Verdasco Wins All-Spanish up with Doubles Opener Win, Eyes Top 10 in Vinay Nayudu Doha

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tuesday, january 7, 2020 Exciting Bublik topples 7th seed for debut win in Doha Qualifier Moutet Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 sends Sandgren Wawrinka warms packing; Verdasco wins all-Spanish up with doubles opener win, eyes top 10 in Vinay Nayudu Doha

Known for his big serves singles by year end and huge forehand shots, Ka- zakhstan’s Alexander Bublik Vinay Nayudu end of 2020. served notice of his latent tal- Doha “I am here to play the best ent at the Qatar ExxonMobil tennis I can. I would want to be Open 2020 on Monday as Stanislas Wawrinka got into in the top 10 by the year end. he knocked out seventh seed the groove at the Qatar Exxon- But at the same time, I have to Adrian Mannarino of France Mobil Open 2020 tournament see how I stay the whole year in straight sets. with an opening doubles win, and the year is long. So I’ll see The 22-year-old, who along with Frances Tiafoe of the how it goes. I will want win stands at 6’6”, hit as many US, at the Khalifa International some matches and make some as ten aces at the Khalifa In- Tennis & Squash Complex on good results,” he said. ternational Tennis & Com- Monday. On the lack of consistency plex centre court on way to a The three-time Grand Slam for a top notch player like him, swift 6-3, 6-4 win. He broke champion Wawrinka, who is Wawrinka said, “We are all dif- his fancied rival’s serve three a favourite to win the singles ferent. We all achieve different- times. This was also a debut event here, and Tiafoe beat an- ly. I do the most I could, I am win in Doha for Bublik, who other title contender in singles still trying to improve and find is world ranked 55. Andrey Rublev of Russia and new things and achieve as much Bublik had a breakout Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan as I could.” campaign last year, high- 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). On his preparation coming lighted by runner-up finishes Wawrinka and Tiafoe will into the New Year, Wawrinka at the Hall of Fame Open and Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in action against France’s Andrian Mannarino on the opening day of the 2020 Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the next play India’s Rohan Bopan- said, “When I was top five, I the Chengdu Open. In fact, Khalifa Internation Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Monday. na and Dutch Wesley Koolhof was playing London and other in China he surprised many in the quarter-finals. The Indo- tournaments. I had to do more with a huge forehand return Dutch pair beat Italians Marco preparation. But now the past against Lloyd Harris. He Day one results Cecchinato and Lorenzo Sonego fews years, I have had longer off later even served underarm singles (1st round) 3-6, 6-3. 6-3, 6-2 in their opening match. seasons. I need more time be- against Taylor Fritz in the Alexander Bublik (KAZ) bt 7-Adrian Mannarino (FRA) doubles (1st round) Speaking after his warm-up cause of the injury. I think it’s a 6-3, 6-4 Doubles (1st Round) same tournament trying to Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-4, Stan Wawrinka (SUI) & Frances Tiafoe (US) bt Andrey doubles win, Wawrinka said, relation of your game, your age, catch the American off guard. 6-3 Rublev (RUS) & Alexander Bublik (KAZ) 6-3, 7-6 (8-6); “It’s always been a good tourna- your career. So far I am happy An entertainer on court, the Aljaz Bedene (SLO) bt Mikael Ymer (SWE) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3; 2-Henri Kontinen (FIN) & Franko Skugor (CRO) bt Malek ment here in Doha. Good prep- with how things have gone,” Kazakh will face Aljaz Bedene Q-Corentin Moutet (FRA) bt Tennys Sandgren (USA) 7-6 Jaziri (TUN) & Rashed Nawaf (QAT) 6-3, 6-1; Santiago aration, good conditions great Wawrinka will surely want (3), 6-4 Gonzalez (MEX) & Luke Banbridge (GBR) bt Ricardas for a spot in the quarter-finals. Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) Berankis (LTU) & Milos Raonic (CAN) 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), for the players.” to make a similar winning Bedene from Slovenia 6-4, 6-2 10-5; Rohan Bopanna (IND) & Wesley Koolhof (NED) bt Looking much leaner and start to his singles campaign in scored a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 come- Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Q-Gregoire Barrere (FRA) 6-3, Marco Cecchinato & Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 6-3, 6-2. fitter since his knee surgery last Doha when he meets French- back win against 2019 Next year, the Swiss said he was aim- man Jeremy Chardy in the Gen ATP Finals qualifier Mi- ing to be back in top-10 by the second round. kael Ymer of Sweden. happy of the way that I played Meanwhile, Doha-res- the whole match,” he added. ident Fernando Verdasco Obviously being the first The 2017 semi-finalist needed 89 minutes to book match of the year, you will meet sixth seed Filip Kra- his place in the second round, jinovic or Kyle Edmund in battling past fellow Spaniard always kind of like put the second round – who were Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-3. yourself in a little bit of playing on the centre court at “It was a tough match pressure. I was motivated the time of going to press. against a player that we know and with a lot of energy Qualifier Moutet of each other a lot. So it’s always coming from a pre-season France began his 2020 ATP a little bit more tricky than Tour season with a win, sav- the rest of the matches,” said Fernando Verdasco hits a return against Pablo Andujar during their where I worked very hard. ing each of the seven break Verdasco of his win. match on Monday. (Mahmood Hefnawy) Fernando Verdasco points he faced to move past “Obviously being the first American Tennys Sandgren match of the year, you always and nervous. season where I worked very 7-6 (3), 6-4. kind of like put yourself in a “In the end, I was also hard. that I can play a little bit Moutet will meet fourth Stan Wawrinka (left) and Frances Tiafoe (R) in action against Alexader little bit of pressure and are motivated and with a lot of “I’m happy with the way better and just fixing a few seed Milos Raonic in the sec- Bublik and Andrey Rublev during their Qatar Open men’s doubles on little bit more kind of tight energy coming from a pre- that I played. And I still think things. But in general, I’m ond-round. Monday. (Mahmood Hefnawy) ATP Cup’s timing, format a worry for players

