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Saturday, January 26, 2019 GOLF Jumada I 20, 1440 AH Ernie Els moves GULF TIMES to second aft er vintage display SPORT Page 4 AFC ASIAN CUP Sanchez ‘happiest coach in the world’ as make history ‘We played a great game, the players made a huge eff ort and we achieved something great for our country’

By Sports Reporter today, this is history for us,” said Span- The Qataris who have faced con- fi ve at the back, came out with more QFA president praises iard Sanchez, under whom the players stant abuse from the crowds in the attacking intent in the second half but have gelled as a fi ghting-fi t unit. UAE sobbed tears of delight at the fi nal were almost immediately caught on the Qatar’s qualifi cation to “We played a great game, the play- whistle before stripping to the waist break with Hwang Ui-jo forcing a save Asian Cup semis elix Sanchez declared himself ers made a huge eff ort and we achieved and dancing for joy. out of Saad al-Sheeb. as the “happiest coach” in the something great for our country. I’m South Korea’s shell-shocked players The game was opening up with QNA world after Qatar stormed into the happiest coach in the world.” could scarcely believe the manner of chances at both ends and Son, who had Abu Dhabi the semi-fi nals of the Asian Little has fazed Sanchez during Qa- their ambush and cut dejected fi gures looked fatigued since joining the South CupF with a 1-0 win over continental gi- tar’s historic march to the Asian Cup as they trudged off the pitch at the end. Korean squad for their third group ants and regular World Cuppers South last four, but the revelation that his They had looked in total control, game, started to impose his infl uence. atar Football Association Korea. players visited a fast food restaurant comfortably shackling Sudan-born The Tottenham Hotspur forward got (QFA) president HE Sheikh What’s signifi cant about Al Annabi’s during the tournament caused him striker , who needs one more a low drive on target in the 72nd minute QHamad bin Khalifa bin progress is that they are not only un- some amusement yesterday. goal to equal Ali Daei’s record of eight in which went straight to Saad and made a Ahmed al-Thani praised yesterday beaten in the prestigious tournament Asked whether he was aware that de- a single Asian Cup. decoy run before Kim Jin-su curled the the qualification of the Qatari foot- but are also yet to concede a single goal, fender Bassam al-Rawi and striker Al- But the Koreans, who fi nished run- ball onto the outside of the post from a ball national team to the semi-final which is a unique record in itself. moez Ali — the top scorer in the United ners-up four years ago, lacked an end free kick three minutes later. of AFC Asian Cup in the UAE, after Ali Afi f had declared on Thursday Arab Emirates tournament — went to a product even before the fatal break- Just when it looked like the Koreans beating South Korea through a goal that the Asian Cup is coming to Qatar, Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet after the down that allowed Hatim to wriggle might be getting on top, though, the by . and yesterday’s victory puts them just team’s group stage victory over Saudi free and try his luck from distance. ball broke for Hatim in midfi eld and The win saw the national team two wins away from what would be an Arabia, Sanchez was lost for words. “We’re taking the competition game “We didn’t create too many opportu- seconds later it was nestled in the bot- reach the semi-final of the competi- unparalleled achievement in the annals “I had no idea,” he said after a long si- by game. It’s the only way we can take nities but we created more than them,” tom right-hand corner of the South tion for the first time in its history. of the country’s already-illustrious lence. “They celebrate... today they can it,” said Sanchez. shrugged South Korea coach Paulo Korean net. The QFA president said in a state- sporting history. go to Kentucky if they want for one hour. “We [told] the players before that we Bento. Hwang Ui-jo had the ball in the back ment to the press that the delight of Qatar midfi elder Afi f was refreshingly It’s also good they have some freedom, needed to compete with the best play- “We hit the post, had the clearer of the opposite net two minutes later the Qatari and Arab people with the bold with his comments, saying the team they’re very professional players.” ers in Asia. They’re showing they can chances. But we weren’t as productive but was ruled off side, a decision con- win made it even more pleasing. will “go back to Doha with the Cup.” The smile that Sanchez could not be competitive in offi cial competition. as we normally are and it’s true that we fi rmed by the He then congratulated the players, With blockading country UAE next quite prevent from forming before “There are some big emotions today, made some easy mistakes.” video assistant coaching staff , and Qatar’s citizens in line, Qatar will not need any extra he answered makes it hard to tell if he but it’s no miracle.” Both teams had played their last 16 referee, and and residents on the qualification motivation to put up their best display knew about the escapade all along. Qatar have another tournament lined matches on Tuesday, which perhaps Qatar held on to the semi-final of the competition. in the tournament so far with the aim of Qatar’s offi cial account in up later in the year, when they will be se- contributed to a forgettable fi rst half to secure a fa- making it to the title clash. English retweeted a picture taken of the verely tested by Argentina, Colombia and with just one shot on target — Akram mous victory. es but they were very well-organised,” Be that as it may, but Qatar celebrated players in the restaurant. Paraguay as guests in the Copa America. Afi f’s long-range eff ort after 32 min- “We tried South Korea’s Portuguese coach Paulo late into the night yesterday after their Either way, neither al-Rawi or Ali are After that, the countdown to their utes which South Korea keeper Kim to dominate Bento said after suff ering his fi rst defeat giant-killing act against the South Ko- likely to be in too much trouble given home World Cup in 2022 will be well safely gathered. the game in 12 matches in charge. reans. the team’s performances and their and truly on. The Qataris, who started with as we had “We were eliminated because we Even the normally staid Sanchez was magnifi cent winning run. This is after The immediate concern, however, is in our weren’t effi cient enough in converting caught up in the swirl of emotions. all Qatar’s fi rst win at this stage in three Tuesday’s semi-fi nal with hosts UAE in previous our opportunities into goals.” “We’ve achieved something special attempts. Abu Dhabi. match- (with agency inputs)

Qatar players lift coach Felix Sanchez (also top) in celebration of their victory over South Korea in their AFC Asian Cup quarter-final in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, January 26, 2019 FOOTBALL

Sights from Qatar’s victory in AFC Asian Cup quarter-fi nal over South Korea SPOTLIGHT Holders Australia are out of Asian Cup

Reuters an empty net for his ninth goal in Al Ain two Asian Cups. The Australians complained Degenek had been fouled prior to efending champions giving away possession by Mo- Australia crashed out of hamed Abdulrahman, but Japa- the Asian Cup yester- nese referee Ryuji Sato waved away day when a contentious the protests and the goal stood. AliD Mabkhout goal earned hosts Victory means Alberto Zac- the United Arab Emirates a 1-0 cheroni’s side will move on to a victory and a semi-fi nal meeting potentially politically sensitive with Qatar next week. semi-fi nal against their Arabian Mabkhout struck midway Gulf neighbours, who earlier through the second half after stunned South Korea 1-0. Milos Degenek under-hit a pass Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bah- back to Mat Ryan, and the Al rain and Egypt launched a diplo- Jazira man swooped to round the matic and trade boycott of Qatar goalkeeper and slot the ball into in June 2017.

DRAW Qatar grouped with Argentina, Colombia in Copa America

AFP and last time out failed to even Rio de Janeiro progress to the knock-out stages. It was a shock 1-0 defeat to Peru that sealed their fate in the osts Brazil were handed Copa America Centenario in the a favourable group at United States three years ago, the 2019 Copa America and they will again meet in the draw in Rio de Janeiro fi nal pool encounter on June 22 in Hon Thursday but arch-rivals Ar- Sao Paulo. gentina landed a tough appoint- Argentina’s recent major tour- ment with Colombia. nament history is of an even Eight-time winners Brazil, the greater concern. top seeds in Group A, were given Although they have reached a pool with minnows Bolivia, four of the last fi ve Copa America Venezuela and Peru. fi nals — losing to Chile in penal- They will kick-off the tourna- ties in the last two — they haven’t ment on June 14 against Bolivia claimed any major honours since in Sao Paulo. their success in 1993. World Cup hosts Qatar, mak- They start their campaign on ing their debut in the South June 15 in Salvador against Co- American tournament as guests, lombia, who are ranked one place were not treated kindly by the below them in the FIFA rankings draw, landing Argentina and and progressed a round further at Colombia in Group B, as well as last year’s World Cup in Russia. Paraguay. Another concern for Argentina Fellow Asians Japan, making is whether or not global icon Li- their second appearance after onel Messi will come back to the a disappointing debut in 1999, side for the tournament. also face a tough task to make it He hasn’t played for interim through Group C as they drew coach Lionel Scaloni who took record 15-time champions Uru- over the reins after the team’s guay, holders Chile and Ecuador. World Cup debacle, missing six Brazil, led by coach Tite, come friendlies since then. into the tournament looking to The fi nal will be played at Rio’s make amends on home soil for iconic Maracana stadium on July their World Cup 2014 humili- 7. ation when Germany thrashed them 7-1 in the semi-fi nals. GROUPS The hosts, who will have ob- Group A: Brazil, Bolivia, Ven- served with concern a foot injury ezuela and Peru suff ered by star player Neymar Group B: Qatar, Argentina, Co- for his club Paris Saint-Germain lombia and Paraguay on Wednesday, haven’t won Group C: Uruguay, Ecuador, the Copa America since 2007 Japan and Chile

COMMENT FOCUS Favourites tag ‘ill-fi tting’: Iran coach hunts for Lippi successor

