SPORT Tuesday 12 February 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Mickelson on Perfect time for brink of fifth Manchester United Pebble Beach to play PSG, title says Solskjaer Pliskova positive despite ‘tough’ 2018

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA Tomljanovic, Muchova Three-time Fed Cup winner Karolina Pliskova yesterday said advance on rain-hit day the 2018 season was a ‘tough’ grind but reaching Singapore for the season-ending championships and THE PENINSULA a top-10 finish put a smile to her DOHA face after a struggle at the start of the year. Rain yesterday caused several The 26-year-old Czech delays to the final round of qual- star has arrived in Doha following ifying matches on day one of the her loss to Romania’s Simona Qatar Total Open at the Khalifa Halep in Fed Cup on Sunday, just Tennis Complex. in time for her first match at the Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova speaks Before the rain arrived, Aus- Qatar Total Open that kicked off during a press conference in Doha, yesterday. tralia’s Ajla Tomljanovic beat yesterday. of Slovenia in “Last season was tough. I had straight sets to reach the second some ups and downs. I had I think I could do a little bit better “But (I am) pleased that I have round of the six-day tournament. changes in the team a little bit, so but it wasn’t bad,” she added. (had) a good start and I feel like I Tomljanovic won 6-3, 6-4 in 1 for sure (it) was not the best season When asked about her goals can build on these matches what hour 46 minutes on the Center but not the worst,” Pliskova, in the new season, Pliskova I have played,” she said. Court. champion in Doha in 2017, said sounded a bit guarded in her reply. “Obviously beating the players Croatian-born Australian yesterday. “No, not really,” Pliskova said which were lower ranked behind Tomljanovic, still without a WTA “I still finished (at the) top 10. when asked to share her goals for me, it’s always good. I have a lot Tour title, fired two aces in her I still made it to Singapore, which the 2019 season. of matches which I won in the first hard-fought win. Tomljanovic A young fan takes cover is always a good effort,” the tall “I have my goals, but it’s no month, which is always good to broke Hercog - who won the Republic beat Liudmila Sam- under an umbrella as Czech added. different compared to last year. start season like this. in 2008 playing sonova of Russia in three sets. rain stops play during the “I think it’s always the goal in Just want to play well. So far I’m “Now coming from Fed Cup, doubles with - in Muchova won 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 in 1 opening day of the Qatar the beginning of the year, and it doing what I want, and I just did also two good matches: one I won, games two and four in the first hour 46 minutes on Court Total Open 2019 at the shows that the year was actually everything what I did in practice, one I lost. But it’s always tough, but set and then and a couple more Number 1. Muchova fired 6 aces Khalifa Tennis Complex not that bad if you are in the top so that’s good. I think it was a good match so I’m breaks in the second saw the in her gutsy win. Muchova, 22, yesterday. 8,” Pliskova said. “Still, it can happen that you not that negative about that. 25-year-old take the match. broke her opponent twice in the PIC: BAHER AMIN/ “I made it again to the semi- lose to good players. I just lost two “Yeah, now these two tourna- In another qualifying match, first set and then another three THE PENINSULA final there (in Singapore). So I think times so far and two times was ments, Doha, Dubai, so hopefully Karolina Muchova of the Czech times in the decider. the secondseco partp of the season was winners, so if it con- I can play well here, too,” Pliskova better than the firstfirst one.one. I had tinuestinues likelike this, I’m happy,” said. some good matches PliskovaPliskova said about her losseslosses PliskovaPliskova said flying out to and good vic-vic- againstagainst Halep on Sunday and Aus-Aus- Doha was dondonee in a hurried toriestories too. traliantralian Open champion Naomi manner with littlittlele rest after her Osaka.Osaka. Pliskova lost to matchmatch on Sunday. OsakaOsaka at the semis in Mel-Mel- “I left late yesterdayyeste (Sunday) bournebourne last month. so I tried to makemake iti to Vienna to Pliskova said her make it here as fast aas I can. I came matchmatch scheduling in the this morning. I just ttried to sleep a firstfirst six weeks of the littlelittle bit and I wentwent tot hit a little bit. new season has testetestedd Not much,” PliskPliskovaov said with a her thoroughthoroughly.ly. smile.smile. “It is not an easy start “But I feel littlelittle tiredt today, but of thethe year by playing so that’sthat’s normanormall bbecause the many good players weekendweekend was not onlyo physically already.already. It’s only second but mentally toughtoug too. That’s monthmonth and I have plaplayedyed alwaysalways with Fed CuCup. But I think I (against)(against) I think four, five, play on WednesdayWednesday so there is one six Grand Slam winners,” more day tomtomorroworro (for rest). So PliskovaPliskova said.said. I think I will be ready,”read she added. Pliskova, wiwinnernn