SPORT Wednesday 2 January 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 07 Froome eyes Brisbane Open: joining legends Britain’s Murray as five-time Tour advances in de France champ latest comeback Djokovic begins title hunt with easy win

ARMSTRONG VAS consistently looping heavy TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY THE PENINSULA cross-court angles, before Second round (prefix denotes seeding) smacking winners CENTRE COURT Top seed and down the line on the next ball. It former World No. 3 Stan wasn’t that Khachanov, 3:30pm: vs Nicolas Jarry Wawrinka registered contrasting Wawrinka was simply better and Followed By: (1) Novak Djokovic vs Marton wins to move into the second more consistent on the big Fucsovics round of the Qatar ExxonMobil points. Maximilian Marterer vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert Open. The Swiss has now saved or The World No.1 from nine of 11 break points he has seemed to have picked up from faced against Khachanov. He (8) Fernando Verdasco vs (WC) Tomas Berdych where he left off at the end of will next face another big hitter COURT 1 the 2018 season registering an in Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who 3:30pm: (Q) Guillermo Garcia-Lopez vs (7) impressive 6-1, 6-2 win over defeated Robin Haase on Damir Dzumhur. Monday, for the first time. Followed By: vs (4) Marco On the other hand, Sixth seed was Wawrinka seeking to bounce also eliminated, as Ricardas Cecchinato back to the top ten having Berankis beat the 2017 Nitto ATP vs (5) Nikoloz Basilashvili slipped to ATP rankings of 66 Finalsrunner-up 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) Damir Dzumhur and Dusan Lajovic vs (WC) played impressive to in two hours and 18 minutes. The Marko Djokovic and Novak Djokovic defeat World No. 11 and Lithuanian will play Dusan COURT 2 doubles partner Karen Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during his singles first round match against Damir Dzumhur of Lajovic, who beat Adrian Man- Khachanov 7-6(7), 6-4 in the narino 6-3, 7-6(5), for a spot in 3:30pm: (Q) Ricardas Berankis vs Dusan Lajovic Bosnia on the second day of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019 at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash first round. the quarter-finals at the ATP 250 Complex in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Not Before 6:00 pm: Maximo Gonzalez “To start off the tournament event. and Nicolas Jarry vs Robin Haase and Matwe as I have tonight, obviously In other action, fourth seed Middelkoop makes me very, very confident new campaign is any indicator, Tour at the end of the 2018 It was a tantalising match- Marco Cecchinato got his season and also very happy,” Djokovic Djokovic is still trending season. up the moment the draw was off to a good start with a 6-4, 6-2 Followed By: Santiago Gonzalez and said. upwards. While third-seeded made in Qatar. And the level triumph against qualifier Sergiy Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi vs Marton Fucsovics and “First day of the new year, I In the other match, Khachanov won one more point lived up to its billing, as both Stakhovsky. The Italian, who was Guido Pella want to wish everyone a happy Wawrinka was at his vintage than the World No. 66 in the players showed little rust in their victorious in Umag and Budapest COURT 3: new year, lots of good emotions best, who used his backhand to match, Wawrinka saved all four first match of the season. last year, will next face Guido and lots of good tennis.” outhit Khachanov, who was one break points he faced en route to Wawrinka did especially well Pella, who ousted Cem Ilkel (3) Nikola Mektic and Alexander Peya vs David The top seed has won 11 con- of the hottest players on the ATP his one-hour, 42-minute victory. tactically off his backhand wing, 7-6(1), 6-3 Goffin and Pierre-Hugues Herbert secutive matches at the season- opening event — having lifted Stan Wawrinka of the trophy in 2016 and 2017 — QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN RESULTS Switzerland returns and he is now 13-1 overall at the the ball to Karen ATP 250 tournament. SINGLES (1ST ROUND) Khachanov of Russia Djokovic won an impressive 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 6-2 during their singles 77 per cent of second-serve Q-Ricardas Berankis (LTU) bt 6-David Goffin (BEL) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) first round match return points against the World Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt 3-Karen Khachanov (RUS) 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 yesterday. No. 47 Dzumhur. 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 6-4, 6-2 The top seed also took care Guido Pella (ARG) bt Cem Ilkel (TUR) 7-6 (1), 6-3 of his serve, not facing a break Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt Mubarak Shannan Zayid (QAT) 6-1, 6-3 point in the match. Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-3, 7-6 (5) Djokovic will next face 2018 Marton Ficsovics (HUN) bt (ROU) 6-3, 6-2 Geneva champion Marton Fuc- sovics for a spot in the DOUBLES (2ND ROUND) quarter-finals. Robin Haase & Matwe Middelkoop (NED) bt 4-Dominic Inglot (GBR) & Fucsovics, beat Marius Copil Franko Skugor (CRO) 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 6-3, 6-2 in 72 minutes. The Hun- Nicolas Jarry (CHI) & Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas & garian saved all eight break Fernando verdasco (ESP) 6-3, 6-4 points he faced to defeat the Aisam Qureshi (PAK) & Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) bt Marco Cecchinato & Romanian, whom he broke four Andreas Sippi (ITA) 6-3, 6-2. times. And if his first match of the Qatar’s Zayid eyes Fans meet their favourite stars surge in rankings at ExxonMobil Qatar Stand THE PENINSULA DOHA ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA Every year during the Qatar Exxon- Mobil Open, ExxonMobil Qatar offers Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan Zayid has set for fans the opportunity to meet their himself a few targets for the new season In the coming months, I will favourite tennis stars at its stand in with an eye of moving up on the ATP have to work twice as hard the Public Village. Hundreds of tour- ranking ladder. compared to the workload nament-goers from all over the world In the coming months, Zayid aims to which i am doing now. The gather at the stand to meet players increase his workload and is planning to and pick up signed giant size tennis take part in more tournaments to improve increase in workload will also balls. his game and reach new heights. help me to get to a much higher Dominic Thiem, Jamie Murray, “In the coming months, I will have to level performance wise: Zayid and David Goffin have already visited work twice as hard compared to the the stand and tried out the racing car workload which i am doing now. The simulator and the 3D virtual reality Dominic Thiem signs an autograph increase in workload will also help me to tournament. It’s a very high level tournament. green cube. They also signed auto- at the ExxonMobil Qatar Stand. get to a much higher level performance And I’m very happy that Qatar Tennis Feder- graphs for their fans. wise. I have to also compete in more tour- ation gave me this opportunity to play. It “We work very hard to make our example of how Qatar is setting naments, much more than what I’m doing wasn’t an easy match for me to play against stand interesting, entertaining and global standards for excellence right now,” Zayid told reporters after his this guy (Garcia-Lopez). And I knew that I will action-packed for every year of the across various industries and sectors. match. have to work very hard to get like some games Qatar ExxonMobil Open, but when It also shines a light on the country’s Zayid, who was handed a wildcard at or some points. It was not easy to take any the tennis players visit, it makes it an position as a world-leading host of the ongoing Qatar ExxonMobil Open lost points, I really forced it and got some good even more attractive venue for tour- major sporting events. 6-1, 6-3 to World No. 105 Guillermo Garcia- points,” Zayid said about his performance. nament-goers,” said Saleh Al Mana, “We’re very pleased that Exxon- Mubarak Shannan Lopez in the first round match here Zayid said he fancied his chances and Vice President and Director Public Mobil Qatar gives the public the Zayid of Qatar in action yesterday. the scoreline of three-all in the second set and Government Affairs for Exxon- opportunity to meet their tennis idols during his match Zayid was happy that Qatar Tennis Fed- gave him hope at one point in the game Mobil Qatar. at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open year against Guillermmo eration gave him the which helped but lamented that he could not latch onto Every year, the Qatar Tennis after year. The players are helping us Garcia Lopez of Spain him to take on a much higher ranked the opportunity.. Federation (QTF) works tirelessly to inspire a generation of young tennis at the Qatar ExxonMobil opponent in the main draw of the “I think I had the chance to get that game. ensure that some of the biggest players and fans in Qatar – the future Open 2019 yesterday. tournament. I made a big mistake, unfortunately. And that names in tennis travel to Doha to of Qatar’s tennis is bright because of PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/ “It’s my honour to play in this ATP is how I lost the game,” he said. participate in the tournament. The such efforts,” said Tareq Zeinal, THE PENINSULA Qatar ExxonMobil Open is an Assistant Secretary General of QTF. 06 SPORT WEDNESDAY 2 JANUARY 2019 Marathon Swim World Series set for Doha Corniche return

THE PENINSULA taking place in some of the DOHA world’s most scenic waterways, Doha’s iconic Corniche including the Seychelles, Por- The Qatar Swimming Association tugal, Canada, Hungary and will host the first leg of the 2019 China. FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim Doha hosted the first leg of World Series on February 16 at the 2018 FINA/HOSA Marathon the Doha’s iconic Corniche which Swim World Series in March will provide a stunning setting for 2018. Ferry Weertman of the reigning Olympic and World Netherlands claimed the title of Champions to compete in the Men’s event while his compatriot 10km open water races. Sharon van Rouwendaal took the The event features seven legs gold medal in the Women’s event. Arsenal bounce back to rout Fulham

