THURSDAY 9 JANUARYJANUARY 220200200202200 SPORTSPORT 07

SA's captain Faf du Plessisis There are a lot of small margins in Today's Action says there are positives for his sidee this Test match, but I am International Friendly: to take from their loss to England. extremely proud of how we fought. Sweden vs Moldova

Al Shaqab Showjumping event begins tomorrow

THE PENINSULA — DOHA in Qatar. The Al Shaqab Show- and events all year round to jumping competition will com- provide our trainees as well as A file photo of an Al Shaqab The two-day Al Shaqab Show- prise five categories of various the next generation of local Showjumping competition. jumping competition featuring age groups, supporting Qatar’s riders with the necessary expe- different categories will begin vision to develop sustainable rience to participate in eques- tomorrow at the Al Shaqab human capacity. The youngest trian events conducted to Indoor Arena, organisers said age group is the Future Riders international standards. It is yesterday. Program, for children aged 6 our intent that riders learn to Organised by Al Shaqab’s and above, leading up to the participate competitively while Equine Education Department Senior (big tour) group, for adhering to the true spirit of (EED), the competition will be individuals. sportsmanship.” a national event, open to Khalifa Mohammed Al In line with Al Shaqab’s Qataris and residents of Qatar. Attiya, Chairman, Organising commitment to community It aims to improve the Committee Al Shaqab Show engagement, the competition standard of horse riding among Jumping Competition, said: will be a family-friendly event Qatari youth, produce future “We have always sought to open to the public, and international equestrian cham- train and equip the next gen- admission will be free. Enter- pions for Qatar, and encourage eration of riders in Qatar tainment will include a fun zone the involvement of private through Equine Education for children, bouncy castles, and stables and individual horse Department. The Al Shaqab cafes. Two Al Shaqab Show- owners. Showjumping Competition is jumping sompetitions have Showjumping, an Olympic another step in that direction. been scheduled to take place discipline, is one of the most We are constantly striving to in 2020, with the second to popular horse-riding activities conduct various competitions follow on March 20 and 21. NBA: Davis injury scare as Pastrnak scores as Bruins thrash LA Lakers rout NY Knicks Predators 6-2 REUTERS — NASHVILLE couldn’t capitalise on a two-man AFP — LOS ANGELES advantage late in the third Anthony Davis (right) of the Los David Pastrnak scored his period. The Bruins, meanwhile, Angeles Lakers dribbles past Reggie The Los Angeles Lakers NHL-leading 32nd goal of the scored four goals, including two Bullock of the New York Knicks during stretched their winning streak season and goaltender Tuukka in the final minute. to six games with a rout of the their NBA game. Rask made 33 saves as the Pastrnak opened the New York Knicks but were Boston Bruins defeated host scoring at 1:36 of the first given a scare as Anthony Davis Nashville 6-2, spoiling the period, taking a pass from hobbled off with a back injury. debut of Predators coach John Charlie McAvoy in his own zone The Western Conference Hynes. and skating all the way up the leaders cruised to a 117-87 win Hynes, who started the right wing into the Predators’ against a Knicks team who season behind the New Jersey end before firing a shot from remain near the foot of the Devils’ bench before being dis- the top of the faceoff circle that Eastern Conference with 10 missed Dec. 3, was named snuck between Rinne and the wins and 27 losses. coach earlier in the day after near post. It extended Pas- LeBron James led the the Predators fired coach Peter trnak’s point streak to 11 games scoring for the Lakers with a Laviolette and associate coach (six goals, 10 assists). 31-point haul that included six Kevin McCarthy on Monday. The score remained 1-0 three-pointers as well as five Danton Heinen, Patrice until Heinen scored at 8:21 off rebounds and five assists. Bergeron, Chris Wagner, David the second of Matt Grzelcyk’s But the main talking point Krejci and Charlie Coyle also two assists. Forsberg pulled from a one-sided game came scored for the Atlantic Division- Nashville within 2-1 with a after Davis fell heavily while leading Bruins, who won for the power-play goal at 10:54 of the making an attempted block first time in their past four second. Defenseman Roman with just under three minutes games (1-1-2). Josi got the secondary assist, remaining in the third quarter. Filip Forsberg and Mikael extending his point streak to 11 The 26-year-old centre -- Granlund scored power-play games (seven goals, 12 assists). who alongside James has trans- goals for the Predators, who are Bergeron scored on the formed the Lakers into the best 1-4-1 in their past six games. power play at 17:42, taking a team in the Western Conference with 19 points. The Lakers Yet the veteran drew on all and made some shots in the Goalie Pekka Rinne stopped 30 pass from Jake DeBrusk behind this season -- writhed in pain improved to 30-7 to extend of his experience to help fourth quarter,” he added. of 35 shots. The Predators were the net, to give Boston a 3-1 on the Staples Center court after their lead at the top of the Portland stage a fourth-quarter “And it always helps when 2 for 7 on the power play, but lead going into the third. the fall. Western Conference standings, fight-back at Toronto’s Scot- you make shots.” Davis eventually rose 4.5 games ahead of the second- iabank Arena. Portland talisman Damian unsteadily with the help of place Denver Nuggets. The Blazers overturned a Lillard, double-teamed for most team-mates and limped away Elsewhere, Carmelo double-digit points deficit in the of the game, finished with 20 gingerly to the locker room Anthony rolled back the years final period to dig out a win points while CJ McCollum had without returning for the with 28 points and a last-gasp over the reigning NBA cham- 10 points. remainder of the game. winner as the Portland Trail pions, Anthony nailing the Hassan Whiteside, with 14, The Lakers later said X-rays Blazers upset the Toronto winner with 3.3 seconds on the and Anfernee Simons, who had come back negative, with Raptors 101-99. clock. had 12, were the other Davis suffering a sacral con- Anthony finished with “I trust in my workout. I Portland players to make tusion. It was not immediately seven rebounds to continue an trust in my shot. It’s a shot I double figures. clear how long Davis may face impressive run of recent form work on every day, and it went Portland remain outside the on the sidelines. which included 26 points in last in,” Anthony said afterwards, play-off places at ninth spot in With Davis sidelined, James week’s loss to the New York praising the team’s composure the Western Conference received support from the Knicks. in the fourth quarter as they standings with 16 wins and 22 Lakers benchwith Kyle Kuzma The 35-year-old 10-time All chased down the Raptors. losses. Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak adding 16 points and Kentavious Star had not played for more “We just stayed with it. We Toronto’s loss saw them fall (left) skates the puck during the NHL Caldwell-Pope 15. than a year when he signed for played together, we stayed to 24-13 in the Eastern Con- game against the Nashville Predators. RJ Barrett led the Knicks Portland in November. composed. We got some stops ference table. 2020 Winter Youth Olympics begins today 2020 Tokyo Games: IOC to discuss Linda Indergrand, Swiss mountain bike athlete, holds the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Flame outside the Olympic Russian athletes after CAS decision Museum alongside a group of the torchbearers. The multi-sporting event REUTERS — LAUSANNE The IOC did not go into the The IOC, however, has said will begin today. details of Russia’s Tokyo 2020 in recent months it was eager to The International Olympic appearance during yesterday’s finalise al the details early to Committee will not discuss the Executive Board meeting. avoid a repeat of the run-up to details of Russian athletes’ partic- “It was informational only,” the 2016 Olympics where Rus- ipation at the Tokyo 2020 Games IOC spokesman Mark Adams told sians were filing appeals days until after a final ruling from the reporters of the discussions before they were due to compete Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding Russia. “We will wait at the Rio de Janeiro summer (CAS), the IOC said yesterday. for a decision by CAS before Olympics. The World Anti-Doping doing that.” Russia, which has traditionally Agency (WADA) in December No date has yet been set for been a powerhouse in many sports, banned the country’s colours and a CAS ruling on Russia. has been embroiled in doping anthem from events, including Among the details to be scandals since a 2015 WADA report the Olympics, for four years as finalised are the size and overall found evidence of mass doping in punishment for having provided appearance and uniforms for the Russian athletics. it with doctored laboratory data. independent team made up of Many of Russia’s athletes It also barred Russia from Russian athletes who are eligible were sidelined from the past two hosting or bidding for major to compete based on their anti- Olympics and the country sporting events during that doping record as well as the stripped of its flag altogether at period, with the country’s top sports they will compete in. last year’s Pyeongchang Winter officials branding the sanctions World Athletics last year Games as punishment for state- unfair and pledging to appeal the extended its 2015 ban on Russia’s sponsored doping cover-ups at decision to CAS by early January. athletics federation. the 2014 Sochi Games. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 9 JANUARY 2020 Players unlikely to embrace four-day Tests: FICA

