SATURDAY 6 JANUARY 2018 21

I’m feeling pretty good. I’m SPORT Australian tennis star hitting the ball well and I’m Today at 6.00pm. serving really well. So the first Nick Kyrgios after setting up a semi-final Men’s singles final two matches of the year, I’ve got against Grigor Dimitrov at the At Khalifa International Tennis through two tough three-setters. Brisbane International and Squash Complex

Kohli earns record $2.7m Khawaja, Smith bat well after salary for 2018 IPL England post 346 at the SCG campaign AFP REUTERS our team so we don’t have to bowl at him,” Australia fast NEW DELHI: star SYDNEY: Australia Steve bowler said of his Virat Kohli will pick up the Smith continued to be England’s captain. ’s Ashes nemesis yesterday as he “You lose a couple of largest-ever salary -- $2.7m passed 6,000 Test runs in an and he comes out to bat. He’s just -- in this year’s tournament, unbeaten knock of 44 to help his incredible, I think he’s been the with a host of big foreign team to 193 for two at close of real difference between the two names including Australian play on the second day of the sides.” captain also fifth Test. The tourists, 3-0 down in cashing in. The world’s top ranked the series with the urn already Kohli will stay with Royal batsman and relinquished, earlier posted a Challengers Bangalore along- batted through the final session competitive tally in the face of side South Africa’s AB de Vil- in a 107-run partnership after some fearsome pace bowling on liers, who will earn $1.7m in openers Cameron Bancroft and the back of a hard wagging tail the cash-rich event started by had departed ear- and some poor Australian the Indian cricket board in lier in Australia’s reply to Eng- catching. 2008. land’s 346. Australia came out after The Indian captain’s Khawaja notched a stylish 91 lunch to begin their innings in salary for the eight-team, on the same ground front of another packed house 20-over tournament spread where he made his test debut in only for Stuart Broad to clean over two months beats the the corresponding fixture seven bowl Bancroft for a duck in the $2.5m earned by allrounder years ago but it was the second over. Australia’s captain Steve Smith celebrates with team Yuvraj Singh with Delhi in of Smith that England most des- Warner scored a measured mates after taking a catch to dismiss England’s Dawid 2015. perately wanted. 56 by his standards in a 85-run Malan during the second day of the fifth Ashes cricket Delhi Daredevils They were to be disap- stand with Khawaja before was Test match in Sydney. announced as pointed with only a couple of caught behind when James head coach for the 2018 half chances presenting them- Anderson got the ball to move season. selves as Smith sent a couple of away from him. SCOREBOARD hitting a confident 39 and Moeen The batting legend early edges fizzing through the Broad’s 31 had earlier been 30 before both fell victim to the coached Indians to England (I innings) Bowling: Starc 21-6-80-2, Hazlewood 23-4-65-2, slips. integral to a bright morning for A Cook lbw b Hazlewood ...... 39 Cummins 24.3-5-80-4 (2w), Lyon 37-5-86-1, M Marsh pace of Cummins (4-80). the 2015 title during a two- The 28-year-old was soon the tourists after the hammer M Stoneman c Paine b Cummins ...... 24 7-0-33-0 Broad braved the short year stint. looking comfortable and blow of losing two wickets in the J Vince c Paine b Cummins ...... 25 Australia (I innings) bowling almost until the sched- Australian batsmen Smith unfussily swatted a single to last couple of overs of day one. J Root c M Marsh b Starc ...... 83 C Bancroft b Broad ...... 0 uled lunch break before and David Warner were also backward square to pass the Malan (62) lasted less than D Malan c Smith b Starc ...... 62 D Warner c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 56 becoming spinner Lyon’s first retained by their teams for 6,000 career runs mark in his half an hour after they had J Bairstow c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 5 U Khawaja (batting)...... 91 victim of the match and the $1.9m each, making them the 111th test innings. Only the great resumed on 233 for five, Mitchell M Ali c Paine b Cummins ...... 30 S Smith (batting) ...... 44 innings ended in a mix-up that highest-paid foreign stars. T Curran c Bancroft b Cummins ...... 39 Extras (B1, NB1) ...... 2 Donald Bradman reached the Starc eliciting an outside edge S Broad c Smith b Lyon ...... 31 Total (2 wkts) ...... 193 resulted in Mason Crane being Smith will play for the milestone in fewer knocks. which Smith caught brilliantly M Crane run out (M Marsh/Bancroft) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-86 run-out for four in his maiden , returning Having started the day with to make some amends for three J Anderson (not out) ...... 0 To bat: S Marsh, M Marsh, T Paine, M Starc, P Cummins, J test innings. from a two-year ban over a brilliant diving catch in the spills in his otherwise impec- Extras (LB2, W2) ...... 4 Hazlewood, N Lyon The leg spinner later made a match-fixing, and Warner slips to dismiss Dawid Malan, cable series. Total (all out) ...... 