SPORT

Sunday 29 January 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Parnell, Tahir excel Bolt turns in as South Africa medal and says crush Sri Lanka 'rules are rules' Al Rayyan Wang leads the pack at sunny DGC fight it out

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula for victory

orea's Jeunghun Wang The Peninsula yesterday carded an impressive 7 under efending champions Al par 65 to grab the Third round scores Rayyan yesterday lead with an overall 201 Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 69-67-65 Dstruggled to a piece a Kscore of 15 under par 201 on the 204 Jaco Van Zyl (RSA) 67-69-68, Nacho Elvira (ESP) 67-69-68 1-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat in third day of the Qatar Masters. 205 Thomas Aiken (RSA) 68 68-69 round 19 of the Qatar Stars Seven birdies under sunny 206 Andy Sullivan 68-68-70, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 66-70 League (QSL). conditions at the Doha Golf Club -70, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 67-72-67, Nathan Kimsey 66-74-66, Despite a fierce fight from (DGC) helped the 21-year-old Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 70-70-66 Al Kharaitiyat, Al Rayyan on Korean - playing in Qatar for the 207 Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 69-69-69, Paul Dunne 67-70-70, Saturday relied on a spectac- first time - to savour a bogey-free Romain Langasque (FRA) 70-70-67 ular goal from Al Rayyan's South Korea's Wang Jeunghun round at the $2.5m European 208 Anthony Wall 68-69-71, Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 65-71-72, Abdulmajid Al Dere (54) for Tour event. Jordan Smith 71-66-71, Oliver Fisher 70-70-68, Nino Bertasio (ITA) competes in the third round of their 11th win of the season. South Africa's Jaco Van Zyl 71-69-68 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Al Kharaitiyat - seeking and Spain's Nacho Elvira are 209 Chris Wood 69-70-70, Alex Noren (SWE) 68-70-71, Ernie Els the Doha Golf Club yesterday. their 5th win of the season - three shots behind Wang after (RSA) 68-70-71, Ryan Fox (NZL) 72-70-67, Bradley Dredge 64-72-73 launched the proceedings with both carded 4 under par 68s an attacking game in the first yesterday. four minutes at Al Sadd Sta- South Africa's Thomas Aiken dium. In the first 13 minutes, is at fourth spot at 11 under par The Korean star - one of Third day of Qatar some with interest. I am really it was a little bit quick on my Al Kharaiyiyat earned three 205 after carding three under par record-breaking nine players to excited to get out there process and it was a bad drive. corners compared to none for 69. come into day three with a share Masters tomorrow. "I mean, I cannot judge a the defending champions. English duo Nathan Kimsey of the lead - said he won't be Seven birdies help "I started off a bit breezy this round over that drive. I think it's With the champions strug- (66) and Andy Sullivan (70), thinking about a possible win morning when we started, but it a great round today with these gling for moves, Al Rayyan's the 21-year-old South Spain's Rafa Bello Cabrera (66), today. died down a little bit towards the wind conditions, and the pins Gonzalo Viera showed his Sweden's Joakim Lagergren (67) "I don't want to think about Korean - playing in end. I felt that the back nine def- were a little bit tucked today, so frustration when he clipped and Thailand's Kiradech Aphib- win. (I) just want to focus on my Qatar for the first initely played a little bit easier I'm feeling very happy." hard at Al Kharaitiyat's Tur- arnrat (70) are tied at fifth spot at own game. My irons and putting time - to savour a than the front. Elviro added: "I think it's sunov at the half-hour mark. overall card of 10 under par 206. (have been) really good this week. bogey-free round at "Like I said, I've been hitting been a great round today. Hon- Tursunov required a med- Among the big names, four- I think I have a good chance to the $2.5m European it nicely and playing nicely the estly. I think I hit the ball pretty ical time-out for the rough time Major winner Ernie Els (71), win," he said with a smile. Tour event. last three days, and I'll take that well. I was in the right position tackle. world Number 10 Alex Noren (71) Wang, the 2016 European form into Sunday," the 21-year- most of the time. I missed a cou- Al Kharaitiyat frontline, and 2013 champion Chris Wood Tour Rookie of the Year after South Africa's Jaco old said. ple shots coming in, but like I however, kept applying the (70) were on seven-under, two- winning back-to-back titles in Van Zyl and Spain's Elvira overcame a bogey on said, I cannot judge a round by pressure on as Al Rayyan time Major winner Martin Morocco and Mauritius last May, Nacho Elvira are hole 15 with six birdies - on holes a bad shot. I think it's a great backline just about to manage Kaymer (68) was six-under and said he had Koreans backing him three shots behind 4, 10, 11, 14, 17 and 18. round