SPORT

Tuesday 24 January 2017

PAGE | 24 PAGE | 26 Warner wins Barcelona Allan Border maintain pressure medal again on Real Madrid ready for Slovenia test

Fawad Hussain their five group matches. The The Peninsula Al Anabi, on the other reached the knock-out stage with just fter their stunning two victories under their belt. victory against However, the Asian giants European champi- excelled in the all-important ons Germany, game and stunned their Euro- Qatar will take on pean counterparts with an SloveniaA in the quarter-finals outstanding performance in of the World Handball Cham- the final minutes of the game pionship in Paris today, for a 21-20 win. targeting a spot in the Qatar's Cuban born winger semi-finals. Rafael Capote was the hero When the Al Anabi arrived scoring nine goals in the low- in France, coach Valeiro scoring match. Coach Riveira Riveira said reaching the will be expecting a similar quarter-finals was his team’s show by his ranks against main target but the 2015 edi- Slovenia, who relatively are tion’s silver medallists must not as tough as the Germans. have raised expectations after However, Slovenia who their remarkable performance defeated Russia 32-26 in the (From left) Qatar's left wing Murad Abdulrazzaq, against the rampant last 16 stage had an impres- Germans. sive run in the 24-team event centre back Mahmoud Hassaballa and right The European champions so far. Apart from their win in wing Abdullah Al Karbi celebrate after Al entered the Eighth Final Eighth Finals, they bagged Anabi defeated Germany in the 25th IHF Men's against Qatar as overwhelm- three wins and a loss besides World Championship 2017 Eighth Final against ing favourites, having won all a tied game. Germany at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, on In other quarter-finals Sunday. Al Anabi in line-up, defending champions Quarter finals France will take on continen- tal rivals Sweden while Qatar stunned Norway will meet Hungary. Germany with an The other last 8 match will be Qatar deserves respect, says coach Riveira outstanding played between Spain and performance in the Croatia. final minutes of While Germans were sent The Peninsula foreign players significantly and the ream’s "Qatar deserves respect," said the Qatar Eighth Final for a packing by Qatar, Hungary performance remains similar. coach. 21-20 win to advance. handed a shock defeat to wo years ago, Qatar shocked the global On Sunday, Qatar stunned one of the "Only three teams, of which Qatar is one, Olympic champions Denmark handball fraternity with their surprise most strong sides of the competition, beat- have qualified for the quarter-finals of the The 2015 silver to knock them out of the title T entry into the final of the World Hand- ing Germany 21-20 in the last 16 stage to last three international tournaments," he medallists have raised race. ball Championship on home courts. reach the quarterfinals. said. expectations after The semi-finals of the The Gulf state drew flak for roping in Qatar coach Valeiro Riveira said his team "We have worked hard to achieve their remarkable competition will be played on foreign players. Two years on, Qatar remod- has been proving its mettle and their per- respect," added Rivera who has been in performance. January 26 and 27 with the elled its squad and reduced the number of formance deserve praise. charge of the Qatar team since 2013. final scheduled on January 29. Ballan drafted Alexandre's last-minute goal rescues PSG into FIFA Referees Armstrong Vas in the fifth minute. forward Franck Evina, whose The Peninsula The Italians failed to powerful strike was too much bounce back from the early for the keeper to save despite Committee last minute goal from goals and although they con- getting a touch. Alexandre Stephane ceded three goals in the first A foul given deep in the The Peninsula A helped PSG defeated half, they managed repulse Bayern half allowed for the Real Madrid 2-1 while Eintra- the German attacks in the German side to push high up IFA has cht Frankfurt trounced AS second half. field, looking to utilise their announced that Roma 3-0 in the league group Kabuya of Eintracht physical advantage. However, F Hani Ballan matches of the Al Kass Cup Frankfurt won the man-of- the seemingly insignificant (pictured), a member International Under-17 r tour- the-match award for his twin free kick would turn the game of the Executive Com- nament at Aspire Zone strikes. on its head when Bayern cap- mittee of the Qatar yesterday. On Monday, Kashiwa tain Lars Mai played the ball Football Association The match between, the Reysol produced a heroic per- back to the keeper. A momen- (QFA), has joined the French and Spanish giants formance to dump Bayern tary lapse in concentration composition of a new seemed heading for a draw Munich out of Al Kass 2017 at from Michael Wagner saw the FIFA Referees Com- until the magnificent strike the group stage, prevailing in ball roll into the back of the mittee which is by Alex gave the Parisian club a pulsating contest that had net, much to the watching headed by Pierluigi full points. Aspire Zone fans on the edge crowd’s disbelief. Collina. Real Madrid struck with of their seats throughout. Reysol got the second half This is the first six minutes to go for the first From the first whistle, it underway, and were ahead time that a QFA offi- half. Antonio Manuel putting seemed that Bayern had within two minutes of the cial is joining the FIFA his team ahead with a goal. learned from their mistakes restart with a brilliant kick Referees Committee for the 2017-2021 period. PSG fought back and in their previous defeat to Red from Kaito Mori. The Referees Committee shall implement and equalised in the 73rd minute Bull Salzburg. A higher defen- And, five minutes later interpret the Laws of the Game and may propose with Yaisien having his name sive line and more width Mori almost made it three, amendments to the Laws of the Game to the FIFA on the scorecard and Alex through the midfield allowed only to be denied at close Council. made sure PSG made sure for the German side to have range by the advancing Wag- It shall appoint the referees and assistant ref- they had full points with a late much more possession. ner, who did well to block. erees for matches in competitions organised by strike at the stroke of full time However, Reysol were Reysol quickly extended FIFA. play. quick to close down. Their their advantage. Midfield ful- Ballan is also the Vice Chairman of the AFC In the first match of the high intensity approach crum Takumi Onodera stole Referees Committee. day, a brace from William meant that Munich had little the ball on halfway and A highly experienced football official, Ballan Kabuya helped German club time on the ball and were advanced before feeding Nori- has served QFA and Qatar Stars League (QSL) in Eintracht Frankfurt to regis- prone to mistakes, allowing hiro Syoda to his left, who various capacities. ter a 3-0 win over AS Roma. for the Japanese to win easy took a touch before sliding the Kabuya opened his throw-ins and latch on to ball under the despairing THE FIFA REFEREES COMMITTEE: account and the teams’ in the rushed passes. Wagner to make it 3-1. Chairman: Pierluigi Collina very first minute of the match Bayern were first off the With 87 minutes on the Players vie for the ball possession during their Committee Members: Amelio Andino (Paraguay), Dagmar Damkova and added a second one in the mark in the sixth minute. clock, Evina was once again Al Kass Cup International Under-17 group stage (Czech Republic), Brian Hall (USA), Shamsul Maidin (Singapore), Eddy 29th minute. Midfielder Oliver Batista the man in the right place at

game between Kashiwa Reysol and Bayern

Maillet (Seychelles), Neil Poloso (Solomon Islands), Wilson Seneme (Bra- In between, the two goals Meier gained possession fol- the right time, heading home Munich, played at Aspire Zone on Sunday. zil), Kevin Stoltenkamp (New Zealand), Hani Ballan (Qatar) from Kabuya, Cetin breoke lowing a stray pass and to make the score 3-2 and set Kashiwa Reysol won 3-2. through the AS Roma defence played the ball through to up a frantic finale. SPORT TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 23

