FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 17

South African We haven’t really achieved anything as a Test team; warns his team against complacency as they we’ve just won one Test match. There is a lot that take a 1-0 series lead into the second Test against still needs to happen for us to go where we want to England, from whom he expects a backlash. go as a Test team. Sports world mourns NBA mastermind Stern

AFP — NEW YORK NBA Commissioner David Stern holds a news conference in Miami, Florida in this June 6, David Stern, who masterminded 2013 file photo. Stern, who masterminded the Who said what on the NBA’s growth into a global NBA’s growth into a global sports powerhouse sports powerhouse while serving while serving as commissioner from 1984 to the demise of former as commissioner from 1984 to 2014, died on Wednesday after suffering a 2014, died Wednesday after brain hemorrhage last month at the age of 77. NBA Commissioner suffering a brain hemorrhage last month. He was 77. AP — NEW YORK The NBA, whose champi- onship games were not televised Reaction from the basketball world and beyond to the live in the United States when death of former NBA Commissioner David Stern on Stern’s 30-year tenure began, Wednesday at age 77: announced his passing, which came with his family at his For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in bedside. action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. Stern, who underwent emer- We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on gency surgery after he was planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA stricken December 12, built the legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it league into a global sporting was always about the fundamentals - preparation, empire by the time he retired on attention to detail, and hard work: Adam Silver, who fol- February 1, 2014, and passed the lowed Stern as commissioner. leadership to current commis- sioner Adam Silver. Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it “David took over the NBA in is today. He guided the league through turbulent times 1984 with the league at a cross- and grew the league into an international phenomenon, roads, but over the course of 30 vision, generosity and inspi- Stern, born in 1942, profile of the players and the creating opportunities that few could have imagined years as commissioner he ushered ration,” Silver said. became a lawyer in 1966 league all the while. before. His vision and leadership provided me with the in the modern global NBA,” Silver “Our deepest condolences go and began working for NFL commissioner Roger global stage that allowed me to succeed. David had a deep said in a statement. out to David’s wife, Dianne, their the firm that represented Goodell was thankful Stern was love for the game of basketball and demanded excellence “He launched groundbreaking sons, Andrew and Eric, and their there when the boss of the from those around him - and I admired him for that: media and marketing partner- extended family, and we share the NBA, leaving in 1978 world’s richest sports league Michael Jordan. ships, digital assets and social our grief with everyone whose to join the NBA as general needed advice, calling Stern “a responsibility programs that have life was touched by him.” counsel and becoming driving force in sports for David Stern was such a history maker. When I brought the game to billions of Stern was born in 1942 and executive vice president of decades (who) helped the NBA announced in 1991 I had HIV, people thought they could people around the world. worked in his father’s New York the NBA in 1980. soar to new heights around the get the virus from shaking my hand. When David allowed “Because of David, the NBA is delicatessen, growing up a fan of world.” me to play in the 1992 All Star Game in Orlando and then a truly global brand -- making the NBA’s New York Knicks. He Retired 11-time NBA play for the Olympic Dream Team, we were able to change Stern built the league into him not only one of the greatest became a lawyer in 1966 and champion Bill Russell called the world: Magic Johnson. sports commissioners of all time began working for the firm that a global sporting empire Stern “a great innovator and but also one of the most influ- represented the NBA, leaving in by the time he retired made the game we love what Will never forget the words you spoke this day! ‘With ential business leaders of his 1978 to join the NBA as general on February 1, 2014, and it is today. He changed so many the 7th pick’ changed my life forever. Thank you and your generation.” counsel and becoming executive passed the leadership lives. This is a horrible loss.” family for your leadership and commitment to growing Stern boosted corporate vice president of the NBA in 1980. to current commissioner The 1992 US Olympic