Verdasco of Spain, too opined enter to play in the ATP Cup. could be challenging the might Something needs to change, says on the ATP Cup saying, “I have “It is the first edition of the of the ‘Big Four’. already said that ATP Cup has new ATP Cup, we have to see “For sure we can see that Rublev; It’s unfair for players, says positive things and negative what can happen,” he said. so many younger players have Tsonga; I will always choose Qatar if things. And obviously, you Frenchman Jo-Wilfried begun beating some of the top know, as Shapovalov says, Tsonga too felt that the ATP players... Getting into the semi- it is in the same week: Verdasco he’s not very happy about the Cup was unfair on players. “It finals, finals. We saw in Shang- way that there are, like, two is unfair on players. They will hai where the semi-finals were Vinay Nayudu the ATP Cup. big team competitions almost need to find a solution,” said between all the young guys. Doha “It’s not easy with the ATP right away, the Davis Cup (end Tsonga, who is one of the top Some other tournaments too it Cup. I guess they will need to of November) and the ATP Cup four seeds in Doha. was between younger players. The timing and format of the change something, because it (the first week of January). On the year ahead, Tsonga In London, in the semis, three on-going ATP Cup in Australia is not fair in my opinion. Guys “So you have like two World smiled to say, “I hope this year of the players were from the have raised many eyebrows like me, who is 20 something in Cups in two and a half months would be better for me. It is get- younger generation with Roger including that of some of the the world, can’t be there at ATP Russia’s Andrey Rublev speaks to the media at the ongong Qatar and almost in a row, because ting more challenging as one is being the fourth,” he explained. best-ranked players. Cup because I am not among ExxonMobil Open in Doha. (Mahmood Hefnawy) at the end is the last one of the getting older.” “There is a change of gen- Russian Andrey Rublev, the top in my country. While season, and the first one of the Meanwhile, Rublev said he eration but still the top players one of the fast rising young- some guys ranked like 900 or the 22-year-old, who is seeded teams, host country Australia next season. always found Qatar Open to are still in there as the world’s sters in world tennis and cur- 1000 get to play for the points number two in the singles draw was granted a wild card into “And actually for me, it’s a be a great tournament. “Even first, secondand third... They rently ranked 23 in singles and from some other nation. of Qatar ExxonMobil Open. the event. shame that they put it the same without the ATP Cup, this tour- will of course win some, it’s go- 74 in doubles, also feels that the “It is also not fair even for For the ATP Cup, a mini- For Russia, Daniil Medve- week as Doha because I will al- nament was always great. This ing to interesting. ATP Cup isn’t “fair” to all in “his guys, who say is in the top- mum of three ATP ranked dev, Karen Khachanov, Tey- ways choose Doha between this is my third time in a row in “Now is the best time opinion”. 50 as one player gets to make players, including two mem- murz Gabashvili, Ivan Nedelko and the ATP Cup. So I would Doha, I’ve always like to come for some young player to Rublev while speaking much more points and money bers with singles ATP Ranking and Konstantin Kravchuk have love to play, but I will always here. The organisation here is win a Grand Slam or a big- ahead of his opening doubles than the other who is in a dif- points, are required for a coun- been chosen to play at the ATP choose Doha. So I think if the very good and conditions really ger tournament. But there is match at the 2020 Qatar Exx- ferent team. try to be eligible to qualify. Cup. That left Rublev, and an- week is the same that I will nev- good for tennis. I always enjoy still Federer, Wawrinka, Na- onMobil Open at the Khalifa “I don’t think I am the only Top 18 countries in the ATP other dazzling player Denis er play the ATP Cup.” my time here.” dal, Djokovic who will still win International Tennis & Squash one who thinks like this. At Cup standing gained accept- Shapavalov (world-ranked 14) Three-time Grand Slam The Russian also felt that some Slams. It is very interest- Complex and felt that some- the same time, I think it’s (the ance into the event. Because out. champion Stanislas Wawrinka 2020 could be the year where ing to see how young players thing needs to be done about ATP Cup) a good idea,” said it was not among the top 18 Doha-resident Fernando of Switzerland said he didn’t the new generation players move up,” added Rublev. Sports Tuesday, January 7, 2020 13 Al Rayyan coach dreams of winning Amir Cup again The draw for the 48th edition pits defending champs Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return against Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay during their eighth session men’s singles match on day four of the Al Duhail against ATP Cup tennis tournament in Perth on Monday. (AFP) Muaither; Rayyan face Mesaimeer

Nadal flawless as Ayeni Olusegun Doha

Djoko braves brutal The draw for the 48th Amir Burning desire! Cup was held on Monday pit- For me, I dream to win this conditions in Brisbane ting defending champions Al Duhail against Muaither SC, title again. Last time when while record champions Al Al Rayyan won it (the Amir AFP Tonight was brutal,” said the Sadd face Al Kharaitiyat in the Cup), I was coach of the Sydney world number two, who extend- Round of 16. team, so I look forward to ed his record over Monfils to 16- Six-time champions Al winning the trophy again An ominous Rafael Nadal was 0, dating back 15 years. Rayyan will take on min- what is expected to be a one- are two points behind Duhail es in the league, he plays to in cruise control for Spain at the “Obviously playing Gael, nows Mesaimeer who beat sided match. On their current but we think it’s possible to go the strength of his players this season. ATP Cup Monday but Serbia’s you know you are going to have Al Shamal 1-0 to qualify for form, Al Rayyan are second in for the title. We have 10 more really well and they are a – Al Rayyan coach Novak Djokovic was forced to a lot of exchanges, a lot of ral- last 16 stage. the league, two points behind games to go and many things good team. I have to compli- Diego