SPORT Thursday 17 January 2019 PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 Warriors rout Federer and Nadal Nuggets after stay on track with record 51 in convincing wins first quarter in Melbourne

Qatari players take part in a practice session in Abu Dhabi, UAE, yesterday, on the eve of their AFC Asian Cup Group E match against Saudi Arabia which will be played at the Zayed Sports City Stadium today.

AFC Asian Cup: Buoyant eye Saudi scalp in battle for supremacy

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Mourinho’s

In-form Qatar today take on Asian Cup debut arch-rivals Saudi Arabia with We are doing exactly just one aim – to win their AFC the same as we have exclusively on Asian Cup group clash, top the done for the previous beIN SPORTS group and enter the knockout games but we know it stage of the tournament with an is a match which will unbeaten streak. THE PENINSULA This is what a confident decide the top spot. DOHA Felix Sanchez said on the eve of We will plan well, as the match, which will determine we did for the other Jose Mourinho will join beIN the Group E winners at the matches, as we want SPORTS, the global sports broad- 43,000-seat Zayed Sports City to win the group: caster, this week as part of the AFC Stadium in Abu Dhabi today. Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez (left) and goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb addressing the media during a Asian Cup 2019 and English The Qatar coach has all the pre-match press conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, yesterday. Coach Felix Sanchez Premier League coverage, which reasons to target a win against viewers across the Middle East and the tough neighbouring rivals coach said his team will go for “We are very proud of our progressing well and that is very go into the match tomorrow. North Africa (MENA) enjoy exclu- after a high-flying start from his nothing less than full points. performance, especially in the important,” he said. Saudi Arabia will enter the sively on the leading sports team, which is yet to concede a “It is going to be a tough last game. It was a very good Saudi Arabia’s Juan Antonio match having defeated North channel. goal. game but hopefully, we can get result but we must keep looking Pizzi, who was also adamant on Korea 4-0 and Lebanon 2-0. In his first TV appearance since They outclassed Lebanon the result we desire,” Sanchez forward. his team’s resolve to win today’s “We have maximum confi- leaving United in 2-0 in their first match before said at a pre-match press con- “The focus now is on Saudi battle, hailed Qatar as a good dence in the players and have December, Mourinho will be part annihilating North Korea 6-0 ference, yesterday. Arabia and we must plan for a side. no preference as to who we of a panel of expert analysts based after four goals from in-form “We are doing exactly the good game tomorrow,” Sanchez “Qatar is a team with many could play in the Round of 16. in beIN SPORTS’ studios exclu- forward Almoez Ali. same as we have done for the reiterated. qualities and they have good We have an ambition to win the sively covering two highly antici- Sanchez, who oversaw Al previous games but we know it The coach also hailed his strikers. However, we are also title and every match is equally pated games, the AFC Asian Cup Annabi’s famous victory over is a match which will decide the players for their determination doing well collectively and I difficult,” said Pizzi. fixture, Qatar vs Saudi Arabia World No.8 last top spot. We will plan well, as to do well in the AFC Asian have full confidence that my The group winners will face today, and the English Premier November, said his team will we did for the other matches, as Cup. players can get the three points,” the Group D runners-up, either League match, Arsenal vs Chelsea, enter with a good plan in the we want to win the group,” said “Their focus has been only Pizzi said yesterday. Iran or Iraq in Round of 16, on Saturday. ‘tough’ match. the Spaniard before adding that on the tournament and they “I have never played a while the runners-up will go up Further information about A draw will be enough for Qatar’s outstanding per- have been working very hard, match in anticipation of who against the top-placed team beIN’s sports and entertainment Qatar to top the group on goal formance in first two games will before we came here and even our next opponents will be from Group F - either Japan or schedule, are available on www. difference, nevertheless, the be helpful in today’s match. now. The players are all and that is exactly how we will Uzbekistan. bein.net/en/tv-guide. PSG stars take part in a traditional camel race

THE PENINSULA After the event, Tuchel joked: “I can’t DOHA reveal my technique to win this race, I know that my victory is hard for the players to The Paris Saint-Germain squad made history accept... but it was an extremely tactical chal- yesterday at the Al Shahaniya Racecourse lenge! The most important thing was to win, near Doha, competing in a camel race as part I had to be ready to step up to the plate and of the Qatar Tour 2019. set an example. I’m very proud that this Fired up by manager Thomas Tuchel’s victory has allowed me to help the Paris stirring speech in the tents pre-race, the Paris Saint-Germain Endowment Fund, which is Saint-Germain players piled into 4x4s, with key for the club, so it is a great success for each player controlling their camels via me.” walkie-talkie. The 13 camels covered the 4km After listening intently to the instructions, racetrack at speeds of up to 40km, with the Neymar Jr. celebrated his victory, adding: “I players steering the dromedaries from cars am very happy. Our group was the fastest. alongside. Dani finished 3rd and I finished 1st. I won! I Neymar Jr and coach Thomas Tuchel won!” emerged victorious in the two thrilling After the races the Paris Saint-Germain morning races. The two winners each players returned to their hotel for an evening received cheques of €25,000 from the club’s training session. The PSG stars will leave Qatar Paris Saint-Germain’s players and officials celebrate after taking part in a traditional camel race at the Al official partner, Ooredoo, and the money will today an intense week of training, sponsorship Shahaniya Racecourse in Doha, yesterday. be donated to the PSG Endowment Fund. activities and media interviews. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Djokovic renews Tsonga rivalry