AFP Kamara briefly gave Fulham the acrobatic display had not LONDON hope when he made amends for been a spontaneous one. Saturday’s controversial penalty “I have had it in my locker Arsenal responded to their miss at home to Huddersfield -- for a while,” he told Sky Sports. thrashing by Liverpool in the best he had insisted on taking the spot “I saved it for a special possible manner reeling off a kick himself -- by arriving at the occasion, what better one than routine 4-1 humbling of strug- far post to convert Sessegnon’s New Years Day. New year, new gling Fulham in their Premier low cross. me.” League clash yesterday. The Gunners, though, put the Despite the rumours sur- Swiss midfielder Granit game to bed 11 minutes from rounding their relations Vardy Xhaka had set Arsenal on their time. has been the most effective goal- way with his fourth goal of the Matteo Guendouzi and scorer since Puel took over in season. Alexandre Lacazette Kolasinac opened Fulham up October 2017 taking his Premier added the second after 55 down the left, Aubameyang League tally to 22, double the minutes with their momentum smacked Kolasinac’s low cross number of the next highest Foxes temporarily halted as Aboubakar against the post and the rebound scorer. Kamara pulled one back after 69 fell to Ramsey, who shot high Whilst Leicester have found minutes. past Rico’s left hand. a rich vein of form -- this was However, Welshman Aaron Aubameyang made it 4-1 their third win in four matches Ramsey came off the bench to after 83 minutes when Fulham with the other two the prized make it 3-1 eleven minutes from failed dismally to clear a corner scalps of Manchester City and time and Pierre-Emerick and the Gabon striker’s shot was Chelsea -- Everton are going in Aubameyang added a fourth. deflected over Rico by Tim the opposite direction. Arsenal have yet to keep a Ream’s attempt to block. Hopes that Portuguese clean sheet since beating Hud- Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy manager Marco Silva would lead dersfield Town on December 8, rescued a dire match with an to a revival and a genuine chal- but a second win in six matches eye-catching celebration as his lenge for European football have Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette scores their second goal against Fulham in the English Premier League saw them move on to 41 points goal secured Leicester City a 1-0 foundered of late with four match at the Emirates Stadium, in London, Britain yesterday. two points off the Champions win away at Everton in their New defeats in their last five Premier League places. Year’s day Premier League League matches. Fulham have shown little England under-21 star to sidefoot season. Alex Iwobi spotted Xhaka Lacazette seeing a shot hit Rico’s fixture yesterday. The 31-year- Silva, whose side are 10th, 11 sign of a recovery under Claudio his shot wide of Bernd Leno’s advancing unmarked into the trailing leg. A second goal arrived old showed remarkable agility points adrift of Arsenal, admitted Ranieri since he took over from goal. penalty area and flighted the ball ten minutes into the second half. after scoring in the 58th minute their performance fell well short the sacked Slavisa Jokanovic and Then Andre Schurrle hit a into his path. It was Arsenal at their for a result that sees The Foxes of what he or the fans desired. are second from bottom. dangerous low cross from the left The midfielder had all the intricate, quick-passing best. move into seventh, seven points “Disappointing result, poor The visitors did have their and Sessegnon ran in behind time he needed to control the ball Iwobi, on the left, touched adrift of Arsenal who occupy the performance to be honest,” he chances early on to break the Sead Kolasinac only to miskick and poke it past Fulham goal- the ball forward to Aubameyang, Europa League fifth-placed spot. told Sky Sports. deadlock. with the goal at his mercy. keeper Sergio Rico. who saw Kolasinac advancing Vardy has been rumoured to “In this moment we have to First Fulham captain Tom Fulham paid dearly for that Arsenal relaxed and created inside him and rolled it into his have strained relations with be honest and look clear at the Cairney sent Ryan Sessegnon miss in the 25th minute as a series of chances, Xhaka and path. The defender unselfishly Leicester manager Claude Puel game. clear of defenders with the sim- Arsenal exposed the defensive Sokratis having shots blocked, squared for Lacazette to hit the and was taken off in the defeat “Poor performance since the plest of passes only for the frailties that have blighted their Aubameyang heading wide and ball past Rico from ten yards. by Cardiff last Saturday and said first minute.”

