Wunderkind Tsitsipas Knocks Federer Out

SPORT Monday 21 January 2019 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 11 Kerber stunned Pacquiao batters as Nadal powers Broner in into Open welterweight quarters title bout

Sheikh Joaan takes part in IOC’s CPASDS Commission meeting

QNA meeting to build strong relations LAUSANNE between QOC and the IOC members at all levels, as well as the exchange of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Pres- knowledge and experience with ident, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al members of the national Olympic com- Thani participated in the first meeting mittees and other Olympic institutions of the Commission for Public Affairs through a series of agreements and and Social Development through Sport joint programs and projects. (CPASDS) at the International Olympic The 35-member Commission seeks Committee (IOC), which was held on to advise IOC’s president and executive Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland. office on strategies for the devel- The QOC President was nomi- opment of sport and the Olympic nated for membership of the Com- Movement in society in addition to mission recently. The aim of the Com- promote IOC’s role as a leading think mission is to involve IOC members and institution, a strong representative on non-members in the latest develop- the global sports scene and a key Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and the rest of the participants of ments and successes of the IOC. player in promoting international the Commission for Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport (CPASDS) pose for a photograph with the Sheikh Joaan took part in the development and peace. International Olympic Committee (IOC), President Thomas Bach. Wunderkind Tsitsipas knocks Federer out

REUTERS In a match pitting the into an epic tiebreak of blown MELBOURNE oldest and youngest chances and brave saves. players left in the men’s Tsitsipas finally relented Roger Federer’s bid for a hat-trick draw, the 20-year-old when he pushed a forehand wide, of Australian Open titles was Greek Tsitsipas defeats having been wrongfooted by a crushed yesterday as Greek the Swiss Master, deep and venomous shot. wunderkind Stefanos Tsitsipas Federer, to become his Lesser opponents might have rose up to floor the Swiss master nation’s ﬁrst Grand Slam fallen into a funk against the and become his nation’s first quarter-ﬁnalist. front-running Swiss but Tsitsipas Grand Slam quarter-finalist. stayed brave under fire. In a match pitting the oldest He saved eight break points and youngest players left in the now,” Tsitsipas said in his in the second set to keep Federer men’s draw, the 20-year-old Tsit- courtside interview. at bay yet had no such gifts on his sipas overhauled Federer 6-7(11), “Roger is a legend of our opponent’s serve. 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-6(5) under the lights sport, he showed such good tennis The Greek stared down four Qatar beat Russia 34-28 to win President’s Cup in Germany of Rod Laver Arena, sparking over the years. I have been idol- set points when serving at 5-4 and Qatari handball players and team officials pose for a photograph after their IHF World Championships delirium among Greek fans out ising him since I was six. finally held with a net-rush and 13th place play-off against Russia at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, yesterday. Qatar beat in force at Melbourne Park. “I didn’t lose my patience, a volley. The 37-year-old Federer, 20 stayed in those rallies. It was very He fired a backhand cross- Russia 34-28 to win the President’s Cup and to claim the 13th place at the event. times a Grand Slam champion, important to save those court into the net-bound Fed- will rue his chances, having failed breakpoints.” erer’s sneakers to earn three set to convert any of the 12 break Tsitsipas may be set for even points in the tiebreak, then con- points he took from Tsitsipas over bigger prizes, with a semi-final verted the first with a crushing the course of a riveting clash on offer should he beat 22nd- forehand winner that kissed the Qatari goal machine Almoez laden with sparkling seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista line in the corner. shot-making. Agut. Federer became concerned Instead, it was Tsitsipas When the dust settles, Federer as more break points went showing a wise head on young will note that he has been upset begging in the third set, and he closing in on Asian Cup record shoulders in a final tiebreak of in the last 16 at the last two Grand was soon clinging desperately on unrelenting tension. Slams, having fallen to unseeded serve. THE AFC Qatar's When given a match point Australian John Millman at the US It came to a head at 6-5 down, ABU DHABI Almoez Ali after Federer slapped a forehand Open. with Federer’s first serve going long, he converted it clinically, “Definitely didn’t go the way missing in four successive points forcing a backhand error from the I expected with the breakpoints,” and the set lost with a trio of With excitement building ahead of his coun- Swiss to announce himself on one Federer told reporters. unforced errors on forehand. try’s Round of 16 encounter with Iraq, Qatari of the game’s biggest stages. There was no easing in to the The Swiss held on until deep hotshot Almoez Ali is on the verge of writing He raised his arms in intergenerational battle, with Tsit- into the decider but it seemed himself into the competition’s history books triumph and roared at the ter- sipas having a first serve can- time was catching up with him. thanks to the striker’s impressive goalscoring races, bringing tears of joy to his celled for twice falling foul of the Tsitsipas, 17 years his junior, exploits at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. brother’s eyes in the players’ clock in the opening game. He had never dropped his guard, and Ali, who claimed the top scorer award at box. to stave off two break points to Federer will leave Melbourne the AFC U23 Championship in 2018, has been “There’s nothing I can hold. Park without a quarter-final in sensational form throughout the tour- describe, I cannot describe it, I am Sparkling winners sang off appointment for only the second nament, netting seven times in three matches the happiest man on earth right both racquets as the first set flew time in 18 years. – including a four-goal haul against North Korea – as Qatar claimed top spot in Group E en route to the knockout phase. With at least one more game still to come, the 22-year-old Al Duhail forward’s impressive tally has seen him move to within one strike Stefanos of the record haul by a player at Asia’s premier Tsitsipas event, one which was set by Islamic Republic celebrates of Iran legend Ali Daei when he scored eight his victory at the 1996 edition, also in the United Arab against Roger Emirates. Federer The Qatari youngster is already level with during their Iran’s Behtash Fariba and Korea Republic ace men's singles Choi Soon-ho who bagged seven goals apiece match on day during the AFC Asian Cup in 1980. AFC ASIAN CUP TOP SCORERS seven of the Besides his ‘super hat-trick’ against the Ali Daei (Iran) 8 1996 Koreans, Ali rounded off the scoring in Qatar’s Australian Almoez Ali (Qatar) 7 2019* Open in 2-0 win over Lebanon on Matchday One and Melbourne, grabbed both goals in last Thursday’s 2-0 Behtash Fariba (Iran) 7 1980 yesterday. defeat of Saudi Arabia. Choi Soon-ho (S Korea) 7 1980 MONDAY 21 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 09