Aguirre sweat through brutal conditions lies. He is a great fighter and Al Rayyan coach Diego Al Duhail, but Aguirre is wary can happen. We will take it ment Omar for how he sets for his second win in a row. a great friend of mine. Tough Aguirre, who last won the tro- of potential challenges ahead. game by game and see where up his team. The Spanish world num- luck today.” phy in 2013 in his first spell “All the games are difficult we are at the end of the sea- “For us, we hope to do well seeded in group one, while the ber one swept past Uruguay’s Eight of the 24 nations will at the club, said he dreams of and of course you have to re- son,” Aguirre added. in this competition. It’s the ninth-placed to 12 were place experienced Pablo Cuevas make the quarter-finals in Syd- winning the title again. spect the opponent. I’m happy Meanwhile, eight-time job of the coaches to improve in group two. The top three 6-2, 6-1 in just 73 minutes in ney from the round robin -- six “For me, I dream to win with the draw but we need to winners Al Arabi have a tough the team with the players you teams from the second divi- Perth to ensure his country group winners and two best this title again. Last time when be focused to win games. Al task against Al Khor. The have,” Al Arabi coach Heimir sion including qualifiers Me- won their second consecutive runners up. Al Rayyan won it, I was coach Rayyan is a big team and we Dream Team last won the Hallgrimsson said as the Doha saimeer completed group two. tie at the inaugural 24-team Other winners Monday in- of the team, so I look forward fight for every trophy and for Amir Cup in 1993 before los- club chases its first major tro- The Round 16 ties are event and moved closer to the cluded Japan, Croatia, South to winning the trophy again Al Rayyan, the Amir Cup is ing to Al Sadd the next year in phy in over 20 years. scheduled to start on February quarter-finals. Africa and Austria. this season,” the Uruguayan very important. The league is the final. This year’s Amir Cup will 5-8, while the quarter-finals He came on court after World number four Domi- said. a bit more difficult because we “We know Al Khor and be played in four stages in- will be played from March 11- teammate and world number nic Thiem bounced back from The Lions will take on Al have a lot of games. they have been tough oppo- cluding the final. The top 14. There will also be further 10 Roberto Bautista Agut made a shock loss in his opening Mesaimeer and are clearly the “We will fight for the nents. Their coach for me is eight teams from last sea- draws for the quarter-final and short work of Franco Roncadelli match to beat tenacious Diego overwhelming favourites in league and other trophies. We one of the most clever coach- son’s QNB Stars League were semi-finals. 6-1, 6-2. Schwartzman in two tough sets “A great match. I played to steer Austria to victory over better than the other day. It Argentina in Sydney. was a very positive victory Earlier, Dennis Novak against an opponent for who I showed battling qualities to Ole’s plans have a lot of respect,” said 19- upset world number 25 Gui- Bounedjah, Haydos shine as time Grand Slam winner Na- do Pella after losing the first dal. “I’m super happy.” set 6-0. taking shape Djokovic was given a testing It kept Austria alive in workout in his opening clash in Group E after they lost their Al Sadd thrash Al Arabi 6-1 at Man Utd, Brisbane on Saturday by big- opening tie to Croatia. serving South African Kevin The unbeaten Croats are sit- Anderson, who took him to two ting pretty, spearheaded by for- Tribune News Network says Pep tiebreakers. mer US Open champion Marin Doha He was back to his domi- Cilic who eased past Poland’s AFP nant best against France’s Kacper Zuk in straight sets -- his Baghdad Bounedjah and London Gael Monfils,but the sapping second victory in a row. Hassan al Haydous both scored heat and humidity made the “I felt that the level was a double as Al Sadd bounced Pep Guardiola says Manches- 6-3, 6-2 win harder than the quite good. I was being ag- back to thump Al Arabi 6-1 in ter United are starting to play score suggested. gressive,” said Cilic, a losing a 2019-20 QNB Stars League the way Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “It was definitely one of the Australian Open finalist in match at the Al Arabi Stadium wants them to as he prepares most humid conditions that 2018. “I had to stay mentally on Monday. for a blockbuster League Cup I have ever had in my career. in the match, really focused.” Goals from Pedro Miguel semi-final between the two and Akram Afif ensured The sides. Wolves ran out comfortable City head to Old Trafford winners in the ‘Doha Derby’, for the first leg of the last-four moving them to third in the ta- encounter on Tuesday, having Muguruza rallies to ble with 21 points. won the competition for the Al Arabi, with 18 points, past two seasons. slipped from fourth to fifth be- Guardiola’s side are third reach second round hind Al Gharafa. in the Premier League, 13 The result was a big boost points ahead of fifth-placed AFP Defending champion Ary- for Al Sadd as they got their Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates scoring against Al Arabi during their QNB Stars League United, but lost 2-1 to their ri- Shanghai na Sabalenka made a fast start title-defending campaign back match at the Al Arabi Stadium in Doha on Monday. vals last month as Solskjaer’s to her season, blowing away on track. On the other hand, men produced an exhilarating Former world number one Russian qualifier Margarita it was a setback, particularly the right. QSL Standings (Top 5) his team’s inability to see out display of counter-attacking Garbine Muguruza recovered Gasparyan in just 71 minutes. the big margin of defeat, for Xavi Hernandez cut a dis- games and their woes were football at the Etihad Stadium. from a slow start to avoid an The world number 11 from Al Arabi as they had blanked gruntled figure on the touch- Club MP W D L GF GA GD Pts further compounded when Al Asked what he had learned upset at the Shenzhen Open Belarus eased to a 6-3, 6-0 vic- Al Ahli 3-0 in a Week 12 game line but his worries were soon 1. Al Duhail 12 9 3 0 24 10 14 30 Sadd bagged a fourth 10 min- from that defeat, the Spaniard on Monday. tory as she looks to seal a place played last weekend. put to rest as three goals in 2. Al Rayyan 12 8 4 0 28 9 19 28 utes into the second half. added: “How fast they are. The 26-year-old Spaniard inside the top 10 for the Aus- Marc Martinez had ear- five minutes led by Pedro’s The Qatar national team How they run on the counter- beat Chinese youngster Wang tralian Open. lier given Al Arabi the lead in equaliser on the half hour 3. Al Sadd 11 7 0 4 33 20 13 21 captain was on hand to power attack. How solid, how ag- Xinyu 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 and plays The 21-year-old will play the 10th minute after the Al mark, set the tone for the rest 4. Al Gharafa 12 6 2 4 22 18 4 20 home a header from Afif’s de- gressive. We conceded a few the American Shelby Rogers in Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Sadd defenders were caught of the match. 