REUTERSREUTERS Djokovic went on to injuries lately. It’s good to see him MELBOURNEMELBOURNE win a memorable match playing well. It’s good to see him Age: 31 against Tsonga in 2008 back.” ATP Ranking: 1 ElevenEleven yyearsears aafterfter ttheirheir firstfirst mmeetingeet for the first of his 14 The Serb, who beat qualifier titles: 14 ( 2008, in tthehe AustralianAustralian OpOpenen ffinal,inal, NovakNov Mitchell Krueger 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016; 2016; DjokovicDjokovic and Jo-Wilfried TsongaTsongn a will Grand Slam trophies. advance, is aware of the lurking threat Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018; US Open 2011, taketake a trip down memorymemory lanelane todayto Tsonga has struggled Tsonga poses having lost to the 2015, 2018) toto renew their rivalry in the secsecondo to convert his early Frenchman six times in 22 career performance: Fourth round roundround in MMelbourne.elbourne. potential into titles meetings. Best Australian Open performance: Winner Djokovic went on to winwin thatt “I know what to expect... I lost to (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016) on the biggest stage, Serbian World memorablememorable matchmatch in 20082008 forfor thethe first him... in I think back in results: No.1 Novak of his 14 Grand Slam trophies,trophies, whilew having never reached a 2010,” six-times Australian Open First round: beat Mitchell Krueger (US) 6-3, 6-2, Djokovic Tsonga has struggled to convertconv Grand Slam final since. champion Djokovic added. “I’m going 6-2 hishis early potentialpotenttial iinto toto aapproachpproach it as a anyny ootherther Djokovic needed an elbow surgery in February last titlestitles on thethe bbiggestigg match.match. Opti-Opti- year, but after some jarring defeats he returned to stage,stage, hhavingaving neverne mistic,m istic, the kind of domination he achieved in 2015, winning reachedreached a GrandGran Slam final since. but aalsolso respectrespectful,ful, trtryingying Wimbledon and the US Open. WhileWhile ininconsistencyco has dogged to ddoo whwhateveratever I cacann to The Serb, chasing a record seventh title in TsongaTsonga throughoutthrou his career, knee winn itit.”.” Melbourne, holds a 16-6 head-to-head advantage surgerysurgery fforcedor the former world InIn tthehe women’s ddraw,raw, over Tsonga, and has finished victorious in each of numbernumbber ffive out of action for Serenaena WilliamsWilliams wiwillll their last three encounters. sevenseven monthsmo last year to leave lookk to cocontinuentinue hherer himhim outsideou the top 200 for chargearge towards a JO-WILFRIED TSONGA thethe fifirstr time since 2007. record-equallingordd-equallling 24th24th Age: 33 Tsonga,T who has Grandand SlamSlam whenwhen sheshe ATP Ranking: 177 clawedclaw his way back to 177 faceses Grand Slam titles: 0 inin the world, needed a in thehe second round, while 2018 Australian Open performance: wwildcardi to enter the top-ranked-ranked Simona HalepHalep Third round season’sse first major and takeses on uunseedednseeded Best Australian Open performance: poweredpo past Slovakia’s Americanerican SoSofiafia Runner-up (2008) MartinMa Klizan 6-4, 6-4, Kenin.nin. 2019 Australian Open results: 7-6(5)7-6 in the first round First round: beat Martin Klizan to set up the meeting (Slovakia) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5) withwit Djokovic. A knee injury forced Tsonga outside “It’s“ funny, I mean, 11 the top 200 last season for the first yearsyears after our first Grand time since 2007 but he started SSlamlam final here, it feels like the new year on a positive note, a lolotot hash happened for both reaching the semi-finals at the ofof us,”us,” Djokovic, who had Brisbane International. elbowelbow susurgery last year before The Frenchman was at his ruthless retureturningrnning to claim the last two GGrGrandand SlSlams,a said. best as he finished with 23 aces “He“He alsoa struggled with and 53 winners in his opening round Jo-Wilfried Tsonga victory over Slovakian Martin Klizan.

ORDER OF PLAY - DAY 4 Youngsters AFP MELBOURNE Tiafoe, Fritz Australian Open show courts order of play today, Day 4 of the first Grand Slam of the stun seeds year. (Play starts at 11:00 am, AP 0000 GMT, x denotes seed): MELBOURNE

ROD LAVER ARENA rolled up his white shirt’s right sleeve, Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) vs flexed his biceps and slapped the muscle five times. (UKR x6) Russia’s in Then he pounded his chest and yelled, “Yeah! Let’s go! (SUI) vs action during her second- Let’s go! Come on!” Forgive the young American’s exuberance. This (CAN x16) round match against was, after all, the biggest victory of his nascent career. (ROM x1) vs Sweden’s during the Australian Open, Down a set and 3-0 in the second, the 20-year-old Sofia Kenin (USA) yesterday. Tiafoe came back to stun two-time Grand Slam finalist Not before 7:00 pm and No. 5 seed of South Africa 4-6, Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) vs 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 yesterday in the Australian Open’s second (USA x16) round. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) vs “I went to a different place. I dug insanely deep,” Rampaging Sharapova sets the 39th-ranked Tiafoe said. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) He was joined in the third round by another kid