in Doha in 2017,2017, said she isis not looking far aheadahead to a possiblep clash againstagainst the 202014 Qatar Total Open chachampionmpio Halep. “Well, toto play Simona I have to win foufour more matches so thisthis is very far. So I’m not thinkingthinking about tthishi at all. Obviously I won a title here,here so there is some different feelingfeeling always in the tournamenttournament wwhereh you win the title,title, so you bebelievel that you can do itit again,again,”” PliskovaP said. “I like thethese conditions here so I don’t sseeee any reason why I shouldshould notnot play good tennis herehere.. ObObviouslyvio I had a lot of tennis iinn ththe past days, but I thinkthink if I survivesurv the first couple days here,here I’ll be fine,” she added.added. PlsikovaPlsik is looking forwardforward to appearing in the doublesdoubl with sister Kristyna.Kristy “Yeah,“ we’re playing doublesdou with Kristyna here.her I am thankful for the wildcard and the opopportunity to play, bebecause we don’t get thathat many chances to playpla doubles together,” PliskovaPlis said. “We“ always enjoy and if therethere is a chance, we just try to play. ObviouslyO the schedule sometimessometimes is not the same and some toutournamentsr I don’t play Karolina Pliskova doubles ththat much anymore, but it’s gonnagonna bbe fun, for sure.” 18 SPORT TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2019 Romania QOC, member associations set upset Fed Cup holders to celebrate National Sport Day Czechs QNA DOHA AP OSTRAVA The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) will celebrate the 8th Romania upset defending edition of the National Sport champion Czech Republic 3-2 Day (NSD) in cooperation with to advance to the semi-finals the Ministry of Education and of the Fed Cup on Sunday, Higher Education at Al Yarmouk along with France, Belarus Preparatory School for Boys and . today with the participation of Romania reached the sports federations, families and semi-finals for the first time children. after its first victory against The event comes within the the Czechs, who won six titles framework of cooperation in the last eight years. between the Qatar Olympic Irina-Camelia Begu and Committee (QOC) and the Min- teamed up istry of Education and Higher to clinch the best-of-five Education. The partnership contest with a 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4 between the two parties is in win over Czech pair Katerina many programs, resulting in Siniakova and Barbora Kre- several projects that focus on jcikova in the doubles. the importance of school sports Qatari residents Romania took a 2-1 lead in discovering and polishing take part in various on an indoor hard-court in talents. This is done through activities during the Ostrava after several programs including the National Sport Day beat Karolina Pliskova 6-4, Schools Olympic Program. in these file photos. 5-7, 6-4 in a reverse singles Commenting on the featuring two former top- occasion, Secretary General of ranked players. Halep The National Sport Day QOC, Jassim bin Rashid Al NATIONAL SPORT DAY improved her record against Buainain said that they were (NSD), initiated by the QTSBF to conduct a host Pliskova to 7-2 to put proud with the NSD initiative, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim ACTIVITIES Romania one win from which was a decision taken by bin Hamad Al Thani, falls advancing. the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin on the second Tuesday of KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE of activities to mark NSD Siniakova, the star of last Hamad Al Thani. February each year. Weightlifting year’s final victory against the The decision states that the Fencing THE PENINSULA United States, made it 2-2 NSD falls on the second Tuesday Wrestling DOHA with a 6-4, 6-2 win over of February each year. The goal More than 50 different Table Tennis Mihaela Burzanescu, leaving of the initiative is to emphasise sports events are lined KATARA BEACH The Qatar Tennis, Squash and the result hinging on the the role of sports in the lives of up as Qatar celebrates the Taekwondo Badminton Federation doubles. people in Qatar. 8th edition of the NSD. Judo (QTSBF) will mark Qatar’s It was a similar finish in Al Buainan said that the Karate National Sport Day (NSD) by Australia’s 3-2 win over the QOC, through its many sports Beach Volleyball organising a number of sport US in North Carolina, with federations, has prepared a addition to a taekwondo show Tennis and entertainment events at Ash Barty and host of events as part of its from 12 noon to 3 pm, and a judo ASPIRE PARK Katara, Qatar Foundation and beating Danielle Collins and commitment to ensuring the from 3 to 5 pm. Kids Athletics, age 5-7 the Khalifa Tennis and Squash 6-4, 7-5 in success of NSD, partnered with Qatar Golf Association will MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC PARK Complex. the deciding doubles. the Ministry of Education and organise a mini Golf event at The QTSBF will host an Fencing Qatar Tennis, Squash and Higher Education to offer a Katara Beach throughout the MALL OF QATAR open day for embassies at the Badminton Federation wide variety of sporting events day, while Qatar Cycling and Khalifa