346 Bowling: Anderson 14-4-25-1, Broad 10-2-28-1, Ali reasonably solid start to his test with Sunrisers . Smith walked off his home His fast bowlers then pro- Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-88, 3-95, 4-228, 5-233, 6-251, 17-3-51-0, Curran 8-2-26-0, Crane 17-0-58-0 (1nb), Root career with the ball, returning , also ground in the brilliant afternoon ceeded to produce a couple of 7-294, 8-335, 9-346, 10-346 1-0-4-0 figures of 0-58. returning to IPL after a two- sunshine with 648 runs to his howlers with Cummins dropping “It’s awesome to be bowling year suspension, have former name in the series so far. Tom Curran on 21 off Nathan Hazlewood letting off 22. England’s tail made the most to the best players in the world,” India captain Mahendra Singh “We’re stoked that he’s on Lyon and, in the next over, Josh the hook with the all-rounder on of the reprieves with Curran the 20-year-old said. Dhoni back on board. But Kohli -- who recently married Indian Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma -- remains the top draw for the extravaganza in April and Bowlers dominate in Cape Town May. Nicknamed King Kohli, the 29-year-old batsman is REUTERS to 28 for three at the close having already listed among the bowled out the hosts for 286 on world’s highest-paid athletes CAPE TOWN: South Africa a spicy wicket offering bounce after smashing numerous seamer Dale Steyn grabbed his and some sideways records in his career. first Test wicket after an injury movement. He recently became the absence of 14 months as the Cheteshwar Pujara (five) and first batsman to score six hosts fought back against a fired- (zero) will resume double Test centuries as a up India on an enthralling first on the second day as the tour- captain. day of cut-and-thrust cricket in ists, who trail by 258, seek an Each team was allowed the opening test at Newlands answer to the venom in the pitch to re-sign up to three of their yesterday. and the home seam attack. 2017 squad before the players Steyn took his career tally to Steyn, who had missed the are subject to bids from other 418 wickets, three behind South last 15 Tests with a career-threat- teams in the auctions slated African record-holder Shaun ening shoulder injury, caught and for January 27 and 28. Pollock, as India were reduced bowled dangerous opener Another star performer, for 16 with a , will be looking to SCOREBOARD quick bouncer that suggested he re-enter the IPL fray in the had lost none of his pace. auctions after he was granted South Africa (I innings) India also lost Murali Vijay a “no objection” certificate by D Elgar c Saha b Kumar ...... 0 for one, caught by Dean Elgar at the England and Wales A Markram lbw b Kumar ...... 5 H Amla c Saha b Kumar ...... 3 gully off Vernon Philander, while Cricket Board. Morne Morkel claimed the The England allrounder, A de Villiers b Bumrah ...... 65 South Africa batsman Keshav F du Plessis c Saha b Pandya ...... 62 wicket of visiting captain Virat who missed the ongoing Q de Kock c Saha b Kumar ...... 43 Kohli, who played at a rising Maharaj to a bouncer from India’s Ashes after being suspended V Philander b Mohammed Shami ...... 23 outside off-stump and bowler Jasprit Bumrah (not in for a pub brawl, was signed K Maharaj run out (Ashwin) ...... 35 was caught by wicketkeeper picture) on the first day of the for a record fee of $2.16m by K Rabada c Saha b Ashwin ...... 26 Quinton de Kock for five. first Test match between the two Rising Supergiant last D Steyn (not out) ...... 16 South Africa won the toss sides in Cape Town yesterday. year. M Morkel lbw b Ashwin ...... 2 Extras (B2, LB3, NB1) ...... 6 and elected to bat, knowing the ** Two-time title-win- Total (73.1 overs) ...... 286 Newlands wicket is usually at its ning captain Gautam Gam- Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-7, 3-12, 4-126, 5-142, 6-202, quickest on day two, but were bhir has been dropped by 7-221, 8-258, 9-280, 10-286 soon in trouble at 12 for three as Knight Riders Bowling: Kumar 19-4-87-4, Mohammed Shami 16-6-47- India seamer Bhuvneshwar gave away 25-30 runs extra. “AB is best in the world. His Du Plessis flashed at a wide ** Virat Kohli has come 1, Bumrah 19-1-73-1, Pandya 12-1-53-1 (1nb), Ashwin 7.1-1- Kumar (4-87) tore through the “You expect that against counter-attack hurt us. It’s going delivery, handing all-rounder out of the event in Mumbai as 21-2 top order. South Africa,” he said. to be tough. We knew this is a (1-53) his first the highest-earning player India (I innings) Kumar took a wicket in each “I just wanted to bowl in kind of situation we’d have to wicket of the three-match series. with RCB. M Vijay c Elgar b Philander...... 1 of his opening three overs as he good areas. I knew it doesn’t tackle,” he added. South Africa’s tail wagged to ** MS Dhoni, Suresh S Dhawan c and b Steyn ...... 16 C Pujara (batting) ...... 5 snagged opener Dean Elgar with swing too much in South Africa The home side threw a a degree as they put on 144 for Raina and Ravindra Jadeja V Kohli c De Kock b Morkel ...... 5 the third ball of the day and then so I bowled in the right areas and counter punch with aggressive the last five wickets, with De will once again reunite in R Sharma (batting) ...... 