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Home , 2020 ATP Tour, Aleksandre Bakshi, Andrey Rublev, Toshihide Matsui

TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 04 Sociedad lose ground SPORT Super, outstanding. Exactly the player we wanted, after defeat to Villarreal exactly the player we wished for. Your first game in a team you don't know, if it's a settled team it's AP — already difficult: Liverpool Manager Klopp hails Real Sociedad had its five-match unbeaten streak ended by a 2-1 debutant Minamino home loss to Villarreal in the Spanish League on Sunday and lost ground in the race for a Champions League spot. Real Sociedad led at halftime but conceded twice after the break for its first league loss since November - and first at home AFC U-23 Championship: Qatar prepare for Syria test in Thailand since October. Real Sociedad stayed in fifth place with 31 points, four behind both third-place Atlético Madrid and fourth-place Sevilla, the last teams in qualification spots for the Champions League. and Real Madrid are tied at the top with 40 points each, with the Catalan club ahead on goal difference at the league’s midway point. “We did a lot of good things, but we paid the price for not cap- italizing on our scoring chances,” Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil said. Real Sociedad had lost only once in its last seven league matches - at Real Madrid in November. “We have some adjustments to make to avoid losing points like this, but we are on the right track,” Alguacil said. Real Sociedad took the lead with a goal by striker Willian José in the 22nd minute, but the hosts rallied with a penalty kick con- verted by Manu Trigueros in the 58th and with substitute Santi Cazorla’s left-footed shot in the 72nd. Cazorla’s goal was initially called off for offside, but it was later confirmed by video review to give Villarreal its third con- secutive league win. The victory left Villarreal in ninth place, three points behind Real Sociedad. Qatari players in action during a training session yesterday in Thailand ahead of the AFC U-23 Championship. RIGHT: Qatar coach Felix Real Madrid won 3-0 at seventh-place Getafe on Saturday, Sanchez. The continental tournament will kick off tomorrow in Thailand and end on January 26. Qatar are placed alongside 2016 while Barcelona was held by last-place Espanyol to a 2-2 away champions , Saudi Arabia – runners-up in 2013, and Syria in Group B. Qatar take on Syria in the first match on Thursday. Besides draw. Atlético beat midtable Levante 2-1 at home. Real Sociedad has won only two of its last 16 league games continental glory, 15 of the 16 teams will also be competing for places in the 2020 Olympics, where the top three sides will join against Villarreal. hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives next July. Belotti brace Ronaldo hat-trick puts Juve on top gives Torino shock win as Ibra returns in stalemate away to Roma REUTERS — AFP — MILAN Piatek to deafening applause from the 58,000 crowd in his Torino captain Andrea Belotti Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first appearance after rejoining scored at the end of each half first Serie A hat-trick to lift the club last week. to give his midtable side a 2-0 Juventus top of the table with a I'm happy with this But there was little else to win away to fourth-placed AS 4-0 win over yesterday first hat-trick. But the cheer for the hosts who Roma as the hosts lost ground as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was not extended their winless run to on the leading Serie A pack on enough for AC Milan as he important thing is the three games and remain 12th Sunday. made his debut in a goalless team, which played in the table. The player known as the draw against Sampdoria. very well. We had "The disastrous defeat in Rooster, who hit the post early Portugal forward Ronaldo Bergamo has remained within on, fired into the roof of the struck for the fifth consecutive to win to go ahead us," said Milan coach Stefano net in first-half stoppage time league game to move the cham- and put Inter under Pioli after the 5-0 loss to Ata- and converted a penalty, pions back above Inter Milan in pressure: Ronaldo. lanta last time out. awarded following a long VAR their first match since the "It is a shame not to have delay, in the 86th minute as Italian SuperCup defeat to Lazio won. Ibra's impact was abso- Roma dropped four points in Saudi Arabia last month. He added a second from the lutely positive."Atalanta con- behind third-placed Lazio. "I'm happy with this first penalty spot on 67 minutes then tinued their fine form, closing Torino goalkeeper Sal- hat-trick. But the important set up Gonzalo Higuain who to within a point of fourth- vatore Sirigu also played a key thing is the team, which played came off the bench to strike a placed Roma, who lost 2-0 to part as he made a difficult very well," said Ronaldo. third on 81 minutes, before Torino on Sunday, with another early save from Nicolo Zaniolo "We had to win to go ahead Ronaldo completed his hat- 5-0 rout, this time of seventh- and denied Aleksandar and put Inter under pressure." trick a minute later. placed Parma. Kolarov and Lorenzo Pel- Maurizio Sarri's side had Juve are three points ahead The side from Bergamo legrini before halftime. been pegged back in the first of Inter in the table with were already three goals up The visitors went ahead half by the sixth-placed Sar- Antonio Conte's side travelling before the break thanks to Ale- when Roma fullback Ales- dinians who have been pushing to Napoli, looking to keep pace jandro Gomez, Remo Freuler sandro Florenzi sent a pass for a spot in the Champions with the eight-time reigning and Robin Gosens, with Josip straight to a Torino player and League places this season but champions. Ilicic adding a double in a nine the ball was floated over to fell to their third consecutive Ronaldo's heroics over- minute second-half spell. Belotti who took his time defeat. shadowed Swedish star Ibra- New Fiorentina coach before firing an unstoppable The second-half was all himovic's debut for Milan as he Giuseppe Iachini had to settle shot past Pau Lopez. one-way traffic with 34-year- came off the bench after 55 for a 1-1 draw against Bologna Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo outruns Cagliari midfielder Sirigu made a superb old Ronaldo breaking the minutes against Sampdoria. in his first game after taking Nahitan Nandez during the Italian Serie A match at the Juventus point-blank save from Pel- deadlock just after the The 38-year-old came on over from Vincenzo Allianz