Reuters aft er Asian Cup ‘fi asco’ Abu Dhabi AFP Shanghai ran coach Carlos Queiroz has moved to dampen the level of expectation sur- ounded Chinese rounding his team at the football was search- IAsian Cup by saying they are ing for a new na- not even among the top three tional coach yes- favourites to win the continen- Wterday after an angry Marcello tal crown. Lippi ended his reign with a hu- Team Melli have been in im- miliating exit at the Asian Cup. pressive form in the United Arab The 70-year-old Italian World Emirates, reaching Monday’s Cup winner confi rmed after semi-fi nal against Japan with- Thursday’s 3-0 quarter-fi nal de- out having conceded a single feat to Iran in Abu Dhabi that he goal in fi ve matches. would not extend his contract. In Thursday’s quarter-fi nal, Lippi made no eff ort to hide his they ruthlessly dismissed China displeasure at the nature of the 3-0 — a scoreline that, if any- defeat, which came from some thing, fl attered Marcello Lippi’s calamitous Chinese defending. coach Guus Hiddink was hired pathy for the departing Lippi, side. “You cannot aff ord to gift a to take the Chinese team into the who won the CSL three times Iran have been to the semi- team like Iran three goals,” an ex- Tokyo 2020 Olympics and all the with Guangzhou Evergrande. fi nals fi ve times since they won asperated Lippi, fondly known in signs are that the CFA will hire an- In an online poll immediately the last of their three Asian Cup China as ‘Silver Fox’ on account other big name to succeed Lippi. after he stood down, about 75 titles in 1976, however, and the of his hair, said. Jorge Sampaoli, who was in percent of supporters were satis- canny Portuguese coach is de- Lippi, appointed coach of Chi- charge of his native Argentina fi ed with his tenure, even though termined there will be no com- na in October 2016, won 12 of his when they crashed out in the last he failed to steer them to last placency in his camp. 31 games in charge, losing 11 and 16 of last summer’s World Cup, year’s World Cup. “There are only three favour- drawing eight. was linked with the job late last On Weibo, China’s equivalent ites to win this competition and He was reportedly among the year. of Twitter, the hashtag #feelsor- they are Japan, Korea Republic best-paid coaches in world foot- He has since taken over at San- ryforLippi was trending, refl ecting and Australia,” he told reporters. ball, but the meek defeat of his tos in Brazil. the fondness many still hold for “For us to be labelled favour- ageing side underlined the limited the former Italy and Juventus boss. ites is not correct, it is an ill- quality of the squad at his disposal. ‘FEEL SORRY FOR LIPPI’ An editorial for Soccer News fi tting tag. Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz (right) gives out instructions to his players during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese football fans have long called the Iran loss “a fi asco” and “In front of us we have just quarter-final against China in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. (AFP) known football fan, has vowed to had rock-bottom expectations of warned fans to expect more pain another game. Of course, the make the country of 1.4 bn peo- their side, who are ranked 76th in over the next decade. game has added signifi cance in seasoned campaigner with al- after game.” rules that bans suspended play- ple a competitive force in inter- the FIFA rankings and reached the “China were defeated by the terms of enthusiasm and excite- most eight years as Iran coach Iran will be without Mehdi ers from the stadium were ex- national football. World Cup only once, in 2002. strongest team in Asia,” the ment, but when the whistle goes under his belt, emphasised the Taremi for the semi-fi nal clash cessive. The government is throwing Chinese Super League (CSL) newspaper said, adding it con- you simply have to play. importance of gradual improve- with four-times champions Ja- “It’s never good when you resources at the grassroots game, teams have splashed out on ex- fi rmed China were “a second- “This is especially true as ment throughout a tournament. pan in Al Ain after the striker lose a player,” he said. but the gulf between Iran and pensive foreign recruits, such as class team” on the continent. now we know the big sharks will “I always say to my team picked up a second yellow card “But two yellow cards does not China was more glaring evidence the 60-million-euro Brazilian Os- “But to lose in such a way, the come for us — the favourites of that after a match the Iranian against China. make a player a criminal, to not that patience is needed. car at Shanghai SIPG, but the pool team is dishonourable and help- Asian football — Japan and Ko- shirt must always be in a high- Queiroz accepted the deci- even let him inside stadium, no- The Chinese Football Associa- of international-class domestic less. Who will take over? No rea Republic are coming for us, er place,” he added. “What we sion to caution the 26-year-old, one can understand this decision. tion (CFA) appears committed to players remains wafer thin. matter their coaching ability or so we need to do more.” did against China will not work who has scored three goals at “I make this humble request hiring foreign expertise to fi x the The national team is regularly familiarity with Chinese foot- The former Manchester Unit- (against Japan), so we need to the tournament, but said Asian to the AFC to review this deci- shortfall in the medium term. lambasted back home as an em- ball, perhaps no successor can be ed assistant and Real Madrid, a ensure that we improve game Football Confederation (AFC) sion.” In September, veteran Dutch barrassment, but there was sym- compared to Lippi.” Gulf Times Saturday, January 26, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Messi makes plea for Sala search to resume

