SPORT Wednesday 13 February 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 07 Osaka in One match shock split at a time with coach for star Bajin Halep

Falah - the official mascot of the Doha 2019 World Athletics The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani poses for a photograph with the official mascotfor the IAAF World Championships. Athletics Championships - Doha 2019, during a ceremony at Qatar Foundation’s Awsaj Academy on the occasion of the annual National Sport Day. Qatar unveils Doha 2019 mascot ARMSTRONG VAS a nationwide competition here a group of Aspire Academy’s Falah. an athletic falcon Local Organising Committee to a shortlist of three final DOHA yesterday. promising athletes. emblazoned in the Qatari (LOC) from residents of Qatar designs. The President of the Qatar The children participated in flag’s maroon colour, is before a multi-staged voting Falah. a character with Falah - an athletic falcon embla- Olympic Committee (QOC), different inspiring and educa- a character with close process took place to decide the close connections to the Qatari zoned in the Qatari flag’s H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al tional sports activities, coordi- winner. culture and heritage, was finally maroon colour - was unveiled Thani, and a host of current and nated by the IAAF and imple- connections to the country’s Young ambassadors aged chosen as the eventual winner. as the official mascot of the future Team Qatar athletes were mented though the Qatar Ath- culture and heritage. 8-16 were invited to vote for The winning sketch was Doha 2019 World Athletics present for the unveiling letics Federation and Tsukuba their favourite designs as Team designed by Theodore Paul Championships during a ceremony. University, who are part of the The winning sketch was Qatar’s hammer thrower Ashraf Manuel, a Filipino expat. ceremony at Qatar Foundation’s Also present were over 490 Tokyo 2020 legacy programme, designed by Theodore Paul Amgad El Seify introduced and Explaining her vote for Awsaj Academy on the occasion children from a diverse range of Sports For Tomorrow. explained the sketches to them. Falah, nine-year-old Maria of the annual National Sports local and international schools The University of Tsukunba Manuel, a Filipino expat. The young ambassadors’ vote from Park House School said: Day. across Doha, who took part in a has cooperated with the IAAF in narrowed the competing “I really like falcons, so I liked The winning design of the series of sports related activities inspiring young children through The selection of Falah fol- designs down to eight. Then Falah a lot and he also looks mascot for the Middle East’s first- to celebrate the launch of Falah sport in this joint programme lowed a thorough and detailed QOC President H E Sheikh like a superhero in his outfit ever World Athletics Champion- with the help of Team Qatar’s which started in Rio in 2016 and process in which a total of 21 Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and which is what athletes are. So ships was announced following 400m runner Mariam Farid and will conclude in Tokyo in 2020. sketches were submitted to the LOC staff cut the selection down strong, powerful, and fast!” Brilliant PSG stun United at Old Trafford; Roma win

AGENCIES Pochettino said that they have MANCHESTER shaken off the fatigue from their gruelling schedule. Manchester United’s Champions Pochettino was frustrated League hopes were hanging by a that Tottenham had to play their thread after they lost 2-0 at home Premier League match against to Paris St Germain in their Leicester on Sunday, while round-of-16, first leg match and Dortmund were in action 24 had talisman Paul Pogba sent off hours earlier against late in the game yesterday. Hoffenheim. Second half goals from The Tottenham boss claimed Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian over the weekend that the extra Mbappe gave the impressive day of rest for the Bundesliga French side a clear advantage leaders could put his team at a ahead of the return in Paris on “massive disadvantage” in the March 6 and Pogba’s dismissal first leg at Wembley. for a second yellow card in the Adding to Pochettino’s frus- 89th minute makes the task even tration, Dortmund have also ben- harder. efited from a refreshing winter It was United’s first defeat break, while Tottenham have under caretaker manager Ole been damaged by injuries to Gunnar Solskjaer since he took Harry Kane and Dele Alli fol- over from the sacked Jose lowing the draining Christmas Mourinho in December and in and New Year programme. many ways it was a reality check But, aware of the dangers of after 10 wins in 11 games domes- giving his players a ready-made tically for the