from the US who’d never been that far at Melbourne MARGARET COURT ARENA Park, 21-year-old , who saved 12 of the 13 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) vs Kei up Wozniacki showdown break points he faced while dispatching No. 30 seed Nishikori (JPN x8) Gael Monfils of 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). Not before 1:00 pm REUTERS In a clash of former world “It was definitely a different Next for Fritz is a matchup against , (JPN x4) vs MELBOURNE number one players, the type of match. Took a lot of the two-time defending champion in and Tamara Zidansek (SLO) five-time Grand Slam warming up for this one. Bit of owner of 20 Grand Slam titles. Alize Cornet (FRA) vs Venus Former Australian Open winner uncertainty going into a match quite A day after American men went 1-5, the country’s Maria Sharapova continued her winner will next meet late. But, yeah, despite all those contingent produced those two upsets and threw a Williams (USA) marauding form by handing out a Dane Wozniacki, who changes, I thought I played well.” couple of scares into other seeded players, too, but Not before 7:00 pm 6-2, 6-1 thrashing to Sweden’s eased past Johanna The 31-year-old Sharapova, couldn’t pull off the wins. (GER x4) Rebecca Peterson yesterday to set who last won a Grand Slam at the Mackenzie McDonald pushed No. 6 Marin Cilic vs Jeremy Chardy (FRA) up a blockbuster third-round Larsson 6-1, 6-3 earlier , only struggled before losing 7-5, 6-7 (9), 6-4, 6-4, and (GBR) vs showdown with holder Caroline yesterday. against the Swede briefly in the went to a fifth set before bowing out 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 Garbine Muguruza (ESP x18) Wozniacki. second set during a lengthy hold (6), 6-4 against No. 18 . Reilly In a clash of former world of serve to go up 5-1. Opelka, a 21-year-old who eliminated No. 9 MELBOURNE ARENA number one players, the five-times The Russian 30th seed, who But such was her dominance in an all-US first-round showdown, held a 67-2 ace Grand Slam winner will next meet was suspended for 15 months for that the Russian, who won in Mel- advantage - and a 15-inch (38-centimeter) height (USA) vs Dane Wozniacki, who eased past taking banned drug meldonium bourne in 2008, did not face a advantage - against but lost to the Karolina Pliskova (CZE x7) 6-1, 6-3 earlier in 2016, broke 23-year-old break point in the match and sealed Italian 6-7 (15), 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5). (RUS) vs in the day. Peterson twice in the opening set the contest in 71 minutes with a Cilic was the 2014 US Open champion and the (USA x17) “It’s always a physical match,” and peppered the court with pow- third break in the second set. runner-up at Melbourne Park to Federer last year. Chung Hyeon (KOR x24) Sharapova told reporters of her erful groundstrokes in a superb “I think there’s certainly things Against McDonald, an NCAA champion in singles and v sPierre-Hugues Herbert third-seeded opponent looming in display of hitting. I want to improve. I’ve been happy doubles at UCLA who is 23 years old and ranked 81st, (FRA) the next round, with Wozniakci Sharapova, who also thrashed with the way I focused throughout Cilic delivered 25 aces, including on each of the last having won her first Grand Slam Britain’s 6-0, 6-0 in the match, kept my concen- two points. Not before 6:00 pm here last year. her opening round match, won tration,” she added. It’s not easy For Tiafoe, it helped that Anderson’s best attribute, Alexei Popyrin (AUS) vs “She gets a lot of balls back. A seven consecutive games against to start one match at 11 am, then his intimidating serve, slowed down along the way (AUT x7) great retriever of the game. Just the Swede to take a 4-0 lead in 48 hours later, a little bit more, to because of problems with his right arm. Anderson incredibly solid. Does a lot of things the second set before world start one that’s just before mid- was repeatedly visited by a trainer during change- 1573 ARENA well. You kind of have to, to be number 64 Peterson could get on night. Just all those things, they’re overs and he lost pace on his first serves as the match (ITA x27) vs number one in the world, to be a the board in the set. about adjustments. I have that wore on. Iga Swiatek (POL) Grand Slam champion. I expect her With the previous match experience. Anderson was the runner-up at Wimbledon last (BEL x12) vs to do all those things on Friday. between local hope Alex de “So I’m happy that I’m able to year and at the US Open in 2017 and had won all three “I think the Grand Slam was Minaur and qualifier Henri Laak- come out into a match like this previous matchups against Tiafoe. (RUS) the one trophy she was looking for. sonen lasting five sets at the Mar- and say, ‘I’ve done this before, I But Tiafoe ended a six-match losing streak against (ITA x12) vs With determination she got there garet Court Arena, Sharapova’s know the drill, I know how this top-10 opponents and is now into the third round at a (ARG) last year. She loves playing here, match ended long after midnight goes, I’m ready, and I need to step major for the second time, equaling his best showing. (JPN) vs Denis loves everything about this tour- and the Russian was in a hurry to it up. No matter what my Defeat of Italy next, and Tiafoe would Shapovalov (CAN x25) nament. I certainly have a tough finish as it was way past her opponent brings today, I have to make his debut in the second week of a Grand Slam. match ahead of me.” bedtime. get it done’.” THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 09

