Sport

THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2021 Nadal’sNad Grand Slam record bid blown away by Tsitsipas

Of course (I’m) sad. I lost a match in quarter-finals of an event that means a lot to me. I tried my best in every single moment... I think I stayed positive all the time during the match, fighting, and it was not enough. Sometimes it’s enough, today was not enough.

Rafael Nadal Sport |09

QATAR CUP SEMI-FINALS: At Al Duhail Stadium: Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan (kick off at 4:45pm); Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa (kick off at 7:45pm) Porto stun Juventus as Dortmund win 3-2

REUTERS – PORTO Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after FC Porto’s Moussa Marega scored their second goal yesterday. Goals from Mehdi Taremi and Moussa Marega earned Porto a deserved 2-1 win over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash yesterday, with Federico Chiesa's late strike handing the Italian champions a ROUND OF 16 - FIRST LEG lifeline. Taremi pounced on a sloppy YESTERDAY'S RESULTS back pass after 63 seconds to fire FC Porto beat Juventus 2-1 in the opener that left Juventus Borussia Dortmund beat Sevilla 3-2 rattled as they failed to create any meaningful chances before FC Porto’s Mehdi Taremi celebrates with team-mates halftime. after scoring their first goal. Things got worse for Andrea Pirlo’s side when Marega blasted in Porto’s second 19 seconds into the second half. Juventus eventually mustered a response when Chiesa fired home a precious away goal with eight minutes remaining. The winger's strike ended Porto’s run of five consecutive clean sheets in the competition and leaves the tie wide open ahead of the return leg in Turin on March 9. Elsewhere, Borussia Dort- mund's Erling Haaland continued emphatically, levelling in the 19th in seven Champions League League champion, are playing in his prolific run in the Champions thanks to Mahmoud Damoud's games for Dortmund to increase the Champions League for the first League by scoring twice as his side long-range strike. their lead moments before time since 2018, when they lost to came from behind to earn a 3-2 Norwegian forward Haaland halftime but Sevilla salvaged Bayern Munich in the win at Sevilla. put the German team ahead in the some hope of turning the tie quarter-finals. The Spanish side took the lead 27th, playing a one-two with around in the second leg on Dortmund are playing in the in the seventh minute when mid- Jadon Sancho and showing real March 9 when Dutch striker Luuk round of 16 for the seventh time fielder Suso's shot skidded into the hunger to slide in ahead of Sevilla de Jong volleyed home six in eight seasons, but it last made net off Dortmund's Mats Hummels keeper Bono and score. minutes from time. it to the quarter-finals in 2017, but the visitors responded Haaland netted his 10th goal Sevilla, the reigning Europa when it lost to Monaco.

PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi. AP Players put in a perfect performance, says PSG President Al Khelaifi

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

PSG President Nasser All KhelaifiKhelaifi oonn Tuesday night applauded the tactics ooff the French giants who beateat Barcelona 4-1 at Nou Camp. World Cup star Kyliann Mbappe outplayed Lionelel Messi as PSG produced a memorable show in theireir Champions League Roundd of 16 clash. After Messi put Barcelonana ahead from the penalty spot, Mbappe nettedetted a hat tricktrick on Tuesday night to give PSGSG a 4-1 win in the first leg of their round-of-16-of-16 match. Al Khelaifi was a pleasedsed man after the entertaining clash. “Everyone is happy. Thehe players put in a perfect performance;ce; we really played a good match. I amm very happy,” Al Kheliafi told PSG websiteebsite in aann interview. “The coach and his staffff preparedprepared for this match very well,” he aadded.dded. “We are happy but ttherehere are 90 minutes to play. It’s not over,”er,” he warned. “We would like to celebratete this evenieveningng but there is still another matcmatchh aandnd tthehe league where we aren’t in first place. “It is very important to remain calm. I am very proud of the players,ers, we played a perfect match,” the PSG boss said. “We will need to continuentinue at tthehe same level, the same spiritrit together as Paris Saint-Germain’s a team. It’s the most importantportant thing Kylian Mbappe scoring because when we play likee that, we their fourth goal to complete are really strong. We haveave to his hat-trick against keep the same state of mindind Barcelona on Tuesday. now,” Al Khelaifi said. THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 11