5. Al Arabi 12 5 3 4 23 19 4 18 lightful cross. counter-attacks and in just round two in southern China. Republic next. napping. But that was all The Bounedjah made it 2-1 with Afif soon helped himself to two or three seconds they The Shenzhen Open serves Sabalenka won three titles Dream Team could practically a first-time shot from Gabi Fer- We scored six goals which is a goal despite some nervous were in the box.” as build-up for the Australian last year in China, including in do as it was all Al Sadd then. nandez through pass. very good considering we had VAR moments and Bounedjah Speaking about Solskjaer, Open at the end of the month. Shenzhen. Al Arabi could have dou- Haydous made it three chances against Al Wakrah but rounded off the tally after some he said: “I think he is starting It was the two-time Grand Gasparyan, 25, reached a bled the lead around the half- when he capitalised on a faulty we still lost the match,” Xavi more shaky defensive play to see his team like he wants. Slam winner Muguruza’s first career-high 41 in the world in hour mark had Mohammed defensive clearance. said after the match. from Al Arabi gifted the ball to The last (league) game against match since an early exit at the February 2016 but has been Salal El Neel connected an “I am very happy with what Al Arabi coach Heimir Pedro who found the Algerian Arsenal they lost, but you see China Open in late September. beset by injuries. Abdullah Marafy cross from the players presented today. Hallgrimsson had lamented striker in the box. clearly what he wants.” Ronaldo nets first Serie A hat-trick as Ibrahimovic returns for Milan

ahead of Inter in the table bench after 55 minutes against Juventus beat Cagliari 4-0 at home; Juventus forward Cristiano with Antonio Conte’s side Sampdoria. Ronaldo (right) celebrates travelling to Napoli later on The 38-year-old came on AC Milan draw at home to Sampdoria with teammate Leonardo Monday, looking to keep pace for Poland striker Krzysztof AFP been pegged back in the first Bonucci after scoring his with the eight-time reigning Piatek to deafening applause Milan half by the sixth-placed Sar- third goal against Cagliari champions. from the 58,000 crowd in his dinians who have been push- during their Italian Serie A Atalanta closed to within a first appearance after rejoin- Cristiano Ronaldo scored ing for a spot in the Champi- match on Monday. (AFP) point of fourth-placed Roma, ing the club last week. his first Serie A hat-trick to ons League places this season who lost 2-0 to Torino on Sun- But there was little else to lift Juventus top of Serie A but fell to their third consecu- day, with a 5-0 rout of Parma, cheer for the hosts who ex- with a 4-0 win over Cagliari on tive defeat. having also beaten AC Milan tended their winless run to Monday as Zlatan Ibrahimovic The second-half was all by the same scoreline before three games and remain 12th made his debut for AC Mi- one-way traffic with 34-year- the winter break. in the table. lan in a goalless draw against old Ronaldo breaking the The side from Bergamo New Fiorentina coach Gi- Sampdoria. deadlock just after the in- were already three goals up useppe Iachini had to settle for Portugal forward Ronaldo terval. He added a second before the break thanks to a 1-1 draw against Bologna in struck for the fifth consecu- from the penalty spot on 67 Alejandro Gomez, Remo his first game after taking over tive league game to move the minutes with Argentina’s Freuler and Robin Gosens, from Vincenzo Montella. champions back above In- Gonzalo Higuain coming off with Josip Ilicic adding a The Tuscany side had lead ter Milan in their first match the bench to strike a third double in a nine minute sec- for most of the game after since the Italian SuperCup de- on 81 minutes, before Ron- ond-half spell. Marco Benassi volleyed in on feat to Lazio in Saudi Arabia aldo completed his hat-trick a At the San Siro, Swedish 27 minutes but Riccardo Orso- last month. minute later. star Ibrahimovic made his de- lini grabbed a point for Bolo- Maurizio Sarri’s side had Juve are three points but for Milan coming off the gna deep into injury time. 14 Tuesday, January 7, 2020 Sports

Controversy Weightlifting corruption, doping accusations ‘very serious’, says IOC

AFP establishing a “culture of cor- Lausanne ruption” and doping cover-ups over decades. The International Olympic The Hungarian Anti-Dop- Committee (IOC) said on Mon- ing Group (HUNADO) car- day the accusations made by a ried out 77 percent of IWF’s German broadcaster of cor- anti-doping tests between ruption and doping cover-ups 2008 and 2017, the docu- at the International Weight- mentary said, including all lifting Federation (IWF) were 101 tests on Moldovan ath- “very serious and worrying”. IWJ President Tamas Ajan letes, all of which came back ARD, who broke the sto- negative. ry on Russia’s state doping based. This applies to the doc- Dorin Balmus, doctor scandal, claim prominent uments regarding the doping of the Moldovan national weightlifters were rarely sub- statistics and those regarding weightlifting team, was caught ject to tests, while some con- the alleged financial irregu- on hidden camera explaining trollers were allegedly taking larities.” how urine samples could be cash to accept manipulated In a statement to AFP to manipulated – including by urine samples. Sunday, the IWF said it was getting lookalikes of athletes The Australian team poses with the Trans-Tasman Trophy after winning the series against New Zealand on the fourth day of the third cricket The ARD programme also examining the allegations to provide the samples. Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Monday. (AFP) cited documents allegedly made in the broadcast. HUNADO head Agnes showing at least $5 million Hungary’s anti-doping au- Tiszeker said in a statement (4.5 million euros) in funding thority said on Monday it had that the group was victim of flowing from theIO C to the been “maliciously targeted” in “unclear, malicious targeting IWF were transferred into two the documentary. without any factual evidence”. Swiss accounts, of which only The case is set to feature “Entirely false informa- Lyon ‘mauls’ Kiwis federation president Tamas during the IOC’s executive tion portrayed the work of Ajan had oversight. commission as it meets on the Hungarian Anti-Doping “The IOC takes note of the Wednesday in Lausanne. Group in an unacceptable ARD report. The accusations light,” Tiszeker said. are very serious and worry- Denial Tiszeker added HUNADO ing,” the IOC said. In Budapest, Hungary’s answered ARD’s questions again, helps OZ “The IOC wants to clarify anti-doping authority said “in detail” but the channel that -- contrary to what ARD is that it had been “maliciously “completely ignored the sup- claiming -- it was not in pos- targeted” in a German docu- porting data contained in session of ‘most of the documentary that accused the IWF the Hungarian Anti-Doping sweep series ments’ on which the film is and its chief Tamas Ajan of Group’s documents.” The spinner grabs five wickets again to finish with 10 in third Test Warne to auction ‘baggy green’ for SA defiant during AFP fall, caught at backward square Sydney Scoreboard leg by Pat Cummins for 19. bushfire appeal world record chase Earlier, Warner completed Australia (1st innings): 454 B.J. Watling c Cummins b Lyon 19 Nathan Lyon captured five New Zealand (1st innings): 256 C. de Grandhomme c Burns b Lyon 52 his 24th Test century and re- AFP AFP for 50 and 10 match wickets Australia (2nd innings, overnight 40-0) T. Astle c Pattinson b Lyon 17 mained unbeaten when skipper Sydney Cape Town Stokes slammed 72 off 47 as Australia crushed New Zea- D. Warner not out 111 W. Somerville b Starc 7 Paine declared upon the dis- balls to overshadow a land by 279 runs on Monday, J. Burns lbw b Astle 40 N. Wagner not out 0 missal of Marnus Labuschagne. Spin legend Shane Warne on Ben Stokes launched an aston- M. Labuschagne c Latham b Henry 59 M. Henry did not bat (injured) 0 maiden Test century by capping a golden domestic Extras (b3, lb3, w1) 7 Extras (b3, lb1) 4 “You know you’re capa- Monday announced plans to ishing assault which enabled Dominic Sibley, who contin- summer as they swept the Total (2 wkts declared; 52 overs) 217 Total (9 wkts; 47.5 overs) 136 ble of doing so,” Warner said, auction the “beloved” baggy England to give themselves ued his sedate progress as three-Test series. Fall of wickets: 1-107 (Burns), 2-217 (Labuschagne) Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Blundell), 2-4 (Latham), 3-22 when asked about how he had green cap he wore through- plenty of time to push for victo- he took his overnight score The off-spinner led the Bowling: Henry 12-2-54-1 (1w), de Grandhomme (Raval), 4-22 (Phillips), 5-38 (Taylor), 6-107 (de bounced back from his disas- out his 145-Test cricket career ry, but the tourists had to work 13-1-43-0, Wagner 9-1-37-0, Somerville 10-0-36-0, Grandhomme), 7-128 (Astle), 8-136 (Somerville), of 85 to 133 not out. powerful Australian bowling Astle 8-1-41-1. 9-136 (Watling) trous Ashes campaign in Eng- to raise money for victims of hard to take two South African attack to dismiss the Kiwis for Bowling: Starc 9-3-25-3, Cummins 11-3-29-1, land last year. bushfires raging in Australia. wickets before the close on the 136 and seal another heavy New Zealand (2nd innings): Pattinson 6-3-8-0, Lyon 16.5-4-50-5, Labuschagne “I was in the nets hitting the The “baggy green” is fourth day of the second Test at T. Latham lbw b Starc 1 5-0-20-0. Brief scores win over the Black Caps after T. Blundell c Lyon b Starc 2 Australia won by 279 runs ball well and had the skipper awarded to Australian play- Newlands on Monday. similar victories in Perth and J. Raval c Paine b Lyon 12 Australia win series 3-0 backing me. To be able to play ers when they make their de- Set to make a world record South Africa 126 for 2 (Malan 63*) and Melbourne. R. Taylor b Cummins 22 Man of the match: Marnus Labuschagne (AUS) with freedom helped me. It’s all but and is worn as a badge of 438 to win, South Africa were 223 require 312 more runs to beat Australia have been unbeat- G. Phillips c Paine b Lyon 0 Toss: Australia paying off.” pride when they are on the 126 for two at the close. They England 269 and 391 for 8 dec (Sibley able this season, winning all Labuschagne, who was field. used up 56 overs on Monday 133*, Root 61, Stokes 72) fiveT ests at home - two against 25 to support the wiles of spin- over for 12. dropped on four in a regu- Given Warne’s exploits but will need to bat out another Pakistan and three against New ner Lyon. First-innings top-scorer lation caught-and-bowled on the field and his high pro- 90 on Tuesday to prevent Eng- Zealand - after retaining the “They were clinical in all Glenn Phillips went for a duck chance by leg-spinner Astle, file off it, local media pre- land from levelling the four- for four off 79 overs. Sparked by Ashes by drawing the series 2-2 areas and after the first match after technology detected a was caught at long on off Matt dicted it could fetch up to match series. Stokes they added another 157 in England. they put us under pressure ses- faint outside edge to wicket- Henry for 59 -- his seventh Aus$500,000 (US$345,000). Opening batsman Pieter runs off only 32 overs before “It’s been a great summer sion after session,” said skipper keeper Paine off Lyon. score over 50 in eight innings Warne, who took more Malan, making his Test debut, declaring five overs after lunch for the Australian Test side,” Kane Williamson, who missed this domestic summer. than 700 Test wickets, said scored 63 not out and shared on 391 for eight. Lyon said. the Test with a virus. Taylor’s record Labuschagne finished the he wanted to help those who half-century partnerships with While Sibley continued to “It’s pretty special to be part New Zealand were reeling Ross Taylor became the home five-Test season with have suffered in the cata- Dean Elgar (34) and Zubayr play the anchor role, Stokes of it, we have been impressive, early at 27-4 and never recov- leading all-time Kiwi batsman, a stunning aggregate of 896 strophic fires that have devas- Hamza, who was caught behind went on the attack against pretty clinical, the batters have ered after Starc and Lyon took going past