REUTERS — MUMBAI

Players are unlikely to embrace Root, Du Plessis back the proposed four-day Tests until administrators clarify how five-day Tests after they plan to utilise the calendar space freed up by the move, the Federation of International Newlands thriller Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) said yesterday. REUTERS — CAPE TOWN The International Cricket Council is set to discuss the idea England captain Joe Root and of trimming the current five- his South African counterpart I am a fan of Test day Tests by a day to ease a Faf du Plessis have both crammed international cal- backed five-day Tests, cricket going five endar and reduce player despite their cricket boards days. The great workload. advocating for four-day FICA, which counts players games to be played in the draws of the game from England, Australia and future. always go to five South Africa as members England beat South days: SA's captain among others, fears the new Africa by 189 runs in the gaps in the calendar could well second Test at Newlands on Faf du Plessis be filled with more cricket. Tuesday to level the four- “From our discussions with match series at 1-1 after the England’s Joe Root (front left) celebrates with team-mates after winning the second Test against players around the world, and hosts lasted almost 138 overs always go to five days. South Africa at Newlands on Tuesday. our global survey data, it is clear in their second innings, but “I’m not speaking about that there is currently a lot of towards such a significant “Given the obvious crick- clarity, rather than further con- could not see out eight more the other stuff that comes to negative sentiment, within the change to the game’s most tra- eting implications, if the ICC fusion.” England have said they that would have earned them four-day cricket. I under- global collective of players, ditional format,” FICA said in a and/ or Boards do want to will support the idea after 2023, a draw. stand there is a lot of money statement. make a broader case for four- Australia are to give serious The match went into the being burned on five-day From our discussions Four-day matches were day Test cricket, we would consideration to the plan, while last hour of the fifth day, pro- cricket because a lot of with players around given the green light by the ICC need to clearly understand South Africa have advocated for viding drama aplenty in Cape games are not going to the in 2017 when South Africa what both the economic and four-day games to be played in Town after both sides had fifth day. the world, and our hosted Zimbabwe, and England scheduling benefits would be, the future. toiled hard in search of their “There will always be an global survey data, have since played one against so we can discuss that with The powerful Board of desired results. opinion on both sides, but I it is clear that there Ireland. players and gauge genuine col- Control for Cricket in India “I like five-day Test am still a purist of the game With an increasing number lective feedback,” the players' (BCCI) has yet to offer an cricket. I’ll leave at that, oth- and have been part of some is currently a lot of of Test matches ending prema- body said. opinion, but India captain Virat erwise I’ll get in trouble,” great draws that went five negative sentiment, turely, the administrators are “It is particularly important Kohli said he was totally against Root told reporters in the days. within the global keen to free up more space in for us, and the players, to the plan. wake of the thrilling New- “There would definitely the schedules for lucrative understand how any additional “Until such a time as we and lands win. Du Plessis was not have been a result in four collective of players, shorter-form matches. calendar space in the playing the players are provided with more forthcoming on a day days on the wicket we have towards such a Indian batting great Sachin schedule would be used. the full picture and compelling in which Cricket South Africa just played on now.” Tendulkar said he is firmly “Making a fundamental reasons for change, we remain sent out a statement in which The International Cricket significant change opposed to shortening Test change simply in order to supportive of five-day Test they officially backed the Council is set to discuss the to the game’s most matches to four days from five provide calendar space to fill cricket, and would expect sig- plan four-day Tests. idea of making tests four-day traditional format: and warned against straying too with additional or meaningless nificant player resistance if a “I am a fan of Test cricket games to ease a crammed far from the game’s roots in the cricket is clearly not something shift to that is imposed on going five days,” he said. international calendar and FICA statement quest to attract a younger we can support. Cricket’s global players by the ICC and/or “The great draws of the game reduce player workload. audience. structure desperately needs Boards,” FICA said. Kohli stays on top, Labuschagne moves to No. 3 Injured Udana unlikely to IANS — DUBAI the top spot with 928 points and Cummins hadad pickedpicked is followed by Australia’s Steve ICC Test Rankings up 12 wickets.ts. play in third Young Australia batting Smith (911 points). Apart from The duouo sensation Marnus Labuschagne Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Australia's Marnus are followedwed India T20I yesterday achieved a career- Ajinkya Rahane also feature in by West Indiesdies best third place in the ICC Test the top 10 of the list however, Labuschagne moves up pacer and Rankings, topped by India their rankings saw a drop of one by a spot after a skipper Jasonason IANS — INDORE skipper Virat Kohli (pictured). and two places respectively. match-winning double Holder, who Labuschagne moved up by a While Pujara sits at the sixth century against New jumped a placeace to Left-arm Sri Lanka pacer Isuru spot after a match-winning place, Rahane is currently be at the tthirdhird Udana is unlikely to feature in double century against New placed at the ninth spot. Zealand in Sydney. spot. From India,India, the third and final T20I against Zealand in Sydney recently. England all-rounder Ben pacer JJaspritasprit India set to be played in Pune Labuschagne scored 215 and Stokes has also made a jump of placed at the first and second Bumrah, aceace off-off- tomorrow after he sustained 59 in the third and final Test in five places to enter the top 10 spot respectively in the bowlers’ spinner Ravichandranichandran a back injury during the Sydney and ended up amassing rankings for batsmen. rankings. While Wagner had Ashwin anda n d second game. 549 runs from six innings On the other hand, Aus- scalped 17 wickets in the three Mohammedd Shami are Sri Lanka lost by seven against the Black Caps. tralia’s Pat Cummins and New games against the Aussies in the placed at thehe sixth,sixth, ninthninth andand wickets as India trampled Kohli has remained static at Zealand’s Neil Wagner are recently held Test series, tenth spot respectively.espectively. them to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Holkar Stadium. Defending a Melbourne Stars' pacer Haris Rauf meager 143, Sri Lanka missed PICTURE COURTESY: BIG BASH the services of Udana after he LEAGUE TWITTER HANDLE Lewis hits unbeaten injured his back just before the visitors went out to bowl. “Look, I’m no doctor. He 99 as West Indies was in a lot of pain in the dressing room. What the diag- nosis is I honestly don’t know. ease to victory I just hope we can get him back for the West Indies AFP — BRIDGETOWN BRIEF SCORES series,” Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur. Opening batsman Evin Lewis Ireland 180 all out in 46.1 overs (L. Arthur further said he fell agonisingly short of a Tucker 31; A. Joseph 4-32) vs West In- doesn’t want to risk Udana for century as his undefeated 99 dies 184-5 in 33.2 overs (E. Lewis 99 not the near future. “We’ve got so helped West Indies to cruise to out) much cricket the middle of