Spanish Arch-rivals Al Sadd, Al Rayyan clubs are cash-burning ready for Qatar Cup semi-final machines:, says Seifert FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA MANCHESTER We want to win all tournaments this Al Sadd match is a very big REUTERS – Eyeing a clean sweep of titles this season and if we play at the same level challenge for our team and in Qatar The CEO of the German season, in-form Al Sadd will take on as we’ve done in the league, it’ll be Cup matches, it is not always the Bundesliga has hit out at arch-rivals Al Rayyan in the semi- difficult to beat Al Sadd in the 2021 best (team) that wins. Qatar Cup Spain’s big clubs for being final of Qatar Cup at Al Duhail Qatar Cup semi-final. We must show matches are associated with “cash-burning machines” Stadium today. whose interest in a breakaway Al Sadd won the last edition of humility because Al Rayyan have surprises. It does not bother us that European Super League is the Qatar Cup, which is played among developed a lot under coach Laurent Al Sadd are the strongest driven by their own business the top four sides of a QNB Stars Blanc. The match won’t be easy and I candidates for a win, but we’ll failures. League (QSL) season. see it as a final before the actual work to obtain surprise results: Christian Seifert, chief Al Sadd finished third last season final: Xavi Hernandez Laurent Blanc executive of the German behind runners-up Al Rayyan but this Football League (DFL) said the year The Wolves are in such push for a breakaway was awesome form that they can tame Al Sadd players taking part in a training session. coming from Spain and some any opposition with ease. of the continent’s “super clubs” The Xavi Hernandez-coached although he did not name the side is the only unbeaten team in this clubs. QSL season, leading the points table The driver of the with 44 points – 13 points clear of breakaway plan, according to second-placed Al Duhail. A few more several sources, has been Real victories will seal a QSL title for Al Madrid president Florentino Sadd, who are looking to start their Perez, while former Barcelona title-winning spree with the Qatar president Josep Maria Bar- Cup. tomeu said he had signed the “We want to win all tournaments Catalan club up to the Super this season and if we play at the same League when he resigned in level as we’ve done in the league, it’ll October. be difficult to beat Al Sadd in the 2021 “The brutal truth is that a Qatar Cup semi-final,” a confident few of these so called super Xavi said at a pre-match press con- clubs are in fact poorly ference, yesterday. managed cash-burning The Barcelona legend, however, machines that were not able, is aware what Qatar football giants in a decade of incredible Al Rayyan are capable of despite growth, to come close to a being far away from their best this he has full confidence that his somehow sustainable season. players will do their best to cause business model,” Seifert told “We must show humility because an upset. the Financial Times’ Business Al Rayyan have developed a lot under “Qatar Cup matches are always of Football summit. coach Laurent Blanc. The match full of excitement and there’s no room “If I was an investor, I’d won’t be easy and I see it as a final for complacency. Either you win and ask if they are the right before the actual final,” he added. continue the journey, or you lose and partners,” he added, sug- Al Sadd striker Baghdad exit the competition,” said Blanc. gesting that the money Bounedjah - who is enjoying another “Al Sadd match is a very big chal- reportedly on offer to clubs to amazing season scoring 18 goals, said lenge for our team and in Qatar Cup join such a breakaway is The Lions have always been tough matches, it is not always the best unlikely to resolve the club’s opponents for Al Sadd. (team) that wins. Qatar Cup matches financial problems. “Al Rayyan are a strong team, but are associated with surprises. It does “In the end they will burn our goal is to win the 2021 Qatar Cup. not bother us that Al Sadd are the this money, like that they Al Rayyan team includes high-level strongest candidates for a win, but burned in the last few years. players,” he said. we’ll work to obtain surprise results,” They should think about “The Qatar Cup matches always he added. developing a sustainable have surprises as was evident from Al Rayyan player Kom said: “The business model, salary caps,” our game against Al Arabi in the match is difficult and decisive, and he added. 2019-20 season Amir Cup final, we’ve to play it with great strength and Seifert said that where many had expected Al Sadd focus. We’ve to fight it with full strength European football needed to to win by a big margin, but it turned and high spirit and I hope that we’ll look again with the European out to be a very difficult match,” achieve victory in this match.” Union about whether it was Bounedjah added. The match will kick off at 4:45pm feasible to introduce a salary Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc with all COVID-19 safety measures cap system to keep costs in said his team faces a tough task but in place. Al Rayyan players with the Qatar Cup trophy ahead of today's semi-final against Al Sadd. check. PL games Al Duhail take on Al Gharafa with eye on final

CHINTHANA WASALA to be aired THE PENINSULA

live in UK Reigning QNB Stars League title holders Al Duhail will be targeting back-to-back final until fans appearances in the Qatar Cup when they take on Al Gharafa in a blockbuster semi-final today. return The high profile clash will kick off at 7:45pm at Al Duhail Stadium. REUTERS – LONDON Al Duhail, in their recent outing at the FIFA Club World All Premier League fixtures Cup clinched 5th position after Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic Al Gharafa players with the Qatar Cup winners trophy. will continue to be beating Asian champions Ulsan available on live television Hyundai in play-off. in the United Kingdom until Coach Sabri Lamouchi’s men challenge. Everyone wants to of three of their key players, and reach the final. Al Duhail’s easy at all,” the Serbian coach said. fans are allowed to return are coming off from a morale- win this championship and eve- Karim Boudiaf, Luis Martin ambition every season is to win The former Fulham FC to stadiums, England’s top boosting 2-0 win over heavy- ryone has the desire to lift the Junior and Medhi Benatia due to one or two championships. After manager said this is a perfect flight league announced weights Al Rayyan in last week’s cup. We must not rush or deal injury concerns. losing ground in the league, our opportunity to stage a comeback yesterday. QSL clash, but the French tac- emotionally because we’ve They still have got plenty of team is now fully focused on following their defeat against Al Matches have been held tician is aware of Al Gharafa’s strong matches in front of us. Al arsenal in their ranks, including achieving the best results. The Sailiya. behind closed doors since capabilities despite the latter’s Gharafa are difficult rivals. the AFC Asian Cup hero Almoez team is ready, both physically “Although we weren’t at our last year due to the 0-1 loss at the hands of Al Sailiya They’re currently going through Ali and his Qatari team-mates and mentally, for the next match, best level in the last match COVID-19 pandemic few days ago. a crucial period, so we’ve to be Bassam Al Rawi, Ismaeel and we’ll do our best to win the against Al Sailiya in the league, although fans were allowed “This is our first Cup compe- at our best,” Lamouchi said Mohammed, Belgian Paulo title. this match is a good opportunity in limited numbers for a tition after our participation in during a press conference on the Edmilson Junior and Brazilian Meanwhile, Al Gharafa to compensate for that poor brief period before the the FIFA Club World Cup. We’re eve of the last-four clash. defender Eduardo Rodriguez coach Slavisa Jokanovic sees show and provide better results country went into expected to do well and reach “We’ve competent players (Dudu) among others. today’s semi-final as an “oppor- and qualify for the final,” lockdown again to curb the the final of the Qatar Cup. This and I’m constantly trying to Qatari striker Ismaeel tunity to reach the final and be Jokanovic said, adding that the spread of the novel is an important assignment and change some things. I know that named today’s encounter as a crowned champions.” situation is different in the Al coronavirus. we’re looking forward to Al Duhail always play for titles “final before the final” and “Facing Al Duhail in the 2021 Duhail match. “This arrangement will winning it. In order to achieve and this is what we’ll work to added that Al Duhail’s ambition Qatar Cup semi-final will be “It’s a completely different be extended until gov- this, we’ve to be on top of our achieve in this tournament also. is to clinch one or two titles exciting. It’s an opportunity to tournament from the League. ernment guidance permits game and focus,” the Frenchman We won’t look beyond this every season. reach the final of the tournament Our goal during the match will supporters to return to sta- who took charge of the Qatari match for now because it’s a “The Al Gharafa match is and be crowned the champions. be to restrict Al Duhail and take diums,” the league said in giants earlier this season, said. very difficult game,” He said. very difficult. You can say it’s a Al Duhail have made a strong advantage of their weaknesses a statement. “We must be at the required However, in today’s match, final before the final. I hope we comeback recently, therefore in order to get a good result in “All matches will be level to overcome Al Gharafa Al Duhail will miss the services succeed in winning this match playing against them won’t be our favour. shown via existing broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC, who continue to work with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters.” The league added that live broadcast arrangements would be reviewed after consultations with clubs when the government makes a decision on the return of fans to stadiums. Al Duhail players during a training session. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2021