0 had Aiden Markram and Hashim tried to get them caught behind. half centuries from AB de Villiers Kock (43) particularly fluent until yellow, with CSK electing to Extras (LB1) ...... 1 Amla dismissed cheaply in the Every batsman is vulnerable out- (65) and captain he was Kumar’s fourth victim, retain all three players in Total (3 wkts) ...... 28 next two overs. side off. (62) as they put on 114 for the caught behind by wicketkeeper their comeback season. To bat: R Sharma, W Saha, H Pandya, R Ashwin, Moham- “Amazing day. That’s how “It’s a decent wicket but fourth wicket. Wriddhiman Saha. ** Australian skipper med Shami, B Kumar, J Bumrah is,” Kumar said. “We there were some overs where we De Villiers reached his 50 off South Africa host India in Steve Smith who played for Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Vijay), 2-18 (Dhawan), 3-27 (Kohli) started really well but lost our gave away 3-4 boundaries and 55 deliveries before being three Tests this month with the Rising Pune Super Giants in Bowling: Philander 4-1-13-1, Steyn 4-1-13-1, Morkel 2-2- 0-1, Rabada 1-0-1-0 way in between. We could have we have to change that in the bowled by debutant Jasprit next two to be played in Pretoria IPL 2017 has been retained by bowled a little better, but we next innings. Bumrah (1-73) after lunch, while and Johannesburg. Rajasthan Royals. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 6 JANUARY 2018 Barca held as Dutchman Sneijder Real Madrid to join Al Gharafa ease to victory REUTERS Wesley Sneijder CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA BARCELONA: Real Madrid are on the verge of reaching the King’s Cup quarter-finals after DOHA: Dutch football star Wesley Sneijder will be winning 3-0 at Numancia on Thursday, while the newest addition to Qatari side Al Ghrafa, the holders Barcelona still have work to do after being cub confirmed via social media yesterday. held to a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo. The former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Nice Gareth Bale made his first start in over three playmaker will arrive in Doha tomorrow to final- months and opened the scoring for Real against Messi can ise the deal, Al Gharafa said on their official Twitter the second division side from the penalty spot in account yesterday. the 35th minute, but the hosts remained in con- quit Barca, According to reports, the 33-year-old has tention until they had Pape Diamanka accepted an 18-month deal to play for the Panthers sent off for a second booking on the hour. if Catalonia and his presence will be a massive boost to Bulent Numancia still managed to trouble Real with Uygun’s team which already has the services of 10 men but ’s side stretched their leaves Spain former Chile international Luis Jimenez and Slo- lead with two late strikes. vakia’s Vladimir Weiss. Isco converted from the penalty spot in the AFP With 19 major honours and over 130 caps for 88th minute moments after missing a gilt-edged Holland, Sneijder, who joined Nice in August, played chance and Borja Mayoral scored a header in stop- BARCELONA: Lionel Messi four league games this season. page time to give Numancia a near impossible has ensured he could become “It’s a nice adventure and a fun challenge,” Sne- task to overturn the deficit in the second leg at the a free agent if Barcelona no ijder told RTL Boulevard, a Dutch television show Bernabeu on Jan. 10. longer plays in a major Euro- yesterday. Triple Cup holders Barca failed to win away pean league as a result of “I am really happy to go for it together with my to Celta for the third consecutive game in all com- Catalan independence, Span- family,” he added. petitions and head into the second leg at the Nou ish media wrote yesterday. Sneijder is the most-capped player in Nether- Camp on Jan. 11 needing a win or a goalless draw According to a report in lands history and has won the Champions League to qualify for the quarters. Madrid daily El Mundo, the as well as domestic titles in Netherlands, Spain, Barca forward Jose Arnaiz, who usually plays contract Messi signed last Italy and Turkey over a glittering career. for the reserve side, poked in Andre Gomes’s low November includes a clause The Dutchman has enjoyed an impressive cross to complete a sweeping counter-attack and that he must remain a Barce- career which culminated with a Champions League put Barca ahead in the 15th minute, scoring for lona player only as long as the win with Inter Milan in 2010 and a promising stint the third Cup game in a row. club is playing in “a top-level with Real Madrid. After that season, he was con- Denmark international Pione Sisto levelled European league.” sidered one of the world’s very best. for Celta in the 31st, smashing the ball into the roof A source at Barcelona said Sneijder was instrumental in Inter Milan’s run of the net on the rebound after Iago Aspas had hit that “for reasons of confiden- to Champions League, starring against Chelsea, Bar- the underside of the crossbar. tiality the club never celona and the final against Bayern. Sneijder was Barca’s record signing Ousmane Dembele comments on contractual named the best player