Australian Open Federer, Nadal stay on track Yesterday’s highlights Holder Federer ends REUTERS AFP MELBOURNE MELBOURNE Briton Dan Evans’ journey at this year’s Australian Nadal marches past Ebden Roger Federer ground out a tough Open with a 7-6(5), 7-6(3) Second seed Rafa Nadal eased past local hope 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 three-set win to make the 6-3 victory. to reach the Australian Open third round for the 13th time. Australian Open third round for The Spaniard recorded his 57th match win at Melbourne to overtake Stefan an incredible 20th straight year Seventeen-time Grand Slam Edberg into third place on the list for most Australian Open victories in the Open Era. yesterday, with long-time rival winner Nadal march into and women’s round three, outclassing Dimitrov passes Cuevas test defending champion Caroline local hope Matthew Ebden Bulgaria’s 20th seed switched gears after losing the second set Wozniacki also safely through. 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. tiebreak to beat Uruguayan 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-5 in the second round. But it was curtains for South Dimitrov, who is bidding to reach the second week at Melbourne Park for a African Kevin Anderson, who On an overcast day at third consecutive year, will next face Italian Thomas Fabbiano. slumped out to young American Melbourne Park, second Frances Tiafoe and became the seed , Kerber sails through highest seed, at five, to be sent the 2016 winner, and Angelique Kerber beat Brazilian qualifier 6-2, 6-3 in 81 packing so far. former US Open champion minutes to advance to the third round. The Wimbledon champion was helped On an overcast day at Mel- join the along the way by Haddad Maia’s 39 unforced errors. The second seed next meets bourne Park, second seed big guns in progressing. Australian wildcard . Angelique Kerber, the 2016 Switzerland’s winner, and former US Open Wozniacki downs Larsson in straight sets champion Sloane Stephens joined achievements so far put him on a Roger Federer signs Defending champion , the third seed, beat Sweden’s the big guns in progressing, but par with other six-time winners Johanna Larsson 6-1, 6-3 to ease into the third round. The Dane controlled play the women’s side also saw a top Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson autographs as he from the baseline and won 70 percent of her first serves while making 14 fewer 10 player crash. -- although the Australian great’s unforced errors than her opponent as she wrapped up the match in 66 minutes. Ninth seed , who victories all came before the Open celebrates his victory raced through the rankings last era. Vekic dumped out by Australian qualifier Birrell year after winning three titles, was He next plays American Taylor over Britain’s Daniel Evans Australian wildcard Kimberly Birrell beat 29th seed Donna Vekic 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 whipped in three sets by Russia’s Fritz. in nearly two hours to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time. . If he goes on to win the tour- in their Federer might be 37 but he’s nament, he will become the first men’s singles Federer made to work hard by Evans but progresses not showing his age, with British man ever to claim seven or more match on day Holder Roger Federer was pushed to the limit early in his second round match qualifier Dan Evans the latest to titles at two Grand Slams, having three of the by Dan Evans but the third seed held firm to seal a 7-6(5), 7-6(3) 6-3 victory over fall under his spell as he works already won eight Wimbledons. Australian the Briton. After edging the first two sets against a determined Evans, Federer towards a third successive Aus- Seventeen-time Slam winner Open , got into the groove in the third set and broke for a 3-1 lead before closing out tralian crown and 21st major Nadal had an easier route to round yesterday. the win in two hours and 35 minutes. victory. three, outclassing local hope He defeated Evans at Wim- Matthew Ebden 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. bledon last year with the loss of The Spaniard is bidding for his here. Was a great atmosphere.” steamrolled Sweden’s Johanna Cilic beats McDonald just eight games, but it was a own slice of history by becoming Anderson, beaten by Novak Larsson 6-1, 6-3 as she bids to Marin Cilic overcame a mid-match blip by losing the second set but recovered much harder assignment this time, the first man in the Open era, and Djokovic in the Wimbledon final become the first woman to defend to defeat unseeded American Mackenzie McDonald 7-5, 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4. The winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 only the third in history along with last year, was sent home by Tiafoe the title since Croatian set up a third round meeting with or . on Rod Laver Arena. Emerson and Rod Laver, to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. in 2013. “I think if I could have pulled each Grand Slam on two or more The fifth seed struggled with It set up a potential glamour Anderson stunned by Tiafoe away earlier in the match it might occasions. an elbow injury early in the clash clash next with Maria Sharapova. Fifth seed Kevin Anderson cruised through the opening set against Frances have been easier,” said the third “I played a solid match, I was and couldn’t cope with the “I thought I started pretty Tiafoe but lost his way thereafter, allowing the American youngster to seal a 4-6, seed. “I think he played very well, happy with the way I served. I did 20-year-old’s power and finesse. well, started aggressively, but she 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 upset victory. it was hard to pull away to his a few things very well,” said Nadal, Sixth seed Marin Cilic, who started making less errors and I credit.” who next plays Australian Alex de lost in the final to Federer last was just trying to stay consistent,” Barty too good for Wang The Swiss star’s Australian Minaur. “It is an honour to play year, had no such dramas, Wozniacki said. Local favourite continued her strong start to the tournament grinding past American Mackenzie Meanwhile, three-time Grand as she thumped China’s Wang Yafan 6-2, 6-3 to move into the third round. McDonald in four sets. Slam champion Kerber dominated The 15th seed, who warmed up for the season’s first major by reaching the The Croat now plays Spanish Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad final of last week’s , takes on in the third round 26th seed Fernando Verdasco, Maia 6-2, 6-3 to stay on a collision after the Greek beat local qualifier 6-1, 6-4. who beat Radu Albot of Moldova. course with Stephens in the Another young gun, Greece’s quarter-finals. Stephens advances to face Martic , also stayed Stephens, who endured a horror American fifth seed Sloane Stephens moved past Timea Babos 6-3, 6-1 to alive, overcoming a tricky test run at Melbourne Park since reaching set up a third round clash with Croatia’s Petra Martic. against Serbian in the semi-final in 2013, exiting in the four sets. first round in 2015, 2016 and 2018, Garcia shrugs off attack of hives Dane Wozniacki, who is bat- swatted aside former doubles Women’s 19th seed ended the hopes of Australian Zoe Hives ’s Rafael tling rheumatoid arthritis, partner Timea Babos 6-3, 6-1. to become the first player into the third round with a 6-3, 6-3 victory in just 65 Nadal hits a minutes on the 1573 Arena. The 22-year-old Hives had provided something of a return against boost for local fans on Monday when she beat American Bethanie Mattek-Sands Australia’s in the first round, but was unable to hold off the Frenchwoman, who now will Matthew Ebden meet either or Danielle Collins in the third round. during their men’s singles match on day ’s three of the Angelique Australian Open Kerber hits a in Melbourne, return against yesterday. Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia. AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS - COLLATED Murray criticises LTA MEN’S SINGLES 2ND ROUND Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x14) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 for failing to make the (GEO x19) bt Stefano Travaglia (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt (NED) 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt (AUS) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 most of his success Diego Schwartzman (ARG x18) bt Denis Kudla (USA) 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 7-5, 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4 Frances Tiafoe (USA) bt Kevin Anderson (RSA x5) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 REUTERS Denmark’s Fernando Verdasco (ESP x26) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 Caroline (RUS x10) bt (JPN) 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 Wozniacki Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Daniel Evans (GBR) 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 (pictured) has criticised Britain’s Lawn Asso- in action Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x30) 6-3, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) ciation for failing to build on his success and grow the game over during her (ESP x22) bt (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 the last decade. match against Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x20) bt Pablo Cuevas (URU) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-5 Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray went out of Sweden’s Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) bt Reilly Opelka (USA) 6-7 (15/17), 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (10/5) the Australian Open in the first round on Monday, and said Johanna (AUS x27) bt Henri Laaksonen (SUI) 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 4-6, 6-3 the match could be the last of his professional career due to Larsson. Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-3, 6-2, -26-2 pain in his right hip. TheThe 31-year-old Scot has been hailedhaile as one of Britain’s greatest WOMEN’S SINGLES sportsmen,spo a double Olympic gold 2ND ROUND medallistmed who in 2013 also became Sloane Stephens (USA x5) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-3, 6-1 thethe first British man to win a Wim- Petra Martic (CRO x31) bt Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 6-4, 77-5-5 bledonbled singles title in 77 years. (BLR) bt (EST x20) 6-3,, 6 -6-33 “I’m not sure Britain has really Caroline Garcia (FRA x19) bt Zoe Hives (AUS) 6-3, 6-3 capitalisedcap on the last seven or Ashleigh Barty (AUS x15) bt Wang Yafan (CHN) 6-2, 6-3 eighteigh years of success we’ve had,” Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x9) 3-6, 6-3,-3, 6-36-3 thethe BBCB quoted the former world (USA) bt Lesya Tsurenko (UKR x24) 6-0, 66-2-2 numbernumber oneo as saying. Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Astra Sharma (AUS) 6-1, 6-4 “Whether“Whet it be myself, my brother, Jo Danielle Collins (USA) bt Sachia Vickery (USA) 6-3, 7-5 (Konta),(Konta), Kyle (Edmund), the , Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x3) bt Johanna Larsson (SWE) 6-1, 6-33 thosethose sortss of things, I’m not sure how Kimberly Birrell (AUS) bt Donna Vekic (CRO x29) 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 muchmuch we’ve done there,” added Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Irina Begu (ROU) 6-1, 6-3 Murray,Murr who has been critical of the (SUI) bt (KAZ) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 LTA in the past. Czech Republic’s Petra Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x11) bt Katie Boulter (GBR) 6-3, 6-4 “Maybe“ it’s something I should Kvitova in action during Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) 6-2, 6-3 havehave given more thought to while I the match against Russia’s Maria Sharapova (RUS x30) bt Rebecca Peterson (SWE) 6-2, 6-1 was pplaying but I never felt that was Irina-Camelia Begu. my jobjo to do that.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 Qatar Rally to kick off from Al Wakra