The draw for the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival is underway at the Qatar National Museum, yesterday. CENTRE: Mon'nia's name being displayed during the draw ceremony. RIGHT: Scene from the H.H. The Amir Trophy draw. The event took place without attendees as a precautionary measure to halt the spread of COVID-19. QNB named official sponsor Amir Sword Race: Al Hazm partners of the Amir Sword Festival with QREC

THE PENINSULA — DOHA international levels as part of THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Bank’s social responsi- The Qatar Racing and Eques- bility programs, with sport The partnership between the trian Club and QNB, the largest This cooperation and partnership considered a key pillar.” Qatar Racing and Equestrian financial institution in the will boost the profile of the Festival It is worth noting that the Club (QREC) and Al Hazm, of Middle East and Africa, have internationally and will grow over H.H. The Amir Sword Festival Al Emadi Enterprises, a model signed an agreement to the years. It also confirms QNB’s will take place over three days example of the optimum coop- sponsor the H.H. The Amir keenness in focusing on traditional on the turf track at Al Rayyan eration between sports entities Sword Festival, which will be Park. Each day will have a full and domestic companies, who held at Al Rayyan Racecourse sports and their role in promoting card of quality races over dif- support prestigious sports between February 18 and 20. an invaluable event of the calibre of ferent distances and for dif- events. The remarkable Festival the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival. ferent categories and age The collaboration between will witness widespread local ranges. QREC and Al Emadi Enterprises and international participation Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi The finale will be the focus has been running for 11 years from highly qualified trainers of attention as it will see some now, making the company a along with their interna- QREC Chairman of the biggest races, topped by major and active partner in the tionally and domestically out- the H.H. The Amir Sword (Gr top racing events associated Mohammed Abdulkarim Al Emadi, standing racehorses. 1 QA) for Purebred Arabians with QREC both in Qatar and CEO of Al Emadi Enterprises As a sponsor of this and the H.H. The Amir Trophy overseas. massive event for the second (Gr 1 QA) for Thoroughbreds. While the 2021 renewal of produce a special edition of the year in a row, QNB and QREC support and pro-activity from internationally and will grow The other coveted titles the H.H. The Amir Sword Fes- H.H. The Amir Sword Festival. emphasize Qatar’s significance QNB management’s side is over the years. It also confirms include the H.H. tival is scheduled to kick off in The collaboration of sponsors towards the enhancement of natural given their leading role QNB’s keenness in focusing on The Amir Silver Sword for a few hours, a new agreement and their support of the Fes- the international standing in supporting sports in general traditional sports and their Purebred Arabians, the H.H. between QREC and Al Hazm tival will be, therefore, key to value of Qatari racehorses, and sports closely associated role in promoting an inval- The Amir Shalfa for Thorough- was announced yesterday. the success of invaluable especially during the with Qatar’s culture and uable event of the calibre of breds, the Qatar International Under the agreement, Al Hazm event.” COVID-19 world pandemic. heritage." the H.H. The Amir Sword Cup (Gr1 QA) for Purebred Ara- will be a partner of the H.H. The Al Emadi, CEO of Al Emadi Following the outstanding "We expect more cooper- Festival”. bians, the Al Biddah Mile (Gr 2 Amir Sword Race, the finale Enterprises Group, said: “It is a success of last year’s renewal ation between QREC and QNB Salem Al Naimi, Assistant QA) for Thoroughbreds, the round off the Festival, which great honour for us to be once of Qatar’s flagship horse racing in future and in a way that General Manager, QNB Public Dukhan Sprint (Gr 3 QA) for will take place between Feb- again partners in this race. We event, the partnership contributes to producing a Relations, said: “QNB’s spon- Thoroughbreds, and Al Rayyan ruary 18 and 20. do not have any economic con- between QNB and QREC very special edition of the H.H. sorship of the H.H. The Amir Breeders Cup for local QREC Chairman Issa Bin siderations in terms of the continues. The Amir Sword Festival, Sword Festival is aimed to Thoroughbreds. Mohammed Al Mohannadi return of the sponsorship. Our Commenting on the which promises to be full of further enhance our part- QNB Group’s presence lauded the extended collabo- highest honour is to shake signing of this agreement and excitement and top-quality nership with the Qatar Racing through its subsidiaries and ration between the two hands with H.H. the Amir, as QNB’s support, Issa Bin racing this year.” and Equestrian Club, and it associate companies extends organisations. this is the most precious award Mohammed Al Mohannadi, On the cooperation also reflects the Group’s to more than 31 countries “I would like to thank Mr awaited by all who are involved QREC Chairman said: “I take between QREC and QNB, Al keenness to support this deep- across three continents pro- Mohammed Abdulkarim Al with the H.H. The Amir Sword this opportunity to thank the Mohannadi added: “QREC will rooted traditional sport. We viding a comprehensive range Emadi, CEO of Al Emadi Enter- race." leadership of QNB for their spare no effort in maximising are keen to deliver an excep- of advanced products and prises, for his constant "Our support of the H.H. continued support of QREC this cooperation with QNB, tional edition of this event services. The total number of keenness to participate in the The Amir Sword is our gain as and the Festival, and their especially as the association despite the COVID-19 pan- employees is more than sponsorship of the H.H. The we aim to provide more com- keenness to be the official of QNB’s name with the Fes- demic-related challenges.” 28,000 serving 20 million cus- Amir Sword Festival”, he said. munity service despite the eco- sponsor for the second year in tival will be in favour of both He added: “Our spon- tomers operating through “QREC and Al Emadi Enter- nomic conditions that our a row at these difficult times parties. This cooperation and sorship of this event confirms 1,000 locations, with an ATM prises have been teaming up doemstic companies are going which the whole world is partnership will boost the our keenness to sponsor network of more than 4,300 for a successful partnership through due to the COVID-19 going through. In fact, such profile of the Festival sporting events at the local and machines. over 11 years. There is no pandemic.” question that their continued "We are proud to sponsor support brings about multiple the H.H. The Amir Sword race, Jockey Maxime Guyon benefits and represents a pos- which rounds off the pres- and Ebraz on their way itive contribution to the success tigious Festival. Once again, we to win the Amir Sword of the mega event, which we confirm that we will continue at the Al Rayyan Race look forward to every year." our presence and sponsorship Track, in this file photo. "The COVID-19 pandemic of QREC’s races and support has caused unprecedented cir- sports in general. We round off cumstances worldwide and, our sponsorships this season naturally, affected the prepa- by being associated with in one rations for the Festival and will of the most prestigious fes- continue to do so during its tivals, which is the H.H. The three days. However, such cir- Amir Sword Festival, thanks to cumstances make us only more the efforts of QREC and its con- determined to overcome any tinuous success here in Qatar challenges and, eventually, and overseas,” he added. Big Camp Nou loss to PSG a reality check for Barcelona