International Tennis FED CUP RESULTS Fencing (QTSBF) President, Nasser to students. Triathlon Federation will hold QATAR WOMEN'S SPORT and Squash Complex from 8 bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi The QOC Secretary-General the all-day aquathlon swimming COMMITTEE am today with the partici- WORLD GROUP praised the great success of NSD event at Katara Corniche. (Ladies Only) pation of embassies of Phil- in expanding the base of com- The Qatar Volleyball Asso- Fitness exercises ippines, India, Pakistan and In Ostrava munity participation in all dif- ciation will organise a beach Handball Nepal. Czech Republic 2, Romania 3 ferent sport categories and volleyball event at 8am and vol- Football During this open day, the Karolina Pliskova (CZE) bt Mihaela expressed his confidence that leyball matches in association Basketball foreign community in Qatar Buzarnescu (ROM) 6-1, 6-4 this years edition will be a huge with Kahramaa. Table Tennis will have the opportunity to Simona Halep (ROM) bt Katerina success, especially after the The Qatar Tennis, Squash Running practice their local traditional Siniakova (CZE) 6-4, 6-0 Qatari national teams historic and Badminton Federation will Cycling sports. Simona Halep (ROM) bt Karolina win of AFC Asian Cup. hold tennis events at 9 am for The Federation has also FIRE STATION Pliskova (CZE) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 He noted that there will be all categories. Winter Sports invited Ashgal and Qatar Rail more than 50 different sports Fencing events will be held in addition to some private Katerina Siniakova (CZE) bt Mihaela VILLAGGIO MALL Buzarnescu (ROM) 6-4, 6-2 events this year, the most prom- at 10 am at Qatar Mall and will Ice hockey companies to participate in QTSBF Secretary-General inent of which is the World be attended by Qatari national the sport and entertainment Irina-Camelia Begu/Monica Niculescu Tariq Zainal Championships in Athletics, team fencers. The Clement events to help workers to (ROM) bt Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina which will be held in the Academy will organise fencing stadium of the committee, practice and follow a healthy Siniakova (CZE) 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-4 Middle-East for the very first matches at the Islamic Museum football matches, basketball lifestyle. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al time. Park at 8 am. games and table tennis matches Moreover, the QTSBF will Thani as sport plays a vital In Liege The Qatar Athletics Feder- In addition, the Qatar in the outdoor arena of the organise the NSD Tennis tour- role in building a healthy Belgium 1, France 3 ation, in cooperation with the Swimming Association QWSC. nament for juniors under 8, 9 society that able to bring (FRA) bt Alison Van Ministry of Municipality and organises an event for young The Azizia Girls Center will and 10 years to feature the about the desirable Uytvanck (BEL) 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 6-2 Environment, will hold compe- swimmers under the age of 12 organise activities such as participation of national team development” Alize Cornet (FRA) bt Elise Mertens (BEL) titions for children aged 8-12 at 9 am at the Hamad Aquatics cycling for women and children players and their parents. “The glorious 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 years, while the Qatar Women’s Complex, as well as water polo in the outdoor arena of the In addition, some mini achievement made by the Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Elise Mertens Sports Committee (QWSC) will festival for the those who are QWSC along with a healthy tennis courts will be built in Qatari national football team (BEL) 6-2, 6-3 organise various activities under the age of 18, and a diving food corner and a healthy other venues outside the when they claimed the title of / including mini games for festival for all age groups. guidance corner. Khalifa International Tennis the AFC Asian Cup 2019 is the children aged 5 to 13 in cooper- The Organising Committee It should be noted that min- and Squash Complex, under fruit of this unlimited support (BEL) bt Fiona Ferro/ ation with Kahramaa. of the IAAF World Champion- istries and other government the supervision of its coaches from our leadership,” Al (FRA) 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 In cooperation with the ships, in cooperation with the agencies, public bodies, institu- who will be available to teach Khelaifi added. (BEL) v Alize Cornet Organising Committee of the Qatar Athletics Federation, will tions and entities, and all community members, the The QTSBF Secretary- (FRA) -- not played NSD events in Katara, the QWSC offer athletic activities for entities operating in Qatar, basics of tennis. General Tariq Zainal said: will hold a table tennis skills children aged 5 to 7 years at including the private sector, are The QTSBF President, “The QTSBF is proud of In Braunschweig development camp for players Aspire Park. organising sport activities on the Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi marking the national sport Germany 0, Belarus 4 of various age groups from The QWSC, in cooperation NSD, in which employees will said: “The National Sport Day