Stadium in Turin, yesterday. legrini in the second half but interval. for striker Krzysztof Montella. it was an otherwise uninspired display from Roma. In one of several Torino QSL: Al Sadd trounce Al Arabi 6-1 breaks, Belotti had a shot blocked by Chris Smalling but, Solskjaer's plans taking as the Roma defender got up, he accidentally knocked away the ball with his outstretched shape at United: Guardiola arm. The referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside AFP — Arsenal they lost, but you see “A third semi-final in a monitor although there was clearly what he wants. row. It is not the best compe- some confusion as he told Pep Guardiola (pictured) says “It was not easy to handle tition in the world but it is nice Roma players of his decision Manchester United are a team at a big, big club, to be here again and against before making the VAR signal. starting to play the way Ole always demanding to be our city opponents,” said the Belotti coolly converted for his Gunnar Solskjaer wants them champions in all competitions, City boss. ninth goal of the season. to as he prepares for a block- but I think every manager Guardiola will have In the other evening game, buster League Cup semi-final needs time. Nicolas Otamendi available Genoa scored a highly contro- between the two sides. “I have the feeling United again after an injury but has versial late winner to beat Sas- City to Old Trafford have started to play the way not yet settled on a starting XI. suolo 2-1 and move off the for the first leg of the last-four he wants.” With the Premier “I have an idea,” he said. bottom of the table on the encounter today, having won League title apparently “We have played an incredible debut of Davide Nicola, their the competition for the past heading to Anfield, Guardiola amount of games and some third coach of the season. two seasons. is forced to focus on the cup players need to rest. I have an With four minutes left, Guardiola’s side are third competitions after winning a idea, but I am not 100 percent Domenico Criscito dispos- in the Premier League, 13 domestic treble last year. sure who will play tomorrow.” sessed Domenico Berardi and points ahead of fifth-placed set up a counter-attack for United, but lost 2-1 to their Goran Pandev who scored at rivals last month as Solskjaer’s the second attempt after his men produced an exhilarating first shot had been saved. display of counter-attacking Sassuolo protested that football at the Etihad Stadium. Berardi had been fouled and Asked what he had were incensed that the referee learned from that defeat, the refused to review the incident. Spaniard added: “How fast The visitors were also they are. How they run on the angry after Criscito put Genoa counter-attack. How solid, ahead with a 29th-minute how aggressive. penalty, awarded after Antonio “We conceded a few Sanabria went down under the counter-attacks and in just slightest of touches from Pedro two or three seconds they Obiang. Obiang levelled with were in the box.” a deflected shot four minutes Speaking about Solskjaer, later and Sassuolo’s Filip Dju- he said: “I think he is starting ricic had a goal disallowed for Al Sadd striker Hassan Al Haydos in action during the QNB Stars League to see his team like he wants. handball following a VAR (QSL) match against Al Arabi in yesterday. Al Sadd won 6-1. The last (league) game against review in the 76th minute. TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 05 crush to sweep series AFP —

Nathan captured five for 50 and 10 match wickets as Australia crushed New Zealand by 279 runs yesterday, capping a golden domestic summer as they swept the three-Test series. The off-spinner led the powerful Australian bowling attack to dismiss the Kiwis for 136 and seal another heavy win over the Black Caps after similar victories in and . Australia have been unbeatable this season, winning all five Tests at home -- two against and three against New Zealand -- after retaining the Ashes by drawing the series 2-2 in England. “It’s been a great summer for the Australian Test side,” Lyon said. The Australian team poses with the Trans-Tasman Trophy after winning the series on the fourth day of the third Test against NewZealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground “It’s pretty special to be part in Sydney, yesterday. RIGHT: Australia’s Nathan Lyon (left) poses for a selfie with a fan. of it, we have been impressive, pretty clinical, the batters have done well and given us bowlers declared their second innings middle session to put the skids Pat Cummins for 22 to take his SCOREBOARD plenty of time.” Australia at 217 for two with David under the tourists. Test aggregate to 7,174. Australia (I Innings) ...... 454 G Phillips c Paine b Lyon ...... 0 Warner scoring an unbeaten Starc removed both Big-hitting Colin de Grand- century, leaving the Black Caps openers, Tom Latham and Tom homme smacked Lyon for six New Zealand (I Innings) ...... 256 B.J Watling c Cummins b Lyon ...... 19 with a revised 416-run target in Blundell, in the first five overs. to bring up his fifty but went Australia (II Innings) C de Grandhomme c Burns b Lyon ....52 the fourth innings. Blundell fell to a stunning next ball hoicking to Joe Burns D Warner (not out) ...... 111 T Astle c Pattinson b Lyon ...... 17 But the Kiwis buckled under catch by a diving Lyon at point at deep mid-wicket for 52. J Burns lbw b Astle ...... 40 W Somerville b Starc ...... 7 It’s been a great the pressure of Australia’s for two and stand-in skipper Todd Astle was out to a M Labuschagne c Latham b Henry .... 59 N Wagner (not out) ...... 0 summer for the superior bowling attack with Latham lost a review for leg superb diving catch by James Extras (B3, LB3, W1) ...... 7 M Henry did not bat (injured) ...... 0 Mitchell Starc taking three for before wicket. Jeet Raval was Pattinson in the outfield for 17. Australian Test side. 25 to support the wiles of out in a review to the faintest Starc yorked William Total (2 wkts decl.) ...... 217 Extras (b3, lb1) ...... 4 It’s pretty special to spinner Lyon. of edges on ‘Snicko’ in Lyon’s Somerville’s middle stump for Fall of wickets: 1-107, 2-217 Total (9 wkts) ...... 136 be part of it, we have “They were clinical in all first over for 12. First-innings seven and BJ Watling was the Bowling: Henry 12-2-54-1 (1w), de Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-22, 4-22, areas and after the first match top-scorer Glenn Phillips went last to fall, caught at backward Grandhomme 13-1-43-0, Wagner 9-1-37- 5-38, 6-107, 7-128, 8-136, 9-136 been impressive, they put us under pressure for a duck after technology square leg by Pat Cummins for 0, Somerville 10-0-36-0, Astle 8-1-41-1 Bowling: Starc 9-3-25-3, Cummins 11-3- pretty clinical, the session after session,” said detected a faint outside edge 19. New Zealand (II Innings) 29-1, Pattinson 6-3-8-0, Lyon 16.5-4-50- skipper Kane Williamson, who to wicketkeeper Paine off Earlier, Warner completed T Latham lbw b Starc ...... 