AP — MADRID already,” Piqué said. “We’ve have to change. There was no after losing 4-1 at home there “We have to admit that they changing things,” said Koeman, been running like crazy here.” positive spin or any real attempt are very few chances of were superior,” Koeman said. who arrived shortly after the Barcelona had just conceded “I’m also running like crazy,” to boost the team’s confidence advancing.” There was the dis- “They showed, especially in the embarrassing loss to Bayern. the equaliser against Paris Griezmann replied as the ball after the match. The deflating appointmentappointment of the result and of second half, that they have a “This match has showed that we Saint-Germain when veteran went back in play and the dis- loss left the players how the team succumbed, being more complete team. We have are still missing some things to defender Gerard Piqué snapped cussion apparently ended. dejected.ted. The tone iinn outplayedayed for most of to accept it aand try to keep be able to be at a top level, espe- at his team-mates at the Camp But the struggles were far theirr vvoicesoices thethhe matchmatch improving. WWee know that their cially in the Champions Nou. from over for Barcelona, which showedwed a dis-dis- at thethe team is aheadahead of us in many League.” Standing inside the penalty went on to lose 4-1 in the first heartenedrtened Camp waysways rirightght nonow.”w Seeking its first Champions area after PSG had earned a leg of the round of 16 of the squad.d. Koeman Nou.Nou. A lot has changedch since the League title since 2015, Bar- corner, Piqué asked - yelling Champions League on Tuesday. couldn’tdn’t conveyconvey 6-16-1 comeback in 2017, and Bar- celona went into crisis after the and using expletives - for the And this time, there are no any glimpse ooff celonacelona has sloslowlyw lost its dom- loss to Bayern last season, and team to try to keep at least one signs of another memorable optimism,mism, stoppinstoppingg jjustust inance in Europe.Euro PSG, mean- since then has endured political long possession in attack. comeback for the Catalan club shortt of ccon-on- while, has addedad top players turmoil and financial difficulties Antoine Griezmann, who like the one that happened cedingng defeat andand hhasas cocomeme closer and closer prompted by the coronavirus was trying to help the defense nearly four years ago with a 6-1 even bebeforefore toto breakbreakingi through with pandemic. as PSG dominated and looked win to reverse a 4-0 first-leg playingng ththee thethe EEuropeanu title. Last The Catalan club has made closer to scoring again, told loss in Paris. secondnd leg in seasonseas it was runner- it to the Champions League Piqué to calm down and “stop The team looked beaten and Paris in tthreehree upup to Bayern quarterfinals 13 straight times, yelling.” They argued for a few bruised after the home loss on weeks.s. Munich,Mu which in last being stopped in the round seconds, cursing at each other Tuesday, with players and “I coucouldld theth quarterfinals of 16 in 2007. The 2007-08 as teammates tried to get them coach Ronald Koeman con- lie too you,” Lionel Messi Gerard Piqué hadha routed Bar- season was the last one in to focus on the game. ceding that Barcelona wasn’t up Koemanm a n celonace 8-2. which Barcelona failed to win “We’ve been suffering, and to the task against a better PSG said. “We are in the a title in any competition until it’s been five minutes like that team and admitting that things “ButB ut processp of last season. THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 09

