SPORT Saturday 12 January 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Djokovic India suspend favourite in Pandya and Big Four’s final Rahul ahead showdown of the ODIs Qatar’s focus is only on DPR Korea: Afif

THE AFC “In the second half I think AL AIN they got tired, because you can’t defend for 90 minutes and you Akram Afif has insisted he and his can’t attack for 90 minutes. We Qatar team-mates are focusing on We are playing our tried our best and we scored the one game at a time, not only style, our performance first goal. during the current AFC Asian Cup and everything is how “We tried to do that in the UAE 2019 but all the way through first half but we couldn’t, we had until the country hosts the FIFA we have learned. We to wait until the second half. World Cup in 2022. will do our best in each “They had to play with four Afif and his compatriots game, even if we have at the back and that gave us some notched up a 2-0 win over in six months the Copa space and we scored the second Lebanon in Al Ain on Wednesday goal. We tried to keep a clean thanks to goals from Bassam Al America in Brazil and sheet and we took the three Rawi and Almoez Ali as Qatar there are a lot of other Qatar’s Akram points and we did our best.” made a winning start to the con- tournaments. We’ll do Afif (left) and The win was Qatar’s first in tinental championship for the first our best: Akram Afif his team-mates an AFC Asian Cup opener since time in almost 40 years. during a practice 1980 and sets them up to take on The victory ensures Felix session held a DPR Korea team that lost 4-0 Sanchez and his team joined Saudi in Al Ain, UAE to Saudi Arabia in their opener Arabia at the top of the early yesterday. after playing much of the game standings in Group E and that the with only 10 men. Qataris go into their next game “I think it’s important that we against DPR Korea knowing years’ time, with the team also due “We will do our best in each DPR Korea, we will go to the next urgency into the team and Al get these three points,” said Afif. victory will effectively seal their to travel to Brazil in June to play game, even if we have in six one. We finish the next one, then Rawi scored soon after with a “But now we have to forget the spot in the Round of 16. in the Copa America. Afif, though, months the Copa America in we’ll go to the next, all the way curling free-kick before Ali netted Lebanon game and focus on the But while Qatar are stresses he and his teammates are Brazil and there are a lot of until the World Cup.” the decisive second when he DPR Korea game. attempting to reach the knockout looking no further ahead than to other tournaments. We’ll do our Qatar were given a stern test pounced from close range. “It’s not that the Koreans lost phase of the AFC Asian Cup for just the next game. best. by the Lebanese in their tour- “The first half, it wasn’t easy 4-0 and that it will be an easy the third time, the issue of the “For us there’s no pressure “We have the World Cup in nament opener, with Sanchez’s to create chances but we tried our game. All the games will be hard team’s ongoing development in and people are not saying that 2022 and the World Cup is the side forced to remain patient in best,” said Afif. “We have to be for us, (even) if we play the the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar will win the Asian Cup,” said highest competition in the world, their quest for a win that came patient. Lebanon played a great highest team or the lowest team lingers in the background. the winger. but we’re not focusing on the after the introduction of AFC game, they defended very well in the ranking. All of them are the The AFC Asian Cup forms part “We are playing our style, our Copa America or the World Cup, Player of the Year Abdelkarim and tried to play on the counter- same and we will try to win the of Qatar’s long-term plan to performance and everything is we’re focusing on DPR Korea. Hassan just after the hour mark. attack and using throw-ins and next game so it’s easier for us to prepare for the tournament in four how we have learned.” “And when we finish against Hassan injected greater free-kicks.” qualify.” Australian Open could be the final appearance of British great Tearful Murray fears end

Qatar’s Rafael Capote (right) prepares to of his illustrious career shoot at the goal during his team’s AFP dominated the game for years, Murray’s opening match of MELBOURNE ranking has slumped to 230. the IHF Handball He hasn’t reached a Grand Slam final World Championship A tearful Andy Murray yesterday announced since winning his second Wimbledon title in yesterday. he would likely retire this year due to severe 2016, but has nevertheless enjoyed a glit- pain from a hip injury, saying next week’s tering career since turning professional in Australian Open could be the last tournament 2005, with not only three Grand Slam titles, of a glittering career. but two Olympic gold medals and 45 ATP Angola stun Qatar The former world number one and three- crowns. time Grand Slam winner broke down at a Notably, in 2013 Murray became the first press conference in Melbourne as he said the British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years, in thrilling opener pain had become almost unbearable. ending the nation’s obsession with finding a “I can play with limitations. But having champion to follow in the footsteps of Fred CHINTHANA WASALA at 17-17 in the 44th minute. the limitations and the pain is not allowing Perry. THE PENINSULA The debutants, Angola con- me to enjoy competing or training,” the emo- World number five Juan Martin del Potro, tinued to trouble Al Annabi but tional Scot said. who has also struggled with injuries and will With just few seconds Qatar managed to be in front in Thirty-one-year-old “Sir Andy” said he miss the Australian Open, told