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Home , Alison Riske, Baghdad Bounedjah, Islam Slimani, Tie Break Tens

TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 25 ‘Tie Break Tens’ is a great , 3.30pm Onwards ahead of the exhibition concept and we will see event which will be held FOOTBALLFOOOTOTBABALLLL MEN’S SINGLES and play some exciting in Melbourne on January matches. 10, five days before the Khalifa International MEN’S DOUBLES begins. and Squash Complex Round of 16 Halep, Sharapova off to winning starts REUTERS

WORLD number one swatted aside American while was flawless in her straight sets victory over Roma- nia’s Mihaela Buzarnescu in the opening round of the Shenzhen Open Kvitova yesterday. Halep, who sealed a 6-4 6-1 vic- withdraws tory, struck three aces and fired 12 winners and was at her aggressive with viral best to set up a second round clash with China’s Duan Yingying who Simona Halep of Romania World No. 1 Rafael Nadal illness defeated Evgeniya Rodina 6-2 7-5. hits a return against Nicole “It’s always nice to play here in Gibbs of the US in the first Shenzhen,” said Halep, who captured round of the Shenzhen REUTERS the Shenzhen Open title in 2015. “It’s Open tennis tournament in Nadal to make my first victory this year as number Shenzhen yesterday. BRISBANE: Twice Wimbledon one in the world, so I’m happy and champion Petra Kvitova enjoying the time.” Australian (pictured above) withdrew Five-times major winner Shara- “She beat a crowd favourite yes- from the Brisbane Interna- pova hit 18 winners and needed an terday, so I know I have a tough match tional with a viral illness hour and 22 minutes to despatch the ahead, but I just want to keep playing return in yesterday. seasoned Buzarnescu 6-3 6-0 for a better, and keep improving no matter The 27-year-old Czech winning start to the year. who is across the net.” Every match gets exhibition event was unable to take the court “Every match gets tougher and as Unseeded Danka Kovinic, ranked tougher and as a in her first round match a competitor and someone who tries 123 in the world, stunned Greek sev- competitor and REUTERS against Estonian Anett Kon- to be realistic, I like to only look ahead enth-seeded 4-6 6-2 taveit and was replaced in the to the next opponent,” Sharapova said 6-3. someone who tries to MELBOURNE: World number one Rafael Nadal, draw by lucky loser Heather after the match. Local hope powered be realistic, I like to who is struggling to get any match practice before Watson. The Russian next faces 2017 past Russia’s Anna Blinkova 6-3 6-4 only look ahead to the the Australian Open, will play an exhibition event “I’m really disappointed to runner-up Alison Riske, who upset and was joined in the next round by next opponent: at Melbourne Park in the week leading up to the withdraw from the Brisbane China’s fifth seed on Timea Babos who beat China’s Wang season opening , organisers said International,” Kvitova was Sunday. Xiyu 6-1 6-1. Sharapova yesterday. quoted as saying on the WTA The 31-year-old Spaniard has not played since website. he withdrew from the season-ending World Tour “Unfortunately I picked up Finals in London in November with a knee injury. a virus on the flight to Aus- He had already withdrawn from an exhibi- tralia and I haven’t been able Konta survives as Svitolina tion tournament in Abu Dhabi, this week’s Bris- to get healthy in time to play bane International and another event in Sydney, here. citing a lack of time to properly prepare. “It’s always a fantastic and advances in Brisbane However, the 16-times Grand Slam winner competitive place to start the will be part of the winner-takes all Tie Break Tens year so I’m sorry not to be in event at Melbourne Park on Jan. 10, five days the draw.” AP before the Australian Open begins. The former world number “Tie Break Tens is a great concept and we will two required four hours of BRISBANE: opened her season with see and play some surgery on her left hand in a tough 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over U.S. Open finalist exciting matches,” The eight-man December 2016 after being at the Brisbane International yesterday. Nadal said in a field includes attacked by a man wielding a Fifth-seeded Konta entered the Australian Open statement. knife who had gained access tuneup tournament after losing her last four matches “The field is fan- , to her apartment by posing as in 2017, including a first-round exit at the US Open. tastic and I expect three-time Grand a utility worker. After dropping the first set, Konta hit form quickly some tough compe- Slam winner Kvitova returned to action, and had decisive service breaks early in the second tition which will be after months of rehabilitation, and third sets before clinching it on her second match great for the Aussie , during the in point, breaking Keys’ serve to finish off in just over fans.” Australia’s Nick May and went on to win the two hours. The eight-man Kyrgios, and Aegon Classic in June. Keys, playing just her second match since her field includes Novak former world career-best run at the U.S. Open, had 11 aces and hit Djokovic, three-time 37 winners but made 38 unforced errors and in humid Grand Slam winner number one conditions on Pat Rafter Arena. Stan Wawrinka, Aus- . “It was good tennis today — I haven’t played a tralia’s , match in four months, so it’s like a win for me,” Keys and former world I’m really said. I “Played really well. She played better. I’m not number one Lleyton Hewitt. disappointed to that upset about it.” Each match is comprised solely of super tie withdraw from the In other matches, third-seeded breaks to 10 points. The knockout tournament Brisbane opened with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Carla Suarez Nav- provides a winner take-all purse of $250,000. Johanna Konta of Britain arro, 2012 champion beat Daria Kasat- “It really will be an intriguing contest,” Aus- International. It’s kina 6-2, 6-2 and qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich tralian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. always a fantastic hits a return against Madison Keys of the ousted No. 6-seeded 1-6, 6-3, “These guys are all coming in at different and competitive US during their first 7-5. stages of their preparation, but once their com- place to start the round women’s singles Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova petitive instincts kick in, which will be almost year so I’m sorry not match at the Brisbane withdrew from the tournament earlier Monday instant in this format, there will be some absorbing to be in the draw: International tennis because of a viral illness and was replaced in the draw contests. tournament yesterday. by , who lost 6-0, 6-3 to Anett “Remember, there is not much room for error. Kvitova Kontaveit. You lose the tie break and you are out.” Svitolina eyes Grand Slam success ranked sixth in the and Svitolina was able to Karolina Pliskova, Gar- continue to work and to, world, was speaking close out the match in bine Muguruza and cur- you know, to just be after an impressive 6-2, just under 90 minutes. rent number one Simona focused on these kind of 6-4 win over Spain’s Svitolina won five Halep. things. Carla Suarez Navarro in titles in 2017 on her way Svitolina said her “That’s what’s impor- the first round of the to a career-high world ability to raise her game tant for me -- and then Brisbane International ranking of number three. to see off someone as the Grand Slam and AFP yesterday. She said she had dangerous as Suarez number one is all going The 22-year-old worked hard during the Navarro showed she was to come if I have my BRISBANE: Ukraine’s cruised through the first off-season and there was also capable of taking game, if I’m healthy, if Elina Svitolina (pictured) set but was forced to fight no reason why she could the next step. I’m playing my best.” believes she can become harder in the second as not win a Grand Slam or “This match was a Svitolina will take on world number one in Suarez Navarro began to take the top ranking. good example that I can in the second 2018 despite a host of find her range with pow- Five women held the play a good level of round following the challengers for the erful groundstrokes. top spot at various times tennis, a high level of Croatian’s 6-1, 6-2 win coveted top ranking. But the Spaniard fal- in 2017 -- Serena Wil- tennis,” she said. over Dutchwoman Kiki Svitolina, currently tered while serving at 4-5 liams, , “So I will try to Bertens on Sunday. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27

Tiger hopes to FIFA World Cup, Asian and play full 2018 Will new faces challenge tennis Commonwealth Games but not yet legends at the top this year? highlight action-packed year ready to commit FIFA World Cup 2018 (June 14 – July 15)