at the 2010 World Cup that came on in the second half to make his first relations with players.” summer in which the Netherlands became run- appearance since rupturing his hamstring in Sep- Catalonian nationalists ner-up. He finished fourth for the Ballon d’Or that tember and nearly scored the winner, but his low proclaimed independence year. shot was saved by Celta goalkeeper Sergio from Spain after a referen- Alvarez. dum on October 1, precipitating a crisis which is still unresolved. The Spanish civil and Oman down UAE to emerge Gulf Cup champions football authorities have said repeatedly that Catalan secession would end the par- ticipation of the region’s clubs in the Spanish League. If Catalonia becomes independent and Barcelona are booted out of and cannot persuade another major league (France, Italy, Germany or England) to give them a home, Messi could leave without having to pay his €700m ($843m) buyout clause, said El Mundo. The newspaper said that leaving La Liga would have the same impact on the rest of the Barcelona squad, whether they have specific clauses or not, because it would represent a substan- tial change to the Oman’s players celebrate after winning the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final against the UAE at the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City yesterday. Oman prevailed 5-4 circumstances under which in a penalty shootout to win the title. they signed their contracts. Salah wins Bayern Munich, Al Ahli face-off in friendly African THE PENINSULA Lewandowski attended Thurs- day’s session briefly and did a Player of the DOHA: FC Bayern Munich will few exercises separately from face Qatari team, Al Ahli SC, in a the team in order to help with a Year award friendly match on Aspire Zone kneecap injury that was sus- Foundation’s pitch 05, at 5.30pm tained earlier this year. AA today. It marks another day of The training sessions the FC Bayern Munich tour to attracted Qatari VIPs and Ger- ACCRA: Liverpool’s Egyptian Qatar, which has seen hundreds man tennis player, Jan-Lennard player Mohamed Salah has of local, regional and interna- Struff been named 2017’s African tional fans flock to Aspire Zone The Ambassador of Qatar to Player of Year. every day to watch the German Germany, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Salah grabbed the honors team’s football stars in action. Abdulrahman Al Thani, attended Thursday evening at the Con- The team concludes their annual the team’s training session on federation of African Football winter training camp tomorrow. Thursday morning. Sheikh Saoud Awards in Ghana’s capital Furthermore, Aspire Zone said: “We’re very happy to wel- Accra. The sensational striker Foundation will organise a press come FC Bayern Munich in Qatar FC Bayern Munich players train during their Winter Training Camp at Aspire Zone yesterday. beat his Senegalese teammate conference for FC Bayern for the eighth year in a row. The Sadio Mane and Borussia Munich’s coach, , world-class facilities that Qatar really special in Qatar and is one have a viewership of more than from European media outlets Dortmund’s Gabonese striker at 12.00noon today at the has worked tirelessly to build, of many factors that makes com- 500 million people, so the part- and very good things are being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah especially in Aspire Zone and ing to Qatar to train more nership has economic benefits said about it. I’m a Borussia to win the award. Doha. Aspire Academy, has made host- attractive for international for Qatar, and builds on the Dortmund fan, but I love foot- Salah had a great year, Some players had to miss the ing such elite training camp players.” country’s efforts to invest in ball and I watch Bayern’s scoring 10 times for his former last few sessions due to slight possible.” Meanwhile speaking about sports and attract investors to matches at the Champions team Roma between January inconveniences. After catching “Aspire Zone has become a Hamad International Airport’s Qatar.” League. It’s great to watch their and May before being trans- a slight cold, defender Joshua sporting hub for various train- (HIA) official platinum sponsor- While in Doha to participate training and get some common ferred to Liverpool in the Kimmich missed the team’s ing camps that happen each ship of the German team, HIA at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open tips from the players on how to summer. He scored 24 times training session on Thursday, year, attracting various teams Vice-President Commercial, 2017, German tennis player, improve athletic performance,” for his current team in 2017 and stayed back at the hotel to from all over the world and Paris Abdulaziz Al Mass, said: “This world No. 44, Jan-Lennard Struff Struff said. and also played a vital role in rest. Saint-Germain concluded its new partnership with the Ger- attended the training session on Former Borussia Dortmund his country’s success, scoring Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sven training camp a few weeks ago. man club stems from our vision Thursday. and Bayer Leverkusen, Algerian the match-winning penalty Ulreich has missed the last few In addition to Bayern Munich, the and strategy to have partner- “This is my fifth time in player Ahmed Reda Madouni, against Congo in the 94th sessions after sustaining a finger Tunisia national football team is ships with elite international Qatar, and I’m always impressed also attended the training ses- minute to secure Egypt’s first injury, but is expected to return in Aspire for another training sports clubs and a wide fanbase. with its facilities. I’ve heard sions and praised Aspire Zone World Cup showing since to training soon. Striker Robert camp. The winter weather is FC Bayern Munich’s matches about Aspire Zone Foundation Foundation’s facilities. 