today." blocking the moves. On three 2010 US Open champion Graeme around the course yesterday. the leading Korean. "I started hitting the ball First held in 1998, the Qatar occasions, attacking Al McDowell (70) was five-under. "I got a lot of confidence from pretty well. I think I was under Masters has helped establish Kharaitiyat players were After managing birdies on them (the Korean fans). A couple control all the way through the Qatar as a world-class sporting pulled up for off-side moves. holes 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 18, of them brought a Korea flag, so 68 for an overall score of 12 under last couple holes, and then my venue and is considered the In the 54th minute, Al Dere Wang said his enjoyed his day at I felt really great,” said Wang. "I par 204. mind wasn't in the right place on country’s annual ‘must-attend’ broke Al Kharaitiyat hearts DGC bathed in sunshine after a like this course. I like the wind. I "Obviously it's a good score. a couple drives in the end. But sporting and social event. when he launched a fierce couple of windless days. like the green conditions. It's But really felt like I left quite a lot overall, I'm pretty happy," Elviro Sitting at the heart of the drive from 20 yards to beat "My iron play was really good pretty nice for me. Nice to play out there. I hit it nicely today and said. European Tour’s Middle East diving goalkeeper Sofyan for today and my putting was also on this course. I'm excited to play just didn't quite capitalise where When asked about the bogey swing, the tournament attracted his side's only goal of the good. I (managed to) shoot 7 tomorrow," he said. I could," Van Zyl, looking for a on hole 15, he said: "It wasn't that over 25,000 spectators in 2016 match. under. I'm so happy that I didn't Tied for the second spot with first win on the European Tour, difficult of a tee shot. The wind and was broadcast to a global TV Later, Lekhwiya picked up make any bogeys today, so I'm Elvira, Van Zyl fired only birdies said. was blowing into us off the right audience of over 400 million, three key points with a hard- really happy about it," Wang said - on holes 8, 10, 14 and 16 - before "I'll obviously try and get a little bit. It was just aiming a lit- organisers said a day before the fought 1-0 win over hosts Al about his bogey-free round. settling for a card of 4 under par them back tomorrow, and get tle bit right and for some reason, event kicked off on Thursday. Arabi. 'Awesome' Serena sets new Grand Slams record

Melbourne Going into this match, it felt like it AFP was all full circle." Serena's Serena's astonishing achieve- of the US poses jubilant Serena Williams ment also means she ends the brief with the Women's 23 Slam wins said it was "awesome" to stay at world number one of singles trophy (Year, tournament, opponent, score) finally clinch a record 23rd , who displaced after winning her A 1999 - US Open - - 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) title after beating her Williams in September after three- final match of the 2002 - - - 7-5, 6-3 sister Venus in the Australian Open and-a-half years at the top. Australian Open 2002 - Wimbledon - Venus Williams - 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 final, a result which also took her Fittingly, her sister and clos- yesterday. Serena 2002 - US Open - Venus Williams - 6-4, 6-3 back to world number one. est confidante, Venus, was on the defeated her sister 2003 - Australian Open - Venus Williams - 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-4 The dominant American won other side of the net to share the Venus 6-4, 6-4 to 2003 - Wimbledon - Venus Williams - 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 her seventh Aussie title 6-4, 6-4 moment of victory, another chap- surpass Steffi Graf's 2005 - Australian Open - - 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 to finally surpass Steffi Graf's ter written in their amazing family Open-era milestone 2007 - Australian Open - - 6-1, 6-2 Open-era milestone of 22 major history. of 22 major wins. 2008 - US Open - Jelena Jankovic - 6-4, 7-5 wins, nearly 18 years after she "There is no way I would be at 2009 - Australian Open - Dinara Safina - 6-0, 6-3 lifted her first Slam trophy at the 23 without her. There is no way I 2009 - Wimbledon - Venus Williams - 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 1999 US Open. would be at one (title) without 2010 - Australian Open - Justine Henin - 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 The 35-year-old Serena, who her," said Serena. 2010 - Wimbledon - Vera Zvonareva - 6-3, 6-2 had equalled Graf's mark at Wim- "She is my inspiration. She is 2012 - Wimbledon - Agnieszja Radwanska - 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 bledon last year, now stands just the only reason I am standing here 2012 - US Open - - 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 one behind the all-time record of today and the only reason that the 2013 - French Open - Maria Sharapova - 6-4, 6-4 24 won by Margaret Court, who Williams sisters exist." 