a five-wicket win over Ireland Result: West Indies won by five wickets; February. I even think that in the first one-day interna- Toss: Ireland could be a push. So, yeah, I just tional at Kensington Oval on hope the best for him. It’s Tuesday. something in the back,” he The 28-year-old left- of how I wanted to bowl today, added. hander made his runs off 99 and I just kept it simple and After the loss, Sri Lanka balls with 13 boundaries and bowled to my plans." skipper Lasith Malinga had two sixes. Wicketkeeper Lorcan also said that they missed their BBL: Pakistan pacer Rauf grabs After dismissing Ireland for Tucker was Ireland’s top scorer “main bowler” Udana during just 180, the West Indies with 31 as the tourists collapsed their defence. another hat-trick for Melbourne reached their target with 100 following a solid start at Ken- “He’s (Udana) our main balls to spare. sington Oval. bowler and is very experi- IANS — MELBOURNE Afghanistan's leggie a game between Sydney Sixers For Lewis, it was his eighth Joseph dismissed opening enced in this format. He got and Adelaide Strikers. ODI half-century but he made pair Paul Stirling (15) and deb- injured just before we went out Rising Pakistan pacer Haris Rashid Khan also The spinner first a gallant attempt to go to what utant Gareth Delaney (19) as to bowl. He’s recovering now. Rauf yesterday made it two registers his third accounted for the wicket of would have been a third well as the dangerous Kevin We also need to give opportu- hat-tricks in the Big Bash Sixers’ skipper James Vince century. O’Brien for just four as Ireland nities to the youngsters." League (BBL) after Rashid career T20 hat-trick (27) in the second last ball of With the scores level, he slumped from 51-1 to 88-6. Khan, as he snared a treble for in a game between the 11th over before launched Barry McCarthy over A seventh-wicket stand his side Melbourne Stars Sydney Sixers and accounting for the wicket of extra cover but his hopes of a between Tucker and Mark Adair against Sydney Thunder. incoming batter Jack Edwards, six to end the game in style fell worth 54 runs restored a Haris was almost having Adelaide Strikers. who was back in the hut just inches short. glimmer of hope for a side a wicketless game before he without opening his account Off-spinner Simi Singh was playing their first ODI since July. Udana our main produced three excellent after being trapped by Rashid the only Ireland bowler to com- Adair hit two fours and a six bowler and is very deliveries in the last over of cutter, then castled Ferguson in the next delivery. plete his 10 overs, finishing in a brisk 29 off 34 balls before Thunder’s innings to pick up in the next delivery with The Afghan then sent back with 2-44. he was stumped off the bowling experienced in this the wickets of Matthew Gilkes, another length off cutter and Jordan Silk (16) in a similar Earlier, West Indies fast of Hayden Walsh, with Tucker format. He got injured Callum Ferguson and Daniel finally trapped Sams in front. fashion in the first ball of the bowler Alzarri Joseph picked soon departing as Joseph struck just before we went Sams to end on a high with Earlier in the day, 12th over to complete his up four wickets as Ireland again. The three-match ODI out to bowl. He’s figures of 3/23 in his four Afghanistan leggie Rashid hat-trick. stumbled to 180 all out in the series continues at the same overs. once again proved why he is Rashid had also dis- 47th over. venue on Thursday and con- recovering now. We Thunder could manage one of the best in the missed Sixers’ skipper Daniel "For me, it's a really good cludes in Grenada on January also need to give 145-5 but the focus was on business when it comes to Hughes (17) earlier to return start to the year," said man-of- 12. opportunities to the Rauf as the 26-year-old first the shortest format of the with impressive figures of the-match Joseph. That will be followed by youngsters: SL's had Gilkes caught at fine leg game as he registered his 4/22 from his allotted four "It's about putting in the three Twenty20 internationals with a back of a length off third career T20 hat-trick in overs. hard work in training and doing in Grenada (January 15) and St captain Lasith Malinga the yards. I kind of had an idea Kitts (January 18 and 19). THURSDAY 9 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 City outclass United 3-1 to Mane crowned Africa’s 2019 close in on League Cup final Player of the Year