day by hosting a number of (BLR) bt Tatjana 9:30am to 1:30pm. with the Azizia Girls Center, participate and aim to raise is a national initiative that sport and entertainment Maria (GER) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 The Qatar Taekwondo and will participate in the women’s awareness about the impor- reflects the importance of events at different venues to (BLR) bt Andrea Judo team will hold karate exer- gymnastics at the QWSC’s field, tance of sport and its role in the sport for our wise leadership help build a healthy Petkovic (GER) 6-2, 6-1 cises on Katara Beach in addition to a handball match lives of individuals and represented in the Amir H H community” Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) bt Laura throughout the morning, in at the outdoor handball communities. Siegemund (GER) 6-1, 6-1 /Lidziya Marozava (BLR) bt Anna-Lena Groenefeld/ (GER) 6-1, 0-6, 11-9 South Korea picks Seoul for 2032 Olympic bid (GER) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) -- not played AP Olympic Committee of their formality since the government become something more than and relations dramatically SEOUL intent to co-host the 2032 has described the 2032 Games a sports festival - an opportunity worsened ahead of the Seoul In Asheville Olympics on Friday during a as a crucial opportunity to sta- to change the fate of the Korean Olympics with the North’s USA 2, Australia 3 South Korea has chosen its meeting in Lausanne, Swit- bilise relations with North Peninsula,” Seoul Mayor Park bombing of a South Korean pas- (AUS) bt Sofia Kenin capital, Seoul, for its bid for the zerland. While North Korea has Korea. Won-soon said in a statement. senger jet that killed all 115 (USA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) 2032 Summer Olympics, which yet to formally announce its can- Following a meeting of their There is declining public aboard in November 1987. (USA) bt Kimberly Birrell it hopes to jointly host with rival didate city for the Olympics, its leaders in September, the rival support among South Koreans The Koreas have often used (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 North Korea as a peace gesture. capital, Pyongyang, is seen as the Koreas agreed to pursue a joint for hosting large sports events sports to facilitate diplomacy. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) bt Madison Keys South Korea’s Olympic com- obvious choice because it’s much bid for the 2032 Olympics and due to worries over huge costs. North Korea sent hundreds of (USA) 6-4, 6-1 mittee announced the decision more developed than other North also send combined teams to the For some South Koreans, it’s people to the Winter Olympics Danielle Collins (USA) bt after a meeting yesterday in Korean cities. 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, mind-boggling that the Koreas in South Korea’s Pyeongchang (AUS) 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 which Seoul received 34 of 49 While yesterday’s decision among other steps to promote are even talking about jointly in February last year, including Ashleigh Barty/Priscilla Hon (AUS) bt votes, edging out the southern by the South Korean Olympic reconciliation. hosting the Olympics. North Kim’s sister, who conveyed his port city of Busan. committee needs approval from “Seoul will cooperate with Korea boycotted the 1986 Asian desire for an inter-Korean Danielle Collins/Nicole Melichar (USA) The Koreas are expected to the country’s sports and finance the national government so that Games and the 1988 Summer summit following tensions over 6-4, 7-5 officially inform the International ministries, that is seen as a the 2032 Summer Olympics Olympics, both held in Seoul, North Korea’s weapons tests. TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 19 Stage set for Qatar Open Amateur Championship

ARMSTRONG VAS place from February 14 at DGC. Meronk, Guiraud Alexis, THE PENINSULA Craig, 24, who turned pro- Mateusz Gradecki, Steven fessional in 2013, will be com- Troup, Niclas Johansson, Jordan Craig Lawrie - son of Open peting in a field of 100 golfers Massey, Mike Elliott, David Championship winner Paul drawn from a total of 33 Moreland, Scott Puzey, Morgan Lawrie - is one of the 22 profes- countries. Jackson, Rocco Sanjust, Victor sional players, who will be This is the second year Riu, Michael James Steyn, Darryl competing at this year’s Qatar running that QGA has added the Gwilliam, Mike Toorop, Peter Open Amateur Championship at professional division to the Erofejeff, Todd Clements, Craig the Doha Golf Club (DGC), organ- amateur event. Lawrie, Anwar Ali, Jean-Michel isers of the event announced Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, Hall, Lucas Norman and Alfie yesterday. General Secretary of QGA said Plant. The mixed field of amateur the introduction of the profes- Massey, Elliott, Moreland and and professional players will be sional division has made the Ali are the four professional vying for the seven qualifying event, which is into its 33rd players who are based in Qatar. spots up for grabs at the Com- edition, has made it more Last year, rising Pakistani mercial Bank Qatar Masters tour- interesting. teen Ahmed Baig registered a nament, which will be held