MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

TENNIS CRICKET It just took me some time, I tried to mix it up a bit Australian Open Third and final and just had to figure it out. From the beginning matches at T20: Pakistan vs of the second set it got a little bit easier: Roger Melbourne Park Bangladesh in Lahore ACTION

Federer after win over Marton Fucsovics TODAY’S

Proposed PGL to feature 48 players and 18 tournaments

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES The British-based World Golf Group unveils its plan for a new global tour that would comprise 18 yearly the PGA Tour, I love the way and move forward and reward for a world championship. Ten golf is set up right now. I cer- the top players the way they of the 18 events would be in the The British-based World Golf tournaments featuring 48 of the game’s top players. tainly wouldn’t want to lose should be.” Despite the United States. All would be Group (WGG) has finally Each tournament would have prize money of $10m. what’s been built in the last 40 obstacles, the PGL sounded three rounds with no cut. publicly unveiled its plan for a or 50 yyears,ears, tournamentstournaments likelike upbeatupbeat aaboutbout ititss chanceschances ofof The PGL said the current new global tour that would Tour and European Tour have year. Top players already have this. gettinggetting off the ground.ground. pprofessional structure is comprise 18 yearly tourna- been all but dismissive about at least six must-play events “I’mm ststillill Its statestatementment sasaidid the toutourr outdated.o ments featuring 48 of the the proposed circuit. each season -- the Masters, quite a tradtradi-i- would be “an“an inindividualdividual “If you want the world to game’s top players. “We don’t comment on the PGA Championship, US Open, tionalist,st, so ttoo andand team league”league” watch,w you have to showcase Nearly two years after it business of other tours, real or British Open, Players Champi- have that withwith 12 teamsteams of youry best product, week-in- was first reported the group’s hypothetical. We’re focused on onship and either the Ryder or much of an fourfour playeplayersrs vyvyinging week-out.w Golf doesn’t do that plans, the Premier Golf League our business,” the PGA Tour Presidents Cup. upheavalaval in currently,”c it said. (PGL) hopes to launch in said in a statement. No players have publicly the gameame I “If you had the chance to January, 2022, it said in a The European Tour has committed to the proposed don’t thinkhink is starts again you wouldn’t create detailed news release. been similarly dismissive. tour, though Rory McIlroy (pic- the rightght step professionalp golf as it exists Each tournament would The PGA Tour has a policy tured) said on Saturday discus- forward.rd. today.t The League is that have prize money of $10m. in which players must seek a sions with players had been “Butut I thinkthink chance.c Whether the tour is feasible “release” from the commis- going on for years. it mightght be a “We believe we’ll succeed remains to be seen on an sioner each time they want to “Those guys have been catalystyst forfor becauseb the League is what already-crowded calendar. play an event on anything talking to a few of us for six someme fans,f sponsors and broad- The PGL said it wanted to other than their home tour. years,” the Northern Irishman changesges on castersc want -- and the best work with established tours This effectively restricts told reporters at the Farmers this tour playersp deserve. It will revi- rather than as a breakaway American players to a handful Insurance Open. that can taliset the sport for this and circuit, but the US-based PGA of international appearances a “It’s a hard one... but I love help itt grgrowow futuref generations.”

Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot from a bunker on the 13th hole during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Sweden’s Sagstrom stretches LPGA lead to two strokes

AFP — MIAMI Madelene Sagstrom Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden reacts fired a bogey-free five-under to a putt on the par 67, stretching her lead to seventh hole during two strokes after the third the third round of round of the Gainbridge LPGA the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio. at Boca Rio in Boca Sagstrom, seeking her first Raton, Florida. LPGA title at the Florida event, followed up a career-low 62 on Friday with a solid effort to sit on 15-under 201 after 54 holes at Boca Raton. “I didn’t make as many Rahm leads at Torrey putts today but I rolled some nice ones in the beginning and I felt like I kept the momentum going,” Sagstrom said. “I feel great. I’m really Pines, Woods 5 back proud of myself. I’m really happy.” REUTERS — LOS ANGELES SCORES acknowledged he would need Japan’s Nasa Hataoka a special Sunday to make it overcame an opening bogey to World number three Jon Rahm 204 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-71-65 number nine. also shoot 67 and seize second, made an eagle from 110 yards 205 - Ryan Palmer 72-62-71 “Got to go out there and with South Korean Kim Sei- en route to the third-round lead 207 - Rory McIlroy 67-73-67, Kang Sung post a low one tomorrow, still young and American Danielle at the Farmers Insurance Open (KOR) 69-71-67, Harry Higgs 70-68-69, got to make a bunch of birdies,” Kang sharing third on 204 and in San Diego as Tiger Woods Cameron Champ 71-68-68 he said. France’s Celine Boutier and faded after a strong start. 208 - Tony Finau 70-70-68, Tyler McCumber Leader Rahm, feeling good American Cydney Clanton one Rahm shot the day’s best 72-68-68, Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-72-68, vibes on the course where he shot further back. score, a seven-under-par 65, to Patrick Reed 69-69-70, Sebastian Cappelen posted his first PGA Tour win Sagstrom birdied the par-5 surge to a one-shot advantage (DEN) 66-71-71, Brandt Snedeker 69-67-72, three years ago, used his unique, opening hole, the par-3 third over American halfway leader JB Holmes 68-69-71 powerful swing to run up five and sixth and the par-5 eighth Ryan Palmer (71) at Torrey 209 - Tiger Woods 69-71-69, Tom Hoge 71- birdies and post a 12-under 204 to take command. Pines, where morning fog 71-67, Mark Anderson 74-66-69, Bubba total. But it was the eagle at the “I just wanted to let loose delayed the start of play by two par-four second that had the and see what would happen,” Watson 67-73-69 hours. gallery most buzzing. Sagstrom said. 12-foot putt slid by the cup. another to close the front nine. Rory McIlroy, who with a 210 - Jamie Lovemark 73-68-69, Cameron “Landed about four feet She sank another birdie at Sagstrom, 27, said she Hataoka, who turned 21 win would supplant Brooks Davis (AUS) 76-65-69, Zac Blair 72-66-72 short, skipped up and landed in the par-4 15th, but missed out would be delighted to capture earlier this month, birdied the Koepka as world number one, 211 - Jimmy Walker 71-70-70, Joaquin Nie- the hole,” said the Spaniard, on a concluding birdie for a the title on Sunday but was 15th and par-3 17th as well to boosted his chances with a 67 mann (CHI) 71-70-70, Maverick McNealy 71- who had chipped in for birdie third consecutive day when a thinking long term about simply stay on Sagstrom’s heels. that left him among a group 71-69, Ben Taylor (ENG) 71-69-71, Brandon at the first. being happy about how she Kang opened and closed equal third, three behind. Wu 68-72-71, Kevin Streelman 72-71-68, Im “Three-under through two handles the situation of playing with birdies among her seven Woods, seeking a record Sung-jae (KOR) 67-73-71, Patrick Rodgers holes, no putts, yeah, a pretty with a final-round lead no in a bogey-free 65 while Kim