1 5, Labuschagne 5-0-20-0 batters have done missed the Test with a virus. Lyon. his 24th Test century and well and given us New Zealand were reeling Ross Taylor became the remained unbeaten when T Blundell c Lyon b Starc ...... 2 Result: Australia won by 279 runs bowlers plenty of early at 27-4 and never leading all-time Kiwi batsman, skipper Paine declared upon the J Raval c Paine b Lyon ...... 12 Australia win series 3-0 recovered after Starc and Lyon going past Stephen Fleming dismissal of Marnus R Taylor b Cummins ...... 22 Man of the match: Marnus Labuschagne time: Nathan Lyon took two wickets each in the (7,172) before he was bowled by Labuschagne. will find Australia a different Warne to auction ‘baggy proposition next year, says Paine green’ for bushfire appeal REUTERS — SYDNEY together that is really consistent, ball-tampering scandal, earned their AFP — SYDNEY we’ve got a number of match- first series triumph on Australia soil. Australia have developed a ruthless winners with both bat and ball and “We’re certainly a different side Spin legend Shane Warne (pictured) streak in their home series sweeps our lesser players have improved a than what they played against last yesterday announced plans to auction against Pakistan and New Zealand hell of a lot over the last 12 months. year,” Paine added. the “beloved” baggy green cap he wore and will present much stiffer oppo- “We’ve probably become more “There’s (also) Test championship throughout his 145-Test cricket career sition when India tour next year, ruthless which was something we points at stake and I think both India to raise money for victims of bushfires captain Tim Paine said yesterday. wanted to be... We’ve got great and Australia are eyeing off that final raging in Australia. Paine’s side wrapped up a 3-0 quality throughout our side and it’s so every point is going to be critical. The “baggy green” is awarded to series triumph over the Black Caps a very exciting team to be part of.” “If we can continue our upward Australian players when they make by romping to 279-run victory at the Next up for Australia in Test trend, you’re potentially talking about their debut and is worn as a badge of Sydney Cricket Ground to make it cricket is a tour of Bangladesh in June the top two teams in the world so it’s pride when they are on the field. five comprehensive wins out of five and July followed by what Paine going to be an awesome series.” Given Warne’s exploits on the field matches for the home summer. described as a “mouthwatering” The victory over New Zealand and his high profile off it, local media “I came into this summer series at home to Virat Kohli’s India. brought Australia (296) closer to India predicted it could fetch up to $345,000. expecting to win all five Tests,” Paine India last visited in the 2018-19 (360) at the top of the World Test Warne, who took more than 700 told reporters. season and, with Steve Smith and Championship table with the two Test wickets, said he wanted to help “I think now we’ve got a team David Warner suspended after the nations occupying the positions those who have suffered in the cata- which will earn places in the final at strophic fires that have devastated parts Australia’s wicketkeeper and captain Lord’s in 2021. of the country. Tim Paine looks at the Trans-Tasman Paine said the way Australia “The horrific bushfires in Australia to donate Aus$250 for every six they Trophy after winning the third Test approached the key moments in have left us all in disbelief. The impact smash during the ongoing Big Bash match against New Zealand at the matches had changed since India last these devastating fires are having on so League Twenty20 tournament. Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, toured, resulting in the clinical dis- many people is unthinkable and has Top players have also got yesterday. plays against Pakistan and New touched us all,” he said on Instagram. involved, with world number one Ash- Zealand. “Everyone is in this together and we leigh Barty donating her winnings from “Every team wants to be continue to find ways to contribute and this week’s International to ruthless,” he said. help on a daily basis.” He said that is the Red Cross. “(But) I think there were probably why he decided to auction off his Fellow Australian , periods in the test series against India “beloved green cap”. among others, have promised Aus$200 we should have capitalised on, but The devastating fires, which have for each ace they during the home through wanting it too much, or so far claimed 24 lives and destroyed summer of tennis. trying too hard, or putting too much more than 1,800 homes, have sparked A “Rally for Relief” exhibition match pressure on ourselves, we let it slip,” an outpouring of generosity from sports at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne is due Paine added. stars in Australia. to take place on January 15 ahead of the “When those big moments come Fellow cricketers Chris Lynn, Glenn , with “the world’s top now, we just focus on executing our Maxwell and D’Arcy Short have pledged players” taking part. roles.” defiant after Stokes show at Newlands AFP — CAPE TOWN SCOREBOARD 218 for four off 79 overs. Sparked by Stokes they added England (I Innings) ...... 269 4-218, 5-310, 6-315, 7-356, 8-375 Ben Stokes launched an aston- another 157 runs off only 32 ishing assault which enabled South Africa (I Innings) ...... 223 Bowling: Rabada 20-3-69-2, Philander overs before declaring five England to give themselves England (II Innings) 14-7-24-0, Nortje 18-2-61-3 (1w), Preto- overs after lunch on 391 for plenty of time to push for Z Crawley c De Kock b Rabada ...... 25 rius 16-4-56-1, Maharaj 43-9-160-2 eight. victory, but the tourists had to D Sibley (not out) ...... 133 South Africa (II Innings) While Sibley continued to work hard to take two South J Denly c Pretorius b Nortje ...... 31 P Malan (batting) ...... 63 play the anchor role, Stokes African wickets before the close went on the attack against J Root c Du Plessis b Pretorius ...... 61 D Elgar c Buttler b Denly ...... 34 on the fourth day of the second every bowler he faced. He sur- Test at Newlands yesterday. D Bess c De Kock b Nortje ...... 