from “This year we have increased one-shot victory to top in the March 7 to 10 at the DGC. the quota of Qatari players, who event dashing the hopes of The top amateur player will will qualify from the Qatar Open From left: Ramy Essam, Director of Sales, Alkalive, Andreas Pfister, General Manager, InterContinental Morocco’s Ayoub Omar. lay his hands on the Qatar Open to the Commercial Bank Qatar Doha, Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, General Secretary, Qatar Golf Association, Mohd Faisal Al Naimi, Event In the professional category, trophy and qualify for a place in Masters tournament, from two Manager, Qatar Golf Association and Gary McGlinchey, General Manager, Doha Golf Club during the it was England’s Joshua White European Tour event in Qatar to three. Qatar Open Amateur Championship press conference held at Doha Golf Club yesterday. who won while two-time winner along with three pro players and This is with a view to PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA on the European Tour, Simon an as many Qatari players. promote local talent. The move Khan, finished second while The three-day event to add the professional section Jaham Al Kuwari Salman Al Out of the ten, three of them, in a individual stroke play Jean-Michel Hall came third, in organised by Qatar Golf Asso- to the tournament has been wel- Khanji, Arnav Jain, Fahad Mir, with the best finish in the tour- format, with half the field an all English sweep in the pro ciation (QGA) with support from comed by many players and has Abdulrahman Al Dehaimi, nament will get a chance to play advancing to Saturday’s final category. Qatar Olympic Committee, added a new twist to the event,” Abdulaziz Al Buainain, Abdul- in the Commercial Bank Qatar round play on February 16. Among the Qataris, Ali Al InterContinental Doha Hotel, said Fahad. rahman Al Shahrani and Adel Al Masters tournament, organisers Besides Craig, the other Shahrani and Saleh Ali Al Kaabi Doha Golf Club, Royal Air 10 Qatari players, namely Hamad are also competing in the said. professional players are were the best and qualified for Maroc and Alkalive, will take Saleh Al Kaas, Ali Al Shahrani, event. The tournament will be play Thomas Strandemo, Adrian the European tour event.

Action from the Al Kass Cup match between Roma and Spartak Perfect time for United Moscow, yesterday. to play PSG: Solskjaer

AFP Manchester United’s players MANCHESTER during training in Manchester, yesterday. Manchester United’s return to Champions League action against Paris Saint-Germain today has come at the perfect time for the in-form team, according to caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Al Kass Cup: Roma When the two sides were paired together in December’s We are playing draw, PSG were strong like a team, we set up semi-final favourites to make the last eight, are agreeing on with United mired in the final how we should days of Jose Mourinho’s trou- approach games. clash with Aspire blesome tenure. If there was ever a However, the mood around Old Trafford is transformed two time to go into big THE PENINSULA saved well at his near post. months on, with Solskjaer over- games like this it DOHA Mory Bamba’s pace was turning an 11-point deficit to is now: Ole Gunnar troubling the Russian backline, break into the top four of the Solskjaer Roma, yesterday advanced to who resorted to questionable Premier League and beating the semi-finals of Al Kass Cup tactics to halt his runs on more Arsenal away to reach the fifth with a straight forward 3-0 than one occasion, with round of the FA Cup. victory over Spartak Moscow, Vyacheslav Frolov cautioned “We’ve given ourselves the Meunier all sidelined by injury. three-time European champions 3-0 win at Fulham and believes after the Russians had been early on for hacking down the best possible opportunity with “Of course any team that are have reached the quarter-finals. the attacking freedom given to reduced to 10 men midway speedy winger as he got away the way we’ve gone into this missing players like Neymar, And Solskjaer admitted it has the players under Solskjaer is through the second half. down the right. game because we are confident,” Cavani and Meunier will feel the been too long since a memorable more conducive to getting the Roma will face Aspire Just after the half hour, and said the Norwegian on Monday, effect,” added Solskjaer, who is Champions League night at Old best from them than Mourinho’s Academy in the second of following another foul, buoyed by 10 wins and one draw still wary of the pace of Kylian Trafford. more conservative approach. tomorrow’s semi-finals. Both Astrologo put in a high, angled since he took charge. Mbappe. “Yes, it has been (too long),” “We’ve got a coach with a sides have impressed thus far cross from the right that “I’ve found out what kind of “It makes them maybe more said Solskjaer. different approach and we are and will have to be at their very Edoardo Bove rose highest to team we have. We are playing unpredictable for us who they “It’s both the players and trying to do what he’s asking us,” best to reach the final. head home. like a team, we are agreeing on are going to play. supporters who have been said Martial. “Perhaps it is easier Menna