waldemar win,” Augsburg’s Daniel Cali- an equalizer for Hertha’s Kr- Roma, who are third penalty before home striker Borussia Moenchengladbach would only be one winner. Anton’s cross at the back post giuri told Sky television, who zysztof Piatek. three points behind In- Kevin Lasagna levelled courte- and 3-1 at home to Borussia “I was very happy that we three minutes from time. also complained about the “It was an equal game,” ter, went ahead from Lor- sy of a bad clearance and Tie- Dortmund respectively. didn’t need long to settle our- By that point Richter had award of the penalty. said Stark. “We were a tick not enzo Pellegrini’s low drive, moue Bakayoko nodded home Stuttgart have the best away selves again after Augsburg been booked in the 73rd and “From my point of view so sharp as Bielefeld. which met a slight deflection in the 90th minute. from Alessandro Bastoni Lazio won 2-0 at Parma, 17 minutes into a pulsating who had Roberto D’Aversa first half. back at the helm after his Au- Home keeper Pau Lopez gust lay-off, and Verona beat Sergio Aguero absent from Man City made prodigious saves on ei- backmarkers Crotone 2-1. ther side of half-time to deny Fiorentina and Cagliari squad to self-isolate, says Guardiola Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro meet before the late Juve Martinez but was beaten by game. Promoted Spezia and DPA tie 3-0 at the Etihad Stadi- “I don’t know exactly how clinical efforts from Milan Sampdoria play a regional London um and Guardiola also said long he will be missing be- Skriniar and Achraf Hakimi. derby to wrap up matchday 17 Aguero had tested negative cause he has been tested, like A header form the tow- on Monday. Manchester City boss Pep for the virus but must follow all of us, six times in the past ering defender Skriniar on Fourth-place Atalanta won Guardiola confirmed on Sun- the protocols. 10 or 15 days. He was nega- 56 was followed by Hakimi’s 4-1 at Benevento and Genoa day that striker Sergio Ague- “Unfortunately he was in tive and I think today he is drive into the top left corner beat Bologna 2-0 on Saturday. ro is self-isolating because of contact with a person who negative too, but he was not seven minutes later. Results: Roma 2 Inter coming into contact with a has tested positive [for coro- able to play today.” Manches- The Giallorossi’s furious Milan 2; Parma 0 Lazio 2; person with the coronavirus. navirus] and that’s why he ter City next host Brighton & pressing was rewarded when Udinese 1 Napoli 2; Hellas Ve- City eased past Birmingham must be isolated for a few Hove Albion in the Premier Gianluca Mancini nodded into rona 2 Crotone 1; Fiorentina 1 in their FA Cup third round days,” Guardiola explained. League on Wednesday. the far corner with four min- Cagliari 0. Sports Monday, January 11, 2021 15

Australian Open Men’s Qualifiers in Doha Alcaraz moves up, Musetti exits, Zhang surprises