Lionel Messi urged investigators to resume the search for missing striker Investigators probe pilot of missing Sala fl ight Emiliano Sala after police called off rescue operations and admitted the AFP make a desperate plea for its resump- chances of finding him were “extremely London tion. Romina Sala said that she feels remote”. Police from aban- her brother and Ibbotson are still alive. doned the search on Thursday after “Please, please, please don’t stop the the light aircraft taking the 28-year-old ritish investigators said yes- search,” she told a press conference in Argentinian to Wales following his sign- terday they were probing the Cardiff . “For us, they are still alive.” ing with Cardiff City from side licence held by the pilot of the The family’s calls for the search Nantes disappeared from radar near the small plane carrying Premier to recommence were echoed by Li- British island on Monday. “While there LeagueB player Emiliano Sala that went onel Messi and other players includ- is the possibility, a shred of hope, we missing over the Channel this week. ing fellow Argentines Gonzalo Hi- ask that you please #NoDejenDeBuscar The light aircraft transporting the guain, Nicolas Otamendi and Lucas (don’t stop searching) for Emiliano. All 28-year-old striker, who signed for Biglia. “While there is the possibil- my strength to your family and friends,” Cardiff City last weekend, disappeared ity, a shred of hope, we ask that you said the Barcelona star on Instagram. from radar around 20 kilometres north please #NoDejenDeBuscar (don’t stop of Guernsey on Monday night. The lo- searching) for Emiliano,” said Barce- cal coastguard on Wednesday named lona attacker Messi. Quadruple talk is a the pilot, the only other person in the Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic ‘fantasy’ insists Guardiola plane, as David Ibbotson — a 60-year- said yesterday that it was “disgrace- old married father of three from north- ful” that the search had been called Pep Guardiola insists talk of Manches- ern England, according to reports. A off as he knew “in his heart” that Sala ter City winning an unprecedented spokesman for Britain’s Air Accidents was still alive. “It’s disgusting to leave quadruple is a “fantasy” as he prepares Investigation Branch (AAIB) said his the situation like that,” Halilhod- to return to FA Cup action. City are the licence would be reviewed as part of its zic told reporters ahead of his team’s only English club left with a chance of probe into the plane’s disappearance. fi rst match since Sala disappeared, a winning the , the FA “We would look at operational as- French Cup tie with third-tier Entente Cup, the League Cup and the Champi- pects of the fl ight and that would in- Sannois Saint-Gratien this weekend. ons League this season. Guardiola’s side clude licensing,” he said. “Our purpose “Please don’t stop searching, we un- booked their place in the League Cup is not to apportion blame or liability. derstand (the diffi culty of the task) but Final, where they will meet Chelsea in Our purpose is to establish the cause do not stop searching.” February. They sit four points behind of an accident,” the spokesman added. The Premier League announced leaders Liverpool in the Premier League Ibbotson reportedly told a friend via A tearful Romina Sala (left), sister of Cardiff City’s missing Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala, whose flight disappeared Thursday that there would be a “mo- and return to European action next social media shortly before take-off from radar over the north of Guernsey, is comforted by a friend as they look at the tributes layed outside ment of silent refl ection” in tribute to month when they have a favourable last that he was “a bit rusty” with some of Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff , south Wales, yesterday. (AFP) Sala before next week’s fi xtures. How- 16 draw against German side Schalke. the controls on the plane. ever the French League said they had Sala, who signed last Saturday from tabase, Ibbotson held a British private regulations, said Friday it could not for any fl ying you do using one, apart no plans for a similar commemoration French club Nantes for a reported fee pilot licence which provided the basis “confi rm the type of licence held by from some fl ight instructor work,” its at this week’s Ligue 1 matches. League Chelsea’s Moses seals of 17mn euros ($19.3mn), was fl ying for a similar certifi cate issued there Ibbotson”. guidance states, noting pilots receiv- president Nathalie Boy de la Tour said Fenerbahce switch to Cardiff in a single-engine Piper in 2014 permitting him to fl y single- According to EU aviation rules ing payment need a commercial li- the decision was taken out of respect PA-46 Malibu aircraft registered in engine planes. Britain’s Civil Aviation posted online by the CAA, a private cense. Rescue workers formally called for the “desires of Emiliano Sala’s par- Chelsea’s Nigeria star Victor Moses the United States. According to a US Authority, which issues UK licences pilot licence is “for recreational fl ying off the search for the missing plane on ents and loved ones” who believed he has joined Fenerbahce on a one-and- Federal Aviation Administration da- in accordance with European Union only”. “You aren’t allowed to be paid Thursday, prompting Sala’s sister to could still be alive. a-half-year loan deal. Moses agreed to make the switch to the Turkish club after falling out of favour under Chelsea LIGUE 1 FOCUS manager Maurizio Sarri. The 28-year-old has not featured for Chelsea since Octo- ber, after making six appearances in all competitions and starting just once. Sarri hopes League Moses moved to Chelsea from Wigan in August 2012, but had loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham before Cup fi nal spot will finally establishing himself in the team. Why has it not Moses was converted from a winger to wing-back by Sarri’s predecessor be ‘turning point’ Antonio Conte, playing a key role in the 2016-17 Premier League title triumph. AFP worked out for London Zola expects Higuain to make fl ying start at Chelsea helsea manager Maurizio Sarri hopes victory on penalties over Tottenham to reach the League Cup Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco French legend’s sacking is fi nal can prove a turning point in his fi rst season in Zola has backed Gonzalo Higuain to charge. Sarri had questioned the mental strength make an instant impact at Stamford ofC his squad and demanded star forward Eden Hazard de- expected to be confirmed Bridge as the Argentina striker prepares livered more on his abundant potential in the wake of a 2-0 for his debut this weekend. Higuain Henry? in the coming days defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, and the Italian got the re- joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus sponse he desired against an injury-ravaged Spurs. on Thursday and could make his first AFP First-half goals from N’Golo Kante and Hazard handed appearance for the Blues in the FA Paris Chelsea a 2-1 win on the night to overturn a 1-0 fi rst leg Cup fourth-round tie against Sheff ield defi cit and the hosts prevailed 4-2 in the shootout at Stam- Wednesday tomorrow. “There are play- ford Bridge to set up a fi nal meeting with holders Manches- ers who need to be rested and it could hierry Henry’s brief stint as coach of ter City on February 24th. be an opportunity,” Zola said. Monaco came to an end on Thurs- “I think that in the last three or four matches we had a The 31-year-old watched Chelsea’s day when the legend was problem. One problem was the motivation and the other League Cup semi-final win on Thursday offi cially suspended with his team problem was the players stopped having fun on the pitch. night against Spurs. Tlanguishing in the Ligue 1 relegation zone. Now with the performance and the result we can fi nd en- There is next to no chance of him being thusiasm again,” said Sarri. seen on the bench in the principality again, Chelsea’s new number nine Gonzalo Higuain was pre- Emery not surprised by with his sacking expected to be confi rmed in sented to the home fans before kick-off , but the Argen- Mourinho sack at United the coming days. AFP Sport looks at where tine’s loan move from Juventus was not completed in time and why it went wrong for Henry, whose for him to feature. Sarri has been criticised for persisting Manchester United’s sacking of Jose fi rst job as a head coach has lasted barely with Hazard in a centre-forward position of late and the Mourinho after a dismal run of results three months. decision to move the Belgian back to his prefered role on did not surprise Arsenal’s Unai Emery, the left of a front three with Olivier Giroud handed a rare with their squad having the potential to INJURY NIGHTMARE: Henry took over start as the focal point of the attack paid dividends. win the Premier League. a team who were in the bottom three after However, Sarri again preferred to focus on Chelsea’s United sacked Mourinho in December just one win in their opening nine Ligue 1 mentality rather than his change of tactics. “He played a after a 3-1 defeat to league leaders games and already struggling in the Cham- fantastic, wonderful match,” added Sarri on Hazard’s per- Liverpool left the club 19 points behind pions League. For all the undoubted quality formance. “I think in this match we played with another Juergen Klopp’s side and 11 points off a in Monaco’s squad, too many players were mind, another motivation, another determination. I think Champions League spot. unavailable due to injuries. his qualities are more important than the position.” Emery said it was “normal” for a Henry pointed the fi nger at poor pre-sea- However, Hazard was less enthused as he responded manager’s job to be on the line when son preparations under former coach Le- to Sarri’s claims before the game he is not a leader on the the team was not performing to their onardo Jardim, and there were still a dozen fi eld. “I don’t care. I just play my football,” Hazard said. “It potential. “I was not surprised because players in the treatment room last weekend. doesn’t matter what the manager said. I just focus on my this team has big players and can think “I am going to have to see if I can get a football and want to do my best for this team.” about winning the Premier League,” licence,” Henry said shortly after arriving, Thierry Henry was suspended from his role as coach of Monaco on Thursday. (Reuters) Chelsea needed a slice of good fortune to open the scor- Emery told reporters. joking that he would have to get his boots ing when Kante’s shot from the edge of the area went back on. Nevertheless, in an interview with a step in the right direction. During the 5-1 mantic, but Henry might now wonder if he through Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko’s legs to leave Paulo L’Equipe this week Jardim hit back at criti- defeat against Strasbourg last weekend, should have accepted a diff erent off er after Gazzaniga unsighted and the ball also nutmegged the Ar- Koulibaly returns to San cism of the squad’s fi tness under his watch. Henry was caught mouthing a vulgar insult rejecting overtures from Bordeaux and As- gentine goalkeeper. However, there was no luck about Siro aft er racism storm “That is an excuse from people with bad at an opposition player and later expressed ton Villa earlier this season. Chelsea’s second as Hazard rounded off a brilliant team intentions. Either that or they understand fury at a faulty VAR system. The signs were move involving Ross Barkley, Pedro Rodriguez and Cesar Senegalese international Kalidou nothing about football,” he said. “You need that it was all becoming too much. WAS THERE ANY GLIMMER OF Azpilicueta. Another chance for Spurs to win a fi rst trophy Koulibaly and Napoli return to the San no more than a month to correct a team’s HOPE?: Monaco had started 2018 with two under Mauricio Pochettino has now gone. Siro today, a month after racism and physical preparation.” WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME?: Henry cup wins, reaching the semi-fi nals of the Yet, Spurs’ spirit could not be questioned this time as violence overshadowed the team’s seemed to let his heart rule his head when he League Cup on penalties, before a 1-1 draw they battled to stay in the tie for 90 minutes despite the Boxing Day match against Inter Milan, COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS: Henry accepted the challenge at Monaco. Having at Marseille, when new signing Cesc Fab- absence of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min. for the first of a Serie A and Coppa Italia was a great player, the all-time leading goal- sold almost all their leading players since regas made a promising debut. Henry had double-header against AC Milan. scorer for Arsenal and France. But that in it- their 2017 title success, Jardim — who is been waiting to get to the January transfer Carlo Ancelotti’s side play an Italian self does not make a great coach, and Henry now in line for a dramatic return — knew window where he hoped to stamp his mark league game against AC Milan this has too often betrayed a frustration at work- this season would be immensely diffi cult.”I on the squad, and Fabregas would not have weekend before returning to the San ing with players inferior to his own previous am not surprised that the team is still in this signed had it not been for the presence of his Siro next Tuesday for a Coppa quarter- level. “Some of the things we did were just position,” he told L’Equipe this week. former teammate on the bench. final showdown against Gennaro Gat- illogical. There was a minute to go and we Henry leaves with just fi ve wins in 20 But the Strasbourg debacle and then a tuso’s side. were just knocking the ball about in front of games, one of which was on penalties and 3-1 home loss to Metz in the French Cup Franco-Senegalese defender Koulibaly our own box. It was bizarre,” he moaned af- two more in cup competitions against low- forced Monaco’s Russian owner and vice- was targeted by monkey noises and rac- ter a 1-0 loss at Reims in November. er-league sides. He announced last year president to panic. They could have waited ist chants during the 1-0 defeat to Inter That has raised questions about whether that he intended to strike out on his own as until after this weekend’s game at relegation on December 26 and has not played he had those players onside, even if the a coach after working as an assistant with rivals Dijon, and next Tuesday’s League Cup since having been hit with a two-match move to appoint the experienced Franck Belgium. Starting out at Monaco, where his semi-fi nal against Guingamp, but instead Chelsea players celebrate after winning the penalty ban for sarcastically applauding referee Passi as his assistant in December seemed glittering playing career began, sounded ro- they felt the need to act now. shootout against Tottenham Hotspur. (Reuters) Paolo Mazzoleni.

COPA DEL REY Ramos double puts Real Madrid within sight of the semi-fi nals AFP Thursday. Ramos’ chipped penalty gave Madrid next week’s second leg. in a second leg defeat to Leganes when progress Champions League both to come at the start of Madrid a 2-1 half-time lead at the Santiago Bernabeu Ramos now has nine goals in all competitions was already all-but secured. next month. Ten points adrift in the league, this after Lucas Vazquez had cancelled out Anthony this season and these two were key as Madrid “Football never lets up, now comes Espanyol competition now represents Madrid’s best hope Lozano’s early strike. maintained what it is beginning to look like a on Sunday and we want to win to get closer to of a domestic trophy this season and Solari’s se- ergio Ramos scored twice to put Real Girona, however, came again, Alex Granell second revival under coach Santiago Solari. the top,” Solari said. “When hard work is re- lection seemed to suggest as much. He picked a Madrid on the brink of the Copa del Rey scoring from the spot, only for Ramos to head After a blistering start, Solari oversaw a dip at warded by results, the feeling is contagious.” strong line-up, which included a recall for the semi-fi nals as they came from behind to home with 13 minutes left before Benzema the turn of the year but his team have now won It would be a timely run into form, with struggling Marcelo while Toni Kroos made the Sbeat Girona 4-2 in a thrilling fi rst leg on added a fourth to extend the advantage ahead of four out of their last fi ve, the only slip coming Atletico Madrid in La Liga and then Ajax in the bench, after recovering from injury. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, January 26, 2019 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Ernie Els moves Rahm rides eagles to second aft er to lead at Torrey vintage display Pines ‘I think the course might get a little bit tougher because the greens Reuters than the south.” San Diego World number seven Rahm has are going to get a little firmer and quicker, but these kids can really play’ fi nished no worse than eighth in his past four starts worldwide, on Rahm used his length including a win at the elite World off the tee to overpower Challenge in the Bahamas and the par-fi ves and take the indicated he felt confi dent that fi rst-round lead at the his form is not going to disappear FarmersJ Insurance Open in San any time soon with the year’s Diego on Thursday. fi rst major, the Masters, barely The Spaniard played the easier two months away. north course at Torrey Pines, and “The one thing consistent in shot a 10-under-par 62, to hold my game, especially in the last a one-shot advantage over Brit- few tournaments, is my driving,” ain’s Justin Rose and American said the 24-year-old. Doug Ghim, who also played the “I’m consistent off the tee, and north course. my iron play has been a lot better Tiger Woods shot 70, while (recently). When I’m giving my- Rory McIlroy had a 71 in his fi rst self chances, whether I putt good appearance at the event. or bad I’m never going to shoot Woods and McIlroy both too high.” played the south course, where World number one Rose also nobody managed better than 66, enjoyed a good day off the tee and where Rahm will play in the with his new driver. second round. “Drove it unbelievably well Rahm started his day with a today, long and was able to take 10-foot eagle at his fi rst hole, the advantage of the par-fi ves,” said 10th, and he also eagled his next Rose, who switched equipment par-fi ve in perfect weather, with companies recently. hardly a breath of wind drifting “It’s the kind of course you feel off the Pacifi c Ocean in southern you want to make the most of on California. a day like this.” He later had a chance to fi nish Woods made a relatively quiet with fi ve successive birdies, but return for his fi rst offi cial event missed a putt from inside 10 feet since he captured his 80th PGA at his last hole. Tour victory at the Tour Cham- “Taking superb advantage of pionship in September. the par-fi ves is where everything “Overall, shooting a couple got together,” Rahm told Golf under par on the south course is Channel. “A lot of momentum not so bad, but now I’m forced going on, especially starting the to have to shoot a low one to- day with an eagle. morrow over there (on the north “The north course you can get course),” Woods said after rolling some more birdie opportunities in a 12-foot birdie at the last.