Nayel Spartak’s spoiling tactics how we should approach games. “When you see that front looking forward to some of these for us to play this style of football Yesterday, the Italians came continued, with Vadim If there was ever a time to go three over the whole season you nights because they are special.” compared to the previous style into the game as one of the Khromin seeing yellow after into big games like this it is now.” know what to expect. We are Anthony Martial is just one of football we were asked to tournament favourites after blocking off Bamba – not for It may also be the perfect guessing a little bit how they will of a number of United players play.” their 5-2 mauling of PSG in the first time. time to run into an injury- approach this game.” transformed since the change in PSG’s visit is the first of three their opening match was fol- Despite being constantly ravaged PSG, with the world’s Should United emerge vic- management. huge games across three dif- lowed up with a highly efficient under the cosh, Ilya Lev- most expensive player Neymar, torious over the two legs it will The Frenchman scored a ferent competitions in 13 days 2-0 victory over Kashiwa chenkov could have equalised Edinson Cavani and Thomas be the first time in five years the brilliant solo goal in Saturday’s for United. Reysol. for Moscow just after the Spartak, meanwhile, had restart, but could not connect also shown considerable with a low cross from six yards potential in the group stage, out. rebounding from a narrow loss Soon after, Spartak’s tough Roma need to show ambition against Real Madrid to com- task became even more difficult fortably dispatch Suwon when Frolov was shown a Samsung by three goals to one. second yellow for a late chal- against Porto: Di Francesco And, in Ilya Golyatov, Spartak lenge on Matteo Cancellieri. possessed the tournament’s Boriskin continued to keep joint top scorer, and a player Spartak in the game with a AFP performance and bring back some Manolas has returned to training capable of winning a game on series of splendid saves, but ROME enthusiasm,” said Di Francesco. although goalkeeper Robin Olsen his own. the Russian keeper couldn’t “There are only two Italian sides remains a doubt. Porto, meanwhile, Roma were on the front foot hold back the tide forever, and Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco left in the competition, we are proud will be without suspended winger from the first whistle, and engi- Roma doubled their lead as called on his side to show to be one of them. We have to aim Jesus Corona with top-scorer Moussa neered an early chance Andrea the game entered its final ambition against Porto in high.” Marega injured. Astrologo got up well to head a quarter, with Tueto Fotso today’s Champions League last Roma reached the semi-finals Porto are leading their domestic cross from the right goalwards, heading home. 16, first-leg tie at the Stadio last season before falling to Liv- league but recently crashed out of but keeper Pavel Boriskin saved In added time, Riccardo Olimpico to rekindle enthu- erpool, but have never beaten Porto the Portuguese Cup on penalties and comfortably. Ciervo’s strike into the roof of siasm after recent knocks. who have won the competition twice, have dropped points in successive Five minutes later Astrologo the net was chalked out for Roma crashed out of the most recently in 2004 under Jose league games. turned supplier, sending in a offside, only for the decision to Coppa Italia with a 7-1 Mourinho. “Sergio Conceicao is doing a corner from the left that skipper be corrected after a VAR thrashing by Fiorentina but are Sergio Conceicao’s side last great job,” said Di Francesco. Mattia Ciucci rose to meet, but review, following a lengthy Roma coach Eusebio now unbeaten in their last six reached the quarter-finals in 2015, Roma’s best run in the compe- again Boriskin was equal to it. delay for consultations. Ciervo Di Francesco Serie A games to sit one point and beat Roma 4-1 on aggregate in tition was reaching the 1984 final Roma were beginning to almost added a fourth within off the Champions League the 2016-2017 playoffs. before losing on penalties to Liv- dominate, and Alessio Buttaro moments of the restart, only for berths. Roma will be without forward erpool at the Stadio Olimpico. The went close moments later with Boriskin to produce another “This game is a great Patrik Schick who picked up a mus- second leg will take place in Portugal a close range, side-footed spectacular save to keep out the chance to produce a big cular problem, but defender Kostas on March 6. volley that the Spartak keeper first-time volley. TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 17

Simona Halep on FOOTBALL FOOTBALL I am happy to have won against such her win over Karolina a tough opponent. It was my best Champions League, Champions League, Pliskova during the and biggest win in the Fed Cup. Round of 16: Manchester Round of 16: Roma vs Fed Cup quarter-final. United vs PSG FC Porto ACTION TODAY’S England take command over Mickelson on brink of West Indies fifth Pebble Beach title

