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Home , Afif Hossain, FIFA Club World Cup, Mahedi Hasan

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 21

CRICKET FOOTBALL You never know how players are going to South Africa vs respond, but I have been surprised by the , Third Test Burnley vs Leicester attitude they have shown to work: 's India vs Australia, City; Liverpool vs ACTION

new manager Quique Setien. TODAY’S 3rd ODI Manchester United

Kuchar heads Singapore Westwood grabs one-shot lead leaderboard AFP — ABU DHABI and Spain’s Sergio Garcia (69) ranking, and even though he were tied fifth one shot further has qualified for the Masters this Abu Dhabi scores after birdie binge Lee Westwood conjured up a behind. year, getting back into the Leading third-round scores SINGAPORE, magical eagle to help lift him World number one Brooks top-50 would get him into all of the $7m Abu Dhabi AFP — into a third round lead at the Koepka (70), coming back to the majors and WGC events. Championship at the par-72 Abu Dhabi Championship competitive golf after a 14-week Even though a lot rides on a Abu Dhabi Golf Club course Olympic medallist Matt Kuchar yesterday. layoff due to stem cell treatment good performance early in the yesterday: fired a nine-under-par 62 to Westwood, who turns 47 in for his left knee injury, was in a season, Westwood said he 202 - Lee Westwood (ENG) take the lead after the third April, shot a seven-under par tie for 48th place at five-under rarely played golf or hit balls in 69-68-65 round of the Singapore Open 65 to move one shot ahead of par 211. the off season. 203 - Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) yesterday, while fellow Rio Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, England’s Westwood pro- “Coming here, I expected to 69-69-65, Francesco Laporta winner Justin Rose was not far who also shot a 65, and over- duced his eagle on the par-five have to work hard on my game (ITA) 71-63-69 behind. night leader Francesco Laporta eighth hole, smashing a hybrid and scramble a lot. I don’t play 204 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) The three men’s golf of Italy. iron from 266 yards to less than a lot when I’m away from tour- 68-67-69 medallists from the 2016 Rio Matthew Fitzpatrick birdied three feet. naments now,” he said. 205 - Kurt Kitayama (USA) 67-70- Olympics are playing in the his last two holes in a round of His round also contained six After making a birdie on the 68, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 67-69-69, tournament and their per- three-under par 69 to go fourth birdies and a solitary bogey. The 13th, the 34-year-old Wies- 206 - Thomas Detry (BEL) 69-70- formances could give clues at 12-under par 204, while dropped shot on the 14th hole, berger burned the edges on the 67, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) about their form ahead of American Kurt Kitayama (68) where he had to stand in a next two holes with his birdie 67-68-71 the Games starting in bunker with the ball outside in attempts, but managed to close July. the rough, was his only bogey with three in a row from the Bronze medallist Kuchar in the last 37 holes. 16th onwards. of the has looked “I played well. I holed a “I struggled the first two the strongest of the trio, and I played well. I holed a couple of putts early on which days. I think I hit more fairways an impressive round yesterday gave me some momentum and today and I can then get myself gave him a three-shot lead couple of putts early then hit a brilliant shot into the into positions to take on the heading into the event’s final on which gave me eighth. Then backed it up with flags, which I did well,” said the day. some momentum and a birdie at the ninth, so a bit of world number 23. The nine-time PGA Tour then hit a brilliant shot momentum, got on a roll,” said Laporta made an early Lee Westwood of England during the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship winner fired four birdies in his Westwood, winner of 24 titles bogey on the par-five second in Dubai, yesterday. front-nine, followed by into the eighth. Then on the European Tour. hole and was one-over another five in his inward- backed it up with a Westwood was winless last through seven before making nine for a three-day total of birdie at the ninth, so a year but had finished 2018 in four birdies in the last 11 I pulled my second shot,” said want to think about my score 17-under-par 196. style when he won the NedBank holes. the reigning Challenge Tour and my game. I am trying not “It was a great day,” said bit of momentum, got Challenge in South Africa. “I was a bit nervous on the Order of Merit champion. to see the leaderboard. I think the world number 24. on a roll: Westwood He is currently ranked 63rd first couple of holes and made He added: “Tomorrow, it it’s going to be a good day “That was a great way to in the official world golf a bad mistake on second when would be just a dream. I just tomorrow.” start, back to back birdies, kind of tied for the lead there, and just kept playing some good golf.’ Rio gold medallist Rose Fowler, Scheffler joint leaders in La Quinta from England, ranked ninth in the world, did not seem to AFP — LOS ANGELES just kind of picking my way Scheffler, a Korn Ferry playing at his best but birdies US PGA Tour La Quinta around,” added Fowler, Tour graduate seeking his on the 17th and 18th helped Leading second-round Rickie Fowler fired an who played the Jack first PGA Tour title, also scores on Friday at La him to a 68 to draw within six eagle and six birdies in an Nicklaus Tournament teed off on 10 on the Quinta, California, on the shots of Kuchar. eight-under par 64 on Course, which like the Nicklaus course and raced La Quinta Country Club “I wasn’t very happy with Friday to grab a share of other two in use, La Quinta up the leaderboard with course, Jack Nicklaus how I played today,” he the halfway lead alongside Country Club and the birdies at six of his first Tournament Course and admitted. Scottie Scheffler in the US Stadium Course, is a seven holes. Stadium Course (USA “I knew I needed to have PGA Tour event at La par-72. He slowed with a unless noted, par-72): a stronger finish, I knew I went Quinta, California. “Two out of three double-bogey at the 18th, a bit flat in the back nine until The top duo in the courses down, looking but rebounded with a 129 - Rickie Fowler 65-64, the end.” pro-am event held on three forward to playing the birdie at the fourth, fol- Scottie Scheffler 65-64 There was disappointment courses in the Southern Stadium tomorrow,” he lowed by an eagle at the 130 - Andrew Landry 66-64 for Olympic silver winner California desert were tied said of the course that will seventh and a tap-in birdie 131 - Tony Finau 69-62 Henrik Stenson, however, who on 15-under par 129, one also host round four on at his final hole, the ninth 132 - Bud Cauley 68-64 only managed a three-over- stroke in front of American Sunday. -- where his approach over par 74 and slipped down the Andrew Landry (64), with Fowler teed off on 10 the water hazard nearly 133 - Ted Potter 70-63, leaderboard to joint 46th. American Tony Finau two and picked up birdies at 11 found the cup for another Im Sung-jae (KOR) 67-66, Meanwhile defending shots back after a storming and 12 before catching fire eagle. Ryan Moore 68-65, Cameron champion Jazz Janewattan- 10-under par 62. coming in. He followed “I feel pretty good,” Davis (AUS) 66-67, Wes anond, who had been leading “These courses are birdies at the first and third Scheffler said. “Just the one Roach 68-65, Chase Seiffert before the third rond, slipped scoreable, but I feel like it’s with an eagle at the fourth, mishap on 18 but other 66-67 134 - Brian Harman behind Kuchar but still fired a fine line between playing where he lofted a high than that pretty solid.” 67-67, Maverick McNealy an impressive 67 to share Rickie Fowler reacts to his putt on the ninth well and kind of scraping approach to six feet and Landry had nine birdies 69-65, Sepp Straka (AUT) second place with Miguel green during the second round of The American by,” said Fowler, who is made that for eagle. He and a bogey in his eight- 69-65, Zac Blair 64-70, Alex Tabuena of the Philippines. Express tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Noren (SWE) 67-67, Michael playing the tournament for added another birdie at the under effort on the La Thailand’s Jazz had a slow Gligic 69-65 Tournament Course at PGA West in La Quinta, the first time in six years. eighth to be the first in the Quinta Country Club start but made up for it with California on Friday. “I’ve done a good job of clubhouse on 129. layout. four birdies on the back nine. Crosby's goal lifts Penguins Raptors tie franchise points over Red wings mark with rout of Wizards