AFP — MANCHESTER AFP — HURGHADA Manchester City gained revenge Liverpool star Sadio Mane for derby defeat to Manchester (pictured) was crowned on United last month by teaching Tuesday as Africa’s 2019 their city rivals a lesson in a 3-1 Player of the Year for the League Cup semi-final, first-leg first time at an awards gala win at Old Trafford on Tuesday. in Egypt. The holders were rampant The 27-year old Sen- before the break as Bernardo egalese striker was up Silva’s wonder strike, Riyad Mah- against his Liverpool rez’s cool finish and an own goal teammate Mohamed Salah, from Andreas Pereira put City the Egyptian who won the well on course for a third straight award the last two years, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick League Cup final. and Algerian Riyad Mahrez Aubameyang from Gabon. United’s captain for the of Manchester City. “I would love to thank evening Marcus Rashford “I am really happy and all the Senegalese people. restored some pride for the hosts at the same time I am really They have been for me all to reduce the deficit 20 minutes proud to win this award,” the time, they push me,” from time, but they face a huge said Mane at the ceremony said Mane, extending task when the sides meet again organised by the Confed- sincere gratitude to people for the second leg on January 29. eration of African Football from his village Bambali. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in the Egyptian Red Sea city FIFA president Gianni Manchester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez (centre) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with had torn City apart on the of Hurghada. Infantino as well as former team-mates Kevin De Bruyne (left) and Bernardo Silva during the English League Cup semi-final first counter-attack to shock the “It’s a big day for me.” Argentinian player Juan leg match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on Tuesday. Premier League champions on Mane became the second Sebastian Veron and Bra- home soil a month ago. star from Senegal to be zil’s Cafu attended Tues- That league defeat allied to helped City dominate possession on the ground before his pow- named African Player of the day’s event. another loss at Wolves over the and nullify United erful shot was parried by De Gea Year after El Hadji Diouf, Neither Salah nor festive season realistically counter-attacks. into the path of the unfortunate who was the continent’s Mahrez, who was playing ended City’s hopes of catching City got their reward with a Pereira, who could only turn the best player in 2001 and for Manchester City, were runaway Premier League sumptuous strike from Silva to ball into his own net. 2002. present on Tuesday. leaders Liverpool, leaving Pep open the floodgates. Only De Gea’s brilliance and We did 15 minutes He scored 34 goals and Mane, Salah and Guardiola’s men to focus on the The Portuguese international the profligacy of Sterling pre- on it (tactics) in the produced 12 assists in 61 Mahrez played for their domestic cups and Champions has struggled to reach the heights vented the scoreline becoming appearances in 2019, respective countries in the League. of a brilliant campaign as City even more embarrassing for Sol- morning, that's about according to CAF 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Guardiola showed his intent won a domestic treble last skjaer before half-time. it. We didn't train that statistics. Salah’s Egypt crashed by naming a strong team but season, but was back to his best The Spanish goalkeeper but it's not like we Salah’s tally stood at 26 out of the competition without a natural striker as Sergio as he smashed a shot into the top spread himself to make a mag- goals and 10 assists in 55 shortly after it kicked off Aguero and Gabriel Jesus were corner from outside the box. nificent save from Silva before never did it before -- matches while Mahrez but Mane and Mahrez faced left on the bench. Silva turned creator for City’s Sterling failed to turn home Kyle we did it sometimes accounted for 14 goals and off in the final.Algeria The fluid front four of Silva, second on 33 minutes as one pass Walker’s inviting cross as his run 18 assists in 48 games last claimed the title following Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and split the United defence and without a goal against United against teams that year. a 1-0 victory over Senegal Kevin de Bruyne were too fleet Mahrez raced in behind Victor stretched to 18 games. prefer to play man- The key Senegalese in Cairo. At the ceremony, of foot and thought for a United Lindelof before rounding David City eased up after the break against-man: Man player shared the 2018/19 other male awards went to defence without the injured de Gea to slot into an empty net. but should still have extended Premier League Golden Algerian coach Djamel Harry Maguire. Five minutes later it was 3-0 their lead when De Gea saved City's De Bruyne Boot award with Salah and Belmadi. An extra midfielder also as De Bruyne left Phil Jones flat well with his legs from Mahrez.

Lazio fined after Han signs for Al Duhail fans racially Gnabry may head home early insult Balotelli

REUTERS — MILAN as Bayern hit with injuries

Serie A club Lazio have been AGENCIES — DOHA Oliver Kahn (left), FC fined $22,238 after their fans Bayern Board Member were found to have racially Bayern Munich has been hit with a and Hasan Salihamidžić, insulted Brescia forward Mario string of injuries, including one which Balotelli during Sunday’s may force winger Serge Gnabry to Sporting Director during match in the latest incident of head home early from the team’s the club's training session racism which has plagued training camp in Qatar, coach Hansi in Doha. Italian football. Flick said. Serie A’s disciplinary tri- Gnabry will not resume team bunal said in a statement that training in Doha due to his Achilles further investigations were tendon problem. The 24-year-old taking place to identify exactly winger has only been able to do where among the visiting running exercises so far. After the Lazio fans the chanting came training session yesterday morning, from and that Lazio had been coach Hansi Flick did not rule out that asked to help the police Gnabry would return to Munich early. identify those responsible. Besides Gnabry, Bayern must also Lazio won 2-1 after Balo- contend with a knee injury to winger telli, who has been subjected Kingsley Coman and ongoing to discrimination throughout problems for defensive midfielder Javi his career, had opened the Martinez and defenders Lucas scoring for hosts Brescia. Hernández and Niklas Süle. The Serie A statement said Coman will return to action later that fans “sang a chorus of than expected. The France interna- racial discrimination against tional, who sustained a capsule tear a player of the opposing team in his left knee in December, will miss in the 21st and 29th minutes of the Bundesliga reopener away to the first half” as well as other Hertha Berlin on 19 January and the Kimmich will miss the Hertha game the new FC Bayern Board Member paid insults. It said the referee match against FC Schalke on 25 with a suspension for collecting five the team a visit together with Sporting interrupted the match after January, according to Flick yellow cards. Bayern, which is in third Director Hasan Salihamidžić. half an hour and an However, top-scorer Robert place and chasing an eighth consec- “I want to use the opportunity to announcement was made Lewandowski is expected to be back utive German title, will be back in get a first insight, to sense the atmos- asking for the chanting to stop. soon after undergoing groin surgery European competition on February phere, the mood and how the different Balotelli, who was seen last month. 25 against Chelsea in the last 16 of the players are right now,” Kahn had Han Kwang-song practises with Al Duhail club in complaining to the referee “The personnel situation is really Champions League. announced on Tuesday, and did so Doha yesterday. The North Korean has moved to about the chanting during the poor,” Flick said at the camp in Qatar. Meanwhile, Oliver Kahn arrived at upon arrival. He watched the players QNB Stars League from Serie A side Juventus. He match, said “shame on you” in Bayern’s first Bundesliga game the facility in Doha when Bayern’s turn in intense fitness drills and talked an Instagram message to the is the second Juventus player to move to Qatar after the break will be at Hertha Berlin training session was in full swing yes- to the sporting director, coaches and Lazio fans after the game. this year after Croatian Mario Mandzukic. on Janaury 19. Fullback Joshua terday. Some fans shouted “Oli, Oli” when staff. Solskjaer searches for answers to save United season