Norwegian. excuse for under-performing, Elsewhere, in Rome, two Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe scores their second goal against Manchester United during the Champions League Pochettino was keen to accen- goals from teenager Nicolo Round of 16 First Leg match played at Old Trafford in Manchester, Britain, yesterday. tuate the positive. Zaniolo earned AS roma a 2-1 win “I’ve described before, or in against Porto. the last few days, that it was a The 19-year-old continued winning run in Europe for Porto, title this season. Madrid are conference at the Johan Cruyff reaching the semi-finals of the little bit unfair (the schedule),” his superb breakthrough season who will welcome roma to the hoping to take one step closer to Arena. Copa del Rey and closing the gap Pochettino told reporters on by finding the net twice in six Estadio do Dragao for the second their fifth European triumph in “Every year, if you ask people to six points behind Barcelona in Tuesday. second-half minutes to become leg on March 6. six years. who are the favourites to win the La Liga. Ajax might have felt opti- Tottenham beat Dortmund the youngest Italian to score two Today, Madrid play Ajax in Bayern Munich and Ajax have Champions League, I think they mistic when they drew an out- twice in the Champions League goals in a Champions League the first leg of the last 16 while both won the European Cup three say Real Madrid. We have a really of-sorts Madrid back in group stage last season but they match. Tottenham face Borussia times in a row but only Madrid good team, with experience, and December but Santiago Solari’s will face more formidable oppo- Porto substitute Adrian Dortmund. have managed more, when they we have to show it by beating side have found their rhythm nents this time. Lopez, however, quickly Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois lifted five on the bounce in the Ajax.” since, winning six out of their last Dortmund sit on top of the responded with what could prove yesterday said that he believes 1950s. Courtois said the players are seven matches. Bundesliga with a vibrant squad to be a crucial away goal. Real Madrid can win a fourth “I believe it’s possible to win not talking about a possible treble Ahead of their last-16 clash, including young England forward The result ended a five-match consecutive Champions League four,” Courtois said at a press this season, despite them Tottenham coach Mauricio Jadon Sancho. 06 SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2019 Qatar to fly high with mascot Falah ARMSTRONG VAS audiences and more people than ever Heritage World Athletics Championships Qatari athlete Mariam Farid assists a THE PENINSULA before, and engage new young athletes Exhibition, 1983 to 2019. young kid to fix a piece of the jigsaw across Qatar, the region and the world. Supported by text, photographic and puzzle that has the picture of Falah - Qatar is hoping the athletic falcon - Falah That can only happen if people take flight video displays, the exhibition focusses the official mascot of the Doha 2019 - unveiled as the official mascot of the and join us by descending into Doha for on the 35-year history of the IAAF World World Athletics Championship, during Doha 2019 World Athletics Champion- the first ever IAAF World Championships Athletics Championships which were the unveiling ceremony at Qatar ships will inspire and ‘engage new young in the Middle East, so the spirit of flight inaugurated in 1983 and is set to open Foundation’s Awsaj Academy, yesterday. athletes across Qatar, the region and the and adventure really connected with us for a six-month period from the 18th world.’ through Falah,” he added. April 2019 in City Center Doha shopping Speaking to journalists after the “Athletics for Falah is a way to show mall, West Bay Area, Doha. unveiling ceremony, Vice Chairman and the world how to be a true athlete. He is Doha will be welcoming 2000 ath- Director General of the Local Organising competitive, courageous, and helpful like letes from 213 countries along with Committee (LOC) and Vice President of no other. He is loyal, funny, helps his approximately 10,000 international the IAAF, Dahlan Al Hamad, said: “Falah friends and often shows off his athletic guests, 30,000 spectators from outside represents the pursuit of excellence and moves,” said Theodore Paul Manuel, the Qatar and media representatives from symbolises the importance of always Filipino expat who created Falah. around the world. giving your very best in everything you Manuel, who has called Qatar home The third biggest sporting event in do. These are the values and ambitions since 2010, received a financial prize of the world, the championship will be of the LOC, as we look to