THE PENINSULA competitors. Teams have been invited to DOHA the event from Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and several European countries. The Manateq Qatar International Rally will Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is currently kick start the FIA Middle East Rally Cham- competing on the Dakar Rally in Peru, but pionship in 2019 and has moved back to a he has dominated the Qatar event in recent traditional date at the start of the season seasons and has taken 13 victories in 17 and will open the series on March 14-16. years. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- The multiple regional champion missed eration (QMMF) has also announced that out last November, however, with a sur- the event’s rally headquarters and service prise win falling to Czech driver Vojtch park will remain at Lusail Sports Arena but Štajf. He became the first non-Arab driver the pre-event press conference, ceremonial to win the event since the late Björn Wal- start and prize giving ceremony will move degård’s success with co-driver Fred Gal- to an exciting new location at Al lagher in a Toyota Celica Turbo way back Wakra, south of Doha. in 1986. The ceremonial start will take The Qatari duo of Abdullah and Nasser place on the beach in front of Al-Kuwari won the MERC 2 category in the Souq Al Wakra Hotel on Qatar in 2018 and regional MERC 3 cham- March 14 and this venue will pions, Henry Kahy and Musa Djiyerian, also host the prize giving wrapped up an excellent season with two- ceremony and start and wheel drive honours in their Škoda Fabia finish media facilities. 1.6 This year’s rally will be held under the The competitive action chairmanship of QMMF President Abdul- will then take centre stage rahman Al Mannai and senior committee on a series of timed gravel members. Portugal’s Pedro Almeida will surface specials through the act as Rally Director and is working Qatar deserts on March 15 and alongside Qatari Clerk of the Course Rashed March 16. Al-Sulaiti. The QMMF is also supplying The event last visited the Al-Wakra area free shipping on the Oman-Doha-Oman in 2012: the Al Wakra stadium hosted rally and Kuwait-Doha-Kuwait routes and five headquarters and the QMMF ran stages in Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action nights accommodation for the driver and the south of the country and to the west of in Qatar last November. co-driver as a generous concession to Doha.

Lord’s gets India hails Dhoni the finisher permission AFP Following his debut in to build two NEW DELHI 2004, Dhoni quickly became one of India’s key players, cap- new stands India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni taining the side to a World Cup won plaudits yesterday for a win in 2011. He quit Tests in REUTERS match-winning knock against 2014, and stepped down as the LONDON Australia that raised expectations limited-overs skipper three the veteran will play his fourth years later. Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) 50-over World Cup this summer. “The consistency you might has been granted permission The 37-year-old wicket- have at a younger age will obvi- to construct two new stands at keeper-batsman kept his usual Indian batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni hits the ball ously not be there and you have Lord’s to replace the existing cool during an unbeaten 54-ball during the second one-day international match to bear with that,” added Compton and Edrich stands 55 as India chased down Aus- against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. Gavaskar. and increase the stadium’s tralia’s 298 in the second “But he is still tremendous capacity to 31,000, it said one-day international in value to the team.” Australia yesterday. Adelaide on Tuesday. downed India by 34 runs in the The new three-tier stands, Seen by some as losing his first ODI in Sydney, where to be built at the stadium’s ability to finish matches, Dhoni Dhoni was criticised for his Nursery End, will cost $64.37m. rolled back the years and 96-ball 51. The redeveloped stands will secured the win with four balls But he rose to the challenge improve sightlines for spec- to spare as the tourists levelled in Adelaide, building crucial tators and offer other amen- the three-match series. partnerships in an innings ities, such as integrated The Indian Express headlined skipper Virat Kohli described as catering, wheelchair accessible its report “Dhoni finishes, the an “MS Classic”. spaces, and lift access to all Mahi way”, using his nickname, “We know he can absorb levels, the MCC said. Con- and the Mail Today said the the pressure and release it back struction will begin on August former captain’s innings was bat for the upcoming ODI World value of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the think tank that is the to the opponents when the time 24 after England’s second “Just Like Old Times”. Cup in England, but former will be asking this question,” selection committee there is no is right,” said Dinesh Karthik, Ashes test against Australia Some observers have sug- skipper Sunil Gavaskar thinks Gavaskar told TV channel India doubt that Dhoni will be part of who was at the non-striker’s and the new seats will be gested India have better options otherwise. “Only those who are Today. the Indian team for the World end as Dhoni hit the winning ready for use in 2020, the behind the stumps and with the not really cognisant with the “In the Indian dressing room, Cup.” run. MCC said in a statement. Lowry fires 62 to grab lead in Abu Dhabi

AFP birdied the last two. ABU DHABI England’s Ian Poulter made light of a 34-hour trip from Hawaii to reach Shane Lowry fired a course record- Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night, shooting equalling 10-under-par 62 to grab a a six-under-par 66 to be tied sixth three-shot lead on the opening day of along with compatriot Lee Westwood the Abu Dhabi Championship and three-time champion Martin yesterday. The Irishman, currently Kaymer of Germany. ranked 75th in the world but without World number two Brooks Koepka a win since his triumph at the World opened his campaign with a bogey- Golf Championship-Bridgestone Invi- free 67, while former number one The officials of Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) pose for a picture after a press conference in Doha yesterday. QFF will tational in August 2015, was bogey-free Dustin Johnson managed a three- on what looked a demanding Abu under-par 69, a score matched by two- host the 2019 Grand Prix from 25 to 27 January, it was announced. Around 250 player players representing more than Dhabi Golf Club course with narrow time defending champion Tommy 34 countries will participate in the tournament, the organisers said. fairways and juicy rough. Fleetwood. Lowry credited his prepa- Despite finding just four fairways, ration for the tournament after a long the 31-year-old Lowry was rarely lay-off for his round. troubled as he fired one dart-like “It equals the best score I’ve ever approach shot after another in his shot, but I think I’ve had better rounds 10-birdie round. in tougher conditions. But it’s right up Valencia reach Copa del Rey quarters That matched the tournament there,” said Lowry when asked if it was record low of 62 established by Henrik his best round ever. AP of the pressure on embattled Valencia needed a a nice finish from inside the Stenson in the third round of the inau- “Perfect conditions this morning coach Marcelino. victory after losing 2-1 in area. Sporting Gijon was one gural edition in 2006. A group of four out there, and I just went down and did Valencia hadn’t won in Gijon last week. It pressed goal away from sending the players were tied for second place at pretty much a lot of things right. The Valencia avoided being upset three matches this year and forward from the start but match into extra time but seven-under par, including 2010 British one thing I was very happy with is how in the Copa del Rey with a calls for Marcelino’s firing wasn’t able to open the Ferran Torres sealed the Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and I didn’t panic at all when I got to like 3-0 win over second- had grown louder in recent scoring until the second half victory for Valencia on a his fellow South African Richard Sterne, six, seven, eight-under. division club Sporting Gijon days, but the comfortable through Santi Mina with a 90th-minute counterattack. Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera and “I had a lovely break at Christmas. on Tuesday, advancing to the victory at Mestalla Stadium 65th-minute header. Sporting was the only team 2014 champion Pablo Larrazabal, who I was home for the whole lot of it, and quarterfinals 4-2 on should give the coach some About 10 minutes later, from the lower tiers still in holed out his second shot from 174 I came out with my family and rented aggregate and easing some breathing room. Mina increased the lead with the competition. yards on the par-four 16th hole and a house in Dubai.” THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 11