Medvedev Nadal’s Grand pleased to outlast Slam record bid ‘Duracell battery’ blown away Rublev by Tsitsipas REUTERS - MELBOURNE Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas shakes Russian Daniil Medvedev hands with Spain’s Rafael Nadal feels yesterday’s win over after winning his quarter-final compatriot Andrey Rublev match at the Australian Open in was his best showing at the Melbourne Park yesterday. 2021 Australian Open and the fourth seed was partic- ularly pleased with how he managed to tire out his opponent who seemingly runs on “battery”. ATP Finals champion Medvedev defeated friend Rublev 7-5 6-3 6-2 in swel- tering conditions during the afternoon on Rod Laver Arena, for his fourth Greece’s Stefanos straight-sets win against Tsitsipas in the seventh seed in as many action during career matches on the ATP his quarter-final Tour. match against Asked if it was his best Spain’s Rafael win so far at this year’s Nadal. tournament, Medvedev said: “Definitely. Andrey at this moment was on fire... REUTERS - MELBOURNE two match points slip through me,” the shaggy-haired He perked up visibly after faltered at 4-4 in the fourth set he was definitely for me his fingers on serve but he kept 22-year-old said. battling to a 5-4 lead but Nadal before gifting it to the Greek one of the favourites to go Rafa Nadal’s bid for a record his head and fired a scintillating “I have no words to describe remained impenetrable on with a slew of unforced errors. far in this tournament. To 21st Grand Slam title came backhand winner down the line what just happened on court. serve. The fifth followed the same win this match in three sets, crashing to a halt at the on the third to claim one of his My tennis speaks out for itself. It took the Spaniard to open formula, only with Nadal crum- especially how physical it Australian Open yesterday as finest career victories. It’s an unbelievable feeling to the door with a pair of bungled bling on serve at 5-5 after a wild was, was (an) amazing level Stefanos Tsitsipas rose up to “Of course (I’m) sad. I lost a be able to fight on such level, overhead smashes, the second forehand into the tramlines. from me, and I’m really topple the Spaniard 3-6 2-6 match in quarter-finals of an just to be able to leave my all floating long from the baseline The stadium was empty happy about it.” 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 and reach the event that means a lot to me,” out on court. to give Tsitsipas a 5-3 lead in barring a few coaches, officials Medvedev and Rublev, semi-finals. Nadal told reporters. “I started very nervous but the tiebreak. and ballkids, but tension who is two years younger World number two Nadal “I tried my best in every I don’t know what happened Revitalised, the Greek reached boiling point as Tsit- to the 2019 US Open had not lost a set coming into single moment... after the third set.” pounded Nadal’s backhand into sipas butchered a forehand on runner-up, rose up through the evening clash at Rod Laver “I think I stayed positive all Tsitsipas avenged his har- submission and rushed in to match point. the ranks together, playing Arena and was locked on target the time during the match, rowing straight sets defeat by thump a volley into an open Nadal launched a ferocious against each other on the for the last four at Melbourne fighting, and it was not enough. Nadal in the 2019 semi-finals, court to raise three set points. forehand return to cancel a junior circuit and two Park after roaring to a two-set Sometimes it’s enough, today when he was left shell-shocked Nadal cancelled one of them second match point on Tsit- weeks ago combined to lead over the listless Greek. was not enough.” by the Spaniard’s complete with his own net-rush but sipas' serve but the Spaniard’s help Russia win the ATP The match turned on its Fifth seed Tsitsipas booked dominance. finally relented after a baseline volleying let him down again as Cup title. head when Nadal wavered in a his second Australian Open Yet for all but three sets, skirmish and retired to his chair he swooped in to hammer Both players appeared messy third set tiebreak, and a semi-final and will meet Nadal appeared set to reopen fuming. straight into the net. to be suffering from cramps rejuvenated Tsitsipas rallied Russian juggernaut Daniil those old wounds. Tsitsipas was transformed Tsitsipas made no mistake during the match and fol- brilliantly to take the match into Medvedev for a place in the Tsitsipas slept-walked and soon had Nadal clinging on his third chance to seal it, lowing his win Medvedev a decider. decider. through the match before he desperately on serve. blasting a winning backhand needed a massage on his Capturing Nadal’s serve at “I fly like a little bird and knuckled down on serve in the Nadal fended off break that left Nadal’s record bid in left thigh before proceeding 5-5 in the fifth, Tsitsipas saw everything was working for third set. points at 0-0 and 2-2 but finally tatters. to his on-court interview. Rublev won a gruelling 43-shot rally in the sixth game of the second set before he slumped down Qualifier Karatsev’s dream run faces beside his towel on the side of the court. Despite what the scoreline might suggest, Djokovic barrier at the Australian Open Medvedev felt the match was “high-quality” and said REUTERS - MELBOURNE he would have no problem to go out for a drink or Novak Djokovic is one of the best- Osaka the next dinner with Rublev later on known sportsmen in the world but his Wednesday. semi-final today will be against a player “Both of us were he confessed he was unaware of until (cramping),” Medvedev told this year’s Australian Open. hurdle in Serena’s reporters. “It’s the first time The top-ranked men’s player would to be honest I saw Andrey not be the only one in the tennis circuit Serbia’s Novak Djokovic that tired, so good from my who would not have previously heard being interviewed after quest for 24th side because he’s practising of the 114th-ranked Russian Aslan Kar- winning his quarter-final with his coach, I think, five atsev, 27, before 2021. match against Germany’s hours per day non-stop, But in the past two weeks on Mel- Alexander Zverev. Grand