2013 - US Open - Victoria Azarenka - 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 6-1 was in the president's box at Rod It was Venus -- when still a 2014 - US Open - - 6-3, 6-3 Laver Arena. teenager with beads in her hair -- 2015 - Australian Open - Maria Sharapova - 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) "I don't like numbers during a who knocked Serena out in round 2015 - French Open - Lucie Safarova - 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2 tournament when I am trying to two on her Grand Slam debut in 2015 - Wimbledon - Garbine Muguruza - 6-4, 6-4 reach a big milestone. Now we can Melbourne 19 years ago, and they 2016 - Wimbledon - Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 talk about it," she told ESPN, after have since played nine major 2017 - Australian Open - Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 posing in shoes branded with '23' finals together, living each other's on the heel. highs and lows. "It's pretty awesome. I really Aged 36 and seeded 13, Venus Serena on number 23," said an when she smashed a racquet in worked three break points in the scintillating crosscourt backhand wanted to get to 23, more than you had turned back the clock to emotional Venus. frustration. third set, only for her sister to and take a 4-3 lead. With history can ever imagine. And I kept tell- make her first Grand Slam title Showing the single-minded- But she soon settled to get a negotiate her way out of trouble beckoning, she wasn't about to ing myself, 'Serena, 22 isn't bad'. match since Wimbledon in 2009, ness that has propelled her to decisive break to go 4-3 in front with some big forehand throw it away and she served out "To get to number 23 here is but adding to her seven major greatness, Serena, seeded two, with an unstoppable backhand, winners. the match, falling to the floor in really rather special, against Venus successes was not to be. overcame a scratchy and nerv- and served out the set with an The tense battle went with celebration before a long embrace as well because my first big match "Serena Williams... That is my ous start in which all four ace. serve to 3-3 before Serena cranked with Venus to share the biggest was against her here on this court. little sister, guys. Congratulations opening games were breaks and Serena was fired up and she up the pressure to break with a moment of her career. SPORT SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2017 21 QAL: Al Waab edge Pearl in final, seal title for third time

The Peninsula Shammari, Executive Director medals, while the runners-up – for Administration at the EIS Pearl CFC – received Supreme Committee for Deliv- QR100,000 besides silver med- l Waab clinched the Qatar ery & Legacy. als. Al Quds got richer by Amateur League (QAL) Organised by the QFA with QR80,000 and bronze medals Atitle after edging out EIS support from the Supreme Com- for securing third place in the Pearl CFC in the final at Al Ahli mittee for Delivery & Legacy tournament. Stadium on Friday night. (SC), the Strategic Partner of the The fourth edition kicked off This is the third time that Al QAL since 2013/2014, this year’s on October 25 and was played Waab have won the coveted title edition has witnessed the par- across various venues in Qatar from four editions, with the feat ticipation of 12 teams which including Doha Stadium, Al Ahli making them the most success- include Al Waab, EIS Pearl CFC, Stadium and QFA’s Football ful team of the event. Lusail, Doha, Al Kaabaan, Al Development Department Hani Balan, Executive Com- Quds, Copros, Al Bidda, Ezdan, pitches. mittee Member of the Qatar MadinatKhalifa, Amwaj, and Al Al Waab remained unbeaten Football Association (QFA) was Matar. throughout the eevent and fin- the chief guest at the final and A special prize worth QR ished the season with a tally of gave away the trophy to the 5000 was given to the top 29 points from nine wins and a winning Al Waab captain. scorer of the league, Noor El Din couple of drawn games. The closing ceremony was Bousar of EIS Pearl CFC. He EIS Pearl CFC earned a total also attended by Fahad Thani, scored a total of 9 goals of 25 points after winning eight Director of Football Develop- throughout the league. matches besides a drawing. Hani Balan, Executive Committee Member of the QFA giving away the trophy to Al Waab captain ment QFA, Ibrahim Shaheen, The first place team (Al They suffered one defeat. at Al Ahli Stadium on Friday. Fahad Thani, Director of Football Development QFA, Ibrahim Chairman of the QAL Organis- Waab) received a cash prize of Al Quds collected a total of Shaheen, Chairman of the QAL Organising Committee, and Sami Al Shammari, Executive ing Committee, and Sami Al QR 150,000 apart from gold 21 points. Director for Administration at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy are also seen.