0 Z Hamza c Buttler b Anderson ...... 18 vived a chance on 38 when an Set to make a world record B Stokes c Van der Dussen b Maharaj 72 K Maharaj (batting) ...... 2 attempted pull against Kagiso 438 to win, South Africa were O Pope b Rabada ...... 3 Extras (B4, LB1, NB3, W1) ...... 9 Rabada could not be held by a 126 for two at the close. They J Buttler c De Kock b Nortje ...... 23 Total (2 wkts, 56 overs) ...... 126 diving Quinton de Kock after used up 56 overs yesterday but S Curran c Hamza b Maharaj ...... 13 Fall of wicket: 1-71, 2-123 the wicketkeeper ran about 35 will need to bat out another 90 S Broad (not out) ...... 8 Bowling: Anderson 9-4-18-1, Broad 9-2- metres in trying to take the on Tuesday to prevent England catch. Stokes was caught at Extras (B18, LB3, W1) ...... 22 20-0, Bess 12-3-29-0, Curran 8-2-13-0 from levelling the four-match long-on off left-arm spinner series. Total (8 wkts dec.) ...... 391 (1nb, 1w), Denly 8-0-26-1, Root 3-0-7-0, Keshav Maharaj after an innings Opening batsman Pieter Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-101, 3-217, Stokes 7-3-8-0 (2nb) which included three sixes and Malan, making his Test debut, seven fours and had a large scored 63 not out and shared 18. Stokes slammed 72 off 47 He reached his hundred off 269 English contingent in the crowd half-century partnerships with balls to overshadow a maiden balls and faced 311 deliveries in roaring their approval. Dean Elgar (34) and Zubayr Test century by Dominic Sibley, his innings. England’s batting Ollie Pope fell quickly but England’s Ben Stokes plays a shot as South Africa’s Quinton de Kock Hamza, who was caught behind who continued his sedate yesterday was in dramatic con- Jos Buttler continued the attack, (centre) and Faf du Plessis (left) look on during the fourth day of off James Anderson in the progress as he took his over- trast to their effort on Sunday hitting 23 off 18 balls as the lead the second Test at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, yesterday. penultimate over of the day for night score of 85 to 133 not out. when they ground their way to went beyond 400. 06 SPORT TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Rise of new generation excites Rublev RIZWAN REHMAT going to try my best,” the Russian star THE PENINSULA added. “This tournament is great. This Rising Russian star , is my third time in a row. I always tipped by tennis icon like to come here and the organi- to create a stir this year, yesterday said For sure we can see sation here is really good. All the the new generation of players on the the new generation conditions are good for this tour- ATP Tour is ready to spice things up nament. I always enjoy my time in 2020. (has) started to change here,” Rublev said. The 22-year-old Muscovite is con- things. So many young When asked about his goals in sidered one of the bright talents to go players have started to 2020, Rublev said yesterday: “My along with (21) of goals and ambitions for this year is , (22) of win tournaments. So to improve my game. I want to and ’s Daniil many young players control the things I can control. For Medvedev (23). example if I can give my best in Last year, Tsitsipas won the have started to fea- practice every day, then that would season-ending London finale an event ture in semi-finals and be good. Then I can be strong men- that was clinched by Zverev in 2018. tally. If I improve all the things that Rublev’s friend Medvedev won the finals of big events: I want to improve, then that will raise Masters in October. Andrey Rublev my level and it will improve my In an epic shock, Rublev stunned results and rankings. So I just want 20-time champion to go step by step.” Federer at Cincinnati Masters handing He added: “I try to do my best the Swiss maestro his fastest defeat There are so many talented guys and every day. It is impossible to be at your in 16 years. players out there. All of them want to best every day. Some days it is good, Andrey Rublev “For sure we can see the new gen- be at the top,” he added. some days it not so good. I try to give eration (has) started to change things,” Rublev said he doesn’t read too my best and that’s it. And then I just Rublev, seeded two in Doha this week, much into his high billing at the on- wait for my moment. For example last said yesterday. Rublev said. “I think now is the best we play (in 2020). It will be interesting going Qatar ExxonMobil Open. year, I was not good in the first half of “So many young players have moment for some young players to how things shape up. Wawrinka, “I never liked to be called this (the the season but the second half, I was started to win tournaments. So many win a Grand Slam or a big tour- Nadal, Roger and Djokovic will still title favourite) or that I am ‘the one really much much better. So you young players have started to feature nament,” he added. win so many tournaments,” he added. expected to win’. There are so many never know when your moment in semi-finals and finals of big events,” Rublev, however, was quick to add Rublev offered a wry smile when players who are here, who are doing comes.” the -born player said. that tennis fans should expect Grand asked to comment on Federer’s gen- better than me, who have won more Rublev said: “I had couple of things “We saw in Shanghai that the two Slam stars Federer, and erous praise of the young Russian last than me,” Rublev said. that were frustrating me (in the second semi-finals had all the young guys to stretch their dom- week. “Everyone has a chance to win. half of the 2019 season). I worked on (Medvedev, Zverev, Tsitsipas and inance in the sport. “It is really nice to hear such words There are so many players and it is them, I started to have less stress and ). “We can see that changes are there from such a legend. It’s a long way for tough to say I am the one,” he said. started to have more focus on my “We saw in London that three of but still the top guys are there. They me to talk about it,” Rublev said “I am just excited to be back. To tennis and that was one of my main the semi-finalists (Tsitsipas, Zverev are still on one, two and third,” Rublev yesterday. be honest I have no expectations this things. I started to be more relaxed and ) were young with said of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. “There are so many things I have week. I am just happy to be playing and less have expectations. When Roger (Federer as the fourth one). In “They still dominate the tourna- to improve. There are so many things here. I don’t know if I am going to do something is not going well then you the final, there