Murray to remaining for the full time the scoreboard once again in the would like to finish at his home Grand Slam “keep fighting”. whistle, Angola scored twice to final few minutes of the game in Wimbledon, but ruefully admitted he might “We love you @andy_murray and we shock 2015 finalists Qatar in (22-23 in 56’). not make it that far. want to see you happy and doing well,” he their opening match of the IHF The last minute of the match He will be remembered as the first British added. Handball World Championship provided maximum enter- man to win Wimbledon in 77 years and as a Billie Jean King called him “a champion yesterday. tainment for the spectators. player who battled his way to the top in a on and off court”, referring to Murray’s long- The Group D match which Angola’s Rome Hebo equalised golden era for the game alongside Roger time support of women’s equality in tennis. took place at the Royal Arena with just 22 seconds left. Unfor- Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. “So sorry you cannot retire on your own in Copenhagen, Denmark, saw tunately for Qatar, Rafael “Wimbledon is where I would like to stop terms, but remember to look to the future. Angola registering a thrilling Capote’s last shot was saved by playing, but I am not certain I am able to do Your greatest impact on the world may be 24-22 win. the goalkeeper and, on the fast that,” he said. yet to come. Your voice for equality will Angola gained an early break, Claudio Chicola was on “I’ve been struggling for a long time. I’m inspire future generations,” she said. advantage to lead 12-8 at the target to give Angola their first not sure I can play through the pain for Top Australian coach Darren Cahill, who end of half time break. victory of the tournament in a another four or five months. until recently was mentoring world number However, Qatar finally dramatic way in the last second “Pretty much done everything that I could Andy Murray of Great Britain breaks down one Simona Halep, said Murray was an caught up and tied the match of the match. to try and get my hip feeling better and it during a press conference in Melbourne example of the never-say-die attitude that hasn’t helped loads.” yesterday. The injury-plagued former separated the best from the average. He pulled out of last year’s Australian world number one yesterday said he is “When you search for examples of Open to have hip surgery and only returned set to retire this year. ‘emptied the bucket to be as good as they in June at Queen’s Club in London. could be’ there should be a picture of Andy He ended the season at Shenzhen in Sep- Murray sitting under that quote,” he tweeted. tember after only a handful of appearances “I think there is a chance the Australian “Remarkable discipline for training, com- to concentrate on working his way back to Open is my last tournament,” he said. petition, sacrifice, perfection, a little crazy full fitness. While he intends to begin his opening- but a legend of a bloke.” Qatar's But he was knocked out in the second round match against 22nd seed Roberto Murray said he had an option of another Moustafa round on his return at Brisbane last week Bautista Agut next week, how his body with- operation on his troublesome hip, but it was Heiba (left) in and called it quits on Thursday after less than stands potentially gruelling five-set clashes more about his quality of life after hanging action during an hour of a practice match in Melbourne in energy-sapping heat remains to be seen. up his racquet. yesterday's against Djokovic, with his movement clearly One of the so-called Big Four, along with “That’s something I’m seriously consid- match. hampered. Federer, Djokovic and Nadal, who have ering right now,” he said. SATURDAY 12 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 17 Asian Cup: China advance to last 16 AFP probably.” China, runners-up in 2015, beat Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in a ABU DHABI 1984 and 2004, top Group C with late kickoff in Al Ain to advance a perfect six points from two to the knockout stage. Sour Swede Sven-Goran games -- ahead of South Korea Meanwhile, coach Graham Eriksson scrapped dinner plans on goal difference -- after Arnold warned Australia would with old foe Marcello Lippi after beating Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their get “better and better” as the China thrashed his Philippines opening game. defending champions swamped side 3-0 on Friday to reach the But they looked far sharper Palestine 3-0 to move within last 16 of the Asian Cup. against the Philippines, like the sight of the Asian Cup last 16 China’s star striker Wu Lei former Soviet republic also yesterday. fired a brilliant double against appearing in their first Asian Cup. Goals from Hibernian the Filipino ‘Street Dogs’ in Abu “I’m very proud of my striker Jamie Maclaren, Awer Dhabi as Lippi emerged victo- players,” said Lippi, who led his Mabil and substitute Apostolos rious in a heavyweight coaching native Italy to World Cup victory Giannou banished memories of clash. in 2006. the shock opening defeat to As is custom between the two “They were aggressive, Jordan as Australia moved elder statesmen of the game, the focused and showed a lot of second in Group B. loser buys the other dinner. quality. If we can continue to The Aussies will now go But Eriksson had little play like that we have nothing to into next Tuesday’s final group stomach for the old pals’ act fear from any team at this Asian game against Syria with their when the septuagenarians Cup.” confidence restored and embraced after the match. Lippi’s side should have led Arnold said he was only “No, no dinner plans,” after 32 minutes when Wu Xi expecting improvement from snapped the former England headed wastefully wide from his team. manager. point-blank range. “Now it’s all