REUTERS — LOS ANGELES AFP — LOS ANGELES, against dating back to the 2013-14 NBA season. Sidney Crosby scored on a Norman Powell scored 28 Elsewhere, Malcolm tip-in during an points off the bench as the Brogdon drained a clutch power play, and the visiting Toronto Raptors used a I am just so happy basket with 18 seconds Pittsburgh Penguins edged the balanced offence to continue basketball is here for remaining as the Indiana Pacers Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on their domination over the me, because it was spoiled the return of Karl- Friday. Washington Wizards with a Anthony Towns with a tightly- Crosby redirected an 140-111 rout on Friday. some great therapy contested 116-114 victory over Evgeni Malkin shot for his Marc Gasol added 20 points for me today: Towns the Minnesota Timberwolves. third goal in as many games. to become one of seven players Brogdon hit a tiebreaking Bryan Rust had a goal and an in double figures for the 15 footer, and T.J. Warren assist for the Penguins, and Raptors, who have won seven scoring total. The Raptors led scored 28 points for the Pacers Matt Murray made 28 saves. straight games over the 38-26 at the end of the first in front of a crowd of 17,900 at Malkin was credited with a Wizards. quarter and took a 24-point lead Bankers Life Fieldhouse. team-high six shots and The Raptors tied their fran- into the fourth quarter. They Two-time all- centre assisted on both goals. chise points total of 140 points increased it to 30 points with 4:36 Towns finished with 27 points Pittsburgh bounced back which they earned in a double remaining and cruised from after missing 15 games with a from a 4-1 loss at Boston on overtime two-point victory over there to improve to 27-14 on the knee injury. Thursday in which it was the Wizards in January 2019. It season. “I am just so happy bas- silenced after Crosby scored is the most points they have ever Terence Davis scored 23 ketball is here for me, because in the first minute. The Pen- scored in regulation time. points, OG Anunoby added 18 it was some great therapy for guins earned their fifth win in Toronto has been struggling to points and Serge Ibaka had 15 me today,” he said. six games Friday. hold big leads of late, but they points and eight rebounds. Also, Furkan Korkmaz Lightning 7 Jets 1 hope to have finally reversed that Pascal Siakam had 12 points, scored 24 points, including a Anthony Cirelli collected trend with Friday’s season-high and Kyle Lowry contributed 11 career-best six three-pointers, his first career hat trick, and points and eight assists. to lift the host Philadelphia Nikita Kucherov scored twice Troy Brown had 22 points 76ers past the Chicago Bulls to lead visiting Tampa Bay to NBA Results for the Wizards, who have lost 100-89. Ben Simmons added a one-sided win over Dallas 120, Portland 112 three straight. Isaac Bonga 20 points, 11 rebounds and Winnipeg. San Antonio 120, Atlanta 121 added 17 points and 10 seven assists as the Sixers Goaltender Andrei Vasi- Memphis 113, Cleveland 109 rebounds. improved to 20-2 at home. levskiy made 30 saves to claim Oklahoma City 108, Miami Bradley Beal had 14 points, Al Horford scored 20 points his 10th consecutive win for 115 Ish Smith and Davis Bertans and Tobias Harris had 13 for the Tampa Bay, while Ondrej Palat Indiana 116, Minnesota 114 each had 12 and Anzejs Sixers, who played without Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) drives to the basket collected three assists and Philadelphia 100, Chicago 89 Pasecniks 11 in the loss. injured all-star centre Joel against Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Brayden Point and Steven Toronto 140, Washington 111 Toronto shot 57.1 percent Embiid for the 12th time this Arena on Friday. Stamkos had two-point games. from the field and are now 20-4 season. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