REUTERS ATP WORLD TOUR Rafael Nadal will again likely pick up thousands record in finals as a popotentialtential quarter-finalsquarter-finals of The ChamChampi-pi- ONE of the biggest and most attended sporting spectacle, FIFA of ATP Rankings points on the European red clay. rebuttal: In 2017, Zverevrev was was 5- 5-11 onships, Wimbledon, and hishis World Cup will be held in 2018 with best players in the world LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods hopes to play a full 2018 LONDON: The 2016 battle for No. in title matches, and wtwoo of of tho thosese elbowelbow ininjuryjury forcedforced hihimm descending on Russia. schedule, he said on Friday, while at the same time declin- 1 finished in a sprint, with Andy He will be going for his 11th title at each of the wins came against twoo of of the the bes bestt toto miss the second halhalff Super powers such as Italy, Netherlands, and Chile will ing to commit even to competing in February’s Genesis Murray winning 24 consecutive following tournaments: Monte-Carlo, Barcelona players in the world. ofof tthehe 22017017 seasoseasonn aandnd not be seen in action having failed in the qualifying stages, but Open which is run by his foundation. matches and five consecutive and at Roland Garros. Zverev beat Novakk DjokovDjokovicic hadhad bobotheredthered hhimim fforor a star cast which includes and , Writing a year-end blog on his website on the eve of his titles to edge Novak Djokovic. The to win his first Masterss 1000 1000 titl titlee more than 18 months.months. are expected to make it an event to remember. 42nd birthday, Woods was generally upbeat about the con- 2017 season also featured a two- at the InternazionaliB BNLNL d’Ital d’Italiaia NovakNovak DDjokovicjokovic has furthfurtherer dition of his surgically-repaired back, but what he did not man race, as Rafael Nadal beat in Rome, and the 6’6”6” GermGermanan delayeddelayed his cocompetitivempetitive come- say was perhaps just as significant. out Roger Federer to finish atop defeated Federer to wwinin hi hiss sec sec-- back byby pullinpullingg outout ofof thethe QatQatarar “One way or another, I will be at Riviera,” the 14-times the Emirates ATP Rankings for tournaments and won seven of title of his life. On paper, he is a ond Masters 1000 crownown at ththee ExxonMobil Open tournament nini major champion wrote of the annual PGA Tour event played the fourth time, and, at 31, them, including two Grand Slams clear contender to compete for the Coupe Rogers in Montreal.real. Sure Surely,ly, DohaDoha because of his onongoinggoing 2018 Commonwealth Games (April 4-15) on the famous course in southern California. become the oldest year-end No. – the Australian Open and Wim- year-end No. 1 spot in 2018. Dim- as Zverev bulks up in hthee off-sea off-sea-- elbowelbow ininjury.jury. THE 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast, Australia “It’s such an historic site and the course will always have 1. bledon – and three ATP World itrov finished 2017 at No. 3 in the son and gains more eexperiencexperience HisHis latest w ith- from April 4 to 15 and will be the fifth Commonwealth Games for special meaning for me. That’s where it all started back in But the 2018 battle for the top Tour Masters 1000 events – the year-end Emirates ATP Rankings, in five-set matches, hhisis succesuccessss drawaldrawal will Australia. 1992 when I played in my first PGA Tour event at age 16.” spot hardly looks as if it will be a BNP Paribas Open, a career high. at all tournaments, includinincludingg raiseraise doubts Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth have previously played Woods made his latest comeback in December at the mano-a-mano contest. Rather, presented by Itau and the Shang- But he’s never been in this Grand Slams, will come.me. aboutabout if hhee wiwillll hosts to the event in Australia. Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, eight months after next year’s fight for No. 1 in the hai Rolex Masters. Before 2017, position before, having to defend playplay at tthehe AustraAustral-l- Seventy countries are expected to compete in the 11-day sporting undergoing a spinal fusion. Emirates ATP Rankings looks as Federer hadn’t won a Grand Slam so many Emirates ATP Rankings 5) NO. 9 STAN WAWRINKARINKA ian Open afterafter t thehe Ser Serbb event. While his performance - he finished equal ninth of 18 wide open as any in recent mem- in five years – the last coming at points and having to back up a Climbing to No. 1 sis one one of of th thee had also ppulledulled outout ofof anan players - was competent and he swung with apparent free- ory. The seven men who could 2012 Wimbledon – and he hadn’t Top 5 season. How will he bullet points missinging ffromrom exhibitionexhibition matcmatchh in in A Abubu dom, he acknowledged that he was in uncharted waters. finish on top: captured a Masters 1000 since respond? Then again, Dimitrov Wawrinka’s Hall of Fameme resume resume,, DhabiDhabi ffollowingollowing aadvicedvice “I’m continuing to progress and trying to get strong August 2015 (Western & South- had never played in the season- which includes threeG Grandrand S Slamlam fromfrom hhisis memedicaldical team. team. enough to where I can handle a workload again,” he wrote. 1) NO. 1 RAFAEL NADAL ern Open in Cincinnati). ending finale in London before, titles and a Masters 1000000 trop trophyhy 2018 Winter Olympic Games (February 9-25)5) “I would love to play a full schedule in 2018. What that Nadal could very well back Federer’s masterful manag- either, and he had no trouble fin- (2014 Rolex Monte-CarloCarlo Mas- 7) NO. 16 ANDANDYY THE 2018 Winter Olympics will take place from February entails, including back-to-back events, I don’t know. I just his 2017 and finish atop the Emir- ing of his 2017 schedule was one ishing his year on a perfect note ters, d. Federer). Wawrinkawrinka wawass MURRAYMURRAY 9 to 25 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. have to continue to work on my body and game and see ates ATP Rankings for a fifth time. of the keys to his success – he at The O2. No. 3 before he had to eendnd hhisis TheThe Scot surely This will be the first time that the country would host to where I pan out. Spoiler alert: The Spaniard will played in only 12 tournaments, season after an earlyW Wimbledonimbledon wouldwould hhaveave prepreferredferred aa the Winter Games, having played host to Summer Games “I wish I knew where I was going to play and when I again likely pick up thousands of and did so after a six-month break 4) NO. 4 ALEXANDER ZVEREV exit (knee injury). more fruitful staystay at No. back in 1988 in Seoul. The extravaganza will feature 102 was going to play – it’s a lot easier to prep for that – but we Emirates ATP Rankings points on in 2016. Before the 2018 season, The Grand Slam fanatics will Wawrinka and coachoach Mag- 1. Murray, who ascended events across 15 sports with over 100 medals on offer for the really don’t know.” the Europeanpy red clay. He will be however,,g the Swiss right-hander pointp, to his record in Slams, nus Norman have split,plit,, but tthehe toto the ttopoppp pplacelace in first time. Woods also acknowledged that his swing had changed. goinggoing fforor hhisis 11t11thh tittitlele atat eaceachh o off willwill hhaveave ononlyly a six-weesix-weekk bbreak.reak. sometsomethinghing Zverev hhasas bbeeneen 32-year-old32-year-old Swiss Swiss sti stillll h hasas some some-- NovemNovemberber 20162016,, ffellell “My swing is definitely shorter and I can’t turn as far. thethe ffollowingollowing tournaments: How willwill hhisis bbackack anandd leleftft kkneenee remindedreminded ooff ooften.ften. TThehe 20-year 20-year-- oneone eelselse very importimportantant on hhisis fromfrom No. 1 in AuAugustgust aafterfterr My back is fused and that’s as far as it’s going to go. But I Monte-Carlo,Monte-Carlo, BarceBarcelonalona anandd at holdhold up witwithh sucsuchh llittleittle time to oldold hhasas never mamadede it past tthehe side:side: Pierre PaPaganini,ganini, tht thee train trainerer eighteight montmonthshs ooff notnot pplayinglaying was surprised at how explosive I was (at the World RolandRoland GaGarros.rros. NNotot to be oover-ver- recoverrecover afteafterr hhisis 22017?017? ffourthourth rounroundd ooff a GranGrandd SSlam,lam, hehe sshareshares witwithh RoRogerger FeFederer.derer. hishis bbestest tennis. In 20162016,, 2018 Asian Games (August 18 – September 2) Challenge)... looked,looked, thouthough,gh, Nadal’sNadal’s g gameame on on and he’s reached that stagestage onl onlyy PaganiniPaganini gguideduided FedFederererer duriduringng MurrMurrayay finished 78-9, “I’m more than a full-club longer than when I shut it hardhard courts in 2017 was as googoodd 3) NO. 3 GRIGOR DIMITRODIMITROVV once,once, at 2017 WimWimbledon.bledon. But hishis ddelicateelicate recovery aandnd come come-- includingincluding hhisis 24-matc24-matchh wwininn THE 2018 Asian Games will be hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, down. I wasn’t hitting it very far and was struggling to hit it as anyone’s. TheThe SpaniarSpaniardd wonwon SaySay wwhathat you want aaboutbout looklook no ffurtherurther backback in 2017, anandd hhe’lle’lll trytry toto ddoo streakstreak to enendd tthehe yearyear.. Indonesia and has thus been officially named as ‘Jakarta Palem- solid. That’s a bad combo.” twotwo ooff hhisis sixsix tittitlesles on on t hthee sur surface,face, DimitrovDimitrov bbeforeefore 20172017,, bbutut tthehe thanthan hhisis the sasameme wiwithth WWawrinkaawrinka nnextext InIn hhisis ininjury-shortenedjury-shortened bang 2018’. Woods, the second most successful golfer behind includingincluding hhisis tthirdhird US Open BulgarianBulgarian oofficiallyfficially arrivearrivedd season.season. 