1990. SATURDAY 6 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 23 Al Attiyah eyes third Dakar title

THE PENINSULA / AFP gruelling terrain which includes many dunes and big off-track DAKAR RALLY - RECENT WINNERS criss-crossing the Andes and spaces,” said Peterhansel. LIMA: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al confronting the unique physi- “The mix between Peru, Autos Attiyah (pictured) will be chas- cal demands of Bolivia’s thin air. Bolivia and Argentina will prob- 2017: Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret (FRA/Peugeot) ing his third Dakar rally crown This will be the 10th occa- ably be one of the most beautiful 2016: Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret when the gruelling event flags sion that the Dakar Rally is being races in South America. They (FRA/Peugeot) off today in the Peruvian capi- held in South America since it will be special -- long and hard.” 2015: Nasser Al Attiyah/Matthieu Baumel (QAT/ tal of Lima. was shifted from terror-hit sub- He added: “We have to get FRA/Mini) The one of the most prom- Sahara Africa which will end in out of Peru well placed. With all 2014: Nani Roma/Michel Périn (ESP/FRA/Mini) inent drivers in the world of Argentina’s second city of Cor- the dunes, we must try not to get 2013: Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret motorsports and rallying, multi- doba on January 20. bogged down. The rally will not (FRA/Mini) talented Al Attiyah who drives Peterhansel has won on be decided before the finish line 2012: Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret for Toyota Gazoo Racing this four-wheels seven times, in Argentina.” (FRA/Mini) time, has previously won the including the last two for Peu- Loeb, meanwhile, was run- 2011: Nasser Al Attiyah/Timo Gottschalk (QAT/ prestigious event in 2011 and geot, and scorched to six titles ner-up last year, 12 months after GER/Volkswagen) 2015. on a motorbike since his event finishing ninth on his debut. 2010: Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/Volkswa- gen) Al Attiyah is the reigning debut in 1988. “We will see,” Loeb said 2009: Giniel de Villiers/Dirk Von Zitzewitz (RSA/ FIA Cross-Country World The veteran 52-year-old led when asked of his title prospects see Portuguese football manager then changed his mind after GER/Volkswagen) champion as well as the Mid- a podium sweep in the car race this year. Andre Villas-Boas taking part. talking to one of the motorbike 2007: Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret dle East Rally Champion and for the French manufacturer in “It’s difficult to predict as Villas-Boas, who coached teams. (FRA/Mitsubishi) the veteran driver is no doubt 2017 and this year will be there are so many variables on Porto, Chelsea, Tottenham Hot- “I spoke with my friend Alex a top contender to tackle the favourite again alongside team- the Dakar. There are lots of fac- spur, Zenit St Petersburg and Doringer, the manager of the Motos 40th edition of the classic mates Carlos Sainz, a two-time tors which can swing it either Shanghai SIGP, will drive a Toy- KTM team, who told me that I 2017: Sam Sunderland (GBR/KTM) endurance event. world rally champion and 2010 way.” ota Hilux as he revives a family would still need a full year’s 2016: Toby Price (AUS/KTM) However, Al Attiyah will winner at the Dakar, Cyril Peugeot’s main rival will link -- his uncle Pedro Villas- preparation to get there and that 2015: Marc Coma (ESP/KTM) face stiff opposition from Peu- Despres and Sebastien Loeb, a again be Toyota, represented Boas drove in the race in 1982 it was better to consider doing 2014: Marc Coma (ESP/KTM) geot’s French driver Stephane nine-time world rally by Al Attiyah and South Africa’s in a 4x4. it with a car,” Villas-Boas told 2013: Cyril Despres (FRA/KTM) 2012: Cyril Despres (FRA/KTM) Peterhansel who will target a champion. Giniel De Villiers (the 2009 Villas-Boas, 40, said that he the Dakar Rally website. 2011: Marc Coma (ESP/KTM) 14th victory in this year’s rally, “Peru is the country that champion). had originally thought of riding “So I got in touch with Team 2010: Cyril Despres (FRA/KTM) played out over 9,000km of comes closest to Africa, with The two-week race will also a motorcycle on the Dakar but Overdrive and here I am!” 2009: Marc Coma (ESP/KTM) 2007: Cyril Despres (FRA/KTM)

Note: The 2008 race was cancelled due to the threat of terrorist attacks in Mauritania, since when the event has been staged in South America.