QBF Board Members meet Shubenkov expects to

Officials of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) are seen during hear fate within weeks a QBF Board Members' meeting in . The new QBF Board Members Moscow include Ahmad Abdulrahman Al AFP Muftah, President and Head of National Teams Committee, Ali ussia's reigning 110m hurdles world champion Saed Al Malki, Secretary General, Sergey Shubenkov said yesterday that he expects a ruling within weeks from athletics' governing body Mohammed Ali Rashid A Al Subaey, R the IAAF after he applied to compete internationally as a Assistant Secretary General and neutral. Head of Referees Committee, The Russian track and field team have been suspended Ibrahim Obaid Al Siddiqi, Member from competition since 2015 over state-sponsored dop- and Head of Competition ing, but individual athletes can apply to take part in Committee, Abdulrahman international events as neutrals if they are deemed Mohammad Al Hitmi, Member and drug-free. National Teams Director, Salah In addition to Shubenkov 10 more Russian athletes Ateeq Suliman, Member and Head including two-time world champion high jumper Maria of Development Committee and Kuchina, 2014 European pole vault champion Anzhelika Mrs Salha Al Nuaimi, Committee Sidorova and 2015 European indoor champion in the Member. 3,000m Yelena Korobkina have also applied to the IAAF for neutral status, media reports said. The ban led to Russian athletes missing the Olympics in Rio and the International Association of Athletics Fed- erations (IAAF) in December ruled to extend the punishment. The next review is scheduled for February but the bulk of Russian athletes are likely to miss the March 3-5 Bledsoe propels Sun's win European Indoor Championships in Belgrade. In his latest damning report released in December, doping investigator Richard McLaren said that 1,000 Rus- sians were involved in a doping system organised by the Russian sports ministry over several years. The Russian government has denied any involvement as Wolves beat Nuggets in doping.

Los Angeles points and 10 rebounds in the first Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker AFP half. Bledsoe led Phoenix with 18 (right) drives to the basket Olympic champ Adams first-half points. against Toronto Raptors' ric Bledsoe exploded for Chandler banked in a hook Norman Powell at Air to turn professional 40 points as the Phoe- shot with 7:29 to play to tie the Canada Centre on nix Suns claimed game 95-95. Sunday. Suns another win over the Carroll's jump shot with 6:37 London won 115-103. Toronto Raptors with a left gave Toronto a two-point Reuters E115-103 victory on Sunday at the advantage but two free throws by Air Canada Center arena. Bledsoe tied the game again. PJ ouble The Suns are riding a modest Tucker's layup gave the Suns a gold two game win streak and have 99-97 lead. Dmedal- now taken both games of the sea- Tucker made one of two free list Nicola son series against the Raptors. throws with 5:27 remaining in Adams is set to Great Devin Booker added 20 points regulation and Phoenix led by turn profes- Britain's for the Suns. Tyler Chandler had three. sional at the Double 16 points and nine rebounds. Tucker scored on a hook shot age of 34 after gold DeMar DeRozan had 22 points and to give Phoenix a 102-97 lead. being released medallist for Toronto, while Jonas Valan- Bledsoe's layup with 3:58 left from her con- Nicola ciunas contributed a gave Phoenix and a six-point lead. tract with Adams. double-double with 16 points and And his jumper with 3:26 to go Britain's Olym- 12 rebounds for Toronto who lost made it 107-100. pic boxing a third consecutive game for the Elsewhere, Karl-Anthony programme first time this season. Towns had 32 points and hit a go- Timberwolves, who improved to second-year centres. Denver was yesterday. Toronto led 60-57 at half ahead jump shot with 42 seconds 16-28 on the season and have won in eighth place in the Western GB Boxing said the first female Olympic boxing cham- time. DeRozan led Toronto with left as the Minnesota Timber- five of their past seven games. Conference coming into the game, pion, who defended her 2012 flyweight title in Rio de 16 points. Valanciunas had 10 wolves rallied to beat the Denver Gary Harris returned from an 3 1/2 games in front of Janeiro last year, would not be part of the squad work- Nuggets 111-108 in a showdown ankle injury to score 22 points and Minnesota. ing towards Tokyo 2020 and was free to pursue other NBA RESULTS between two of the youngest Nikola Jokic had 18 points and In Orlando, Stephen Curry career opportunities. Minnesota 111 Denver 108 teams in the NBA. eight rebounds for Denver, who scored 27 points, and the Golden The only other woman to win two Olympic boxing Phoenix 115 Toronto 103 Shabazz Muhammad came off had won four of their previous State Warriors won their seventh golds, American middleweight Claressa Shields, made

Dallas 122 La Lakers 73 the bench to score 20 for Minne- five games. consecutive game by over- her professional debut last November. Golden State 118 Orlando 98 sota. Canadian star Andrew The two teams have each whelming the Orlando Magic Ireland's Katie Taylor, a lightweight gold medallist in Wiggins had 24 points for the been led by their young 118-98. 2012, has also turned professional. 'Save the Dream' and Al Kass host workshop in Doha

The Peninsula “Following my participation in Bayt Qatar and Save the Dream ave the Dream joined forces during the Rio 2016 Olympic with Al Kass to host a special Games, this gave me a valuable S workshop on the sidelines of opportunity to learn about Save the Al Kass International Cup to the Dream and its important mis- educate young footballers about sion to promote and protect the importance of being a role values in young people. I am model and promoting positive proud to join them as an ambas- values through sport. sador today to speak to young Building on the agreement players and be part of the Save signed between the International the Dream family,” Trezeguet Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) said. and Al Kass at the opening match Drawing on his significant of the Al Kass International Cup international experience coach- last Saturday, over 250 young ing teams around the world, Bora footballers, officials and coaches Milutanovic also spoke during the attended the workshop and heard panel, adding: “Coaches play an from football legends, David integral role in promoting posi- Trezeguet and Bora Milutanovic, tive values in sport. Not only do as well as ICSS Group CEO, they set an example to their play- Former French football legend and Save the Dream Ambassador David Trezeguet poses for a photograph during a special Michael Hershman. ers, coaches are also in a unique Speaking to some of the position where they can make a workshop conducted by Al Kass and Save the Dream on the sidelines of the Al Kass International Cup in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: world’s top under-17 club teams real and lasting positive impact Football legends, David Trezeguet and Bora Milutanovic and Michael Hershman, Group CEO of the International Centre for Sport - including Real Madrid, Paris on the lives of their players." Security speak during a panel discussion. Saint-Germain, AS Roma and “As a coach, I believe it is Aspire Academy – David important to ensure your players values-based approach in teach- aim to ensure that young athletes see the Juventus legend promote Dream, I would like to welcome Trezeguet said: “Sport is a pow- live by strong values both on and ing young people strong personal are properly empowered and the positive values of sport to and thank him for his commit- erful vehicle for positive change off the field of play. This includes values through sport. educated about the important young people at various Save the ment to promoting the values of in society and empowering showing respect and caring for “In order to preserve and values and life lessons that sport Dream workshops and activities sport." young people. It teaches values yourself and others, as well as safeguard the integrity of sport, can teach them." around the world. Save the Dream is a global, like teamwork, respect and col- ensuring your players live and we must protect the next gener- At the conclusion of the Speaking about the appoint- non-profit movement of organ- laboration to young people play by the highest standards of ation of sports stars," Hershman workshop, Massimiliano Montan- ment, Massimiliano Montanari, isations, people and athletes around the world, including professional and personal integ- said. ari, Executive Director – Save the Executive Director – Save the created by the International Cen- those who have been less fortu- rity,” Milutanovic said. “Through the work of Save Dream, also announced that Dream, said: “The appointment tre for Sport Security (ICSS) and nate, and is a bridge between In addition, Michael Hersh- the Dream, the ICSS provides a David Trezeguet has been of David as a Save the Dream Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) different cultures and man, ICSS Group CEO, also values-based approach to safe- appointed as a new ambassador ambassador is another significant with the support of technology countries." highlighted the importance of a guarding young people and we for Save the Dream, which will coup and on behalf of Save the partner, Ooredoo. 24 SPORT TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017