2017,2017, tthehe BritBrit wentwent 25-1025-10,, ca call-ll-- It will also be the first time that the Asian Games are being co- 18-times major winner Jack Nicklaus, has endured a chal- crown,crown, whichwhich waswas hishis 16th16th GrandGrand as a Top 5 plaplayeryer thisthis seasea-- inging it a campaicampaigngn becausebecause ooff hosted by two cities – the Indonesian capital in Jakarta and lenging time since ending his 2014 season early in order to SlamSlam troptrophy.hy. son. He wonh hisis mai maidenden 6)6) NO. 12 NOVAK DJDJOKOVICOKOVIC hishis llingeringingering hhipip injuryinjury aafterfter a a Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province. undergo what turned into multiple back surgeries. ButBut can NaNadal’sdal’s bbodyody – MastersMasters 1000 tittitlele in TheThe top Emirates AATPTP Ran Rank-k- WimbledonWimbledon quarter-quarter-finalfinal l olossssss The Asian Games would feature 462 events in 40 sports across He has played only occasionally since, with a couple of namelynamely hhisis llefteft wrist wrist an andd h hisis ri rightght CincinnatiCincinnati aandnd inging spotspot waswas DDjokovic’sjokovic’s h homeome for for to American Sam Querrey.Querrey. 57 disciplines. Qatar, along with 44 other countries will participate comebacks aborted by continuing pain. kneeknee – wiwithstandthstand aanothernother full bbackedacked it up by 223 weeks,weeks, incincludingluding f fourour y year-ear- But ifif MurraMurrayy is is h healthy,ealthy, in the games. In 2017 he decided to have two vertebrae in his lower seasonseason oonn tthehe ATPATP WWorldorld TTour?our? goinggoing unbeaten endend No. 1 finishes (2011-1(2011-12,2, whywhy not expect the Brit to back fused, which basically was an all-or-nothing last-ditch He’sHe’s aalreadylready pupulledlled out ooff tthehe inin hhisis ddebutebut at 22014-15).014-15). And DjoDjokovickovic wwasas once againagain bbeateat tthehe veveryry attempt to both ease his pain and allow him to resume golf. BrisbaneBrisbane InternationaInternationall presente presentedd thethe Nitto ATP therethere as recentrecentlyly asas 3311 OctoOctoberber bestbest in men’s tennis? In This year’s major sports events The prognosis right now appears to be fairly good, but by SuncoSuncorprp bbecauseecause hhee neeneedsds FinFinalsals to win 2016,2 0 16, beforebefore MMurrayurray totookok 2017,2017, neitneitherher FeFedererderer it has been far from smooth sailing this year for Woods, who moremore time to recurecuperateperate f romfrom h hisis thethe bbiggestiggest overover tthehe ttopop nonorr NNadaladal mmatchedatched Date(s) Sport/Event Location in May was arrested asleep at the wheel of his car, with five right-kneeright-knee ininjury,jury, whichwhich forcedforced pplacelace at tthehe Murray’sMurray’s 24-match win Jan 15-28 Tennis - Australia Open Melbourne, Australia drugs in his system. himhim to participate inb butut eventu- eventu- RolexRRolex PaParisris streak,streak, anandd tthehe He subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless driving. allyally witwithdrawhdraw ffromrom tthehe f finalinal two two Masters.MMasters. ththree-timeree-time GGrandrand Feb 4 Gridiron/Football - Super Bowl Minneapolis, Minnesota “I appreciate competitive golf now more than I ever tournamentstournaments ofof 22017017 – – the the R Rolexolex But ththee SlSlamam cchampionhampion Feb 9-25 Winter Olympics Pyeongchang, South Korea have,” he wrote. ParisParis MMastersasters aandnd thethe NiNittotto ATPATP 30-year-30-year- aandnd 14-14-timetime Feb 28 - Mar 4 Cycling - World Track Championships Apeldoorn, The Netherlands “During that 10-month period I was away from the game, FFinals.inals. oldoold SeSerbianrbian MaMasterssters 10100000 I had a hard time walking and often needed assistance get- hasn’th asn’t titlisttitlist rerelisheslishes March 9-18 Winter Paralympics Pyeongchang, South Korea ting out of bed. 2)2) NO. 2 ROGER FEDEREFEDERERR playedpllayed a facingfacing a Apr 5-8 Golf - Masters Augusta, USA It’sIt’s hhardard to imaimaginegine matchmaatch ssinceince ddoubtingoub ting April 4-15 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast, Australia Federer,Federer, wwhoho wiwillll turn retiringr e tiring audience.audience. Apr 14 Horse Racing - Grand National Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool 37 in August,August, havinhavingg againstagainst TomaTomass a bbetteretter season in BerdychBerdych in May 5 Horse Racing - Kentucky Derby Louisville, Kentucky, US 22018018 tthanhan hhee ddidid iinn ththee May 4-20 Ice Hockey - IIHF World Championship Copenhagen, Herning, Denmark 202017.17. TToo rrefresh:efresh: HHee May 19 Football - FA Cup final Wembley Stadium, London played in 12 May 26 Football - UEFA Champions League Final NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine May 27-Jun 10 Tennis - French Open Paris, France 14 Jun -15 Jul FIFA World Cup Russia June Ice Hockey - Stanley Cup finals June Basketball - NBA Finals USA/Canada Jul 7-29 Cycling - Tour de France Jun 16-17 Auto Racing - 86th 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France World No. 2 Roger Federer World No. 1 Rafael Nadal Jun 14–17 Golf - US Open Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York Jul 2+ Tennis - Wimbledon London, England Jul 19-22 Golf - British Open Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland July 20-22 Rugby 7s - Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco, USA What they said in 2017 Jul 21-Aug 5 Hockey (Field) - World Cup - Women London, England July Boxing - AIBA World Championships (women) Chang Mai, Thailand No disrespect to Jessica. But Venus was busy Don’t forget. We beat you I hope people will real- July World Combat Games with her own match and every working parent here the last time when it ize once and for all how Aug 1-12 European Sports Championships Berlin & Glasgow knows how hard it is to find a baby sitter. So really mattered. silly it is to call sporting Aug 3-19 Central Caribbean Games Barranquilla, Colombia this was just an emergency fix. As soon as my I was having trouble picturingpicturing the shot,shot, until contests ‘chess match- Aug 16-19 Golf - US PGA Bellerive Country Club, Town and Country, Missouri RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR es. I’m only going to talk Aug 18-Sep 2 Asian Games Jakarta, Indonesia mom gets here, I promise, Alexis will go back Michael (Greller, his caddie)addie) told me Tiger used PUTIN after handing over the to watching my matches from the stands. to drive one of those. Confederations Cup trophy to about our next oppo- Aug 27+ Tennis - US Open New York, USA Germany who beat Chile in the nent and that’s the New Sep 1-9 Rowing - 2018 World Rowing Championships Plovdiv, Bulgaria after JORDAN SPIETH after he becameecame the the only only final. York Jets. Questions? Sep 10-23 Equestrian - FEI World Equestrian Games Bromont, Quebec, Canada Tryon, North Carolina, USA she opened defense of her golfer ever to complete thec calendaralendar Australian Open title with a Grand Slam and the youngestest in in the the Sep 10-30 Volleyball - World Women’s Volleyball Championship Italy and Bulgaria 6-0, 6-0 win over wild-card bargain by winning his fourthrth straigh straightt Sep 11-23 Summer Youth Olympics Buenos Aires, Argentina entry Jessica Ponchet of major, the PGA Championship.hip. Magnus Carlsen after suc- Sep 23-30 Cycling - UCI Road World Championships Innsbruck, Austria France with 4½-month-old The 24-year-old Texan took advantage cessfully defending his k advantage Sep 28-30 Golf - Ryder Cup Le Golf National (Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France) daughter Alexis strapped of the rules after an errantd driverive in in t thehe World Chess Championship into a baby sling on her final round left him seeminglygly stranded stranded i nin in London against New Eng- Sep 30-Oct 21 Volleyball - World Women’s Volleyball Championship Japan back. Unbeknownst to fans the Bellerive Country Clubp parking.arking. Thank Thankss land Patriots coach Bill October Baseball - World Series Belichick, who competed and foes, Serena to a free drop, he banged a3 3-wood-wood o offff the the Oct 25 - Nov 3 Gymnastics - World Championships (Artistic) , Qatar Williams grille of a Cadillac Escaladee and and over over th thee under protest after an Nov 6 Horse Racing - Melbourne Cup Victoria, Australia was two months clubhouse to within six feeto off t thehe attempt to list both rooks, pregnant when flag, then made the birdiep puttutt to to both knights and several November Weightlifting - IWF World Championships Lima, Peru she won the title. seal it. pawns as “probable” for the Nov 24-Dec 16 Hockey (Field) - World Cup - Men Bhubaneswar, India first game is denied by the international federation. Dec 7-11 Swimming - FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) Hangzhou, China Tiger Woods 28 SPORT TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018