were two young guys,” ments but it will interesting to see how that I have to deal with. We will see. well. If you do, then perfect, but I am need to relax.” Australian ATP Cup: Djokovic inspires ‘’ Open hold top spots matches to quarter-finals in rankings could be AFP — Tennis royalty occupy the top suspended: AFP — BRISBANE ATP CUP RESULTS three places in the first ATP rankings of the new season, In Sydney, Group E Organisers A near-perfect Novak Djokovic with Rafael Nadal, Novak won both his singles and 2 Poland 1 Djokovic and Roger Federer REUTERS — MELBOURNE doubles rubbers as Serbia beat Marin Cilic (CRO) bt Kacper Zuk (POL) 7-6 (10/8), once again leading the way in 2-1 to reach the quarter- 6-4 the men’s game. Australian Open organ- finals of the inaugural ATP Cup (POL) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-2, isers are monitoring the team event in Brisbane 6-2 ATP RANKINGS deteriorating air quality in yesterday. /Nikola Mektic (CRO) bt Hubert 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9985 pts Melbourne and said After Benoit Paire beat Hurkacz/Lubasz Kubot (POL) 6-2, 6-1 matches could be Dusan Lajovic to give France a 3 0 2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 9055 suspended if conditions 1-0 lead, Djokovic overpowered (AUT) bt (ARG) 0-6, 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 6590 become hazardous amid Gael Monfils in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 5825 the bushfire crisis. then teamed with Dominic Thiem (AUT) bt 5. (RUS) 5705 Hundreds of fires have to beat and (ARG) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5300 killed at least 25 people Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3, /Jurgen Meltzer (AUT) bt Maximo 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 3345 and ravaged more than 8 6-7 (5/7), 10-3 in a spirited and Gonzalez/Andre Molteni (ARG) 6-1, 6-4 8. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 2870 million hectares (19.8 emotional doubles clash. In Brisbane, Group A 9. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2530 (+1) million acres) of land The win, combined with South Africa 3 0 10. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2335 across Australia over the South Africa’s earlier defeat of (RSA) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-4, 6-4 (-1) last few months. Chile, means Serbia are assured 11. (BEL) 2335 With qualifying for the of topping Group A with one (RSA) bt Cristian Garin (CHI) 6-0, 6-3 12. (ITA) 2290 season’s first Grand Slam round remaining. 13. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2125 starting on January 14, Djokovic was in superb /Ruan Roelofse (RSA) bt Cristian Garin/Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 1-6, 6-3, 10-7 14. (CAN) 2050 tournament director Craig touch to level the tie following Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during his match against Gael 15. (SUI) 1955 (+1) Tiley said officials can halt Lajovic’s three-set loss to Paire Serbia 2 France 1 Monfils of France, yesterday. 16. (JPN) 1930 (-3) play if smoke poses a in the opening rubber. Benoit Paire (FRA) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-2, 17. (RUS) 1840 danger to players’ health. He had beaten Monfils in all humidity, Djokovic stepped up third set and the match. 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 “Assessing the like- 15 previous meetings and that the pressure and eased to “Honestly, you know, if I’m Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-3, 18. (AUS) 1775

lihood of smoke-induced perfect record never looked in victory in 90 minutes in front alone on court I can break more 6-2 19. (USA) 1770 interruptions is a bit like danger as he dominated the of hundreds of chanting Serbian than the racket, I can destroy Novak Djokovic/Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Nicolas 20. (BUL) 1702 how we treat heat and Frenchman from the outset. fans. all my rackets and leave the Mahut/Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 6-3, 6-7 rain,” he told local media. Djokovic put relentless Paire was forced to court,” he said. (5/7), 10-3 “We have access to pressure on Monfils’ serve overcome both his opponent “So that’s why they told me, In Perth, Group B Barty No.1 in real-time monitoring of throughout, breaking him three and his emotions in his 6-2, 6-7 just stay relaxed and you will Japan 2 Georgia 1 air quality at all of our times in a 6-3, 6-2 victory. (6/8), 6-4 win. see what happens.” (JPN) bt (GEO) venues and are working Djokovic said both he and Paire won the first set com- In the early tie, former 4-6, 6-3 , 6-2 New Year’s closely with medical per- Monfils had been affected by fortably and broke Lajovic to world number five Kevin (JPN) bt sonnel and local experts the humidity on Pat Rafter serve for the set at 5-4. Anderson showed he was on his first rankings on site to ensure we have Arena. But the Serbian broke back way back after an injury-ruined (GEO) 6-2, 6-3 the best possible infor- “It was definitely some of and then took the tiebreak 2019 when he thrashed Chile’s Aleksandre Bakshi/Zura Tkemaladze (GEO) bt AFP — PARIS mation available to make the most humid conditions I’ve against an increasingly angry Cristian Garin 6-0, 6-3. Ben McLachlan/Toshihide Matsui (JPN) 6-2, 6-4 any decisions regarding ever had in my career. I mean Paire, who promptly smashed Anderson’s win clinched 3 Uruguay 0 remained whether play should be tonight was brutal,” he said. his racket and then threw two the tie for South Africa fol- (ESP) bt Franco Ron- world number one after the halted at any point." “Obviously playing Gael is water bottles onto the court at lowing Lloyd Harris’s 6-4, 6-4 cadelli (URU) 6-1, 6-2 first WTA rankings of 2020 There have so far been never easy. You come into the the change of ends. victory over Nicolas Jarry. Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt (URU) 6-2, were released yesterday, as no smoke-related delays court knowing you are going to French captain Raven Klaasen and Ruan 6-1 the Roland Garros champion at the ATP Cup, which is have a lot of exchanges, a lot of tried to calm him down but it Roelofse made it a clean sweep Pablo Carreno Busta/Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt prepares for a crack at this