the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. backing for the league, such Key deals with the NBA Adam Silver. “Dream Team” of NBA super- RIP Commissioner Stern!: Golden State guard Stephen superstars as Michael Jordan and Players Association were made stars was the top attraction of the Curry. Shaquille O’Neal becoming regarding drug testing and a Barcelona Games and dazzled household names and epic salary cap, setting the stage for Stern oversaw expansion opponents in a way unseen RIP David. You always said you made me and you pitchmen. Stern to replace Larry O’Brien as of the league from 23 to 30 before or since, setting the stage were absolutely right. You were a friend, mentor and “RIP Mr David Stern The best the NBA commissioner in 1984. clubs, the debut of active for global audiences to become administrator of the largest donut fund ever. You are commissioner to ever do it,” four- Stern oversaw the addition NBA talent in the Olympics NBA fans. missed: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, referring time NBA champion O’Neal of seven NBA expansion teams and the sport’s expansion Silver, who began working to the many times Stern fined Cuban for league tweeted. -- the Charlotte Hornets, Miami for the NBA in 1992, appreciated infractions. to a popular worldwide Stern oversaw expansion of Heat, Orlando Magic, Minnesota the detail with which Stern the league from 23 to 30 clubs, Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, television phenomenon. applied himself. David was an outstanding leader who contributed the debut of active NBA talent in Vancouver Grizzlies (who “Like every NBA legend, enormously to the success of the modern NBA. We met the Olympics and the sport’s became Memphis) and the New David had extraordinary talents,” almost fifty years ago. He was a great friend and a ter- expansion to a popular worldwide Orleans Pelicans. Six clubs relo- McDonald’s turned to Jordan and Silver said. “But with him it was rific ally on important issues. His death is a very painful television phenomenon. cated to new home cities during other NBA superstars for cross- always about the fundamentals loss for all of us: Former NFL Commissioner Paul “Every member of the NBA his tenure. promotion in selling their -- preparation, attention to Tagliabue family is the beneficiary of David’s Companies such as Nike and products, helping boost the detail, and hard work.” Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour: Round 5 kicks off today James posts triple double as Lakers hold off Suns AFP — LOS ANGELES after the Suns got within seven points. LeBron James had a triple double James posted his eighth triple with 31 points, 13 rebounds and double of the season and Davis 12 assists as the Los Angeles scored 26 points and grabbed 11 Lakers built up a big first half lead rebounds as the Lakers won their then held on to beat the struggling third consecutive contest. Phoenix Suns 117-107 on Kyle Kuzma added 19 points Wednesday. and Avery Bradley finished with The Lakers, who own the 18 for Los Angeles. NBA’s second best record behind Devin Booker finished with 32 Milwaukee, had to hold on in the points and Kelly Oubre had 26 for second half after leading at one the hapless Suns, who lost their stage by 36 points. ninth game in their last 11. With their reserves struggling The Suns have won just 13 to maintain the big lead James and games all year and are 14 Anthony Davis had to return to games back of the first place the game and guide the offense Lakers. Dallas Stars win Winter Classic

Riders are seen with their horses during the vet check ahead of the fifth round of 2019 Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour which kicks off today. The Small Tour competition will kick off the fifth round of the 12-leg series at 2:00pm while the Individual and team competitions of the Medium Tour will start at 4:30pm. The annual series is organised and hosted jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab. NFL to select greatest moments as part of celebration of 100th season AP — NEW YORK until January 9 at midnight EST. That will leave 16 contenders that will be cut to eight across both conferences in voting from From the Immaculate Reception, already voted the best play January 9 until midnight EST on January 16. in NFL history, to the Dolphins’ perfect season that has been Those eight moments will be reduced to four in balloting selected as the all-time top team, the NFL is searching for its from January 16 to midnight EST on January 23. Spectators watch fireworks before the NHL Winter Classic between greatest moment. From the final four, fans will choose the No. 1 overall the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at the Cotton Bowl in As part of its celebration of the 100th season of play, the moment in voting from January 23-noon on Super Bowl Sunday, Dallas, Texas on Wednesday. Mattias Janmark collected one goal and league is conducting balloting for its most iconic moment at February 2. one assist and Blake Comeau, Alexander Radulov and Andrej Sekera NFL.com/greatestmoment and is encouraging fans to vote for Video clips and text describing each team’s moment will also scored as the host Dallas Stars scored four unanswered goals en one of the 32 team nominations. be available when fans vote. The winner will be announced route to a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators in the Winter Classic Voting will determine the top eight AFC and NFC moments during the Super Bowl pregame show on Fox. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2020