O l y m p i c s : NBA: Rockets end skid as Kim says N Korea could participate in Mavericks silence Thunder Winter Games AFP AFP SEOUL: Kim Jong-Un yester- LOS ANGELES: The Houston day gave the first indication Rockets take some good news -- that North Korea could and perhaps some bad -- into participate in next month’s 2018 after snapping their five- Winter Olympics in the South, game NBA losing streak with a despite tensions over 148-142 double-overtime victory Pyongyang’s nuclear weap- over the Los Angeles Lakers on ons programme. Sunday. “I sincerely hope the James Harden scored 40 Pyeongchang Winter Olym- points but departed in the final pics will be staged minute of regulation with a ham- successfully,” said Kim, the string injury. North Korean leader, in his Point guard Chris Paul scored new year’s address to the 15 of his 28 points in the two nation. overtime periods to carry Hou- “We are willing to take ston to a much-needed win on necessary measures includ- their home floor. ing to dispatch our Paul played a part in four delegation. straight baskets in the first extra “For this purpose, author- period, but Lakers forward Bran- ities of the North and South don Ingram made two free would be able to meet in the throws with eight-tenths of a sec- near future,” he said. ond remaining to force the Seoul’s presidential Blue second. House responded positively Houston Rockets’ guard James Harden (13) drives In the second extra session, to Kim’s proposal for talks to the basket while Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Tyler Paul made six free throws in the about sending a delegation to Ennis (10) defends during the second quarter of final minute and Houston took the Games. their game at Toyota Center. the lead for good on a second- “We welcome it,” a state- chance basket by reserve forward ment said. “Should the P J Tucker -- his only points in Olympics be staged success- the contest. fully, it will contribute to Moments later Tucker swat- Charlotte Hornets. “He was just fourth, they never got the deficit Bradley Beal was the after Smith contributed 19 points, peace not only on the Korean ted away a three-point attempt a nightmare tonight,” Charlotte below four points. four rebounds and six assists. peninsula but in the region by the Lakers Kyle Kuzma. forward Frank Kaminsky said of The Boston Celtics held off star in Washington, “They were trapping him in and the world as well.” Trevor Ariza scored 26 points Williams. “He started hitting the determined Brooklyn Nets scoring 17 of his 39 the pick-and-rolls. He hasn’t seen Lee Hee-Beom, the head for Houston, who trailed by as (three-pointers) early, so we start 108-105 to notch their 30th win points in the fourth that. He went through some sit- of the Pyeongchang Organ- many as 17 points. getting up on his screen. of the season. quarter as the Wizards uations that were very difficult, ising Committee for the The sight of Harden limping “He starts driving to the rim, Trailing by 14 points with 5:59 but he kept his energy up, he kept Olympic Games (POCOG) off must have tempered the and then he’s getting fouled.” remaining, the Nets trimmed the rallied to beat the his head up, he kept attacking.” said: “We actively welcome Rockets’ pleasure in snapping Williams scored 16 points in deficit to three and had the ball Chicago Bulls 114-110. Thanks in large part to Smith, the North’s suggestion that it their skid. the first quarter as the Clippers after a timeout with 14.5 seconds the Mavs withstood Thunder star is willing to engage in talks Houston coach Mike D’Antoni seized the lead. But the Hornets left. Nets guard Spencer Dinwid- Russell Westbrook’s latest triple- for the participation in the said it was too early to speculate held them to just 13 points in the die unleashed a long-range effort Conference leaders should have double of 38 points, 15 rebounds Olympics. about the severity of Harden’s second period while fashioning that was wildly off-target. clamped down at the end. and 11 assists. “We’ve been preparing injury. a 28-7 scoring run that put Char- Boston guard Kyrie Irving “We’ve just got to close out Bradley Beal was the star in for the Olympics on the “I don’t think we’ll know until lotte up by as many as 14. seized the rebound and called a better,” he said. Washington, scoring 17 of his 39 assumption that the North tomorrow,” D’Antoni said. “I don’t Charlotte led by 10 at the timeout. In Oklahoma City, Dallas points in the fourth quarter as the will eventually take part in think they’ll be able to assess it interval, but Blake Griffin scored On the inbounds play, Irving rookie Dennis Smith Jr produced Wizards rallied to beat the Chi- the Games,” he said, adding until then.” 14 of his 25 points in a third quar- was fouled and made two free 11 points in the final 1:39 to lift the cago Bulls 114-110. that POCOG have in place In Los Angeles, Lou Williams ter dominated 33-14 by Los throws to seal the win. Mavericks to a 116-113 victory John Wall scored 21 points for protocols for accommodation came off the bench to score 40 Angeles. Irving, who scored 28 points over the Thunder. Washington, his three-point play and transport for the North’s points and propel the Clippers to While the Hornets remained and grabbed eight rebounds for “He was great tonight,” said with 29.4 seconds left to play athletes. a 106-98 victory over the within striking distance in the the Celtics, said the Eastern Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle putting the hosts ahead for good. Seoul and POCOG have billed the Games, which open on February 9, as a “peace Olympics” and have been keen for the North to take part. Two North Korean ath- NHL: Avalanche rout Islanders letes -- pairs figure skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik AP Meanwhile Mark Giordano -- qualified for the Games but scored 52 seconds into overtime the North Korean Olympic DENVER : The Colorado to lift the Calgary Flames over Committee missed an Octo- Avalanche have relied on their the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. ber 30 deadline to confirm to stars to carry the offense, but it Mikael Backlund sent a pass the International Skating was the supporting cast that got back to the blue line where Union that they would things rolling on New Year’s Eve. Giordano took a couple strides participate. Gabriel Landeskog scored and fired a shot into the top cor- The pair could still be twice in less than two minutes ner on Jeff Glass. invited to compete by the in the second period, and Colo- It helped Calgary salvage a International Olympic rado routed the New York win after Chicago’s Brandon Committee. Islanders 6-1 on Sunday night. Saad tied it with 1:46 left in the “The IOC says the North Carl Soderberg and Erik third period. would be able to take part in Johnson had a goal and an assist Matthew Tkachuk had two any event it wants,” said Lee each, and Matt Nieto and Patrik goals and Sean Monahan also yesterday. Nemeth also scored for Colo- scored for Calgary, which had “But North Korea is likely rado, which blew open the game lost five of seven home games. to send athletes to figure skat- with four goals in the second. Mike Smith turned away 34 ing, short track skating, cross The first two goals of the Colorado Avalanche’s left wing shots. country and women’s ice frame came from Soderberg and Blake Comeau (14) and New York Jordan Oesterle and Jonathan hockey.” Nieto, who make up the third Islanders’ centre Mathew Barzal Toews also scored for Chicago. The Winter Olympic main line along with Blake Comeau. (13) battle for the puck in the The Blackhawks extend their venues are just 80 kilometres The trio combined for 43 second period of their NHL game points streak against Calgary to (50 miles) from the heavily points entering Sunday, which at the Pepsi Center. 