No goals as Son sparks South Koreans to Iran, Iraq draw

Asian Cup win over China AFP DUBAI AFP ABU DHABI China’s defender Linpeng Zhang (left) fights for the ball with South Korea’s Iran claimed bragging rights forward Son Heung-min during the over arch-rivals Iraq An effervescent Son Heung-min yesterday as they finished top 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group C match inspired title-chasing South of their Asian Cup group after at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Korea to a comfortable 2-0 an engrossing but goalless Dhabi, yesterday. victory over China yesterday to draw at a packed Al Maktoum finish top of their Asian Cup Stadium in Dubai. group. The latest instalment in Hwang Ui-jo and Kim one of football’s great Min-jae were on target as the rivalries failed to live up to Koreans, boosted by the arrival their classic 2015 quarter- of their talisman, ran China final, won by Iraq on pen- ragged in Abu Dhabi. alties, as a raw and uncom- Son won the penalty con- promising first half gave way verted by Hwang and fizzed in to a more measured second the assist for Kim to help South period. Korea finish top of Group C with It meant that Iran, Carlos a perfect nine points as they look Queiroz’s three-time to end 59 years of Asian Cup winners, finished top of hurt. Group D on goal difference “Of course I’m a bit tired -- I after their 5-0 thrashing of didn’t expect to play for so long,” Yemen and 2-0 win over Korean captain Son said after Vietnam. completing 87 minutes despite Iran welcomed back a punishing run of 13 games for Brighton’s Alireza Tottenham since the start of Jahanbakhsh, last season’s December. Eredivisie top-scorer, from “But it’s an honour to wear injury as they set about going this red shirt and play for the unbeaten for a 20th straight national team. My first game of game at the group stage. the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 And in a physical first half -- it’s a happy afternoon!” Mar- in front of a deafening crowd, cello Lippi’s China finished as Iran, Asia’s top-ranked side, group runners-up having Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in their opening back-to-back titles in 1956 and moment for Son and the rest of “They are one of the were largely on top but likewise already sealed their two games, went for the jugular. 1960. They have been finalists the team is to enjoy this result favourites to win the tour- couldn’t make their place in the last 16 by winning A Hwang Hee-chan rocket on four subsequent occasions, and then go again.” nament -- we have to accept advantage count. their first two matches. forced China goalkeeper Yan including in 2015 when they China, Asian Cup runners- that and focus on our next As the challenges flew in, Spurs forward Son, who Junling into a fingertip save were beaten in extra time by up in 1984 and 2004, began the challenge.” Jahanbakhsh and Iraq’s Safaa played in the London club’s 1-0 before Hwang Ui-jo curled an hosts Australia. competition by edging Kyr- Elsewhere in Group C, a Hadi both wiped away blood, defeat by Manchester United effort against the post. But the addition of the mer- gyzstan 2-1 and overpowering Vitalij Lux hat-trick sent Sven- and Iranian midfielder Saman three days ago, showed quick The Koreans, joint title curial Son has clearly energised the Philippines 3-0. Goran Eriksson’s Philippines Ghoddos was lucky not to see feet to tempt China defender Shi favourites with Iran, doubled the Taeguk Warriors, who sud- But they were no match for crashing out and gave Kyr- red for a stamp. Ke into a rash challenge 12 their lead six minutes after the denly look a very different South Korea and were lucky not gyzstan hope of progressing as Iran’s Sardar Azmoun minutes. break when Son’s corner was proposition. to concede further goals in a lop- one of the best third-placed came close with a header, Hwang calmly tucked away met by Kim’s thumping “We are very satisfied with sided game. teams in a 3-1 victory. Ghoddos saw a powerful the spot-kick to send thousands header. the effort that Son made,” said “Let’s be honest, the Korean German-based Lux struck drive deflected away and of Korean ‘Red Devils’ fans wild South Korea, who famously South Korea coach Paulo Bento, team is much stronger than us once in the first half and twice Jahanbakhsh fizzed one over at the compact Al Nahyan reached the World Cup semi- who is yet to learn the identity -- they’re faster, technically in the second in Dubai before the on the rebound. Stadium. finals in 2002, have failed to win of his team’s last-16 superior and play with greater Philippines grabbed a conso- Iran also strongly claimed South Korea, who beat Asian Asian football’s most coveted opponents. intensity,” shrugged Lippi, whose lation goal through Stephan a penalty when Hadi handled Cup first-timers Philippines and prize since winning “What’s important in this side face Thailand in the last 16. Schrock with 10 minutes to go. accidentally. FA Cup: Newcastle avoid another upset Emery confident he will be