Slam title never tired. bourne Park’s blue hardcourts, the “We always laugh about qualifier has ensured he has the firm him, that he’s like a battery, attention of the tennis world by REUTERS - MELBOURNE like Duracell or something. becoming the first man in the open era I actually managed to get to reach the last four in his maiden Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have long moved on from their him tired. It was the first Grand Slam. tempestuous 2018 US Open title match but that will do nothing to really hot day... I was A victory today at the Rod Laver dampen the suspense ahead of their blockbuster Australian Open cramping a little bit at the Arena will make Karatsev the first qual- semi-final today. end, but seeing the shape ifier to reach a major final in the Open Williams was handed three code violations, the last of which Andrey was, and he’s one Era, and the lowest-ranked man to resulted in a game penalty, in a straight sets defeat to Osaka, who of the most physical guys reach a Grand Slam final since No. 125 Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. was booed throughout the final game and trophy ceremony by an on tour, it’s just normal.” “It’s unbelievable, I’m so happy for Aslan, he’s made history. I don’t know what he did in the angry Flushing Meadows crowd. pandemic, probably just worked hard I guess,” Daniil Medvedev said on Wednesday after reaching The American, who later wrote an apology letter to Osaka, is MOST GRAND the semi-finals. bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and said she Before qualifying for his maiden Grand Slam in his 10th attempt last month, Karatsev found was looking forward to facing the Japanese third seed again. SLAM TITLES consistency on the ATP Challenger Tour in 2020 where he lost just two out of his last 20 matches “Well, I think we both have had closure, and we have reached since tennis’ restart after the pandemic. out to each other. I have definitely reached out,” the 39-year-old MEN Karatsev, who was forced on the sidelines for six months in 2017 due to a knee injury, was also said. “I think she’s a great competitor and a cool cat.” Roger Federer 20 a member of the Russian team that won the ATP Cup event where Medvedev called him the “secret World number three Osaka has won three Grand Slams and last Rafael Nadal 20 weapon” in doubles. year surpassed her childhood idol Williams as the world’s highest Novak Djokovic 17 Two-time Grand Slam winner Yevgeny Kafelnikov from Russia said Karatsev’s success was a paid female athlete, according to Forbes. Pete Sampras 14 “happy surprise”. The 23-year-old has won two of her three Bjorn Borg 11 “He’s going to play a lot of tournaments now without Serena Williams previous Tour encounters with Williams, Jimmy Connors 8 any pressure for the remainder of the 2021 season in terms of the US being although the American triumphed the last Ivan Lendl 8 of getting into the main draws and a big pay cheque will interviewed time they met in a WTA event in Toronto in Andre Agassi 8 also be a huge boost for him,” Kafelnikov told the ATP after winning her 2019. John McEnroe 7 website. quarter-final match When asked if she would be watching film Mats Wilander 7 The Russian has already taken down three seeded against Romania’s of Williams to prepare herself for the match, Stefan Edberg 6 players at the 2021 Australian Open but today faces an Simona Halep. Osaka said she never stops watching her. Boris Becker 6 opponent who has lifted the Norman Brooks Challenge “For me, I grew up watching Serena... It’s Cup a record eight times. just more of a habit than anything,” she added. WOMEN The 33-year-old Djokovic has looked in trouble at times “But I feel like everyone in the tournament Margaret Court 24 during the tournament, including an abdominal injury, but watches her.” Serena Williams 23 has found a way past the problems to keep his campaign In the other semi-final, surprise package Steffi Graf 22 for an 18th Grand Slam title on track. Karolina Muchova will take on US Open semi- Helen Wills 19 Djokovic is unbeaten on the Melbourne Park centre finalist Jennifer Brady, with both players Chris Evert 18 court since an injury-hampered fourth round defeat to looking to earn a spot in their maiden major Martina Navratilova 18 South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the 2018 tournament and final. Billie Jean King 12 has said the Rod Laver Arena feels like his “living room”. “I think I will have to bring my A-game to Maureen Connolly 9 A defeat to top seed Djokovic in a first career meeting play with (Brady) because she is playing Monica Seles 9 will, however, not stop Karatsev from breaking into the amazing matches,” said Muchova, who has Molla Mallory 8 top 50 of the ATP rankings on Monday for the first time won all eight of her eight matches this season. Suzanne Lenglen 8 and give him a platform for a strong year on the circuit. “I will try to play my best.” Sport THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2021 08 India get South Africa's Du Plessis Umesh boost retires from Test cricket for last two Tests against AP — CAPE TOWN replacement and made 110 not out in the second innings under England Former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis’ decision was extreme pressure, grittily batting du Plessis retired from Test accelerated by a lack of Test for more than seven hours to REUTERS — NEW DELHI cricket yesterday after being matches in the immediate defy the hosts and save a draw denied the chance of a home future for South Africa, mainly for South Africa. It enabled his Seamer Umesh Yadav is set to rein- farewell by Australia’s decision due to coronavirus. Australia team to triumph in the series by force India’s pace attack in the final to cancel next month’s tour. winning the last Test. two Tests against England after Du Plessis, who played 69 was due to fly in for a series “His commitment to the being recalled yesterday. Tests, said in a statement on his next month but cancelled, team has always been The 33-year-old had suffered a Instagram account that it was citing the risks of touring undoubtable,” said Graeme calf injury in Australia