deliver an event QR10,000 for his winning design. broadcast to more than 200 countries that inspires a new generation and wel- “I’m very excited that my idea will reaching out to more than 7 million comes fans from all corners of the become a reality. I want to see how Falah viewers. The competition will be held world.” inspires the event especially amongst from 27 September to 6 October at “As a falcon Falah can fly freely into the younger generation,” Manuel said. Khalifa International Stadium. new horizons without boundaries and Building on the exciting reveal of Ticket packages for the widely antic- that is our approach shaping and sup- Falah, the LOC has confirmed that the ipated event went on sale for fans and porting athletics of the future. We want world’s greatest athletics collection is families across the world in to showcase this wonderful sport to new coming to Doha thanks to the IAAF September. Sport Day: Young and old have fun

THE PENINSULA trators in celebrating the National The coming together of people their sports skills in various con- Committee’s (QOC)C) motto — SSportport DOHA Sport Day (NSD) here yesterday. from various nationalities thus tests conducted for different age for All and dedicatingating a day itseitselflf Both young and old made their became a lively confluence of cul- groups by different associations, for sports is havingng its effect.effect. Qatar was transformed into huge way to different venues tures and colours. companies and institutions.. The presencece of so mmanyany sports arena as thousands of throughout the country in sports At various venue across the Some tried their hand at people along withh ffamiliesamilies proved people braved strong winds and gears to engage in different games country, young children and adults various fitness drills while others that the slogan SportSport for AllAll hashas chilly weather to join several and fitness activities of their alike waited in queues at the got trained in martial sports. caught up with thee majority ooff thethe sports personalities and adminis- choice. various makeshift pitches to test Indeed, Qatar Olympic people in Qatar. NSD a great opportunity to promote sports culture in the community: QSL CEO

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Taleb Ballan (pictured) yesterday stressed that the National Sport Day Qatari national football players and fans in (NSD) is a great opportunity to promote action during a friendly match at Museum sports culture in the community. “We look forward to make sports of Islamic Art Park in Doha, yesterday. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA a part of the daily routine of all as it helps build a healthy society. The QSL is committed towards The Football Family, which also includes the Qatar Football Association and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, in its bid to promote QFA marks NSD withh and adopt a healthy lifestyle among members of the community,” Ballan said. “The allocation of a dedicated day for the purpose clearly empha- a series of activitiess sises Qatar’s interest in the role played by sports in the community. The NSD is a great initiative that brings together all citizens and res- idents alike, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. THE PENINSULA “We hope this day will motivate all to practise sports throughout DOHA the year. It conveys an important message and we were proud to have participated in the day’s activities along with The Football The Qatar Football Association Family,” the QSL CEO said. (QFA) yesterday celebrated the Qatar National Sport Day with incredible participation at its Qatari weightlifting special events organized across star, Fares Ibrahim the country. Hassouna (top This year, the events were left) poses for a held in Katara, the Aspire photograph with Academy and Othman Bin Affan fans during the and Yarmouk Schools. All the National Sport events drew people from dif- Day (NSD) ferent nationalities and age celebrations at groups. the Aspire Park, Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, with Qatar Shell in Katara also tournament on Monday.Moonday. yesterday. Director of Marketing and Com- organised events under the Football matches betbetweenetween munication, QFA, said that “Koora Time” community Tamim Al Majd and Tamimamim Al QFA’s participation in NSD responsibility program, which Ezz were also played. activities was aimed at engaging has won numerous awards at Commenting on thehe daday’sy’s community activities at all the local and international events, Khaled Al Kuwari,Kuwarari, levels. levels. Director of Marketing aandnd CoCom-om- Al Kuwari said QFA Pres- This event witnessed the munication, QFA, saidaid yeyes-s- ident Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa participation of more than terday: “The many eventsvents we bin Ahmed Al Thani led the 10,000 people from all age have organized in Katara,tatara, ththee QFA’s participation in the MSD groups. Aspire Academy and thehe QQatariaatari activities across the country. Sports activities conducted schools show our deepep com-coc m- QFA President also featured yesterday also involved com- mitment to engagee eveveryvery A young at a football match in which the petitions in billiards, goal- member of the society totowardsowwards athlete Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin keeping, snorkeling, aerobics, playing sport. We woulduld llikeike to takes part Hamad Al Thani and Special fitness, table , badminton, thank our supporters andand the in a training Adviser to the Amir, H H Sheikh athletics and much more. young families that turnedurned uupp activity Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani joined QFA also participated an and our fans for their generousgenerouus to learn FIFA President, Gianni Infantino activity called “Football Family” attendance.” mountain at Aspire Academy yesterday. program in cooperation with At the MIA Park,k, QatarQataar climbing The QFA yesterday the Higher Committee for national team captainn HaHassanssanan skills during organised many events in order Projects and Heritage and the Al Haydos joined his teamam mamatestees the NSD to promote the concept of Qatar Stars League. Amloez Ali, Abdul KaKarimrimm celebrations Athletes taking part in the annual fun run, healthy living through sports A special schools activity Hassan, Bassam Al RRawiawi aandnd at the organised by the Aspire Zone Foundation to and football in particular. saw Othman Bin Affan Boys retired players for a frfriendlyienddly Aspire Zone, celebrate the NSD. The QFA, in cooperation Model School hosting a match with fans. yesterday. WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 07 One match at a time for star Halep

RIZWAN REHMAT tie. It’s gonna be huge for us, for Simona Halep poses for a picture THE PENINSULA our country. I really have that along with young fans as she desire to lift that trophy. It’s attends the National Sport Top seed and former champion I don’t want to amazing,” she said. Simona Halep will be adopting “But I have to reset and Day related event at Khalifa a step-by-step approach in an have expectations tomorrow, for sure, I will be International Tennis Complex, attempt to nail her second Qatar because it’s a tough ready to start the tournament,” yesterday. Total Open trophy this week. tournament. Every the Romanian star said with a Halep, fresh from a Fed Cup smile. win against the Czech Republic match is difficult. So Halep said her partnership on Sunday, won in Doha in 2014. I will take match by with new coach is just early days. “It’s tough to say,” Halep said match and I will see “Only one week back home yesterday when asked if she how it’s going to go: in Bucharest. I cannot say much, fancied her chances of a Doha because it’s just the beginning. triumph this week. Simona Halep He’s a good person, and I hope “I come from indoor courts the things will go okay and we so it’s gonna be a little bit dif- tournament,” she said. get well together. ficult. But I will try to practice. I Halep said the Fed Cup win “I met him in Australia for will try to get used to the court, was followed by gusto cele- first time. I talked to him more to the balls.” bration and a dash to Doha for than normal. In the past we just “I don’t want to have expec- her next assignment. talked, “Hello,” and “How are tations because it’s a tough tour- “We celebrated all together you?” nament. Every match is difficult. after the match. It was may be “I always admired Goffin So I will take match by match the best feeling with the team. It because I liked his game and also and I will see how it’s going to was great that we could win the fact that he’s going into the go,” the Romanian Grand Slam against Czech. They are so big in court a lot. It’s just a new collab- star added. Fed Cup. It was big thing for us, oration. I don’t have much to talk Halep said a busy schedule huge one. We all were happy,” about because it’s just the preceded her arrival in Doha Halep said. beginning, as I said. We will see where she topped the field five “Yesterday I was all day on in the future how it works,” she years ago. the trip because we had to go by added. “Well, yeah, it’s been a great car about four hours from the Halep said her objective is to weekend in Czech. We played city we played in and then stay at the top of her game now really well. I’m happy we could towards Vienna. And then I took that she has a new coach. win that tie,” Halep said. the flight. I’m a