We'll have a look in the morning. It's likely Australian captain Tim Paineaine we'll go unchanged but it's still a possibility says his team is unlikely to make when we see that tomorrow morning changes for Sydney Test. that we'd go for another spinner. Bushfire smoke hangs heavy over Sydney Test

REUTERS — SYDNEY right expertise around us and New Zealand's Neil that good judgment will be Wagner bowls during The New Year’s Test at the exercised and the safety of eve- NZ sweat on Williamson, a training session on the Sydney Ground is one ryone at this great ground will of the great fixtures on the be put first. eve of the third Test in Australian sporting calendar but “We need to be treating this Sydney, yesterday. Nicholls and Santner this year it will be heavily over- like rain delays if we have shadowed by the bushfire smoke delays.” catastrophe unfolding around Temperatures are forecast as bug hits team the country. to soar above 40 degrees Kane Williamson and AFP — SYDNEY While there was never any Celsius (104 degrees Fahr- Henry Nicholls miss a chance of any of the hundreds enheit) along the south coast second day of training of blazes raging around the tomorrow, bringing the New Zealand sweated on the country reaching the leafy prospect of renewed firefronts fitness of batting kingpin and ahead of the final Test suburbs of Sydney where the to add to the around 200 captain Kane Williamson against Australia. Both SCG has sat for 171 years, the current blazes and apossible (pictured) yesterday after he are battling flu-like smoke from the deadly confla- increase in smoke. and Henry Nicholls missed a symptoms. grations is a different matter. A domestic Twenty20 second day of training ahead The skies were clear yes- match in Canberra was aban- of the final Test against Spinner Mitchell Santner terday when the hosts and New doned because of bushfire Australia. is also unwell and misses Zealand made their final prep- smoke on December 21. Both are battling flu-like practice on the eve of arations for the third and final The ultimate decision over symptoms as they race to Sydney Test. Test of the series but there is a whether to suspend play rests recover for the clash in very real prospect of thick with the match officials, who Sydney, where the visitors are smoke halting play at some have the discretion to call the desperate to salvage some and hopefully they’ll wake up point after the five-day contest players off the field if the air is pride after being thrashed in tomorrow morning and be gets under way today. considered hazardous or visi- the first two Tests. good to go.” “We won’t be putting the bility is greatly reduced. Spinner Mitchell Santner If they are not fit, it will players’ health at risk, nor will Australia’s Prime Minister is also unwell and did not leave New Zealand with big we be putting the health of Scott Morrison drew flak on practise yesterday. problems. Jeet Raval is the match officials, or fans at the Wednesday when he suggested “It’s up in the air at the only specialist batsman match at risk,” Cricket Australia the beleaguered nation would moment -- a couple of boys waiting in the wings, but he chief Kevin Roberts said at the be “inspired” by the match and are a little bit crook unfortu- has been out of form and was ground. Test captain Tim Paine articu- nately,” said opener Tom dropped for the last Test in “This is quite a unique situ- lated more modest hopes Latham, filling in for Wil- Melbourne. ation but we’re as confident as yesterday. liamson in his pre-match press They also have bowlers we can be that we’ve got the “It’s maybe an opportunity conference. Todd Astle, Kyle Jamieson, “They’re having today off, Matt Henry and Will Somer- SYDNEY TEST: FACTBOX as well as yesterday, so fingers ville on standby. Latham said for us to provide a distraction Pattinson combined with the crossed they’ll be right to go it would take a lot for Wil- WHEN? for people and a bit of hap- guile of off spinner Nathan Lyon tomorrow. liamson to miss a Test. Jan. 3-7 (10:30am local time/2330 GMT) piness if we can by playing a has proved irresistible in four “It’s gone around the team “He’s obviously a great WHERE? brand of cricket that Australians home Tests against Pakistan a little bit which obviously isn’t leader amongst this group and Sydney Cricket Ground (48,000 capacity) can be proud of,” Paine told and New Zealand this year. ideal, but fingers crossed, he’s passionate about this MATCH OFFICIALS reporters. Cricketicket ggreatreat GlGlennenn they’rethe y’re group,”group,” hehe said.said. Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan), Marais Erasmus (South Africa) New Zealand last played a McGrath,th, whose breast cancer restingresting “If“If there’s any chancechance of Third umpire: Nigel Llong (England) New Year’s test in Sydney in foundationation is thethe main charitycharity upu p himhim paying,paying, even iiff it’s a smsmall Match referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies) 1974 and the tourists would partnerer for the Test, said he chance, he’ll certainlycertainly bbe AUSTRALIA have been hoping to pitch up at thoughtht tthehe current bbowlersowlers playing.”playing.” the SCG in much better shape were nownow on a par with the New ZealandZealand needneed all World Test ranking: 5 than they have done. much fearedfeared attackattack hhee ooncence thethe helphelp ttheyhey ccanan gget Coach: Justin Langer The three-match series was formedd with Jason Gillespie, withwith the openingopening twotw Captain: Tim Paine lost after heavy defeats in Perth Brett LeeLee andand ShaneShane Warne.Warne. Tests at PerthPerth anandd MMel-e Team (likely): David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Melbourne and a flu-like bug “It’ss as good a bowling bourne ending in heaheavyv Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, James has ripped through the squad this attack as we’ve had,” McGrath defeats inside four days.day Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon. week putting captain Kane Wil- said yesterday.esterday. “A llotot ooff peoppeoplele AustraliaAustralia captacaptain NEW ZEALAND liamson and batsman Henry have saidaid NNewew ZZealandealand havehave TTimim Paine hashas mademad World Test ranking: 2 Nicholls in doubt for the match. been disappointing,isappointing, but I thinthinkk cclearlear hihiss teateamm has nno Coach: Gary Stead The Black Caps have a lot ofof that’sthat’s to do intention of easineasingg uup Captain: Kane Williamson already lost pacemen Trent with howhow ourour despitedespite the seriesseri Team (likely): Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Boult and Lockie Ferguson to bowlersler s being wowon, Nicholls, BJ Watling (wicketkeeper), Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Will injury on this tour and they can haveve after winningwinnin Somerville, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry. ill-afford any weakening of bowled.”d.” allall ffourour ooff ththis PREVIOUS SYDNEY Tests their batting in the face of Aus- season’sseason

1974 - Match drawn tralia’s fearsome bowling homehome TesTests

attack. The pace of Pat withinwithin fourfo 1985 - Australia won by four Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh days.days. Hazlewood and James England await scan South African skipper warns team on fast bowler about complacency at Newlands REUTERS — CAPE TOWN always going to go our way,” he CAPE TOWN TEST: FACTBOX Archer’s sore elbow continued. South Africa captain Faf du “If you take your foot off the WHEN? Plessis (pictured) has warned gas and complacency creeps in, Jan. 3-7 (10.30 a.m local time/0830 REUTERS — CAPE TOWN Root said might be an old his team against complacency We haven’t we’ll go back to playing just GMT) injury, adds to the tale of woe as they take a 1-0 series lead ordinary . WHERE? Results of a scan on England the tourists have been sub- into the second Test against really achieved “This is the message that Newlands, Cape Town (25,000 caw- paceman Jofra Archer’s sore jected to since arriving in South England, from whom he expects anything as a Bouch (coach Mark Boucher) pacity) elbow will determine whether Africa on December 14 after 10 a backlash at Newlands today. Test team; we’ve and I have been trying to drive MATCH OFFICIALS he will be fit to play in the players contracted a flu virus. The 107-run victory in the home over the last days, and Umpires: Paul Reiffel (Australia), Ku- second Test against South “It’s been frustrating first Test in Pretoria on Sunday just won one we’ll keep driving it.” mar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) Africa, captain Joe Root said throughout, but these things arrested a run of five successive Test match: Du Plessis confirmed that Third umpire: Chris Gaffaney (New yesterday. happen in sport and you got to Test defeats for South Africa but batsman Temba Bavuma was Faf du Plessis Zealand) Archer, who burst onto the manage them as best you can any thoughts that the players fit again but would