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah in action in this file picture.

Serena pulls Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a return against Alexandr Siniakova topples Dolgopolov of Ukraine during out of their men’s singles quarter- final match at the Brisbane Sharapova to move Australian International tennis tournament yesterday. Open into Shenzhen final REUTERS 6-4 in one hour 29 minutes to AFP claim a second career final spot SHENZHEN: Czech defending at Shenzhen. MELBOURNE: Defending champion Katerina Siniakova The top seed broke Begu champion Serena Williams fended off Maria Sharapova in early in the contest to race into pulled out of the Australian a fiercely contested match at a 4-1 lead. Begu sent a forehand Open yesterday, saying she the Shenzhen Open yesterday wide in a see-sawing sixth was still not at the level she to set up a final with world game as Halep broke again and needs to be after giving birth number one Simona Halep. took the first set on serve. to her first child. Siniakova fired 27 winners Fourth seed Begu, seeking The American 23-time and 10 aces to prevail 6-2 3-6 a first win over Halep at her Grand Slam winner made a 6-3 but was made to work hard sixth attempt, fought back to tentative return at an Abu for the win after Russian Shara- lead 3-2 in the second set but Dhabi exhibition late last pova rediscovered her rhythm Halep eventually subdued the month, losing to French Open midway through the contest. comeback attempt to seal champion Jelena Ostapenko. After losing the first set, victory. Prior to that her last com- Sharapova attacked Siniakova’s “It was a tough match,” petitive match was at the serve to seal an early break in Halep said in a courtside inter- Australian Open final almost the second set. view. “I know she is a strong a year ago, which she won The five-times grand slam player and in the second set you despite being two months Kyrgios edges Dolgopolov champion gave little away ater could see she was improving pregnant, memorably beating that and levelled the contest at her game so it was a tougher sister Venus in the decider. one set apiece. battle. Since then, she has given A stinging backhand down “I think I was strong enough birth to her first child and to set up Dimitrov semi the line gave Siniakova a deci- to stay there and hit the ball married Reddit co-founder sive break in the final set and stronger in the end because the Alexis Ohanian at a star-stud- REUTERS BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL situations and getting some the sixth seed hung on to close energy (from Begu) was falling ded wedding, where guests more court time out there which out the match in just under two a little bit. I came back, I served included Beyonce and reality BRISBANE: Nick Kyrgios turned RESULTS is good... I’ve got to try and hours. pretty well in the last game and TV star Kim Kardashian. on the style in time to beat MEN maintain as much energy as I Halep beat fellow Roma- I’m pretty proud of my victory “After competing in Abu Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov Quarter-finals can.” nian Irina-Camelia Begu 6-1 today, it was a tough one.” Dhabi I realised that although and set up a semi-final against Alex de Minaur (AUS) bt Michael Dimitrov was in control I am super close, I’m not top seed and holder Grigor Mmoh (USA) 6-4, 6-0 against Edmund as he took the Katerina where I personally want to Dimitrov at the Brisbane Inter- Nick Kyrgios (AUS X3) bt Alexandr first set but was dragged into a Siniakova of be,” Williams said in a national yesterday. Dolgopolov (UKR) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 second-set tiebreak which the the Czech statement. The mercurial Australian Ryan Harrison (USA) bt Denis Briton edged to set up the Republic reacts “My coach and team huffed and puffed in a misera- Istomin (UZB) 7-6 (8/6), 4-2 rtd decider. after defeating Grigor Dimitrov (BUL X1) bt Kyle always said ‘only go to tourna- ble first set but eventually found Dimitrov, who survived two Russia’s Maria Edmund (GBR) 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 ments when you are prepared some rhythm to come through match points to beat local hope Sharapova in to go all the way’. I can com- a tricky encounter 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. John Millman in the previous the semi-finals WOMEN pete, but I don’t want to just Bulgarian Dimitrov also had round, needed a solitary break Semi-finals of the Shenzhen compete, I want to do far bet- to battle hard against Britain’s Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt to close out the match. Open yesterday. ter than that and to do so, I will Kyle Edmund, winning 6-3, Anastasija Sevastova (LAT X7) Kyrgios was joined in the need a little more time. 6-7(3), 6-4 in two hours and 23 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 last four by fellow Australian In Abu Dhabi, Williams minutes at the Pat