Turning back the clock: Ernie Els

AFP ternational Open. But seven done.” DeChambeau, the high- fortunately, again, just didn’t putt on the ninth (his last) to Dubai birdies and an eagle in the sec- est ranked player in the fi eld have the right sensations... over save par. ond round raised visions of a this week at number fi ve in the shots. I just felt uncomfortable “I knew I just had to take ad- possible 29th European Tour world, made two stunning bird- on a lot of them, and conse- vantage of them straight out of rnie Els rolled back the title. ies from the desert on the third quently, my ball-striking is not the gate. I was like seven-under years to shoot a seven- Els, whose fi rst of his three and the eighth hole in his 66, at my best.” through about 11 holes, and it under par 65 round and Desert Classic wins came 25 which also included three bo- The fast-improving Herbert just felt like I was cruising.” move to within one shot year ago in 1994, was under no geys. The round may have taken is yet to win as a professional, Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, winner ofE the leaders at the halfway illusions regarding the task at him to the top of the leader- but the 24-year-old served no- here in 2013, shot a 64 and was stage of the $3.25mn Omega Du- hand if he is to lift the trophy board, but he was still far from tice last year with seven top-10s tied for second with Els, with bai Desert Classic yesterday. tomorrow. happy with his ball-striking. in fi nishing 47th in the European fi ve players a further shot back The 49-year-old South Afri- “You’ve got to keep going. I “I thought after yesterday Tour’s Race to Dubai. Yesterday, at 10-under par. That group in- can, who last won at the Majlis think these youngsters, they’re getting it around without mak- he got off to a hot start with an cluded the defending champion course of Emirates Golf Club in going to keep fi ring birdies. I ing a bogey was awesome, but eagle on his fi rst hole and birdies Haotong Li (67) of China and 2005, is on 11-under par 133, just think the course might get a today was even more impressive on his next two. qualifi er Callum Shinkwin (68) one behind joint leaders Bryson little bit tougher because the with three bogeys on the card, “I sort of kept a bit of an eye of England. DeChambeau (66) of the US and greens are going to get a little still shooting six-under,” said on the scores and everyone is Among the big names to miss Australian Lucas Herbert (63). fi rmer and quicker, but these the 25-year-old, who is search- making those numbers around the weekend’s action was 2007 A three-time major cham- kids can really play,” he said. ing for his fi rst win away from the back nine. There’s some champion Henrik Stenson, Jon Rahm of Spain plays his shot from the seventh tee on the North pion, Els’ previous tournament “I’m just happy with the fi rst American soil. good birdie opportunities,” said who’s 142 after two rounds was Course during the first round of the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open at win came at the 2013 BMW In- two days. Still a lot of work to be “I was happy about that. Un- Herbert, who sank a 40-feet one shot away from the cut. Torrey Pines Golf Course on Thursday.

ROUND-UP star Momota defeats 2018 champ

AFP place in the men’s semi-final Jakarta after won 21-18, 21-19 against Kidambi Olympic champion Sumgong Srikanth from India. orld number Indonesia’s female double one Kento Mo- powerhouse and mota breezed also won Wpast reigning against Thailand’s Jongkol- banned 8 years for doping lie Indonesia Masters badminton phan Kititharakul and Rawinda champion Anthony Sinisuka Prajongjai in three sets 21-16, Paris: Kenya’s Olympic marathon pounds, taking the cumulative total to Ginting 21-9, 21-10 yesterday 17-21, 21-13. In the men’s dou- champion Jemima Jelagat Sumgong has 955mn pounds since the fi rst event in to secure a semi-fi nal spot. bles, Indonesia’s Mohamed had her doping ban doubled to eight 1981. “This is a phenomenal achieve- Momota, who is Japan’s Ahsan and years for trying to tamper with a positive ment and part of what makes the London first male badminton player also won against and test for EPO, the Athletics Integrity Unit Marathon unique. No other mass partic- to hold the world number from China with said yesterday. ipation event comes anywhere near this one ranking, was in control 21-16 and 21-12. The country’s Sumgong, whose triumph at the 2016 kind of fundraising,” Hugh Brasher, the almost the entire game as he favourite mixed doubles team Rio Games made her the fi rst Kenyan race’s event director, said. defeated last year’s winner and and Liliyana woman to win the Olympic marathon crowd favourite Ginting in 43 Natsir also went on to the crown, was found to have provided US star Adrian battling cancer minutes. semis after winning against “fraudulent medical information”. Los Angeles: US swimmer Nathan “Ginting played quite well to- and Wakana She had already been banned for four Adrian, a fi ve times Olympic gold med- day because a couple times his Nagahara from Japan with years for failing an out-of-competition allist, has announced he is undergoing attacks were deadly and I had 21-16, 21-14. test fi ve months after winning the Ol- treatment for testicular cancer with sur- problems. But maybe because They will play Malaysian Chan ympic gold.That ban has been doubled gery scheduled for next week. I already anticipated them I Peng Soon and in after it was found Sumgong, now 34, The 30-year-old said on Instagram, could play well today,” 24-year- the semi-final, who won 21-11, had falsely claimed she was injected with where he was pictured in a hospital old Momota said in Jakarta. 22-20 against the Danish pair EPO by an “imposter” at a Kenyan hos- gown, that his sights remained set on Ginting previously defeated of and Lauren pital during a doctors’ strike. competing at next year’s Tokyo Summer Momota when the two players Smith. In the men’s doubles She had tried to explain her positive Olympics, which would be his fourth met in Jakarta at the 2018 and Zhou Hao- test by claiming she had suff ered a rup- File photo of Jemima Sumgong (KEN) of Kenya posing with her Rio Olympics gold Games. Asian Games. dong from China won 23-21, 21- tured ectopic pregnancy that had led to medal. “Life, like swimming the 100 free, can But the Indonesian said he 19 against and her receiving an injection and a blood come at you hard and fast as you can’t put his all into today’s match- Yuta Watanabe from Japan. transfusion. pregnancy would have required a four- London Marathon raises $1.31bn always see who, or what, may be chasing up.“I have tried everything But Japan shined in the The athlete gave anti-doping offi cials day stay. London: The total amount raised you down,” said the American, who won — attacked first, played with women’s double after Misaki fabricated hospital documents to sup- The fi nal straw came when Sumgong through the London Marathon will top two relay golds in Rio de Janeiro 2016 in initiative, speed up my tempo,” Matsutomo and Ayakan Taka- port her case. But the paperwork was was unable to explain why she was in 1bn pounds ($1.31bn) this year, organisers a US team that included Michael Phelps. Ginting said. hashi won against the Chinese found to be fake and the Nairobi hospital Kapsabet — a fi ve-hour drive away from said on yesterday. Thousands of charities Adrian also won two golds at London Despite Ginting’s loss, Indone- duo and 21-13, she claimed to have visited said a seri- Nairobi — at the time. sign up runners to collect donations at 2012, one of them the 100m freestyle, sia still managed to secure a 21-15. ous condition such as a ruptured ectopic the race. Last year they raised 63.70mn and another at Beijing 2008. Gulf Times Saturday, January 26, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT LeBron, Giannis Curry too hot as the named All-Star Warriors beat Wizards captains Agencies Los Angeles