Roger Federer (left) speaks with Stefanos Tsitsipas Kerber stunned as Nadal after their fourth round match yesterday. powers into Open quarters

AFP Wimbledon winner Kerber, the Frances Tiafoe for a place in the Unseeded MELBOURNE bookies’ favourite along with Serena semi-finals after the young American Williams after defending champion celebrated his 21st birthday by Russian beats World number two Angelique Kerber Caroline Wozniacki was ousted early, grinding his way past Grigor Dim- was sensationally bundled out of the was humiliated by American Danielle itrov 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (1/7), 7-5. Stephens in Federer rues Australian Open yesterday by a Collins 6-0, 6-2 in under an hour. Barty is also a surprise quarter- woman playing the event for the first Ranked 35 in the world, Collins finalist after bringing Sharapova’s marathon missed chances in time, as a rampant Rafael Nadal is little known after playing much of drive to win a first Grand Slam since powered into the quarter-finals. her tennis in the US college system the 2014 French Open to a grinding Hometown hero Ashleigh Barty and was making her debut in the halt 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. contest Tsitsipas thriller also made the last eight after mus- main draw at Melbourne Park. She Five-time major winner cling past Maria Sharapova and will had never won a Grand Slam match Sharapova claimed her biggest scalp REUTERS REUTERS next meet Petra Kvitova, who before this year. since completing a drugs ban in 2017 MELBOURNE MELBOURNE matched her best Slam performance “I may not have won a Grand when she rolled Wozniacki in round since a terrifyingyg knife attack derailed Slam match before this but I tell you,y, three and looked on track to carryy Unseeded Russian Anas- If having his Australian Open title defence ended early was herher career. it’sit’s goinggoing to keep happening,”happening,” said thethe momentum forward.forward. tasia Pavlyuchenkova not painful enough for Roger Federer yesterday, there was thethe 2525-year-old.-year-old. “I betterbetter havehave manymany TheThe 30th30th seedseed wonwon thethe firstfirst setset won a marathon three- the additional sting of being beaten by a tyro with plenty of more ofof ththese.”ese.” butbut ththenen fell to ppiecesieces in ffrontront ooff a setter against American similarities to his younger, fearless self. CollinsCollins saidsaid sheshe heldheld nnoo ffearsears parochial crowd who booed her at fifth seed Sloane Stephens Sporting a one-handed backhand and a mop of long hair, aboutaba out facingfacing three-timethree-time SlSlamam times,times, llosingosing nininene ggamesames iinn a row to 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-3 to reach Stefanos Tsitsipas cared little for reputation or records as he championchampion Kerber,Kerber, whowho mademade tthehe surrendersurrender thethe secondsecond andand gogo twtwoo the Australian Open toppled the 37-year-old Swiss master 6-7(11), 7-6(3), 7-5, semissemis lallastst yearyear andannd wonwow n inn 22016.0166. breaksbreaaksk downdown ini tthehe tthird.hih rd. quarter-finals yesterday 7-6(5) at a packed Rod Laver Arena. “I justjust gog ooututu fearless,feaarrlessss, jjustust ggiveive iitt DespiteDeD sppiite offeringofo fering somesome llateate and match her best show There was no being overawed by the occasion or freezing my all.”alll .” resistence,resistence, anandd sosomemem uunbelievablenbeliievablle in Grand Slams. in the clutch points, nor any of the failings that have tripped HerHer rewarewardrd iiss a last-eightlast-eight cclashlash tennis,tennis, ttherehere wawass no wwayayy bbackack forfor thethe The unseeded Russian up so many of the young pretenders who have shared a court withwiith eeitherither fififthfth seedseed SSloaneloane StephensStephens 20082008 MelbourneMellbbourne winner.winneerr. reached her second with the 20-times Grand Slam champion. or RRussia’sussia’a s PPavlyuchenkova.avlyuchenkova. TheThhe diminutive Barty,Bartyy, 22,22, has quarter-final at Mel- There was only composure and brilliance from the 20-year- beenbeb en iinn sisizzlingizzzling fform,orm, wwinninginniing sseveneven bourne Park after her old Tsitsipas who became Greece’s first Grand Slam quarter- of eighteighth matchesmattchhes thisthis yearyey ar toto backbab ckk upup 2017 run and will now finalist and seems destined for bigger prizes in the near future. a titletitlle victoryvictory in ZZhuhaihuuhai latelate llastast yyear.ear. meet another American in In short, he was not unlike the Federer of the early 2000s NextNext upup isi Kvitova,Kvitova, whowho beatbeat Danielle Collins for a who crashed through the game’s titans with fearless abandon BartyBarty inn tthehe ffinalinala ooff ththehe wawarm-uprm-uup place in the last four. and condemned a 35-year-old Andre Agassi to defeat in the Men’sMMen’s SydneySydnney IInternationalnternationo all tthishiis momonth.ntn h. Stephens, the 2017 US 2005 US Open final. sesecondecond seedseed Nadal,NaN ddaal, TheThT e two-timetwo-o time WimbledonWimi blede on Open winner, started After exiting Melbourne Park without a quarter-final for returningreturnr ing fromfrrom ffootoot surgery,ssurggery,y championchhammpioon beatbeae t 17-year-old17-year-r olo d AmAAmandaannda strongly by gaining a 4-1 only the second time in the last 18 years, the Swiss shrugged barrelledbarrelled papaststt fformerormeer worldworld nunumbermbere AnisimovaAnA isimi ova 6-2,6-2, 6-16-1- to matchmaatct h herheh r bestbeb st advantage but her Russian off a suggestion from John McEnroe that the Rod Laver Arena fourfourr TTomasommasa BBerdycheerdych 66-0,-00, 6-66-1,1,1 77-6-6 performancepeerformance at a majormajjor sincesince bbeingeie ngg opponent got the break crowd had just witnessed a “changing of the guard”. (7/4)(7/4) as hehe stayssts ayys onn ttrackrar ck forfoorr anan 18th18th slashedslashed ini a tterrifyingere riifyyini g atattacktack atat heherer back before the 25-year- Federer will note ruefully, however, that he has now been GrandGrrand SlSlamlam ttitle.ittle. homehoh me inin latelal te 22016010 6 ththatat llefteft heherer wiwwiththt old American won the set upset in the fourth round at two Grand Slams in succession, He wwillilll plpplayaya wworldorldd nnumberummbeb r 393 lastinglaasting nenerverve damageddaamagee iinn herheher fingers.fingere s.s. via a tiebreaker. The having been tipped out of the US Open by unseeded Aus- second set started in tralian John Millman. similar fashion with His legs seemed heavy and his groundstrokes lacked punch Stephens breaking early towards the end of the Tsitsipas clash, which saw both players to run up a 2-0 lead before scramble hard for three hours and 45 minutes. another fightback from For Federer, the most galling part was his lack of a clinical the 27-year-old Russian. edge. He left all 12 break points he grabbed from the Greek The Russian got back go unconverted and blew four set points that would have on serve in the fourth given him a two-set lead. game before breaking “It definitely didn’t go the way I was hoping on the break- Stephens to go up 5-3 and points,” he said. “Nevertheless, it’s very frustrating.” then converted her third AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS set point to level the match. In the first game MEN’S SINGLES: 4TH ROUND of the third set, Stephens Frances Tiafoe (USA) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x20) 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (1/7), 7-5 saved eight breakpoints Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE) 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) to hold in a marathon Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x22) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x6) 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 game that lasted for 26 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x14) bt Roger Federer (SUI x3) 6-7 (11/13), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) points and close to 20 minutes. Stephens then Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a return against Czech Republic’s WOMEN’S SINGLES: 4TH ROUND lost steam as the world number 44 converted her Tomas Berdych during their Petra Kvitova (CZE x8) bt Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6-2, 6-1 second match point to men’s singles fourth round Ashleigh Barty (AUS x15) bt Maria Sharapova (RUS x30) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 seal the day’s final match match on day seven of the Danielle Collins (USA) bt Angelique Kerber (GER x2) 6-0, 6-2 in two hours and 32 Australian Open in Melbourne, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt Sloane Stephens (USA x5) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3 yesterday. minutes, finishing at almost 2 a.m. local time.

Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut ‘Cinderella’ Collins’ dream debut continues celebrates his victory against Croatia’s Marin Cilic after their AFP shortly before Kerber won men’s singles fourth round MELBOURNE Wimbledon. match, yesterday. But Collins gained revenge Unseeded American Danielle in spectacular fashion, feeding Collins welcomed comparisons her illustrious opponent a to Cinderella yesterday after I may not have dreaded 6-0 “bagel” then boldly slaying world number two won a Grand Slam announcing her arrival as a Angelique Kerber to continue match before this, force at the majors. her fairytale debut at the “I may not have won a Australian Open. but I gotta tell you, Grand Slam match before this, Collins humiliated the I think it’s going to but I gotta tell you, I think it’s German three-time major keep happening. I going to keep happening,” she champion 6-0, 6-2 in less than said. “I hope to have many more hour to reach the quarter-finals hope to have many of these.” in the biggest upset yet at this more of these: Kerber had not dropped a year’s season-opening Grand Danielle Collins set in her opening three Slam. matches and many were tipping It was a stunning result for her for the title this year. a player who only broke into the But the German, who turned top 100 less than a year ago and 31 on Friday, found herself a set is a virtual unknown on the down against Collins after 20 WTA Tour after playing most of minutes. Danielle Collins of the US celebrates during her Australian Open her tennis on the US college Kerber committed five fourth round match against Germany’s Angelique Kerber, yesterday. circuit. double faults and failed to win Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates The 25-year-old from a single point on her second her victory against Russia’s Maria Florida said it was a dream to really just grateful to be out here Kerber, the 2016 Australian serve in the set, while Collins Sharapova, yesterday. reach the quarter-finals of a doing what I love and playing in champion and a semi-finalist smashed 13 winners to two. major after spending long front of a good crowd.” last year, is undoubtedly the “I go out fearless, I’ve been stretches of her career playing Currently ranked 35 in the biggest scalp of her career. working so hard my whole life, I small tournaments to build up world, Collins had never won a The German looked dumb- just give it my all and don’t really her ranking points. match at a Grand Slam in five founded as Collins tore her think twice about it,” she said. “That’s a good way to look previous attempts before apart after deciding to “go after Kerber’s agony continued in at it,” she said when asked arriving in Melbourne. it and believe in my shots” on the second set, when Collins about the Cinderella analogy. But she has now dispatched Margaret Court Arena. made three breaks to one. “It’s been an incredible expe- three seeded players on her way The second seed could have “She hit every ball on the rience. I’m so grateful to be here to the last eight, where she will been forgiven for regarding line, in the court,” a dejected in Melbourne. meet either compatriot Sloane Collins as little threat after she Kerber said. “I was just trying “I definitely played tourna- Stephens, the world number handed the American a 6-1, 6-1 (but) I couldn’t find my rhythm. ments in some strange places the five, or Russia’s Anastasia drubbing in their only previous The whole match I was trying first year that I turned pro. I’m Pavlyuchenkova. meeting at Eastbourne last year everything.” 10 SPORT MONDAY 21 JANUARY 2019

Manchester City’s Leroy Sane Russia’s Match Premier Cup celebrates after scoring their third goal against Huddersﬁeld, kicks off at Aspire grounds yesterday.