Australia’s Boyle ruled out of Sanchez eager for Asian Cup with knee injury return: Solskjaer

REUTERS ready for the opening game AFP forward to it. It certainly Iran coach Carlos Queiroz MANCHESTER SYDNEY against Yemen in Abu Dhabi on looked like it yesterday (Sat- in this file picture. January 7. urday) in the (training) winger Martin Boyle “From a medical and tech- After scoring 12 goals in three session because he scored has been ruled out of their Asian nical point of view, we have a games under caretaker quite a few nice goals, so Cup campaign due to a left knee strong belief that he will be able manager Ole Gunnar that’s encouraging.” injury, the Football Federation to recover for the competition, Solskjaer, Manchester United Solskjaer has been of Australia (FFA) said yesterday. although possibly not for the first could add another weapon credited for restoring Scotland-born Boyle sus- stage,” the Portuguese coach told to their attacking arsenal at United’s principles of tained the injury in Sunday’s 5-0 Reuters. Newcastle today, with Alexis attacking football after two- friendly win over Oman and will Jahanbakhsh has been Sanchez set to return from and-a-half seasons with return to club side Hibernian to included in Iran’s 23-man squad injury. Mourinho’s more cautious continue his rehabilitation. for the tournament but regula- The Chilean has been approach. “We sent Martin for a scan tions allow coaches to replace sidelined by a hamstring Shunned by Mourinho for yesterday and the outcome of players up to 24 hours before injury for the past month, his final three league games that assessment is that he will their first game on medical meaning he missed the final in charge, Paul Pogba has be out of action for an indef- grounds if required. days of Jose Mourinho’s reign roared back into form by inite period,” Australia coach Queiroz’s team are among in charge at Old Trafford. scoring four goals in his last Graham Arnold said in a the favourites to win despite Sanchez was signed to two games, while Marcus statement. injuries which have ruled out much fanfare last January Rashford and Anthony “Martin was desperate to midfielders Saeid Ezatolahi and from Arsenal on reportedly Martial also appear to be stay with us but we’ve decided Ali Golizadeh and defender the most lucrative contract flourishing with more that the best thing for his long- Sadegh Moharrami. in Premier League history, freedom to attack. term career for both his club and Iran impressed during the but has so far failed to deliver However, Solskjaer country is for him to return to World Cup in the summer on expectations, scoring just insisted he is only imple- Scotland where he can receive against Morocco, Spain and Por- four goals in 30 menting what he learned for great care at Hibernian. tugal and Queiroz believes his appearances. 11 seasons as a player under “Martin has made a great team have been unfortunate not However, Solskjaer Alex Ferguson at Old impact and it’s unfortunate to carry that form into the Asian believes the more positive Trafford. timing, but his Socceroos journey Cup. approach he has adopted in United’s decline in the is not over and we look forward Defending champions Aus- by injuries. Jahanbakhsh joined “After the World Cup we wins over Cardiff, Hudders- past five years has coincided to him pressing for selection tralia, who are already without the Premier League side last were living a good moment with field and Bournemouth to with Ferguson’s retirement later in 2019 and as we go midfielders Daniel Arzani and summer from AZ Alkmaar where our performances and the begin his temporary spell in and Solskjaer said he invited through the process of qualifi- Aaron Mooy due to knee injuries, he finished the 2017-18 season opportunities that most of our charge until the end of the the club’s most successful cation for the next FIFA World will name a replacement for as the leading scorer in the top players got to live and play in season will suit Sanchez’s manager to visit his players Cup.” Boyle in the coming days. Dutch division. good teams in Europe, but unfor- game. and coaching staff, which Boyle said he was “gutted” The Asian Cup begins on Jan. But a hamstring injury has tunately we have been hit by a “He’s a player that would includes one of Ferguson’s to miss the tournament in the 5, with the Socceroos opening limited the 25-year-old’s impact wave of injuries since Sep- benefit from the rotation (of former assistants Mike United Arab Emirates. their campaign against Jordan for the English team and rasied tember,” he said. positions) and movements, Phelan, at United’s Car- “My focus now will be on my in Al Ain the following day. questions over his involvement “But we have a settled and the more chances you rington training ground. recovery and returning to the Meanwhile, Iran’s coach in the Asian Cup which Iran last group with good foundations create, the more times you “I do keep him informed. pitch as soon as possible with believes Alireza Jahanbakhsh won in 1976. and good knowledge between get the ball into the final He visited us yesterday (Sat- Hibs. Throughout the tour- will be fit for the Asian Cup tour- Carlos Queiroz said all of them and we just need to third, he’ll be an asset for us,” urday) and I think he enjoyed nament the team will have my nament that kicks off this week, Jahanbakhsh will be given every turn these difficulties into said Solskjaer. his time at the training full support from Scotland,” he keeping the Brighton & Hove opportunity to prove his fitness, belief and hope. We’re going to “I think he’s looking ground,” said Solskjaer. said. Albion winger in the squad hit even though he may not be try.” WEDNESDAY 2 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07 Federer topples Serena in historic clash