83rd PGA Tour victory, sent a 70-69-72, Beau Hossler 72-66-73, Keegan good start,” said Rahm. matter how she fares. fell out of a share of second proverbial bolt of electricity Bradley 66-72-73 “The MVP (most valuable “It would mean everything with a closing bogey after through the large gallery as he player) of today would be my I didn’t make as (to win),” Sagstrom said. opening with a birdie, running charged within striking distance lob wedge. Especially those many putts today but “Tomorrow my goal is just off three more in a row starting of the lead with four front nine just never really got anything bunker shots, they weren’t easy I rolled some nice to go out and make myself at the par-5 eighth and making birdies. going coming home,” said and I made it look pretty easy.” proud and be able to be proud back-to-back birdies at 15 and But he struggled on the Woods, who had to grind to Second-placed Palmer ones in the beginning of the way I handled myself.” the par-5 16th. more difficult inward half and avoid dropping a shot at the partnered Rahm to win the New and I felt like I kept Hataoka, chasing her fourth Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, carded three-under-par 69 to par-five 18th, where he sank a Orleans Classic team event last career LPGA title, bounced back who was second after 36 holes end the day equal 14th, five 15-foot putt to salvage par. year, but on Sunday they will the momentum going: from her stumble at the start with only one adrift of Sagstrom, strokes behind Rahm. Woods has won eight times temporarily put their friendship Madelene Sagstrom three birdies in a row starting at struggled to a 75 with five “Three-putted (hole) 11 and at Torrey Pines and aside. the par-3 third, then added bogeys against two birdies. NBA: James makes history as Sixers rout Lakers

AFP — LOS ANGELES across the lane, splitting two NBA RESULTS across two different stints with defenders for a layup and the the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a LeBron James passed Kobe historic points. Philadelphia 108, LA Lakers 91 four-season run in Miami in Bryant on the all-time scoring At the next timeout he Cleveland 106, Chicago 118 between. He is averaging over

33,644 career points list with a 29-point received a standing ovation from Minnesota 104, Oklahoma City 113 25 points over 44 games this

performance on Saturday, but the crowd of 21,109 at the Wells Detroit 111, Brooklyn 121 (OT) season, leading the Lakers to his Los Angeles Lakers suffered Fargo Center arena. The basket Utah 112, Dallas 107 the Western Conference’s best a one-sided loss to the Phila- put James at 33,644 career points, record of 36-10. delphia 76ers, 108-91. one more than former Lakers Ben Simmons finished with James, who was named to great Bryant’s 33,643. cramped his feet but he wasn’t 28 points, 10 rebounds and his 16th straight all-star game Longtime Utah Jazz star going to take them off. eight assists to lead the Sixers. this week, etched his name in forward Karl Malone is next for “I wore them that night. I Tobias Harris scored 29 the record books by becoming James to pass with 36,928 was a 15 and he was a size 14. I points and Al Horford had 16 for the third leading scorer in NBA points. Centre Kareem Abdul- wore them anyways,” James the Sixers, who improved to history. Jabbar is the league’s all-time said. “He was immortal offen- 21-2 at home. With the Lakers trailing the scoring leader with 38,387 sively because of his skillset,” The shorthanded Sixers host Philadelphia 76ers 74-52 points. James said. played without Joel Embiid with 7 1/2 minutes left in the After the game, James “The story is too much. Now (injured finger) for the 16th time third period, James received a talked about meeting Bryant as I am here in a Lakers uniform this season and were also Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in action against the pass from Anthony Davis at the a teenager and getting a pair of in Philadelphia where he is missing Josh Richardson with a Philadelphia 76ers. three-point line and drove shoes from his hero. They from. James spent 11 seasons strained hamstring. 08 SPORT MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 England set South Africa 466 to win final Test AFP — JOHANNESBURG shortly before the close for 248. Root decided not to enforce South Africa’s Beuran Hendricks Joe Root made a patient half- the follow despite England walks off the pitch at stumps after century as England set South leading by 217 runs on the first taking five wickets on his Test Africa a world record target of innings. debut against England in the fourth 466 to win the fourth and final Fast bowler Mark Wood Test at the Imperial Wanderers Test at the Wanderers Stadium took five for 46 as South Africa Stadium in Johannesburg, South yesterday. were bowled out for 183 in their Africa, yesterday. The England captain scored first innings. 58 and played an anchor role Quinton de Kock (76) and before he was last man out as Dwaine Pretorius (37) kept England were bowled out England in the field for most of SCOREBOARD England (I Innings) ...... 400 England (II Innings) South Africa (I Innings) Z Crawley c De Kock b Pretorius ...... 24 D Elgar c Woakes b Stokes ...... 26 D Sibley c Malan b Hendricks ...... 44 P Malan c Buttler b Wood ...... 15 J Denly b Paterson ...... 8 H van der Dussen c Stokes b Curran .... 0 J Root c Du Plessis b Hendricks ...... 58 F du Plessis lbw b Woakes ...... 3 B Stokes c Van der Dussen b Hendricks 28 Q de Kock b Wood ...... 76 O Pope c De Kock b Nortje ...... 11 T Bavuma c Stokes b Wood ...... 6 J Buttler c De Kock b Nortje ...... 8 A Nortje c Denly b Wood ...... 6 S Curran c Paterson b Hendricks ...... 35 V Philander c Broad b Woakes ...... 4 C Woakes c De Kock b Hendricks ...... 0 D Pretorius c Crawley b Stokes ...... 37 M Wood b Pretorius ...... 18 B Hendricks not out...... 5 S Broad (batting) ...... 1 the morning and probably made contributed only five other Apart from his early dis- leading bowler, South Africa D Paterson c Buttler b Wood ...... 4 Extras (B4, LB8, W1) ...... 13 sure England would decide to 50-plus scores between them. missal for four, he received a bowled and fielded better than Extras (1W) ...... 1 Total (61.3 overs) ...... 248 bat again. Vernon Philander was out fine of 15 percent of his match in the first innings when Total (68.3 overs) ...... 183 Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-75, 3-92, 4-136, De Kock and Pretorius put to the sixth ball of the day, fee for his ‘send-off’ of Jos England scored 400. Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-37, 3-43, 5-150, 6-160, 7-206, 8-206, 9-240, 10- on 79 for the eighth wicket and reducing South Africa to 93 for Buttler on the second day and Left-arm seam bowler prevented England from seven, at which stage a follow- he then pulled up with a ham- Beuran Hendricks claimed a 4-60, 5-74, 6-88, 7-93, 8-172, 9-174, 248 wrapping up the innings early. on seemed a strong string injury after bowling just five-wicket haul on debut, fin- 10-183 Bowling: Philander 1.3-1-1-0, Nortje 11-1- De Kock scored his fourth possibility. nine balls in the second ishing with five for 64 when Bowling: Broad 14-3-27-0, Curran 12-4- 61-2, Paterson 13.3-5-18-1, Hendricks half-century of what has been It was an unhappy day for innings. Root was last man out to a sen- 25-1, Woakes 17-7-38-2, Wood 14.3-2-46- 15.3-2-64-5, Pretorius 18-2-87-2 (1w), a poor series for the South Philander, who will be retiring He left the field immediately sational diving catch by South 5, Stokes 11-1-47-2 (1w) Malan 2-0-5-0 African batsmen. from international cricket at the and was sent for a scan. African captain Faf du Plessis His team-mates have end of the match. Despite the loss of their at a wide slip. Bangladesh to Rahul stars as India coast home in second T20 host Zimbabwe AFP — AUCKLAND Indian attack. Rahul cracked his what we wanted to do out there, SCOREBOARD in Feb-Mar second half-century in as many and our line and lengths... was New Zealand 4-0-22-0, Bumrah 4-0-21-1, Chahal 4-0- With miserly bowling and matches to lead India’s reply in a very good feature. M Guptill c Kohli b Thakur ...... 33 33-0, Dube 2-0-16-1, Jadeja 4-0-18-2 another KL Rahul half-century, which they reeled in the target Even with a low target to AFP — DHAKA India again outclassed New for the loss of only three wickets chase, India had an early blip C Munro c Kohli b Dube ...... 26 (w2) Zealand as they coasted to a and with 15 balls to spare. when Tim Southee removed K Williamson c Chahal b Jadeja ...... 14 India Bangladesh will host seven-wicket victory in the “Another good performance Rohit Sharma for eight and C de Grandhomme c&b Jadeja ...... 3 R Sharma c Taylor b Southee ...... 8 Zimbabwe in an international second Twenty20 match in today, especially with the ball,” Kohli for 11. R Taylor c Sharma b Bumrah ...... 18 K Rahul (not out) ...... 57 series in February-March, the Auckland yesterday to go 2-0 said Indian skipper Virat Kohli But Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, T Seifert (not out) ...... 33 V Kohli c Seifert b Southee ...... 11 Bangladesh Cricket Board said up in the series. who could scarcely contain his who set up India’s six-wicket M Santner (not out) ...... 0 S Iyer c Southee b Sodhi ...... 44 yesterday. On the Eden Park ground glee, exclaiming “oh happy win in game one, were rarely The series will kick off with renowned for its short bound- days” when he lost the toss and troubled in an 87-run part- Extras: (LB1, W4) ...... 5 S Dube(not out)...... 8 a one-off Test in Dhaka on aries -- and which produced heard New Zealand choose to nership to ensure victory. Total: (five wickets; 20 overs) ...132 Extras: (w7) ...... 7 February 22, and will also more than 400 runs in game bat first. Iyer was eventually dis- Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-68, 3-74 (de, Total: (three wickets; 17.3 overs) 135 include three one-day inter- one on Friday -- New Zealand Bowling first was India’s missed for 44 while Rahul was 4-81, 5-125 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-39, 3-125 nationals and two Twenty20 struggled with the bat and strength, he said. unbeaten on 57. Did not bat: Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Bowling: Southee 3.3-0-20-2, Bennett internationals. posted a meagre 132 for five, “We demanded the bowlers Despite the comprehensive Tickner, Hamish Bennett 3-0-29-0 (w1), Tickner 3-0-34-0, Santner The three ODIs will be held batting first against a disciplined stood up and took control of defeat for New Zealand, captain in the port city of Chittagong Bowling: Thakur 2-0-21-1 (w1), Shami 4-0-19-0, Sodhi 4-0-33-1 (w2) on March, 1, 3 and 6. India’s Lokesh Rahul (right) bats as New Zealand’s The tour will wrap up with wicketkeeper Tim Seifert reacts during the second Kane Williamson stood by his But for much of the two T20Is in Dhaka on March Twenty20 match at Eden Park in Auckland, yesterday. decision to bat first. remainder of the innings it was 9 and 11. “India were outstanding the Indian bowlers who were This will be Zimbabwe’s with the ball so it was tough,” in charge. third visit to Bangladesh in the he said. When Guptill was dismissed last five years. “But there’ve been good bits for 33 he had faced 20 deliv- Feb 15: Zimbabwe arrives in both of these games without eries and only scored off 10 of Feb 22-26: Test in Dhaka putting it all together. them. March 1: First day-night “On a small ground we Tim Seifert (33 not out) and ODI in Chittagong knew if we were able to take Colin Munro (26) were the only March 3: Second day-night early wickets and try and build other batsmen to pass 20, while ODI in Chittagong pressure, like they did, then you bowling for India, left-arm March 6: Third day-night never know.” spinner Ravindra Jadeja had ODI in Chittagong For a brief moment at the figures of two for 18 off his four March 9: First day-night start of the game, it looked as if overs. Jasprit Bumrah with one T20 International in Dhaka Williamson may have made the for 21 and Mohammed Shami March 11: Second day- right choice when Martin Guptill with none for 22 off their four night T20 International in smacked sixes off consecutive overs were also miserly. Dhaka deliveries from Shardul Thakur The third match in the series March 12: Zimbabwe in the opening over. is in Hamilton on Wednesday. depart. ‘Phenomenal’ Liverpool too Atletico held to 0-0 draw by Leganes good for Man City: Guardiola AFP - MADRID