taking place in Sydney, rallies. He’s a great fighter.” took a courtside visit from for South Africa when they beat Ariel Behar/Juan Martin Fumeaux (URU) 6-1, month’s Australian Open. Brisbane and Perth. As the Frenchman began to Monfils to ease the tensions and Garin and Jarry in the doubles 3-6, 10-3 show the effects of the Paire regrouped to take the 1-6, 6-3, 10-7. WTA RANKINGS 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 7851 pts 2. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5525 Svitolina, Kerber fall at first hurdle in Brisbane 3. (ROU) 5462 (+1) 4. Naomi (JPN) 5311 (-1) 5. (UKR) 5075 (+1) REUTERS — BRISBANE an early break and went on to Collins’s third against a top-10 of solid first serves and devas- 6. (CAN) 4935 claim five consecutive games opponent and will lift her con- tating forehands to clinch her 7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4721 American Danielle Collins and clinch the opening set. fidence ahead of the Australian first win over Kerber since 2015. 8. (SUI) 4685 stunned former champion Elina Fourth seed Svitolina Open, where she reached her “This is sort of the way I 9. (NED) 4245 Svitolina 6-1, 6-1 in the opening struggled with her first serve maiden Grand Slam semi-final want to be all the time on 10. (USA) 3935 round of the Brisbane Interna- throughout the match and last year. court,” Stosur said. 11. (BLR) 2940 tional yesterday as Germany’s Collins targeted her soft second Earlier, home favourite “I put more pressure on 12. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2825 Angelique Kerber also bowed serves to dominate the second Samantha Stosur (pictured) myself than anyone could ever 13. Madison Keys (USA) 2767 out. set. After losing the first game, upset former world number one do, because I really know what 14. Kenin (USA) 2740 World number five Svitolina Collins powered through six Kerber 7-6(5), 7-6(4) in a tight I’m capable of. entered the match as heavy straight games to seal victory in clash between former Grand “So sometimes I probably 15. Petra Martic (CRO) 2617 favourite to progress but looked 56 minutes. Slam champions. want it all too bad - and then 16. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) far from her best and failed to It was a significant result for Stosur, who has not pro- that’s when you kind of get 17. (BEL) 2290 convert any of her four break Collins, who has struggled for gressed beyond the second hamstrung and don’t perform 18. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2175

points in the opening game. form since being diagnosed round in nine Brisbane appear- as you want to. But today I cer- 19. Alison Riske (USA) 2085 (-1) Collins took her chances with rheumatoid arthritis in ances, dazzled in the decisive tainly feel like I did stay relaxed 20. Donna Vekic (CRO) 2080 (-1) with aggressive hitting to grab October. The victory was tiebreaks with a combination and composed.” TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 07

French player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka taking part in an exhibition match during a promotional event held at the National Museum of Qatar. INSET: Tsonga (left) and Wawrinka posing for a photograph with the Qatar ExxonnMobil Open 2020 trophy. Wawrinka’s New Year’s resolution: TALKING POINTS  Former finalists Stan A return to top 10 on ATP computer Wawrinka and Andrey Rublev and 2012 champion Jo-Wil- FAWAD HUSSAIN fried Tsonga comprise the top THE PENINSULA three seeds at the Qatar Exx- onMobil Open in Doha, Qatar Grand Slam star Stan Wawrinka became this week. the World No. 3 – his best jump in I am focusing on my Since Switzerland’s Roger rankings – in January 2014. doubles. I am practising Federer won his tournament- The Swiss won the Australia Open the same year and clinched the French well and hoping to play leading third singles title at Open and US Open titles the following my best tennis. This is the Doha in 2011, only players two years, stamping his name as a from France (Tsonga, Richard three-time Grand Slam champion. first tournament of the Gasquet, Gael Monfils), Spain But since then a Grand Slam trophy year and I am here to enjoy (Rafael Nadal, , has eluded the 34-year-old. Roberto Bautista Agut), or Not just that, Wawrinka – a regular and see where I am. I am Serbia (Novak Djokovic twice) member of the top 10 in previous years trying to improve, trying have claimed the Doha singles – has been struggling to break into the championship. elite list after injury issues hampered new things to improve in Last year, Wawrinka con- his progress following last year’s US my career: Stan Wawrinka tested the Qatar ExxonMobil Open where he shocked top seed Open for the first time since Novak Djokovic to enter the his runner-up showing in quarter-finals. 2008. He fell to eventual The Swiss - currently ranked No.15 “It is always been a good tour- champion Bautista Agut in the - begins the year as top seed at the Qatar nament here with top players taking quarter-finals. ExxonMobil Open where he launches a part in it. This time it is different 15 players won their first campaign to reenter the top 10 bracket because of the ATP Cup first season and possibly a Grand Slam title in 2020. and players are already there in Aus- ATP Tour singles title in 2019, “I hope so, I am working out for it,” tralia playing the ATP Cup. I think I which is the most first-time Wawrinka said at a press conference at enjoy playing here a lot. This tour- winners in a season since 1999, Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland addressing the media during a press conference held Khalifa International Tennis and Squash nament is very good for players when there were 16. Four of at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. those first-time winners are in Complex yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA because of good conditions. It good “I am close to top 10 at one stage give preparations (for the new season). Doha – and go far at the same time. I want to I am happy to be here,” he said. (), Laslo Djere (Rio de play very well throughout the year. But “I am focusing on my doubles. I am playing the inaugural ATP Cup, which Wawrinka, meanwhile, didn’t jump Janeiro), the year is very long year,” he added. practising well and hoping to play my has clashed with the Qatar event this to conclusion amid the calls from (s-Hertogenbosch), and Wawrinka – the only Grand Slam best tennis. This is the first tournament year. players including the top duo of Rafael (Antalya). winner playing in Doha this year – will of the year and I am here to enjoy and Wawrinka too could have been a Nadal and Djokovic to merge the Davis  Mannarino was the only face Jeremy Chardy or a qualifier in his see where I am,” he said. part of the glitzy event Down Under had Cup and ATP Cup. first-time singles titlist of the opening match of the 2020 ATP Tour “I am trying to