ARMSTRONG VAS the 2018 World Cup, Vedran MATCH PREMIER CUP SCHEDULE THE PENINSULA Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow). $200m Football fans in Qatar keen Today Four Russian Premier League to attend the tournament at free Spartak Moscow vs Rostov FC clubs - Zenit St. Petersburg, A purse of $200m will be at entry are encouraged to do so Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv stake in the tournament, by registering at the following 8.00pm Moscow and Rostov - will be which will be competed link: https://matchpremier. January 22 vying for the Match Premier Cup among four Russian Premier timepad.ru/event/882149/ Zenit FC vs Lokomotiv Moscow and a purse of $200m at Doha’s League clubs. Qatar has been a great des- Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, Aspire Academy grounds starting tination for European clubs 8.00pm today. during mid-season breaks January 25 The crème de la crème of include midfielders, Aleksandr thanks to its’ modern and high Zenit FC vs Spartak Moscow Russian football will have an Erokhin, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler tech infrastructure and com- Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, opportunity to play against each Kuzyaev (all Zenit St Petersburg), fortable weather during winter 6.30pm other once at this week’s football Roman Zobnin, Alexsandr season. Lokomotiv vs Rostov FC extravaganza in the six-match Samedov (both Spartak The list of teams that have Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, tournament. The tournament Moscow), Anton Miranchuk and made use of Aspire Academy’s 9.30pm ends on January 29 . striker Fyodor Smolov (Loko- finest facilities includes Man- Spartak Moscow will take on motiv Moscow), and goalkeeper chester United, Bayern Munich, January 28 Rostov in the opening match at Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Paris St. Germain, Barcelona, Rostov FC vs Zenit FC Man City ease past Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, Petersburg). All these players Zenith St Petersburg, Brugge FC, Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, which will kick off at 8.00pm were part of the Russia 2018 KAS Eupen and several other 8.00pm today. The other matches will be World Cup squad that reached Asian and European top football January 29 Huddersﬁeld to close played tomorrow, January 25, 28 the quarter-finals on home soil. clubs. Spartak Moscow vs Lokomotiv Mos- and 29. The other stars who will be This month Iceland, cow The ‘Match Premier’ Cup is in action at Aspire Academy to Sweden, Estonia and Finland Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, organised by Match TV and the showcase their talents are Por- national men’s football team 8.00pm gap on Liverpool Russian Premier League, and tuguese international midfielder were also in Qatar and played Participating Teams will be held in conjunction with Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv) a couple of friendlies at the Zenit St. Petersburg, Spartak REUTERS United who are 17th. City had

HUDDERSFIELD the Qatar Football Association and Peru international winger Khalifa International Stadium, Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and scored 19 goals in their previous and Aspire Zone Foundation. Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv one of the venue of the 2022 Rostov three games without reply -- Match Premier Cup is one of Moscow). FIFA World Cup. Manchester City barely got out including two Cup romps the main event of the Russian Icelandic defenders Sverrir The women’s football teams of second gear as they easily against lower league opponents football season and will be Ingi Ingason (Rostov), Ragnar are not far behind and England edition of FIFA’s flagship event beat bottom club Huddersfield -- but they were subdued in extensively covered by the Sigurdsson (Rostov), and striker, women’s team also had their would be played in November Town to close the gap on first half. Russian media, according to the Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdsson training camp in Qatar in prep- and December 2022, with the Premier League leaders Huddersfield set out their orgnaisers. (Rostov) will also be seen in aration for the World Cup final match occurring on Liverpool to four points stall from the start, retreating Fans in Qatar will be able to action. There is also Serbian tournament. December 18, 2022 - Qatar yesterday. back behind the ball to try to watch international players who national team defender Bran- Qatar won the right to host National Day. Danilo’s deflected shot gave frustrate City. played in the 2018 World Cup in islav Ivanovic (Zenit), Polish the matches of the 2022 FIFA Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA City the lead in an opening half It worked but City did get Russia during the tournament. international midfielder Maciej World Cup on December 2, 2010. World Cup between November in which they were not at their ahead in the 18th minute when The largest number of inter- Rybus (Lokomotiv Moscow), FIFA officially announced in 21 and December 18 at eight sharpest. Danilo let fly from range and nationals will be from Russia and Croatian defender and finalist in March 2015, that the 22nd venues across the country. That goal took City’s goal the ball flew off the head of tally to 100 in all competitions defender Christopher Schindler A bird’s eye view of Aspire Academy this season -- making them the past keeper Jonas Lossl. pitches which will play host to Match only club in Europe’s top five Despite their clear superi- Premier Cup. Spartak Moscow will take leagues to reach that total. ority, City did not add to their on Rostov in the opening match at Pep Guardiola’s side upped total before halftime and it was Aspire Academy Pitch No. 5, which will the tempo early in the second not until after the break that kick off at 8.00pm today. half and Raheem Sterling they rediscovered the slick headed in their second goal in passing for which they are the 54th minute before Leroy known. Sane made it 3-0 two minutes An intricate spell of passing later. ended with the ball being It was a poor advert for the played to Sane inside the area Premier League with Hudders- and his cross was met with a field, who look almost certain diving header from Sterling. to get relegated and who parted Two minutes later Danilo company with manager David intercepted a wayward pass Wagner this week, offering next and his first-time ball forward to nothing as an attacking force. was cushioned by the head of City’s fourth consecutive Sergio Aguero to Sane who win since back-to-back losses neatly side-footed inside the over Christmas took them to 56 post. points from 23 games with Liv- “This game can teach us erpool on 60 after they beat and show what we have to do Crystal Palace on Saturday 4-3. to improve,” Guardiola said. Toothless Huddersfield, “We’ve scored a lot of goals. who had caretaker boss Mark So far, so good. One team has Hudson in charge for the first been better but we’re in January time, have only 11 points and and there’s many more games are 10 points behind Newcastle to play.” Atletico shoot for football future in cricket-mad Pakistan