Rafter Arena. Alex De Minaur as the teenager was clearly sluggish and had Kyrgios, who will be under followed up his win over Milos problems with her serve. She the home spotlight at this through two tough three-set- Raonic by beating American also stuck mostly to the base- month’s Australian Open, made ters,” added Kyrgios, who beat qualifier Michael Mmoh 6-4 6-0. line and only twice charged 36 unforced errors against compatriot Matthew Ebdon De Minaur will play the net. The decision means Dolgopolov but there were 27 6-7(3), 7-6(5), 6-2 in the second unseeded American Ryan Har- her tilt at matching Margaret winners too. round. rison for a place in the final. Court, who boasts 24 major “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m “The only positive I can say Harrison was leading 7-6(6) 4-2 titles and is renowned as the hitting the ball well and I’m about losing that first set (against when Uzbekistan’s Denis most successful player in serving really well. So the first Dolgopolov) is I’m putting Istomin retired from the Grand Slam history, must wait. two matches of the year, I’ve got myself in some pressure contest. SPORT Saturday 6 January 2018

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Khawaja, Smith Dutchman Al Attiyah eyes bat well after Sneijder to join third Dakar EEngland post 346 Al Gharafa Rally title

ARMSTRONG VAS Pavic-Marach doubles champions THE PENINSULA DOHA: Second seeds Mate Pavic and Oliver Marach won the Qatar ExxonMobil Open doubles title defeat- ing top seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares 6-2, 7-6 to collect their first title in Doha. The final, a contest between the top two seeds in sharp contrast to the singles where only one seed made it to the quarterfinals, saw the pair from Croatia-Austria defeat the two-time Grand Slam Champions to collect the top prize of $36,730 to share. The 2017 Wimbledon finalists hope to take the Doha high to the Australian Open. “Very happy to win. First week of the year, first tournament win. Taking the momentum to the next tournament and hopefully have a good result in Mel- bourne. That’s our big goal. Then we’re going to see the rest of the season how it’s going,” said Marach. “It feels great. It was a great week. We played good. I hope we’re going to play even better the next week. It gives us a little confidence for Melbourne, for Australia,” said Pavic. “We’re flying to Oakland tonight, getting ready for the next week. Hopefully we can keep playing this good and do well also in Australia,” he added. Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) President Nasser Al Khelaifi (third right) and other officials pose for a photograph with Men’s doubles winners of the Qatar Marach said winning the Grand Slam this season ExxonMobil Open, M. Pavić and O. Marach at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Picture: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula is one of the main target. Rublev, Monfils in Doha showdown ARMSTRONG VAS final for the fourth time in THE PENINSULA Doha. I hope this one will be QTF coaches better than the other one. I’m DOHA: Three-time Doha just pleased the way that the finalist Gael Monfils and year start and I’ll be ready for to get tips from rising Russian star Andrey tomorrow,” he added. Rublev will clash for the The win in Qatar would legend Nick Qatar ExxonMobil Open title be perfect boost for the sea- after taking contrasting son ahead he said. routes to make it to the final “It would mean that after THE PENINSULA here yesterday. three attempts that I win the The 31-year-old French- fourth one. So it would be -- DOHA: Coaches man, ranked 46 in the world, I would be very happy associated with walked his way to the sum- because it’s a tournament Qatar Tennis Feder- mit clash without hitting a that I really like and definitely ation (QTF) will have ball in the semi-finals as top to have this tournament an expert advise on seed Dominic Thiem with- would be great. It would give hand in tapping, and drew due to fever while in the me a bit more confidence for grooming young second semi-final Rublev, the rest of the year.” talent to be future who has rapid strides for the In the second semi-final, champions. last one year overcame the between Rublev and Pella, Nicholas James challenge of Guido Pella of the 27-year old Argentinean Bollettieri (pic- Argentina in three sets. ranked World N0.64 pushed tured), an American This is the first final hard for the victory but in the coach, better known to the tennis world as between two unseeded play- end the 20-year-old Russian Nick Bollettieri was in Doha for the ongoing ers in Doha since 2004, Andrey Rublev of Russia hits a survived a match point to Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the invitation of wherein Nicolas Escude and returns against Guido Pella of take the third set into the tie- QTF and if you go by his word, he will be Ivan ljubicic vied for the top Argentina during yesterday’s break and win the tie at 6-2, interacting with the coaches of the associa- prize. semi-final. 