Tribune News Network Doha

Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz continued his im- pressive rise by winning his first Grand Slam qualifying match for the 2021 Austral- ian Open at the Khalifa In- ternational & Squash Complex on Sunday. The 17-year-old recov- ered to beat Slovak Filip Ho- ransky 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the second round of the AO qualifying event, being held in 2021 in Doha, Qatar. Also progressing on Sun- day were German talent Dustin Brown, Swiss No.15 seed Henri Laaksonen, and former world No.12 Viktor Troicki. However, highly rated Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti, the 13th seed, was upstaged by Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp 3-6 6-1 Players wearing masks during the Australian Open Qualifying at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash 6-4. Complex on Sunday. Alcaraz soared in the rankings in 2020, improv- ing from 490th to a peak of No.136 in October after win- ning 39 of his 46 matches. China’s Zhizhen Zhang, World No. 169, in action against 9th seeded Evgeny Donskoy of Russia, whom he The teenager debuted in beat 7-5, 6-3 in the opening round of the men’s qualifiers for 2021 Australian Open at the Khalifa Inter- Grand Slam qualifying at Ro- national Tennis & Squash Complex on Sunday. (Tennis Australia Photo by Samer Alrejjal) land Garros, where he held match points before suc- cumbing to Australia’s Alek- sandar Vukic. Alcaraz revealed that experience had been a valu- able one. “I was very nervous (then). In the first set (today) I was really nervous also,” he admitted. “When I lost the first set, in the second I start to play more aggressive than the first one, and, well, I did my routines, and I think I played a really good match. Very happy.” Seeded No.21 in Doha, India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan in Italian teenager Lorenzo Mu- A ball boy wearing protective Alcaraz next plays Rus- action against 10th-seed Facundo setti, the 13th seed, who was gear on the court. sia’s Evgeny Karlovskiy for Bagnis of Argentina. Ramkumar upstaged by Dutchman Botic Van Running repairs being done to racquets of players at the Australian Open Qualifying event at the Khalifa a place in the final round of won 7(8)-6(6), 7-5 to set up De Zandschulp 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. ian Marterer. Marterer ac- International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Sunday. qualifying. penultimate round clash against counted for the 2-1 (4-6, 6-4, Earlier, the qualifying Chinese Taipei’s Tung-Lin Wu. Rosario-born Argentine. 6-4) exit of Argentine Marco Meanwhile, Elias Ymer of In the other matches 6-2, 6-1 against 23rd-seeded recorded its first upset with The last time they met at the Trungelliti on Court 6 earlier , ranked 204, got the of the day, Spain’s Mario Jurij Rodionov of Austria. the shocking straight-set (7- sult of the day, India’s Ram- semi-final stage of the 2015 in the day. better of Australia’s Blake Vilella Martinez made light The ticket-free tourna- 5, 6-3) defeat of ninth-seed kumar Ramanathan, the US Open qualifiers, luck was With the win, the Mott in straight sets to book work of his match against ment is open to all, and spec- Evgeny Donskoy of Russia World No. 188, dispatched on the side of the 30- year- 27-year-old Florida-resident a Round 2 match against ’s Alessandro Giannessi tators will be allowed in on a by China’s Zhizhen Zhang, 10th-seed and 125-ranked old Bagnis as he defeated his Daniel, who exited in the Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea with the 25-year-old World first-come, first-served basis the World No. 169. Facundo Bagnis of Argen- younger opponent in the tie- second rounds of last year’s Huesler, the 27th-seed, who No. 186 defeating his Ital- as only 30 percent stadium Meeting for the first tina 7(8)-6(6), 7-5 to set up breaker. Australian Open, extended earlier posted a 2-1 (6-3, 3-6, ian opponent 6-1, 6-3 in 61 capacity is allowed in line time at any tournament, a penultimate round clash Playing on Court 1, tour- his win-loss stat to 50-79. 6-3) win against wild-card minutes to book a second- with the essential health the 30-year-old Donskoy, against Chinese Taipei’s nament’s 5th-seed, Taro The four-day tourna- entrant Akira Santillan of round match against 19th- protocols and guidelines oc- ranked 122, was no match for Tung-Lin Wu, ranked 247, Daniel of Japan, staged a ment, which ends on Janu- Australia. seed Francisco Cerundolo of casioned by the prevailing the 24-year-old Zhang who who defeated United King- comeback 2-1 (4-6, 6-2, 6-1) ary 13, is featuring 128 play- Going by the draw, the Argentina. global COVID-19 pandemic. fired six aces and six winners dom’s Jay Clarke in straight win against Dominican Re- ers fighting for the 16 slots winner of the Daniel/Mar- On the other hand, USA’s The tournament is being to Donskoy’s two respective- sets 6-2, 6-4. public’s available from the qualifiers terer clash is set to meet ei- Ulises Blanch accounted for overseen by 64 line umpires, ly as he raced to victory in This is the second en- to advance into the second of the season-opening Grand ther Ymer or Huesler in the the 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Russia’s 18 chair umpires and five less than an hour on Court 1. counter between the 26-year- round where he is scheduled Slam scheduled for February final round for one of the Andrey Kuznetsov while Ser- management officials drawn In another surprising re- old Ramanathan and the to meet Germany’s Maximil- 8-21 in Melbourne. main draw slots. bia’s Viktor Troicki won 2-6, from across the world.