REUTERS beat Bobby Riggs in an exhi- Roger Federer of Switzerland BRISBANE bition match. (left) hits a return against While that meeting between Serena Williams of the US Roger Federer emerged trium- 39-times major winner King and and Frances Tiafoe during phant from a historic first former men’s world number one their mixed doubles match meeting with Serena Williams in Riggs was a grudge match, there on day four of the Hopman the Hopman Cup yesterday, but was only mutual respect between Cup tennis tournament in tennis was the true winner as Federer and Williams, who yesterday. two of the game’s greats treated posed for selfies before indulging fans worldwide to an unforget- autograph hunters. table evening. “It was great fun. What a Defending champions Swit- pleasure. What an honour. Thank Serena Williams zerland sealed a 2-1 victory you for making it possible,” (left) and Roger over six-times winners United 20-times winner Federer take a States that left them bottom of Federer, who is gearing up to selfie after their Group B but the result mattered defend his title mixed doubles little to over 14,000 fans in this month, said. match yesterday. Perth and millions around the “I was nervous returning. world who had eagerly awaited People talk about her serve so the contest. much and I see why it is such a 4-2, 4-3(3) to clinch the tie to top Federer and Williams, wonderful serve because you just the group. holders of a combined 43 singles can’t read it.” Earlier, Federer hardly broke Grand Slam crowns, won their Serena said the match, which sweat in his singles match against singles matches to keep the was full of laughter and had an Tiafoe, taking his game up a notch mixed doubles clash alive and exhibition feel to it, was a “great at 4-4 in the first set to win 6-4, 6-1. the deciding match lived up to experience” and one she hoped Williams, who had powered the hype it had generated as both would not end as quickly as it past Greece’s Maria Sakkari in players left the court with big did. straight sets on Monday, then smiles. “I’m sorry it had to finish, I fought back from a set down to seal The contest had been was just warming up. It was such a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Bencic to described by local media as the fun, we grew up together. It was level the contest at 1-1. most anticipated clash super cool. I wanted to take pic- “This guy is great, both off can’t read it. I watched him all single session attendance in the Switzerland have two wins involving men and women tures and bring my baby out,” the the court and on the court. I think the time and I never knew how tournament’s history, the team from two games ahead of Thurs- since 1973’s “Battle of the 23-times Grand Slam winner his serve is super-underesti- amazing it was.” of Federer and Belinda Bencic day’s meeting with Greece, while Sexes” where Billie Jean King said. mated. It’s a killer serve, you Playing in front of the highest beat Williams and Frances Tiafoe US take on Britain next.

Ageless Kyrgios begins title defence with win Venus downs Azarenka in as Murray advances in latest comeback three-set thriller BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS AFP REUTERS who did not play after retiring against AUCKLAND BRINSBANE Juan Martin del Potro in their US Open (X denotes seed): semi-final in September, said. MEN started his Brisbane Open “On the other hand, I won five First Round The ageless Venus Williams launched title defence with a battling 7-6(5), 5-7, events out of nine I played. It was a Denis Kudla (USA) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 her 25th year as a professional by Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 7-6(5) victory over American Ryan great level of tennis every time that I outlasting Azarenka in a Andy Murray (GBR) bt James Duckworth (AUS) 6-3, 6-4 Harrison in the opening round was on court.” Nick Kyrgios (AUS X8) bt Ryan Harrison (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5) three-set thriller on day two of the yesterday. “So that’s great news. I enjoyed it Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 WTA Auckland Classic yesterday. Kyrgios’ preparations for the a lot.” (AUS X7) bt Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 6-2, 6-2 In the showdown between the season were interrupted by a spider Nadal was plagued by hip, knee, Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Alex Bolt (AUS) 6-3, 6-0 two former world number ones, the bite that required hospital treatment abdomen and ankle problems last WOMEN 38-year-old Williams overcame Aza- last month and the Australian stuttered season but said he still had plenty to First Round renka, nine years her junior, 6-3, 1-6, before firing 45 aces to overcome Har- offer. Johanna Konta (GBR) bt Sloane Stephens (USA X3) 6-4, 6-3 6-3. The two hour 10 minute mar- rison in a rematch of last year’s final. “I believe I have a lot of tennis to Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Katerina Siniakova (CZE) 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 athon was packed with power and Kyrgios, whose season ended in play in my career, and I really feel my Anastasija Sevastova (LAT X8) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 6-3, 6-3 precision, and in the end Azarenka’s October due to a niggling elbow issue, body is not going worse every year,” Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Anastasia Potapova (RUS) 6-4, 7-5 nine aces were not enough. Petra Kvitova (CZE X4) bt Danielle Collins (USA) 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 will look to hit top gear ahead of this