improve, trying new his compatriot Roger Federer not with- “It was the first edition of new Davis 15 aged over 30. He had lost season. He will begin as hot favourite things to improve in my career,” he drawn from the competition. Cup and it is the first edition of ATP Cup. his previous six ATP Tour to clinch his maiden Qatar ExxonMobil added. The 2008 finalist in Doha said he is You need to see after the two tourna- singles finals before tri- Open title, but the Swiss downplayed Most of the top ranked players, who happy to play the Qatar ExxonMobil ments. You need to try to do something umphing in s-Hertogenbosch. the tag. are regular visitors to Doha, are busy Open. (new),” Wawrinka said. He reached another final later in 2019, at Zhuhai. Jeremy Chardy and claimed the Doha Doha resident Verdasco sees off Andujar doubles title in 2017, which was their first ATP Tour title RIZWAN REHMAT “It was a tough match of as a team. Last year, they THE PENINSULA against a player that I know Spain in action during paired up to pick up two more well. So it’s (such matches are) his match against titles and reach the Roland Fernando Verdasco yesterday always a little bit more tricky compatriot Pablo Garros final. produced a straight-set win by than the rest of the matches,” Andujar yesterday. seeing off fellow Spaniard he added. PICTURE: SALIM Pablo Andujar on day one of Verdasco fired 6 aces in the MATRAMKOT/ YESTERDAY'S the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. match to just 2 by Andujar who THE PENINSULA Verdasco, based in Doha trails the senior pro 3-2 in RESULTS since 2016, won 6-4, 6-3 in one overall head-to-head meetings. hour 29 minutes on the Centre Verdasco broke Andujar in MEN'S SINGLES Court. the 10th game to take the first Round Of 32 In another match yes- set at 6-4. In the second set, the terday, ’s Alexander veteran Spanish tennis player , Kazakhstan, def. Bublik stunned seventh seed broke his compatriot in game Adrian Mannarino (7), France, 6-3, 6-4. Adrian Mannarino of . 9 to take the second on his own , France, def. Tennys Bublik, ranked 55, won 6-3, serve at 6-3. Sandgren, , 7-6 (3), 6-4. 6-4 in one hour and 10 “Obviously being the first Fernando Verdasco, Spain, def. Pablo minutes. match of the year, you always Andujar, Spain, 6-4, 6-3. Bublik, just 22, fired 9 aces kind of put yourself in a little - 7 in the first set - to complete bit more of pressure than usual. Aljaz Bedene, Slovenia, def. Mikael his resounding win on Center You are always a little bit more Ymer, , 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Court as the Kazakh player tight and nervous in a match,” Jeremy Chardy, France, def. Gregoire won the first ever clash Verdasco said. Barrere, France, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. between the two players. “But, at the end, also (this Also yesterday, French match) motivated (me) and I MEN'S DOUBLES qualifier Corentin Moutet beat came out with a lot of energy Round Of 16 American Tennys Sandgren 7-6 coming from a pre-season that (3), 6-4 in one hour and 47 I work very hard at,” Verdasco the whole match,” Verdasco FERNANDO VERDASCO IN 2019 , India, and Wesley minutes. said. said. Age: 36, World No. 49, 26-27 in 2019 (4 QFs), 10-7 at Doha (2017 SF) Koolhof (3), , def. Marco In the day’s most-sought “I knew that I was going to When asked if he would Cecchinato and Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, after match, Verdasco yes- be getting better or worse, but choose to play the ATP Cup - Earned 20+ wins in 16 straight seasons (2004-19). Tied with Nadal for 2nd-longest 6-3, 6-2. terday hit the ground running I was going to be giving my best that has clashed with dates of active streak (Federer 20). Gonzalez, Mexico, and on his ‘home turf’ as the and trying my best and fighting Qatar ExxonMobil Open - Ver- Reached QFs at Sofia (lost to Berrettini), ATP Masters 1000 Rome (lost to Nadal), , Britain, def. Milos 36-year-old reached the the whole match. So I think that dasco said: “....actually, for me, (lost to Querrey) and Kitzbuhel (lost to Sonego). Played 6 sets in 4 hrs, 54 mins second round with a solid was the most important thing,” it’s a shame that they put it in on 16 May at Rome (beat Thiem in 2R and Khachanov in 3R). Raonic, , and Ricardas Berankis, show. the Spaniard said. the same week as Doha Earned 6th career win from 2 sets down in Wimbledon 2R (beat Edmund, lost to Goffin Lithuania, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 10-5. It was Verdasco’s first win “With the match now over, because I will always choose in 4R). Franko Skugor, Croatia, and Henri against Andujar on a hardcourt, the way that I played, I’m Doha between this and the ATP Suffered 5th loss from 2 sets up in Australian Open 3R (lost to Cilic after holding 2 MPs) Kontinen (2), Finland, def. Malek Jaziri, having posted two wins on happy of the way that I played. Cup. I would love to play, but I and 6th loss from 2 sets up in Tunisia, and Rashed Nawaf, Qatar, grass and clay previously. It I still think that I can play a will always choose Doha. I US Open 2R (lost to Chung after holding 1 MP). 6-3, 6-1. was Verdasco’s 10th win in little bit better. I will be trying think if the week is the same Played at 66 straight Grand Slams -- 2nd-longest streak of all-time behind Lopez’ Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland, and Doha. to fixing kind of few things that then I will never play the ATP active streak of 71. “Yeah, of course, it is a I can do a little bit better (in the Cup.” Saved 3 MPs vs. Gerasimov in 1R (lost to Bachinger in 2R). , United States, def. good way to start the season,” next round). But in general, I’m The first-round matches Did not play at ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami while awaiting birth Andrey Rublev, Russia, and Alexander Verdasco said yesterday. happy of the way that I played continue today. of son, Miguel, on March 26. Bublik, Kazakhstan, 6-3, 7-6 (6). SPORT SPORTS | 04 SPORT | 05 RonaldoRonal hat-trick Australia putsputs Juve on top crush New asas IbraIbr returns in Zealand to MilanMila stalemate sweep series