which kept time to “walk into a new during the pandemic. Smith, South Africa’s director him out of the first two Tests against chapter.” of cricket and the Test captain England in Chennai. He will concentrate on when du Plessis made his “Umesh Yadav will join the team Twenty20s, the 36-year-old debut. in Ahmedabad and after his fitness batsman said, with World Cups “My heart is clear and the Du Plessis’ Test debut at the assessment will replace Shardul in that format this year and next. time is right to walk into a new age of 28 came much later than Thakur, who will be released...” the He added he wanted to play as chapter. It has been an honor to his friend and schoolmate AB de Indian cricket board said in a much T20 cricket around the play for my country in all the Villiers. They were both statement. world as he could over the next formats of the game, but the schoolboy stars but while de Vil- Seamer Mohammed Shami (arm) two years and didn’t rule out the time has come for me to retire liers became a young prodigy and spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja South Africa’s possibility of continuing to play from Test cricket.” for the national team, du Plessis (thumb) continue to be out of action Faf du Plessis one-day internationals. Du Plessis became South had to wait and work for his after failing to recover from injuries celebrates Du Plessis’ decision was Africa’s Test captain in 2016. He opportunity. suffered in Australia. after scoring accelerated by a lack of Test stepped down from that role in Ultimately, his contribution Indian opener Shubman Gill, his maiden matches in the immediate future early 2020 but continued to play as a player and arguably a who suffered a blow to his forearm for South Africa, mainly due to for the team and, in a sign of his more natural leader than de 150 runs in in the second Test against England coronavirus. Australia was due longevity, made his highest Test Villiers, who he replaced as a Test match in Chennai, retained his place in the to fly in for a series next month score in December when he hit captain, was significant for against Sri squad. but cancelled, citing the risks of 199 against Sri Lanka. South Africa’s Test team as it Lanka in India have two standby options touring during the pandemic. In all, he made 10 Test cen- moved into a new era. Centurion, in Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul “It has been a year of turies and 21 half-centuries but “If someone had told me 15 in this should Rohit Sharma need a new refinement in the fire for us all,” his first hundred, on his Test years ago that I would play 69 December opening partner. du Plessis said in his statement. debut, defined much of his Test matches for South Africa 28, 2020 file Left-arm spinner Shahbaz “Uncertain were the times, career. and captain the side, I wouldn’t photo. Nadeem, who played the opening but they brought clarity for me He was called into the team have believed them,” du Plessis Test against England, has been in many respects. in Australia in 2012 as an injury said. released from the squad. India won the second match in Chennai to level the four-Test series. Ahmedabad hosts the third Test, England’s Test priority questioned after player rotation a day-night contest, from February 24. India need to win the series by REUTERS — NEW DELHI after the first match in India Ashes,” Vaughan wrote in the Vaughan questioned why Vaughan’s former team- any margin to make the final of the andd Moeen Ali was granted Daily TelegrapTelegraph.h. ButtlerBu and Bairstow were not mate Kevin Pietersen and inaugural World Test Championship As if their comprehensive leaveve aafterfter pplayinglaying tthehe seconsecondd “But“But in fourfour TestTest restedre from the Twenty20 Australia spin great Shane against New Zealand in June. defeat in the second Test Testt in wwhichhich hhee was EnEng-g- matchesmatches ththisis matchesm instead. Warne were also baffled by Joe Root’s England, on the other against India was not bad land’sd’s mmostost successful yearyear theythey England have maintained England’s handling of their hand, need to win both the matches enough, England’s rigid bowlerwler as wewellll as ththeireir havehave theth rotation policy was aimed players. in Ahmedabad to reach the final on rotation policy has now second-inningsond-innings top aalreadylready atat limiting a player’s time in Warne tweeted, ques- home soil. prompted complaints that scorer.rer. MMoeenoeen will used 1919 bio-securebi bubbles. tioning “why England decided New Zealand became the first Test cricket is no more their rejoinoin the team in India players.players. “I just feel sorry for Joe to rest players with 7/8 (days) team to qualify for the final after Aus- priority. aheadad ooff tthehe ffive-matchive-match ThatThat toto Root,”R Vaughan wrote. till the next one. Is that not tralia postponed their tour of South The team under Joe Root Twenty20enty20 series next me,m e , “I don’t know what is enough time to recover? Africa wherein they were scheduled had embarked on their Asia monthnth but foformerrmer showsshows gogoing on behind the scenes Needed 2 weeks? Really?” to play 3 Test matches due to tour by leaving out speedster Englandgland cacaptainptain MicMichaelhael TestT e st bbutu if I was Test captain I The third Test, a day-night COVID-19 fears. Jofra Archer and all-rounder Vaughanughan questionequestionedd tthehe cricketcricket wouldw not be agreeing to it. I game, begins in Ahmedabad Ben Stokes for the Sri Lanka tinkeringkering witwithh tthehe isis not thethe wantw my best team playing on Feb. 24. INDIA SQUAD leg as part of their policy to squad.ad. priority.”priority.” everyev game this year,” he Root has no complaints Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, keep multi-format players “After“After 2019 we added.ad with the squad at his disposal Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, KL fresh. werere told EnEng-g- All the same, England’s though. Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Jonny Bairstow, Sam land’sd’s prioritpriorityy Twenty20Tw preference would “I think we’ve got some Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ash-