SL Mathews to Warner wins Allan Border medal again fly home after injury Sydney just 23 balls at his home ground, AFP the Sydney Ground. Colombo match after suffering a 3-0 His 1,388 one-day runs was AFP Test series whitewash to ustralia's prolific opening a world-high for the period and South Africa. batsman he scored 2,420 runs in total ri Lankan skipper Mathews, who scored A(pictured) fought off a across all three formats. Angelo Mathews is to an unbeaten 54 at the Wan- strong challenge from his cap- "Thanks to my team-mates Sfly home from South derers stadium, told the tain to become just and Steve Smith -- without you Africa after twisting his post-match press confer- the fourth player to win back-to- all I wouldn't be here, as it's a ankle during the second ence that he expected to be back Allan Border medals team game," the left-hander said international and out for a couple of weeks yesterday. at a glittering ceremony in will be replaced as captain and could well miss the rest Only Ricky Ponting, Shane Sydney. by Dinesh Chandimal, their of the tour. Watson and Michael Clarke have "To the fans: we love the sup- national selectors said The third and final T20 previously won consecutive med- port you give, we love yesterday. international will be played als in Australian cricket's entertaining you and I think the The Sri Lankan board in Cape Town on Wednes- prestigious annual awards. game's in a great state at the said in a statement that day, followed by five Thirty-year-old Warner moment." Mathews had been "granted one-day internationals, fin- recorded 269 votes over 248 for Starc is the first bowler to win permission to return home" ishing on February 10. Smith and 197 for fast bowler Test player of the year since Brett after injuring himself dur- In its statement, the Sri Mitchell Starc. Lee in 2008, with a total of 52 ing his team's victory on Lankan board said that fast Fellow players, the media and . Sunday in Johannesburg, a bowler Nuwan Pradeep and umpires vote for player of the Western Australian all- match in which he played a opener Dhanuskha Gunath- year. Twenty20 medal for a record from January 8 last year to Jan- rounder Hilton Cartwright was starring role. ilaka were also expected to The Australian vice-captain third time thanks to 298 runs at uary 7, 2017. But he made up for named Bradman young cricketer "The next T-20 match return home as they needed also took the one-day interna- a strike-rate of 150.51 as well as lost time by smashing consecu- of the year after making his Test will be captained by Dinesh rest to recover from their tional player award, while Starc nine wickets. tive hundreds against Pakistan debut against Pakistan earlier this Chandimal," the board injuries. was crowned Test player of the Warner only emerged from in Melbourne and Sydney this month. Previous player of the added in its statement. Sunday's win for Sri year despite missing half the what was a lean spell by his lofty southern summer. year recipients include Glenn Mathews hit two sixes in Lanka was their first win on period with injury. standards towards the end of the Warner blasted the fastest McGrath, Steve Waugh, Adam the last over to hand Sri their current tour. The Shane Watson lifted the voting period, which ran from Australian Test half-century off Gilchrist and Smith himself. Lanka a series-levelling Twenty20 series will be fol- three- win in Sunday's lowed by ODIs.

India rest NZ complete series sweep Ashwin and Jadeja for Christchurch balls he faced for six to signal's Reuters New Zealand's intentions to try T20 series and complete victory inside four om Latham and Colin days. He hit two more in succes- New Delhi de Grandhomme sion to end the game. AFP guided New Zealand , who were dis- to a series-sweeping missed for 160 in their second ndia's premier spinners nine-wicket victory innings in the first Test in Wel- and Tover Bangladesh in the second lington after scoring 595 for IRavindra Jadeja have been Test in Christchurch yesterday eight, were bundled out for 173 rested for the three-match after the visitors suffered another in their second innings yester- Twenty20 series against Eng- second-innings collapse on the day, setting the hosts a victory land starting this week. fourth day. target of 109. The selectors have Latham (41) and de Grand- "Today was probably our recalled veteran leg-spinner homme (33) took their side best day of cricket throughout Amit Mishra and off-spinner through to 111 for one at Hagley the series which probably gave Parvez Rasool in the 15-man Oval after umpires extended play us the upper hand," New Zea- squad. by an extra 30 minutes because land captain The -led side, a result was within sight. said. which won the ODI series 2-1, Jeet Raval was bowled for 33 "A lot of credit to the bowl- moves into the shortest for- by Kamrul Islam about 10 min- ers and the way they bowled on mat with the first game utes before the scheduled end of a good surface was a fantastic scheduled in Kanpur on Jan- play, but de Grandhomme came effort and to then tick off the uary 26. out and hit two of the first five runs tonight was very nice." Ashwin and Jadeja shared seven wickets between them SCOREBOARD in the three 50-over matches, tighter lines than the Bangladesh (I innings): ...... 289 S Al Hasan c de Grandhomme b Southee ...... 8 New Zealand players pose after their series win on day four of the second Test against fast bowlers on run-filled New Zealand (I innings): N Hossain b Boult ...... 12 Bangladesh at Hagley Park Oval in Christchurch yesterday. J Raval b K Islam...... 16 S Rahman c Watling b Wagner ...... 0 pitches. T Latham c N Hasan b T Ahmed...... 68 N Hasan c Watling b Wagner ...... 0 The 34-year-old Mishra K Williamson c N Hasan b K Islam ...... 2 M Hasan c Latham b Boult ...... 4 Neil Wagner had sparked behind Richard Hadlee (431), Bangladesh captain Tamim was in the ODI squad against R Taylor c (sub) b M Hasan ...... 77 T Ahmed b Boult ...... 33 Bangladesh's collapse from 92 Daniel Vettori (361), Chris Mar- Iqbal. England but failed to make it H Nicholls b Mehedi ...... 98 K Islam (not out) ...... 25 for three to 106 for seven, with tin (233) and Chris Cairns (218) "Bowling them out for 350 to the starting lineup. He fin- M Santner lbw S Al Hasan ...... 29 R Hossain c Watling b Southee ...... 7 the left-armer capturing three on the country's all-time list. was a fantastic job ... but I think ished with figures of 5-18 in B Watling b S Al Hasan ...... 1 Extras (LB-2)...... 2 C de Grandhomme b S Al Hasan ...... 0 Total (all out) ...... 173 of the four wickets to fall, includ- "I guess those things are nice our batters ...needed to take his last outing for his coun- T Southee c M Hasan b S Al Hasan ...... 17 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-58, 3-73, 4-92, 5-100, 6-100, ing two in one over. to tick off on the way but it's nice more responsibility and score try, an ODI against New N Wagner (run out) ...... 26 7-106, 8-115, 9-166, 10-173. Taskin Ahmed (33) and Kam- to also sit back and enjoy another more runs and put them under Zealand in October. T Boult (not out) ...... 7 Bowling: Boult 17-3-52-3; Southee 12.5-2-48-3; de rul(25 not out), however, test win," said Southee, who was pressure." Extras (LB-6, W-4, NB-3) ...... 13 Grandhomme 11-3-27-1; Wagner 12-3-44-3. produced a 51-run ninth-wicket named man-of-the-match after Tamim went cheaply for India Squad Total (all out) ...... 354 New Zealand (II innings): partnership to ensure New Zea- figures of 8-142. eight in the sixth over and after Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-47, 3-153, 4-177, 5-252, J Raval b K Islam...... 33 land would need to chase in New Zealand had a first a brief period of consolidation 6-256, 7-256, 8-286, 9-343, 10-354. T Latham (not out) ...... 41 Virat Kohli (capt), Mahendra Singh Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 22-2-86-1 (2w); Mehedi C de Grandhomme (not out) ...... 33 excess of 100. innings lead of 65 runs after Bangladesh lost five for 23. Dhoni, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Hasan 19-3-59-2; 17-2-65-0 (2nb); Extras (B-1, WD-1, NB-2) ...... 4 Tim Southee had earlier Henry Nicholls had combined "The way I got out was rub- Rishabh Pant, Manish Pandey, Yuvraj Kamrul Islam 19-4-78-2 (2w, 1nb); Total (for 1 wkt) ...... 111 achieved a personal milestone with the tail to take their side to bish," a blunt Tamim said. Singh, Hardik Pandya, Amit Mishra, 12.4-1-50-4; 3-0-10-0. Fall of wicket: 1-56. when he had Shakib Al Hasan 354 though the left-hander "A few of the shots we Parvez Rasool, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhu- Bangladesh (II innings): Bowling: Taskin 5-0-21-0 (2nb); Mehedi 6-0-27-0 caught by de Grandhomme at missed out on his maiden test played could have been much vneshwar Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Yuz-