not get back Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimba- cricket scene at last year’s and we are trying to do every- might have about being back his No. 5 slot in the team as bwe) World Cup, pulled up with the thing we can to make sure that on course must be dispelled, he Rassie van der Dussen will be SOUTH AFRICA injury in practice on if anyone does pick up illness said yesterday. still needs to happehappenn for us to given more opportunity to Wednesday and was awaiting or injury, others are fit and “We“We hhaven’taven’t go wherewhere we want to go as a prove his worth after scoring a World ranking: 3 the results of the scan before ready to go,” said Root. really achieved TestTest team.team. “For“For meme it’sit’s 50 on debut last week. Coach: Mark Boucher England’s final practice yes- The 29-year-old conceded anything as a about understanding as Bavuma’s exclusion means Captain: Faf du Plessis terday. The second Test at that potentially losing Archer TestTest team;team; a teateamm thatthat thethe that South Africa are dispensing Team (likely): , Pieter Ma- Newlands starts today with would be a major blow to we’vewe’ve just standardsstandards nneedeed with their racial quota for team lan, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis, England 1-0 down in the four- England, seeking to get them- won oneone to go up a little selection where every team Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de match series after losing by 107 selves back into the series at a Test bit. should have at least two black Kock (wicketkeeper), Dwaine Preto- runs in Pretoria last Sunday. venue where South Africa have match,”match,” Du “We“We werewere for-for- Africans and four others from rius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Ma- “We are still waiting to hear rarely lost. Plessis told a ttunateunate tthathat we coucouldld the country’s mixed-race and haraj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje. back, results-wise, about his “If you look at his short pre-Testpre-T est getg awayaway a win in PrPre-e- Indian communities. ENGLAND scan so we should know further career, he’s made impacts with press toria butb wewe under-under- South Africa fell short of World ranking: 4

today and then we’ll have to big moments in big test matches conference.conference. standst thatthat test that target in Pretoria and will Coach: Chris Silverwood play it by ear,” said Root. so, of course, it will be a big loss “There“There cricketc ric k et do so again in the second test Captain: Joe Root “It was quite disappointing if he is not fit to play but it creates iiss a lot againaagainstst but Du Plessis looked to to see him pull up like that and another opportunity for tthath at England downplay a potential now we’ll just have to make someone else,” Root said. is nonott controversy. acknowledge that he got a another late call.” It could prove a reprieve for “We don’t see colour and it’s really good opportunity and Archer batted and fielded England’s record wicket taker important that people under- that no fingers can be pointed.” with the rest of the team on James Anderson, whose tepid stand that. Opportunity is very Bavuma, 29, has had no half Wednesday but then after a few performance in Pretoria sug- important for any colour and centuries in his last 12 Test balls pulled out of bowling in gested he might be sacrificed for it’s important to be fair to every innings with his batting average the nets. a spinner on what is expected to player to give them a chance. dipping now to 39.24 in 39 Test Archer’s affliction, which be a docile Newlands wicket. “Temba will be the first to matches. FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 19

Canada's Vasek Pospisil Ivo Karlovic of Croatia during a during a practice session, practice session yesterday. INSET: prior to Qatar ExxonMobil A view of the Khalifa International Open 2020 at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex. International Tennis and PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ THE PENINSULA Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. ATP Cup kicks off revamped Australian season