Stephen Fleming runs, made up of his 215 in the tated parts of the country. off James Anderson in the pe- every bowler he faced. He sur- done well and given us bowlers two wickets each in the middle (7,172) before he was bowled by first innings, three other centu- “The horrific bushfires in nultimate over of the day for 18. vived a chance on 38 when an plenty of time.” session to put the skids under Pat Cummins for 22 to take his ries and three half-centuries in Australia have left us all in Stokes slammed 72 off 47 attempted pull against Kagiso Australia declared their the tourists. Test aggregate to 7,174. eight innings. disbelief. The impact these balls to overshadow a maiden Rabada could not be held by second innings at 217 for two Starc removed both open- Big-hitting Colin de Grand- There was drama late in the devastating fires are having Test century by Dominic Sibley, a diving Quinton de Kock af- with David Warner scoring an ers, Tom Latham and Tom homme smacked Lyon for six to Australian innings when Warn- on so many people is unthink- who continued his sedate pro- ter the wicketkeeper ran about unbeaten century, leaving the Blundell, in the first five overs. bring up his fifty but went next er was given an official warning able and has touched us all,” gress as he took his overnight 35 metres in trying to take the Black Caps with a revised 416- Blundell fell to a stunning ball hoicking to Joe Burns at by umpire Aleem Dar for run- he said on Instagram. score of 85 to 133 not out. He catch. run target in the fourth innings catch by a diving Lyon at point deep mid-wicket for 52. ning down the middle of the “Everyone is in this to- reached his hundred off 269 Stokes was caught at long- on a wearing Sydney Cricket for two and stand-in skipper Todd Astle was out to a su- pitch in scampering a single. gether and we continue to balls and faced 311 deliveries in on off left-arm spinner Keshav Ground pitch. Latham lost a review for leg be- perb diving catch by James Pat- It resulted in five penalty find ways to contribute and his innings. Maharaj after an innings which But the Kiwis buckled un- fore wicket. tinson in the outfield for 17. runs being added to New Zea- help on a daily basis.” England’s batting on Mon- included three sixes and seven der the pressure of Australia’s Jeet Raval was out in a Starc yorked William Somer- land’s first innings total mean- He said that is why he day was in dramatic contrast fours and had a large English superior bowling attack with review to the faintest of edg- ville’s middle stump for seven ing their target was revised decided to auction off his to their effort on Sunday when contingent in the crowd roaring Mitchell Starc taking three for es on ‘Snicko’ in Lyon’s first and BJ Watling was the last to down from 421 to 416. “beloved green cap”. they ground their way to 218 their approval. Vikings upset Saints, Seahawks oust Eagles in NFL playoffs

afp Vikings, who will travel to Na- plays, which ended on a 20- goal with two seconds remain- Washington tional Conference top seed San yard Brees touchdown pass ing to pull the Saints level at Francisco next Saturday. to Taysom Hill with 10:31 re- 20-20 and force over-time. Minnesota’s Kirk Cous- Seattle defeated hosts maining, pulling New Orleans ins threw a 4-yard touchdown Philadelphia 17-9 in Sunday’s within 20-17. Brees went 5-for- Seahawks down Eagles pass to Kyle Rudolph 4:20 into other first-round playoff game 5 passing for 71 yards in the At Philadelphia, the Eagles over-time on Sunday and the to book a date next Sunday at scoring march. suffered a major setback when Vikings upset New Orleans 26- National Conference second Brees moved the Saints quarterback Carson Wentz 20 to reach the second round of seeds Green Bay. downfield again but Jamaican- went out in the first quarter af- the NFL playoffs. “Anticipating snow. An- born Danielle Hunter of the Vi- ter taking a helmet-to-helmet The Vikings quarterback ticipating a great game,” Seat- kings knocked loose a fumble, hit from Seattle’s Jadeveon achieved his first career playoff tle quarterback Russell wilson Brees’s first of the season, and Clowney. victory by marching Minnesota said of Green Bay. “It’ll be a Minnesota’s Jalyn Holmes re- “We knew we had to step 75 yards in nine plays, sparked great matchup.” covered with 4:18 remaining. it up in the playoffs,” Clowney by his 43-yard completion to Next weekend’s American Saints defender A.J. Klein said. “We knew we had to stop Adam Thielen to the Saints Conference games find Ten- appeared to have recovered a them up front.” 2-yard line three plays before nessee at top seeds Baltimore Cook fumble and returned it Josh McCown, a 17-year the winning touchdown throw. on Saturday and Houston at for a touchdown on the next NFL veteran who had retired “Just happy we won. It was second seeds Kansas City on Vikings possession, but a and worked as a TV commen- a great game. It was a great Sunday. Next week’s hosts had Minnesota Vikings players celebrate their thrilling over-time victory over New Orleans Saints during their video review overturned the tator before returning to the team win,” said Cousins after first-round byes. NFL first-round playoffs in New Orleans on Sunday. play, ruling Cook was down Eagles at age 40, made his his 14th career game-winning New Orleans quarterback before losing the ball, keep- playoff field debut by replac- late drive. Drew Brees, 10 days shy of his vers foiled the favored Saints. win today but us.” play, 64-yard march to give ing Minnesota ahead. ing Wentz, who missed the Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook 41st birthday, completed 26- “I’m so proud of the way Cook’s 1-yard touchdown Minnesota a 20-10 lead. New Orleans had a final end of Philadelphia’s two pri- ran 28 times for 94 yards and of-33 passes for 208 yards and we fought,” Rudolph said. run with 3:23 remaining in the But the Saints answered chance in regulation time and or campaigns after knee and two touchdowns for the visiting a touchdown but costly turno- “Nobody gave us a chance to third quarter capped an eight- with an 85-yard drive in eight Wil Lutz kicked a 49-yard field back injuries. Sports Tuesday, January 7, 2020 15

Toyota’s driver Nasser al Attiyah of Qatar and his co-driver Matthieu Baumel of France during the Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally Toyota’s Hilux Gazoo Racing driver Giniel De Villiers of South Africa and his co-driver Alex Bravo Haro of Spain on the way to 2020 between Al Wajh and Neom, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. (AFP) winning the Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally on Monday. (AFP) Attiyah improves to overall third