T Iqbal c Santner b Southee ...... 8 (1w); Kamrul 3-0-21-1; Shakib 4-0-28-0; Nazmul 0.4- backward point for eight to bring century when he was bowled for better. I take full responsibility.

S Sarkar c Raval b de Grandhomme ...... 36 0-13-0. vendra Chahal, Mandeep Singh. up 200 Test match wickets. 98. "We had our moments but I I take full blame for that because b Wagner ...... 38 Result: New Zealand won by nine wickets. The 28-year-old is now think we lost our way a bit," said I started it." De Villiers returns to lead South Africa in ODIs

Cape Town last year after an elbow injury, selection convener Linda Zondi intensity he has brought to his AB de Villiers Reuters but is in line to return for the final said in a statement yesterday. game as well," Zondi said. match of the Twenty20 series "We are entering a very South Africa are in action in outh Africa have recalled fit- against the Sri Lankans in Cape important phase of our prepa- the 50-over format for the first again batsman AB de Villiers Town tomorrow. ration for the Champions Trophy time since they whitewashed Sto captain their one-day He will then skipper the one- in England as we only have 10 Australia 5-0 on home soil last international side in the five- day side having admitted last games left - the five here against October. match home series against Sri week that his top priority at this Sri Lanka and another five in Lanka. stage of his career was to lead New Zealand - before we head SA Squad The selectors also handed a the team at the 2019 edition of for another major ICC event." first call-up in this format to World Cup. Ngidi took six wickets in as AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, 20-year-old fast bowler Lungi A more immediate aim, how- many overs in the first two Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Ngidi and all-rounder Chris Mor- ever, is this year's Champions matches of the Twenty20 series Duminy, Faf du Plessis, , David ris returns after an injury layoff Trophy in England which will be against Sri Lanka. Miller, Chris Morris, , Lungi for the series starting in Port Eliz- played in June. "He has not only impressed abeth on Saturday. "It is wonderful to have AB with the wickets he has taken Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pre- De Villiers has not played back available both as player and and the skills he has displayed, torius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi. international cricket since June leader," Cricket South Africa but with the energy and TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 25

China orders more than Kaymer, McDowell, Noren 100 golf courses shut

Beijing lead strong field in Doha AFP hina has ordered the The Peninsula what this place is. “It’s always closure of a sixth of the Martin Kaymer will start bouncy and quite difficult to Ccountry's golf courses ajor winners Mar- as one of the favourites keep the ball pin high, so you since 2011, its top economic tin Kaymer and at the Qatar Masters have to hole out very well from planner said, in an ongoing Graeme McDow- five and six feet all the time crackdown on a sport contro- teeing off in Doha on ell, World Number because it’s hard to get the ball versial for its links with Thursday. 10 Alex Noren and dead when you’re putting from wealthy elites. Mnew Race to Dubai Rankings long distance. To win around China's ruling Communist leader Tommy Fleetwood are here, you’ve got to be deadly Party has an ambivalent rela- among the favourites at the 20th from five to six feet.” tionship with golf. Local Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Kaymer and McDowell, with authorities have profited from which tees off on Thursday. 11 and 10 European Tour titles selling land for courses, but Ryder Cup rookies Rafa respectively, are two of the field’s they are seen as venues for Cabrera Bello, Chris Wood and most high-profile players, shady dealmaking between Andy Sullivan, in-form Bernd although Noren is the field’s elites and politicians. Wiesberger and 2016 European highest-ranked player after win- Central authorities Tour Rookie of the Year Wang ning four times on the 2016 ordered a nationwide freeze Jeunghun – the youngest player European Tour. on new golf courses in 2004, in last year’s Olympic Men’s Golf Fleetwood moved to 53rd in which was largely ignored. Tournament – also feature in a the Official World Golf Ranking Since a fresh crackdown strong field at Doha Golf Club. after his victory in Abu Dhabi on was launched in 2011, 111 of Eight-time European Tour Sunday, where Kaymer tied for China's 683 golf courses winner Thongchai Jaidee, com- fourth. nationwide were ordered peting for a 15th time, and Wiesberger, one of the Euro- shut, the National Develop- Thorbjorn Olesen are tied with pean Tour’s most in-form ment and Reform Rory McIlroy and Jason Day for players, also tied for fourth to Commission (NDRC) said in the most consecutive winning secure his third straight top-four a statement posted on its years on the European Tour finish on the European Tour. website on Sunday. (2014-2016), so both will be The Austrian has now fin- Operators voluntarily ished in the top seven in seven closed an additional 11, it Stellar line-up of his last events on the circuit, added. which include runner-up fin- Courses were taken to Martin Kaymer, looking to extend that sequence Ryder Cup team-mates McDow- is playing in his 18th Commer- ishes at the British Masters task for illegally using arable Graeme McDowell, in Doha. Wood, who won in ell and Kaymer, who are cial Bank Qatar Masters, having supported by Sky Sports and the land or nature reserves, 2013, is among seven returning competing in the Commercial only missed the 2000 and 2003 KLM Open. extracting groundwater in Alex Noren and champions along with two-time Bank Qatar Masters for the first editions. First held in 1998, the Com- prohibited areas, and other Tommy Fleetwood to winner Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012), time since 2012 and 2014 “I love playing here. My mercial Bank Qatar Masters has violations. start as favourites at 2018 European Ryder Cup Cap- respectively. record’s pretty good and I always helped establish Qatar as a The NDRC ordered an Doha Golf Club tain Thomas Bjorn (2011), Robert “The more top-class players feel like I’ve got a chance if I play world-class sporting venue and additional 18 courses to Karlsson (2010), Alvaro Quiros you have, the better it is for the half-decent. You have to control is considered the country’s return illegally occupied land, Rafa Cabrera Bello, (2009), four-time Major winner whole field and for the specta- your ball flight around here. If annual ‘must-attend’ sporting as well as 47 others to stop Chris Wood and Ernie Els (2005) and Darren tors to come and watch. That’s you’re not in control, then you’re and social event. further construction. Andy Sullivan also Fichardt (2003). what it’s all about," he said. in trouble because of the wind. The tournament attracted Golf courses are present ready for four-day Lawrie believes the tourna- "When the best players come You have to ride the wind. You over 25,000 spectators in 2016 in all of China's provincial- action ment’s 20th edition has been to play in your tournament, it can’t fight it because it’s just too and was broadcast to a global TV level regions except Tibet, boosted by the return of his 2012 gives it a lift,” added Lawrie, who strong. I think that’s a big part of audience of over 400 million. according to the NDRC. Qatar Masters: Verlaar braces for biggest tourney of his life