AFP — LONDON pointing out it would still be Atletico Madrid’s goalscoring troubles resurfaced as they drew good enough to mount a title 0-0 at home to a struggling Leganes side that finished with a Manchester City manager Pep challenge in Europe’s other top defender in goal after the dismissal of Ivan Cuellar. Guardiola conceded the leagues. Atletico crashed out of the Copa del Rey in midweek after Premier League title to “In the recent past when losing to third-tier Cultural Leonesa, and yesterday’s latest setback Liverpool and believes no team Chelsea won the league, the would appear to rule Diego Simeone’s team out of title in the world would be able to next season, they didn’t qualify contention. stay with the European cham- for the Champions League, They are now winless in four games, their surprise cup exit pions this season. Leicester the same and Chelsea preceded by a 2-0 loss at Eibar in La Liga last weekend and defeat Liverpool are well on course again the same. When we won by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. for a first league title in 30 years the league we repeated the Atletico could finish the day 10 points behind city rivals Real, as they lead City by 16 points league,” added Guardiola. who travel to Real Valladolid later, ahead of next week’s Madrid with a game in hand after “In Spain with the points we derby at the Santiago Bernabeu. winning 22 and drawing one of have we would be there, one or Simeone admitted on Saturday his “life is consumed by their 23 games. two points behind the leader, Atletico” and while his stock among the club’s fans remains largely City have won back-to- in Germany we would be there, undiminished, there are concerns about his team’s direction of back titles with a combined 198 one or two points behind the travel. points, denying Liverpool last leader, in Italy as well. “Honestly, we’re not talking about the coach in the changing season despite Jurgen Klopp’s “But Liverpool are just fan- room,” said Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. men posting 97 points - the tastic, phenomenal, over- “We all speak with him as players and we’re here to get better third highest tally in top-flight whelming. So we have to accept and to play football the fans enjoy. English football history. it and learn from that.” “But what pleases supporters is to see their team win. Unfor- “Liverpool obviously will be Guardiola won three league tunately that hasn’t been the case these past few matches. We’re champions of the Premier titles in a row at Barcelona and going through a bad patch.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline League, but they would be Bayern Munich, but believes the Having sold French striker Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona, during the English FA Cup fourth round match against Fulham at champions in Spain, champions mental strength to bounce back scoring goals has been Atletico’s fundamental weakness this the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, yesterday. in Italy, champions in of his current squad is just as season. They have managed only 22 in 21 league games, the same Germany,” said Guardiola. good as any he has coached number as Real Mallorca in 17th. Angel Correa and Alvaro Morata “They would be champions before. Champions League next month. “The numbers, the results, both tested Cuellar in the first half while Recio went close for everywhere after 23 games, 22 And City could still end the “Honestly, it is one of the not just in this season, I think Leganes with a curling strike that was deflected over by an Atletico victories, 1 draw.” season with three trophies as best I have ever handled or are good. Even in the previous defender. Substitute Ivan Saponjic headed over for Atletico in City have lost five league they look to defend the FA Cup faced in my career for how they seasons I think it was phe- stoppage time before bottom side Leganes were forced to play games this season, but Guar- and League Cup and take on react in the bad moments,” he nomenal. That is why I am so the final minutes with left-back Jonathan Silva in goal after Cuellar diola defended their record by Real Madrid in the last 16 of the said. proud.” was shown a second yellow card for time wasting. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Federer reaches record 15th AO quarters