AP United will win it. BLACKBURN given time to rebuild Arsenal So the sight of two defenders - Ciaran Clark and AFP Newcastle avoided becoming Jamaal Lascelles - going off LONDON to succeed as he was at Paris Of more immediate concern Emery, though, is hoping his the latest Premier League team injured at Ewood Park would Saint-Germain where one for Emery is making the best of treatment of the former Real to be upset by lower-league have been a big concern for league title and four domestic the resources available to him Madrid star will get the best out opposition in the FA Cup by Benitez days before a much Unai Emery believes he will cups in two seasons in charge after claiming the club doesn’t of Ozil rather than force him out beating second-tier Blackburn bigger game in his eyes, a home be handed the time necessary were not enough to keep his job have the funds for any per- of the club. 4-2 after extra time in a third- league match against fellow rel- to “get Arsenal back to where due to a lack of progress in the manent transfers this month. “At certain times, you have round replay on Tuesday. egation contender . the club deserves to be” Champions League. A large chunk of Arse- to provoke friction with foot- Spanish forwards Joselu A deep run in the FA Cup despite a recent slump threat- “The idea is to get Arsenal nal’s budget is tied up in a ballers,” added Emery. and Ayoze Perez scored in extra could, however, galvanize the ening the Gunners’ chances of back to where the club deserves lucrative deal handed to “From that friction, you can time to earn Newcastle only a fans in what is fast becoming a return to the Champions to be, but it needs time,” Emery Mesut Ozil last January that get something more out of fifth victory in the competition another tough season for New- League. told Sky Sports. runs until 2021. them, something from inside, a in the past 11 seasons. castle and they had extra reason After a 22-game unbeaten “At Arsenal, it’s maybe the The former German inter- greater sense of ambition or With the northeast team to cheer the team’s first goals- run between August and first time I feel that I have the national is the club’s highest maybe even a complaint -- a currently fighting a relegation corers as the visitors went 2-0 December, Arsenal have lost support to build up from the earner, reportedly on £350,000 complaint regarding the team battle in the Premier League, ahead after 22 minutes. three of their last six Premier bottom in order to get where we a week. can be positive. the win might not be entirely Both goals were netted by League matches to fall six points want to be. However, Ozil failed to even “As a manager, you have to welcomed by Newcastle 21-year-old local players, with behind Chelsea in the battle for “It allows us to work more make Emery’s squad for the 1-0 be careful because that friction manager Rafa Benitez, who has Sean Longstaff giving New- a top-four finish. for the long-term -- or at least, defeat at West Ham last can break a relationship. But I acknowledged the FA Cup is not castle the lead with a deflected However, the Spaniard is ‘long-term’ in football terms. It weekend and has been rou- believe in always looking for a priority because he feels a shot inside the first minute and confident that he is not working supports the kind of work we tinely dropped throughout the more, both individually and heavyweight like Manchester Callum Roberts adding a second under the same time pressure want to do at this club.” course of the season. collectively. City, Chelsea or Manchester in the 22nd. Al Attiyah on verge of 3rd Dakar triumph

Toyota’s Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action during the Dakar Rally in Peru, yesterday. Al Attiyah claimed his third stage win in this year’s edition yesterday, beating Nani Roma by five minutes and increasing his lead over the Spaniard in the general classification to 51 minutes with just one stage to go. INSET: Al Attiyah (left) and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel (right) share a light moment with Mini’s co-driver David Castera of France at the end of the Dakar Rally Stage 7 around San Juan de Marcona, in Peru. THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07

Second seed Angelique It was a tough match, she played FOOTBALL Kerber after her win over HANDBALL really well and I knew that I had Brazilian Beatriz Haddad World Championship: AFC Asian Cup, Group E: to play my best tennis. at Australian Open. Qatar vs Argentina Qatar vs Saudi Arabia ACTION TODAY’S Warriors rout Nuggets after record 51 in first quarter