Aussie Law Perth Scorchers named as new claim Australia's Windies coach Parnell, Tahir excel as Big Bash title St. John's Perth AFP AFP ormer Australian inter- SA crush SL in opener ichael Klinger national Stuart Law was smashed an unbeaten Fon Friday named as the M71 off 49 balls to steer new coach of the West Indies Port Elizabeth ODI the Perth Scorchers to a on a two-year deal. crushing nine-wicket win The 48-year-old will Both bowlers take over the Sydney Sixers in bring the experience of being three wickets each Australia's Big Bash League a former head coach of Sri as hosts bowl out the final in Perth yesterday. Lanka and Bangladesh to the visitors for 181, Klinger hammered five job. achieve target in fours and five sixes in the "I am excited at the only 34.2 overs Scorchers' 144 for one to eas- opportunity to contribute to ily overhaul the Sixers' 141 for what I think is an interesting The second game of nine with 25 balls to spare. time for West Indies. I think It was the Scorchers' third five-match one-day this assignment has come at title in six BBL seasons in series will be played an important time of my another dominant career," said Law. in Durban on campaign. Law played just one Test Wednesday Englishman Ian Bell was for Australia in his career but at the wicket with Klinger featured in 54 one-day inter- when the winning runs were nationals while building a Cape Town hit and remained 31 not out solid first-class career with Reuters off 25 balls. Queensland, Essex, Lanca- Sam Whiteman gave Jus- shire and Derbyshire. tin Langer's Scorchers a flying He was also a successful ayne Parnell start with 41 off 21 balls with captain in Australia's domes- and Imran five fours and three sixes until tic cricket with five first class Tahir took he was stumped by Brad Had- and two one day titles. He three wickets din off Test off-spinner scored the most runs at that each as South Nathan Lyon in the eighth South Africa's wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock (left) celebrates with team-mates after taking a level -- 27,080 runs in 367 WAfrica cruised to an eight-wicket over. matches. victory over Sri Lanka in the first catch during their first ODI against Sri Lanka, at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth yesterday. Pacemen Jhye Richard- Law was also named one one-day international in Port son and England import Tim of five Wisden Cricketers of Elizabeth yesterday. but I am very happy with my For skipper De Villiers it was Sri Lankan captain Upul Bresnan set up the crushing the Year in 1998. South Africa won the toss performance." a triumphant return in his first Tharanga was disappointed. victory with three wickets Outgoing director of and elected to bowl, restricting The touring side managed ODI for seven months having "Although Dinesh and Mendis each in the Sixers' struggling cricket at the West Indies the tourists to 181 all out in 48.3 just 18 boundaries as South been sidelined by an elbow had a partnership, we never innings. Cricket Board (WICB), Rich- overs on a slow wicket. Africa bowled a tight line with injury. picked up from losing early Richardson took three for ard Pybus said: "We are The home side never looked all-rounder Chris Morris (2-29) South Africa have now won wickets," he said. 30 and had a hand in a run- delighted to welcome Stuart, troubled in their reply, reaching impressive on his return from their last seven ODI matches The second match of the out, while Bresnan chipped he comes at an exciting and their target with 94 balls remain- injury having last played in June. having whitewashed Australia series against Sri Lanka is in in with three for 40. critical time in the develop- ing to take a 1-0 lead in the Quinton de Kock (34) and 5-0 at home in October. Durban on Wednesday. Former Australia Test fast ment of the West Indies men's five-match series. Hashim Amla (57) put on 71 for bowler Mitchell Johnson had team. Kusal Mendis (62) provided the first wicket in South Africa's SCOREBOARD another influential bowling "He has great experience lone resistance for Sri Lanka, reply, before the former offered SRI LANKA 7-155, 8-170, 9-170. spell with one for 13 off four and breadth of knowledge as who were rocked by two early a simple catch to Sandun Weer- N Dickwella lbw Parnell...... 1 Bowling: Rabada 10-1-35-1; Parnell 10-1-48-3 (5w); overs after taking three for a player and coach and his strikes from left-arm seamer akkody at cover off the bowling S Weerakkody c Amla b Parnell ...... 5 Morris 9.3-1-29-2 (3w); Phehlukwayo 7-0-31-0 (1w); three in the semi-final win cross-cultural experience and Parnell (3-48), before leg-spin- of Lakshan Sandakan. K Mendis lbw Imran Tahir ...... 62 Imran Tahir 10-0-26-3; Duminy 2-0-7-0 (1w). over the Melbourne Stars. winning attitude will be key ner Tahir (3-26) ripped through Amla posted his 31st ODI D Chandimal b Imran Tahir ...... 22 SOUTH AFRICA Only Haddin with 38 off assets in the development of their middle-order. half-century before he was U Tharanga c Duminy b Imran Tahir ...... 6 Q de Kock c Weerakkody b Sandakan ...... 34 25 balls and South African D de Silva c Du Plessis b Parnell...... 28 H Amla c&b Gunaratne ...... 57 the team." "Today was a little more spe- caught and bowled by Asela A Gunaratne (run out) ...... 10 F du Plessis (not out)...... 55 Johann Botha with 32 off 25 West Indies are currently cial for me," said Gunaratne, undone by the lack N Kulasekara c De Kock b Rabada ...... 17 A de Villiers (not out) ...... 30 balls offered any resistance ninth on ODI rankings and Man-of-the-Match Tahir. of pace in the pitch as he got his J Vandersay lbw Morris ...... 8 Extras (LB-2, -W2, PEN-5) ...... 9 for the Sixers, who crumbled eighth in Test rankings. "It is my wedding anniver- timing wrong. S Lakmal b Morris ...... 3 Total (for 2 wkts in 34.2 overs) ...... 185 to 80 for six in the first 12 Improving rankings of the sary and this is absolutely for my But Faf du Plessis (55 not out) L Sandakan (not out)...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-71, 2-131. overs.