AFP — LONDON reminder that United are light years United have had some impressive injured Paul Pogba and with Jesse behind the standards set by Premier performances this season -- including Lingard struggling to find his best form. Manchester United’s demoralising League pacesetters Liverpool and a 2-1 victory at City in the league last Scott McTominay is also currently side- defeat against Manchester City in their defending champions City. month, wins against Chelsea and Spurs lined with a knee injury, depriving the League Cup semi-final laid bare their Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said and a draw at home against side of steel. desperate need for reinforcements if there would be no easy solutions as Liverpool. And despite boosting their defence they are to salvage anything from their United attempt to claw their way back But they have stumbled badly with the signings of Harry Maguire and stuttering season. to the top of English football. against sides they would expect to beat, Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer United conceded three first-half “I’ve said before it is not going to losing to Watford, Bournemouth, New- transfer window at considerable cost, goals in a match at Old Trafford for the be a quick fix and the two teams you castle and West Ham, and face a tough United do not look like a cohesive unit first time since May 1997 on Tuesday are talking about are probably two of battle to qualify for next season’s at the back. in their chastening 3-1 first-leg loss the best teams in the world,” he said. Champions League. Maguire’s arrival has not had the against Pep Guardiola’s men. “That’s the task we have ahead of There are problems for Solskjaer same galvanising impact that Virgil van Bernardo Silva’s wonder strike, us, it’s something that we’ve started. to solve all over the pitch. Dijk’s signing had at Liverpool, with Riyad Mahrez’s cool finish and an own You can see we are still a way off but Rashford’s recent form has helped United recording just three clean sheets goal from Andreas Pereira put City well we’ve started something that needed paper over United’s lack of depth up in the Premier League this season. Only on course for a third straight final doing.” front after they opted not to replace Norwich and Tottenham have had Manager Ole Gunnar before Marcus Rashford gave the hosts The problem is that the shoots of Romelu Lukaku, who left for Inter fewer. Solskjaer faint hope for the second leg on January recovery are hard to decipher, with Milan in August. Solskjaer did not sound over-con- 29. United short of technical quality and United’s midfield looks desperately fident that the January transfer window The defeat was another stark fight against City. short of creativity in the absence of the would yield obvious solutions. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 9 JANUARY 2020 Nadal made to sweat by Nishioka Sharapova receives Aussie as Spain reach ATP Cup quarters Open wildcard REUTERS — SYDNEY AFP — MELBOURNE ATP CUP RESULTS Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against IN SYDNEY: GROUP E Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan during World number one Rafael Nadal won POLAND 2, AUSTRIA 1 their men's singles match on day six Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova Kacper Zuk (POL) bt Dennis Novak (AUT) 5-7, a battle of attrition against fellow left- of the ATP Cup in Perth, yesterday. said it was “very special” after being handed an hander Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 Australian Open wildcard yesterday as she 7-6(4), 6-4 to seal Spain’s spot in the Hubert Hurkacz (POL) bt Dominic Thiem (AUT) attempts to resurrect her career after an injury- final eight of the inaugural ATP Cup 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) plagued 2019. in Perth yesterday. Oliver Marach/Jurgen Meltzer (AUT) bt Hubert The 32-year-old, who won the tournament in Meanwhile his long-time rival, Hurkacz/Lubasz Kubot (POL) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 11-9 2008, has slipped down the rankings to 147, world number two Novak Djokovic, outside automatic qualification, and was bounced had an easier outing in Brisbane, IN BRISBANE: GROUP A out of the Brisbane International this week in the strolling past Chile’s Cristian Garin SERBIA 2, CHILE 1 first round. Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-3, 6-3 to stay undefeated in the But the Russian remains a big name and she 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) new year and to ensure Serbia will will line up at Melbourne Park for a 16th time since Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Cristian Garin (CHI) travel to Sydney for the knockouts 6-3, 6-3 her debut in 2003. having won all three of their ties. Nicolas Jarry/Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) bt Viktor “To be in the draw of the Australian Open is Nadal had to twice fight back from Troicki/Nikola Cacic (SRB) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) incredible,” Sharapova said. a break down against the Japanese “I’ve had wonderful experiences there, from world number 72 in the opening set IN PERTH: GROUP B holding the championship trophy to losing some before winning the tiebreaker while SPAIN 3, JAPAN 0 very tough finals as well -- there’s been a lot of the Spaniard broke his opponent’s Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) v Go Soeda (JPN) ups and downs in Australia. serve to go up 5-4 in the second before 6-2, 6-4 “So to have another chance, another oppor- holding serve for victory. Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) tunity, to compete on all those courts is very “It’s the first day I was playing 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 special.” under such heavy conditions, two Rafael Nadal/Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) bt Ben She reached the fourth last year, upsetting previous days I had played in the Mclachlan/Go Soeda (JPN) 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 10-6 defending champion Caroline Wozniacki in an night. The feeling on court was com- epic third round win. pletely different,” Nadal said in an on-court interview. Garin broke Djokovic in the “I played against an opponent who second set to go up 3-1 but it seemed started the season on fire, winning two to bruise the seven-times Australian Federer, Nadal matches against two great players Open winner’s ego as he won the with very comfortable results. Today next five games to complete victory. was a very, very tough one.” “Sydney’s got a big Serbian com- and Serena to play It was Nadal’s third singles win munity, hopefully the support can in the $15m ATP Cup, which features be as good as it was here, even in exhibition to 24 nations competing in Perth, better,” Djokovic said. Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days. Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz also All six group winners and the two picked up his third singles win of the raise funds for best second-placed teams will tournament with an upset 3-6, 6-4, advance to the final eight stage in 7-6(5) win over world number four bushfire relief Sydney. Besides hosts Australia, Dominic Thiem of Austria in Sydney. Serbia, Britain, Russia and Spain It was the second loss in the new REUTERS — SYDNEY have qualified. season for Thiem, who also lost to Croatia’sCroatia’s BornBornaa Coric in his opening Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams match. are among a number of players who will feature in an exhibition match ahead of this month’s Australian Open to raise funds for bushfire relief efforts, organisers announced yesterday. Hundreds of fires have scorched more than I honestly don't think much (about Federer's 10.3 million hectares of land -- an area the size record). My only goal is to keep playing good tennis, of South Korea -- killing 26 people and an esti- keep enjoying this sport and being happy. And if mated 500 million animals, and destroying over that happens and I stay healthy then the goal is 1,000 homes. All funds raised from the two-and-a-half hour to keep producing chances in the events that I'm event on Jan. 15 at Rod Laver Arena -- called AO going to play: Rafael Nadal Rally for Relief -- will be donated to the relief cause with tickets priced at A$54 ($37.09). “This unprecedented bushfire crisis is dev- astating people, properties, communities, live- Schwartzman stock and animals across the country and our Novak hearts go out to all those affected,” Tennis Aus- powers Djokovic of tralia CEO and tournament Director Craig Tiley Serbia is said in a statement. seen with “We felt it was vital we use all our events Argentina fans during across the summer to make a meaningful con- the ATP Cup tribution to help these people and communities at Pat Rafter rebuild their lives. into last eight Arena in “The response from the tennis community... Brisbane, has been overwhelming. The world’s top players, AFP — SYDNEY Australia, boasting many Grand Slam titles between them, yesterday. have committed to AO Rally for Relief.” A focused Diego Schwartzman and The event is part of the Aces for Bushfire Guido Pella guided Argentina into the Relief program, in which Tennis Australia is ATP Cup quarter-finals yesterday, donating $A100 for every ace served at the ATP leaving Croatia heartbroken. Cup in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. Many players After Poland beat Austria 2-1 in the have also pledged individually, with French Open earlier Group E tie, it boiled down to a champion Ash Barty donating her Brisbane Inter- winner-takes-all clash between the two national prize money to the cause. nations in Sydney for a spot in the last Nick Kyrgios promised to donate A$200 for eight of the inaugural team event. every ace he serves this month while NBA great Left-hander Pella got his country Dirk Nowitzki said he would match the Austral- off to a strong start with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 ian’s donation. win over former world number three The Australian Open begins on January 20. Marin Cilic. It left world number 13 Schwartzman the task of needing to beat Borna Coric, ranked 28, to secure the tie, top the group and earn a prized Tennis stars visit ExxonMobil Qatar Stand slot in the last eight against Russia. He did it in style, racing through THE PENINSULA — DOHA Andrey Rublev (left, centre) of Russia signs autographs during his visit to the ExxonMobil Stand in the Public Village located the first set 6-2 as his team cheered at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. RIGHT: Swiss Stan Wawrinka rides a motorbike on the him on from the sidelines before driving Tennis fans at the Qatar Motion Sphere Platform during his visit to the ExxonMobil Stand. the final nail in Croatia’s coffin by ExxonMobil Open 2020 were winning the second set by the same delighted to meet their score. favourite tennis stars at the Polish youngster Hurkacz upset ExxonMobil stand in the world number four Dominic Thiem -- Public Village since the start his third top 30 scalp at the tournament, of the tournament. to remain unbeaten this year. Stan Wawrinka, Andrey The tall 22-year-old, who reached Rublev, Filip Krajinovic, and a new career-high ranking 10 times last Pierre-Hugues Herbert were year and is now 37th in the world, was some of the first players to unflustered in the gritty 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 visit the stand this year. (7/5) win in Sydney. ExxonMobil Qatar pro- The victory ended any hope that the vides hundreds of tour- Thomas Muster-captained Austria had nament-goers from all over of winning the group, with Poland also the world with the oppor- out of contention after losing their tunity to meet their favourite opening two ties. stars who drop by the stand by making sure they pass by “Some fans wait all year said, “We are delighted to Every year, the company Hurkacz, who came into the match to meet fans and sign auto- regularly throughout the to meet their favorite once again host the Qatar ensures that its stand at the on the back of beating Schwartzman graphs during the six day event. players, especially young ExxonMobil Open - one of tournament’s Public Village and Coric, said he was playing some of event. “Our stand is an extremely tennis players from the com- the most successful cham- is an exciting and creative his best-ever tennis. Wawrinka and Krajinovic popular venue during the munity. It’s wonderful to see pionships on the ATP spot for players and visitors His young team-mate Zuk also had had a great time trying out the Qatar ExxonMobil Open and their faces light up when agenda, with our partner with its variety of a good day, becoming the lowest- Motion Sphere – a thrilling that is because we plan our they get to meet their roles ExxonMobil Qatar. The Qatar activities. ranked singles player to win a match motorcycle racing virtual activities so that they are models – we’re pleased that ExxonMobil Open has raised ExxonMobil partners at the ATP Cup, with the world number reality experience, as well as entertaining and interesting we can help them have such tennis tournaments to new with local organizations like 448 rallying past Dennis Novak 5-7, 7-6 the stand’s other exciting for all our visitors - we want an experience with world- heights through the suc- QTF to support a variety of (7/3), 6-3. activities. them to have an excellent time class athletes who inspire cesses it has achieved and education and professional The ATP Cup proved a mixed bag More tennis stars will be when they visit us,” said Saleh people all over the world to will continue to achieve in development programs, with for Thiem, who lost to Coric then visiting the stand during the Al Mana, Vice President and work hard and reach their the future.” the goal of creating a highly bounced back to down Schwartzman tournament - fans can Director of Government and full potential,” he added. ExxonMobil Qatar has skilled workforce towards before an inauspicious end with defeat increase their chances of Public Affairs for ExxonMobil Tareq Zeinal, Secretary been the title sponsor of the building Qatar’s sustainable to Hurkacz. meeting their favorite players Qatar. General Assistant of QTF Qatar Open for 26 years. future. THURSDAY 9 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