LAHORE organisation, currently sits 199th country as Pakistan dominated AFP in the FIFA rankings and has still international competitions and never qualified for a football won four World Cup titles. Spain’s Atletico Madrid are World Cup. The sport was only over- taking on a challenge tougher Things weren’t always so shadowed by cricket with the than winning La Liga -- devel- dire. rise of the dashing all-rounder, oping football in cricket-mad The national squad boasted and now prime minister, Imran Pakistan, where bat and ball are a top 10 place in Asian football Khan -- culminating with the king, pitches come with stumps until the 1970s. The sport country’s World Cup win in 1992 not goalposts, and even the remains widely watched by under Khan’s leadership. prime minister is a former World middle-class Pakistanis, and Cricket has ruled the sporting Cup winner. football video games like the roost ever since -- but the hope During a recent session at the FIFA franchise are as popular as is that another strong personality club’s new facility in Lahore -- ever. with a winning streak in football the country’s first European Those seeds of fandom are could change everything again. football academy -- a cabal of what Atletico hopes to nurture Ten-year-old Fiza Shahid Spanish coaches watched as a with their facility, which opened dreams of becoming a footballer new class of young Pakistani last September in the nation of like her heroes Lionel Messi and hopefuls fired off penalty kicks. over 200 million. Cristiano Ronaldo, practising in “We are not looking for “We know cricket is the main her backyard before joining players for Atletico Madrid sport,” said Visea. “But ... there Atletico’s academy. In this picture taken on January 5, 2019 Atletico De Madrid coach because we know that this is are a lot of football fans, they are As she sprinted down the Javier Visea (centre), 22, trains with Pakistani youths at Atletico going to be very difficult... Our followinag (the) Premier League, new facility’s pitch, her father target is to improve the football they are following La Liga.” Muhammad Shahid said he takes De Madrid club’s new facility for developing football in Lahore. here,” said coach Javier Visea. Atletico aims to promote great pride in watching his To succeed in carving out a football, health, and sports in daughter play the beautiful game “Both the sons and daughters very well without stopping,” he us about coming here we were place for football, they will need general, he said -- along with in conservative Pakistan, where have equal rights,” he said. said. a little bit scared because all the to overcome marginal gov- their own brand in the vast boys are more likely to be For 12-year-old Hussam The opening of the academy news coming from Pakistan to ernment support, poor infra- untapped football market that is allowed to compete in sports Suhail the Atletico academy not also comes as security has dra- Spain (is) not good news,” said structure and a troubled history South Asia. than girls. only provides a place to emulate matically improved across coach Daniel Limones. with FIFA that has resulted in And a promising future for Shahid, who is from a his idols but also a safe pitch to Pakistan after years of mili- But things changed when he multiple bans for violating the football may not be as quixotic humble background and holds hone his skills. tancy, paving the way for the landed in Pakistan. body’s rules. as it sounds. conservative religious beliefs, is “In the streets there are trees gradual return of international “We are feeling like if we are The country remains on thin For decades, field hockey a firm believer in his daughter’s and cars coming, you can’t play sports. in Spain, so there is no security ice with the governing was the most popular sport in the right to play. well, while here you can play “At the moment they asked issue or those things,” he said. MONDAY 21 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 11 Pacquiao batters Broner in welterweight bout