former cricket giants will be wife. She asked me to take five and AB de Villiers (30 not out) Extras (LB-5, W-12) ...... 17 Bowling: Kulasekera 5-0-20-0; Lakmal 6-1-29-0 The Scorchers have now

Total (all out in 48.3 overs) ...... 181 (1w); De Silva 2-0-9-0; Vandersay 7-0-51-0; Sandakan the main challenge for the wickets and win man of the steered South Africa home with Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-14, 3-86, 4-99, 5-102, 6-125, 8-0-35-1 (1w); Gunaratne 5-0-19-1; Mendis 1.2-0-15-0.. won the BBL title in 2013/14, former Aussie player. match. I didn't take five wickets ease. 2014/15 and this season. New Zealand out for revenge against Australia

Auckland Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in crowds is going to be really don the skipper's armband and Zealand, who are ranked fourth. AFP December and coach Mike Hes- important for us." leading to youngster Sam Hea- The Australians are coming son (pictured) said his team Australia's top priority at the zlett's call-up. off a 4-1 series win over Paki- ew Zealand will seek were keen to make amends. moment is the upcoming tour of The Black Caps will not miss stan and, while they appear a revenge against an under "We only played them a India, where they have not won Warner in particular, who was weakened side on paper, Hes- Nstrength Australia in the short time ago and we weren't a Test since 2004, and they have their chief tormenter in the son said they could not be one-day series beginning in at our best. We probably didn't rested vice-captain Dave Warner December series, amassing 299 underestimated. Auckland on Monday after a have the resources that we've got and batsman Usman Khawaja runs at 99.66 from the three "They've still got plenty of humiliating whitewash in the available now," he said. for the New Zealand series. matches. Australia, the world's good players," he said. return fixture last year. "It's a huge series for us, an Captain Steve Smith is also top ranked ODI team, have The second ODI will be in Australia dominated the exciting series for us and play- out with an ankle injury, forcing added Aaron Finch and Shaun Napier on Thursday, with the Black Caps 3-0 to hoist the ing in front of some big home wicketkeeper Matthew Wade to Marsh to the batting to face New third in Hamilton on Sunday. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2017

Action from the quarter-final match of the Al Kass Cup International football tournament for Under-17 teams at FA Cup: Wolves Aspire zone on Thursday. stun Liverpool Liverpool Success at Anfield open goal. Not until the 86th AFP minute did Liverpool manage First-half goals from to breach the Wolves defence iverpool fell to a third defender Stearman as the visitors failed to clear a home defeat in eight and Weimann saw Philippe Coutinho corner. days as they exited the Lambert's side join Daniel Sturridge helped the FA Cup in a humbling ball across goal and Divock Origi Swansea and 2-1 loss to second-tier turned the ball in at the far post. Southampton in LWolverhampton Wanderers at It might have been worse for Anfield yesterday. tasting success at Klopp, whose side are 10 points First-half goals from Anfield in the space of behind Premier League leaders defender Richard Stearman, his just over a week. Chelsea, as his defence in par- first for the Midlands club in ticular struggled to cope with the nearly three years, and Andreas gamble backfired before even a committed visitors, roared on Weimann saw Paul Lambert's minute of the fourth round tie by 8,300 Wolves supporters. side join Swansea and South- had elapsed. Shortly after the opening ampton in tasting success at The hapless Alberto Moreno goal, Nouha Dicko failed to con- Anfield in the space of just over fouled Dave Edwards and nect with a shot eight yards out a week. Helder Costa's superb free-kick and, in the 10th minute, Costa Aspire Academy to meet Red But, after seeing their team was met at the far post by Stear- sprinted nearly 70 yards, leav- knocked out of the League Cup man, whose powerful header ing a line of defenders in his by Southampton in midweek, flew across goal and into the wake, before slicing off target. this latest loss was a particular Liverpool net. While seven-times FA Cup Bull Salzburg in Al Kass semis disappointment for home sup- Wolves' second goal, in the winners Liverpool began to porters, who booed their team 41st minute, was the result of enjoy more possession, Wolves' Armstrong Vas was needed as the ball bounced The clock ticked down, and off the field at half-time. even worse Liverpool defend- solid defending ensured The Peninsula high over the keeper and into when fourth official Mohammed Liverpool manager Jurgen ing as Matt Doherty's pass was 20-year-old back-up goal- the top corner. Medhat raised the board signal- Klopp opted for an under- gathered by the impressive keeper Harry Burgoyne did not The teams went in for half ling four minutes of added time strength team against a team Costa, who held off Moreno far have a first-half save to make. panish giants Real Madrid time with Real preserving their it looked all too late. But Real currently positioned just four too easily. The closest thing to a Liver- will take on Eintracht 1-0 lead. were on the ropes and clinging places above the relegation zone His superb pass, into a cen- pool chance fell to Firmino, just SFrankfurt of Germany Kashiwa were in need of onto their lead by a thread, so in English football's second-tier tral position from the right, after the half hour, but his while Aspire Academy will meet some inspiration, and after the Reysol were still in with a Championship. found Weimann, sprinting attempted curler flew wide and, Red Bull Salzburg of Austria in break came out