4-6, 7-6 (7-2). tion today. Yesterday at the Khalifa Picture: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula Rublev began on a prom- “Qatar tennis coaches will be meting me International Tennis and ising note by winning the on Saturday. I went around and saw the facil- Squash Complex, disappoint- QTF’s official announcement, will be aiming to be lucky the point in the second set to beat first set 6-2 with his attack- ities on offer and how things have changed ment set in when they came Thiem wrote on his facebook fourth time. German Peter Gojowczyk ing which was laced with since the last time I was here. We are plan- to know that Austrian Thiem page: “I have bad news, I am Monfils finished runner- 6-3, 7-6(6). errors. ning something with the future in mind,” said will not be playing his semi- in bed with fever and there is up to Roger Federer in 2006 Monfils last reached a Pella bounced back to the 86-year-old, who oversaw the develop- final against Monfils. almost no chance of a recov- and six years later also fin- semi-final in June 2017 at the win the second at 6-4 and ment of many leading players, including Andre World No.5 Thiem, stood ery until tonight.” ished as runner-up to International Eastbourne. take the game to the deciding Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Mary tall, as all the other seven “It is highly regrettable compatriot Jo-Wilfried “I’m very sad for Dominic set. The third set was a touch Pierce. seeds around him crashed that I won’t be able to play Tsonga. In 2014 he lost in the and I hope he will have a and go affair with both play- Nick was speaking to journalists in Doha one by one, displayed top the semi-final match against final to Rafa Nadal. speedy recovery,” Monfils ers determined to make their yesterday. form throughout the tourna- Gael. I thank my fans and the Handed a wild card for said about Thiem’s with- Doha debut a memorable one Bollettieri said he met a few coaches yes- ment on way to straight sets organisers for their support,” this edition by the organizers, drawal which paved his way by featuring in the final. terday but there will be a longer meet with wins in all his three encoun- he said. Monfils will be playing his 27 into the final. Rublev was in trouble but them today. ters, until the semi-final “Of course I am disap- career final today. “I’m happy to be in the came out of the tight corner “I will be having a one and half hour meet mishit. pointed, but nevertheless I In the quarter-finalsr-finals on tow in thet decider in with the coaches,” added the veteran coach, Thiem started his season had a solid start into the new Thursday, Monfils ssavedaved a set the tie-break.tie-b who has been into coaching since 1957. in Qatar by defeating Evgeny season,” he added. “My association with QTF will not be a just Donskoy of Russia 7-6, 6-3 The Austrian hopes to be GAEL MONFILS ANDREY RUBLEV a one-off affair but will continue in the long and followed it up by defeat- fit for the Australian Open France Russia run,” said the American. ing AlJaz Bedene of Slovakia which starts in 10 days time. The living legend of coaching said he 7-5, 6-4. “Now I am focusing on SINGLES SINGLES RANKING: 39 would have loved to coach former World N0.1 In the quarter-finals on Melbourne and being fit and RANKING: 46 Roger Federer. Thursday, the 24-year-old prepared for the first Grand AGE: 20 “To me, the one I would have loved to got past Greek qualifier Ste- Slam of the year,” Thiem said. AGE: 31 HEIGHT: 6’2”(188CM) coach is Roger Federer. Why? He’s a cham- fanos Tsitsipas. Thiem In today’s final, both HEIGHT: 6’4”(193cm) TURNED PRO: 2014 pion in everything that he does. There are defeated the teenager 7-5, Monfils and Rublev will be TURNED PRO: 2004 PLAYS: right-handed, only a few people in life who are champions 6-4. looking for their first title in COACH: Mikael Tillstrom two-handed in everything they do. When I got into the “Dominic Thiem pulls out Doha. Titles backhand International Hall of Fame, he and Pete Sam- from #Qatar_Exxonmobil_ Monfils arrived in Doha 2016: Washington (Outdoor/Hard) COACH: Fernando pras wrote beautiful letters to me about why Open due to fever. following a four-month hia- 2014: Montpellier (Indoor/Hard) vicente I should get in,” Nick said about the Swiss #Qatartennis #tennis #Qatar tus following his injury at the 2011: Stockholm (Indoor/Hard) great. #Doha,” Qatar Tennis Feder- US Open. 2010: Montpellier (Indoor/Hard) Titles: “If the world was like Roger, you wouldn’t ation (QTF) announced on its The Frenchman, who has 2009: Metz (Indoor/Hard) 2017 Umag have any violence, you wouldn’t have any twitter page. lost the all the three finals he 2005: Sopot (Outdoor/Clay) (Outdoor/Clay) wars. You would have only peace. He is a credit An hour earlier before the has contested so far in Doha, to everything he does,” he added.