16 games (10-0-6), a streak that fortified border with the matched top-line center Nathan dates to Feb. 2, 2013. Glass fin- North and the build-up to the MacKinnon’s total. ished with 35 saves. event has been overshad- The third line had four points pretty high, and that’s kind of hungry on the puck as they were. venting to the officials when he Toews and Saad also had an owed by tensions running against the Islanders. translated into this season,” We aren’t winning enough bat- was ejected. assist and each snapped six- high over the Pyongyang’s “Second period, I thought the Landeskog said. “We know tles and that’s not creating a “He just wanted to show game pointless streaks. escalating nuclear and mis- Soderberg line kind of turned the there’s a lot of work to do still, whole lot,” New York center John some passion,” assistant coach Saad tied it with the goalie sile tests. tide for us,” Avalanche coach but the first three months have Tavares said. Luke Richardson said of Weight. pulled. Toews won a faceoff back Kim said the Olympics Jared Bednar said. been fun. I still think we have “Obviously they came out “Some of the frustration, our to Saad, whose quick shot would “serve as a good “They were fantastic. They another couple of gears.” hard and skated well. We just team as a whole, we got out-bat- deflected off the skate of Travis chance to display our Korean were in on some big goals for us, The Islanders lost the game didn’t have our best today for tled from one end of the ice to Hamonic and through Smith’s people’s grace toward the getting to the net, coming up and head coach Doug Weight, whatever reason and it’s disap- the other, and your leader’s got pads. world.” with secondary chances, bang- who was given a game miscon- pointing. Starting with myself, to show some passion. It wasn’t Leading 1-0 after the first “The year 2018 is a signif- ing in rebounds, real good on duct after Landeskog’s first goal. we have to look ourselves in the there and Doug did that. Some- period thanks to a buzzer beater icant year for both the North their puck decisions. They had a Josh Bailey scored for New mirror and know we have a big times it’s extreme, but when a by Tkachuk, Calgary increased and the South, with the North lot to do with the win tonight.” York, which has lost six straight week ahead where we have to game like this goes against us, its lead to two when Tkachuk marking the 70th anniversary Jonathan Bernier stopped 27 on the road. challenge ourselves to be you’ve got to be extreme.” scored his second power-play of its birth and the South shots, MacKinnon had three Jaroslav Halak had 30 saves, better.” That put Colorado back on goal of the night at 4:42, steer- hosting the Winter assists and Samuel Girard had including 19 in the second period The Avalanche took a 3-0 the power play. After Scott May- ing in Johnny Gaudreau’s Olympics.” two assists for Colorado. when Colorado put a season- lead on goals by Nemeth, Nieto field drew a crosschecking centering pass. Kim did strike one note of The Avalanche have 41 high 23 shots on goal. and Soderberg, and then blew it minor, Landeskog scored his The Flames took a 3-0 lead caution. points in 38 games this season, He was replaced by Thomas open at the end of the second second of the game and 16th of 1:05 seconds later with Gaudreau “The sharp military ten- seven points short of tying last Greiss after two periods. Greiss period. the season on a 5-on-3. Bailey again orchestrating the setup, sion between the North and year’s 82-game total. stopped 12 shots. Landeskog scored on the scored late in the third period to this time to Monahan in front, the South must be eased and “I think training camp was “We had poor execution power play with 3:25 left, and extend his points streak to 11 who snapped his nine-game a peaceful atmosphere should real good and we set the bar today and we didn’t seem as after the goal Weight was games. goalless drought. be in place,” he said. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29 Ball-tampering claims ridiculous: Anderson REUTERS Guptill returns SYDNEY: England pace bowler James Anderson (pictured) has for first two described as “ridiculous” accu- sations that he was involved in Pakistan ODIs tampering with the ball during AGENCIES the drawn fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Melbourne WELLINGTON: Martin Guptill last week. returns from injury while the The 35-year-old was shown spin duo of Mitchell Santner and on television appearing to try to Todd Astle were retained in New scuff up the ball with his thumb- Zealand’s 13-man squad for the nail on the fourth day on Friday first two ODIs against Pakistan. and local commentators seized Guptill missed New Zea- on the footage as the match land’s 3-0 rout of West Indies meandered to a draw. last month with a hamstring England coach Trevor Bay- injury. liss, however, labelled the However, he has regained accusations as ‘Pommie bash- fitness and is currently part of ing’ while Anderson scoffed at regained the Ashes before the “I was bowling the ball, look- the national team for the ongo- the suggestions. Melbourne game after they took ing up at the board to see what ing T20I series against West “It escalated quite quickly, a 3-0 lead in the five match speed it was and then looking at Indies. Guptill’s inclusion means didn’t it?” Anderson said in com- series following victory by an Steve Smith hitting it. I tried a George Worker, who made two ments published by Britain’s The innings and 41 runs in Perth. fair bit. The pitch was so unre- half-centuries in his last three Telegraph newspaper. “Ridicu- In Melbourne, however, sponsive. It’s quite demoralising ODIs as an opener, has been left lous, but what we’ve come to England dominated for much of when it gets to that point. out. expect. the match, led by Alastair Cook’s “There was a guy shouting “It’s tough on George miss- “(I was) getting dirt off the unbeaten 244 and were at me: ‘You can’t bowl with a ing out, but he’ll continue to Zealand’s Colin Munro bats ball. They’d watered the square thwarted by rain that washed Kookaburra.’ I said ‘You might push for selection and will get during the second Twenty20 so the footholes on the old wick- out much of the fourth day’s have a point there.’ further opportunities down the ets had mud. play. “But if you put Starc on that road,” said Gavin Larsen, the international cricket match “We went to the umpires to Anderson, undoubtedly on pitch - or someone who bowls national selector. “Martin is a against the West Indies at the make sure they were happy with his last Ashes tour of Australia, above 90 mph - they kind of proven world-class player, so Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui it,” he said said his side were looking ahead take the pitch out of the equa- we’re naturally thrilled to have yesterday. “You have to have a thick to try to grab a face-saving vic- tion. It would be great if we him back in the mix. He and skin. You can’t worry what ex- tory in the fifth Test in Sydney, could get someone who could Colin (Munro) have been strong players are saying in the media, which starts on Thursday. bowl 90mph-plus, just to have for us at the top of the order.” whether they are opposition ex- “We have played well at that sort of X-factor. New Zealand will also be Rain washes out T20 players or English ex-player. times in all four Tests,” Ander- “I know it’s a bit late [in my without Colin de Grandhomme, There are many opinions about son said. career], but if I can add another the allrounder, who missed the between NZ, West Indies our players at the moment and “It would be nice if we can 5kph onto my bowling, that West Indies series and returned you’ve got to try to block them carry that on and have one last would be great.” to Harare after his father’s death. AP out,” he added. push at Sydney and try to get a Anderson said England also He has since returned to New Anderson’s comments ech- win. needed to have batsmen who Zealand and will play for Auck- MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Rain forced the abandonment of the second oed those of Bayliss, who said “It would mean a lot to the could slam big hundreds in Test land and is likely to return for Twenty20 cricket international between New Zealand and the the umpires had told him on Sat- lads and all the English support cricket in away matches. the last three ODIs. The five- West Indies after nine overs yesterday, leaving the home team urday the accusations were a we’ve had over here. You see “We’ve got to score more match series that starts in with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. ‘beat-up’. them just non-stop and it means runs,” Anderson said. “We need Wellington on January 9 will be New Zealand, which won the first match by 47 runs, was 102-4 Both sides had been warned a lot to us that sort of support.” big hundreds. We’ve seen in all followed by three T20Is. when rain became heavy enough to force the players from the by the umpires during the match Anderson said England des- the Test matches, the team that New Zealand squad: Kane field. Play was eventually abandoned at 10 p.m. about deliberately throwing the perately needed quick bowlers has won or got on top has been Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Opener Colin Munro smashed 66 from 23 balls and reached a new ball into the ground to scuff if they were to challenge the the one with people scoring big Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, half century from 18 balls, which would have equaled his own it up in a desperate attempt to Australians playing on home soil. scores, big hundreds. Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptil, New Zealand record if the match had been completed. Munro hit exert some assistance from a “I know my speed dropped “In this game in Melbourne Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin 11 fours and three sixes, falling after hitting four consecutive bound- drop-in pitch that offered both off into my 58th and 59th overs,” it was us because of Alastair Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitch- aries from Kesrick Williams. sides little help. Anderson said about his bowl- Cook, but it’s one area we need ell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross The third match is at the same venue Wednesday, when rain Australia had already ing in Melbourne last week. to improve. Taylor. is also forecast.