AFP managed to hold on to the end me luck,” Pacquiao said. LAS VEGAS of the round. Pacquiao went to work from Pacquiao landed his best the opening bell on executing the Manny Pacquiao put on a master punch in the ninth with a blis- fight plan he put together after class in elite boxing on Saturday tering left on the chin that sent reuniting with his long-time with a 12-round demolition of Broner back peddling towards trainer Freddie Roach. Adrien Broner, defending his the ropes. But Broner showed he He was the more active of the welterweight title in his first fight can take a punch as he stayed on two boxers and it didn’t take long on US soil in two years -- and his his feet and survived another for Broner to get frustrated with first as a 40-year-old. punishing round. Pacquiao’s speed as Broner Pacquiao easily won with an Pacquiao is now hoping to delivered a right forearm shiver impressive display of superior avenge his 2015 loss to May- to his opponent’s jaw at the end hand speed and destructive weather which became the of the second round. power that landed him a unan- richest one-day sporting event Pacquiao did a good job of imous decision victory over the in history. Immediately after the setting up solid head and body much younger American at the fight Pacquiao called out May- shots with well-timed head fakes Manny Pacquiao (right) throws MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. weather. “Tell him to come back and jabs. His most effective a punch at Adrien Broner during The Filipino star almost to the ring and we will fight,” punch in the early rounds was a knocked Broner down twice in their WBA welterweight world Pacquiao said. body shot and then a left hook the seventh and ninth rounds title boxing match at MGM Grand “I am willing to fight again to the face as Broner ducked and showed that he can still be Garden Arena on Saturday. Floyd Mayweather. If he is down to protect his a force in the highly-competitive willing to come back in boxing.” midsection. division despite turning 40 last Mayweather, who helped Pacquiao had a good sixth month. promote Saturday’s boxing card, round but got caught at the end “I really don’t believe my was non-committal when asked with an uppercut and left hook career is over. I proved it in my if he would get back in the ring on the chin -- though even that last fight against (Lucas) Mat- WBA’s two welterweight belts with 39 knockouts, winning on onslaught in the seventh round with Pacquiao. “Right now I am wasn’t enough for Broner to win thysee,” Pacquiao said. and possibly sets the stage for a all three judges’ scorecards, by hitting the 29-year-old Broner living the happy life,” he said. the round. Pacquiao’s best “And now I prove it again at rematch with Floyd Mayweather, including by one tally of 117-111. with a left hook then immedi- Mayweather also visited Pac- rounds were seven through nine the age of 40.” In his 70th fight who watched the bout from The other two judges also had it ately doubling it up. quiao in his dressing room before but the only blemish on his night as a professional, Pacquiao ringside. one-sided at 116-112. Broner went into a shell the fight. was he couldn’t get his second retains the lesser version of the Pacquiao improved to 61-7-2 Pacquiao started the mode, absorbing more blows but “He just said hello. Wished knockout in a row. Cavani and Mbappe score China and Vietnam reach 3 each in big PSG victory Asian Cup quarter-finals AFP AP AL AIN PARIS China flirted with disaster Jordan’s Saeed Al Murjan Edinson Cavani and Kylian before mounting a second-half (front) heads the ball Mbappe scored hat tricks as revival as they fought back from league leader Paris Saint- behind to beat Thailand 2-1 and during the AFC Asian Germain crushed bottom club reach the Asian Cup quarter- Cup Round of 16 match Guingamp 9-0 on Saturday. finals yesterday. against Vietnam at the Neymar netted twice while The giant nation were all at Al Maktoum Stadium, in Thomas Meunier was also on sea as they fell behind to Dubai, yesterday. target as PSG avenged Guin- Supachai Jaided’s opener but gamp’s League Cup quarterfinal they hit back after the break win earlier this month. through substitute Xiao Zhi and The rout equaled PSG’s Gao Lin’s well-taken penalty. record league win: 9-0 away to It meant China live to fight Troyes in 2016, when Zlatan another day under Marcello Ibrahimovic was the star. The Lippi, who is expected to step capital club won a French Cup down after the Asian Cup, while Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (right) celebrates game 10-0 in 1994. Thailand exit with their heads after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against PSG, which has a huge tally held high. In an open start, distinctly rattled, but they nearly substitute forward Xiao, three of 62 goals in 19 games, is now Guingamp at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on Saturday. Theerathon Bunmathan saw a hit back just before half-time minutes after coming on, 13 points ahead of second-place free kick tipped over and Wu Lei when Yu Dabao flashed his headed straight at Siwarak Lille with two matches in hand. feast of attacking football. Eboa on the edge of the penalty had an attempt smothered by header wide from Hao Junmin’s before prodding home the However, the day was marred “I’ve never seen that, 9-0 in area and the loose ball rolled to Thai goalkeeper Siwarak Ted- free kick. rebound. by a left-ankle injury suffered the league,” he said. him. Guingamp forward Marcus sungnoen before Thailand went China’s star man Wu Lei, The onslaught didn’t stop by midfielder Marco Verratti, “We played with a lot of Thuram - son of France great ahead on 31 minutes. who missed their final group and after Gao was brought down who limped off after 18 minutes. quality and got better as the Lilian - was occasionally a From a corner, in front of game with a shoulder injury, by Chalermpong Kerdkaew, he “I’m sad... I think it’s game went on. We did things threat but it was a dominant Thailand’s drumming and missed a series of chances after nervelessly swept the spot-kick serious,” coach Thomas Tuchel simply, quickly.” Neymar first-half display by PSG. singing fans, Thitiphan Puang- half-time, including one when high into the net for a 2-1 lead. said. opened the scoring in the 12th After the break, Guingamp jan’s miscued shot fell to he embarrassingly sliced an easy But ultimately it was China “It’s possible he’ll be out after taking down a long pass fell apart as Cavani netted a Supachai Jaided, who turned shot well wide. who joined Vietnam in the last for a few weeks. He’s gone to from Dani Alves, cutting inside second-half treble, Neymar had and rammed it past Chinese But China were piercing the eight, after the Southeast Asian the hospital and we can’t say a defender and finishing sharply a goal confirmed after video goalie Yan Junling from close Thai defence again and again champions stunned Jordan on anything more for the time with his right foot. reviews showed it crossing the range.The chances were falling and on the hour mark, only penalties after a tense 1-1 draw being.” He then set up Mbappe in line, and Mbappe swept home thick and fast for Thailand and Siwarak’s legs preserved Thai- in Dubai.It ends a rollercoaster PSG, already depleted in the 37th after they swapped from close range to get his hat the “Thai Messi” Chanathip land’s lead when he parried Yu’s tournament for Thailand, who midfield, travels to Manchester passes and his fellow striker trick. Songkrasin was adjudged to goal-bound shot from point- sacked their coach Milovan United in the first leg of their side-footed the ball in. Mbappe moved further have fouled Feng Xiaoting as he blank range. Rajevac after their 4-1 drubbing Champions League last-16 game Just before halftime, Mbappe ahead in the league scoring jinked his way into a scoring China finally scored midway by India but recovered to reach on Feb. 12. grabbed his second after Cavani charts with a career-best 17; opportunity. China looked through the second half when the last 16. Tuchel’s team produced a tackled defender Felix Eboa Cavani has 14 and Neymar 13.