Curran and Mark Wood were woulduld be bebe understandable consid- wonderfully talented players win, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, rested for the first two Tests winningnning eringer they will return to India and a squad of players that is Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, against India after England’s backck laterla this year chasing a more than capable of winning Umesh Yadav (subject to fitness) 2-0 sweep in Sri Lanka. thee Moeen Ali secondse 20-overs World Cup here,” he said after Tuesday’s Jos Buttler returned home title.tit loss in Chennai. Former Russia track NBA: James shines as LA Lakers president banned in down Minnesota Timberwolves doping cover-up case REUTERS — NEW YORK

AP — MONACO LeBron James totalled 30 Disciplinary rulings found points, 13 rebounds and seven An elaborate deception former Russian track and field assists to lead Los Angeles, involving a fake medical clinic president Dmitry Shlyakhtin playing without injured star in a demolished building and Anthony Davis, to a 112 - 104 made-up claims about a world and his colleagues obstructed victory over Minnesota in champion athlete’s car crash an anti-doping investigation Minneapolis. led to five senior Russian track into high jumper Danil Lysenko The Lakers, one of the NBA’s and field officials being banned with forged documents and best road teams this season, from the sport yesterday. won for the 13th time in 16 Disciplinary rulings found fake claims. games away from LA and pre- former Russian track and field vailed for the eighth time in president Dmitry Shlyakhtin their past nine games overall. and his colleagues obstructed provide details of his wherea- They played without Davis, who an anti-doping investigation bouts so he could be reached is expected to miss multiple into high jumper Danil Lysenko for no-notice testing. weeks after straining his right with forged documents and Shlyakhtin and other offi- Achilles tendon Sunday at fake claims. cials helped Lysenko cook up Denver. Shlyakhtin, who left the an explanation that a bout of Montrezl Harrell was clutch federation soon after charges appendicitis had landed him in off the Lakers’ bench with 17 were filed in 2019, was banned the nonexistent “SD Clinic” in points and six rebounds and for four years. Moscow and left him unable to Marc Gasol (11 points) helped “It appears that most if not upload the required infor- limit Karl-Anthony Towns to all of the senior management mation about his whereabouts, only 15 points and six rebounds. of RusAF were involved in this the Athletics Integrity Unit’s Dennis Schroder added 24 major fraud. That is quite later investigation found. points for the Lakers while shocking,” the verdict in Shlya- Shlyakhtin urged Lysenko rookie Anthony Edwards led the khtin and board member Artur to undergo a battery of medical Timberwolves with 28 points. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) dribbles the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves Karamyan’s case reads, using tests later, used to create real- Meanwhile, Zion Wil- forward Jaden McDaniels in the second half of their NBA game at Target Center. an abbreviation for the istic-looking fake records pre- liamson scored 31 points as New federation. sented to investigators at the Orleans salvaged the final game 27 and Willy Hernangomez Harden amassed 38 points and Nets, who were playing without The panel added that it AIU. Lysenko and Karamyan of a four-game road trip by added 14 off the bench as the 11 assists and Joe Harris added Kyrie Irving (back) and Kevin viewed the maximum four- drove together to view the winning at Memphis. Pelicans’ reserves outscored the 22 points as the short-handed Durant (hamstring), won their year sanction allowed by the address given for the “SD Josh Hart came off the Grizzlies’ bench 63-30. Brooklyn Nets rallied from a fourth straight game. rules as “grossly inadequate”. Clinic”, where a real clinic had bench to score a season-high Brandon Ingram scored 22 24-point deficit to earn a Chris Paul scored 17 of his In 2018, Lysenko was one once operated, but the building and Lonzo Ball had 13 as New 128-124 road victory over the 29 points in the fourth quarter of Russia’s brightest young had been demolished, the NBA RESULTS Orleans posted a season high in Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. and Devin Booker added 22 talents, granted coveted investigation found. points. The 21-point, second-half points and seven assists as the “neutral” status to compete at Lysenko, a former world Lakers 112 - Timberwolves 104 Ja Morant scored 28, Kyle comeback was the largest for Suns saw their season-best major international events indoor champion and silver Pelicans 144 - Grizzlies 113 Anderson had 19, Dillon Brooks the Nets since they joined the winning streak end at six despite RusAF being suspended medalist at the 2017 world Nets 128 - Suns 124 added 18 and Jonas Valanciunas NBA in the 1976-77 season. games. for earlier doping offenses. championships, and his coach Celtics 112 - Nuggets 99 had 10 for the Grizzlies, who Jeff Green scored 18 points Phoenix led the entire game

However, he faced a ban after Evgeny Zagorulko were also Raptors 124 - Bucks 113 have dropped five straight off the bench for Brooklyn and until the Nets took their first being charged with missing a charged in 2019 and the case against the Pelicans. Tyler Johnson added 17 in his lead on a Harden 3-pointer with Trail Blazers 115 - Thunder 104 drug test and twice failing to against them is ongoing. In other match, James first start of the season. The 31.4 seconds remaining.