Nadal, who plays France’s Jo-Wilfried Second Round Williams’ superior accuracy in the month’s Australian Open. He meets Tsonga on Thursday, added. (JPN X2) bt Destanee Aiava (AUS) 6-3, 6-2 opening stages gave her the first set, Jeremy Chardy next. In the women’s competition, double Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) bt Kimberly Birrell (AUS) 6-4, 6-3 before Azarenka took the second by Andy Murray made a successful Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova blasting winners as she moved her return to competitive tennis following was made to work before she downed opponent from side to side. a persistent hip problem, sealing a 6-3 American Danielle Collins 6-7(6), 7-6(6), In the deciding third set there 6-4 win over local hope James 6-3 in a little over three hours. were two breaks by each player in Duckworth. Johanna Konta struggled with the first six games before Williams Murray, champion in his previous patchy form last season but the Briton opened a gap to go 5-3 up when Aza- two appearances in 2012 and 2013, began the New Year with a bang, renka was wide with a cross-court will look to extend his winning streak downing third seed Sloane Stephens forehand. The American then served in the tournament to 11 matches when 6-4, 6-3. for the match. he meets Russian Daniil Medvedev “That was a tough match. The first Defending champion Julia next. three games took about Goerges coasted through her first Top seed Rafa Nadal said he was half an hour,” Konta, match with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Swe- raring to go following an injury hit who takes on Aus- den’s Johanna Larsson, while fifth 2018 that saw him contest only nine tralia’s Ajla Tomljanovic seed Barbora Strycova was forced events but win five titles including a next, said. into a three-set battle to survive record-extending 11th “I’m happy I was able to maintain Taylor Townsend. title that took his Grand Slam tally to my level consistently throughout.” Strycova raced to a 5-1 lead over 17. US Open champion Naomi Osaka Townsend before the American lifted “It was a tough season in terms of beat local qualifier Destanee Aiava, Andy Murray of Britain celebrates beating James Duckworth her game to force the match to a injuries... I didn’t have the chance to hitting nine aces during a routine 6-3, of Australia in their men’s singles first round match at deciding set in which the Czech pre- play as often as I would like,” Nadal, 6-2 victory. the Brisbane International tennis tournament yesterday. vailed, to win 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka serves against Destanee Aiava of Australia Osaka cruises as Konta sends Stephens packing during their women’s singles first round match at the Brisbane International yesterday.

AFP the year ranked fifth. She was a “But playing against someone well against one of the best players BRISBANE class above Aiava, who was able like her who’s a bit unpredictable in the world and I came through.” to put Osaka under pressure at and very strong, it was like one Konta will take on Alja Toml- Reigning US Open champion times, but was unable to do so of those moments where I felt like janovic for a place in the quarter- Naomi Osaka cruised past often enough. I just have to stay really calm, but finals after the Australian came Australian qualifier Destanee “I felt like I was playing a I couldn’t. from a set down to beat Czech Kat- Aiava to reach the quarter-finals younger version of me,” the “So I’m just really happy that I erina Siniakova 1-6, 6-3, 6-0. of the Brisbane International 21-year-old Osaka said of her could play well.” Belarus’s Aliaksandra Sas- yesterday. 18-year-old opponent. Earlier, Britain’s Johanna Konta novich will play top seed and In a battle of two powerful “I felt like when I was playing sent third seeded American Sloane defending champion Elina Svi- ball strikers, the Japanese star her she sort of matched my Stephens packing with a straight tolina in the second round in a was too consistent for her rival, power, which was really sur- sets win. rematch of the 2018 final. winning 6-3, 6-2 in just 68 prising to me, because there’s not In a tough first round draw, Sasnovich was too consistent minutes. that many people that can do Konta outlasted the 2017 US Open for Russian qualifier Anastasia Osaka burst to prominence that.” champion and world number six Potapova 6-4, 7-5. when she defeated Serena Wil- Osaka added that she had felt 6-4, 6-3. Latvia’s eighth seed Anastasija liams to win the US Open in Sep- the pressure of going into the “She’s top 10 and she’s had an Sevastova had an impressive 6-3, tember, becoming the first Jap- match as favourite. incredible couple of seasons,” 6-3 win over local favourite Daria anese player to win a Grand Slam “I was really nervous coming Konta said. Gavrilova, while fourth seeded singles title. out here because I felt like this is “I definitely take a lot of good Czech Petra Kvitova survived a She rose to number four in one of the matches I’m expected things from that and... a bit of a pat scare to down American Danielle the world in October and finished to win,” she said. on the back for me that I competed Collins 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. WEDNESDAY 2 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 05 It’s my first match after a big break. It’s not easy to sum up Former World No. 1 Andy after a successful FOOTBALL TENNIS (but) it’s been really hard the last Murray return to competitive tennis 18 months, been a lot of ups and EPL: Newcastle United Qatar ExxonMobil Open: in Brisbane. downs trying to get back on court. vs Manchester United; F. Verdasco vs T. Berdych, ACTION