Salman Mohammed Al Emadi guides The Toymaker to Big Tour win

Qatari rider Salman Mohammed Al Emadi (The Toymaker) is seen with Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi (Cantaro 32) and Nasser Al Ghazali (Quel Homme) at the prize distribution ceremony following his win in the Big Tour competition of Round 6 of the Longines Equestrian Tour Hathab Series at Al Shaqab Arena in Al Rayyan yesterday. The Toymaker clocked a time of 71.50 as Al Emadi won the top prize of QR8,750. Second-placed Cantaro 32 clocked 68.10 (4 faults) as Al Suwaidi won QR7,000 while Al Ghazali won QR5,250 (Quel Homme, 70.26, 4 faults). Badr Al Darwesh, Secretary General of Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF), handed over the prizes in the 130/145cm class. Bess spins England closer to series Tamim back for T20 lead in spite of De Kock resistance series in Pakistan

AP — DHAKA AFP — PORT ELIZABETH Opening batsman is back in Bangladesh’s 15-man Rookie off-spinner Dom Bess squad for this month’s three-match series against claimed his first Test five- Pakistan, but -keeper has pulled out wicket haul as England moved of the tour because of security concerns. into a strong position on the Left-hander Tamim last played for Bangladesh during the third day of the third Test ODI series against Sri Lanka in July 2019. against South Africa at St Tamim took time off to work on his game after the 2019 George’s Park yesterday. , where he scored 235 runs. He didn’t tour India Bess took the first five because he wanted to be with his pregnant wife but played in as South Africa the Bangladesh Premier League, hitting 396 runs in 12 matches. struggled to 208 for six in reply Najmul Hossain Shanto, who last week scored an unbeaten to England’s 499 for nine 115 for Tigers against Dhaka Platoon in the BPL, all- declared, still 291 runs in rounder Mahedi Hasan and fast bowler Rubel Hossain have arrears - and 92 short of also been recalled for the T20 series which will be played in avoiding the follow-on. Lahore on Jan. 24, 25 and 27. Joe Root’s side would have Mahedi played his only T20 international in Feb. 2018 been in an even stronger against Sri Lanka. position had it not been for a After the series, Bangladesh returns to Pakistan next month lengthy rain interruption which for the first test of a two-match series before going back in wiped out the afternoon session April to play the other test and an ODI. and some defiant South African Squad: Mahmudullah (), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya resistance, notably from South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (centre) watches the ball after playing a shot as England’s Jos Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, , Quentin de Kock, unbeaten on Buttler (left) looks on during the third day of the third Test match between South Africa Mohammad Mithun, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Aminul Islam, 63 and dropped three times by and England at the St George’s Park Cricket Ground in Port Elizabeth yesterday. Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Hasan Mahmud. SCOREBOARD Ben Stokes, and nightwatchman held on. De Kock showed the today and if the tourists are able England (I innings) 499-9 decl Anrich Nortje. familiar muscularity which to wrap up the innings quickly South Africa (I innings) The 22-year-old Bess, brought him half-centuries in they will probably enforce the D Elgar c Pope b Bess ...... 35 playing in his fourth Test after the first two Tests, clubbing nine follow-on because of the pos- P Malan c and b Bess ...... 18 being called up as cover for his fours in his 63. He had added sibility of more rain on the Z Hamza c Pope b Bess ...... 10 sick Somerset teammate Jack 54 for the seventh wicket with remaining two days. A Nortje c Root b Stokes ...... 18 Leach who has since flown Vernon Philander, 27 not out, Bess took all his wickets in F du Plessis c Pope b Bess ...... 8 home, finished the day with five when stumps were drawn. an unchanged 23-over spell H van der Dussen b Bess ...... 24 for 51. In spite of the poor weather from the northern, Duck Pond Q de Kock (batting) ...... 63 He might have had more as forecast for the next two days, end, from late on Friday, when V Philander (batting) ...... 27 Root dropped a regulation slip England remain well-placed to he took his first two wickets, catch to reprieve the stubborn take a 2-1 lead in the four- until after lunch on Saturday. Extras (B4, W1) ...... 5 Nortje who bravely defied the match series. Following Ollie Pope’s Total (6 wkts, 82 overs) ...... 208 hostility of Mark Wood and the The second new ball was century on the second day, it Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-60, 3-63, 4-71, guile of Bess. taken for the last three balls of was the second breakthrough 5-109, 6-154 He had batted for 193 the day, bowled by Bess at a performance by a 22-year-old Bowling: Broad 11-4-30-0, Curran 9-1-31-0, minutes and faced 136 balls time when fading light allowed for England. Bess had taken a Pakistan’s cricketers warm up during a training camp in Lahore Bess 31-12-51-5, Wood 11-4-31-0 (1w), Denly when he edged a ball from only spinners to be used. total of five wickets in his pre- yesterday. Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a three-match T20 4-1-10-0, Root 11-4-25-0, Stokes 5-1-26-1 Stokes to Root at second slip. It will be available for the vious three Tests at a cost of 48 series starting from January 24, 2020. This time the England captain fast bowlers at the start of play runs each.