REUTERS — SYDNEY the president of the ATP’s Player The ATP Cup will see Council, has led calls for a 24 nations contesting Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic merger of the two in Perth, Brisbane and - the top two men’s players in tournaments. Sydney over 10 days for the world - will kick off a The new ATP event has also the first time and will give revamped Australian tennis had major implications for the the top men’s players a summer today with the inau- other tennis events in Australia solid platform to prepare gural edition of the ATP Cup that have traditionally been team event. used by players to prepare for for the Australian Open. The ATP Cup will see 24 the year’s first Grand Slam. nations contesting in Perth, The ATP Cup left no room To accommodate the Brisbane and Sydney over 10 in the revamped tennis calendar $15m ATP Cup, which also days for the first time and will for the mixed-gender Hopman offers 750 ranking points, give the top men’s players a Cup, which is popular with the year’s first Grand Slam solid platform to prepare for the players and has traditionally has been pushed back Australian Open. served as a warm-up for the from its usual mid-month To accommodate the $15m Australian Open. start by a week and will ATP Cup, which also offers 750 With Brisbane hosting ranking points, the year’s first matches in the ATP Cup, next kick off at Melbourne Park Grand Slam has been pushed week’s Brisbane International from January 20. back from its usual mid-month will be a women’s only tour- start by a week and will kick off nament while the Sydney Inter- ATP Cup and the group stage, at Melbourne Park from January national - one of the oldest also has to deal with apprehen- 20. tennis tournaments in the world sions about smoke from the The participating teams for dating back to 1885 - has also deadly conflagrations impacting the event have been determined gone missing. play. by the singles ranking of their FROM LEFT: Members of Serbia’s team Nenad Zimonjic, Novak Djokovic and Dusan Lajovic attending Sydney’s loss proved to be Great Britain team captain best player and accordingly all a press conference ahead of the ATP Cup in Brisbane, yesterday. Adelaide’s gain as the city will Tim Henman said those con- top seven players in the world, host the Adelaide International cerns were ultimately not the barring Swiss great Roger Djokovic will make his ATP Cup us an opportunity to represent Cup, the International Tennis from Jan. 12, where Djokovic priority. Federer have arrived in debut for Serbia against South our country and be a part of the Federation’s flagship event, and women’s world number “In the context of what this Australia. Africa in Brisbane tomorrow team, which is not something which was similar in nature and one Ash Barty are the top country is going through with Federer pulled out of the while Nadal will lead Spain into that we do experience question remains if the two can draws. the bushfires and for us having event to spend more time with action against Georgia in Perth throughout the year very often,” co-exist in the future. ATP Finals champion Ste- to deal with perhaps slightly his family. Britain’s Andy on the same day. Djokovic told reporters. The Davis Cup was held in fanos Tsitsipas and reigning poor air quality, I think right Murray and Japan’s Kei “We spend quality time and The tournament, however, November in Madrid’s La Caja Wimbledon champion Simona there is the perspective,” he told Nishikori are other notable it’s fun, because the concept of comes just six weeks after the Magica with 18 nations playing Halep will also play in Adelaide. reporters. absentees due to injury. ATP Cup is a team concept, inaugural edition of the a week-long soccer World Cup- Sydney, which will host “I don’t envisage it being a Australian Open holder team format, and so it does give revamped Davis style showpiece and Djokovic, both the knockout stage of the problem at all.” Zverev says no Djokovic and Nadal lead calls concerns over curtailed for merger of ATP, Davis Cups AFP — BRISBANE ATP and ITF can’t combine, can’t two men’s team competitions was join, can’t come to some agreement “too much”. off-season Superstars Novak Djokovic and and make just one, really unique “Obviously, we don’t need two Rafael Nadal (pictured) said and special tournament for competitions the same way. Two AFP — BRISBANE yesterday there was little point in everyone.” team competitions is too much,” he having two men’s team tennis When asked about the Cana- said. Germany’s Alexander Zverev (pictured) competitions so close together and dian’s comments, Djokovic, who Djokovic does not normally play said he felt in top shape for 2020 suggested the new ATP Cup should heads the ATP players’ council, in Australia before the year’s first yesterday despite only starting to hit balls merge with the Davis Cup. agreed. Grand Slam in Melbourne, but he will a week ago after an off-season curtailed tennis practice yet, which I will build up. The ATP Cup is about to kick off “We need to have one Super use the ATP Cup to prepare for his by a lucrative exhibition tour. “But I feel good. I feel pretty fit again. its inaugural edition, replacing a World Cup event, whatever you want attempt to win an eighth Australian The 22-year-old only won one title My physical (condition) was never really number of previous Australian Open to call it,” he said. Open crown. last year, in Geneva, not quite taking the my problem. It was in the beginning of warm-up tournaments. “That’s not going to happen next “The Australian Open