fifth spot but moving a spot up Results 3hrs 37mins 20secs. well, except the tyres. Yester- Dakar appearance when he His teammate in the overall classification. The 47-year-old crossed day we had three punctures ground to a halt when his His teammate Giniel de Results of the Dakar Rally after Monday’s stage 2 12:35, 8. Stephane Peterhansel-Paulo Fiuza (FRA- the line 3mins 57secs ahead of and today we had three punc- near front wheel “completely Villiers, the South African (401 kilometres) from Al Wajh to Neom: POR/Mini) 13:17, 9. Yazeed Al Rajhi-Konstantin Zhiltsov Orlando Terranova who now tures. ripped off”. de Villiers wins Cars: (KSA-RUS/Toyota) 16:05, 10. Bernhard Ten Brinke-Tom who also lost 23 minutes due 1. Giniel de Villiers-Alex Haro (RSA-ESP/Toyota) 3hr Colsoul (NED-BEL/Toyota) 21:23 heads the overall standings “I think BF Goodrich “He said sorry to us, I second stage to four puncture and was 14th 37min 20sec, 2. Orlando Terranova-Bernardo Graue in his Mini. The Argentinian, needs to develop the tyre, you think he knew it was his fault,” yesterday, pulled off the stage (ARG-ARG/Mini) at 3min 57sec, 3. Khalid al Qassimi- Motorcycles: who was sixth in the opening know, because this tyre is now Toyota Overdrive boss Jean- victory with a strong come- Xavier Panseri (UAE-FRA/Abu Dhabi Racing) 5:42, 4. 1. Ross Branch (BOT/KTM) 3hr 39min 10sec, 2. Sam stage, is almost five minutes four years old. The problem is Marc Fortin said. Mathieu Serradori-Fabian Lurquin (FRA-BEL/SRT) 9:39, Sutherland (GBR/KTM) at 1:24, 3. Pablo Quintanilla Agencies back over 401-km stage with 5. Nasser al Attiyah-Matthieu Baumel (QAT-FRA/Toyota) (CHI/Husqvarna) 2:21, 4. Kevin Benavides (ARG/ ahead of fellow Mini driver there no competition for the “He had the necessary Neom (Saudi Arabia) 367 kms being timed run be- 11:46, 6. Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (ESP-ESP/Mini) Honda) 3:40, 5. Luciano Benavides (ARG/KTM) 3:44, Carlos Sainz. Attiyah is six tyre. If there is another brand, (equipment) to repair it but he tween Al Wajh and Neom. 13:05, 7. Yazeed al Rajhi-Konstantin Zhiltsov (KSA- 6. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP/Honda) 4:57, 7. Jose minutes off the lead while 13- I’m sure [it would be better]. first had to find the wheel be- Defending champion “I know it happens like this RUS/Toyota) 13:31, 8. Yasir Seaidan-Alexy Kuzmich Ignacio Cornejo Florimo (CHI/Honda) 5:58 , 8. Matthias time champion Stephane Pe- Look at the buggy, the buggies cause it had careered off into (KSA-RUS/Race World) 16:44, 9. Jerome Pelichet- Walkner (AUT/KTM) 5:59, 9. Xavier de Soultrait (FRA/ Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah in the Dakar, you can have a Pascal Larroque (FRA/Raidlynx) 16:47, 10. Vaidotas Yamaha) 6:08, 10. Andrew Short (USA/Husqvarna) terhansel already trails by 13 never have a puncture. the distance,” Fortin reported. more than made up for multi- very bad day and the next day Zala-Saulius Jurgelenas (LTU-LTU/Agrorodeo) 19:23 7:00 minutes after a problem with “If today we start with the “When they found it, it ple flat tyres and navigational you can have a very good day,” his car’s steering column. three and Giniel [de Villiers] wasn’t round but oval.” error as the Qatari improved de Villiers said. “It’s just the Overall standings (after stage 2) Overall standings (after stage 2) Attiyah was frustrated by starts with three and most of On the motorcycles, Ross 1. Orlando Terranova-Bernardo Graue (ARG-ARG/Mini) 1. Sam Sutherland (GBR/KTM) 7hr 05min 22sec, 2 his overall ranking to third af- way you limit your bad days 7hr 7min 36sec, 2. Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (ESP-ESP/ Pablo Quintanilla (CHI/Husqvarna) at 1:18, 3. Kevin recurring punctures and urged four-wheel drive have a lot Branch won his first stage on ter the second stage in the Da- and limit the time loss but sure Mini) at 4:43, 3. Nasser al Attiyah-Matthieu Baumel Benavides (ARG/Honda) 1:32, 4. Matthias Walkner Dakar tyre supplier BF Goodrich of punctures. I need to speak the Dakar after a perfectly kar Rally on Monday. [it was a] really nice day. (QAT-FRA/Toyota) 6:07, 4. Mathieu Serradori-Fabian (AUT/KTM) 2:00, 5. Ricky Brabec (USA/Honda) 4:11, to improve its tyre compounds, with the Goodrich people and controlled day’s riding. Lurquin (FRA-BEL/SRT) 7:22, 5. Vaidotas Zala-Saulius 6. Ross Branch (BOT/KTM) 4:19, 7. Luciano Benavides Three punctures forced “We just had a stop with Jurgelenas (LTU-LTU/Mini) 8:11, 6. Giniel de Villiers- (ARG/KTM) 6:01, 8. Joan Barreda Bort (ESP/Honda) while also pinpointing his trou- to explain,” Attiyah added. The Botswanan finished him to finish fourth in the first Bernhard [ten Brinke] to Alex Haro (RSA-ESP/Toyota) 12:04, 7. Khalid Al 6:09, 9. Toby Price (AUS/KTM) 7:34, 10. Andrew Short bles to a lack of tyre competition The third Toyota Hilux 1min 24secs ahead of 2017 stage on Sunday and today, give him some tyres because Qassimi-Xavier Panseri (UAE-FRA/Abu Dhabi Racing) (USA/Husqvarna) 9:24 in the category. driver and former double For- winner Sam Sunderland who the Qatari had three more flat he ran out of tyres, cost us “Today in one place we mula One winner Fernando now leads the bikes category, tyres, besides French co-driv- a minute or two. Otherwise got lost, but after that, we had Alonso was “glad to be able to 1min 18secs ahead of Pablo er Matthiue Baumel making a really good day. the place so you can get con- gational problems and De three times flat tyre,” said Atti- continue” after dropping two- Quintanilla. route mistake today. Notwith- “Alex [Haro] did a re- fused quite quickly. Car ran Villiers took advantage of a yah. “Everybody has a mistake and-a-half hours when losing On Tuesday, the rally standing the snags, Attiyah ally good job on navigation really good and let’s see what mistake by long time stage and the good point is that we a wheel. heads out on a 489 km round displayed his usual rhythm because it’s so, so tricky out tomorrow brings,” he added. leader Yazeed al Rajhi to are still third overall. Alonso suffered his first trip which starts and ends in and pace before getting the there, and bikes going all over Many drivers had navi- guide his Toyota home in “The car is working very major problem in his maiden Neom.