India’s Manish Pandey India ready for (centre) celebrates Giggs set to make with team-mates after taking a catch to dismiss Australia’s debut on beIN Sports Australia, says during the second one- day international (ODI) of a three-match series between THE PENINSULA — DOHA India and Australia in Rajkot confident Kohli Current Wales manager and Manchester United football legend on Friday. is set to make his punditry debut today, live and AFP — BENGALURU There are worries though exclusive on beIN Sports. as Dhawan did not return to Giggs will take part in beIN Sports’ English studios for the After overcoming “panic” field after being hit on the rib Burnley vs. Leicester City match at 17:00 Mecca Time (GMT +3) among fans, Indian captain cage by a Pat Cummins before moving to beIN Sports’ Arabic studio for the North West Virat Kohli has tried to assure bouncer during his 90-ball derby between Liverpool and Manchester United at 19:30 Mecca supporters it will be service as knock. Time (GMT +3). normal when his side take on Vice captain Rohit Sharma Joining Giggs in the Arabic studio will be beIN Sports presenter Australia in a tense deciding also walked off after injuring Ayman Jadah, analyst and Egyptian legend Mohammed Abutrika match in their one-day series his arm diving to prevent a as well as Tareq Al Jalahma. today. boundary. Along with analysing the two matches, Giggs will be sharing Many Indian fans had a “It’s that left shoulder that his illustrious experiences in football as well as his UEFA Euro near seizure after Australia has popped out a few times. 2020 expectations with Wales. hammered their side by 10 There’s no tear so hopefully he The thirteen-time English Premier League winner is regarded wickets in the first 50 over should be back for the next by many as one of the best players ever to play for Manchester game on Tuesday. game,” Kohli said. United. But Kohli’s team dominated India experimented with His partnership with players such as , Wayne Friday’s second match and won the batting order in Mumbai Rooney and Ruud Van Nistelrooy as well as his consistency and by 36 runs, with opener but stuck with two traditional loyalty are widely recognized in the world of football. Shikhar Dhawan hitting 96 and openers with Kohli at three as Giggs signed his first professional contract with Manchester KL Rahul smashing 80 off 52 they saved the series. United on the day of his 17th birthday in 1990 and hasn’t looked balls. stood out for back since – winning thirteen English Premier League titles, four That helped to settle nerves Australia with his defiant 98 FA Cups, three Football League Cups, two UEFA Champion and Kohli looked calm after the and stood guard with his team’s opening match, fell early. “He looked exceptionally Leagues, one UEFA and one FIFA Club World Cup. win in which he also made 78 new-look middle-order before Labuschagne made 46 at good tonight. He hit the gaps The Manchester United legend appeared 632 times in the in India’s 340-6. chopping a Kuldeep Yadav number four, and with wick- hard, ran hard between the English Premier League before becoming an Interim player- “We live in the days of on to the stumps. etkeeper-batsman Alex Carey wickets and played some nice manager for the Red Devils in 2014 and then moving to manage social media and a panic button He put on a threatening at five, Smith believes the new shots. the Welsh national football team in 2018. being pressed too early,” Kohli 96-run third-wicket stand with middle-order would take the “And there’s no reason why beIN MEDIA GROUP is a leading independent global media said after the game in Rajkot. Marnus Labuschagne, making team to the 2023 World Cup in the three-four-five (batting group and one of the foremost sports & entertainment networks “We know exactly what his ODI debut in this series. India. order) can’t stay as it is.” in the world. The group distributes and produces an unrivalled we’re doing in the change Smith and Labuschagne “I thought Marnus played Australia were bowled out array of entertainment, live sport and major international events room. On the outside there’s a steadied Australia after David really well in his first bat in for 304 in 49.1 overs having across 5 continents, 43 countries and in 9 different languages lot of panic that we don’t really Warner (15) and Aaron Finch one-day international cricket,” fallen steadily behind in the run spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia and the Middle focus on.” (33), unbeaten centurions in the Smith said. chase once Smith had gone. East & North Africa (MENA). SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 23 Federer blasts lack of communication on AO smog AFP — MELBOURNE pets inside, close your windows,” pollutants measured by monitoring on Tuesday, the next day on Federer said. stations throughout Melbourne Wednesday when it was still bad,” Roger Federer demanded better “You have court calls, then you Park. Play will be stopped if the he said. Federer has ‘low communication about air quality look at the haze and everything, it particulate matter rating (PM2.5) “I told them, ‘Look, I just think at the Australian Open yesterday doesn’t look good. How far are we -- the