AFP — MELBOURNE streaks happening at some the (John) Millman match, after Sandgren, a devout again, and said he was relishing ever taken off the Swiss. point,” said Federer, who is into losing the first set (against Fuc- Christian, achieved his best the chance to play an all-time Undaunted, Federer kept has Roger Federer flicked a switch a record 15th Melbourne sovics), that I had that in me, at Grand Slam result at Melbourne great. cool, started to find Fucsovic’s after losing the opening set to quarter-final, surpassing John the end I was able to control Park by reaching the last eight “It will be very special, very weaknesses and dictate the crush Marton Fucsovics and Newcombe’s 14. things. So that was nice.” in 2018, but it was over- special. To play him on a big points, earning a break to go book a record 15th Australian It will also be his 57th The ageless Federer was shadowed by a row over his stage like quarters of a Slam 2-0 ahead in the second set. Open quarter-final yesterday, appearance in the last eight at pushed to a gruelling five sets political views and links to would be a ton of fun really,” he He didn’t let up as the Hun- with unheralded American Grand Slams. No one else is by Millman in round three, but right-wing activists. said. garian struggled to stay in Tennys Sandgren his next close, with Novak Djokovic next showed no signs of tiredness He has put the controversy The pair have never met touch, broken again as the tide hurdle. in line on 46. against Fucsovics despite being behind him and shown battling before, as Federer noted: “I’ve turned and normal business The Swiss master took time “It was nice especially off 38. qualities to make the last eight played a lot of tennis in my life resumed for the Swiss great. to work out the Hungarian but but never against Tennys.” Fucsovics, who was when he did it was one-way “I watched quite a little bit attempting to become the first traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, today against Fognini because player from his country to make 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver it was exciting, it was close,” he the Melbourne quarters, was Arena to edge closer to a added. “It was impressive how shellshocked as Federer turned seventh Melbourne title and 21st he was competing. I’m looking on the style. Grand Slam crown. forward to a tough one.” He raced to a double break Awaiting him in the last Both Federer and Fucsovics lead in the third with some bril- eight tomorrow is the 100th- took time to feel each other out liant passing shots and there ranked Sandgren, who upset and it went with serve to 3-3 was no way back for a player 12th-seeded Italian Fabio before the Hungarian grabbed who came into the match in Fognini over four intense sets. the first break on the back of decent form, winning his three “I think it’s good for me to some high quality service previous matches without know that I can put streaks like returns. dropping a set. this together,” said Federer, The unheralded 27-year- Federer, who could face who won seven games in a row old, ranked 67, looked com- Djokovic in the semi-finals if he straddling the second and third posed, with his power and gets past Sandgren, wrapped it sets. aggressive forehand unsettling up in 2hrs 11mins, almost two “I think in any tournament Federer and he held his nerve hours less than his epic against I played very well, I had those to grab the set -- the first he had Millman. Jabeur aims It will be Roger Federer's 57th appearance in the last to ‘inspire eight at Grand Slams. No one generation’ else is close, with Novak after reaching Djokovic next in line on 46. quarter-finals

ABOVE: Switzerland’s Roger Federer talks AFP — MELBOURNE with former tennis player John McEnroe Coco Gauff, 15, exits in tears after his match against Hungary’s Marton Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur said Fucsovics at the Australian Open in Melbourne she hoped to inspire young yesterday. BELOW: Federer serves against people across the Arabic- Djokovic picks up steam Fucsovics during yesterday's four-set win. speaking world after she became the first Arab woman to reach a Grand at the Australian Open Slam quarter-final yesterday. AFP — MELBOURNE record set by a 16-year-old Martina Hingis RESULTS YESTERDAY FROM AUSTRALIAN OPEN AT MELBOURNE PARK The unseeded 25-year- in 1997. MEN'S SINGLES - 4TH ROUND old knocked out China’s Defending champion Novak Djokovic Gauff beat seven-time Grand Slam Milos Raonic (32), Canada, def. Marin Cilic, Croatia, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Wang Qiang, who upset swept into the Australian Open quarter- champion Venus Williams in round one Novak Djokovic (2), Serbia, def. Diego Schwartzman (14), Argentina, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Serena Williams in the pre- finals but 15-year-old Coco Gauff exited and title-holder Naomi Osaka in the third, Tennys Sandgren, United States, def. Fabio Fognini (12), Italy, 7-6 (5), 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6-4. vious round, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 in tears yesterday after her quest to but she came unstuck against a deter- Roger Federer (3), Switzerland, def. Marton Fucsovics, Hungary, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. to extend her dream run in become the Open era’s youngest Grand mined Sofia Kenin. WOMEN'S SINGLES - 4TH ROUND Melbourne. Slam winner came screeching to a halt. Gauff raised hopes by edging the first Petra Kvitova (7), Czech Republic, def. Maria Sakkari (22), Greece, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2. Jabeur, the highest- As Melbourne marked Australia Day set but then her fellow American took Sofia Kenin (14), US, def. Cori Gauff, US, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-0. ranked Arab woman in with formation jets and a 21-gun salute, control and it was one-sided at the finish Ons Jabeur, Tunisia, def. Wang Qiang (27), China, 7-6 (4), 6-1. history -- she reached a world number one Ashleigh Barty had as Kenin won 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-0. Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, def. Alison Riske (18), United States, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. career-high 51 last year, and home fans celebrating as she beat Amer- “The thing I’m most proud of myself is now 78th -- will next play ica’s Alison Riske 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. is how I handled it on the court,” said America’s Sofia Kenin in the “I just had to hang in there and try and Gauff, who shed tears after her defeat," last eight. give myself a chance,” said Barty, who she added. “I’m trying to inspire recovered from losing the second set, and “Even though today I lost a set 6-0, I many (of the) young gener- stays on course to become the first Aus- was still believing I could win it.” ation back home either in tralian champion since 1978. Kenin, already on the best Grand Slam Tunisia or the Arabic world, Djokovic, hunting his eighth Mel- run of her career, next faces Tunisia’s Ons especially in Africa, which bourne title, was remorseless against Jabeur, who beat China’s Wang Qiang to is amazing,” Jabeur said. Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, crushing become the first Arab woman to reach a “I mean, it’s not impos- the 14th seed 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to book an 11th Major quarter-final. sible. I made it. Like I said appearance in the last eight. Wang stunned Serena Williams in the before, I’ve been practising The Serb’s reward is a match-up with third round but the 27th seed ran out of in Tunisia from the age of big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic, who steam against Jabeur, who fought back three through 16 or 17. I’m is back in form after a run of injuries and from a break down in the first set to win 100 percent Tunisian dismissed 2018 finalist Marin Cilic 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. product.” 6-3, 7-5. Jabeur, the highest-ranked Arab Africa’s number one, the “I’ve got to be ready for missiles woman in history -- she reached a career- first Tunisian woman to win coming from his side of the net,” said high 51 last year -- is the first Tunisian a main-draw match at the Djokovic, the 16-time Grand Slam winner. woman to win a main-draw match at the Australian Open, said she Gauff’s giant-killing Australian debut Australian Open. had received messages generated intense hype as she attempted “I’m really shaking right now, it’s from people watching in the to become the youngest Major winner in unbelievable, I can’t describe how I feel,” early hours back home. the post-1968 Open Era, breaking the said the 25-year-old. Selima Sfar is the only other Tunisian woman to win at a Grand Slam after Barty says proud of indigenous she reached the second round at Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the US heritage after Australia Day win Open in the 2000s. “I’m receiving a lot of REUTERS — MELBOURNE women’s champion since Chris O’Neil won messages, especially people the tournament in 1978. waking up at 5 am in the Australian top seed Ash Barty said she was Her win over 18th seed Riske came a morning to watch my proud of her indigenous heritage but day after she was named Young Australian match. I’m really proud,” deflected questions about a contentious of the Year to honour her rise to the Jabeur said. national holiday after advancing to the number one ranking and French Open “Hopefully they can still Australian Open quarter-finals yesterday. win last year. watch me and follow more, The Queensland-born Barty delighted “It’s just amazing. It’s a privilege, it’s not just in the Grand Slam the crowd on Rod Laver Arena in Mel- an honour, and extremely humbling,” but the other tournaments. bourne where she mounted a comeback Barty said. It will be really amazing. I from a set down to beat American Alison Backed by numerous supporters really hope I can give a Riske 6-3 1-6 6-4 on Australia Day, which chanting “Come on Barty, let’s go party!”, good example.” marks the 1788 arrival of British ships to the Australian cruised through her first Jabeur’s success has not the continent. set against Riske but struggled to deal with come easy -- Tunisia has Many indigenous Australians have gusty conditions in the second, allowing been through a period of called for the holiday to be abolished, the American to level the match at one set upheaval surrounding the regarding it as “Invasion Day” or the start all. revolution of 2011, with of white settlement. The deciding set was a tighter affair security parlous for a time. “I’m an extremely proud indigenous as Riske fought back from a break down “It was little bit tough woman. It’s not for me to decide what day but was unable to keep up her standards after the revolution. It was Australia Day is on,” Barty told reporters on serve, double-faulting on match point not really safe at the time. yesterday. to seal the victory for Barty. Now everything, like, is “I am extremely proud of my heritage. “It was just about adapting and trying normal,” said Jabeur. That’s going to remain the same every to work through it as best as you can,” “I called my mom right single day of every single year for the rest Barty said. away. She was really, really of my life. It doesn’t really matter what “It was important to try and hold and happy. Probably receiving day it is. stay and fight for every point from the end a lot of calls. My father, as “Every single day I want to be kind, I where you were against the wind, and well. I think he was crying, want to be honest, I want to be humble, I make the most of it when you were with I don’t know. The family, want to give the best that I can. the wind.” everyone was behind me. "That’s all that matters for me,” Barty Barty will next take on Czech seventh They couldn’t go back to said. seed Petra Kvitova, who defeated the Aus- sleep again, of course. But Barty is seen as the country’s best hope tralian in the same round last year before I’m happy.” to end its long wait for a first home-grown losing to Naomi Osaka in the final. 10 SPORT MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya eye