AFP AFP Mickelson will return tournament with two holes GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA BRIEF SCORES SAN FRANCISCO to play the last two remaining. Phil Mickelson during holes holding a He gained ground with the final round of the England 277 (B. Stokes 79, J. Buttler 67; K. AT&T Pebble Beach England made the most of a Phil Mickelson was closing in three-shot lead over birdies at the par-five second Roach 4-48, S. Gabriel 2-49) and 108-2 (J. Pro-Am on Sunday. morning of errors and misad- Denly 45 not out; K. Paul 1-11) on a fifth Pebble Beach playing partner Paul and the fourth, then made Pro-Am title when darkness back-to-back birdies at the ventures to extend their second West Indies 154 (J. Campbell 41, S. Dowrich Casey. halted play in the final round ninth and 10th -- two of innings to 108 for two at lunch 38; M. Wood 5-41, M. Ali 4-36) on the third day of the third and of the weather-hit US PGA the toughest holes on

Match Situation: England lead by 231 runs final Test against the West Tour tournament. vision, I can see fine and I’m the course. with eight second innings wickets in hand. Indies at the Darren Sammy Mickelson will return to playing well so I wanted to He curled in a Stadium in St Lucia yesterday. play the last two holes holding continue, that’s all there is seven-footer for After the combination of Jason Holder for a slow over- a three-shot lead over playing to it. birdie at 13 and drained Mark Wood’s pace and Moeen rate offence in the previous partner Paul Casey. Casey said he didn’t see a six-footer at 14. Ali’s spin earned them a healthy match, left the field on a Red-hot Mickelson and why they should continue in The last time the final first innings advantage of 123 stretcher shortly after as he Casey had opposing views on the gathering darkness when round was played on Monday runs on an eventful second day, appeared to suffer a serious leg whether to continue as they wouldn’t be able to com- was in 2000, when Tiger the tourists now have an overall injury chasing a ball to the darkness fell, Mickelson plete the round. Woods rallied from a five-shot lead of 231 runs with eight boundary. putting out for a par at the “From my angle it was are deficit. wickets in hand going into the West Indies did not help 16th and saying he was ready we going to get 18 done,” he In 2009, rain prevented afternoon session as they their increasingly difficult sit- to head to 17 as Casey opted said. “We weren’t going to get a planned Monday finish and pursue a consolation victory uation when Shimron Hetmyer to call it a day with a three- 18 done.” Dustin Johnson having already surrendered the put down a simple chance foot putt for par in front of The last two groups didn’t was declared series and the Wisden Trophy offered by new batsman Joe him. tee off until after two weather the winner after massive defeats in the first Denly off Shannon Gabriel. On “I can see fine,” Mickelson delays, with rain postponing after 54 holes. two Tests in Barbados and 12 at the time, Denly has told a rules official on the 16th the start of play for an hour Mickel- Antigua. advanced to 45 at the interval green. But he said he under- and a hailstorm bringing son’s first Resuming at the overnight as he continued to play his stood Casey’s perspective. another two-hour hold-up. Pebble Beach position of 19 without loss, shots, stroking six boundaries “I get exactly where Paul’s Mickelson, gunning for a title back in 1998 came when England suffered an immediate in his 68-ball innings so far. coming from,” Mickelson said. 44th US PGA Tour title, was the weather was so bad that setback when Rory Burns He lost the other opening “It’s dark and we’re going to unfazed by the uncertainty. the final round was actually clipped the first delivery of the batsman, Keaton Jennings, have a good chance tomorrow He started the day three played on a Monday in August morning to Alzarri Joseph at midway through the morning to come out on fresh greens. shots off Casey’s lead but -- six months after the tour- square-leg to give Keemo Paul when the left-hander attempted They got pretty rough this roared to the top of the lead- nament began. immediate success. to turn a delivery from Joseph afternoon so I totally get it. erboard with six birdies that “That’s probably a good However, the young all- to the leg-side and the ball ric- “But I have pretty good put him 18-under for the omen,” Mickelson said. rounder, drafted into the final ocheted off his body onto the eleven for this match due to the stumps to send him back to the suspension of regular captain pavilion for 23. Scots suffer Pat Cummins poses with his Allan Border NBA: Warriors escape Medal yesterday. Wilson injury PIC: CRICKET AUSTRALIA with victory over Heat blow after