about the Syria “I was not in a very good But Wu Lei provided the game,” said Arnold. mood for a long discussion. I just spark five minutes before half- “We’ll go back to the training Philippines’ Michael Falkesgaard makes a save from China’s Wu Lei during their AFC Asian Cup Group wished (Lippi) good luck for the time, turning on the edge of the field, we’ll recover well and we’ll C at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. future. box and whipping a right-foot go out for the Syria game with “We forgot about Wu Lei -- shot into the far corner. all guns blazing, expecting to twice,” grimaced Eriksson, who His second was even better improve on their quarter-final scored two goals of fantastic lost 1-0 to South Korea earlier win. previously coached the match- as he swivelled to slam a Hao finish in Australia four years ago. quality,” said the Italian. this week. “I expect we will get better winner at Chinese club Shanghai Junmin free kick past goalkeeper Lippi waxed lyrical about the “But we are used to seeing Kevin Ingreso forced a fin- and better as we go.” SIPG. Michael Falkesgaard on the prolific Wu Lei, China’s most that quality from him. It is no gertip save from China goal- Arnold dropped the under- “If you do that he will punish volley after 66 minutes to effec- coveted player and Shanghai’s wonder teams in Europe are keeper Yan Junling in first-half performing Massimo Luongo and you and he did with two great tively finish the tie. record goalscorer, who has been interested in him.” Pulverised 8-1 stoppage time, but Eriksson’s Robbie Kruse in favour of goals. We paid a heavy price but Substitute Yu Dabao added linked with a move to English the last time the teams met in players faded badly after the Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikono- we are not home yet. We still a third 10 minutes from time for Premier League side Wolves. 2017, the Philippines gave China break. midis, who impressed as substi- have hope -- but small hope, China, who are looking to “He looked very sharp and more of a fight this time, having South Korea, runners-up in tutes against Jordan. Fabregas completes QSL Cup: Al Shahania, move from Chelsea to Al Ahli register wins THE PENINSULA This was a game of very few defence-splitting through ball Monaco DOHA chances as both teams battled and confidently planted his shot for possession and influence past goalkeeper Fahad Baker. AFP In the QSL Cup Round 5, Group throughout the match. Al Sailiya MONACO B matches played yesterday, Al came close as Meshaal Al With the half coming to an Shahania defeated Al Sailiya 1-0, Shammari drove forward before end, Soria got Al Rayyan on the Cesc Fabregas has completed Al Khor played out a 2-2 draw unleashing a powerful shot from score sheet when he tapped his move to from Chelsea to with Al Rayyan and Al Ahli 30 yards which missed the goal home from Lucca’s athletically- Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco, a blanked Al Sadd 3-0. by a fraction, with the goal- diverted pass from the left Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho scores from the penalty spot source close to the deal Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Ahli keeper stranded. by-line. against Levante in the first leg of the Copa del Rey at the Ciutat confirmed yesterday. and Al Sadd had already reached The deadlock was broken Al Mohannadi was on hand Fabregas put pen to paper de Valencia, Valencia, Spain on Thursday. the quarter-finals after the when Ayoub converted Abdul- again later on as he reacted on a three-and-a-half-year Round 4 action. rahman Al Jael’s layoff following quickest to a ball that dropped deal at the Stade Louis II after Al Rayyan thus topped the a period of intense pressure. in the box and struck home with passing a medical earlier in Coutinho penalty group with 13 points, followed Al Sailiya nearly got an his second touch. the day, as he teams up with by Al Khor (11), Al Ahli (nine), Al immediate reply as Mohammed With the game drawing to a former Arsenal teammate Sadd (five), Al Shahania (three) Rajab struck another long-range close and Al Khor set for all Thierry Henry on the Medi- and Al Sailiya (one). effort that once again missed the three points, a lovely team move terranean coast. gives Barca hope The first-four teams from target by the narrowest of was enough to help secure a The source said that each group advanced to the margins. point for Al Rayyan. Chelsea will only receive pay- quarterfinals, where the winners In the other match, Al Abdulrahman Al Harazi ments related to Fabregas’ despite Cup defeat of Group A face fourth-placed Rayyan grabbed a late equaliser played a neat exchange with performance on the Mediter- team of Group B. to share the spoils with Al Khor Lucca whose fierce shot was ranean coast, contrasting AFP This was a difficult intro- The other quarter-finals will in an entertaining 2-2 draw at too good for the goalkeeper to with media reports that MADRID duction, however, with Murillo be second-placed team of Group the Al Ahli Stadium. save. Monaco had already agreed beaten for Levante’s second A vs third-placed team of Group Al Khor’s goals came Elsewhere, Al Ahli domi- to pay Chelsea $11.5m for the Philippe Coutinho scored a goal while Miranda was B, third-placed team of Group through Ahmed Al Mohannadi nated possession right player who could now make crucial away goal but Barcelona replaced at half-time and A vs second-placed team of in the 26th and 69th minutes, throughout and secured a con- his debut for his new club in have work to do to avoid a Chumi followed 13 minutes Group B and fourth-placed team while Sebastian Soria (44th) and vincing 3-0 victory over Al Sadd tomorrow’s Ligue 1 game surprise exit from the Copa del later. The front three were more of Group A vs winners of Group Lucca Borges (88th