place in ACL group stage Al Sailiya in action against Al Ahli in THE PENINSULA — DOHA 25. The winners of the Al Week 13 of the QNB Rayyan vs Esteghlal match will Stars League in this Qatar Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya join Group A, which includes the file picture. will be eyeing a place in the AFC UAE’s Al Wahda, Iraq’s Al Shorta Champions League (ACL) main and the winners of another draw when they take on Iranian play-off between Saudi Arabia’s clubs Esteghlal and Shahr Al Ahli and Tajikistan’s FC Khodro respectively in the Istiklol, to be played on January play-off matches in Doha, 28. Al Rayyan have had a bad The Al Rayyan And run of late as they lost 1-4 to Al Rayyan's Yohan Boli Esteghlal clash will kick-off at Al Sadd in the 2020 Qatar celebrates scoring a goal 18:15 at the Al Sadd Stadium Cup semifinal and 2-4 to Al during the QNB Stars tomorrow while on the same Gharafa in Week 13 of QSL. championship are aiming to Trabelsi last season. And the league match in Doha day Al Sailiya will lock horns Uruguayan Diego Aguirre- script history. team camp is staying confident in this file picture. with Shahr Khodro at 18:10 at coached Al Rayyan have in their Shahr Khodro qualified to even though they lost 0-1 to Al ranks players, who can make a play Al Sailiya after they Ahli in Week 13 of the QNB AFC Champions League difference, such as Algerian defeated Bahrain’s Riffa 2-1 at Stars League in the weekend, Play-off Yacine Brahimi, new Ivorian the Sharajah Stadium in the following their 0-2 loss to Al The Al Rayyan And Esteghlal the Al Duhail Stadium. third and fourth-placed teams, professional Yohan Boli, South preliminary round on January Duhail in the 2020 Qatar Cup clash will kick-off at 18:15 at Qatar’s Al Sadd and Al went into play-off to be eligible Korean Lee Jae-Ik, Cam- 25. semi-final. the Al Sadd Stadium tomorrow Duhail, the top two teams in the to make it to the tournament eroonian Franck Kom, Rodrigo It is for the first time that The winners of the Al Sailiya while on the same day Al 2018-19 QNB Stars League, had proper. Tabata, Abdulaziz Hatem, Al Sailiya are matching their vs Shahr Khodro game will join Sailiya will lock horns with qualified directly for the group Esteghlal qualified to play Khaled Muftah and Ahmed wits in the AFC Champions Group B, which includes Saudi Shahr Khodro at 18:10 at the stage of Asia’s premier club Al Rayyan after they defeated Abdelmaksoud. Meanwhile, Al League after having their best- Arabia’s Al Hilal, Shabab Al Ahli Al Duhail Stadium. competition. Kuwait SC 3-0 in Dubai in the Sailiya making their appearance ever finish in the Qatar League Dubai and Uzbekistan’s Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan, the preliminary round on January in the club continental under Tunisian coach Sami Pakhtakor. Inter draw 1-1 QSL: Al Sadd's Hassan dedicates 4-2 win with Cagliari as title challenge over Al Shahania to ‘birthday boy’ Xavi falters THE PENINSULA — DOHA goal from Al Shahania’s Saleh Al Yahri in the 49th minute. AP — MILAN Al Sadd’s star defender Ahmed Akaichi (third and Abdelkarim Hassan has dedi- 65th minutes) scored a double Inter Milan’s title challenge cated his team’s 4-2 win over for Al Shahania. took another blow after the Al Shahania on Saturday to Xavi, a former Al Sadd team was held 1-1 by Cagliari head coach Xavi as a ‘birthday player, turned 40 on in Serie A yesterday as its gift’. Saturday. traditional mid-season slump Playing on home soil at In his remarks after the appears to have taken hold Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al match, Abdelkarim said: “The again. Sadd beat Al Shahania 4-2 after win is a gift for Xavi on his Radja Nainggolan, who is goals from Hassan Al Haydous birthday.” on loan from Inter, came back (9), Akram Afif (57, penalty) and On the defensive mistakes to haunt his former club when Baghdad Bounedjah (90+4 committed by the team, he said: he scored the equalizer 12 penalty). “There is no defect in the minutes from time to cancel The Qatar Cup champions defence line, but it is was only out Lautaro Martínez’s opener were also helped by an own some players being lax and not - which was set up by new coming into the game with full Nerazzurri signing Ashley Al Sadd players celebrate their QNB focus at the beginning. This is Young. Stars League win over Al Shahania what we will work on during Second-placed Inter could on Saturday in Doha. the next matches.” find itself six points behind Al Sadd head coach Xavi Juventus if Maurizio Sarri’s The players was thrilled with his team’s side wins at Napoli later. Lazio celebrated my performance. players’ fight until the last Cup. The team is constantly On his policy of rotation could also move level on “The match was very dif- minutes,” he added. improving, and we are awaiting during the recent matches, points with Inter, with a match birthday along with ficult, especially in light of the “The league still has a long the next Al Rayyan and Al Xavi pointed out that the team in hand, if it wins the Rome our player Hossam great improvement of the Al- way to go and we will not give Duhail matches, which will has many challenging local derby. It was Inter’s third suc- Kamal, and I thank Shahania team and many of the up. We will continue to work largely determine the way the and Asian matches coming up cessive draw in Serie A. Since other Qatari teams. Yes, we until the final and compete hard competition will go.” and said: “We have many dif- 2013, Inter has only once them for this great made many defensive mistakes, for the league title,” Xavi said He added: “The players cel- ficult and strong matches managed to win more than one spirit among all the due to which we conceded an Regarding Al Sadd’s ability ebrated my birthday along with awaiting us during the next league match in January. family members of early goal,” Xavi said. to compete, Xavi said: We are our player Hossam Kamal, and period and we are working on “We often lose awareness “I am very happy with the going through a good period in I thank them for this great spirit following the rotation policy, because of tiredness,” Inter the team: Xavi players’ reaction, today’s per- terms of performance, espe- among all the family members especially as we have many goalkeeper Samir Handanovic formance and result, and the cially after winning the Qatar of the team.” excellent players.” said.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva (right) shoots to score Marseille’s slim title hopes their second goal during the English FA Cup fourth round match against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest hit by Angers stalemate England, yesterday. AFP — PARIS against a solid Angers outfit at that,” said the Portuguese the Stade Velodrome, but did coach. Andre Villas-Boas’ Marseille extend their unbeaten run in all “But Barcelona are (Lionel) laboured to a tame 0-0 draw competitions to 12 matches. Messi-dependent, Juve are at home against Angers on Villas-Boas defended his (Cristiano) Ronaldo-dependent. Saturday, handing Paris Saint- side when asked if they rely too If we are Payet-dependent, I Germain the chance to move much on star Dimitri Payet, have no problem with that.” 10 points clear at the top of who missed the game through Nemanja Radonjic fired Ligue 1. suspension. narrowly wide for Marseille on Second-placed Marseille “With 11 guys behind the the stroke of half-time, while are seven points adrift of ball, where do you want us to the away side almost snatched reigning champions PSG, who go? You need dribbling, a 90th-minute winner when visit last year’s runners-up Lille. winning duels, finding the last Antonin Bobichon’s effort flew The hosts rarely threatened pass or goal and Payet does just over. But Angers failed to muster a single shot on target, with their opponents managing just two. Marseille sit five points clear of Rennes in the race for automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage, after the third- FA Cup: Man City cruise placed side were held to a 1-1 draw at Nice on Friday. Elsewhere on Saturday, Monaco slipped to a 3-1 home past 10-man Fulham defeat by Strasbourg to leave new coach Robert Moreno still AFP — MANCHESTER advantage. The visitors then Guardiola made eight waiting for a first Ligue 1 win held out for nearly an hour but changes to the team that won after three matches. The prin- Holders Manchester City two headers in three minutes 1-0 at Sheffield United in cipality club, who drew 3-3 cruised into the FA Cup fifth from Jesus gave the scoreline a midweek, but still named a with PSG before being thrashed round with a 4-0 thrashing of more accurate reflection of the strong side with both David 4-1 by the champions in former 10-man Fulham at the Etihad English champions’ and Bernardo Silva and Gun- Spain boss Moreno’s first two yesterday. dominance. dogan among those coming league games, sit 12th in the Tim Ream’s sixth-minute Pep Guardiola’s men have into the team. table and eight points behind red card gave the Champi- now won 17 domestic cup ties Fulham boss Scott Parker Rennes. onship side a mountain to climb in a row. also rotated with his priority Montpellier edged out after he hauled down Gabriel The Catalan is relying on securing a return to the Premier struggling Dijon 2-1 to move Jesus inside the box. more cup success for silverware League at the first time of into fourth, while former Sun- Ilkay Gundogan converted this season after conceding the asking. Angers forward Sada Thioub (left) vies with Marseille defender derland winger Wahbi Khazri the resulting penalty before Premier League title is beyond Any hope of an upset was Valentin Rongier during the French L1 football match at the scored twice in Saint-Etienne’s Bernardo Silva’s smart turn and his side with Liverpool 16 points quashed within minutes by a Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France on Saturday. 2-1 win over Nimes. shot quickly doubled City’s clear at the top of the table. rash challenge from Ream. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