solid and liquid particles sus- communication is key for all of us, after smoke from bushfires hit the from that threshold of playing, not pended in the air -- hits 200, or for everybody’. We just need to do expectations’ at tournament’s build-up, as officials playing?” five on the air quality scale. more because I feel like I hadn’t announced new guidelines on World number six Stefanos Between 97 and 200 -- a four gotten enough information. Australian Open pollution. Tsitsipas was another player who rating -- will trigger a discussion “Can I go on court and say, Eve- Federer, the 20-time Grand was troubled by the smog, saying between medical staff and officials rybody stop play? I can try. I don’t Slam champion, said a lack of he had difficulty breathing even about halting play, with the match think that’s going to do much. AFP — MELBOURNE information made matters worse after practising indoors in Mel- referee able to suspend a match if Maybe it was all a bit late. But I for players who were forced to stay bourne. “I was coughing a lot, had he sees fit. don’t think I can do more than what Roger Federer might have won 20 Grand on the courts on Tuesday and troubles breathing for a couple of The rules will apply to all I did.” The Australian Open gets Slams and six Australian Open titles but Wednesday, when air quality in hours,” Tsitsipas said yesterday, outside courts and the Grand underway tomorrow, when rain is the Swiss great yesterday insisted he had Melbourne was among the worst while Canadian young gun Denis Slam’s three arenas with forecast. Air quality in Melbourne “low expectations” at the first Major of the on the planet. Shapovalov claimed “I wouldn’t retractable roofs, where play will yesterday was rated ‘moderate’, season. Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic was play” if conditions deteriorated be halted until the roof is closed. one step below ‘good’. The 38-year-old crowd favourite has yet forced to retire during qualifying during the tournament. Some players in qualifying The 38-year-old said the air to play a competitive match this year, opting after a distressing coughing fit, “I’m 20 years old, I don’t want questioned why influential stars quality scale was a step in the right out of the recent ATP Cup to spend more while Britain’s Liam Broady to risk my life, risk my health being like Federer didn’t do more to direction, and that he was not time with his family. claimed “multiple” players needed out there playing in this condition,” speak up on their behalf during the worried about playing in smoke The team event in Brisbane, Perth and asthma medication. he added. choking haze, but the Swiss great, haze. “From what we were told Sydney provided Novak Djokovic and Rafael “I think communication is key In the wake of the backlash, who is on the ATP player council, yesterday in the player meeting, Nadal with six high-intensity clashes heading from the tournament to the people, Australian Open organisers yes- insisted he did everything he could. the Olympic Games and other into Melbourne Park, and Federer knows he to the media, to the fans, to the terday unveiled a five-step air “What can I do? I can go to the competitions have the (particulate has his back to the wall. players, because you do hear it’s quality rating to determine when office, speak to them. I went to matter) numbers set at 300. Ours Seeded three, he has a tricky clash against not safe to be outside, keep your play should be halted, based on them the first day when it was bad is set at 200,” he said. 81st-ranked American Steve Johnson first up. “I’m happy to be back in Australia. I’m happy to be playing here, of course, I love it,” said Federer, who has returned for a 21st Australian Open campaign. “Look, it’s a tricky situation right now 2020 Qatar playing somebody who has just played a lot this week. He’s ready to go. He’s match-ready ExxonMobil and I’m not,” he added of Johnson. “I got to really make sure I get out of the Open gates quick.” Despite his age Federer won four singles champion titles last year, but he failed to add another Grand Slam. His closest call came in the wins in Wimbledon final, where he lost a five-set epic to Djokovic, with his last success at Mel- Adelaide bourne Park in 2018. Andrey Rublev In contrast, his great rivals Djokovic and of Russia poses Nadal won two apiece last year, with the with the winner’s Spaniard moving within one Slam title of trophy after Federer’s record 20. defeating Lloyd The Swiss star said the off-season had Harris of South gone well but he needed to get matches under Africa in their his belt. final match at “I’ve had plenty of time to pace myself the Adelaide and do all the things I had to do to get ready. International I hope it’s enough,” he said. “I know it’s a super-long road to victory. in Adelaide That’s why I got to take it one match at a yesterday. Rublev time. My expectations are quite low. won last week's “I’m excited to play Steve,” he added. Qatar ExxonMobil “He’s a good guy. With his old-school playing Open final in Doha -- big forehand, slice backhand, good serve on January 11, -- I think it’s going to be a nice match for 2020. me.” Barty, Rublev win Adelaide titles in style