minutes) at the Al Ahli Stadium. away at Marseille. Rey after losing 2-1 to Levante established, as Ousmane B. scored for Al Rayyan. Mohsine Al Yazidi (14th Fabregas played with on Thursday in the first leg of Dembele, Malcom and Coutinho Al Shahania stole the points minute), Mohammed Muntari Henry at Arsenal at the start the last 16. aimed to make up for the with a toughly-fought 1-0 The first goal came after a (26th) and Ali Ferydoon (90th) of his career, between 2003 Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez absence of a recognised striker. victory away to Al Sailiya at the blistering start in which Al were on target for Al Ahli, who and 2007, and the two share and Marc Andre ter Stegen were Instead, Levante took the Al Duhail Stadium. Rayyan had a couple of good had 62 per cent ball the same agent in Darren among several key players lead after just 185 seconds as The goal was scored by chances, but it was Al Khor who possession. Dein. rested at the City of Valencia Ruben Rochina’s in-swinging Ayoub Mansour in the 72nd broke the deadlock. Al Al Ahli forced seven corner Now 31, Fabregas even- Stadium, where Levante took cross from the left met the head minute. Mohannadi raced on to a kicks as against Al Sadd’s one. tually made the same move advantage as Erick Cabaco and of Cabaco, who climbed above as Henry when he left the Borja Mayoral gave them a two- Sergio Busquets and headed in. Emirates Stadium for Bar- goal cushion. Barca were struggling to celona, but he returned to Coutinho, however, making cope with the aggression of Sweden and Iceland play four-goal thriller in Doha English football with Chelsea his first start in almost a month, their opponents and in the 18th in 2014. converted an 85th-minute minute they were two down. After winning two penalty to leave Barca in touch Emmanuel Boateng’s reverse Premier League titles with the heading into next week’s pass set Borja free, who nipped Blues, he has fallen out of second leg at the Camp Nou. between Murillo and Chumi. favour at Stamford Bridge this After missing much of Murillo tried to make the season under new coach November through injury, block but Borja’s shot beat both Maurizio Sarri. Coutinho has struggled to him and Jasper Cillessen, before Fabregas made a tearful regain his place in Ernesto Val- nestling in the far corner. farewell to Chelsea fans in verde’s preferred starting Levante could have made Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup win at line-up but 90 minutes, and a it three but Borja fired wide and home against Nottingham goal, will have done his confi- Jose Luis Morales, who only had Forest, where he had a dence no harm. Cillessen to beat, scooped his penalty saved. Valverde was blamed last finish over the bar. Having enjoyed a glit- season for Barca’s shock Cham- Valverde had turned to his tering career, capped by pions Leaue exit, the theory bench as Sergi Roberto and winning the World Cup with being that he failed to rest key Clement Lenglet came on for Spain in 2010, Fabregas players in the Copa del Rey and Miranda and Chumi while arrives at a club who were La Liga, both of which they Denis Suarez, linked with a French champions just 18 won. He seems keener to adjust move away from the club this months ago but are currently this term as a much-changed month, was given 23 minutes in crisis. line-up included a debut for to instigate a comeback. Swedish players celebrate a goal during their friendly match against Iceland at Khalifa International France legend Henry was central defender Jeison Murillo, He did the job, a weaving Stadium in Doha yesterday. The four-goal thriller ended in a two-all draw. In another match at the appointed coach in October a January loan signing from run inside from the right after Monaco started the Valencia, as well as youngsters drawing a clumsy challenge same venue, Estonia beat Finland 2-1 yesterday. Gert Kams and Henri Anier scored for Estonia while season poorly under like Chumi Brandariz, Juan from Coke. Coutinho made no Rasmus Karjalainen pulled one back for Finland. Leonardo Jardim. Miranda and Carles Alena. mistake. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 12 JANUARY 2019

Kvitova thumps Sasnovich to set Djokovic favourite in Big Five memorable up Sydney final Murray moments with Barty AFP Four’s final showdown LONDON REUTERS SYDNEY A tearful Andy Murray on Friday announced REUTERS Melbourne tournaments, has since been the Swiss master, 20-times Grand Slam he would likely retire this year due to severe Fifth seed Petra Kvitova raced MELBOURNE replaced by the world-beating Djokovic champion Federer swiped the last two pain from a hip injury, saying next week’s past Belarusian Aliaksandra of old. Melbourne titles while Djokovic was in Australian Open could be the last tournament Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 in a rain- The sun may be setting on a golden era Yet the Serb also brings a wiser, the doldrums. of a glittering career. delayed encounter at the Sydney of men’s tennis but Novak Djokovic’s harder edge after coming through a Following his wins at Wimbledon AFP Sport looks at five memorable International yesterday to set up star still burns bright as he returns to period of personal and physical and the U.S. Open, the top seeded Serb moments in the 31-year-old Scotsman’s a title showdown with home Melbourne Park in search anguish, and breaking a two-year is heavily favoured to seal a third suc- career: favourite Ashleigh Barty. of a record seventh drought at the Grand Slams last year. cessive Grand Slam title, and reclaim a Two-time Wimbledon Australian Open title. The same cannot be said for his ‘Big tournament he has virtually owned MURRAY WINS HEARTS champion Kvitova had suffered The doubt- Four’ cohorts, who have become pro- throughout his career. The third round at the 2008 edition of a shock opening round defeat by stricken player gressively worn down by injuries and Djokovic was only 21 when he upset Wimbledon could be seen as the moment Sasnovich at the All England Club with a dodgy time after dominating the majors for the defending champion Federer in the the then 21-year-old Murray gained the six months ago. elbow, who much of the past decade. 