WorldSBK Calendar 2020 season

** Round-1 Australian Round 28 Feb - 01 Mar

** Round-2 Qatar Round 13 - 15 Mar

** Round-3 Spanish Round 27 - 29 Mar

** Round-4 Dutch Round 17 - 19 Apr

** Round-5 Italian Round 08 - 10 May

Participants during the third round of the Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) are seen in action at Losail ** Round-6 International Circuit. BELOW: Podium winners are seen with Abdulrahman Al Mannai, QMMF President, Abdulrazak Aragon Round Al Kuwari, QMMF General Secretary, and Khalid Al Remaihi who is the LCSC Vice President and General Manager. 22 - 24 May ** Round-7 Riviera Di Rimini Round QTCC 2K Class: Al Maadheed produces a 12 - 14 Jun ** Round-8 UK Round double, holds overall championship lead 03 - 05 Jul ** Round-9 THE PENINSULA — DOHA as I thought I would start German Round at the back of the grid but 31 Jul - 02 Aug Exciting races were witnessed at the Losail Interna- since I finished 70 tional Circuit where the third round of the Qatar percent of the first race I ** Round-10 Touring Car Championship (QTCC) was held with an kept my position and Portuguese Round incredible grid of 27 cars. started from the front. I 04 - 06 Sep In the QTCC 2K Class, Lotus Elise driver, Ghanim tried to get away from Al Maadheed, won both races in his categories to Hamad, Nasser and ** Round-11 lead the championship with 76 points. Saadon, it was a really Catalunya Round Al Maadheed, who blew up his engine during the tough race. Hamad was 18 - 20 Sep Qualifying session on Friday, managed to fix the car really pressuring me to on time and be ready for the race. make mistakes but he ** Round-12 In the first race, Al Maadheed finished in first was quicker and better French Round place with a time of 24:54.727, followed by Mohamed pace and when I close the 25 - 27 Sep Al Aseeri who was driving a Honda Civic and Hamad door, he managed to Al Asam in a Honda VC5. overtake me all time and ** Round-13 With the reverse grid in the second race, it took at the last lap he Argentinean Round only one lap to Al Maadheed to overtake the front won the race. 09 - 11 Oct cars and take the lead in his category. Congratula- He won the second race in front of Nasser Al me, I did 2 or 3 flying tions to Hamad Ahbabi with a Toyota GT86 and Abdulla Al Abbasi laps and kept the gap. - he is a real The Top Riders with a Honda Integra. I managed the race champion and "I had an engine problem during the Qualifying from the start to the today he ** Jonathan Rea session on Friday and I had to change the whole finish," Al Kuwari deserved the ** Leon Camier engine. The team has been working very hard to fix. said. win," Al ** Chaz Davies Although the car is not perfect 100 percent, but I am In the second Khelaifi added. ** Xavi Fores very happy to take the double win this weekend," Al race of QTCC M240, Saadon Al ** Takumi Takahashi Maadheed said. Hamad Al Sulaiti took Kuwari, who ** Alvaro Bautista "The race was hard, a tough start with some few the first position in joined this ** Sylvain Barrier accidents at the beginning and hard to get rid of the the podium, followed round of the ** Michael Ruben Rinaldi first lap. We had a big battle for the position. I have by Abdulla Al Khelaifi QTCC M240, ** Alex Lowes to say the weather was too hot and caused stressed and Saadon Al was happy ** Garret Gerloff to the tyres as well but I am happy with my podium Kuwari. with his results ** Leandro Mercado finish," Al Asam said. Al Sulaiti was after a long ** Scott Redding In the QTCC M240 Class, the win in the first race happy with his first victory. break from racing. ** Eugene Laverty was clinched by Nasser Al Kuwari followed by Hamad "This weekend has been amazing, second in the "It was a good weekend for me and I am happy ** Toprak Razgatlioglu Al Sulaiti and Saadon Al Kuwari. first race and winner in the second race. The second to be at the podium for the both races considering ** Michael Van Der Mark The first race was delayed due some positioning race, with the reverse grid, I started from back and that I don’t drive and compete for a long time. In the ** Federico Caricasulo of the cars on the grid and after the second green I finish first, this is incredible for me and also I did first race, I tried during 3 or 4 laps to pass Abdulla ** Tom Sykes light, Al Kuwari took the lead from the start until the the fastest lap, so I cannot ask for more being my but then Hamad came and I made a mistake. I went ** Loris Baz finish line. Abdulla Al Khelaifi had a mechanical issue first season in this championship," Al Sulaiti said. out and I couldn’t reach them. Hamad did a great ** Maximilian Scheib in the last lap and didn’t finish the first race. The QTCC defending champion Al Khelaifi overall time, one second faster than the qualifying, which is ** Leon Haslam "This weekend I learned a lot from Abdulla and was happy with his performance this weekend. amazing," Al Kuwari said. Hamad and want to thank them. First race was very "In the first race, I had a really bad start because The trophies were presented by Abdulrahman ** The Qatar Round in good. I was smart in the start, as with the delayed of the delayed start and I was fighting for the position Al Mannai, QMMF President, Abdulrazak Al Kuwari, March will be the second stop start, the other drivers were in tension and I managed until I had a mechanical issue at the last lap - it was QMMF General Secretary, and Khalid Al Remaihi on the 2020 WorldSBK to remain clam, so after the second green light, I overheating and I retired the race," Al Khelaifi said. who is the LCSC Vice President and General Manager. Calendar. jumped first and as the circuit was clear in front of "In the second race, I came with no expectation The next round will be held on Feb 7 and 8. South Korea lift AFC U23 Championship Games qualification is title to highlight Olympic credentials a big plus for Australia,