os Angeles Lakers for- ward LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks for- for 9th straight win Lward Giannis Antetok- ounmpo will be the team cap- tains for the 2019 NBA All-Star ‘We understand what it means to win a championship. There are great challenges for us to focus in on’ Game after leading their respec- tive conferences in voting, the league announced Thursday. Joining them as starters will be Golden State Warriors team- mates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard and Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, who is the only fi rst- time starter among the 10. The starters’ selections were a product of voting from the fans (50%), players (25%) and media (25%), with fan votes serving as the tiebreaker. George won a tiebreaker for the West’s third front court starting spot over the New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis, who fi nished third on the players’ and media’s ballots but fi fth in the fan vote. George was ranked fourth by the fans, players and media. James, who has not played since Christmas Day while nurs- ing a groin injury, and Antetok- ounmpo will pick their own teams on Feb. 7 in a draft airing live on TNT. As the top vote-getter among the fans (4.6mn), James will pick fi rst, and the two will alternate picks until the other eight start- ers have been selected. Antetok- ounmpo (4.4mn) will have the fi rst choice of the second round, when the captains pick players named to the All-Star Game as reserves. The reserves — seven from each conference, selected by NBA head coaches — will be an- nounced Jan. 31. James was also the top over- all vote-getter last year, the fi rst year of the draft system, while Curry opposed him after leading the West. Last year’s draft was Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards forward Trevor Ariza (1) defends in the fourth quarter on Thursday. The Warriors won 126-118. not televised. PICTURE: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Curry and Irving fi nished as the top vote-getters among AFP Results pointers, Klay Thompson went one- Before the game in Washington, bounds, and Steven Adams added 20 guards in their respective con- Los Angeles for-four. some of the Warriors met with former points and 13 rebounds for Oklahoma ferences, as both approached Washington 118, Golden State 126 Curry said teams are starting to President Barack Obama. City, who won their fourth straight. 3.9mn votes. LA Lakers 105, Minnesota 120 adapt their defence to stopping the “It was amazing,” Warriors Durant Jrue Holiday scored 22 points and Each of the West’s starters tephen Curry made a timely Phoenix 106, Portland 120 three-point attack. said in describing the meeting. Darius Miller matched a career high have been named an All-Star at return to fi nish with 38 points Oklahoma City 122, New Orleans 116 “Teams are adjusting,” Curry said. The Warriors did not go to the with 21 for New Orleans, which has least six times, led by James with as the Golden State Warriors “We still got good looks.” White House to celebrate their 2017 lost four of fi ve. 15 selections. The East starters’ won their season-high ninth Centre DeMarcus Cousins had 17 or 2018 championships. President The Pelicans were missing centre resumes are less decorated, with Sstraight game with a 126-118 vic- tum,” Curry said. “We understand points in 24 minutes in his third game Donald Trump withdrew the invite in Anthony Davis and Nikola Mirotic. Irving (six selections) leading the tory over the Washington Wizards on what it means to win a championship. with the Warriors since being side- 2017 after several players, including Davis missed his third consecutive way and Antetokounmpo, Le- Thursday. There are great challenges for us to fo- lined almost a full year with a ruptured Stephen Curry, said they would not go game with a sprained fi nger and Mi- onard and Walker making their With Curry on the bench in the cus in on.” left Achilles tendon. if invited. rotic will be out at least a week with a third All-Star appearances. Em- fourth quarter, the Wizards cut the The Warriors had been dominat- “It is just amazing. He misses a year Elsewhere, Russell Westbrook right calf strain. biid will be in his second All-Star Warriors lead to just two, 108-106, but ing opponents with their three point and three games back he is starting to scored his NBA-leading 15th triple- In the late game, guard Rajon Rondo Game. the two-time defending NBA cham- shooting but after shooting just one pick up his rhythm,” said Curry, who double of the season and the Okla- scored 15 points and had 13 assists in a Three players who fi nished pions pulled away after he re-entered of six from beyond the arc in the fi rst scored 30-plus points for the 19th homa City Thunder beat the short- return from injury as the Los Angeles second at their positions in the the contest. quarter they adjusted nicely, fi nishing time this season. “We will continue to handed New Orleans Pelicans 122-116. Lakers lost 120-105 to the Minnesota fan vote failed to crack the start- Kevin Durant delivered 21 points on with 70 points in the paint. get better and he will continue to get Westbrook fi nished with 23 points, Timberwolves. ing lineups. nine-of-18 shooting from the fl oor as Curry sank just two of eight three better.” 17 rebounds and 16 assists for the Rondo returned after missing 14 Dallas Mavericks forward Luka the Warriors switched gears against point attempts but ended up shoot- Trevor Ariza led the Wizards with 119th triple-double of his career. The games with a fi nger injury. The Lak- Doncic — second among Western the Wizards from their successful ing 12-of-16 from the three point line a season-high 27 points and Bradley Thunder improved to 10-5 this season ers are still without LeBron James who Conference frontcourt players three-point attack to an inside game. in. Just one game after tying the NBA Beal had 22 points as their two-game when he gets a triple double. missed his 15th consecutive game due — ranked eighth on the players’ “We are trying to create momen- record by making his fi rst 10 three winning streak came to a halt. Paul George had 23 points and 11 re- to a groin injury. ballots and sixth on the media’s.

LOCAL MOTORSPORT Saeed and Abdulla secure pole positions

By Sports Reporter support,” said al-Sulaiti. fastest rider in the QSTK Trophy and Doha Al-Naimi is looking forward for the I did a very good lap time. I hope to- race. “The bike was very good today, I morrow I can push in Race 1 to secure went with used tyres and I am satis- the first position in the standings,” aeed al-Sulaiti and Abdulla fied with the results. I think that the Sheikh Jassim said. al-Kheleifi bagged pole po- bike is ready for tomorrow. I fixed the Meanwhile, al-Kheleifi clocked a sitions yet again in the third problem with the steering dumper time of 2:24.174 to finish ahead of Sround of the Qatar Super- and the clutch so we can fight tomor- Mohamed al-Khaiat. stock 600 and Qatar Touring Car Saeed al-Sulaiti row for the win and reduce the gap in “The weather is a bit hot this time Championship respectively at the in action at Losail the championship,” said al-Naimi. so I did some logging adjusting the Losail International Circuit. International Circuit Young rider Abdullah al-Qubaisi map to today’s temperatures. In the Al-Sulaiti was on top in Free Prac- yesterday. although will start in third place with qualifying session, I started from tice 2 and also had the fastest lap in a lap time of 2:05.265. seventh and climbed to second and the Superpole, (2:04.283). He will “I am not happy at all with my re- then to first, but Mohamad al-Khaiat start from the front row today, ahead sults as I expected a better lap time. is very close, so for sure we will have a of Mishal al-Naimi, who finished I didn’t have the right feeling with good battle,” said al-Kheleifi. second with a time of 2:05.010. the bike but hopefully tomorrow I Today, the QSTK race 1 starts at “I feel better in this round espe- can fight in front for the win as the 11:30am, while race 2 will begin cially after having my injuries. I am difference is not so big,” al-Qubaisi at 2.30pm. The first QTCC race is really happy to secure the third Su- said. In the QSTK Trophy, the fastest scheduled at 1pm and the second at perpole this season. I have a good rider was again Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim 4pm. feeling with the bike and hopefully al-Thani with a lap time of 2:08.600. Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar the weather will be fine tomorrow. Kuwaiti riders Mohamed al-Zaidan Touring Car Championship are or- Hope to get good results tomorrow and Nawaf al-Shuaibi finished sec- ganised by Losail Circuit Sports Club and thanks to Ooredoo, QMMF and ond and third in their category. and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- Losail Circuit Sports Club for their “The feeling is ok, I am again the eration with Pirelli Qatar as sponsor. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, January 26, 2019

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Pandya to join India Australia close in on team in New Zealand