Djokovic, Nadal Konjuh wins epic in Slam comeback and Williams to

Agencies “I’ve been through so much the “It would mean a lot (to quali- quarantine in Melbourne last couple of years and been to fy),” Konjuh said. the top level, I know what it feels “I didn’t even imagine myself Adelaide Former world No.20 Ana Kon- like. And to have to go through all having this chance right now, so juh survived a dramatic opening of the steps again to get there, it’s I would really love to go through DPA match against Anna-Lena Fried- hard, it’s frustrating. the qualies and to have a chance Berlin sam to advance to the second “Right now I just feel privi- to be back with the top players round of Australian Open 2021 leged to have a chance to compete again.” Top tennis stars Novak Djoko- qualifying. and be healthy, and I think that I Errani survived a three-set vic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Wil- Playing in Dubai, Konjuh led just really appreciate these things tussle to defeat Chinese Taipei’s liams will spend their Australian 6-1 5-2 before Friedsam staged En Shuo Liang, while Babos beat quarantine in Adelaide rather than an impressive comeback to lead Marina Melnikova of Russia 6-3 Melbourne before the first Grand by a break in the third, only for Playing in Dubai, Konjuh led 6-3. Slam of the season and take part in the Croatian to win the final three 6-1 5-2 before Friedsam “I actually wanted to play a showcase tournament from Janu- games of the match to complete a qualies for Australian Open, as ary 29. 6-2 6-7(5) 6-4 triumph. staged an impressive come- I didn’t have enough matches Organizers said the trio were She joined former world No.5 back to lead by a break in the (from) the past year, I felt like it among a group of players invited to Sara Errani, seventh seed Timea third, only for the Croatian to would be a good opportunity for the tune-up event which also features Babos and recent US Open quar- win the final three games of me to play qualies. But I was not US Open champion Dominic Thiem ter-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova in the match to complete a 6-2 expecting that I was going to play on the men’s side and Simona Halep the second round. 6-7(5) 6-4 triumph. it in Dubai,” Babos laughed. and Naomi Osaka on the women’s. After a nightmare run with in- “I’m happy to be back on court The Australian Open, in Mel- jury that resulted four elbow sur- and compete again, that’s the bourne, has been delayed to Febru- geries, Konjuh was appearing at so much more right now.” most important. The first step is ary 8 due to the coronavirus pan- a Grand Slam tournament for the Konjuh admitted to some done, two more to go.” demic. first time since Wimbledon 2018. nerves when trying to close Fried- Later on Sunday, Pironkova All arrivals into Australia must A year earlier, she had reached sam out in the second set; twice routed Kyoka Okamura of Japan currently quarantine for 14 days with the fourth round at the All Eng- she served for the match before 6-0 6-1, and has now won seven of the majority of those in the grand land Club, a year on from her US Friedsam – herself a former world her past nine matches. slam doing so in Melbourne, a total Open 2016 quarterfinal run. No.45 who has endured multiple The world No.136 will play Ko- of some 1200 people including en- Now ranked No.476, the surgeries – stormed back into the rean Na-Lae Han for a place in the tourages. 23-year-old on Sunday took an- match. final round of qualifying. However, not everyone is other step in her path back to the Yet Konjuh managed to remain In other results, 20th seed happy with the exceptions being top 20, which she cracked in July the calmer and more consistent Anna Karolina Schmiedlova beat made for the leading players in 2017. player in the final stanza, setting Usue Arconada in a final-set tie- Adelaide, with Frenchman Jer- “It’s been awesome (playing up a second-round clash against break, Americans Sachia Vickery emy Chardy telling the L’Equipe again), to be honest. I wasn’t sure Turkey’s Cagla Buyukakcay. and Hailey Baptiste advanced, sports daily it gave them an unfair that I would be here, actually. I Former World No. 20 Ana Konjuh of Croatia in action during the Australian Open “Right now I just feel privi- French rising star Clara Burel won advantage. got a wildcard – thanks to Craig women’s qualifying in Dubai on Sunday. leged to have a chance to compete 6-4 6-0 over Eva Guerrero Alva- While those in Melbourne are only (Tiley) and his team for giving me and be healthy. I just really appre- rez, No.2 seed Oceane Dodin was permitted to leave their hotels for five a chance to compete again. It feels and half, so just getting back on has changed). They say I’m still ciate these things so much more ousted, and Spain’s Georgina Gar- hours a day, including training, those great,” she said. the court was a big step for me. young, but I don’t feel like that at right now.” cia Perez double-bagelled Anasta- in Adelaide could benefit from doing “I was out for more than a year “Definitely (my perspective all,” she added with a laugh. Ana Konjuh sia Zakharova. (AusOpen.com) extra work in a fitness centre.