little bit tired, “It is tough to say but I think “I’m happy to be back here honestly, but I have time to rest,” you have many things to do in a in Doha. I have great memories. she added. good way to be able to stay at the Always I play the good tennis “I still feel the emotions and top. I have more experience. I’m someone to understand yourself, people. It’s not easy to find the Day. “Amazing time,” Halep said here. So I’m looking forward to it’s been great. And it’s been for more mature now. I see the things to get along so well. It’s best person. I don’t have an when asked about her time with feel the court a little bit and to first time going to the semi-finals different. So I think all together important. The coach is the most explanation why we (women kids. have the first match tomorrow in Fed Cup, so it means a lot. help me to be a better person and important person in your team players) change coaches so “I always love to spend time (today),” she added. “When I started this year, I a better player every time I step because you have to deal all the much, but I hope I won’t change with the kids. They were very “Yeah, it feels great and you said that it’s the main goal to play on the court,” she added. problems with him,” Halep much,” Halep said. excited and very happy on court, have confidence every time (I really well in Fed Cup and to “I’m happy in the last four explained. Halep started the day with so it gives me energy to start the play in Doha). I feel good. I feel make a big result and I keep that. years I didn’t change many “I think there has to be com- kids at a tennis clinic planned as day better,” Halep said with a healthy. I feel ready to start the I really wish we can win the next coaches. I think it’s tough to find patibility between these two part of the Qatar National Sports smile. Qatar Total Open: Suarez Navarro, Ostapenko storm into 2nd round

THE PENINSULA Suarez Navarro hardly DOHA broke a sweat as she beat Tunisian wildcard Ons Former champion Carla Suarez Jabeur 6-3, 6-1. Navarro of Spain and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko sealed a Ostapenko of Latvia yesterday fighting 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 win moved into second round of the Qatar Total Open with easy wins over Mihaela Buzarnescu on day two of the tournament. of Romania in 1 hour 45 Suarez Navarro hardly broke minutes. a sweat as she beat Tunisian wildcard Ons Jabeur in straight QTF Secretary General Tariq Zainal and Nivelle Bissett, CEO of Alison Riske of the US sets. Suarez Navarro, who won QTerminals, shaking hands after the signing ceremony, yesterday. beat Polona Hercog of the Qatar Open in 2016, yes- Slovenia 6-4, 6-3 to reach terday posted a 6-3, 6-1 victory over her young opponent. the round of 16. QTerminals, QTF sign Also yesterday, Ostapenko sealed a fighting win over Russia’s Anna Blinkova Mihaela Buzarnescu of Romania. defeated Anastasija partnership contract Ostapenko, 21, won the match Sevastova of Latvia, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in 1 hour 45 winning her first round minutes. Ostapenko fired three THE PENINSULA destination for hosting interna- aces in her opening win. match 7-6, 6-4. DOHA tional sporting events.” In a battle involving lucky Zainal also emphasised that losers, Alison Riske of the US Karolina Muchova of Russia’s Anna Blinkova The Qatar Tennis Federation this partnership reflects the beat Polona Hercog of Slovenia the Czech beat Aussie in action during her (QTF) yesterday signed a new commitment of QTF and QTer- to reach the round of 16. Riske partnership contract with QTer- minals to develop tennis in won 6-4, 6-3 in 91 minutes. Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-2. second round match minals to sponsor Qatar Total Qatar and support Qatar Total Russia’s Anna Blinkova, who against Anastasija Open, top officials confirmed. Open which has become one of beat Samantha Stosur in her final Sevastova of Latvia at The press conference that the most prominent tennis qualifying match on Monday, breaker, which was smartly cap- Khalifa International announced this partnership was events in the region and world. yesterday beat Anastasija Sev- tured by Blinkova. Tennis Complex, held yesterday on the sidelines The QTF Secretary General astova of Latvia, winning her first There was not much to write yesterday. of the 2019 Edition of Qatar took the opportunity to extent round match 7-6, 6-4 in 1 hour home about for lucky loser Total Open, an event organised sincere thanks to QTerminals led 43 minutes. Stosur who went down to yearly by QTF with participation by Bissett to choose Qatar Total The first set went into a tie- Karolina Muchova of the Czech of the world’s top players. Open as their first