AFP New Delhi

ll-rounder Hardik Pan- victory in first Test dya is set to join India’s touring squad in New Zealand after his sus- Head makes 84 while Labuschagne scores 81 as Australia held an imposing 179-run innings lead pensionA over sexist comments on a TV show was lifted by the AFP country’s cricket board. Pan- Brisbane dya talked about his encounters with multiple women in a chat show earlier this month as team- alf-centuries from Travis mate KL Rahul sat next to him, Head and Marnus La- prompting uproar on social me- buschagne and a last-ball dia that led to the duo being sus- strike by Pat Cummins put pended pending an inquiry. HAustralia fi rmly in command of the The Board of Control for day-night Test against Sri Lanka at the Cricket in India (BCCI) on Gabba in Brisbane yesterday. Thursday allowed Pandya to Head hit a Test best 84 and La- participate in the ongoing one- buschagne posted 81 as Australia day international series in New amassed 323 to hold an imposing 179- Zealand and Rahul to join the run innings lead over the Sri Lanka after India A squad in Thiruvanan- the second day. Sri Lanka lurched into thapuram. “Hardik Pandya will further strife losing the of Di- be sent to New Zealand to join muth Karunaratne on the last ball of the the team at the earliest and KL day by Cummins for three as the tour- Rahul will join the India A squad ists had to negotiate a tricky six overs to play the last three one-day facing the pink ball under lights. games against England Lions,” Karunaratne was snapped up be- the BCCI said in a news release. hind by Tim Paine as Sri Lanka reached Virat Kohli’s India lead the stumps at 17 for one with Lahiru Thir- fi ve-match series against the imanne on six to trail by 162 runs overall Kiwis after their opening win in and battling to avoid defeat with three Napier and will face the hosts days left. today in the second match. The “A massive wicket. It’s nice to get tourists will also play three them one down and break the left- internationals in New handers up,” Head said. “I think the Zealand. The BCCI had sus- way Jhye (Richardson) and Pat bowled pended Pandya and Rahul and against the right handers yesterday by ordered them to return home swinging the ball away we can put them in the middle of the team’s tour under real pressure in the morning.” of Australia. On Thursday the Head was trapped leg before wicket board said its committee of ad- by Suranga Lakmal, meaning no Aus- ministrators “is of the view that tralian batsman has scored a Test cen- the interim suspension orders... tury in nine innings against India and should be presently lifted with Sri Lanka this summer. “Two of us had immediate eff ect”. opportunities today to go on and get a The fi nal call on the duo’s fate big score,” Head said.“It’s disappoint- will be taken by an ombudsman ing to miss the chance to really drive the whose appointment has been game and get a massive lead and be still stuck in a legal wrangle. The play- with batters in the shed tonight.” ers had apologised for their con- Labuschagne was out shortly before Australian batsman Travis Head plays a cut shot during the day-night First Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) duct following the uproar, with dinner, also with a maiden Test century Pandya saying he “got a bit carried beckoning. His patient 150-ball knock and put some pressure (on Australia) af- away with the nature of the show”. ended when he skipped down the wick- ter tomorrow,” Lakmal said. “I treasure SCOREBOARD The chat show Koff ee with Ka- et to lift a drive only to fi nd the bottom the Australian fi ve () because I ran aired on Indian television on of his bat and was taken at short mid-on always had a dream of achieving a fi ve- SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS 144 P. Cummins c Dickwella b Chameera 0 68-1 (3nb), Perera 32.2-9-84-2, de Silva January 6 coincided with India’s by Thirimanne off Dhananjaya de Silva. wicket haul in Australia and it’s a dream AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS (74 FOR 2 M. Starc 26 8-3-22-1, Karunaratne 3-0-14-0 maiden Test triumph in Aus- Sri Lanka grabbed a few wickets to- come true.” OVERNIGHT) J. Richardson c Karunaratne b Perera 1 tralia. Popular Bollywood pro- wards the end of Australia’s innings. Head and Labuschagne put on 166 M. Harris c Thirimanne b Kumara 44 SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS ducer-director and chat show Cummins was unable to get off the mark runs for the fi fth wicket to seize the mo- Extras (b6, lb17, nb5, w2) 30 host Karan Johar has apologised in 21 balls before he was squared up by mentum and put Australia in command J. Burns c Mendis b Lakmal 15 Total (all out) 323 D. Karunaratne c Paine b Cummins 3 for the damage his programme Dushmantha Chameera and tickled a after losing two wickets in the opening U. Khawaja b Perera 11 Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Burns), 2-72 L. Thirimanne not out 6 did to the careers of the prom- catch behind to Niroshan Dickwella. session chasing Sri Lanka’s modest 144. N. Lyon c Mendis b Lakmal 1 (Khawaja), 3-76 (Harris), 4-82 (Lyon), Extras (b4, lb4) 8 ising cricketers who faced fl ak Skipper Paine was out fi rst ball, “I think the way myself and Marnus for their conduct. “I feel very Labuschagne c Thirimanne b de Silva 81 5-248 (Labuschagne), 6-272 (Head), Total (for 1 wicket) 17 edging a Lakmal outswinger to Kusal built that partnership put them under 7-272 (Paine), 8-278 (Cummins), 9-304 responsible because it was my Mendis at second slip for a splendid low pressure to bat for a long period of time T. Head lbw b Lakmal 84 (Patterson), 10-323 (Richardson) Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Karunaratne) show. I invited them as guests, catch and young Test newcomer Kurtis and put us in a commanding position,” K. Patterson lbw b Lakmal 30 Bowling: Starc 2-0-2-0, Richardson so the ramifi cations and reper- Patterson showed promising resilience Head said. Bowling: Lakmal 27-9-75-5 (2nb), cussions of this show are my T. Paine c Mendis b Lakmal 0 2-1-2-0, Lyon 1-0-5-0, Cummins 1-1-0-1 to bat for 82 balls before he was lbw to Marcus Harris was out in the fi rst Kumara 15-5-37-1 (2w), Chameera 21-3- responsibility,” Johar told Indian Lakmal for 30. over of the day, spooning a cut shot to TV channel. Mitchell Starc hit out lustily for 26 Thirimanne at point off Lahiru Kumara “I have had so many sleepless with four fours and a six before Jhye Ri- for 44 after adding just four to his over- four in the 29th over. ing any resistance, hitting 64 from 78 with the ball. nights wondering that how can I chardson was the last wicket to fall, for night score. Nightwatchman Nathan The Sri Lankans struggled to come balls. Richardson, who only came into Cummins chimed in to clean up the undo this damage. Who is going one. Lakmal fi nished with fi ve for 75. Lyon was out three overs later for one, to terms with the bouncy Gabba wicket the side after Josh Hazlewood was ruled tail, fi nishing with 4-39. The Brisbane to listen to me? It has now gone “We are still in the game and we need caught at second slip by Mendis off after winning the toss on Thursday’s out with injury, had fi gures of 3-26 to Test is the fi rst of a two-match series into a zone that is beyond my to bat as long as we can and take a lead Lakmal, leaving the Australians at 82 for opening day with only Dickwella show- lead an impressive Australian display against Sri Lanka. control,” the fi lmmaker added.