2008 semi-finals, then beat Frenchman respect and affection of the home crowd. But the Czech was at her exited early A teary-eyed Andy Murray signalled Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets to Two sets down against the talented but men- ruthless best in preventing a from the the Australian Open could be his last muscle into a Grand Slam club that had tally fragile Frenchman Richard Gasquet, repeat, striking 22 winners to last professional tournament on Friday, with become a duopoly between the Swiss Murray roused the crowd and clawed his way ensure her progress to a second two the pain of his right hip proving and Nadal. back in the gathering gloom to overcome his Sydney final after winning the unbearable. He has hoisted the Norman Brookes opponent in five sets and reach his first Grand title in 2015. Grave fitness fears also shadow Challenge Cup five times since, Slam quarter-final. “It was worth the wait, defi- 32-year-old Rafa Nadal, the 17-times including a hat-trick of titles from nitely. I’m really glad that we Grand Slam champion, who pulled out 2011-13, all roared on by Melbourne’s FROM GRAND SLAM BRIDESMAID TO were able to get back on the court of the Brisbane International big Serbian community. BRIDEGROOM and play,” said Kvitova after warm-up with a thigh strain and had The world number one suffered a Murray’s breakthrough in terms of trans- heavy rain had prevented the his 2018 season cut short by a small hiccup in his preparations, upset forming himself from a Grand Slam finalist -- match from starting until almost string of various injuries. by Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the he had lost in four finals -- to a champion midnight local time. The struggles of Murray semi-finals at the Qatar Open. came on the hard courts at the 2012 US Open Kvitova, who is yet to drop a and Nadal make the longevity But he has the luxury of easing into beating Novak Djokovic in an epic five setter. set this week, will take on last of double-defending Melbourne against a qualifier before a This time it was Murray who surrendered a year’s runner-up Barty in the champion Roger Federer all possible rematch of the 2008 final two-set advantage. However, showing his final today. the more miraculous, against French wildcard Tsonga. extraordinary mental strength -- he had not Barty, who stunned world and even at 37, he may On the other side of the draw, sen- lost when holding a two-set lead since losing number one Simona Halep in the still be the best timentalists will hope third seed to David Nalbandian at Wimbledon in 2005 opening round this week, gave equipped player to Federer and world number two Nadal -- he rattled off the decisive final set 6-2. the local crowd plenty to cheer derail the can grind it out to the semi-finals and as she rallied from a set down to Djokovic train. reignite the sport’s most cherished MURRAY PUTS PERRY OUT TO GRASS beat Kiki Bertens 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5. Yet, with rivalry. British tennis had waited 77 years for a The 22-year-old led the tie- respect to Others will hope for a long-awaited homegrown player to win their Grand Slam break 4-1 only for her Dutch breakthrough from the next gener- event on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Tim opponent to reel off six straight ation, after Federer, Nadal and Henman had given home fans a decent run points to claim the opening set. Djokovic hogged all the Grand without lifting the trophy and Murray lost the But she responded impres- Slams last year. 2012 final to Roger Federer. But in 2013 sively, converting three of the Fourth seed Alexander Zverev Murray defeated Novak Djokovic -- who had four break point opportunities to might seem the man most likely, beaten him earlier in the year in the Aus- seal victory. having again proved the better of tralian Open -- after converting his fourth the game’s titans with his victory at match point at the end of three hours of the season-ending ATP Tour Finals. duelling to deliver the Holy Grail to 15,000 However, the 21-year-old talent’s spectators packed into Centre Court. He sank Kenin upsets quarter-final appearance at the to his knees in celebration, watched as ever French Open last year is his sole by his proud mother Judy. Cornet in appearance in the last eight at a Grand Slam and he has yet to con- GOLDEN OLYMPIC HISTORY Hobart semis vince he has the grit and temper- The Olympic title may not carry any prize World No.1 ament to go the distance in seven money but the joy on Murray’s face when he Novak matches. beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the REUTERS Djokovic 2012 singles final showed how much he HOBART treasured it. His biggest win to date had the added pleasure of coming on the same Wim- Big-hitting American youngster bledon Centre Court where only weeks earlier Sofia Kenin reached her first he had lost to the same opponent in the final. WTA final when she stunned Murray was to defend his title and sixth seed Alize Cornet 6-2 6-4 become the first man to win two singles golds at the Hobart International Federer names Wimbledon as when he outlasted Juan Martin del Potro in yesterday. a gruelling final in Rio four years later, with Unseeded Kenin kept her both players reduced to sobbing into their composure to land 77 percent of potential future farewell venue towels at the end. her first-serves in play and broke her French opponent four REUTERS Murray, who said