The Peninsula two-shot lead with the finishing Verlaar, who idolises Tiger line in sight, but eventually lost out Woods and Rory McIlroy, said he fter winning the biggest title to Rayhan Thomas, the Dubai- was especially pleased to better his of his career at this month’s based Indian teenager. 2016 score by nine strokes as he AQatar Open Amateur Golf “I was two shots clear on 17 and continues to build on his dream of Hudson Swafford Championship, Dutch teenager then made a double bogey. I only becoming a European Tour player. poses with the Pierre Verlaar Jr is now preparing had to play par, par to win, but I “I was happy with my scores trophy after the for the biggest tournament of his didn’t, and then Rayhan made a at the Qatar Open as they were final round of the life at this week’s Commercial birdie in the playoff to win,” said really consistent,” said Verlaar, CareerBuilder Bank Qatar Masters. Verlaar, who’s attached to The whose best friend Dario Antonisse Challenge at the TPC Runner-up at last year’s Qatar Dutch golf club. will be caddying for him this week. Stadium Course at Open Amateur, the 18-year-old “It felt like a stupid way to fin- “I was two behind after the first made amends earlier this month ish. However, it was a well run day, led after the second round and PGA West on Sunday. by shooting three straight rounds tournament and I was thinking I then made little mistakes on the of 70 at Doha Golf Club for a six- had to come back this year to try last day, but I made a lot of bird- under-par total of 210 and a again. It was like unfinished busi- ies. I hope I can keep playing well three-stroke victory over local star ness so it felt great to win.” this week.” Saleh Al Kaabi. Swafford claims first PGA win Verlaar – born in 1998, the Dutch teenager Pierre year of the first Commercial Bank Verlaar is ready to take Los Angeles never finished higher than a SBS Tournament of Champi- Qatar Masters – is now excited to on the world's best at AFP tie for eighth. In five previous ons. Third round leader return to the famed course for Qatar Masters in Doha this starts this season his best fin- Hadwin was also in search of Qatar’s long-standing European weekend. udson Swafford finally ish was a tie for 13th at last his first PGA Tour win but his Tour showdown, which features joined the winner's week's Sony Open. two-under 70 left him just the likes of Martin Kaymer, Hcircle on Sunday, fir- Beginning the day two shy of victory. Graeme McDowell and Ernie Els ing a five-under 67 for a shots off the lead, Swafford On Saturday, the as it celebrates its 20th edition. one-stroke victory at the PGA got off to a rocky start with a 29-year-old from suburban “I’ve never played a European Tour's CareerBuilder bogey at the par-four No. 1 Vancouver became the first Tour event. I’ve never even played Challenge. before stringing together five Canadian shoot a 59, leaving on the European Challenge Tour. The 29-year-old Ameri- straight pars. him one stroke off the Tour I’ve played in some pro events like can birdied three of his last Swafford then caught fire record 58 fired last year by on the MENA Golf Tour, but it’s four holes to claim his maiden with a burst of three straight American Jim Furyk at the nothing like this,” said Verlaar, a USPGA Tour win in his 93rd birdies to close out his front Travelers Championship. Dutch national team player who Tour start. nine. On the par-four sev- Of the nine players to has played golf full time since fin- He compiled a 20-under enth, he hit his approach to card a 59 (or better) on tour, ishing school. 268 total to finish one stroke five feet from the hole then Hadwin is the fourth who “I like the courses out here, in ahead of Canada's Adam easily made the short birdie failed to win the event. Qatar. I’ve played a lot in this Hadwin, who closed with a putt. Dominic Bozzelli, who region, but I’m not sure what to 70, one day after storming to After making birdie on grabbed the first-round lead expect at the Commercial Bank a 13-under 59 in the third the par-five eighth, he with a 64, finished in fifth Qatar Masters. I’m aware of some round at the La Quinta Coun- drained a 14-foot putt for place at 271, closing with a 71. of the previous champions like try Club near Palm Springs, birdie on the par-four ninth. Brendan Steele (70) and Branden Grace, Sergio Garcia, California. The win comes with some Chad Campbell (71) tied for Adam Scott and Henrik Stenson.” Bud Cauley and Brian nice perks, as Swafford is sixth place at 272. Scott Stall- With the winner of the Qatar Harman both shot 69s and now qualified for the Masters, ing (66) took eighth at 273, Open earning a place at the Com- finished in a tie for third at the Players Championship, and Sean O'Hair (69), Richy mercial Bank Qatar Masters, 18-under 270. the Dean and Deluca Invita- Werenski (70) and Scotland's Verlaar looked set to book his Swafford is in his fourth tional, the Memorial, the PGA Martin Laird (69) all came in place against the European Tour year on the Tour and had Championship and the 2018 at 274, tied for ninth. stars one year ago when he held a 26 SPORT TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 Barca maintain pressure on Real Messi, Suarez score final five minutes to end Real Burkina Faso, Madrid's 40-game unbeaten run Messi and Luis Suarez in all competitions last weekend score their 15th and have now won five of the Cameroon into league goals of the seven La Liga games when they season in 4-0 win have conceded first this Cup of Nations over Eibar. season. "The team did some good quarter-finals things and made mistakes, but Libreville Barca are third on 41 from start to finish looked to win the game," said Sevilla boss Jorge AFP points, two behind Sampaoli. Real Madrid, who "To finish the first half of the here was agony for have a game in hand. season with a record number of Gabon on Sunday as the Sevilla in second points (42) and be second fills us TAfrica Cup of Nations place on 42 points with excitement for what is to hosts were condemned to a come." group-stage exit following a Sergio Leon gave Osasuna a goalless draw with Cameroon Madrid shock early lead before an unu- in Libreville. AFP sual hat-trick from Sevilla Star man Pierre-Emerick captain Vicente Iborra levelled Aubameyang was guilty of a ionel Messi, Luis Sua- at 2-2 as he twice equalised glaring early miss while Denis rez and Neymar were either side of an own goal to Bouanga broke down in tears all on target as Barce- restore Osasuna's lead. at the end after hitting the lona shrugged off the Osasuna were infuriated post at the death as the Pan- loss of the injured Ser- Franco Vazquez's vital third goal thers played out a third draw Lgio Busquets to remain just two Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) shoots to score during the Spanish League for Sevilla was allowed to stand in as many games. points behind La Liga leaders match against SD Eibar at the Ipurua Stadium in Eibar on Sunday. despite a push on Oriol Riera 10 Despite ending the group Real Madrid with a 4-0 win at minutes from time. stage unbeaten, Gabon Eibar on Sunday. that went unpunished. "The good Barca goal into the far corner he robbed Florian Lejeune Pablo Sarabia's fine left- become just the fourth host Sevilla separate the giants of news about Sergio Busquets is from outside the box on the half before slotting home at the near footed shot from outside the area nation and the first since Spanish football in second, just that it doesn't look as serious as hour mark. post 22 minutes from time. sealed the points, but there was Tunisia in 1994 to be elimi- a point behind Madrid, after we first thought," Barca boss Luis Neymar missed a one-on- Neymar hadn't scored from still time for Osasuna to pull nated from the Cup of Nations twice coming from behind to Enrique told Spanish TV station one and Luis Suarez hit the post open play since October, but another goal back when Kenan in the group stage. edge a seven-goal thriller 4-3 at Movistar. as Barca squandered a series of brought that run to an end by Kodro headed in from close In contrast, Cameroon, rock-bottom Osasuna. The visitors were briefly chances to kill off the game slotting home Aleix Vidal's low range. after a build-up to the com- However, Real Madrid also unsettled as a fine save from before half-time. However, Messi cross in stoppage time. Atletico Madrid lost further petition marred