2018 Manateq Qatar National Baja: Al Meer crowned champion Jazz strikes winning note to win in Singapore AFP (from playing) -- but I am SINGAPORE happy that I have still got it,” Jazz said. Thailand’s Jazz Janewattan- He credited a new putting anond played a sparkling final style, where he grips low down round to win the Singapore on a mid-length putter, and the Open golf with a record- guidance of renowned coach breaking score yesterday, Pete Cowen for helping him win seeing off tough challenges on a tough course. from Paul Casey and Matthew The Thai player finished Fitzpatrick. two shots ahead of world Jazz was impressive on the number 24 Casey of England, front nine and made the turn who matched Jazz’s final round with a three-stroke lead, before 65, and overnight leader finishing with two birdies in the Yoshinori Fujimoto of Japan, last three holes to seal victory. whose birdie at the last saw him The 23-year-old shot a final card a 68. round 65 for an 18 under 266 “I’m happy with how I total. It was the best four-round played, gave myself an oppor- score in a Singapore Open tunity, and then there’s obvi- staged at the Sentosa Golf Club, ously a couple of putts like the and beat Adam Scott’s record ones on the last which I The podium winners at the sixth and ﬁnal round of the 2018 Manateq Qatar National Baja organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle 17 under set in 2010. struggled to read correctly -- Federation. Ahmed Alouh and his co-driver Nasser Saadoun Al Kuwari won the sixth round while Mohammed Al Meer and Russian “I had a good 2018 and I did but it was good stuff,” said co-driver Alex Kuzmich on Nissan Patrol won the overall title of the 2018 season. not know if my game was still Casey, the highest ranked there or not as I had a big break player in the field. MONDAY 21 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 08 I’ve heard that story the last 10 years. From that standpoint, Swiss great Roger Federer nothing new there. It’s a bit of denied his defeat to Greek FOOTBALL FOOTBALL a desire. I’m in a phase where I young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas Asian Cup, Round of 16: Serie A: want to have fun and I’ve missed signalled a changing of the Japan vs Saudi Arabia; Genoa vs AC Milan; guard. ACTION not doing it. UAE vs Kyrgyzstan TODAY’S Juventus vs Chievo Marchessault Phil Mickelson of hat-trick helps the United States Mickelson maintains looks on at the 17th hole during Knights thrash the third round Penguins of the Desert lead at Desert Classic Classic at the Stadium Course REUTERS in La Quinta, LAS VEGAS AFP Mickelson said. He was one tied for third last year. California on LOS ANGELES SCORES Saturday. stroke behind Hadwin’s club- Hadwin, seeking a second US Jonathan Marchessault scored 194 - Phil Mickelson 60-68-66 house lead when he rolled in PGA Tour title to go with his his second career hat-trick Five-time major champion 196 - Adam Hadwin (CAN) 65-66-65 a 34-footer for birdie at the 2017 Valspar Championship and Marc-Andre Fleury had Phil Mickelson fired six birdies 197 - Adam Long 63-71-63 13th and regained the lead crown, said his bogey-free 34 saves and also garnered in a six-under par 66 on Sat- 198 - Steve Marino 66-65-67 when he drained an 11-footer day, which saw him hit 12 of his 17th career assist to lead urday to maintain his two- 199 - Michael Thompson 68-66-65, at the 14th. 14 fairways and 16 of 18 the Vegas Golden Knights to shot lead in the US PGA Tour Patrick Cantlay 67-66-66 A brilliant shot from a greens in regulation, was “as a 7-3 victory over the Pitts- Desert Classic. 200 - Dominic Bozzelli 67-69-64, Jon greenside bunker at the par- stress-free as possible”. burgh Penguins on Saturday The 48-year-old Rahm (ESP) 66-66-68, Im Sung-jae five 16th gave him another Hadwin was one stroke American heads into Sunday’s birdie look but Mickelson was in front of American Adam night in Las Vegas. (KOR) 71-65-64, Talor Gooch 67-67-66, final round chasing a 44th US unable to capitalize. Long, who had two eagles in Fleury picked up his J.T. Poston 68-68-64 league-leading 27th victory. PGA Tour title and his third in But he picked up another a nine-under par 63 at La 201 - Scott Langley 70-65-66, Sean

William Karlsson and Max this event in the California stroke with a 36-foot birdie Quinta. American Steve O’Hair 66-67-68, Joey Garber 68-64-69 Pacioretty each added a goal desert east of Los Angeles. putt at the par-three 17th Marino was a further stroke and an assist, and Oscar His 22-under par total of before capping his round back on 198 after a 67 on the Lindberg and Shea Theodore 194 put him two strokes clear with a par. Nicklaus Tournament course. also scored goals for Vegas. of Canadian Adam Hadwin, tougher Stadium course on Hadwin fired his 65 on Mickelson said he’d stay Paul Stastny and Colin Miller who fired a bogey-free Saturday, where a chip-in at the Nicklaus course. aggressive when they return both finished with two assists. seven-under par 65 for 196. the sixth hole launched a The Canadian is no to the Stadium course on Flames 5, Oilers 2 Mickelson -- who string of three straight stranger to strong perform- Sunday. “It’s a course you Mark Giordano, Johnny launched his week with a birdies. ances in the Desert. don’t have to be perfect on,” Gaudreau, Mikael Backlund, sparkling 60 on the La Quinta “Every now and then you He fired a 59 in the third he said. “You have to hit a lot Oliver Kylington and Sean course, one of three in use just need that putt, chip, round on the La Quinta layout of good shots in certain spots. Monahan each scored as vis- this week -- kept his foot on something to fall and give on the way to a runner-up But if you miss it properly you iting Calgary handed the accelerator on the you a little momentum,” finish in 2017, and finished can still play this course.” Edmonton a defeat. Goalie David Rittich made 22 saves for the Western Con- ference-leading Flames, who won on consecutive nights and are on a 7-0-1 run. Calgary had lost five straight in Edmonton prior to Rockets rally to down Lakers; Saturday’s win. Wild 2, Blue Jackets 1 Goals by Jordan Greenway and Zach Parise 89 seconds apart late in the first Thunder, Kings win thrillers period were all the offense Minnesota needed for a LOS ANGELES NBA RESULTS remaining to give the 76ers a victory over Columbus in St. AFP 115-113 advantage. Paul, Minn. Denver 124, Cleveland 102 In Atlanta, the Boston Celtics Wild goalie Devan James Harden scored 48 points Houston 138, LA Lakers 134 (OT) trailed much of the night but Dubnyk made 19 saves for the as the Houston Rockets rallied Atlanta 105, Boston 113 rallied in the fourth quarter for much-needed victory, as from a 21-point deficit to down Toronto 119, Memphis 90 a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota had just one win the Los Angeles Lakers 138-134 Chicago 103, Miami 117 Hawks. in four previous outings as it’s in overtime on a drama-filled Detroit 101, Sacramento 103 Kyrie Irving scored 32 points in the thick of the wild card NBA on Saturday. Indiana 111, Dallas 99 and Jaylen Brown added nine of battle. Paul George was the hero for Orlando 108, Milwaukee 118 his 14 points in the final period