next a Wimbledon stands out as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, DRIVING FORCE BEHIND DAVIS CUP times en route to a convincing MELBOURNE week’s Australian Open maybe a place. where he will look to add GLORY victory. could his last as he struggles “I don’t have the fairytale an individual gold alongside Murray ended another long wait for Cornet was Kenin’s third Swiss maestro Roger to recover from a hip injury. ending in my head saying it his doubles triumph at British tennis fans when in 2015 he all but seeded victim of the tournament Federer has revealed that Two-time Australian has to be another title some- Beijing 2008. single-handedly delivered the Davis Cup for after recording upsets of top seed Wimbledon, where he won Open defending champion where and then I have to “I think there is expec- Britain after a 79-year hiatus. Murray won his Caroline Garcia in the opening his first Grand Slam title, Federer said he does not announce it big, I don’t have tation from the media (that) opening singles and teamed up in the doubles round and seventh seed Kirsten could be the ideal place for have a “fairytale ending” to to have it that way.” it all has to end so perfectly. with brother Jamie to put them 2-1 up against Flipkens in the quarter-finals. a farewell tournament his own career in mind but Federer, who turned I’ve given up on that a long Belgium in Ghent before sealing victory with Kenin, who has not dropped when he decides to call time he would like to leave the professional in 1998, has time ago. As long as I’m a singles win on the Sunday over Daniel a set this week, will meet Anna on his illustrious career. court in good health. collected an incredible 99 healthy and I’m enjoying Goffin. He was smothered by his team-mates Karolina Schmiedlova in Satur- Federer’s comments “I have a lot of places career singles titles, 20 of myself, I know it’s going to before being lifted into the air. day’s final after the Slovakian arrive at a time when the that are very special to me, which have been Grand be emotional anyway... it outlasted Swiss Belinda Bencic tennis world is celebrating thankfully,” Federer told Slams. should be a happy cele- 7-6(2) 4-6 6-2 in a 2-1/2 hour the achievements of his CNN. “I’ve been very for- He is not expected to bration day, not like a sad encounter. long-time rival Andy tunate. But yeah, sure, like hang up his racket before funeral type of day.” Who says what about Murray’s impending retirement

FORMER WORLD NO.1 BILLIE JEAN KING FORMER US OPEN CHAMPION SAMANTHA STOSUR WORLD NUMBER 51 NICK KYRGIOS “@andy_murray You are a champion on and “He’s been a fantastic player, champion. I mean, “You will always be someone that off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your he’s been a massive advocate for women’s tennis and impacted the sport in so many different own terms, but remember to look to the future. women’s sport in general. I know in the locker room ways, I know this was never the way you Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to whenever we hear him kinda stick up for us, we’re like, wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of come. Your voice for equality will inspire future ‘Yeah, go Andy!’” a ride. generations. Much love to you & your family.” “You took me under your wing as soon RUSSIAN PLAYER KAREN KHACHANOV as I got on tour, and to this day you have WORLD No.5 JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO “Really sad to hear that @andy_murray. You are been someone I literally just look forward “Andy, just watched your conference. a true champion of our sport and great example for to seeing. You’re one crazy tennis player, Please don’t stop trying. Keep fighting. I can all of us! Stay strong.” miles better than me. imagine your pain and sadness. I hope you can “I just want you to know that today isn’t overcome this. You deserve to retire on your WORLD NUMBER 21 GRIGOR DIMITROV only a sad day for you and your team, it’s own terms, whenever that happens. We love “Tennis will come to an end for us all but the a sad day for the sport and for everyone you @andy_murray and we want to see you friendships will last a lifetime. What you’ve done you’ve had an impact on.” happy and doing well.” for the sport will live on forever. I’m hoping for a strong and healthy finish for you, my friend! @ FORMER WORLD NUMBER ONE KIM BRITISH NUMBER ONE KYLE EDMUND andy_murray.” CLIJSTERS “For me he’s been my biggest role model “My heart breaks listening to @andy_ out of any tennis player. He’s Britain’s greatest GOLF WORLD NUMBER ONE JUSTIN ROSE murray during his press conference... Hope (FILES) In this file photo taken on November 20, 2016 Britain’s Andy tennis player ever and you could say maybe “What a career @andy_murray keep it going as eve- he will make it through to Wimbledon and Murray poses holding the ATP World Number One trophy after winning Britain’s best sportsman ever.” rybody wants to watch you @Wimbledon in July mate.” have the farewell he deserves. #greatguy.” the men’s singles final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on the final day of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London. SATURDAY 12 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 19 South Africa suffer dramatic collapse AFP SCOREBOARD from the medium-paced Faheem JOHANNESBURG and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed South Africa (I innings) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 15.4-2-36-2 (1nb), A Markram c S Ahmed b Faheem Ashraf .....90 Mohammad Abbas 18-6-44-2, Hasan Ali 17-3-75- dived to his left to take a good Pakistan’s bowlers changed the D Elgar c S Ahmed b Mohammad Abbas ...... 5 2 (1w), Faheem Ashraf 15-2-57-3 (3nb), Shadab catch. Hashim Amla (41) helped course of the third and final Test H Amla c Asad Shafiq b Shadab Khan ...... 