by the have a game in hand over their Marc-Andre ter Stegen pre- doubled their lead just six min- "A positive run of results ground on the top three as they withdrawals of key players, title rivals. vented Adrian Gonzalez giving utes into the second-half when means everything flows better, needed a spectacular Antoine go through to the last eight as Barca's visit to the Basque Eibar a shock lead at the tiny he swept home Luis Suarez's the players have more confi- Griezmann equaliser 10 minutes runners-up in Group A. Country was only eight minutes 6,200 capacity Ipurua. cross for his 28th goal in 26 dence," added Enrique after a from time to secure a 2-2 draw Burkina Faso won the in when Busquets had to be car- Yet, there was little doubt games this season. fourth straight win. at Athletic Bilbao. group thanks to their 2-0 vic- ried off with ankle ligament over the outcome once Denis And Luis Suarez matched his "But we are still far off where Diego Simeone's men are tory against Guinea-Bissau in damage after a dangerous chal- Suarez, who had replaced Bus- strike partner as La Liga's top we want to be." now eight points back on Real the night's other game in lenge from Gonzalo Escalante quets, drilled home his first scorer this season with 15 when Sevilla scored twice in the Madrid. Franceville. Aubameyang had scored in each of the Panthers' open- ing games but they could only Asian Cup 2019 draw 1-1 against both tourna- Wenger apologises ment debutants Guinea-Bissau and Burkina match dates Faso. confirmed but could still face ban However, the Borussia Dortmund striker squandered a glorious chance in the Abu Dhabi London head by Ben Mee's raised foot. fourth minute at the Stade de Agencies AFP Wenger, who was furious l'Amitie, somehow putting the Coquelin's challenge was ruled ball wide at the back post he 2019 Asian Cup will rsene Wenger apologised a spot-kick, had calmed down with the goal gaping after an begin on Jan. 5 and will after he was sent off and by the time he faced the media. inviting Bouanga cross. Tbe played over 28 days Athen shoved the fourth "I regret everything. I Bouanga was the most across eight stadiums in the official during Arsenal's dra- should have shut up. I apolo- inventive player for Gabon United Arab Emirates, the matic 2-1 win over Burnley but gise for that," Wenger said. and he was desperately continent's soccer governing could still face a significant ban. "I haven't spoken to the unlucky not to snatch a 94th- body said yesterday. Having taken the lead fourth official yet because I had minute winner as his shot The Zayed Sports City in through Shkodran Mustafi's first to do this press conference. struck the post before Didier Abu Dhabi will play host to goal for the club on Sunday, Look, it was nothing bad, I said Ndong's follow-up was the opening game and the Arsenal saw Granit Xhaka dis- something you hear every day turned over by Fabrice final on Februaries 1 in the missed for a needless foul and in football. "Overall nine times Ondoa. region's premier tournament then nearly imploded as Andre out of 10 you are not sent to the Bouanga was in tears at for the member nations, the Gray struck from the spot fol- stands for that, but if you are, the end as he collected his Asian Football Confederation lowing Francis Coquelin's foul you are. I should have shut up." man of the match prize, while said in a statement. on Ashley Barnes. Wenger, who saw his side coach Jose Antonio Camacho Three stadiums in Abu With their Premier League move up to second place, eight -- a last-minute appointment Dhabi and two each in Dubai title hopes facing another major points behind leaders Chelsea, to the job -- refused to be and Al Ain and one in Shar- setback and the clock ticking was less forgiving about Xha- drawn on his future as he jah will host the tournament, down, Wenger was sent off for ka's second red card for blamed bad luck for his which will feature 24 teams rowing with fourth official Arsenal. team's fate. for the first time after expand- Anthony Taylor and the French- Blaming the Swiss for fail- "I am sorry for the fans ing from 16 in the last edition man then pushed Taylor, which ing to follow instructions to stay and for the team. We went out in Australia in 2015. will likely see him punished by on his feet, Wenger warned the to win the game but football Defending champions the Football Association. midfielder to curb his over- is not fair," said Camacho in Australia, China, Iraq, Iran, Arsenal went on to snatch zealous challenges. reference to the last-gasp Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Shin Man Gil, Executive Director AFC Competitions Division, the points as Alexis Sanchez "Xhaka has to control his miss. Saudi Arabia, Syria, Thailand, draws India during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers scored a penalty with virtually game and not punish the team "It is too soon to talk Uzbekistan and hosts United Final Round draw in Abu Dhabi yesterday. the last kick when Laurent with a lack of control in his about the future. We are sad Arab Emirates have sealed Koscielny was caught in the tackling," said Wenger. that we have not gone their spots for the through." tournament. French-born striker The continent's elite 12 Aubameyang bemoaned a will be joined by 12 others poor build-up to the tourna- from the final round of qual- ACL 2017 set for enthralling campaign ment which included a ifiers in which 24 teams will training camp which was late be divided into six groups of in starting. four. The Peninsula from 17 Member Associations world-class platform, as envisaged AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE "I am really proud of all The winners and runners- compete for the biggest prize in the AFC’s Vision and Mission and the players, of everyone, up from each group will he continent's most pres- purse in Asian club competition under our banner of One Asia, One PRELIMINARY STAGE 1 (ALL LOCAL TIME) because everybody gave their qualify for the finals. tigious club competition history after the AFC doubled the Goal, for our stars to shine. January 24( 7.30pm) all," he said. Meanwhile, the second T– the AFC Champions champions’ prize money, from “I am confident that the 2017 Global FC (PHI) vs Tampines Rovers (SIN) "I thought we were meeting of the Organising League (ACL) – will kick off $1.5m to $3m making it one of edition of the AFC Champions Preliminary Stage 2 stronger than every other Committee for the AFC Asian today with Global FC from the the richest continental club com- League will continue to enthuse and EAST team in the group. But it was January 25 (8pm) Cup 2019 took place in Abu Philippines taking on Singa- petitions in the world. excite our passionate fans, not only everything, the preparation, Dhabi, the UAE, yesterday, pore’s Tampines Rovers in the AFC General Secretary, Dato’ in Asia but around the globe, as it Kitchee (HKG) or Hanoi FC (VIE) the change of coach, it wasn't January 31 (7pm) chaired by Deputy Chairman Preliminary Stage 1 qualifiers at Windsor John, said that the recent draws more world-class talent.” easy." Bangkok United (THA) vs Johor Darul Chung Mong Gyu (KOR). the Rizal Memorial Football Sta- improvements have reinforced The Preliminary Stage 2 Ta’zim (MAS) Meanwhile, Cameroon The Committee agreed dium in Manila. the AFC Champions League’s matches will continue on Janu- Sukhothai FC (THA) v Yadanarbon FC advance to the last eight and that the two stadiums to be The second round of the Pre- position as one of the world’s ary 31 when another nine teams (MYA) (7pm) a quarter-final tie against recommended in Dubai will liminary Stage qualifiers leading club competitions. from the East and West Zones – Brisbane Roar (AUS) vs Global FC (PHI) Senegal in Franceville next be the Maktoum Stadium (Al commences the next day, on Jan- “Each year the AFC Champions including Australia’s Brisbane or Tampines Rovers (SIN) (7pm) Saturday. Nasr Club) and the Maktoum uary 26, with Hong Kong’s League grows in stature and qual- Roar, 2016 AFC Cup finalists JSW WEST Burkina Faso won the bin Rashid Stadium (Al Kitchee playing host to Viet- ity and today we have a club Bengaluru FC and 2015 AFC Cup FC Nasaf (UZB) v Al Hidd Club (BHR) group thanks to their victory Shabab Al Arabi Club), with nam’s Hanoi FC (formerly Hanoi competition few in the world can winners Johor Darul Ta’zim - (4pm) against Guinea-Bissau, who