Chelsea vs Southampton TODAY’S Round of 16 Pakistan look to fix batting woes Sri Lanka series chance for Kiwis against aggressive South Africa to push Cup claims

WELLINGTON REUTERS REUTERS CAPE TOWN South Africa’s Duanne Olivier Pakistan’s struggling batsmen celebrates New Zealand coach Gary Stead has had little time in must find a way to handle South after bowling charge of the side but his focus will be firmly on this Africa’s potent pace attack if they out Pakistan’s year’s World Cup in England and Wales when their are to claw their way back into the Imam-ul-Haq one-day series against Sri Lanka begins tomorrow. three-match series in the second during their Stead took over last year as coach from Mike Test that starts on what is likely to first Test in Hesson, who surprisingly quit less than 12 months out be a lively Newlands wicket Centurion, in from the May 30 to July 14 World Cup. tomorrow. this December The 46-year-old has selected a mostly-settled South Africa claimed the first 27, 2018 file squad for the three-match series starting at Mt. Maun- Test in Pretoria by six wickets photo. ganui, with three or four players vying to force their inside eight sessions as both way into World Cup contention. bowling attacks found conditions With Colin de Grandhomme rested and Mitchell to their liking with seam Santner still working his way back from knee surgery, movement, and at times steep all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Doug Bracewell bounce. have both been recalled after more than a year out of But it was the hosts’ ability to the side. Attack-minded wicketkeeper Tim Seifert will eke out runs on the challenging also make his one-day debut. wicket that proved the difference “It’s really now looking ahead to the World Cup, as Pakistan’s frail batting line-up being clear on the game plans we want to use and withered in the face of quality fast making sure the roles we want to get people in that bowling. we’re playing to those roles as well,” Stead said. Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur “We’re still looking at some places within our team. gave his batsmen a dressing down We want to see more of the all-rounders, we’re looking after a second innings collapse that at Tim Seifert as a back-up keeping option as well. saw them lose nine wickets for 90 “It’s definitely a trial period still.” runs, but it will take more than While the focus might be on the players, Stead words to turn the tour around on “We get under pressure too itself so he will definitely be back added that against Sri Lanka they would also test their a Newlands wicket having similar quickly and it becomes mentally in the side,” South Africa captain tactics and game plans for the global tournament. characteristics to Pretoria. challenging in the second and Faf du Plessis revealed. England, the world’s top-ranked ODI side, credit “We are struggling in the fourth innings.” South Africa have won “The headache then will be New Zealand for the way they revolutionised ODI second innings. We get a good start Pakistan have failed to cross all three previous Tests who we leave out and I will be batting under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum at but whenever one wicket falls, we 190 in four of their last six Test honest, it will be difficult to leave the 2015 World Cup. Eoin Morgan’s side have built on are not able to take control of the innings, and collapsed while against Pakistan at out a guy (Olivier) who took 11 that, regularly scoring in excess of 300 in home match,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz chasing a victory target of 171 Newlands and have wickets in the match.” matches. In the 42 ODIs played in England since the Ahmed told reporters after he despite being 147-4 against New only lost four times in Pakistan will likely see the last World Cup, the hosts have posted 20 totals in recorded a pair of ducks in the first Zealand in Abu Dhabi in return of their premier seamer excess of 300, with three more than 400. Test. November. 24 matches against the Mohammad Abbas, who missed “They’re (the Sri Lanka matches) about tweaking, “This has been happening for Their cause in the second Test sub-continent side at the first Test with a shoulder injury looking at the style of play and how we want to play over two years, since Hamilton will not be helped by the expected all venues. but has been tipped to be ready and looking at the options who fit those roles as well,” 2016. It has been so long we now return from injury of South African for Cape Town. Stead added. need to realise where we’ve made seamer Vernon Philander, who has He has made a remarkable “The biggest thing for me is looking at the style of mistakes. It is everyone’s responsi- 49 wickets at an average of 16.55 would be to drop spinner Keshav start to his Test career with 61 play, game plan, and looking ahead to the World Cup, bility, including the coaching staff.” at Newlands. Maharaj, though that would be wickets in 12 matches at an where we know it’s likely to be 300-plus scores. Ahmed has backed the tech- Philander will come back into something of a risk with part- average of 16.62. “I want to make sure we get our heads around that nique of his players, but says it is the side, potentially for 11-wicket timer Dean Elgar the only slow- South Africa have won all as well.” a mental game for them on more hero from the first Test Duanne bowling alternative and Newlands three previous Tests against The first two games will be played at Mt. Maun- spiteful wickets in South Africa Olivier, with his return also bol- known to take turn later in the Pakistan at Newlands and have ganui before the sides move to Nelson for the final against a quality home attack. stering