AP — ADELAIDE his victory in Doha. Dominik Hrbaty won The home favourite saved both of those the Adelaide and Auckland titles in 2004 to level at 4-4 and then broke Yastremska’s Roger Federer of Top-ranked Ash Barty has fine-tuned for before the Australian Open. serve in the 11th game and served out. Switzerland hits the first tennis major of the season by “I was not thinking about (the record) “This is incredible. Great start to the a return during a winning her first title on home soil with a but it’s an amazing feeling,” Russian Rublev year,” Barty said. “I definitely feel the love practice session 6-2, 7-5 victory over No. 24-ranked Dayana told reporters yesterday. out here. I love playing in Australia. ahead of the Yastremska in yesterday’s Adelaide Inter- “If you talk about results, of course this "I love playing at home. “It was nice to Australian Open in national final. is the best I have ever done," he added. get the ball rolling this week - I can’t wait Melbourne. The French Open champion had reached Barty conceded just two points on serve to get started in Melbourne on Monday.” finals in Australia before, finishing runner- during the first set, breaking the 19-year- Barty’s next match will be on Rod Laver up twice at the Sydney International after old Yastremska’s serve in the third and Arena on the first night of the Australian losses to Angelique Kerber in 2018 and Petra seventh games. Open against Lesia Tsurenko. Kvitova last year. Yastremska struggled against Barty’s Her run to the quarterfinals at Mel- She’s now the first Australian woman backhand slice, and changes of pace and bourne Park last year was Barty’s best run to win a tour-level title at home since 2011. height on the ball. yet at her home championship. Russia's Andrey Rublev became the first Barty broke to open the second set but She followed that up by winning at man in 16 years to win two titles in the first Yastremska rallied to win the next three Roland Garros for her first major title and two weeks of the season when he beat Lloyd games, and had two break point chances in closed the 2019 season with victory in the Harris 6-3, 6-0 in Adelaide to follow up on the eighth game. WTA Finals. Couldn’t have asked for a Slam star Nadal is better comeback: Sania surprised to still be IANS — HOBART