initiative of Republic. Muchova won 6-4, 6-2. win more and more and that In attendance were the QTF such. He also thanked the title After a three-set thriller, brings pressure. Anyways I have Secretary General Tariq Zainal sponsors Total and the other Wozniacki pulls out Ostapenko said she was pleased great memories from playing and Nivelle Bissett, CEO of sponsors for their support for the with her performance. here,” she added. QTerminals. tournament and their trust in its “I tried to play my best and Belgium’s Elise Mertens also As per this new partnership, future vision. after ‘viral illness’ fought for every point. I was advanced with a solid display QTerminals will join list of Bisset, CEO of QTerminals, trying to get used to the condi- yesterday, beating Czech Repub- sponsors supporting Qatar Total said yesterday: “We are fully AFP tions,” Ostapenko said. lic’s Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-2. Open. committed to support the Qatari DOHA “I went for winners when I In another first-round battle, On this occasion, Zainal said sport. It is our pleasure to con- could. I also tried to keep the Su-Wei Hsieh of Chinese Taipei yesterday: “It is also my pleasure tribute to the success of this World number ten has become the latest play in when I had to. It was a prevailed over Aliaksandra Sas- to announced that QTerminals event which we hope can star name to pull out of the Qatar Open, one of three players to very tough match. There are novichof Belarus. Hsieh won 6-2, will join the list of sponsors of develop tennis in Qatar and withdraw from the injury-hit tournament yesterday. tough players here. My rival is a 6-0. Qatar Total Open.” strengthen Qatar’s position on The Dane was said to be suffering from a ‘viral illness’, according great player,” she added. Also to advance was fifth He added: “Qatar Total Open the sports map,” he added. to organisers. “I am trying to get back into seed Kiki Bertens of the Neth- has become one of the most Held since 2001, the Qatar She was joined on the sidelines by world number 14, Australia’s form because I was injured at the erlands. Bertens beat Italy’s important tennis tournaments Total Open has grown to become Ashleigh Barty, and number 19, Caroline Garcia of France, who end of last season. Camila Giorgi 0-6, 7-6, 6-4. in the region and through the one of the biggest WTA Tour also both announced they could not play in Doha. “The pressure was there. It In yesterday’s last match, cooperation with our partners, events in the region and it has Barty cited a hip injury and also announced she would not play is always there. As I said eve- Germany’s Julia Gorges eased we hope our tournament can consistently featured the world’s in the Dubai Tennis Championships later this month. No reason rybody is tough here. I was past Ajla Tomljanovic of Aus- reach new levels of success and top ten players on a regular was given for Garcia’s absence. trying not to expect too much tralia 6-2, 6-2 to advance into help promote Doha as a major basis. pressure on my. I just want to the second round. WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 05 Everything about Virat’s game stands Sri Lankan legend out. I think he is head and shoulders Kumar Sangakkara FOOTBALL above anyone else in world cricket FOOTBALL says India captain Virat Champions League, Champions League, today. And I think going forward, Kohli is well ahead of his he will be one of the greatest ever Round of 16: Round of 16: Tottenham contemporaries. ACTION vs Dortmund cricketers, if not the greatest ever. Real Madrid vs Ajax TODAY’S NBA RESULTS Toronto 127, Brooklyn 125 Osaka in shock split with coach Denver 103, Miami 87 Chicago 99, Milwaukee 112 Osaka, who became the first AFP year, shooting from 72 in the world Houston 120, Dallas 104 TOKYO Asian to hold the top ranking to the top of the women’s rankings. Minnesota 130, LA Clippers 120 after beating Czech Petra Oklahoma City 120, Portland 111 World tennis number one Naomi Kvitova in the Melbourne During that period she won the Cleveland 107, New York 104 Osaka has split from her coach final on January 26, had prestigious Indian Wells tournament

Detroit 121, Washington 112