REUTERS scoring win over Los Angeles. defeat OAKLAND It was the 23rd game for Embiid this season with at least AFP DeMarcus Cousins (pictured) 30 points and 10 rebounds, the EDINBURGH made two tie-breaking free most such games by any Phila- throws after retrieving a Kevin delphia player since Charles Seasoned Scotland back-row Durant missed 3-pointer with Barkley had 27 in 1987-88. forward Ryan Wilson will 5.4 seconds remaining on Tobias Harris added 22 points miss the rest of the Six Sunday night, allowing the and JJ Redick had 21 for the Nations due to a knee Golden State Warriors to survive Sixers, who won their second ligament injury, the Scottish a 3-point-shooting assault by game in a row. Rugby Union said yesterday. Bowler Cummins wins the Miami Heat for a 120-118 Magic 124, Hawks 108 The 29-year-old, capped victory in Oakland, Calif. Centre Nikola Vucevic 43 times since making his The game marked the final scored 19 points to lead seven debut in 2013, had to be with- Allan Border Medal Oakland appearance by Heat Orlando players in double drawn at half-time of Satur- standout Dwyane Wade, who figures in a win over host day’s 22-13 loss to Ireland at AFP for international selection again contributed 10 points, six Atlanta. Murrayfield. MELBOURNE at the end of March. Cummins, rebounds and nine assists to a Sacramento’s win over San Vucevic was 8 of 13 from the “Scotland back-row Ryan 25, narrowly won the medal remarkable Heat effort. Antonio. Buddy Hield chipped field and added 12 rebounds. Wilson will play no further Australian fast bowler Pat with 156 votes, beating Nathan Kevin Durant led all scorers in 18 points while Bogdan The Magic also got 18 points part in the Six Nations,” read Cummins won the Allan Border Lyon with 150 and Aaron Finch with 39 points. Klay Thompson Bogdanovic added 14 for the from Terrence Ross, 17 each the SRU statement. Medal yesterday, the country’s with 146. backed Durant with 29 and Kings. from Jonathan Isaac and Evan “The Glasgow Warriors highest cricketing honour, after Fellow players, the media Stephen Curry had 25 for Golden Mavericks 102, Blazers 101 Fournier, 14 points from D.J. forward sustained knee lig- a tumultuous year for the sport and umpires vote for player of State, which won its fourth Rookie sensation Luka Augustin and 12 from Aaron ament damage in the national that was rocked by the ball- the year. Born in Sydney, straight. Doncic scored 28 points, with Gordon, who played despite a team’s round two defeat to tampering scandal. Cummins is the third bowler, Kings 117, Suns 104 five coming in the decisive final sore back. Ireland at Murrayfield The award, presented in after Glenn McGrath and Rookie Marvin Bagley III 2:27, to lead Dallas past visiting Stadium on Saturday and will Melbourne, has been won by Mitchell Johnson, to win the scored a career-high 32 points Portland. Doncic scored 13 NBA RESULTS return to the care of his club’s Steve Smith and David Warner award in the past two decades. as host Sacramento coasted past points in the fourth quarter, a medical team.” two times each over the pre- Alyssa Healy claimed the Phoenix. stanza in which Dallas trailed Atlanta 108, Orlando 124 The SRU said centre Huw vious four years. Belinda Clark Award ahead of Bagley shot 10 of 15 from the 96-81 with 10:43 to play. Golden State 120, Miami 118 Jones and full-back Stuart The two batsmen received Megan Schutt and Ashleigh field and 11 of 13 from the free- 76ers 143, Lakers 120 Philadelphia 143, LA Lakers 120 Hogg would stay with the

a one year ban for their roles in Gardner, after an outstanding throw line to eclipse his previous Joel Embiid scored 37 points Sacramento 117, Phoenix 104 squad even though they are the ball-tampering scandal in year for the high of 24 points, which he and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Dallas 102, Portland 101 suffering from knee and South Africa and will be eligible wicketkeeper-batter. recorded Monday in host Philadelphia to a high- shoulder ligament injuries. Verstappen completes Brazil GP punishment at steward event

REUTERS Automobile Federation, find the best way to reach a fair ordered to do two days of public that cost him the victory. were made. The FIA said Ver- LONDON Formula One’s governing body, decision,” Verstappen was service for an angry confron- The Red Bull driver angrily stappen had joined a compet- said yesterday that the 21-year- quoted as saying. tation with Force India’s confronted the Frenchman itors’ panel discussion in Geneva Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has old Dutchman had taken part in “It’s been a good lesson for Esteban Ocon at Interlagos in afterwards and gave him a with triple World Touring Car completed the public service interactive case study sessions me and I’ve learned a lot, both November. shove, an action for which he Champion Andy Priaulx, punishment imposed on him with race officials over the in my day in Marrakesh, which Verstappen was leading the was then punished. M-Sport world Rally team Prin- after last year’s Brazilian Grand weekend. I really enjoyed and which gave Brazilian Grand Prix when he Verstappen served the first cipal Richard Millener and BMW Prix by attending a gathering of “We are doing our job on the me a good understanding of the tried to pass backmarker Ocon, of the two days by joining offi- Motorsport Director Jens international race stewards in track, trying to get the best out stewards, and now here.” who attempted to retake the cials at an all-electric Formula Marquardt. Geneva. of the race, and it’s clear that the Verstappen, the youngest position but made contact and E race in Morocco last month, The Formula One season The International stewards are doing their job to ever Formula One winner, was sent the Dutchman into a spin observing how race decisions starts in Australia on March 17.