courts, step up that many had predicted as he my career, but in the last one, two years It comes six weeks after the year as well. But if the two sides, the Melbourne Park was always very slipped from fourth to seventh in the it’s never been a problem. revamped Davis Cup, which also has ITF, the Davis Cup, and the ATP get suitable to my game, and I can’t wait men’s tennis rankings. “I know I can last matches, I know I countries playing each other in a together very quickly, it can happen to go back there,” he said. But Zverev remains a big drawcard can play longer than most guys.” round-robin format, was held in possibly for 2022. “Obviously, that’s probably my and he finished 2019 playing a five-stop While Zverev is confident about his Madrid. “I hope it will happen because most successful court in my career, exhibition tour of South America and on-court stamina, he admitted he could Canadian Denis Shapovalov sug- it’s kind of hard to get top players to in my life, so I love playing there.” China with Roger Federer. have played better last year and wants to gested on Thursday that the two commit to play both events, the Davis Djokovic’s first match in the ATP Although the tour meant a shorter off- put that right this season. events -- one run by the men’s tour, Cup and the ATP Cup. Cup will be against South Africa’s season than normal, Zverev insisted it “For me I need to get my tennis back the Association of Tennis Profes- “And it’s six weeks apart, so Kevin Anderson on Saturday, while made little difference. a little bit and kind of have a fresh start sionals, and the other by the Inter- they’re not really helping each other Nadal is set to face Georgia’s Nikoloz “I mean, still I think I had a good off- as well,” he said. national Tennis Federation -- in terms of marketing, in terms of Basilashvili on the same day. season. It was a little bit different. It was “Obviously, the last year I finished shouldshould combine.combine. thethe vvaluealue ooff thethe eevent.”vent. “For me, that is a tough start to shorter this year, for sure,” he said at the number seven in the world. I had good “It’s a really similar Djokovic’s concernscon were the season,” said Nadal. ATP Cup team event in Brisbane. tournaments, but it was still not the year eeventvent and it’s literally sharedshared by world numbern one “The great things, the only way “I only started playing tennis a week that I wanted to have and I hope I can back-to-backback-to-back frfromom ththee Nadal, who also ququestioned the to build important things is with daily ago, pretty much, so I don’t have a lot of kind of improve this year.” otherother oneone,, so it’s a little timing of the events.even work." Zverev is playing the inaugural ATP bitbit ofof a weirdweird sen-sen- “Yeah, it is confusingconfu to have Cup under the captaincy of German great ssationation coming from two World CuCupsps of tennis in Boris Becker and he is confident they will whatwhat ffeltelt liklikee tthehe oneone month. For mme personally do well, despite being in a tough group worldworld championshipschampionships that’sthat’s notnot thethe idealideal situation for with the Nick Kyrgios-led Australia. comingcoming to play another ourour sport,sport, but tthat’sh how it I feel good. I feel pretty Under the tournament format, 24 worldworld championship,”championship,” works today,”today,” hehe saidsai in Perth. It is confusing to have nations are split into six round-robin ShapovalovShapovalov said. Asked if thethe twotw should be fit again. My physical groups across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney “So fforor mmee I combinedcombined intoint one world two World Cups of tennis condition was never really with only eight teams qualifying for the don’tdon’t see championship,champ he in one month. For me knockout phase. whyw hy replied:replie “I think my problem. It was in the “We have a good team. We have top they,hey, thattha tennis personally that’s not the beginning of my career, but doubles players in the world. We have thehe deservesde ideal situation for our in the last one, two years myself, Jan-Lennard (Struff), Mats somethingso sport, but that’s how it (Moraing), who are great singles players,” likeli this.” it’s never been a problem: he said. France’s works today: Spain's Alexander Zverev “So we want to give ourselves the best NNicolas Rafael Nadal chance to win and I think Boris can play Mahut also a big part in that." said having SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 EnglandE await Djokovic, Nadal scan on lead calls for Archer's merger of ATP, sore elbow Davis Cups FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2020 Al Wakrah shock Al Sadd; Al Arabi win CHINTHANA WASALA Al Wakrah players celebrate after scoring a goal against Al Sadd during THE PENINSULA their QNB Stars League match played at the Al Wakrah Stadium yesterday.