Pakistan players during a training session at Saxton Oval Nelson in New Zealand. Pakistan Steyn waits to see if will play five ODIs and three T20s on their tour with the first match beginning tomorrow. he will get a chance

REUTERS In his absence, South Afri- ca’s four-man seam attack easily CAPE TOWN: Dale Steyn bowled out Zimbabwe twice (pictured) has been close to the and, although India are an alto- milestone for more than a year gether different proposition, now but, at the age of 34, time there is a temptation for the is running out for the speed selectors to stick with them. merchant to become South Afri- Steyn, whose Test average ca’s most prolific wicket taker. is a staggering 22.3, can, how- Steyn’s 417 Test-wicket haul ever, point to a prolific record is just four shy of the South Afri- at Newlands with 65 wickets in can record held by Shaun 13 Tests at an average of 21.93 Pollock but the target remains –- 12 against India. both tantalisingly close and frus- He -- and legions of sup- Stokes withdrawn from tratingly elusive at the same porters enthralled by his time. passionate approach to the Standing between him and game -- wait to see whether he the tag of the country’s best ever Zimbabwe. Steyn’s shoulder tra- will get to bowl this time. England’s ODI squad bowler have been a serious vails began against England in Meanwhile visitors India shoulder injury and a lengthy Durban in December 2015 but have opted for two high-inten- REUTERS CPS advice. “Should ECB receive a ‘no objection certificate’ to spell on the sidelines. it was just under a year later in sity training sessions at the formal confirmation that he has play for Canterbury in New Zea- After his latest piece of rot- Perth in November 2016 that Western Province Cricket Club, SYDNEY: Suspended England either, a) been charged or, b) will land, the land of his birth, ten luck, some doubt that Steyn extensive damage was done as where they will try to replicate all-rounder Ben Stokes has been face no charges, the ECB board though he cut short his stay will get his long-awaited oppor- he broke the right shoulder and Test-match conditions. withdrawn from the squad for would convene within 48 hours there for “family reasons”. tunity when South Africa take tore three major muscles on the “If you look at the wicket this month’s five-match one-day to make a decision on his avail- And ECB chief executive on India in a three-Test series second day of the first Test that we are playing on right international series against ability to represent England at Tom Harrison conceded it starting at Newlands on against Australia. now, it’s not even 15% of what Australia and was replaced by that stage,” ECB said in a state- would be “difficult” to prevent Friday. He went home to Cape we are going to get in the game,” batsman Dawid Malan, the ment on their website (www. him playing in the IPL. It has been 14 months since Town for surgery, followed by Virat Kohli said at the team’s England and Wales Cricket ecb.co.uk). Stokes is in fact looking at a Steyn’s last Test and the rusti- lengthy rehabilitation and abor- first media engagement. Board (ECB) said yesterday. The ECB said Stokes has lucrative contract in the IPL. ness of the lay-off, plus the tive comebacks before he was “We understand that. Stokes, who was provision- been cleared to participate in Last year he was signed for absence of a decent examina- ygently eased back into There’s no point wasting two ally named in England’s squad, the player draft for the Indian a record fee of £1.7m ($2.3m) by tion of his shoulder in match Twenty20 action in November days, guys going in, scoring is awaiting a decision on Twenty20 the Rising Pune Supergiants. conditions, could see him left and then 12 wicketless overs in quick fifties and coming out. whether he will be charged by tournament. He repaid their investment out, local media suggested. whites just before Christmas. We’d rather have them do two the Crown Prosecution Service The first ODI between Aus- handsomely by being the player “There is significant, ill- Steyn was due to return in sessions like today, get into Test (CPS) for his involvement in an tralia and England will be played of the tournament. advised risk associated with any the one-off Test against Zimba- match zone, test ourselves, try altercation outside a Bristol at the Melbourne Cricket Ground A big-money new television fast-track return,” wrote local bwe in Port Elizabeth last week and prepare the wickets the way nightclub in September. on Jan. 14. deal could see figures rise even cricket columnist Rob Houwing but on the opening morning of we want to. If you’re playing a The ECB said he would not Meanwhile Stokes will be higher at the player auction later this week (www.sport24.co.za) the day-night match was two-day game, there’s no room travel with the group of players eligible to play in the Indian Pre- this month, because teams have after the pace bowler missed out unluckily ruled out by a bout of to change the wicket at differ- leaving for Australia today and mier League, according to BBC. a salary cap that has risen by 20 on the Boxing Day Test against influenza. ent times of the day.” his availability will depend on Stokes was recently granted percent. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 Last-gasp Klavan strike gives Liverpool victory Adrien Silva AFP Liverpool goal this season. Burnley equalised with just three LONDON: Ragnar Klavan’s last- minutes left as Sam Vokes Silva signs gasp goal gave Liverpool a flicked on and Johann dramatic 2-1 win at Burnley, Gudmundsson pounced to slot for Leicester while Stoke manager Mark home. Hughes faced calls for his But Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren to end long sacking after a 1-0 defeat against headed on a free-kick four Newcastle yesterday. minutes into stoppage-time and With Philippe Coutinho and Estonia defender Klavan poked saga Mohamed Salah missing due to home from close-range. thigh and groin injuries Liverpool’s third successive AFP respectively and Roberto win extended their unbeaten Firmino left on the bench, Sadio league run to 13 games as they LONDON: Portugal Mane was the lone member of cemented their place in the top midfielder Adrien Silva says Liverpool’s ‘Fab Four’ to start at four. he tried to remain positive rain-lashed Turf Moor. The injuries to Coutinho and during a long saga which After a scrappy first half, Salah are believed to be minor came to a happy end yester- Senegal winger Mane showed and the in-form pair are day as he completed his move Liverpool can thrive without his expected to have a chance of to Premier League side star team-mates as he opened playing in Friday’s FA Cup third Leicester City. the scoring in the 61st minute. round tie against Merseyside The 28-year-old – Mane collected Trent rivals Everton capped 20 times and a Alexander-Arnold’s pass and At the bet365 Stadium, member of the Portugal side hammered home from the edge Stoke’s latest lacklustre display that won Euro 2016 – has had of the area for his eighth piled pressure on Hughes, whose Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan (left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their second goal yesterday. to wait four months to com- gamble of fielding a weakened plete the £22m ($29.7m) PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS team in Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing transfer from Sporting at Chelsea proved an unwise Huddersfield. FIFA rejected the 28-year-old’s in three games earned Lisbon. Brighton 2 (Knockaert 5, Murray 48) move. Claude Puel’s side took the move from Sporting Lisbon in Bournemouth a 2-2 draw at The France-born mid- Bournemouth 2 (S. Cook 33, Wilson79) Newcastle took a deserved lead through Mahrez in the 53rd August when the paperwork south coast rivals Brighton. fielder has been in a state of Burnley 1 (Gudmundsson 87) Liverpool 2 lead in the 73rd minute when minute, the winger meeting Marc arrived 14 seconds too late. Anthony Knockaert put limbo since his original trans- (Mane 61, Klavan 90+4) Ayoze Perez stabbed past Stoke Albrighton’s cross with a well- The Portugal midfielder Brighton ahead in the fifth fer was not accepted because Leicester 3 (Mahrez 53, Slimani 60, goalkeeper Jack Butland from taken volley for his eighth goal finally completed his move minute before Steve Cook’s the paperwork was 14 sec- close-range. of the season. yesterday and was cheered to looping header had the visitors onds past the deadline in Albrighton 90+2) Huddersfield 0 That triggered chants for With Leicester striker Jamie the rafters when he made his level in the 33rd minute. August -- an appeal to the S’ City 0 Newcastle United 1 (Pere 73) Hughes’s dismissal from Stoke Vardy sidelined by a groin injury, first appearance at the King Glenn Murray restored Court of Arbitration for Sport Playing Today fans, with a ‘Hughes out’ banner who marked only Power Stadium. Brighton’s lead three minutes (CAS) failed. (1945 GMT) held aloft in the stands. his second league start this Albrighton’s 90th minute into the second half. “When you have a period Manchester City v Watford (2000), Stoke have won once in their season with his first league goal goal capped a good afternoon for But Wilson rescued like this, it’s very up and Swansea vs Tottenham Hotspur, last six games and sit two points since April -- a chipped finish in Leicester, who ended a four- Bournemouth in the 79th minute down,” Silva told Leicester’s above the relegation zone. the 60th minute. match winless run, while with his fifth league goal of the