Last-8 line-up at Qatar ExxonMobil Open takes shape Rublev, Verdasco reach Doha quarters in style

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA ANDREY RUBLEV IN 2019

Rising Russian star Andrey Rublev Age: 22, World No. 23, 38-19 in 2019 (Moscow Champion), 6-2 at Doha (2018 yesterday advanced to the quarter- Finalist) finals of the $1.5m Qatar ExxonMobil, joining top seed Stan Wawrinka in the Won title on 22nd birthday in hometown of Moscow (Defeated Mannarino). Reached last eight of the season’s first tour- nament. Hamburg final (Lost to Basilashvili). Rublev, the second seed, yesterday Earned career-high 38 wins and achieved career-high No. 22 in ATP Rankings on 21 beat Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan October -- joining Khachanov and Medvedev as 1st Russian trio in Top 25 since Andreev, 6-4, 6-2. It was second win for Rublev Davydenko and Tursunov on July 13, 2009. over Kukushkin in five meetings on Posted biggest career win over No. 3 Federer in 62 minutes to reach 1st ATP Masters the ATP Tour. 1000 QF at Cincinnati as Q (Lost to eventuall champion Medvedev). With his slick win yesterday, Rublev has now improved to 6-2 in Quickest loss by Federer since 2003 Sydney 1R ((LostLost to SSquillariquillari Doha. On Tuesday, top seed Wawrinka in 54 minutes). was the first player to reach the Also qualified at ATP Masters 1000 eventss in Miami (Lost(Lost to quarter-finals with a straight-sets win. Shapovalov in 3R) and Monte-Carlo (Lost to eventualventual champion In quarter-finals, Rublev will take Fognini in 1R). Reached 3R at Indian Wells as LL (LostLost to Khachanov) on Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Shanghai (Lost to A. Zverev). who beat Serbia’s Laslo Djere, seeded five, 6-1, 6-3. Defeated fellow former World No. 1 juniors Tsitsipassitsipas and Kyrgios Also yesterday, ‘home boy’ en route to US Open 4R (Lost to Berrettini). Fernando Verdasco also signed in for Advanced to 2nd ATP Masters 1000 doubleses final the quarter-finals with a three-set win at Paris w/Khachanov (Lost to Herbert/Mahut).t). over 6th seed Filip Krajinovic of Did not drop a set en route to Indian Wells, USUSAA Serbia. Russia's Andrey Rublev returns the ball to Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan Verdasco, who has been residing Challenger final (Lost to Edmund). during their Round of 16 match of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the in Doha since 2016, won 7-5, 4-6, 6-0  Withdrew from Roland Garros and Stuttgartgart Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Rublev beat in two hours and 7 minutes. Verdasco qualifying due to wrist injury. Kukushkin 6-4, 6-2. fired 17 aces in his win. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA In another match yesterday, Ser- bia’s Miomir Kecmanovic stunned so long. I am so happy that I am finally in 42 minutes. In the second set, four, he beat me three times quite con- team felt it from the beginning and I third seed Frenchman Jo-Wilfried here. I hope I have a good tournament Rublev repeated the dose on Kuku- fidently. And in our last match, I feel it also since the beginning of the Tsonga in two sets. Kecmanovic won here,” he added. shkin by breaking him twice (in games remember I won after a really tough match. I was more stress nervous,” he 7-6 (9), 6-1. During a courtside interview, 3 and 5) to close the match in just 69 match in Cincinnati,” Rublev said. added. In a commanding performance, Rublev said he was flattered to receive minutes. “I’m really happy that I could win “In the end, I’m happy that I was Rublev yesterday wasted little time in high praise from tennis icon Roger “I like to believe that I have in straight sets,” he added. focused more and I won the match,” setting a dominating tempo, producing Federer. improved a lot (since losing the 2018 “I think it was more of a mental Rublev said. slick returns from the baseline. “It’s amazing to hear such words final in Doha). Let’s see how long I play match. Both of us were not really Verdasco, 36, is now 11-7 in Doha The 22-year-old Russian, who from Roger,” Rublev said with a smile. here,” Rublev said. feeling the ball as we do normally, so and 2-0 over his Serbian opponent. fired four aces, was pleased to be on “There are so many talented Rubev said getting one past Kuku- it was more about being mentally The Spaniard broke Krajinovic in the court for his first match of the new players who are doing so well. So let’s shkin was a welcome relief. tough,” Rublev said. the 12th game to win the first set at season. see what happens,” Rublev added. “I expected it to be (a) really tough “Yeah (it was early season nerves). 7-5 but was broken in game 9 of the “I am so excited to be back on Rublev broke Kukushkin in games match because I know Mikhail a long Today it was first match of the season, second set to lose a bit of momentum court. I was missing the competition 5 and 9 to sail through the first set time. Especially our last meetings in first match for me in two months. Of as the Serbian drew level in the side of things so much. I didn’t want which he won with a backhand shot the last one and a half year - out of course, I was a little bit nervous. My match. the season to end after Davis Cup,” However, there was no looking Rublev said. Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia returns the ball to Jo-Wilfried Third seed at the Qatar back as Verdasco broke the world “I was waiting for this match for Tsonga of France during their pre-quarter-final match, ExxonMobil Open 2020, number 40 three times in the deciding yesterday. Tsonga, reacts after losing set to complete his win. to Kecmanovic. “It’s an amazing feeling to play in Doha. As you know already I am a res- ident here. It was an honour to play in front of H H the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Nasser Al Khelaifi I expected it to be (a) really (the Qatar Tennis Federation President) tough match because and the fans,” Verdasco said after the I know Mikhail a long grueling match. time. Especially our last “It was tough after winning the first set. I couldn’t do much in the second meetings in the last one set,” Verdasco said. “I played stronger and a half year - out of in the third set and I was able to win four, he beat me three it,” the left-handed said. times quite confidently. “It was important to stay mentally stronger. I was up in the match after And in our last match, the first set but he was serving well I remember I won after and hitting lines in the second set. It a really tough match in was irritating but he was playing too Cincinnati. I’m really good,” Verdasco said. “After the second set, I kept happy that I could win in playing better and better and won. I straight sets: Rublev think I will go home and rest now,” Verdasco said with a smile.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS It was tough after winning the first set. I couldn’t do much in the second set. I played stronger in the third ROUND OF 16 set and I was able to win it. It was important to stay Andrey Rublev (2), Russia, def. Mikhail Kukushkin, mentally stronger. I was up in the match after the first Kazakhstan, 6-4, 6-2. set but he was serving well and hitting lines in the  Marton Fucsovics, Hungary, def. Cem Ilkel, second set. It was irritating but he was playing too Turkey, 6-1, 6-4. good: Verdasco  Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, def. Laslo Djere (5), Serbia, 6-1, 6-3. Fernando Verdasco, Spain, def. Filip Krajinovic (6), Serbia, 7-5, 4-6, 6-0. Miomir Kecmanovic, Serbia, def. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (3), France, 7-6 (9), 6-1.