Panthers 4, Predators 2 Oklahoma City, his 31 points Charlotte 135, Phoenix 115 as the Celtics posted a third Vincent Trocheck and including a decisive four-point Philadelphia 115, Oklahoma City 117 straight win. Boston’s Marcus Aaron Ekblad each had a goal play in the dying seconds that Smart was ejected late in the third and an assist to lead visiting sparked the Thunder to a 117-115 quarter after an altercation with Florida to a win over victory over Philadelphia. He gave us plenty tonight and we Atlanta’s DeAndre Bembry, team- Nashville. And Sacramento guard needed every bit of it.” mates restraining Smart as he tried Frank Vatrano and Jared Buddy Hield’s running three- The depleted Lakers, still to charge the Hawks player. McCann also scored, and pointer beat the buzzer to give missing injured superstar LeBron Things remained tight at the Colton Sceviour notched two the Kings a 103-101 victory over James and Rajon Rondo, domi- top of the Eastern Conference as assists for the Panthers. the Detroit Pistons. nated the first half and took a the Milwaukee Bucks and The win was the 800th in Harden’s latest gem followed 64-46 lead into the break. Toronto Raptors both won. Florida franchise history. his 58- and 57-point perform- But the Lakers lost Lonzo Eric Bledsoe scored a Flyers 5, Canadiens 2 ances in his last two games. Ball to a sprained left ankle in season-high 30 points to lead the Nolan Patrick scored But the Rockets never led the third quarter and their lead Bucks to a 118-108 victory over Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) celebrates and Los twice and Carter Hart made until Eric Gordon’s three-pointer was down to four points heading the Magic in Orlando. Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma reacts after a play at Toyota 33 saves as visiting Phila- seconds into overtime put them into the final period. The Bucks led by as many as delphia earned a win over up 123-120. Oklahoma City’s win was 19 points but the Magic chipped Center on Saturday. Montreal. Gordon, who finished with their 19th straight against the away to reduce the deficit to just Patrick’s eighth and ninth 30 points, had forced overtime 76ers -- the longest active NBA two points early in the fourth Leonard inactive for rest, the victory over the Dallas goals of the season came in with a three-pointer that knotted streak of one team defeating quarter. Raptors were led by Danny Mavericks. the third period, sealing the the score at 120-120 with two another. Milwaukee’s fourth straight Green’s 24 points. Tyreke Evans led the Pacers Flyers’ third consecutive seconds left in regulation. Excitement built as Phila- win pushed the Bucks’ record to Green made seven three- with 19 points. Darren Collison victory. “That’s what he does,” delphia’s Jimmy Butler inter- 33-12, while the Raptors pointers in the third quarter -- a and Domantas Sabonis added 16 After enduring a 24-game Harden said of Gordon, who also cepted a pass aimed at Thunder improved to 35-13 with a 119-90 franchise record for one period. apiece and the Pacers limited the goal drought, Patrick now has drained four free throws in the big man Steven Adams of New victory over the Memphis The Indiana Pacers bounced Mavericks’ star rookie Luka four goals in his last three waning seconds of overtime. Zealand and drove in for a Grizzlies. back from a 24-point loss to the Doncic to eight points in the games. “He makes big-time shots. layup with 6.9 seconds With star forward Kawhi Philadelphia 76ers with a 111-99 victory. Tour Down Under: Impey makes history with back-to-back titles

AFP 20 hours 30 minutes 42 seconds, But even though Porte Zealander had overnight scans ADELAIDE beat Porte by 13 seconds for the reigned supreme yet again up the in hospital and was cleared by race with Dutchman Wouter hill, Impey did enough to finish team medical staff after a con- South Africa’s Daryl Impey hung Poels of Sky Team a further four a few metres behind him and cussion test. Overall race on up the torturous final seconds away in third place Poels, to secure the race’s grand But Bevin dropped back winner South Willunga Hill to become the first overall. classification. through the peloton on the final African rider Daryl cyclist to win back-to-back titles No one has won consecutive Impey, winner of stage four climb to concede the race lead Impey celebrates at Australia’s Tour Down Under titles in the 21 years of the Tour and seven seconds off the lead to Impey. with the winning outside Adelaide yesterday. Down Under, while Porte, the before the final stage, benefited Bevin gained some conso- shield in Adelaide, Mitchelton-Scott’s Impey, 2017 Tour winner, has been from overnight leader Patrick lation by winning the sprint yesterday. who won last year’s UCI season- runner-up four times. Bevin being unable to keep pace jersey in the race with 56 points opening event on countback, dug It was Porte’s sixth-consec- with the peloton as he battled the from Dutchman Danny Van in to take this year’s general clas- utive victory up the notorious injuries he suffered on stage five. Poppel on 54 points and former sification behind sixth-stage Willunga Hill stage but knowing CCC Team’s Bevin took part triple world champion Peter winner Richie Porte of Australia he needed to win by 10 seconds in the final stage after being Sagan on 50 points. up the physically-demanding to beat Impey, he sat up out of cleared of serious injury from a Australia’s Jason Lea finished three-kilometre (1.9-mile) climb his saddle and gave everything heavy fall with nine kilometres King of the Mountain with 30 to the finish line. to try to pinch the title at the left in Saturday’s stage. points on countback from Poels, Impey, with a total time of summit. The 27-year-old New also on 30, and Porte with 28.