of their shells in chance. Shots from all angles Only Georginio Wijnaldum, between Joe Gomez and Con- at the interval, Klopp threw on today’s semi-finals of the Al Kass admirable fashion. However, in tested keeper Suarez, and with Ragnar Klavan and Roberto nor Randall, and the Wolves Coutinho. Cup International Under-17 venturing further upfield in manager Iwase becoming Firmino could be classified as forward advanced confidently There was almost an instant football tournament at Aspire search of an equaliser, the gaps increasingly animated on the first-team regulars among before touching the ball past response as Ben Woodburn's Zone. left at the back allowed Real to sidelines, his side’s grit and Klopp's starting XI and the Loris Karius and slotting into an free-kick was met by Firmino. In Friday’s last quarter-final claim their second. Pérez was determination eventually But what appeared a goal match, Real Madrid prevailed once again on target, as he drib- earned them an equaliser. bound header struck team mate over Kashiwa Reysol to seal a bled his way into the box and A hopeful corner was sent Klavan on its way out for a semi-final place, following a drove a powerful effort low into into the area, and as Suarez goal-kick. gripping contest that ended in a the net. The Spaniards appeared missed his punch Mori headed Wolves, themselves four- penalty shootout. to have run Reysol into the into an empty net before collaps- time FA Cup winners, albeit the Yet, for all the drama, the ground, and all hope of the Jap- ing at the corner flag under a pile last in 1960, were being pressed game boiled down to a tale of anese side clawing their way of ecstatic team mates. Takumi deeper and deeper into their two – or perhaps three – keep- back into the game. Onodera and Yudai Yamashita own half, packing 10 men ers. Reysol manager Ken Iwase However, just when the failed for the Japanese side, with behind the ball for long passages took the crucial decision to drop game seemed won, an overcon- Suarez saving the decisive effort of play. Tomo Chiwata in favour of Leo fident Madrid defence suffered to guide his team home. Coutinho's first sight of Kokubo, despite the former’s a momentary lapse in concen- Meanwhile, Associação goal -- and Liverpool's first on- man of the match heroics dur- tration. A Carrero pass caught Chapecoense lost 2-1 to Raja target effort of the game ing the Japanese side’s previous Benjamin Garay off guard. Casablanca in the friendly match -- ended with a weak 22-yard game against Red Bull Salzburg. The ball bumbled off the played on the sidelines of the Al shot straight at Burgoyne on Kokubo looked uncertain on a defender allowing Kaito Mori to Kass Cup. the hour. number of occasions, while his snatch possession, drive into the The Brazilian club and Syr- The Wolves keeper did well opposite number, Diego Suarez, area and put his side back in the ian Dream are not participating to put off Moreno as he threat- became the hero of the hour as running. With Real suddenly in in the tournament, but Al Kass- Liverpool's Oviemuno Ejaria and Wolverhampton Wanderers' ened to catch up with Coutinho's he saved the last penalty to total disarray, Kashiwa looked Cup organisers has given the long pass into the area moments ensure Real went through. to capitalise. The Japanese side teams the opportunity to com- Matt Doherty vie for ball possession during the English FA later and Klopp increased the However, when Madrid took had nothing to lose, and at 2-1 pete against teams who have Cup fourth round match at Anfield in Liverpool, north west pressure further by bringing on the lead following another Perez put all their efforts into search- been knocked out of the U-17 England yesterday. England forward Sturridge. delivery, no touch whatsoever ing for an equaliser. championship. Blue Phoenix top Qatar Rugby XV League The Peninsula Qatar to host lue Phoenix scripted a stunning 30-27 victory over DRFC 2nd’s at the Doha Football Stadium on Friday to win the Qatar Asia Rugby BRugby XV Domestic League title. The win signals a new era in Qatar Rugby development in par- Sevens in March ticular for the French boys who three years back were idling at the bottom on the competition table. The Peninsula The win exemplifies an outstanding attitude filled with much sacrifice, determination and pain. The willingness and determina- he Qatar Rugby Feder- tion of the Phoenix did not alter all season as they led the competition ation together with its table from the outset and on Friday it was that same sacrifice and Tpartners Aspire and The grit that helped them counteract a late charge by DRFC. Coffee Brewer will host the The DRFC played exceptional rugby at times displaying tier Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy on 1 rugby ability and skills. The game as the score indicates was March 3 and 4 at Aspire never out of reach. Each time the DRFC lads threatened a come- Rugby Pitch. back the Phoenix would neutralize their strategy. However, in The Asia Rugby Sevens the true spirit of the game DRFC with a never say die attitude Trophy is the most popular & entertained the crowd in spectacular fashion and managed to prestigious event organized narrow the score to three points in the dying stages. As the min- by the Asia Rugby's Executive utes ticked away so did the victory and in the end it was French Blue Phoenix winners of the Qatar Rugby XV Domestic League title pose for a picture in Doha Committee. boys who would make history by winning their first domestic on Friday night. Bottom: Action from the final match between Blue Phoenix and DRFC. The Asia Rugby Sevens rugby XV’s cup. Trophy follows the sport pro- “Of course we are very proud to have won the league this year, gram