BOTTOMLINE SECOND ODI Competition in team is keeping New Zealand to address ‘obvious’ everyone on their toes: Dhawan issues against strong India IANS Mount Maunganui, New Zealand AFP Mount Maunganui, New Zealand pener Shikhar Dha- wan yesterday hailed ew Zealand have pin-pointed two the competition in “obvious” areas where they need the Indian team with to improve for today’s second youngO openers Prithvi Shaw and one-day international against In- Shubman Gill rising up the ranks Ndia — and bowling. India exposed a pretty fast. Shaw made his Test huge gulf between the world’s second- and debut in October and Gill earned third-ranked sides when they strolled home a maiden call-up for the ongoing by eight wickets in the series opener at Na- ODI series against New Zealand. pier on Wednesday. Both batsmen were part of In- Shikhar Dhawan, who fi nished unbeaten dia’s triumphant campaign in the on 75 as India chased down the 156-run tar- U-19 Word Cup in New Zealand get, said there was pressure on all the tour- last year. “I think the youngsters ists to perform if they wanted to make the are maturing really quickly in squad. “The competition is always there in Indian cricket and that creates our side,” he said yesterday on the eve of the a lot of competition in the team, second ODI in Mount Maunganui. “Eve- everyone has to be on their toes,” ryone has been performing really well. Our Dhawan said ahead of today’s strength (of depth) is very good.” second ODI against New Zealand. While India have the nice problem of a “Someone like a Prithvi Shaw, India’s Shikhar Dhawan made an unbeaten 72 in the first ODI. (AFP) surfeit of talent, New Zealand swing bowler the way he came into the Test Trent Boult noted the home side’s issues in team and scored a century and game from the ODIs in Australia? rat Kohli at Napier, he said: “The the two key areas. “I think it’s obvious we 70 runs against the West Indies, “I think Australian and New Zea- good thing about batting with know where we went wrong,” he said. “We it shows that our bench strength land conditions are quite similar. Virat is that we rotate the strike were severely outplayed the other day.” is also very good. So even among I feel that I’m an experienced very well and that is one thing After winning the toss and electing to bat, the 15 (squad members), we have player now, I came here a few that keeps up the pressure (on New Zealand were rolled for 157 in 38 overs. very high competition.” years ago. So you know what to opposition). I like embracing The match was shortened to 49 overs — and New Zealand’s Trent Boult (left) speaks with captain Kane Williamson during the first On his own form, Dhawan do and what not to do (in New other cultures. The Haka dance India given the slightly reduced target — af- one-day international against India at McLean Park in Napier on Wednesday. (AFP) said he is grateful for complet- Zealand). I know my technique is famous in New Zealand and to ter glare from the setting sun forced a delay ing 5000 runs in the last match suits all sorts of wickets, so I just watch it here, it was a totally dif- of more than half an hour. Boult said New Boult and new ball partner Tim Southee human and they do make mistakes.” where the opener struck an un- back myself. I haven’t worked ferent experience and I am very Zealand needed to set a good platform at were unable to make a similar breakthrough. New Zealand played Mitchell Santner as beaten 75 after enduring a lean on any footwork or technique grateful that the locals came and the start of the innings “and obviously put a “We know that early wickets in this format their sole spinner in Napier but may add Ish run in the ODI series against specifi cally for New Zealand and performed the Haka here. The good target on the board... it’s about batting kind of kill you,” Boult said, saying New Zea- Sodhi to the line-up for game two follow- Australia. “The milestone (5000 even if I have, I won’t tell. Once entire team enjoyed it, we took in partnerships and taking the game deep so land needed to be aggressive with the new ing the success of India’s spin pair Kuldeep runs) means that I’m playing well you are experienced, your mind their blessings and we hope these we can really cash in in those later overs.” ball. “If we can get three wickets in the fi rst Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, who took six and I am grateful for it,” he said. is calm and at ease.” blessings will work for us tomor- Mohammed Shami whipped out the New 10 overs, we know what pressure that puts wickets between them in the opener of the Did he make any changes to his On his stand with captain Vi- row.” Zealand openers in his fi rst two overs but on the rest of the team in the shed. They are fi ve-ODI series. Gulf Times Saturday, January 26, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET THIRD ODI South Africa beat Holder and Dowrich Pakistan in rain-hit game to go 2-1 up AFP SCOREBOARD Centurion, South Africa set sorry England PAKISTAN I INNINGS outh Africa beat Pakistan Imam-ul-Haq c der Dussen 101 by 13 runs according to Zaman c Rabada b Hendricks 2 the Duckworth/Lewis/ B. Azam lbw b Steyn 69 Stern method in the rain- hitS third one-day international M. Hafeez c Phehlukwayo massive 628 for win at SuperSport Park yesterday. b Rabada 52 The hosts went 2-1 up in the fi ve- S. Malik c Hendricks b Rabada 31 match series. I Wasim not out 43 The West Indies duo put on 295 for the unbroken seventh wicket Set 318 for victory, South Af- rica were 187-2 in 33 overs after H Ali c Miller b Steyn 1 AFP second rain interruption called S Ahmed not out 6 West Indies’ Shane Dowrich (right) the players in. The persistent rain Bridgetown, Barbados Extras (w12) 12 celebrates with captain Jason Holder meant the hosts were declared after scoring a century against winners, with them 13 runs Total (6 wkts, 50 overs) 317 aptain Jason Holder smashed England in the first Test at ahead via Duckworth/Lewis/ Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Zaman), an undefeated 202 while Shane Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Stern method. Reeza Hendricks 2-136 (Azam), 3-220 (Hafeez), Dowrich hit an unbeaten 116 as Barbados, yesterday. (Reuters) remained unbeaten on 83 not 4-250 (imam), 5-302 (Malik), West Indies declared their sec- out, while captain Faf du Plessis 6-305 (Hasan ondC innings on 415-6 yesterday to set was 40 not out as South Africa Bowling: Steyn 10-0-43-2 (2w), England a huge 628 to win the fi rst Test. were well on course for a victory. Holder and Dowrich put on 295 for the Earlier, Imam-ul-Haq hit a B. Hendricks 9-0-50-1 (2w), seventh wicket with the captain hitting measured century — and deliv- Rabada 10-0-57-2, Phehlukwayo eight sixes and 23 boundaries to all parts ered a message to his critics — as 10-0-71-0 (5w), Shamsi 9-0-75-1 of the Kensington Oval while wicket- Pakistan piled up huge score. As (2w), R. Hendricks 2-0-21-0 keeper Dowrich made a third Test cen- Imam completed the single that Did not bat: Shadab K, M Amir, tury with a six and 11 fours. took him to his fi fth century in S Shah Afridi. The pair resumed from the overnight his 19th one-day international position of 127 for six, and with a fi rst in- he pointed to his mouth as his nings lead of 212 runs after demolishing lips moved vigorously. SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS the tourists on the second afternoon for He was out almost immedi- Q de Kock run out (Shadab) 33 just 77. ately afterwards for 101, made off H Amla c Azam b Ali 25 Holder, the West Indies captain, domi- 116 balls with eight fours. Asked nated the scoring rate reaching his second about his gesture in an interview R Hendricks not out 83 hundred in Tests against England. after his innings, he laughed and F du Plessis not out 40 After putting on 110 in the morning said: “Everybody knows I am the Extras (lb1, w5) 6 period, they added another 112 in the two nephew of the chief selector (In- hours after lunch, capitalising on weary, zamam-ul-Haq) and that was a Total: (for 2 wkts in 33 overs) 18 dispirited opponents who could not sum- message to all the Pakistan media Did not bat: H van der Dussen, mon the energy to make a diff erence with and all the Pakistan people who D Miller, A Phehlukwayo, K the second new ball even though Holder criticise me.” Rabada, B Hendricks, T Shamsi, gave them two diffi cult chances after The left-handed Imam shared D Steyn bringing up his hundred with a straight partnerships of 132 for the sec- Fall of wickets: 1-53 (HM Amla, hit for six off leg-spinner Adil Rashid. ond wicket with Babar Azam 9.2 ov), 2-79 (Q de Kock, 14.3 ov) Rory Burns could not hold on to a run- (69) and 84 for the third wicket ning, diving eff ort at deep cover when with Mohamed Hafeez (52). Imad Bowling: Mohamed Amir the tall right-hander miscued a heave at Wasim fi nished the innings with 7-0-36-0, Shaheen Shah Afridi part-time bowler Keaton Jennings. Then a fl ourish with an unbeaten 43 off 6-0-37-0, Imad Wasim 8-0-34-0, just before the interval wicketkeeper Ben 23 balls, putting on 52 off 31 balls Hasan Ali 6 0-33-1, Shadab Foakes could only get a glove to a leg-side with Shoaib Malik (31) for the Khan 6-0-46-0 defl ection off Ben Stokes before it raced fi fth wicket. South Africa won by 13 runs to the fi ne-leg boundary. South Africa had a poor day in (D/L method) With their confi dence severely dented the fi eld, dropping fi ve catches, South Africa lead the 5-match after being routed the previous day for including lives to all fi ve of the series 2-1 the lowest innings total in 89 years of Test Pakistan top scorers. cricket at the Kensington Oval, and their fourth-lowest against the West Indies, England relied at the start of play and again when the second new ball was taken in the afternoon on James Anderson and Stokes to provide a breakthrough. But Holder and Dowrich were in no of the quartet, Roach, stood tallest. mood to exercise mercy with the pair His haul of fi ve for 17 from 11 overs re- SCOREBOARD keeping the scoreboard ticking over captured his best form of earlier years be- without taking any risks. After reach- fore his career was threatened by a seri- WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS 289 WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS ing their individual milestones, the pair ous shoulder injury. ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS (127 FOR 7 OVERNIGHT) smashed England bowlers to all parts of “The ball came out pretty well. I am R. Burns b Roach 2 K. Brathwaite lbw b Ali 24 the ground. Holder was particularly im- happy with the performance today,” said J. Campbell c Jennings b Stokes 33 pressive in unfurling a succession of fl u- Roach. “The pitch has toughened up for K. Jennings c Hope b holder 17 ent off -drives — along the ground and the batsmen. It is a bit jumpy and uneven. J. Bairstow b Roach 12 S. Hope c Jennings b Stokes 3 over the top — with the introduction of The aim was to make the batsmen play as J. Root lbw b holder 4 D. Bravo c Stokes b Ali 1 spinners Moeen Ali and Rashid. much as possible.” B. Stokes lbw b Roach 0 R. Chase c Stokes b Ali 0 On Thursday, Kemar Roach had spear- Holder and Alzarri Joseph snared two S. Hetmyer c Buttler b Curran 31 headed a devastating West Indies fast wickets apiece while Shannon Gabriel, J. Buttler c Dowrich b Roach 4 bowling eff ort to rout England for 77 in the fastest of them all, had to be satis- M. Ali c Joseph b Roach 0 S. Dowrich not out 116 their fi rst innings At stumps on Day two, fi ed with the lone wicket of Sam Curran. B. Foakes c Dowrich b Joseph 2 J. Holder (c) not out 205 England had hit back in limiting the Car- It was England’s preference for Curran as Extras (b1, lb1, nb3) 5 ibbean side to 127 for six, but Holder and opening bowling partner to Anderson, S. Curran c Hope b Gabriel 14 Dowrich piled on the misery for the tour- ahead of the experienced Stuart Broad A. Rashid c holder b Joseph 12 Total (for six wickets in 103.1 overs) 415 ists. which was one of the main talking points J. Anderson not out 0 Did not bat: K Roach, A Joseph, S Gabriel It will take tremendous resolve by Joe on the opening day. Extras (b4, lb6) 10 Fall of wickets: 1-52 (KC Brathwaite, 16.5 Root’s side to regain their composure Given Curran’s lack of success with the ov), 2-60 (JD Campbell, 19.2 ov), 3-61 at the crease after being swept aside so ball and the West Indies bowlers’ fi rst in- Total (30.2 overs, all out) 77 (DM Bravo, 20.2 ov), 4-61 (RL Chase, 20.4 ruthlessly fi rst time round. Replying to nings domination it is likely to be a dis- Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Jennings), 2-35 ov), 5-61 (SD Hope, 21.2 ov), 6-120 (SO the home side’s fi rst innings total of 289, cussion intensifi ed many times more by (Burns), 3-44 (Bairstow), 4-44 (Root), 5-48 Hetmyer, 35.1 ov) highlighted by a top score of 81 from the end of day two. After Anderson and (Stokes), 6-48 (Ali), 7-49 (Buttler), 8-61 Bowling: J Anderson 18-4-58-0, S Curran Shimron Hetmyer and James Anderson’s Ben Stokes had taken the fi nal two West (Foakes), 9-73 (Curran), 10-77 (Rashid) 27th fi ve-wicket innings haul, the visitors Indian wickets for the addition of 35 runs, 17-1-69-1, M Ali 20-3-78-3, B Stokes Bowling: K. Roach 11-7-17-5, S. Gabriel were blown away in 30.2 overs of unre- England, from 30 for one at lunch, were 25-3-81-2, A Rashid 9-0-61-0, J Root Pakistan’s batsman Imam-ul-Haq lets out a war cry after reaching his 7-2-15-1, J. holder 8-3-15-2, A. Joseph 4.2- strained aggression from all four mem- rocked onto the back foot at the start of 10-0-37-0, K Jennings 4.1-0-29-0 century during the third ODI against South Africa at the Supersport 1-20-2 bers of a pace attack in which the shortest the afternoon session courtesy of Roach. Park cricket stadium in Centurion yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Nakheel Landscapes clinch Workers’ Cup title QSL Cup semi-fi nals promises to be a gripping aff airs he QSL Cup semi- in Group A in the fourth place fi nals are sure to be with six points. They had two exciting contests as Al wins and three defeats against Kharaitiyat take on Al them. Gharafa had ended up Gharafa,T while Qatar SC lock runners-up in Group A with horns with Al Duhail at the Al nine points (two victories and Duhail Stadium today. An in- three draws. It will be a repeat teresting point to note is that of the group-stage clash in all four semi-fi nalists are from Round 3 when Al Gharafa de- Group A as Group B qualifi ers feated Al Kharaitiyat 3-0. Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Ahli and Qatar SC progressed to the Al Sadd, in that order, lost out last-four stage at the expense in the quarter-fi nals. of current QNB Stars League The tournament rule states leaders Al Sadd, after winning that, after the group stage, if 2-0, whereas Al Duhail beat Al any match ends in a tie, the Khor 5-1 in the last quarter- teams would play an extra fi nal. Qatar SC had topped 30 minutes divided into two Group A with 11 points (three halves. If the deadlock remains wins and two draws). Reigning in extra time too, then penalty QNB Stars League champi- shoot-out will be introduced. ons Al Duhail advanced from Kharaitiyat qualifi ed for the group as the third-placed the semi-fi nals by defeating team. They had eight points Al Rayyan 3-2, while reign- (two victories, as many draws ing champions Al Gharafa and one defeat). Qatar SC had Nakheel Landscapes beat Taleb Group 4-0 in the final to be crowned champions of the seventh edition of the Workers’ Cup. Last night’s put it across Al Ahli 1-0 in the beaten Al Duhail 2-1 when they Samuel Eto’o will lead Qatar SC’s win at Al Sadd stadium saw Nakheel become the first team to win the trophy three years in a row. quarter-fi nal. Kharaitiyat had faced off in the last round of challenge against Al Duhail in the fi nished their engagements group stage. QSL Cup semi-finals.