REUTERS NBA RESULTS while Jimmy Butler added 19 seven Pacers in double figures. DENVER points in his first game against Indiana won its second straight Atlanta 142, Oklahoma City 126 his former team. JJ Redick also in the opener of a five-game Stephen Curry and Klay Denver 111, Golden State 142 had 15 for the Sixers, who made homestand. Thompson scored 31 points Milwaukee 124, Miami 86 a franchise-record 21 3-pointers. TJ Warren had a team-high apiece, Kevin Durant had 27, Indiana 131, Phoenix 97 Derrick Rose topped the Tim- 18 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. 16 and the hot-shooting Golden Philadelphia 149, Minnesota 107 berwolves with 15 points. for the Suns, who were tipping State Warriors routed the host LA Lakers 107, Chicago 100 Bucks 124, Heat 86 off a four-game trip. Denver Nuggets 142-111 on Giannis Antetokounmpo Lakers 107, Bulls 100 Tuesday night. posted his 13th career triple- Lonzo Ball had 19 points and The Warriors set an NBA season. Atlanta’s John Collins double with 12 points, 10 eight rebounds, and Los Angeles record for a first quarter by made his first 11 field-goal rebounds and 10 assists, leading earned a victory against visiting scoring 51 points. The previous attempts and finished the night host Milwaukee to a win over Chicago, which took its eighth record of 50 points was held by 12-for-14 to score 26 points. Miami. It was the largest margin consecutive loss. five teams, with the Phoenix Many of Young’s assists were of defeat for the Heat this Lakers coach Luke Walton Suns the last club to accomplish turned into baskets by Alex Len, season. moved veterans Tyson the feat on November 10, 1990. who scored 24 points on Antetokounmpo also had Chandler and Kentavious Overall, Golden State shot 9-for-14 shooting and grabbed three steals in his third triple- Caldwell-Pope into the starting 60 percent from the floor, 11 rebounds. double of the season. The lineup at center and shooting including 53.8 percent from Russell Westbrook had 31 leading scorers for the Bucks guard, respectively, and moved 3-point range. points and 11 assists for the were Eric Bledsoe (17 points) and JaVale McGee and Josh Hart to The Warriors hit 10 Thunder. Paul George added 24 Malcolm Brogdon (16). the bench. 3-pointers in the first period to points and eight rebounds. Milwaukee, which has the Caldwell-Pope scored 17 set a franchise record and fin- 76ers 149, Timberwolves second-best record in the NBA points, Kyle Kuzma had 16 ished 21 of 39 from long dis- 107 at 31-12, improved its home points and 12 rebounds, and tance. Curry finished 8 of 13 and Joel Embiid scored 31 points mark to a league-leading 20-4. Brandon Ingram had 16 points Thompson 5 of 8 from 3-point and grabbed 13 rebounds to lift Pacers 131, Suns 97 and nine rebounds. range. host Philadelphia to an easy Bojan Bogdanovic scored 10 Jabari Parker scored 18 Malik Beasley scored 22 victory over Minnesota. of his 20 points in the first 4:14 points off the bench to lead the points and Jamal Murray had 21 Embiid recorded his of the game as Indiana ran up a Bulls, who hadn’t lost eight in a for the Nuggets. league-leading 37th double- 19-point lead in the first quarter row since a 10-game skid from Hawks 142, Thunder 126 double. In addition, Embiid en route to a romp over visiting November 19 to December 6, Trae Young scored 24 points posted his league-best 30th Phoenix. 2017. and added 11 assists and six game with at least 20 points Myles Turner, returning Lauri Markkanen added 17 rebounds as Atlanta blew out and 10 rebounds. from a four-game absence points, and Chandler Hutchison visiting Oklahoma City. It was Ben Simmons had 20 points, caused by a sore right shoulder, and Ryan Arcidiacono scored 12 Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates on the bench his 14th double-double of the 11 rebounds and nine assists, scored 18 points and was among apiece for Chicago. against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter on Tuesday. NHL: Connor scores twice as Jets crush Ariya ready as LPGA season opens AFP to learn every day,” said Ariya. MIAMI He intends to hit more Golden Knights 4-1 drivers this season, but that also World number one Ariya Jut- I feel a little bit still means working on her wedge AP in the first period and 26-7 in anugarn of Thailand will try to game. WINNIPEG, MANITOBA the second. follow up on a season where she tired, but getting a “If I’m going to hit driver, I The Golden Knights went swept the awards when the 2019 lot better. Feel fresh. have to work on my wedge,” Kyle Connor had two goals and on the power play 36 seconds LPGA campaign tees off today in Something new: Ariya said. an assist and the Winnipeg Jets into the first period and Knights Florida.The Tournament of Cham- World number one “My wedge has to get better, defeated the Vegas Golden center Jonathan Marchessault pions at Lake Buena Vista then I feel more comfortable to Knights 4-1 on Tuesday. hit the crossbar. features celebrities and Ariya Jutanugarn hit driver. I feel a lot better. I’ve Connor scored short- Brossoit then made a winners from last been working on (wedge) the handed and into an empty net. number of big saves, quick season in a new are long-time coaches Lynn Mar- last two weeks.” Mathieu Perreault had a glove grabs and a pair of pad event, but riott and Pia Nilsson. Ariya has And she also wants to see goal and Mark Scheifele also saves in succession. the asked them to get her back to a more success from her 20th- scored into an empty net for At one point in the second 23-year-old 2016 mentality when she felt ranked sister Moriya, who won Winnipeg. Scheifele added an period, Vegas was outshooting from Bangkok more free with her swing and her first LPGA crown last year to assist and Blake Wheeler con- Winnipeg 17-2, but Connor comes in as a game. join Ariya in the champions-only tributed a pair. scored his 17th goal of the favorite after taking “I didn’t have worries. I’m opener. Laurent Brossoit, making season while the Jets were a break with family on not scared about the outcome at “I feel great that she won her his 11th start this season, short-handed. the beaches of southern all, and I don’t have that feeling first tournament last year, and it stopped 43 shots for Winnipeg, Connor got the puck after a Thailand. for, like, two years already,” Ariya means so much to me because which swept a three-game turnover and skated in on a “(I) feel a little bit still tired, said. all we do is work on just trying homestand and improved to breakaway, flipping the puck but getting a lot better. Feel “But how can I go back to to reach our goal,” Ariya said. 5-0-1 in its past six. over Fleury at 5:45. fresh. Something new,” Ariya have that feeling? So we’re just “Our goal is not only seeing Brandon Pirri scored and Jets centre Bryan Little, said. working on that. me win a tournament but also Marc-Andre Fleury made 22 playing in his 800th NHL game, Ariya split with last year’s “At that time, everything was seeing my sister win.” saves for Vegas, which is 8-2-0 picked up an assist and caddie, Les Luark, and now has so new for me. I just took some Also in the hunt at the start in its last 10 games. extended his point streak to six bagman Daniel Taylor, the lessons with Pia and Lynn about is New Zealand’s 14th-ranked It was the first meeting games,with four goals and four fiancee of LPGA rival Pernilla playing golf, commitment, eve- Lydia Ko, who enjoys the between the teams since Vegas assists. Lindberg. rything, and I feel so fresh that celebrity atmosphere. beat the Jets in five games in Perreault scored an unas- “So far pretty good in the time. “This is a very unique event last season’s Western Con- sisted goal at 16:23 after he got last two days. I like him a lot,” “But I’ve been doing that for for us. We don’t get that many Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand lines up ference final. a loose puck and skated across Ariya said. so long, I didn’t feel like it’s fresh opportunities to meet other ath- a putt during the final round of the After a scoreless first in front of Fleury and sent a “He really always has a good anymore. I didn’t have that good letes or celebrities and actors. So period, Winnipeg got goals from shot over his glove. Blue Bay LPGA in Sanya on China’s attitude, really helps me.” commitment so I just feel like I this is, I think, a really cool expe- Connor and Perreault in a The goal drew jeering chants Hainan Island, in this file photo. Also working on her game have to do something fresh, try rience,” Ko said. middle period. from the crowd of “Fleury, Vegas outshot the Jets 10-9 Fleury.”

Tour Down Under: New Zealand’s Bevin wins second stage

AFP in the peloton sparked by a mass triple world champion Peter general classification with Ewan line in the hard, draggy finish. ADELAIDE crash inside the final kilometre Sagan at the line. The stage win in third place ahead of Ger- Once Sanchez was off the front of the 122-km (70-mile) second gave Bevin a 10-second time many’s Max Walscheid (Team in the final it gave me the perfect New Zealand time-trial stage to power home in the bonus, lifting him into the Sunweb). springboard and I just went champion Patrick Bevin finish. overall lead of the race, five Walscheid finished 23rd in long,” Bevin said. (pictured) swooped to take his The Kiwi unleashed a sprint seconds ahead of Italy’s Elia yesterday’s stage through South “It was definitely a gamble, first cycling World Tour stage on the uphill 700m finishing Viviani, who won Tuesday’s Australia’s famous Barossa you could take five seconds and claim the overall lead in straight to reel in Spain’s Luis stage one but could only Valley wine country in scorching today and lose two minutes in Tour Down Under yesterday. Leon Sanchez before holding off manage seventh the next day. temperatures of 40 degrees three days’ time but that’s bike Bevin, 27, riding for the CCC Australian star sprinter Caleb Bevin holds a five-second Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). racing, we’re here to try to win Team, capitalised on confusion Ewan and Slovakia’s former lead over Viviani in the race “I got to pick a pretty good it.”