41 Khan 10-2-39-1, Asad Shafiq 2-0-9-0 Markram put on 126 for the against South Africa when they T de Bruyn lbw b Mohammad Abbas ...... 49 Pakistan (I innings) second wicket after stand-in engineered a dramatic collapse Zubayr Hamza c S Ahmed b M Amir ...... 41 Imam-ul-Haq (batting) ...... 10 captain Dean Elgar was caught on the first day of the third and T Bavuma c S Ahmed b Mohammad Amir .....8 Shan Masood c De Kock b Philander ...... 2 behind off Mohammad Abbas for final Test yesterday. Q de Kock c M Abbas b Faheem Ashraf ...... 18 Azhar Ali c De Kock b Philander ...... 0 five in the second over. From being in control on 226 V Philander lbw b Hasan Ali ...... 1 Mohammad Abbas (batting) ...... 0 Theunis de Bruyn (49) and K Rabada c Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali ...... 0 Extras (LB5) ...... 5 for three at tea, South Africa D Steyn not out ...... 2 Total (2 wkts, 9 overs) ...... 17 new cap Zubayr Hamza (41) both were bowled out for 262 at the D Olivier c M Abbas b Faheem Ashraf ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6 batted brightly in a fourth wicket Wanderers Stadium. Extras (LB2, NB4, W1) ...... 7 Bowling: Steyn 5-1-11-0, Philander 4-3-1-2 stand which was worth 72 off 92 Vernon Philander struck Total (77.4 overs) ...... 262 To bat: Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, balls at tea. But De Bruyn was out back for South Africa, taking two Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-132, 3-154, 4-229, 5-238, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, in the third over after tea and wickets off successive balls as 6-244, 7-249, 8-257, 9-262 Hasan Ali Hamza, who scored 38 off 46 balls Pakistan reached 17 for two at before tea, could add only three the close. A polished innings of more runs off 22 deliveries before 90 by Aiden Markram, coupled boundaries. Mohammad Amir 57, while Amir, Abbas and Hasan he was caught behind off Amir. with some wayward bowling by and Mohammad Abbas set the took two wickets each. Left to negotiate a tricky 40 Pakistan, laid the foundation for tone after tea, taking two and Markram hit 16 boundaries minutes before the close, some attacking batting by South one wickets respectively. Both off 124 balls in an innings marked Pakistan lost Shan Masood, their Africa, who collectively hit 37 bowlers gained reverse swing by crisply-struck drives and firm top scorer in the series, for two fours and a six before tea on and tightened up their lines to clips to leg. It was the third time when a successful review by what looked the best batting make run-scoring difficult. in his 15-Test career that he had South Africa showed he had got pitch of a series already won by Amir left the field four balls been dismissed in the nineties. a faint edge to a ball angled the hosts. into his 16th over after falling in Markram, who had to pass a across him. But the runs dried up after his delivery stride and appearing fitness test after suffering a badly Azhar Ali received a superb Pakistan bowler Faheem Ashraf (centre right) celebrates the the interval as South Africa were to twist his left ankle but Hasan bruised right thigh while fielding first delivery which seamed way dismissal of South African batsman Aiden Markram (not in able to add only 36 for the loss Ali and Faheem Ashraf continued in the second Test in Cape Town, from him and found an edge for picture) during the first day of the third Test at Wanderers Cricket of seven wickets in 19.4 overs, to put pressure on the batsmen. looked set for his fifth Test wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock Stadium, yesterday. hitting only four more Ashraf finished with three for century until he glanced a ball to take a second catch. Bracewell, Kuggeleijn set up New Zealand’s Twenty20 win

AFP AUCKLAND

The recalled Doug Bracewell and debutant Scott Kuggeleijn starred with bat and ball for New Zealand to beat Sri Lanka by 35 runs in the one-off Twenty20 match in Auckland yesterday. It ended a dismal tour for the India captain Virat Kohli poses with the ICC cricket World Cup Sri Lankans with the drawn first trophy at the Sydney cricket Ground in Sydney, yesterday. Test followed by a succession of losses in the second Test, three one-dayers and the Twenty20. New Zealand, sent into bat, recovered from 55 for five to India suspend finish on 179 for seven with Bracewell (44) and Kuggeleijn (35 not out) the key contributors. Pandya and Rahul Although the target was not daunting, and Sri Lanka easily AFP Pandya, who was in the kept up with the required run NEW DELHI squad that beat Australia for the rate to be four for 118 after 12 New Zealand’s players celebrate taking a wicket during the International Twenty20 match against first time in an away Test series, overs. Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland, yesterday. India yesterday suspended all- boasted on the TV celebrity But their last six wickets fell rounder Hardik Pandya and show about his success with for the addition of only 26 more batsman Lokesh Rahul over multiple women. runs and the innings folded for both took wickets in their 22 off 12 deliveries was removed bowling attack than was seen in comments made about women Rahul was on the show at 144 with 19 balls remaining. opening overs. by Kuggeleijn’s third delivery the ODIs, and with astute field on a TV show and could force the same time and watched his Kuggeleijn and Bracewell Kusal Perera, who raced to while Niroshan Dickwella, who placements, Sri Lanka ripped them to leave the team’s teammate’s bragging that smacked a four and a six from through the New Zealand top Australia tour, a cricket board sparked outrage on social SCOREBOARD the first two balls of the innings, order to have them four for 27 source said. media. New Zealand S Samarawickrama b Ferguson...... 