Saturday, January 26, 2019 GULF TIMES TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Stosur and Zhang Djokovic blitzes win women’s Pouille for another doubles title epic against Nadal ‘Hopefully we don’t go that long. But I’m sure we’re going to have a good final’

Reuters Melbourne

f Rafael Nadal’s Austral- ian Open semi-fi nal win over Greek sensation Ste- Australia’s Samantha Stosur (left) and China’s Zhang Shuai celebrate fanos Tsitsipas was one- with the championship trophy after winning the women’s doubles Isided, Novak Djokovic showed final at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) he could be even more brutal in his victory against Lucas Pouille AFP me,” said Zhang, who won her yesterday. Melbourne fi rst Grand Slam doubles title. Nadal had taken an hour and Stosur added: “Shuai, it is al- 46 minutes to wrap up victory ways a pleasure being on court on Thursday, while giving away nseeded pair Samantha with you, we have a great friend- just six games to the 20-year- Stosur and Zhang Shuai ship.” old Tsitsipas. took out the Australian It was their maiden Slam The Spaniard’s dominance Open women’s doubles crown as a team, although Stosur over an opponent who had Utitle yesterday to be crowned had previously won the 2005 US turned heads at Melbourne Park Grand Slam champions at Mel- Open and 2006 in a with his daredevil approach was bourne Park for the fi rst time. partnership with Lisa Raymond remarkable and meant Djokovic The Australian-Chinese com- that earned them 20 titles alto- had a point to prove when he bination battled past Hungari- gether. took to the court against Pouille. an-French second seeds Timea En route to the title, Stosur The six-times champion did Babos and Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang knocked out reign- not disappoint. He took 23 min- — last year’s champions — 6-3, ing French Open and Wimbledon utes and two games fewer than 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena. champions Barbora Krejcikova Nadal to storm into his seventh “Today, it is a dream true for and Katerina Siniakova. Australian Open fi nal with a 6-0 6-2 6-2 demolition job. Asked if he went into his FOCUS semi-fi nal with the intention of conceding fewer games than Nadal, Djokovic replied with a broad grin: “Yes. It was hard to Heat wave halts play do that, but somehow managed. “He (Nadal) has played im- pressively well throughout the entire tournament. He hasn’t dropped a set. He looked as good as ever on the hardcourt throughout these few weeks. I haven’t played bad myself the last couple matches.” Spaniard David Ferrer won only fi ve games against Djokovic Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against France’s Lucas Pouille (not pictured) during their men’s singles semi-final at the Australian Open in the 2013 semi-fi nals, but yes- in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) terday’s match was even more lop-sided. The Serb committed fi ve unforced errors, 22 fewer Pouille powerless to ‘fi nd any solution’ to dominant Djokovic than Pouille, while also hitting six winners more. AFP winners. tres from the baseline all the Djokovic said he played Melbourne “I think he just played amazing. time, it’s tough to do it.” Children play in a fountain as they cool down from the heat at the perfectly from the first to the He was too good today.” Pouille said that Djokovic, who Australian Open in Melbourne. (AFP) last point and felt “divine” on Pouille is coached by 2006 has won all six of his previous court. ucas Pouille admitted women’s Australian Open Australian Open finals, would Reuters Tennis Championships matches “You just happen to be in that that world number one champion Amelie Mauresmo. be hard to stop from claiming a Melbourne have been suspended on all out- zone that we all strive for,” he LNovak Djokovic played The Frenchman conceded that record seventh tomorrow. side courts at Melbourne Park said. “Every professional athlete so well in their Australian Open Djokovic was out of the blocks He believes even Nadal, who and Albert Reserve,” tournament wants to be in the zone, where semi-final yesterday that he so fast that he never had a has not dropped a set so far corching temperatures organisers said on social media. everything fl ows so eff ortlessly was powerless to resist. chance to put any of their care- and similarly romped past suspended play at the It was the second day that heat and you are executing automati- Top seed Djokovic destroyed fully hatched plans into action. Stefanos Tsitsipas on Thursday, Australian Open ten- had aff ected play, after the roof at cally everything you are intend- the Frenchman, seeded 28, in “I didn’t have time to put a may have a tough time against nis grand slam in Mel- the Rod Laver arena was closed ing to execute. bourneS yesterday, expected to on Thursday for the women’s just 83 minutes 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 to the Serbian 14-time Grand Slam strategy in the match,” the the rampant Serb on this form. “You don’t need to think too sprint into a final against Rafael winner world number 31 lamented. “I think when he’s playing like be the hottest day in a decade, semi-fi nals match. much. I guess you’re driven by Nadal. “I think (his) first mistake came “The strategy was to be aggres- this, yeah, he’s the best in the as a week-old heat wave brought But the blistering heat did not some force that takes over you “I was trying to find a solution, after maybe one set, I don’t sive, try to be the one who’s world for sure. power outages and left streets stop the world No. 4, Japan’s and you feel divine, you feel like but couldn’t find any,” said a know,” he said of Djokovic who leading the point. “We’ll see on Sunday how he bare in the business district. Naomi Osaka, from taking to the in a diff erent dimension. It’s shattered Pouille after witness- made only five unforced errors “But when he’s playing that far goes, because Rafa looks pretty Firefi ghters went on alert as practice courts early, ahead of quite an awesome feeling that ing a near-perfect display from in the entire match and hit 24 from the baseline, 10 centime- amazing, too.” the mercury crept towards an ex- today’s women’s fi nal, where she we all try to reach and stay in.” pected maximum of 44 degrees faces the world number 6, the hour-53-minute epic at the 2012 “He’s my biggest rival in my “Of course, the one that es that you live for, fi nals of Celsius (111 F), the highest since Czech Petra Kvitova. ‘BIGGEST RIVAL’ tournament, the longest Grand career. I’ve played so many stands out was the fi nal... in Slams, playing the greatest ri- Black Saturday bushfi res in 2009 Crowds were only expected The last time Djokovic faced Slam fi nal on record. matches against him, epic 2012. Hopefully we don’t go vals at their best. What more that killed about 180 people in to gather later in the day for the Nadal, who has won 17 Grand Djokovic said battles against matches on this court,” said that long this time. But I’m sure can you ask for? This is where the southeastern state of Victo- men’s semi-fi nals between world Slam titles, at the Rod Laver Nadal over the years have made Djokovic, the winner of 14 major we’re going to have a good fi nal. you want to be.” ria. No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and Lucas Arena, the Serb won a fi ve- the Serb the player he is today. titles. “These are the kind of match- “Glam Slam and Australian Pouille of France, ranked 31.

PREVIEW Osaka, Kvitova chase double delight in Melbourne fi nal Reuters Osaka fought back from a set Kvitova said. Melbourne and 4-1 down against Taiwan’s “She’s an aggressive player, Hsieh Su-wei in the third round which I am, as well. So I think it at Melbourne Park and showed will be about who gonna take the he rewards could not her determination in winning fi rst point and push the other a get bigger when Petra two more three-setters to keep a little bit.” Kvitova takes on Naomi 13-match victory streak in Grand With both players evenly Osaka in today’s Austral- Slams running. matched in their aggressive play Tian Open fi nal with one of them She will need all of that grit if and ability to serve big, Kvitova’s set to emerge as a fresh champion she hopes to stop Kvitova, who coach Jiri Vanek believed the at Melbourne Park as well as the is yet to drop a set en route to her player with the bigger heart will new world number one. maiden Australian Open fi nal, in win Saturday’s contest. Four months after stunning their fi rst career meeting. Vanek’s opposite number Sas- 23-times Grand Slam champion “I think to have the opportuni- cha Bajin believes Osaka’s fi tness Serena Williams in the fi nal of ty to play her for the fi rst time in and mindset will give her the the US Open last September, a fi nal of a Grand Slam is some- edge in rallies. 21-year-old Osaka is one win thing very amazing,” Osaka told The number one ranking will away from becoming the fi rst reporters after her semi-fi nal Petra Naomi be the cherry on the top for the player since Jennifer Capriati to win. “I’ve watched her play the Kvitova Osaka winner as she will unseat Ro- win the next Grand Slam after her Wimbledon fi nals. manian Simona Halep, who was maiden major title. “I know what a great player she after being attacked by a knife- “I have been in the fi nal of the ferent, but I don’t think it’s, like, Saturday could, however, be ousted by Serena Williams in the The fourth seed, one of the is. It’s defi nitely going to be very wielding intruder at her home in Grand Slam, but this is a little bit more nervous.” a diff erent fi ght against the big- fourth round, at the top spot of cleanest strikers of the ball in tough for me.” the Czech Republic. diff erent,” she told reporters on The 28-year-old, currently hitting Osaka, who hammered the women’s game on Monday. women’s tennis, is not expect- Kvitova is one match away She missed the 2017 tourna- Friday. sixth in the rankings, won the 56 winners and clubbed 15 aces It will be a fi rst-ever week ing it to be a cakewalk, especially from capping one of the most ment at Melbourne Park while “I’m not playing on the grass, Sydney International warm-up to defeat another Czech player in as world number one for either being pitted against an oppo- inspiring comebacks in the his- recovering from the surgery and but I think it’s just probably a before arriving in Melbourne Karolina Pliskova. players as Osaka is at her career- nent as aggressive as Osaka and tory of the sport, having had to it was just not a case of overcom- little bit more special because and has not looked back, having “I need to play my best tennis, best ranking at fourth, while Kvi- also more experienced with two undergo a nearly four-hour sur- ing a physical injury as the attack it’s after everything I have been strolled past her opponents in a what I can say. I think Naomi is tova climbed as high as second Wimbledon titles under her belt. gery on her playing hand in 2016 left an indelible mental scar too. through. So I think it’s just dif- 11-match winning streak. on fi re. She’s in very good form,” during 2011.