the opening game and final T&T) at the Hong Kong Stadium. match. Asia is home to some unde- battle alongside the winners of Al Wehdat (JOR) vs JSW Bengaluru FC bow out without a win in their to be played at Zayed Sports The 2016 edition of the AFC niable talent and the AFC the Preliminary Stage 1 tie (IND) (6pm) first ever appearance at the City in Abu Dhabi. Champions League saw 45 teams Champions League provides a between Global and Tampines. Cup of Nations. TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 27 Nadal ends quarter-finals drought

Monfils test wayside, Williams beat Barbora AUSTRALIAN OPEN Strycova 7-5, 6-4 to set up a last- Dimitrov says World number nine eight meeting with Johanna Women's quarter-final line-up from Spain survives Konta. (x denotes seeding): love matches Monfils test to reach The American great would Playing today gain much from winning in Mel- Venus Williams (USA x13) vs Anastasia Pavly- delayed rise his first Grand Slam uchenkova (RUS x24) quarter-final bourne, as she would overtake Coco Vandeweghe (USA) vs Garbine Muguru- Melbourne since 2015. Steffi Graf's Open-era record of za (ESP x7) 22 Grand Slam titles and end Playing tomorrow: AFP Kerber's short reign as world Serena Williams (USA x2) vs Johanna Konta Melbourne number one. (GBR x9) aria Sharapova's