the batting line-up in his match. only lost four times in 24 matches match on January 8. Sri Lanka’s tour ends with a “We lost too many wickets by role as a genuine all-rounder. “Vernon picks himself at New- against the sub-continent side at Twenty20 game in Auckland on January 11. playing loose shots,” he said. Another option for the hosts lands and his record speaks for all venues. NBA: Spurs Froome eyes joining legends as maintain home mastery five-time Tour de France champ AFP “I’ve got some amazing Thomas, who will also compete of Celtics LONDON memories from last year, but I in the Road World Champion- think, with the Tour de France ships in Yorkshire, England, in SAN ANTONIO British cyclist Chris Froome as my main objective, it’s September. REUTERS (pictured) will focus on probably better that I skip the Bernal, who showed his becoming only the fifth rider to Giro d’Italia in 2019,” the promise last year in winning the Derrick White and LaMarcus win five Tour de France crowns 33-year-old said in a team Tour of California and his home Aldridge combined for 21 points this year and forego defending statement. tour, said was like a second in the third quarter Monday his Giro d’Italia title Team Sky “I’m getting to the point in home to him. night as the host San Antonio announced yesterday. my career now where I’m “I lived in Italy for three Spurs, after being held to 46 The 33-year-old Kenyan- starting to think about what kind years, so I have a lot of friends points in the first half, exploded San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (left) celebrates born cyclist will aim to dethrone of legacy I want to leave behind there and I really like the Italian for 46 in the third period to rally with Derrick White during their NBA game against Los his Team Sky team-mate and if I am able to win the Tour fans. past the Boston Celtics 120-111. Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, in this December 29, 2018 Geraint Thomas, who will also de France for a fifth time and “I know the roads, I really Aldridge totaled 32 points to file photo. The duo excelled in win over Boston Celtics. target the sport’s showpiece join that very elite group of bike like the Giro, and I want to do a go with nine rebounds. The event. riders -- only four other people good race there.” Spurs, who trailed by as many If successful, Froome would have ever done that -- it would Bernal will begin his cam- as 12 points as they struggled join Spaniard Miguel Indurain, just be incredible.” paign defending his Tour offensively in the first half, Phoenix. Stephen Curry poured Elsewhere, Paul George French duo Jacques Anquetil Thomas, 32, said he might Colombia title which gets recorded their seventh consec- in 34 points and Kevin Durant scored 14 of his 22 points in a and Bernard Hinault -- whose have focussed on the Giro/Giro/ underway in Medellin on FebFeb- utive home victory over the added 25 as the Warriors beat game-opening, 25-10 burst that overall victory in 1985 is the last VueltaVuelta doubledouble hadhad he ruary 12 andand endsends in nearbynearby AltoAlto Celtics. the Suns for the 17th consecutive propelled host Oklahoma City time a Frenchman won -- and notnot been defending de las Palmas on FebruaryFebruary Jaylen Brown scored 30 time, including eight in Phoenix. to a revenge-achieving shel- Belgium’s Eddie Merckx as five- hishis Tour crown.crown. 17.17. Froome willwill bebe ridingriding points on 10-for-15 shooting off Deandre Ayton recorded a lacking of Dallas. time winners. “Having“ Having alongsidealongside Bernal.Bernal. the bench for the Celtics, who 25-point, 10-rebound double- Russell Westbrook recorded American Lance Armstrong won the Tour,Tour, “It“It wiwillll bbee ththee fifirstrst haven’t won at San Antonio double for Phoenix, which lost his league-leading 10th triple- finished first seven times, but I’llI’ll have the race with Froomey therethere since March 2011. its third straight to open a seven- double with a game-high 32 was stripped of his victories for number one on soso we want to do it well!” The Spurs trailed 52-46 at game homestand. points, 11 rebounds and a game- doping. my back and it thethe Colombian said.said. halftime before Patty Mills sank high 11 assists as the Thunder The highly-regarded wouldwould be sad nnotot TheThe GGiroiro -- thethe firfirstst off a pair of 3-pointers and team- avenged a 105-103 defeat 24 21-year-old Colombian Egan to gogo back and not thethe year’syear’s three mates White, Davis Bertans and NBA RESULTS hours earlier at Dallas. Bernal will lead Team Sky’s to go backback at GrandGrand ToursTours -- Marco Belinelli hit one apiece Phoenix 109, Golden State 132 On Monday, the Thunder challenge for the Giro and along 100 per runsruns fromfrom 11 during the 46-point explosion New Orleans 123, Minnesota 114 put up 32 points in the first and with Froome and Thomas hope ccentent as MayMay to 2 that produced a 92-82 lead. Oklahoma City 122, Dallas 102 third quarters en route to as to deliver a fairytale end to wellwell,”, ” JJune,une, anandd Meanwhile, seven different Charlotte 125, Orlando 100 much as a 22-point lead in the British media company Sky’s sasaidid thethe TourTour players contributed points to a Houston 113, Memphis 101 easy win. nine-year backing. Froome, who fromfrom 6 24-7 Golden State run that Harrison Barnes went for a in 2017 achieved the Tour and toto 2828

ended the first half, and the San Antonio 120, Boston 111 team-high 25 points for the Mav- Vuelta double, said age had been July.July. Warriors broke from a second- Indiana 116, Atlanta 108 ericks, who lost their ninth in a a factor in what had been a “dif- quarter tie to pound host row on the road. ficult decision”.