in-house television station. Southampton vs Crystal Palace, West Ham duo Leicester’s Adrien Silva came Huddersfield were beaten for the campaign and Eddie Howe’s side “You have to keep a pos- vs West Bromwich Albion and Islam Slimani inspired on late in the second half for his first time in five games. are now unbeaten in their last itive mentality and that’s Leicester’s 3-0 win over long-awaited first appearance. Callum Wilson’s second goal three games. what I’ve tried to do. I’ve kept my mind focused on my job and what I love to do.” Silva, who was named on the bench for Monday’s game Swansea’s Naughton banned for 3 games with Huddersfield Town, said he had been keeping fit REUTERS Cup third round clash away to Wolver- Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne to injury. “It despite not having played all hampton Wanderers. looks like a serious knee injury, but how season. LONDON: Swansea defender Kyle Naugh- The Welsh club are bottom of the serious it turns out to be after he has the “It’s been very frustrating, ton (pictured) will be suspended for his league with 16 points from 21 games and scan, we will have to wait and see,” Hodg- but now the difficult times are team’s next three games after a review of picked up their first win in five games in son said about Dann’s knock. past me and I’m very happy a stamping incident in their 2-1 Premier new manager Carlos Carvalhal’s debut on “You don’t know directly how bad it to be close to my goal,” said League win over Watford on Saturday. Saturday. is after the game and the doctors loathe Silva. Television images showed Naughton Meanwhile, Crystal Palace centre back to make any bold statements but it doesn’t “I’ve been working hard appearing to tread on Watford forward Scott Dann faces a spell on the sidelines look good.” every day to arrive at this Stefano Okaka’s leg and he was charged after injuring his knee in Sunday’s goal- Palace became only the second team moment and I’m in good with violent conduct by the English Foot- less Premier League draw with leaders to take points off City in the league this shape. ball Association after the game at Vicarage Manchester City. season, halting their winning streak at 18 “It’s been very important Road. Eagles skipper Dann was carried off games, and travel to 13th-placed South- to keep training because it’s Swansea said Naughton had accepted on a stretcher in the 17th minute of a ampton today. a long time not playing. There the ban and will miss league games feisty clash that also saw Palace mid- Palace are 17th in the league with 19 is nothing better than the against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcas- fielder Jason Puncheon helped off the points after four wins, seven draws and game.” tle United as well as next weekend’s FA pitch while City lost attackers Gabriel 10 defeats. January shopping list for Europe’s top clubs AFP Mascherano set to depart. A Already out of the Champi- agreement this month to move move for the giant Colombian ons League, Napoli are desperate to Bavaria in the summer. Javier Pastore in action. PARIS: Liverpool’s £75m Yerry Mina of Palmeiras could to win a first Serie A title since There is likely to be move- ($100m) splurge on Southamp- be completed imminently. 1990. They want to reinforce ment at Borussia Dortmund, with ton’s Virgil van Dijk indicated Atletico Madrid can finally reg- their attack this month, and have Andre Schuerrle being linked that the English Premier League ister new players with a been linked with a 25 million- with West Ham United. will again be where most money FIFA-imposed ban now having euro move for the Bologna They will also have to deal is spent in the January transfer ended. That means Diego Costa striker Simone Verdi. with inevitable speculation as to window. and Vitolo can make their debuts There could be sales at AC the future of star striker Pierre- But some of Europe’s top after agreeing deals to move to Milan, who are in financial dif- Emerick Aubameyang, who is clubs will be active this month the Wanda Metropolitano from ficulty and struggling in under contract until 2021. looking to strengthen their Chelsea and Sevilla respectively mid-table. Most headlines, France: PSG to trim squad - squads for the run-in. The Penin- in the summer. though, currently surround the There will almost cer- sula looks at what to expect in Real Madrid are likely to future of goalkeeper Gianluigi tainly be departures from Paris the continent’s biggest leagues make moves too. But if there is Donnarumma, who has been Saint-Germain as they look to after the window opened to be only one signing it should linked with a move away but said raise funds to comply with finan- yesterday. be that of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the on Saturday that he was “happy” cial fair play. Spain: Kepa set for Madrid Athletic Bilbao and Spain goal- at San Siro. Javier Pastore is reportedly La Liga leaders Barcelona keeper. The 23-year-old’s The window in Italy opens keen to leave to boost his could say they already have their contract expires in June, but tomorrow. chances of making the Argentina big January signing with Ous- Madrid could pay his 20 million- Germany: Goretzka squad for the World Cup and mane Dembele close to a return euro buyout clause to get him Bayern-bound could be Italy-bound. The out- having injured himself shortly now. Bayern Munich are on course of-favour Lucas Moura will after his big-money move from Italy: Sales at Milan? for another Bundesliga title. They depart too, while PSG are also Borussia Dortmund at the start Juventus could splash some are top, 11 points clear of Schalke, hoping to bring in a midfielder, of the season. cash as they chase league lead- at the season’s halfway stage. although they look to have That will not stop specula- ers Napoli and they have been And they are set to add insult to missed out on the Brazilian Wen- tion that the Catalans will go linked with a move for Liver- injury for their rivals by making del, who is set to join Sporting back in for Liverpool’s Philippe pool’s Germany midfielder Emre a move for Schalke star Leon Lisbon from Fluminense. Coutinho after failing in their bid Can. Goretzka. Elsewhere, Monaco will trim to sign the Brazilian in the “We know that he is a good The 22-year-old German their squad, and English clubs summer. player and a good opportunity international is out of contract could come back in for Thomas But strengthening at the back but nothing more,” Juve CEO at the end of the season and Sport Lemar, the target of huge bids might be of more immediate Beppe Marotta told Premium Bild reported on Sunday that he from Liverpool and Arsenal in importance with Javier Sport on Saturday. would sign a pre-contract the summer. TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31

Lekhwiya players celebrate with the Falcon Shield. RIGHT: Al Gharafa players and officials celebrate after receiving the QSL Cuprophy. T Al Sadd savour successful year as Al Gharafa create history

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The year that went by portrayed the club football scene in Qatar in a good light in terms of action on the field, matters off it as well as achievements by teams and players individually. A new year has dawned, with the teams looking forward to success and glory as ever, and The Peninsula takes a look at the high points of 2017. Lekhwiya lifted the QSL Falcon Shield for the fifth time, the earlier occasions being 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15. ’s Al Sadd were the side that gained the most as far as number of titles were concerned. The Wolves lifted both and the most prestigious Emir’s Cup, defeating El Jaish and Al Rayyan respectively by an identical 2-1 margin, before winning the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup, played between league champions and Emir’s Cup winners. Al Sadd got the better of Al Duhail 4-2. At a personal level, Lekhwiya walked away with three major awards at the Qatar Football Association’s end- Al Sadd players lift Qatar Cup. RIGHT: Al Sadd captain is embraced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the presentation ceremony of the 2017 Emir Cup. of-season ceremony. South Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee (pictured below) walked it three in total for them. Al Sadd’s fought between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, , Sebastian Soria (both QSL: FLASHBACK 2017 away with the best-player award while was close behind which the latter won 2-1. Al Rayyan), Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov  Almoez Ali bagged the honours for the on 23. Al Sadd’s Jesualdo Ferreira was The match lived up to its top bill- (Al Sailiya), Yannick Sagbo (Umm The Wolves lifted both Qatar Cup and the most prestigious best Under-23 player. adjudged the best coach. ing. So was the build-up to the grand Salal), Meshaal Abdullah, Yassine Emir’s Cup, defeating El Jaish and Al Rayyan respectively by an Moroccan striker Youssef El Ara- The tournament was rebranded in fiesta as the Man- Chikhaoui (both Al Ahli), Luis Jimenez, identical 2-1 margin, before winning the season-opening bi’s top-scorer award (24 goals) made the 2017-18 season as QNB Stars agement had made all efforts towards Othman Al Yahri (both Al Gharafa), Sheikh Jassim Cup, League that witnessed a slimmer and making it a runaway success. This Madson (Al Khor), Khalfan Ibrahim, Lekhwiya lifted the QSL Falcon Shield for the fifth time, the sleekersleeker competitioncompetition withwi 12 teams unique event gave the sponsors extra Mardik Mardikian (both Al Arabi), insteadinstead ofof 14 andand 22 roundsroun of action mileage and the huge attendance by Rachid Tiberkanine (Al Kharaitiyat), earlier occasions being 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15. as againstagainst 26.26. fans was the icing on the cake. Michael Babatunde, Ibrahim Jamal Al Gharafa’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Rayyan provided the TheThe league’s neneww logo was Al Sadd and Al Arabi fought it out (both Qatar SC) and Kwame Karikari fitting finale to the sixth edition of QSL Cup, revived this year llaunchedaunched at a press conference, in the Qatar Derby in the previous (Al Markhiya). after a gap of three seasons. attendedattended bbyy Qatar Stars LLeague Man- round, with The Wolves winning by a The Khalifa International Stadium, agement CEO Hani Taleb BBallan, Acting 3-1 margin. Another derby in Week 8 the first 2022 FIFA World Cup venue South Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee (pictured below) walked Executive Director of MMarketinga and saw Al Rayyan defeat Al Arabi 4-2. to be completed, hosted two QNB Stars away with the best-player award CommunicationsCommunications HassanHassa Al Kuwari, Al Arabi topped the scorer’s chart League matches. Al Sadd’s Jesualdo Ferreira was adjudged the best coach of the ActingActing Executive DirectorDirecto of Compe- with 16 goals, followed by his captain In all, 228 goals were scored and year. titionstitions andand FootballFootball DevelopmentD Youssef Msakni (nine) and Al Rayyan’s Week 8 witnessed the most (30).  