After winning the WTA Hobart on top of the game International trophy with REUTERS — MELBOURNE partner Nadiia Kichenok of keep going. Ukraine, Sania said that she “(It’s) some- couldn’t have asked for a better Australian Open top seed Rafa Nadal (pictured) thing that is dif- comeback. entered his third decade as a professional ranked ficult to imagine The Indo-Ukrainian duo No. 1 in the world and the 33-year-old Spaniard for me because defeated second-seeded says he is surprised to be at the summit of the of my style of game, as a lot of people said, my China’s Shaui Peng and Shuai men’s game given his long and varied history of career should be little bit shorter. Zhang in straight sets 6-4 6-4 injuries. “But here we are. (I’m) happy for that. Even in the contest lasting for one Enjoying a rare period of full fitness, Nadal for me is a big surprise to be where I am at my hour and 21 minutes. is bidding for his second title in his 15th age.” Speaking after the match, appearance at Melbourne Park, as well as the Nadal, the only player to claim the world Mirza said that it was a perfect added carrot of matching Roger Federer’s all- number one spot in three decades, plays comeback. time record of 20 Grand Slam titles. unseeded Bolivian Hugo Dellien in the first round “It really is a fantastic tour- In this photo posted on the official Twitter handle of the WTA Tour, In the 11 years since his 2009 triumph in Mel- on Tuesday and has a reasonably kind draw. nament. This is what happens India's Sania Mirza (left) and Nadiia Kichenok of Ukraine celebrate bourne, Nadal has battled back from a litany of There is a potential fourth round match-up when you don’t expect anything after winning the WTA Hobart International event yesterday. serious injuries, defying predictions that his against 16th seed Karen Khachanov or local fire- out of a tournament and I think taxing, all-action game might cut his career short. brand Nick Kyrgios, who has won three of his it teaches us not to put any thank my partner for playing against the very best teams in He now has a chance to hold three out of the seven Tour matches against the Spaniard. pressure on ourselves," Sania with me,” Sania added. the world.” four Grand Slam titles after winning the French The pair have never been friends, with Nadal said. Thanking her family and “I feel extremely grateful and US Opens last year. accusing him of “lacking respect for the public, "I came out here to try to get team she said: “I can’t say it and privileged. Thank you guys “Well, I can’t say I have been lucky with the opponent and himself” after being beaten by some matches in before getting enough. I could not obviously for coming out and supporting, injuries, because I have not,” he told reporters at the Australian at the Mexican Open last year. into Melbourne and I just want be here and give everything it was a very good atmosphere,” Melbourne Park yesterday. Kyrgios in turn labelled Nadal “super salty” and to say that I could not have that I have without my parents she added. “But there is no secret. There is only passion, a bad loser. asked for a better comeback,” and my team." It was Sania’s 42nd WTA about love for the game, and about being able to Nadal shrugged when asked about Kyrgios’s Sania added. She added: "It’s extremely doubles title and the first since stay positive in the tough moments. chances at his home Grand Slam. “Hobart has been special to special for me to be here and the Brisbane International “It’s true that I went through some tough sit- “Everybody knows who is Kyrgios. Everybody me in many ways and it’s be here with my baby. I never trophy in 2017 with American uations during all my career. But I was able to knows how big is his talent, how good he is when amazing that it happened here thought that I would be com- partner Bethanie always, with probably the positive attitude and he wants to play at his best, when he’s able to in Hobart and I would like to peting at the very best levels Mattek-Sands. with the right people around, to find a way to play at his best. His chances are always there.” SPORT SPORT | 22 SPORT | 23 Bess spins Barty, England Rublev win closer to Adelaide series lead titles