AFP In hot afternoon conditions, Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) vs Mirjana Lucic- ex-boyfriend she fought off the Czech Repub- Baroni (CRO) MGrigor Dimitrov afael Nadal struggled lic's Strycova in two tight sets, admitted his relationships into his first Grand following her sister Venus into may have delayed his Slam quarter-final the quarter-finals without drop- "I am a tough little cookie emergence as a top player since 2015 at the Aus- ping a set. and really stubborn: when I want as he extended his hot tralian Open "I have absolutely nothing to something I will work hard and streak at the Australian Ryesterday, as Serena Williams lose in this tournament," said do anything I need to get it. What Open yesterday. accelerated towards a record title Williams, 35. "Everything here is a satisfaction." The Bulgarian heart- and the number one ranking. a bonus for me. Obviously I'm Lucic-Baroni will play her throb has long been touted Nadal, searching for a revival here to win. Hopefully I can play quarter-final against US Open as one of tennis's next big after injuries wrecked last sea- better, I can only go better." finalist Karolina Pliskova, who things, but he reached only son, was tested by France's Gael Britain's Konta, the ninth ended home hopes with a 6-3, his third major quarter- Monfils before winning 6-3, 6-3, seed, also reached the last eight 6-3 win over Australia's Daria final with his win over 4-6, 6-4 to book a last-eight with a perfect record in sets after Gavrilova. In the men's draw, giant-killer Denis Istomin. clash with Milos Raonic. a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory David Goffin put away Austria's Dimitrov, 25, beat the Nadal, 30, was also pushed over Russia's Ekaterina Rafael Nadal of Dominic Thiem 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), injury-hit Uzbek 2-6, 7-6 to five sets by Alexander Zverev, Makarova. Spain celebrates 6-2, 6-2 to become the first Bel- (7/2), 6-2, 6-1 to reach the 19, in round three, but he has sur- Despite the task facing her, beating France's gian man to reach the Australian last eight and stretch his vived to reach his first major Konta was delighted to be play- Gael Monfils in quarter-finals. winning streak to nine quarter-final since the 2015 ing Williams, a childhood idol, their men's singles Goffin will next play Grigor matches after he won this French Open. for what would be her second fourth round match Dimitrov, who halted the fairy- month's Brisbane The Spanish world number straight Australian Open on day eight of the tale run of Denis Istomin, the International. nine now has an excellent chance semi-final. Australian Open 117th-ranked Uzbek wildcard Afterwards, the man to add to his 14 Grand Slam titles "I'm really looking forward who shocked defending cham- known as "Baby Fed" for in Melbourne after world number one Andy to the challenge and I'm looking pion Novak Djokovic in round his Roger Federer-style yesterday. Murray and title-holder Novak forward to being on court, out two. play was asked whether Djokovic were both knocked out. on court with her and compet- The bespectacled Istomin romantic entanglements "I'm very happy being in the ing against her," said the won the first set but injury prob- may have sometimes been quarter-finals of a Grand Slam 25-year-old. now 34, won the 1998 Austral- time since 1999, when she lost to lems set in and he went down a distraction from tennis. after a couple of years without Mirjana Lucic-Baroni wrote ian Open women's doubles with Graf at Wimbledon aged 17. 2-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-1 to the in- "I obviously have a soft being there," he said. "It's very another chapter in her fairytale Martina Hingis but she fled her "I hope no one is going to form Bulgarian. spot for that," joked the special for me, especially here in career revival when she beat abusive father and suffered a pinch me and wake me up Canadian third seed Raonic, world number 15. "On a Australia where I feel (it's) a lit- American qualifier Jennifer series of injuries to put her career because this is just incredible," still suffering from the effects of serious note, I always try tle bit like home." Brady 6-4, 6-2 to reach her first on hold. said Lucic-Baroni, who flu, beat Spain's Roberto Bautista to keep whatever else out- A day after defending wom- Grand Slam quarter-final in 18 Her joy was unbridled at screeched with joy and jumped Agut 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to side the court. en's champion and top seed years. beating Brady as she reached the up and down to celebrate the earn his quarter-final against "I think when I was Angelique Kerber also fell by the The former teen prodigy, last eight at a major for the first win. Nadal. younger, I was struggling to kind of differentiating love from a personal love or a tennis love or what- ever else. There was time Serve-volley king Zverev that I wasn't sure how to deal with both things in the same time. "But you learn. I guess we grow. I mean, I don't stands in Federer's way want to say I've learned from my mistakes, but I've learned myself a little bit Melbourne out Murray in four sets. better. I think that helps AFP Seasoned pair Wawrinka me. Hopefully it's going to and Tsonga will also look to cash help me for the future oger Federer's renais- in on the absence of Murray from through any kind of fall- sance faces an unusual Playing Roger will be a their side of the draw as they aim ing-in-love stuff." Rtest against surprise quar- dream for me. Growing up I for a semi-final place. Dimitrov, who split ter-finalist Mischa Zverev at the Wawrinka, as a three-time with Russian star Sharap- was inspired by him. He's Serena Williams of the US serves against Czech Republic's Australian Open today as his my favourite player, says Grand Slam champion, includ- ova in 2015, will face hopes rise of an unprecedented ing a 2014 Melbourne final win Barbora Strycova during their women's singles fourth round Belgian 11th seed David Zverev 18th Grand Slam title. over Rafael Nadal, will be the match on day eight of the Australian Open in Melbourne Goffin for a place in the The Swiss legend, seeded 17 favourite. yesterday. semi-finals in the lower after his 2016 season was cut ambushed in The Swiss world number half of the draw. short by a knee injury, was this year's four leads the 12th-ranked Istomin, the bespecta- expected to meet five-time run- tournament. Frenchman 4-3 and has won cled world number 117, ner-up Andy Murray after "Obviously their last three meetings. He beat No panic for Konta showed the effects of a overcoming world number five he's on a high Martin Klizan, Steve Johnson, demanding tournament Kei Nishikori in the round of 16. right now. He's Viktor Troicki and Andreas Seppi following his sensational Instead Federer will take on feeling great. Probably feels the to get to the last eight. "Tsonga second-round upset of six- the 50th-ranked, net-rushing best he's ever felt on a tennis has always been around the top as Serena looms time winner Novak German left-hander Zverev, who court," Federer said. "It's going 10. He was number five in the Djokovic. stunned Murray in the fourth to be tough and different and world. He made the final here. His game deteriorated round, as he pursues a fifth Aus- tricky. That's my mindset. It's going to be an interesting Melbourne myself from the importance of after losing a second-set tralian crown at age 35. "Of course I'm the big favour- match," Wawrinka said. AFP the moment," she said. tiebreaker and despite The victor will play the win- ite in this match, but I prefer to Tsonga, the 2008 finalist "I think it's more keeping medical treatment, he had ner of today's other quarter-final, be the favourite. I did it for years who battled past Englishman ohanna Konta says she has things in perspective and not trouble getting around the between 2014 champion Stan and years. It makes me feel Dan Evans over four sets in the learned not to panic in big panicking if I were to lose that court as Dimitrov charged Wawrinka and former finalist Jo- comfortable." fourth round, said he will be Jmoments after holding her service game or that point. to victory. Wilfried Tsonga, for a place in the For Zverev, it will be a ready to take on the Swiss. nerve to blast into her second "I think just keeping things Dimitrov lost to Rafael final. "dream" match with Federer. "It's going to be a tough straight Australian Open quar- in good perspective and just Nadal in the quarter-finals Zverev, elder brother of ris- "Playing Roger will be a match. I know he's playing really ter-final Monday. having trust in myself that how- in Melbourne three years ing German teen Alexander, dream for me. Growing up I was good. It's going to be important And the in-form British ever the match will swing, I will ago and last year he fell to shocked world number one Mur- inspired by him. He's my favour- for me to play my best level. I ninth seed will need to keep her always be there to give my best Federer in the third round. ray with an assiduously executed ite player," he said, after taking think I will be ready," he said. wits about her when she faces and to always try to leave it all Dimitrov also reached serve-volley game that kept the her next opponent -- the mighty out on court and fight till the the semi-finals at Wimble- Scot out of his comfort zone. Serena Williams, who is in very end." don in 2014 where he lost Zverev will again strive to search of a 23rd Grand Slam Sydney-born Konta has to Novak Djokovic, after keep the rallies short and spend crown. blossomed over the past two defeating defending cham- as much time at the net as pos- The 25-year-old has been years, crediting not just a new pion Andy Murray in the sible, but his challenge will be to in imperious form, setting her- mental attitude but greater quarter-finals. attack Federer's stronger second self up as a genuine title maturity for her progress. Istomin, who qualified serve. contender, and she swatted It helped her last year via the Asia wildcard play- The 29-year-old German aside Russian 30th seed Ekat- become the first British woman off, beat Ivan Dodig and journeyman didn't win a game erina Makarova 6-1, 6-4 in to reach a Grand Slam semi- Pablo Carreno Busta, as in his last meeting with Federer suffocating heat on Margaret final since 1983 in an well as Djokovic, to reach at Halle in 2013, and lost their Court Arena. eye-catching performance at the fourth round, equal- other encounter in straight sets It was her ninth win in a Melbourne Park, where she was ling his best Grand Slam in Rome four years earlier. row after lifting this month's making her debut. result. But Federer is wary of tak- Sydney International title, a Konta had won all three of "It's an unbelievable ing on the rejuvenated Zverev in streak she attributes to a new her previous matches with feeling. I'm not lying. I'm the unique pressures of a best- belief that she can overcome Makarova, including at the happy to be on that stage of-five-set quarter-final on the hurdles in pressure same stage of the Australian of a tournament. Quarter- slick Rod Laver Arena hardcourt, Germany's Mischa Zverev hits a return against Britain's Andy situations. Open last year, and the Russian finals of a Slam, it's great," where Murray and six-time win- Murray during their men's singles fourth round match of the "I think more than anything never looked like getting her Dimitrov said. ner Novak Djokovic have been Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Sunday. it's more trying to disassociate revenge.