Sascha Bajin just 17 days after worked with the German for before scooping her first major in completing back-to-back Grand New York, while Bajin was named Indiana 99, Charlotte 90 Slam victories at the Australian just over a year. WTA coach of the year. Open. Osaka’s Twitter feed lit up in “Hey everyone, I will no longer that there had been a breakdown in response to her announcement, with be working together with Sascha. I the player’s relationship with the several memes expressing wide- Mickelson thank him for his work and wish him coach since the start of the year. spread disbelief -- including a all the best in the future,” the According to Japan’s Nikkan shrugging Barack Obama, a con- downplays 21-year-old Japanese tweeted in a Sports, some practice sessions with fused Joey from American sitcom shock announcement. Bajin at the lasted “Friends” and a Minions character US Open Bajin, a former hitting partner just 10 minutes and she sometimes screaming “WHAAAAT?” to , responded: hit without him being present. Osaka, who grew up in the US prospects “Thank you Naomi. I wish you Osaka, who is scheduled to and speaks little Japanese, melted nothing but the best as well. What a compete in Dubai next week, began hearts when she fought back tears after win ride that was. Thank you for letting sounding out potential replacements after her emotional US Open win me be part of this.” late last year, local media reported. over her idol Williams as booing REUTERS Osaka, who became the first The Japanese player captured echoed around the stadium. PEBBLE BEACH Asian to hold the top ranking after her first Grand Slam crown by She won more fans with a nail- beating Czech Petra Kvitova in the stunning Williams at last year’s US biting 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 win over Kvitova Phil Mickelson has down- Melbourne final on January 26, had Open in a final remembered as much in the Australian Open final, after played suggestions that his worked with the German for just for the American’s astonishing rant which Osaka sobbed tears of joy as win at Pebble Beach on over a year. at the chair umpire following a the jeers were replaced by cheers. Monday will have any No reason was given for the sur- coaching violation. Former greats Billie Jean King, bearing on his chances of World No.1 prise decision to part ways, but Jap- Based in the United States, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert completing the career anese media cited Osaka’s man- Osaka linked up with Bajin in late have all heaped praise on the new grand slam when the US agement company IMG in reporting 2017 and enjoyed a breakthrough darling of women’s tennis. Open is contested at the same venue in June. On Monday, he Anderson matched Mark O’Meara’s record of five Pebble Beach Du Plessis seeks SL‘breaking point’ Pro-Am victories, adding lands triple to his previous successes in 1998, 2005, 2007 and blow as WI 2012. AFP Sri Lanka last year, Du Plessis happened without him being Inevitably, the question DURBAN said: “They beat us 2-0 in their consulted, and disappointed at of the US Open arose crumble own conditions which hurt us a lack of communication from quickly. South African captain Faf du quite a bit. the board before he was stripped It’s important for us However, Mickelson AFP Plessis will be seeking to find Sri “It’s important for us to keep of his own role as a tour selector. said Monday’s win was GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA Lanka’s “breaking point” as early them under pressure to make He added that match-fixing to keep them under irrelevant because the as possible when the first of two sure they don’t start the series allegations and changes in pressure to make sure course will be completely James Anderson was at his Tests starts at Kingsmead today. well. If we can do that, possibly selectors and coaching staff had they don’t start the different in June from the destructive best in blowing With Sri Lankan coach their breaking point will be a all had an impact. soggy, lush layout that away the West Indies top-order Chandika Hathurusingha little bit sooner than it would “When the selectors series well: SA captain greeted the players during batting to put England on admitting that recent upheavals (normally) be because of all the changed, the leadership Faf du Plessis the Californian winter. course for a massive victory at in Sri Lankan cricket had affected stuff that’s happening away from changed,” he told the website. Asked in a greenside lunch on the fourth day of the the players, Du Plessis vowed to the game.” “There was a change of interview what the per- third and final Test at the apply pressure on the tourists. Hathurusingha told the esp- coaching staff as well. And that concentrate on trying to produce formance did for his con- Darren Sammy Stadium in St “They have had a tough time ncricinfo.com website that a created uncertainty. good performances in his role as fidence, Mickelson said: Lucia, yesterday. in Australia and there have been losing streak, going back to last “Everything happened in an opening batsman. Several of “Absolutely nothing, Set the improbable target a lotlot ofof tthingshings happeninghappening OctoberOctober anandd cuculminatinglminating in public. There’s enough pressure his players had experience of because it’s nothing like of 485 after Joe Root declared awayaway from their team,” twotwo heavy Test on the players in the middle for South African conditions and his the course we’ll see. his side’s second innings at 361 DuDu Plessis said defeatsdefeats in Australia, them to concentrate on. Suddenly message to the team was: “We “I’m hitting drivers and for five following his dismissal yesterday.yesterday. 