AhmedAhmed AlAl AdsaniAdsani andand QNBQ Assistant Abderrazaq Hamdallah as well as Al Al Gharafa’s dramatic 3-2 victory The tournament was re-branded in the 2017-18 season as QNB GeneralGeneral ManagerManager ofof PublicPub Relations Sailiya’s Wagner Ribeiro (both eight). over Al Rayyan provided the fitting Stars League that witnessed a slimmer and sleeker competi- SalemSalem AlAl Nuaimi, amongamong others. Al Arabi looks set to emulate his per- finale to the sixth edition of QSL Cup, tion with 12 teams instead of 14 and 22 rounds of action as LekhwiyaLekhwiya and El JaisJaishh got merged formance last season. revived this year after a gap of three against 26. intointo AlAl Duhail,Duhail, whilewhile QatarQat SC and Al Other players who grabbed the seasons. The win not only enabled Al Defending champions Lekhwiya and El Jaish got merged into MMarkhiyaarkhiya got promoted. Al Markhiya attention were Nam (Al Duhail), Xavi Gharafa to end their long title drought, celebratedcelebrated thethe top-flighttop-flight entrye in style, Hernandez, Bounedjah, Jugurtha Ham- but made them the first team to win Al Duhail, while Qatar SC and Al Markhiya got promoted. Al shockingshocking 13-time championschamp Al Sadd roun, Hassan Al Haydous (all Al Sadd), the QSL Cup twice too. Duhail are leading the standings. in thethe firstfirst kick-offkick-off of thet new sea- son. However, tthatha result was overturned as The Oryxes fieldedfielded an ineligibleinelig player. AlAl DuhailDuhail werew in pole position rightrigh from the start. TheyThey aasserted their supremacysupremac after every roundround tot remain as thethe onlyon unbeaten side withw 29 points whenwhen the competi- tion’s first phase, consistingconsist of 11 rounds,rounds, concluded.concluded. The Red Knights werewer held twice, bbyy AAll GharafaGharafa andand AlAl SaiSailiya.l TheThe second positipositiono changed handshands betweenbetween AlAl SaddSadd andan Al Rayyan, butbut tthehe fformerormer managemanagedd to finish just behindbehindd Al Duhail with 227 points, fol- lowed by Al Rayyan (25) and Al Sailiya (19).(19). TheThe bbiggestiggest hhighlightighlig of fixtures was the t e QatarQaQatatar Clasico CClas asic in Week 6 The Khalifa International Stadium hosted the Emir Cup final and two QNB Stars League matches in 2017. SPORT Tuesday 2 January 2018

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26-27 PAGE | 29 Halep and Tiger hopes to play full Ball-tamperingg Sharapova off to 2018 but not yet claims ridiculous,us, winning starts ready to commit says Anderson Thiem begins Qatar Open It was a good vic- tory against tough opponent, playing after a pretty long quest on a winning note break. After a good start, it got pretty ARMSTRONG VAS close in the first set. THE PENINSULA I had to save two set points. In the DOHA: Playing competitive end I’m satisfied matches after a long break is with most parts of always a tricky affair. Top seed discovered it is my game: Thiem not easy to find your rhythm right away with your first match of the season. The Austrian, however, held his nerve to over- come some first-set jitters to beat Russian Evgeny Donskoy to reach the second round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open here yesterday. The Austrian, who finished his 2017 season by making his second appearance at the ATP Finals in London, began his new season with a straight sets 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 win over the Moscow based Donskoy in the first meet- ing between the two. Also making it to the second round were, Nikoloz Basilash- vili of Georgia, seventh seed of Spain and Andrey Rublev of Russia. The first-round action con- tinues today. At the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Thiem making his second Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem hits a return to Russia’s Evgeny Donskoy during their Qatar ExxonMobil appearance in Doha was pushed Open first round match played at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. to the wall by Donskoy in the Pictures: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula first set. Thiem, who served 13 aces in the one hour 36 minutes not so good, but the start of the was way better. So, I try to of Germany retired hurt with encounter, bounced back in new one is good. As for the last improve again or to have better Rubley having won the first set quick time to win the first set in season almost all the players results on hard court. I want to 6-1. the tie-break. have forgotten or is a past for play better on hard courts. Meanwhile, second and The World No. 5, who dou- them. It’s a new season, a new The clay court-specialist third seeds Carreno and Tomas ble faulted three times, broke beginning in the New Year”, he will take on the winner of the Berdych play their opening the Russian’s serve twice in the added. first round clash between Slov- round matches today. second set, in the sixth and ninth “It was a good victory enian Aljaz Bedene and Malek Carreno said that he has set games to claim victory. against tough opponent, play- Jaziri, a Tunisian handed a wild some goals for new season to The 24-year-old is the tour- ing after a pretty long break. card by the organisers. take his game to a new level. nament’s top seed after the After a good start, it got pretty In the other matches, Basi- “It was a very, very good withdrawal of Novak Djokovic close in the first set. I had to save lashvili defeated Italian Thomas season, last one. For the new because of a persistent elbow two set points. In the end I’m Fabbiano 6-4, 6-3 and will face one, I hope to continue improv- injury. satisfied with most parts of my the winner of the match ing, no. I think the most Thiem is eyeing his second game. between second seed Pablo important thing for is continu- ATP World Tour hard-court title “It’s nice to be top seeded. Busta Carreno of Spain and ing improving my tennis, my and his ninth overall in Doha But here it doesn’t really mat- Borna Coric of Croatia. confidence. I think that I can do was delighted to begin his sea- ter because nobody has a bye, Verdasco rallied from it better than last year,” he said. son on a winning note in Qatar. so it doesn’t matter if you are 2 behind to down Dudi Sela of Carreno said the opportu- “Very happy with the win. or 1 seed. The season is going to Israel 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to also nities were there for other Win on the first day of the year be very long, and I hope that I advanced to the second round players to claim this year’s is a nice feeling,” Thiem said can have a good start here,” where he will square to Rublev. Grand Slam titles. while speaking to journalists Thiem said. The Russian has it easy in the “If Rafa, Federer, Murray or Germany’s Cedrik-Marcel Stebe after his match. “Last year was not good on first round as his opponent Djokovic plays at his best level, win a Grand Slam,” he said. (left) is attended by medical “The end of the season was hard courts. Two years ago, it Cedrik-Marcel Stebe it will be very difficult for us to “But if we continue improv- ing -- because I think that, for staff during his match against Russia’s Andrey Rublev. Stebe Qatar’s Mousa Shanan Zayed returns a shot to his doubles counterparts R. Ram and F. López while example, Dimitrov or Goffin, retired after the first set. team-mate Malek Jaziri of Tunisia looks on. they are playing really good and they finish the season playing really, really good. Another new season reso- lution for the Spaniard is not to slip from the top-ten. Thiem is eyeing his “I would like to continue in the top 10, no. It would be fan- second ATP World tastic to finish the year again in Tour hard-court the top 10 and to play the ATP title and his ninth Masters Finals again. We know overall in Doha that is really difficult. Lot of players were injured last sea- was delighted to son and now they kind of start begin his season on again to play, like Murray, Djok- a winning note in ovic, so it will be fun to start the Qatar. new season.” “You know, when you do a The clay court season like this, it’s always dif- specialist will take ficult not to continue and to do on the winner of it better. But the important thing the first round clash for me is to continue improving my level. We know that the last between Slovenian season is difficult to repeat, but Aljaz Bedene and we are here to do it,” Carreno Tunisian Malek Jaziri. added.