Qatar spikers to face India in Asia qualifiers 15 QCA scholarships to talented junior players

QNCA to start will start coaching sessions at both physically and mentally.” its Asian Town Stadium-based Ahmad said an extensive coaching this facility this month. plan has been prepared for the “The academy will run players, especially the junior month various training programmes ones. “The QNCA will also pre- through its qualified and ex- pare the players for under-16, Tribune News Network perienced coaches to prepare under-19 and senior national DOHA players for different national teams. The players will be teams,” Kuwari said. shortlisted after the successful The Qatar National Cricket “We are laying a great completion of their coaching Academy (QNCA), established emphasis on junior players programme and given oppor- and run by the Qatar Cricket so that we can create a talent QCA President Yousef Jeham al tunity to play the local league Association, will launch its pool for strong senior national Kuwari matches to develop them for full-fledged training pro- teams in future. We are keen international level competi- gramme at the Asian Town to expand our activities to incentives to promising junior tions in future.” Stadium, Industrial Area, with provide good grooming op- players. “The QCA President Interested parents or play- an aim to boost the junior portunities to our players at has also announced 15 scholar- ers may contact the coaching Qatari will take on India in their opening match of Group Two in the Asian qualifiers for the Tokyo players development plan. all levels,” Kuwari added. ships to talented players. They staff at the Asian Town Sta- Olympic Games 2020 in China on Tuesday. Qatar and India clubbed with Australia and South Korea in QCA President Yousef Je- According to QCA Opera- will be imparted quality coach- dium for details about the ad- Group two, while Iran, China, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan are placed in Group One. Al Annabi will ham al Kuwari informed in a tions Manager Manzoor Ah- ing and get to play matches mission in the Qatar National next play Australia on Wednesday before taking on South Korea on Thursday. press release that the QNCA mad, the QCA is also offering so that they can be developed Cricket Academy. James triple-double propels M Pallonji crush Asian Club by eight wickets Lakers past Pistons Tribune News Network DOHA

AFP Derrick Rose’s three-pointer Gorgui Dieng to salvage the vic- Sponsors M Pallonji mus- Los Angeles whittled the gap again. tory -- and win back-to-back cled to an eight-wicket win Davis responded with a games for the first time since against Asian Club in the LeBron James produced his three-pointer and Howard pro- November. opening match of the sixth M ninth triple-double of the sea- duced the Lakers’ 20th block of All five Timberwolves start- Pallonji Cricket Tournament son on Sunday and the Los An- the night as the Lakers hung on. ers scored in double figures, led at the Losail Complex. geles Lakers blocked 20 shots The Minnesota Timber- by Dieng who had 22 points, 13 Chidananda Naik, Gen- on the way to a fifth straight wolves, bolstered by the return rebounds, six assists and four eral Manager of M Pallonji, NBA victory, 106-99 over the from the sick list of Andrew blocked shots. inaugurated the tournament Detroit Pistons. Wiggins, squandered a 25-point The Miami Heat took their in presence Qatar Veterans Anthony Davis had eight second-half lead before coming league-best home record to 17-1 Cricket officials, Syed Adil, of the Lakers’ 20 blocks up with a 118-103 victory over with a 122-111 victory over the Cricket Coordinator – Hou- -- which were one shy of the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Portland Trail Blazers. ston Cricket Association, play- the club record set in 1982. At 26-10 overall the Heat ers and match officials. JaVale McGee had six and are third in the Eastern Con- Asian Club, put in to bat Dwight Howard had five with Results ference led by the Milwaukee first, faced pressure as they Avery Bradley adding one. Results on Sunday in the NBA: Bucks. were kept in check by M Pal- Chidananda Naik, General Manager of M Pallonji, plays a ceremonial shot to inaugurate sixth M Pallonji Cricket Davis also added 24 points Cleveland 103, Minnesota 118 Goran Dragic came off the lonji bowlers and could man- Tournament in presence Qatar Veterans Cricket officials, players and match officials at the Losail Complex. with 11 rebounds and three LA Lakers 106, Detroit 99 bench to lead the Heat with age only a reasonable 129 for steals as the Western Confer- Miami 122, Portland 111 29 points and 13 assists. Bam 10 in 17.5 overs. Praveen got one. Results ence-leading Lakers repelled a Phoenix 114, Memphis 121 Adebayo added 20 points and Opener Daniyal turned out After getting an early set- late challenge from the Pistons LA Clippers 135, New York 132 the Heat never trailed despite to be their the top-scorer with back, M Pallonji cut loose Other matches: and remained unbeaten against the absence of Jimmy Butler 44 runs, He blasted two sixes through Sandeesh, who MIC defeated Mumbai XII by three wickets in the second match. Mumbai XII: 105 all out in 18.2 overs (Nadeem 38 not out with three sixes & two fours, Abdul Gafoor 21; Zakaria teams with losing records. with a sore back. and two boundaries in his smashed 65 not out with seven & Khalid 3 wickets each, Atiq two wickets). Los Angeles scored the first Cleveland’s Dante Exum “It doesn’t matter for us knock. Sajid struck a quick- sixes and two fours. Rajesh, MIC: 106 for eight in 17 overs (Asif 23 with two sixes and one four, Sami 17; Lukman, Shafique & Arshad 2 wickets 15 points of the fourth quarter scored 24 of his 28 points in the who’s playing or not,” Dragic fire 33 runs, which contained who was declared the man of each). and led by 11 points with 7:42 second half, when the Cavaliers said. “We don’t use excuses.” three sixes and a boundary. the match, hit 44 runs in 18 Man of the match: Zakaria of MIC remaining, but a 13-1 scoring put together a 30-4 scoring run Former Heat center Has- Feroz chipped in with 23 with balls, which included five sixes Mitra Mandal defeated Serandib B by 24 runs in third match. run put the Pistons up by one to seize a one-point lead with san Whiteside was booed three fours. and two fours. Mitra Mandal: 170 for 7 in 20 overs (Bhushan 38 in 14 balls with three sixes and three fours, Vinod 34 in 17 point with 4:51 left. 8:26 left to play. whenever he touched the ball Rajesh bowled brilliantly As a result, M. Pallonji deliveries with two sixes and four boundaries, Sujeet 26, Vijay 25; Manager 3 wickets, Bandula 2 wickets) A driving dunk by James But Minnesota answered in his return to Miami for the and took three wickets for easily won the match by eight Serandib B: 146 for 8 wickets (Bandulla 24 with three sixes and two fours, Thiwanka 19; Sujit 4 wickets, Amit 2 wickets) had the Lakers lead back to with a 13-point run that in- Blazers but finished with 21 just two runs. Siddique and wickets in 9.3 overs. Sajid and Man of the match: Sujeet of Mitra Mandal four with 3:22 remaining, but cluded two three-pointers from points and 18 rebounds. Alban shared four scalps and Aftab got one wicket each.