2has2has put a lot of the players have nowhere to turn. must try and compete in every trying to bomb it down for 122, the home team crashed “It’s“It’s notnot idealideal strainstrain onon They don’t know whom to trust session.” there and hit wedges in to 35 for four with the rampant forfor themthem but I will everyone”.everyone”. or whose instructions to take.” With Sri Lanka having an (this week). Anderson taking the first three alwaysalways respect thethe TheThe Hathurusingha said the inexperienced bowling line-up, “The rough will be so wickets. oppositionopposition we playplay coach saidsaid he players were doing their best. Du Plessis hinted that South different and the greens so Mark Wood, whose raw against.against. Our prepa-prepa- waswas shockedshocked at thethe “They are trying. But in any high- Africa might go into the match firm it will be a whole dif- pace earned him his first five- rationration doesn’tdoesn’t axeingaxeing ofof DineshDinesh performance environment, suc- with six batsmen, including ferent golf course but I’ll wicket innings haul in Tests on change.”change.” ChandimalChandimal as cessful teams have direction, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, deal with that in six day two, added to that tally with ReferringReferring to a captain,captca ain, strong leadership and and five bowlers. months.” the wicket of Shai Hope just losinglosing series in whichw hic h continuity.” Du Plessis said left-arm Mickelson is one of before the interval to leave Dimuth Karunaratne, named spinner Keshav Maharaj was three players looking to Roston Chase and Shimron as stand-in captain for the tour, likely to play on a ground where complete their collection Hetmyer with the task of acknowledged: “It’s not easy spin bowling has been a factor - of all four majors this year. bringing some respectability to when you play cricket and there but he liked the option of con- Rory McIlroy will have a West Indian innings which is other stuff coming from the tinuing with a battery of four fast his opportunity at the seemed to be in freefall amid outside. The changes and eve- bowlers following a successful Masters in April, with the carnage wreaked by rything are up to the selectors. recent series against Pakistan, Jordan Spieth getting his Anderson. AsA a team we are trying to focus even though he did not expect chance at the PGA Cham- He triggered the West Faf du Plessis on the game.” the pitch to offer much help to pionship in May. Indies slide with just the third Karunaratne said he would pace bowlers. Only five players have delivery of the innings when won all four modern John Campbell, facing his first majors -- Gene Sarazen, ball, sliced a booming drive to Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Moeen Ali at gully. Pakistan Super League set to kick off tomorrow Gary Player and Tiger Campbell’s opening Woods. Captains of Pakistan partner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Mickelson has come seems doomed to suffer yet Super League teams close, with six runner-up another defeat as stand-in (from left) Shoaib Malik finishes at the US Open. captain and offered little (Multan Sultans), Darren He has won five majors resistance himself to Anderson Sammy (Peshawar -- the Masters (2004, when he prodded indecisively Zalmi), Mohammad 2006, 2010), PGA Cham- at a full-length delivery and Ben Hafeez (Lahore pionship (2005) and British Stokes held the catch at second Qalandars), Mohammad Open (2013). slip. Sami (Islamabad West Indies have already United), Imad Wasim winning firs two matches. (Karachi Kings) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Quetta BRIEF SCORES Gladiators) during the The rough will England 277 (B. Stokes 79, J. But- unveiling ceremony of be so different the PSL trophy in Dubai tler 67; K. Roach 4-48, S. Gabriel yesterday. The fourth and the greens 2-49) and 361 for 5 declared (J. edition of PSL will begin so firm it will be Root, 122, J. Denly 69, J. Buttler tomorrow, with the last a whole different 56; S. Gabriel 2-95) eight matches of the golf course but I’ll West Indies 154 (J. Campbell 41, tournament scheduled deal with that in S. Dowrich 38; M. Wood 5-41, M. to take place in Pakistan six months: Phil

Ali 4-36) and 35-4 (S. Hope 14; J. including the final in

Karachi on March 17. Mickelson Anderson 3-7, M. Wood 1-16)