Goals from Mohamed Benyettou (8') and Omar Ali (38') helped Al Wakrah record a shocking 2-1 win against the reigning QNB YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Stars League (QSL) champions Al Wakrah 2-1 Al Sadd Al Sadd at the Al Wakrah Al Arabi 3-0 Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. Yesterday's loss, their fourth TODAY in the QSL this season, was a Al Shahania vs Al Gharafa major setback for Al Sadd in Al Arabi Stadium @16:10 their bid to retain the Falcon Umm Salal vs Al Rayyan Shield. Al Gharafa Stadium @18:20 Hassan Al Haydous pro- vided some sort of consolation SATURDAY for Al Sadd with a late strike Al Khor vs Al Sailiya Al Khor Stadium @16:10 (85') but that did little to affect Al Duhail vs Qatar SC the overall result of the Al Gharafa Stadium @18:20 round-12 match. Xavi Hernandez-coached Wolves failed to live up to Al Wakrah is not the team of the expectations most of the time previous season and they have during their match against Al evolved. Many things have Wakrah, who returned to the changed in the League Champi- top League after being demoted onship, and we lack some confi- last season. dence after we had opportunities Al Sadd so far have 18 points and did not succeed in converting from 10 matches, 11 behind QSL points table with 15 points. go to goalkeeper Hassan Idriss and the ball was deflected in by the use of a number of opportu- them into goals." leaders Al Duhail. Al Sadd dominated the who weathered a flurry of attacks Bounedjah. nities. We tried to make a "I am in charge of the team However, Al Sadd have game with 62 per cent pos- by Al Sadd, more in the second All that Al Sadd could do was stronger approach in the second and its results, but we are one played two matches less than session and created a number half. scoring a late goal. half but it was difficult to family and winning and losing the rest due to their engage- of chances but lacked Nam Tae-Hee, Baghdad Adding to The Wolves’ woes, compensate." is part of this family. After ments in the 2019 AFC Cham- execution. Bounedjah, Boualem Khoukhi, Bounedjah sent a penalty straight "We are doing well in training winning the Super Cup, winning pions League. They will play Al Wakrah played a smart Hamed Ismail, Al Haydous, to Idriss in the 20th minute. The and we were not so lucky in this is back for everyone, so now the Al Arabi on January 6 and Al game. The Blue Wave almost Pedro, Akram Afif all either kick was awarded for a foul on match," Xavi said. loss rests with everyone and we Khor on 21 before the 13th downed the shutter by the end missed the mark or were Bounedjah himself by Al Wakrah Xavi also said that the only have to work together to round action begins on of first half when they were two thwarted by Idriss. captain Bruno Uvini. solution to achieve better results achieve better results," Xavi January 23. goals up and resorted to Benyettou scored off a free- Spaniard Xavi expressed his is to develop the level of the said. Al Wakrah's win yesterday, counter-attacks. kick taken by Abdulrahman disappointment after match and players. Elsewhere, in the second their fourth in the season, lifted Benyettou was their Ahmed, whereas Omar’s goal said: "I feel very disappointed. "What we lack is the focus match of the day, Al Arabi them to the 7th position in the livewire, but much credit should came as a result of a corner kick We had to win but failed to make throughout the 90 minutes, and defeated Al Ahli 3-0. Croatian Mandzukic aims for title wins with Al Duhail THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Al Duhail's latest signing, former Juventus and Atletico Madrid star Mario Mandzukic yesterday said that his aim is to help his side in winning titles. The 33-year old Croatian joined the Qatari club following a long journey in Europe where he has also served top tier clubs including Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich. The charismatic forward, who was welcomed by Al Duhail man- agement, vowed to give all-out efforts during his stint with the Red Knights. An Al Duhail fan presenting a sword as a welcoming gift to Mario Mandzukick, who was wel- Mandzukic during a training session in Doha yesterday. comed by the club management in a special ceremony, expressed his delight to join the club. including one in the 2018 FIFA happy and go for title wins. Now "I am preparing for the World Cup final against France, I'm in a club that has won many beginning of a new journey in the said yesterday. championships and so far this prin- world of football with one of the He hoped to play significant ciple has not changed. It will not be biggest clubs in Asia, and certainly role in achieving victories for his easy, and if we show the seri- Al Arabi's Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarsson (left) vies for the ball possession I will work hard with my new new club, which is currently leading ousness of work and desire, then with Al Ahli's Mohamed Diame during their QNB Stars League match yesterday. team-mates to help the club in the QNB Stars League. certainly we will succeed in PICTURE: ANVAR SADATH achieving all its goals," Mandzukic "At every club which I serve, I winning tournaments," Mandzukic who has scored 33 goals for Croatia, work hard to make the club fans said. 20th Race Meeting: Thomas guides Dabaab to Dukhan Cup glory

The members of team Dabaab, winner of the Dukhan Cup, celebrate after the presentation ceremony during the 20th Race Meeting at the Al Rayyan Race Track yesterday. Dabaab, owned by Umm Qarn and trained by Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, finished the race in 01:59.27 to win QR57.000 in prize money. LEFT: Jockey Ronan Thomas guides Dabaab towards the finish line.