of World Rugby and its but I can feel that rugby is developing in Qatar and it is a great regions which reflect the thing,” said Rony Georges of the winning team diverse sporting culture of the “On behalf of our club, I would like to thank warmly the Pres- continent. ident and the General Secretary of the QRF, for helping the The Asia Rugby Sevens development of Qatar.” Trophy is an annual series of Georges said it was a delightful experience to play Doha Rugby regional rugby seven’s tour- Football Club (DRFC) in the final. naments run by Asia Rugby “Obviously, the DRFC is the center of the rugby in Qatar, and it this year featuring 11 national is always a pleasure for us to play, and enjoy great camaraderie teams. Qatar, Iran, Jordan, with all of you guys! Nepal, Bangladesh, Philip- “I would like to congratulate the DRFC 2 team for their game, pines, Thailand, India, playing against you has always been tough, and winning against Pakistan, UAE and Singapore, you has always been our main objective, you made us better, so are the teams,which will see thank you for that! Hope to have other great games as this one,” he action in Qatar in the two-day added. event. SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23 Nadal, Federer renew rivalry Bolt turns in medal and says in Grand Slam blockbuster 'rules are rules' Kingston Melbourne AFP AFP amaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt insisted oger Federer and Rafael Thursday that the loss of one of his nine Nadal make their unex- JOlympic gold medals because of the dop- pected return as Grand ing sanction of relay teammate Nesta Carter Slam finalists today in a won't tarnish his legacy. classic Australian Open "I am disappointed based on losing a Rdecider that nobody saw coming but medal, but it won't take away from what I have which has sent tremors of excitement done throughout my career, because I have through the sport. won my individual events and that's the key Even the two combatants would thing," Bolt said while attending the opening never have predicted they would of a high school gym in Santa Cruz, Jamaica. meet again in the Melbourne final, Bolt said he had already handed back the but the stars have aligned after the 4x100m relay gold from the 2008 Beijing early exits of top seeds Games, which the International Olympic Com- and . mittee officially withdrew from Jamaica this It promises to be a final to savour week because of Carter's postive drug test. between the two old warriors, who "I am not fully happy about the situation have both returned from injury to but rules are rules," Bolt said, noting that Carter set up their 35th career meeting and and Jamaica's athletics authorities are plan- ninth for a Grand Slam title. ning to appeal the sanction. Either Federer, 35, will expand over five hours more on court than of the past nine years, the man who It will be Federer's sixth Austral- "We have to sit and see how that works his record haul of major singles titles Federer, and has one fewer day of has played his semi-final second has ian Open final and 28th Grand Slam out," he said. with his 18th, or 30-year-old Nadal rest before the final after his epic gone on to win the final. decider in total, and caps a marvel- Bolt, Carter, Asafa Powell and Michael will close the gap on the Swiss leg- semi-final wrapped up in the early Both players stand to make lous comeback after the second half Frater were on the Jamaican relay squad that end by winning his 15th. hours of yesterday. plenty of history in the final. of last season was ruined by a knee was disqualified after Carter tested positive "It is special to play with Roger Yet Nadal has done it before in At 35 years, 174 days Federer can injury, with his ranking dipping to 17. for the banned substance methylhexaneam- in a final of a Grand Slam, I cannot Melbourne in 2009, when he become the second oldest Grand Nadal, the ninth seed in Mel- ine in a re-test of Beijing samples. lie," Nadal said, after surviving a nail- pounded out a longer five-set semi- Slam champion in the Open era, after bourne, has also been out of the All of them surrendered their medals on biting, five-set semi-final with Grigor final against , and Australia's . Meanwhile Grand Slam limelight since his last Friday. Dimitrov. two days later conquered Federer in Nadal is bidding to become the first title success at Roland Garros in The loss of the relay gold deprives Bolt of Federer, who also needed five the final -- in another five-setter. man since 1968 to win each of the 2014, as injuries sidetracked his glo- one of his "triple triples" -- he won gold in the sets to get past world number four Perhaps significantly, in five out four major titles twice. rious career. 100m, 200m and the 4x100m at Beijing and and fellow Swiss in Both have a deep respect and repeated the unprecedented feat in London the semis, spoke of the "magnitude" admiration for each other. Federer in 2012 and again in Rio last year. of his match against Nadal. even travelled to Mallorca for the While conceding that the term "triple-tri- But Dimitrov described it best. "I The Australian Open will have the climax fans craved after Rafael opening of Nadal's academy ple" had "a nice ring to it" Bolt said he was Nadal and Roger Federer both came through five-set thrillers to just know that two of the greatest reach the final. With the Williams sisters in the women’s final, last October. looking forward. players of tennis are going to square the showpiece matches are a repeat of Wimbledon in 2008 "I just think he's an incredible "What can you do?" he said. "I've done all off on Sunday, and it's going to be a tennis player. He's got shots that no I wanted in the sport, I have really impacted freakin' amazing