AFP — BANGKOK the angle and saved his shot. says coach Arnold The Saudis responded 10 REUTERS — BANGKOK South Korea yesterday won the minutes later when Abdullah AFC U23 Championship final by Al-Hamdan saw his effort dramatically beating Saudi blocked from close range. Head coach Graham Arnold believes Australia’s qualification Arabia 1-0 after extra-time. Three minutes from half- for Tokyo 2020 can lead to a resurgence in the country’s football Saudi Arabia’s superbly time, Jeong Woo-Yeong missed fortunes after his unfancied side overcame the odds to end a organised defence looked set the best chance of the first 45 12-year Olympic absence. to frustrate the South Koreans minutes, blasting over from 12 A 1-0 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday, courtesy of a 47th until Jeong Tae-wook’s 113th- yards out. minute goal from Nick D’Agostino, earned Australia a third minute winner. South Korea again came place finish at the Asian Under-23 Championship and one of It was the South Koreans’ close to making the break- three spots available at the Games in Japan later this year. first title in the fourth edition of through in the 58th minute. Lee “It’s a massive thing,” said Arnold of Australia’s first Olympic this tournament, giving them Dong-jun cut inside from the qualification since 2008. the perfect ending to a cam- right and angled a shot for the “You can tell how much Australia thought we were going paign in which they qualified far corner, but Al Yami got to qualify because there’s not one journalist here. for their ninth straight Olympic down to make a fine save. “So for us to achieve this third place in the Under-23 Asian Games. Saudi Arabia finally showed Cup and also to qualify for Tokyo means now that for these With the Top Three sides in some more attacking intent as boys, it’s only just a start. But they have to work hard to get in the competition earning places the match edged toward the that squad. But the organisation now has to find money for at Tokyo 2020, Olympic qual- 90-minute mark. preparation and prepare these kids properly. ification had already been Abdulrahman Ghareeb “Maybe in the past it’s been 10 days’ preparation, we don’t secured for the two finalists, fired a powerful effort over qualify and they shut the whole programme down. Now this alongside third-placed from 20 yards with three programme will continue for these kids and we’re going to get Australia. minutes remaining. great footballers from that. It’s a huge thing for Australian But continental glory was at The match entered extra football. Huge.” stake and, given their time and, after an uneventful Australia had appeared at every Olympic tournament from impressive form, South Korea 20 minutes, Lee Dong-gyeong Seoul in 1988 until Beijing in 2008. Australian greats such as were favourites coming into the threatened with a low shot from Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka took their earliest forays into the final. the edge of the box, but Al Yami international game on the Olympic stage. With qualification After a scrappy opening made the save again to save his assured, Arnold - who played at the 1988 Games and was head period, Jeong Woo-yeong team. Saudi Arabian defender Saud Abdullah coach in 2008 - is hopeful the Australians will see a positive brought the game to life in the But South Korea finally Abdulhamid (left) heads the ball away long-term impact on the senior national team. 20th minute. broke the deadlock in the 113th from South Korean striker Jeong “I do know that when you have a great pathway and great The SC Freiburg forward minute when Jeong Tae-wook Wooyeong during the AFC U-23 preparation for the Olympics then it creates six or seven top tricked his way past a defender rose to head home Lee Dong- Championship final at Rajamangala Socceroo players and for the senior national team that’s very to go through on goal before gyeong’s free kick, sparking Stadium in Bangkok yesterday. important,” he said. Mohammed Al Yami narrowed wild celebrations. SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 10 NBA: James Al Sadd's Hassan makes history as dedicates 4-2 win Sixers rout over Al Shahania to Lakers ‘birthday boy’ Xavi

MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 Football Longines Global Champions Tour, qualifiers, tennis GCL 2020 season to begin in Qatar moved from China THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The countdown is on to the over virus launch of the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL 2020 season with the spectacular AFP — SYDNEY curtain raiser in Doha, Qatar, kicking off in under six weeks. Women’s Olympic The LGCT and GCL global football qualifiers and a circuit has continued to take the Fed Cup tennis event have sport of showjumping to new been shifted out of China heights and once again fans due to growing concerns worldwide will be able to enjoy over the deadly corona- thrilling competitions across a virus, officials said total of 18 events at the highest yesterday. level building up to the Finals The football tour- in New York and the Play-offs nament had already been in Prague. moved from Wuhan, the In 2020 the individual LGCT epicentre of the outbreak, series and the GCL Team Cham- to Nanjing in Jiangsu pionship races will again span province, but will now be continents from the Middle East held in Sydney, the Asian to the Americas before moving Football Confederation to Asia and Europe cementing said. the circuit’s powerful global “The safety of all footprint. players, officials and fans The opening leg in 2020 will is of paramount impor- take place from March 5 to 7 at tance to Football Feder- the stunning Al Shaqab in Doha. ation Australia and the The high profile first event at Asian Football Confeder- this world class equestrian ation, and we are con- facility will ensure an exciting fident we will host a suc- kick off to the new LGCT and cessful tournament here GCL season. in Sydney,” Australian The race to the season British rider Ben Maher guides Explosion W over an obstacle during the LGCT Grand Prix at Al Shaqab Arena in this file photo. football chief Chris Nikou championship in this Olympic said in a statement. year will take horses, riders and spectators around the globe to future expansion on the back of new levels with the world’s best Maher rounded off his dream China’s Xinhua news 18 major cities and key the growing popularity of show riders and horses guaranteed season by winning the LGCT agency said the Chinese 2020 LGCT AND GCL CALENDAR locations. jumping. at every event. Super Grand Prix and Shanghai Football Association took All season riders will be bat- Jan Tops, President of LGCT Fans watched live at the Swans came to the fore after a the decision to offload the Doha: March 5 to 7 tling to secure their golden and GCL said: “We are delighted venues or on GCTV live tough series of qualifying Olympic qualifiers, which Mexico City: March 26 to 29 ticket for a coveted spot in the to announce our calendar for streaming, as well as following rounds to take the title in the involve China, Australia, Miami Beach: April 2 to 4 ultimate individual showdown, 2020 featuring some of the all the excitement on social final of the thrilling GCL Super Taiwan and Thailand, Shanghai: May 8 to 10 the Longines Global Champions world’s greatest cities and media. Cup. after cases of the virus Madrid: May 15 to 17 Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC iconic destinations. We are The series will aim to Title Partner and Official came to light in Jiangsu. Hamburg: May 20 to 24 Prague Play-offs. committed to growing our sport expand its audience further Timekeeper Longines will once “In consideration of Ramatuelle/S' Tropez: May 28 to 30 And motivation will be high with our new partner Tennor during 2020 focusing on digital again have a strong presence the wide spread of the Cannes: June 4 to 6 among team owners, managers and to attracting new audiences and broadcast coverage throughout the 2020 season 2019-nCoV virus across Stockholm: June 11 to 14 and riders to deliver maximum on digital and TV to show including CNN and Eurosport, continuing the long-term China, after the negotia- Cascais, Estoril: June 18 to 20 performance to put them in a jumping. The competitiveness and other TV channels around partnership. tions with the Asian Monaco: June 25 to 27 strong position for the high of teams and individual riders the world. Stay tuned for the new line Football Confederation Paris: July 3 to 5 pressure knockout stages of the through the season will no During the regular season up of teams for the 2020 GCL (AFC), the CFA decided Berlin: July 24 to 26 GCL Super Cup at the O2 Arena doubt be as intense as ever in last year, Great Britain’s Ben championship as fans across the not to host the qualifying London: August 14 to 16 in Prague. the race to the Finals and the Maher and Explosion W domi- world get ready for the start of matches to ensure the Valkenswaard: August 20 to 23 A new partnership with Play-offs where record prize nated the LGCT championship another epic season. All the health of all athletes, Rome: September 3 to 6 global investment holding money will be on offer.” again and were pivotal to the action, including the GCL R1 & coaches and working

company Tennor was Millions of fans followed the second consecutive victory of R2 and the LGCT Grand Prix, staff,” the CFA was

New York: September 25 to 27 announced earlier this month LGCT and GCL season in 2019 the GCL team London Knights. will be streamed live on GCTV reported as saying. Prague: November 19 to 22 as part of plans to accelerate as sporting excellence reached At the GC Prague Play-offs at every event. No date has been given for the re-arranged competition, which was originally scheduled for Nadal meets the ‘new Nick’ Kyrgios in February 3-9. Separately, the Inter- national Tennis Feder- ation said next month’s When he plays good fourth-round blockbuster in Melbourne Fed Cup’s Asia/Oceania tennis and shows Group I event had been REUTERS — MELBOURNE In Kyrgios, Nadal faces an opponent who has won two comes easy with him... I’m moved from Dongguan, passion for this of their three previous matches on hardcourts. looking forward to it. That’s southern China, to Kaza- game, he’s a positive World number one Rafael It will be the first singles meeting between the pair why you play.” khstan because of player for our tour, Nadal renews his rivalry with since last year’s Wimbledon when the temperamental Kyrgios had come under increasing travel restric- Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster further scrutiny for mocking tions in China. and I want my tour Kyrgios, who had previously described Nadal as a sore fourth-round clash at the loser and 'super salty', lost in four sets. Nadal’s pre-serve routine in his “The decision to move bigger, not smaller. Australian Open today, as the second-round match against the event to a different Spaniard prepares for the Gilles Simon following a time venue was taken due to trickiest test of his Melbourne singles meeting between the Kyrgios has shown a dif- violation, but the 24-year-old increasing travel restric- campaign. pair since last year’s Wim- ferent side to his character in said he only had respect for the tions in China at the Rafael Nadal on Nick Nadal has not dropped a set bledon when the tempera- recent weeks, calling on the Spaniard. present time and followed so far as he bids for just his mental Kyrgios, who had pre- tennis world to help the victims “At the end of the day, we’re consultation with inde- Kyrgios second title at Melbourne Park viously described Nadal as a of Australia’s bushfire crisis and two different players. We go pendent security and was at his ruthless best to sore loser and “super salty”, lost triggering an appeal that has about it completely different. advisors,” the ITF said. dismiss compatriot Pablo in four sets. raised more than A$5.5m After Wimbledon, I got beaten The women’s team Carreno Busta and reach the “When he plays good tennis ($3,755,675).755,675). by the better player. I shooshook his event, involving China, last 16. and shows passion forfo this After edgingedging past Russia’Russia’ss hand,hand, looked himhim in Taiwan, India, South Korea In Kyrgios,Kyrgios, game, he’s a popositivesitive plaplayery for Karenen KhKhachanovachanov in fivfivee the eye and said and Uzbekistan will now be hhowever,owever, he ourour tour, and I want mmy tour sets to set up an eighth ‘too‘too good,’”goo held in the Kazakh capital faces aann bigger, not smaller,” Nadal meetingeting wiwithth KyrgiosKyrgios adadded.d on the originally scheduled opponentopponent who saidsaid when asked about Kyrgios,K Nadal,dal, he also In othero dates, February 4-8. I’m super excited has wonwon twotwo whowho has been placedplaced ono pro- had kinkindd wwordsords matchmatches, The epidemic has honestly. Playing one ofof theirtheir threethree bation by the ATP forf his for thethe 119-times9-times DominicDominic ThiemTh killed 56 people and of the greatest tennis previousp revious behaviour.behaviour. Grandnd SSlamlam faces GaelG infected nearly 2,000. matchmatcheses on ““It’sIt’s clear, of course,cours that champion.mpion. MMonfils,onfils, DDaniil The football players on centre hardcourts.hardcourts. when he does stuff thathatt in my “I’m“I’m super MedvedevMedvedev meetsm tournament had court at your own IItt will be opinionopinion is not good, I don’t excitedited honhon-- StanStan WWawrinkaawr thethe firfirstst like.”like.” estly.y. PlaPlayingying andand Andrey RublevRu already been moved slam, it’s pretty damn one ooff tthehe squaressquares off aagainstg from Wuhan, the cool. greatestatest tennis players AlexanderA l e x a n epicentre of the on centrecentre court at Zverev.Zverev. outbreak, to Nanjing yourr own slam, it’s in Jiangsu province, Nick Kyrgios ahead prettyty damn coocool,”l,” Kyrgiosgios said.said. but will now be held of the clash “It’s“It’s goinggoing to in Sydney. Nick Kyrgios be anothernother physphysicalical Rafael Nadal battle.tle. Nothing