DOUBLES QUARTERFINAL Rohan Bopanna, India, and Wesley Koolhof (3), Netherlands, def. Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland, and Frances Tiafoe, United States, 6-3, 6-4. Franko Skugor, Croatia, and Henri Kontinen (2), Finland, def. Ken Skupski and Neal Skupski, Britain, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 13-11. Santiago Gonzalez, Mexico, and Luke Bambridge, Britain, def. Fabrice Martin and Jeremy Chardy (4), France, 6-3, 7-6 (7).  Frederik Nielsen, Denmark, and Tim Puetz, Germany, def. Bruno Soares, Brazil, and Mate Fernando Verdasco of Spain returns the ball to Filip Krajinovic of Serbia during their pre-quarter-final match yesterday. Pavic (1), Croatia, 4-6, 6-2, 10-7. SPORT SPORT | 08 SPORT | 10 Kohli stays Nadal made to on top, sweat by Nishioka Labuschagne as Spain reach moves to No. 3 ATP Cup quarters

THURSDAY 9 JANUARY 2020 ‘Mr Dakar’ Peterhansel wins stage 4 ahead of Al Attiyah DAKAR RALLY 2020 RESULTS AND STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 4 AFP - AL-ULA, SAUDI ARABIA Mini across the rocks and sand that It was a defiant response from overall lead and is 3:03 ahead of made up the greater part of the 453k the Qatari who began the day with Al Attiyah and 11:42 in front of CARS (TOP 3) Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel, special which also ran close to the a three-minute penalty for not Peterhansel. 1. Stephane Peterhansel/Paulo Fiuza (FRA/POR/Mini) 4hr otherwise known as 'Mr Dakar' historic Nabatean temples, to finish letting a rival through on stage Former Formula One world 04min 34sec, 2. Nasser Al Attiyah/Matthieu Baumel (QAT/FRA/ for his 13 victories in the marathon stage four in 4hr 14min 34sec. three. champion Fernando Alonso Toyota) at 2:26, 3. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ESP/Mini) 7:18 rally, clocked his first stage win At one point they made a Overall leader Carlos Sainz, couldn’t reproduce his great of the 2020 race during yester- wrong turn which cut away some who pulled out a stunning drive drive on stage three, finishing 26 OVERALL STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 4 day’s 672 kilometre charge from of their lead but they still came to win on Tuesday, finished third minutes behind Peterhansel who 1. Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (ESP/ESP/Mini) 15hr 12min 12sec, 2. Neom to Al Ula. home 2min 26sec ahead of more than seven minutes behind gave a ringing endorsement of Nasser Al Attiyah/Matthieu Baumel (QAT/FRA/Toyota) at 3:03 Peterhansel and his Portuguese defending champion Nasser Al Peterhansel. the new Saudi setting for the (penalty: 3:00), 3. Stephane Peterhansel/Paulo Fiuza (FRA/ navigator Paulo Fiuza threw their Attiyah in his Toyota. The Spaniard retains the race. POR/Mini) 11:42

Toyota’s Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar and his French co-driver Matthieu Baumel compete next to a biker during the Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally between Neom and Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. AFC U-23: ‘Next-Gen’ Qatar eye winning start

THE PENINSULA — PATHUM THANI

Coach Felix Sanchez has stressed the Qatar side he has brought to the AFC U-23 Cham- pionship Thailand 2020 should not be compared to the squad he led to the semi-finals of the last edition two years ago as the clock ticks towards his team’s clash with Syria in their Group B opener today. The match will kick off at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, central Thailand at 1:15pm Qatar time. Qatar finished in third place at the 2018 AFC U23 Champi- onship in China, having missed out on a place at the Olympic Games two years earlier when they lost to Iraq in the third place play-off. But the Spaniard, who led Qatar’s senior side to their first- ever AFC Asian Cup title last Qatar's coach Felix Sanchez (left) shakes hands with his Syrian counterpart Ayman Hakeem during a press conference on the eve of January, prefers to look forward their AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020 match yesterday. RIGHT: Qatari players in action during a practice session in Pathum as the start of the latest edition Thani, Thailand, yesterday. of the competition looms. “China was two years ago and we’re a different generation a strong team and we know knows his team must make a and perform well. The first Mueanta provided the platform We are a young team now,” he said. we’re going to have to play a strong start to their campaign match is the key for qualifying for success on a night when and we have the target “We are a young team and very good game to have the if they are to harbour hopes of for the next round. both the Buriram United ace to do well, so we don’t we have the target to do well, opportunity to have the result a place in the knockout rounds. “Our players are preparing and Thailand shone brightly so we don’t want to compare we want.” “All of the teams that have themselves to be in the first from start to finish against a want to compare generations. Qatar begin their campaign qualified for this tournament team in the next couple of years Bahrain outfit which, in truth, generations. This is “This is an opportunity for against Syria today before are the best teams in Asia and and I hope they perform well created few genuine an opportunity for them to prepare for the future taking on Japan and Saudi our group is one of the toughest tomorrow and throughout the opportunities. and also to show their capabil- Arabia in a group that is among groups, but we hope to perform whole tournament," Hakeem The result leaves Akira them to prepare for ities to join the first national the toughest of the tournament, well and we hope to qualify,” said during a press conference Nishino’s charges two points the future and also to team in the near future, which with the Japanese and Saudis he said. yesterday. clear at the summit following show their capabilities is an objective for them. having both impressed in recent “It’s difficult because of the Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Iraq’s 1-1 draw with Australia “The first game is difficult editions of the AFC U-19 strong teams in our group and hosts Thailand made the ideal earlier in the day and adds to join the first because everyone wants to start Championship. we respect everyone in our start to their AFC U23 Champi- genuine momentum to their bid national team in the well and we just hope the Given the stellar achieve- group but nothing is onship campaign yesterday to reach the competition’s near future, which is players are able to manage the ments of their opponents in impossible.” with a 5-0 drubbing of Bahrain knockout phase for the first situation, to be calm and recent years, Syria come into “The first match for every at the Rajamangala Stadium in time in three attempts. an objective for them: concentrate. the tournament as underdogs team is very difficult, but I hope Bangkok to go top of Group A. In the other Group A clash, Qatar coach Sanchez “We know our opponent has and coach Ayman Hakeem all the players are responsible Two goals from Suphanat Iraq drew with Australia 1-1.

Russia's Andrey Rublev returns the ball to Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan during their Round of 16 match of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Rublev beat TODAY'S ORDER OF PLAY Kukushkin 6-4, 6-2. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS CENTER COURT (Starts at 3:30pm) (Q) Marton Fucsovics vs Miomir Kecmanovic Followed By Pierre-Hugues Herbert vs (2) Andrey Rublev Followed By (1) Stan Wawrinka vs Aljaz Bedene Followed By Fernando Verdasco vs Milos Raonic or Corentin Moutet

DOUBLES SEMI-FINALS Fernando Verdasco COURT 1 (Starts at 3:30pm) of Spain returns the (3) Rohan Bopanna/Wesley Koolhof vs (2) ball to Filip Krajinovic Henri Kontinen/Franko Skugor of Serbia during their COURT 2 (Starts at 3:30pm) pre-quarter-final Frederik Nielsen/Tim Puetz vs match yesterday. Luke Bambridge/Santiago Gonzalez