0 went for 18 with the first ball midway through the fourth over. The Board of Control for Pandya, 25, has apologised M Guptill c Mendis b Malinga ...... 1 K Perera c Bracewell b Kuggeleijn ...... 23 from Bracewell. Ross Taylor, who tormented Cricket in India (BCCI) has told for his conduct, but BCCI C Munro c Shanaka b Rajitha ...... 16 B Mendis c Kuggeleijn b Southee ...... 17 Kuggeleijn and Bracewell Sri Lanka in the one-dayers, had the team management that the administrator Vinod Rai has T Seifert c Sandakan b Rajitha ...... 2 T.Perera c Bracewell b Ferguson ...... 43 also took the catches to dismiss to play a more circumspect role. H Nicholls b Malinga ...... 4 D de Silva b Ferguson ...... 10 duo will not play in at least the suggested a two-match ban for R Taylor c Dickwella b Perera ...... 33 D Shanaka lbw b Sodhi ...... 7 Kusal Mendis (17) and Thisara His first 11 runs were all first of three one-day interna- both players. M Santner c Perera b Sandakan ...... 13 K Rajitha c Seifert b Sodhi ...... 5 Perera (43). singles from 22 deliveries before tionals in Sydney today while a Diana Edulji, former India D Bracewell c de Silva b Rajitha ...... 44 L Malinga c Guptill b Santner ...... 6 The first game all tour for he first found the boundary on full inquiry is launched. women’s captain who is part of S Kuggeleijn (not out) ...... 35 L Kumara c Kuggeleijn b Sodhi ...... 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama was his way to 33 off 37. “Both Pandya and Rahul a Supreme Court appointed T Southee (not out) ...... 13 L Sandakan (not out) ...... 1 a short-lived affair when he was Taylor’s patience, however, have been suspended pending committee overseeing BCCI Extras: (B2, LB2, WD13, NB1)...... 18 Extras: (WD10) ...... 10 bowled first ball by Lockie had set the stage for the an inquiry over their misogynist affairs, said yesterday the duo Total: (for 7 wkts) ...... 179 Total: (all out ...... 144 Ferguson. Bracewell and Kuggeleijn to hit remarks in a TV chat show,” the should not play until an inves- Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-11, 3-21, 4-27, 5-55, Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-41, 3-45, 4-94, 5-118, Ferguson finished with out and give the total some 6-102, 7-143 6-119, 7-128, 8-138, 9-142, 10-144 source said. tigation is complete. Bowling: Malinga 4-0-24-2 (1w), Rajitha 4-0- Bowling: Ferguson 3-0-21-3 (1w), Southee 2-0- figures of three for 21 while Ish respectability. Both could be ordered back Skipper Virat Kohli dis- 44-3 (1w), Perera 4-0-42-1 (1w), Kumara 4-0- 21-1 (1w), Kuggeleijn 3-0-26-1 (1w), Bracewell Sodhi took three for 30. Bracewell clubbed 44 off 26 to India, the source added, tanced himself from the con- 24-0 (1w, 1nb), Sandakan 4-0-41-1 (5w) 2-0-19-1, Santner 3-0-27-1 (1w), Sodhi 3.5-0-30- Sri Lanka did with the toss balls including five sixes and a speaking on condition of ano- troversy, saying the team does Sri Lanka 3 (2w) and put New Zealand into bat four while Kuggeleijn only faced nymity ahead of an official not support any “inappropriate” N Dickwella c Seifert b Bracewell ...... 18 Result: New Zealand won by 35 runs with impressive early results. 15 deliveries to be not out 35 announcement. comments. With a more disciplined with four sixes and a four. Carey to open for Australia with eye on World Cup

AFP England, skipper Aaron Finch lot of different conditions.” opportunity to play one-day upcoming Tests against Sri “While it would have been SYDNEY said selectors wanted to see Usman Khawaja will come cricket for Australia again,” he Lanka. Apart from the matches great to have a settled side for what he could do. in at number three with Test admitted. against India this month, Aus- the last 18 months or so I think Alex Carey has been promoted “It’s just an opportunity to discards Shaun Marsh and Peter “I’d probably forgotten tralia also play one-dayers in it’s still enough time to get it to opener while veteran Peter see Alex play in a position he’s Handscomb following them. about it really... I feel like a India and then against Pakistan right and make sure that come Siddle returns from the one-day done quite bit of now in Big Bash Marcus Stoinis and Glenn young kid getting his first in the United Arab Emirates the World Cup we are ready to wilderness in Australia’s and one-day cricket,” fellow Maxwell round out the top of the opportunity.” ahead of the World Cup, which go with a really well balanced opening clash against India opener Finch told reporters order. He joins Jhye Richardson, Finch said was enough time to and settled side.” today in Sydney as they exper- yesterday. Seamer Siddle played his Jason Behrendorff and Nathan pin down their best team. Australia: Aaron Finch iment ahead of the World Cup. “It’s a position that he’s per- last one-day international in Lyon as other specialist bowlers “That’s a very tough 13 (capt), Alex Carey, Usman Wicketkeeper Carey has formed really well with in the November 2010, but gets in the starting XI confirmed by games coming up and then the Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter played six one-dayers and last couple of years. He’ll get a another chance to impress with Finch. Usual spearheads Mitch World Cup preparations are Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, usually comes in well down the good opportunity up there. We the country’s top fast bowlers Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat under way in the UK, so there’s Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson, order, but with an eye on the are starting to get a balanced being rested. Cummins are absent for the still games to get that right,” he Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, World Cup later this year in side that we feel can adapt to a “I never thought I’d get the three-game series ahead of two said. Nathan Lyon