match," he said. ALL-TIME HEAD-TO-HEAD other one has. When you have that, the sport, I've really accomplished a lot so for Nadal appears to hold the edge 11 wins 23 wins you are unique and special," Federer me, I can't complain," he added. over his great rival, at least on paper, said of Nadal. He emphasized that his priority was to with a 23-11 win-loss record against Last meeting: Basel final, 2015 "Plus he's got the grit. He's got avoid distractions in order to train properly in Federer, 6-2 in major finals and 3-0 Federer bt Nadal 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 the mental and physical ability to the coming months. at the Australian Open. ROUTE TO FINAL sustain a super high level of play for "This is mymy last season and I But Nadal insists his past Grand years and for hours and for weeks. wantwant to go out on a winning J. Melzer R1 F. Mayer Slam supremacy over Federer will "I think he's been tremendous for note,"note," saidsaid BoBolt,lt, wwhoho is have no bearing on the outcome. N. Rubin R2 M. Baghdatis the game. I have a lot of respect for hheadingeading for engageengage-- The Mallorcan has spent well T. Berdych R3 A. Zverev him on many levels." ments in Australia next K. Nishikori R4 G. Monfils Nadal underlined that reputation weekweek saidsaid hishis imme-imme- Head to head M. Zverev QF M. Raonic with his gripping win in Friday's diate plansplans center on S. Wawrinka SF G. Dimitrov semi-final which was on a par with "just"just training"training" for 7-5, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, some of his very best matches. competition.competition. 28 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 The Spaniard, who is into his fourth Aus tralian decider and 21st FEDERER-NADAL GRAND SLAM FINALS MAJOR RIVALRY It will be Federer's sixth Grand Slam title match, says his 2006 Nadal 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 RG Australian Open final and 28th Grand Slams rivalry with Federer is one that Grand Slam decider in total. 2006 Federer 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 Wim 4 Australian Open 1 draws notice from outside of 2007 Nadal 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 RG 1 Roland Garros 9 tennis. "It's the combination of two dif- Either Federer will expand his 2007 Federer 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 Wim 7 Wimbledon 2 5 U.S. Open 2 ferent styles that makes the matches record haul of major singles 2008 Nadal 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 RG really special," he said. titles with his 18th, or Nadal 2008 Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 Wim ATP titles "It's a different way to play ten- will close the gap on the Swiss Usain Bolt 2009 Nadal 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 AO nis. Both of us have a lot of good legend by winning his 15th. Pictures: Source: ATP success with these two different 2011 Nadal 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 RG Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS styles." Al Attiyah hot favourite at 2017 Qatar International Rally

The Peninsula two-wheel drive honours and Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action has entered his Renault Clio at he Qatar Motor and at the Qatar International Rally, in this the rear of the field with navi- Motorcycle Federation February 7, 2015 file photo. gator Musa Djiyerian. T (QMMF) yesterday “We are delighted to see so announced that an exciting many nationalities and several line-up of 30 competitors from new faces on the entry list for 12 countries will be in action at our round of the FIA Middle the 2017 Qatar International East Rally Championship,” said Rally, which is also the first Abdulrahman Al Mannai. round of the FIA Middle East “We have our local drivers Rally Championship, taking at the front of the field pushing place on February 3 and 4. for honours and strength in The traditional opening depth in an international line- round of the regional rallying up in Group N. We look forward series will be fought out over to seeing everyone at Losail 12 special stages in a revised next week.” two-day route laid on by rally The event is based within officials under the supervision the Losail circuit, north of of QMMF President Abdulrah- Doha, and the facility will host man Al Mannai and Executive administration checks, scruti- Director Sultan Al Muraikhi. neering and media and rally Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Atti- facilities from Tuesday through yah and his French navigator to Saturday next week. Matthieu Baumel are the top Further information about seeds and firm favourites to the 2017 QMMF Qatar Interna- retain their title, but the Skoda tional Rally can be obtained by Fabia R5 driver faces stiff com- contacting the QMMF at Losail petition at the front of the field Circuit, PO Box 8708, Doha from the likes of Qatar’s Kha- through +974 443 79885, Fax: lid Al Suwaidi and Kuwait’s fascinating and 10 teams will Qatar’s challenge lies in the Al Attiyah and Khalid Al completed by Lebanon’s Henry +974 443 79732 or E-mail: Masoud Al Saleh in their Ford be hoping to gain the upper hands of defending champion Mohannadi, while Meshari Al Kahy, the experienced German [email protected]. Fiesta R5s. hand on the first of five rounds Rashed Al Naimi, Sheikh Thafiri and Salem Al Thafiri lady driver Edith Weiss and Details are also available at The battle for supremacy in of this year’s shortened Suhaim Al Thani, Saif Al Naimi, represent the State of Kuwait. Oman’s Hamid Al-Qassimi. Jor- the QMMF's official web site, the Group N category will be championship. Nasser Al Kuwari, Khalifa Saleh The international field is dan’s Asem Aref is chasing www.qmmf.com