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

2020 Asian Men’s Handball Championship: Al Annabi register second successive win to top Group B Qatar down , qualify for next stage

ARMSTRONG VAS 13 nations divided into four THE PENINSULA groups. Group A includes Bahrain, Qatar defeated Japan 36-28 to Iran and New Zealand while register their second successive Group C comprises South win and qualify for the next Korea, Saudi Arabia and Aus- round of the 2020 Asian Men’s tralia. Hosts Kuwait, UAE, Hong Handball Championship in Kong and Iraq form Group D. Kuwait yesterday. All four teams in the semi- On Thursday, Qatar had finals will have already booked began their campaign in the their spot at Egypt 2021 and if championship with a Australia or New Zealand finish resounding 49-18 victory over fifth or higher they will qualify China in the Group B match. through too. If either of the 13 teams are competing for teams from Oceania finish in continental glory at the cham- sixth place or lower, then that pionship, which ends on qualification place will be January 27. The event also transferred to a wild card. serves as a qualifying event for Qatar won the previous the 2021 edition of the Men’s Asian in Egypt. Championship in 2018 in Qatar concluded their Korea. They defeated Bahrain Group B engagements with an 33:31 in the final – a repeat of all-win record. The group also the finals from 2014 and 2016 included Japan and China. which saw Qatar beat Bahrain After the preliminary stage both times. in Kuwait, top two teams from Bahrain got some sweet each group - divided into two revenge though later in 2019, groups - will feature in the shocking the dominant Qataris main round before the event in October when they defeated advances to the semi-finals. the host nation 34:29 in the Action from the 2020 Asian Men’s Handball Championship All 43 games will be played AHF Men’s Asian Qualification match between Qatar and Japan in Kuwait yesterday. at the Saad Al-Abdullah sports Tournament for the Tokyo arena in Kuwait City with the 2020 Olympic Games. Guardiola’s birthday Al Sadd deserving Qatar Cup ruined as Palace snatch point in EPL winners, says coach THE PENINSULA — DOHA Al Sadd coach AFP — LONDON English Premier League Xavi Hernandez Coach Xavi Hernandez is thrown into the English Premier League results ’s 49th birthday yesterday: expressed his delight after air by his players celebrations went flat as Fern- Watford 0 Tottenham 0 winning his second title with Al as they celebrate andinho’s late own goal forced Arsenal 1 (Martinelli 45) Sheffield Sadd this season, with a 4-0 win winning the Qatar Manchester City to settle for a United 1 (Fleck 83) over Al Duhail in the final of the Cup final against 2-2 draw against Crystal Manchester City 2 (Aguero 82, 87) 2020 Qatar Cup on Friday. Al Duhail at the Palace, while Tottenham’s Crystal Palace 2 (Tosun 39, Fernandinho Speaking after the match, Jassim Bin Hamad hopes of finishing in the top 90-og) Xavi said: “I’m very happy to Stadium on Friday. four were dented by a goalless Brighton 1 (Trossard 38) Aston Villa win the championship, and also stalemate at Watford yesterday. 1 (Grealish 75) with the impressive level shown On a busy day of top-flight Norwich 1 (Pukki 33-pen) Bournemouth by the Al Sadd players in a action, the pitchside VAR 0 match that was great for us. My monitor was used in the Southampton 2 (Bednarek 15, Long 35) team deserved to win the title.” Premier League for the first Wolves 3 (Neto 53, Jimenez 65-pen, 76) “I consider the final match time at Norwich and Arsenal West Ham 1 (Diop 40) Everton 1 and the semi-final against Al were held to a 1-1 draw by (Calvert-Lewin 44) Rayyan as two of the best Sheffield United. Playing today matches of Al Sadd this season, It was the drama at the Burnley vs Leicester City (1400), in terms of the strong per- Etihad Stadium that took the Liverpool vs Manchester United (1630) formance on the part of the spotlight as Fernandinho’s last- players, who made a great gasp blunder left Guardiola in effort to win the two games and no mood to party after City’s predatory header from Ben- which got them the Qatar Cup,” faint hopes of retaining the title jamin Mendy’s cross. he said. suffered another hammer blow. But there was a sting in the “The players made a great The champions trail Liv- tale for Guardiola as Fern- effort, both in the last Al Rayyan these results which got us the congratulate the fans that fol- erpool by 13 points ahead of the andinho turned Wilfried Zaha’s match and this match. This is title.” lowed and supported the team I consider the final and runaway leaders’ clash with cross into his own net in the very important to us and it “I’m happy with the as it is an important title for Al the semi-final against rivals Manchester United today. 90th minute to end second- helped us in achieving the title players for the work they did Sadd and everyone can rejoice Al Rayyan as two of Cenk Tosun marked his first placed City’s run of three suc- on merit. I was waiting for this throughout the recent period, with the title and the great per- the best matches of league start since his loan move cessive league wins. At Vic- from the players, as they are as they made a great effort formance displayed by the from Everton with his maiden arage Road, Troy Deeney’s currently in the best technical, through which we succeeded players. The players showed Al Sadd this season, goal for the Eagles, the Turkish 70th-minute spot-kick was physical and mental in winning the match and the their real level, which is in terms of the strong striker netting a close-range saved by Paulo Gazzaniga conditions.” title. I am very proud of what expected of them in this performance on the strike from Martin Kelly’s flick before Tottenham’s Erik Xavi added: “This is the the players did, I’m proud of season.” in the 39th minute. Lamela was denied a last-gasp second title for Al Sadd, and for the performance they showed Xavi concluded his remarks part of the players, who Sergio Aguero appeared to winner by Ignacio Pussetto’s me as a coach in this season. in the match and this is what by saying: “This is a happy night made a great effort have turned the game on its goal-line clearance. With Everything in this final match is expected of them for all of us as we have won a to win the two games head in the 82nd minute when England captain Harry Kane was wonderful, and the truth regularly.” big and important title. It is and which got them the Argentine striker bagged his sidelined after hamstring is, when the players give 100% Xavi also congratulated the something that confirms that Al 250th goal in 360 games for the surgery, Tottenham have gone of their effort, it is natural that Al Sadd fans on winning the Sadd has regained its full level the Qatar Cup: Al Sadd club. Aguero put City ahead in three league games without this will be reflected on the per- championship and said: “I am and strength that everyone coach Xavi the 87th minute with a typically scoring. formance, and then we get happy with this victory and I knows. Win will 'motivate' Al Sadd to go for more titles: Bounedjah

THE PENINSULA — DOHA winning the championship during the match. I am very “Xavi has a great role with the said in his remarks after the will be the best motivation for happy that I scored two goals, team, and we work as a family. match: “We are very happy to Al Sadd's Algerian striker the team to continue com- and I am happier with the Xavi’s stay with the team con- win the game and to be (pictured) peting for the rest of the titles team’s performance in the tributed to the excellent per- crowned as Qatar Cup cham- stressed on the importance of of the season and the league,” whole match, given the high formance in the match, and we pions. We played an intense his team’s Qatar Cup 2020 final Bounedjah said after the pressure that the players imple- will now work during the next game and we managed to win over Al Duhail, describing match. mented throughout the two stage to give our best at home clinch it from the beginning. I it as ‘motivation’. The Man of the Match halves of the match.” and in Asia.” thank the Al Sadd players for “We have achieved a great winner added: “The Al-= Sadd Regarding the coach Xavi Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Qatari their efforts throughout the victory over a great team, and players showed responsibility Hernandez, Bounedjah said: international Hassan Al Haydos match.”