TUESDAY 7 JANUARY 2020 Real duo Bale Al Sadd to face Al Kharaitiyat in Amir Cup clash and Benzema to THE PENINSULA — DOHA miss Super Cup Doha giants Al Sadd will take on Al REUTERS — MADRID Kharaitiyat in their opening clash of the Amir Cup, Qatar’s most popular football Real Madrid duo Karim tournament. Benzema and Gareth Bale have Al Sadd, who have won the Amir Cup a been ruled out of this week’s staggering 16 times, will remain to the team Spanish Super Cup which is to to beat in this year’s event now into its 48th be held in Saudi Arabia. edition. The club confirmed in two In other matches, Al Sailiya will take on separate statements that the Umm Salal, Al Duhail will battle Muaither, forwards, who both started Sat- Al Shahaniya will tackle Al Wakrah, Al Ahli urday’s 3-0 La Liga win over will face Qatar SC, Al Rayyan play Getafe, will be absent for the Mesaimeer while Al Arabi have a date with money-spinning trip. Al Khor and Al Gharafa with Al Markhiya. Benzema has a hamstring At the draw ceremony held yesterday, issue, while Bale is suffering 16 teams which will feature in this year’s from a chest infection. A event were split into two groups of four. timescale has not been given for The matches will be played on a their return. They join team knockout system, organisers QFA said. In mate Eden Hazard, who has an case of a stalemate during regulation time, ankle problem, as well as Bar- a penalty shootout will be played to get a celona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen clear winner. and Valencia forward Rodrigo Al Duhail, the defending champions, An official picks (both with knee issues) as high- begin their campaign against Second Mesaimeer during profile absentees for the tour- Division side Muaither. the official draw nament, which has courted con- Al Duhail won the championship title held yesterday. troversy since its reformatting last year after defeating Al Sadd. was announced last year. Al Attiyah fights back despite minor setback

REUTERS/THE PENINSULA — NEOM Alonso had been fourth in DAKAR RALLY 2020 RESULTS AND STANDINGS 3km back and forwards. It was going the opposite way,” said his Hilux pickup after 100km CARS: tricky, but at least there were Terranova. Three-time champion Nasser but the Dakar debutant lost 1. Giniel de Villiers-Alex Haro (RSA-ESP/Toyota) 3hr 37min 20sec, 2. Orlando no punctures today,” Sainz “We knew that we were Saleh Al Attiyah fought back two-and-a-half hours to repair Terranova-Bernardo Graue (ARG-ARG/Mini) at 3min 57sec, 3. Khalid Al said. going in the right way, but we despite losing time due to navi- a broken wheel on the 367km Qassimi-Xavier Panseri (UAE-FRA/Abu Dhabi Racing) 5:42, 4. Mathieu Al Attiyah and his French did a loop and it was a big gational problems during an stage. Serradori-Fabian Lurquin (FRA-BEL/SRT) 9:39, 5. Nasser Al-Attiyah-Matthieu navigator Matthieu Baumel fin- mess.” eventful second stage on the The Spaniard, with co- Baumel (QAT-FRA/Toyota) 11:46, 6. Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (ESP-ESP/Mini) ished yesterday's stage in fifth France’s 13-times Dakar second day of the Dakar Rally driver and five-times Dakar 13:05 place while De Villiers, winner winner Stephane Peterhansel in Saudi Arabia yesterday. winner Marc Coma, had been OVERALL STANDINGS (After stage 2) in 2009, moved up to sixth dropped to eighth place in his Yesterday's stage which ran 11th overnight. 1. Orlando Terranova-Bernardo Graue (ARG-ARG/Mini) 7hr 7min 36sec, overall but 12 minutes behind Mini buggy. from Al Wajh to the desert city “Good day in terms of pace 2. Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (ESP-ESP/Mini) at 4:43, 3. Nasser Al-Attiyah- Terranova. In the motorcycle category, of Neom also was the Qatari's (third in the firsts splits) and in Matthieu Baumel (QAT-FRA/Toyota) 6:07, 4. Mathieu Serradori-Fabian Lithuanian Vaidotas Zala, Botswana’s Ross Branch won Lurquin (FRA-BEL/SRT) 7:22, 5. Vaidotas Zala-Saulius Jurgelenas (LTU-LTU/ Toyota Gazoo Racing team- terms of navigation, that we the overnight leader in a Mini, the stage while Britain’s Sam Mini) 8:11, 6. Giniel de Villiers-Alex Haro (RSA-ESP/Toyota) 12:04, 7. Khalid mate, double Formula One were very comfortable. Bad day dropped to fifth. Sunderland was runner-up and Al Qassimi-Xavier Panseri (UAE-FRA/Abu Dhabi Racing) 12:35, 8. Stephane champion Fernando Alonso in terms of result,” Alonso said Peterhansel-Paulo Fiuza (FRA-POR/Mini) 13:17 Navigational problems took over at the top for KTM, smashing his Toyota’s sus- on Instagram. affected some of the favourites, ahead of Chile’s Pablo pension on a rock and dropping “We lost more than two including Al Attiyah and Saudi Quintanilla. to 48th overall. hours repairing a hit in the front won by Toyota’s South African “It was very tricky, espe- driver Yazeed Al Rajhi, who led Siarhei Viazovich of Belarus Al Attiyah is six minutes off axle. Tomorrow more action! A Giniel De Villiers to carve out a cially towards the end when we through the first five waypoints led the truck category after the lead in the general lot of rally ahead of us.” lead of four minutes and 43 lost a lot of minutes. We had before losing time towards the winning the stage, with Russian standings, led by Argentine Terranova, driving a Mini, seconds over Spaniard Carlos trouble finding our way and end and finishing ninth overall. Dmitry Sotnikov four minutes driver Orlando Terranova. finished second in the stage Sainz in a Mini buggy. had to turn back two times, “In one area, we saw Nasser and 20 seconds behind.

Toyota’s Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France compete during the Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally 2020 between Al Wajh and Neom in Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

Alexander Bublik TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY of Kazakhstan in action against CENTER COURT Starts at 3:30pm Adrian Mannarino R32 (8) Frances Tiafoe vs (Q) Marton Fucsovics of France during Not before 5:30pm their first round R16 (1) Stan Wawrinka vs Jeremy Chardy match yesterday. Followed by Bublik upset 7th R32 (WC) Malek Jaziri vs seed Mannarino Followed by 6-3, 6-4. R32 (WC) vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert

COURT 1 Starts at 3:30pm R16 Aljaz Bedene vs Alexander Bublik Followed by R32 (WC) Cem Ilkel vs Ricardas Berankis Followed by R16 (1) Mate Pavic/ vs (WC) Marton Fucso- vics/Fernando Verdasco Followed by R16 (4) Jeremy Chardy/Fabrice Martin vs /

COURT 2 Starts at 3:30pm R32 (5) Laslo Djere vs Lorenzo Sonego Followed by Rashed Nawaf of Qatar serves against of Finland and Franco R16 /Tim Puetz vs / Skugor of Croatia during their Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 doubles first round Corentin Moutet of France celebrates Matwe Middelkoop match played at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha after defeating Tennys Sandgren of the Followed by yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA United States during their first round match yesterday. Moutet won 7-6 (3), 6-4. R16 Aljaz Bedene/Laslo Djere vs /