Al Khor Shock Al Sailiya 2-1 on Free Transfer

SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 21

Fernando Alonso The challenge of the Dakar is undoubtedly the biggest I have says as he makes history as the ﬁrst faced in my sporting career. But taking on things that look Formula One champion to compete impossible on paper and trying to make them possible in six in the Dakar Rally. or seven months of preparation is a thrilling challenge.

Bayern sign hot Qatar SC hold Al Duhail to goalless goalkeeping prospect Nubel draw; Al Khor shock Al Sailiya 2-1 on free transfer

AP — MUNICH FAWAD HUSSAIN a defeat in the ongoing QSL THE PENINSULA season. Bayern Munich has found Action during the match Mandzukic, who moved its replacement for captain between Al Khor and Al Sailiya, Croatian star Mario Mandzukic from Juventus, made his Manuel Neuer. yesterday. did not get a QNB Stars League presence felt on his Al Duhail The Bavarian power- (QSL) debut he hoped for as debut right from the start and house said yesterday it had points leaders Al Duhail were found the target in 15th minute agreed to sign goalkeeper held to a goalless draw by Qatar but referee Salman Falahi Alexander Nubel on a free SC on a day when Al Khor refused the goal after VAR transfer from Schalke on handed a shock 2-1 defeat to Al declared a marginal offside July 1. Sailiya. during the attack. In a short statement, the Mandzukic had his goal in Six minutes later, Rashidov club said: “Bayern and the first half cancelled by VAR, was also denied a goal after Nubel agreed this transfer that also rejected a goal by replay showed his foot was in the past days. The Qatar SC’s Sardor Rashidov. edging an Al Duhail defender. 23-year-old goalkeeper’s Following the draw at Al Overall, it was a spirited contract with Schalke runs Gharafa Stadium, Rui Faria- show by Qatar SC who resisted until June 30. Nubel arrives coached Al Duhail went two Al Duhail attacks well to snatch in Munich without a points clear of second-placed a point from the ‘Winter Cham- transfer fee and for five Al Rayyan with 30 points – the pions’. They are on eighth years.” only two teams yet to concede position with 14 points. Bayern sporting director Hasan Saliha- Mario Mandzukic in action midzic had earlier refused during his debut with Al to comment on the Duhail, yesterday. impending transfer of a player who is widely con- sidered one of the best young goalkeepers in Germany. Schalke had long been Meanwhile, Al Khor jumped defeat. Al Khor have the Abdulqadir Ilyas took a shot at attempting to get Nübel to one spot to 10th with nine advantage of having played one the goal and the ball rebounded extend his contract and had points after a stunning victory game less as their Week 7 off Al Khor’s Mohammed Al even made the former over sixth-placed Al Sailiya. fixture against Al Sadd was Jabri to Ansari, who only had to Germany under-21 goal- Karim Ansari put Al Sailiya deferred due to the latter’s AFC place it in. keeper its team captain. He ahead in the 18th minute, only Champions League com- Tiago Bezerra led Al Khor’s turned down the club’s to see Helal Mohammed mitment. It will now be played charge and their efforts bore offer to extend his contract equalise for Al Khor in the 29th on 21st January before the QNB fruit as Helal struck the ball in in December. minute, with Ibrahim Amada Stars League resumes with from the top of the box after Nubel is joining Bayern scoring the winning goal in the Week 12 action on 23rd January. being set up by Tiago. despite the likelihood of 83rd minute. Al Sailiya and Al Khor, who Al Sailiya’s Nadir Belhadj Germany goalkeeper The victory will do a world had played out a 1-1 draw in the unleashed two booming long- Neuer, 33, who also joined of good in Al Khor’s bid to move first leg, started off on a fast rangers in each half. First, it the club from Schalke, away from the danger zone. pace this time, with both teams went narrowly over the bar. extending his contract until Al Sailiya, who are keen to having their share of the ball. Later on, Al Khor goalkeeper 2023. be in the top four like they did Gradually, Al Khor were Baba Djibril collected his shot. Kicker magazine last season when they ended up more on the ascendancy, but it Ahmed Hammoudan and reported that Nübel turned third for their best-ever finish was Al Sailiya who surged Tiago were unlucky with their down interest from Bar- in the league, stood on 17 points ahead. Hamad Al Abidi crossed attempts at the goal in the first celona, Atletico Madrid and as they suffered their fifth the ball from the right, half. AC Milan. Nubel, who joined Schalke as a youth from Paderborn, made 35 Bun- Stones must improve fitness record: Guardiolaardiola desliga appearances for the club after displacing former REUTERS — MANCHESTER “I don’t know why he has not “Everythingrything you say to him, captain Ralf Fährmann. been able to play regularly. We he understands,stands, hhee ddoesn’toesn’t neeneedd He is currently serving Manchester City manager Pep try to help him. We have tried to more timeme to understunderstand.and. a four-game ban for a dan- Guardiola believes John Stones do the best to help him since the “Life iiss aaboutbout opportunities. gerous high challenge on has the ability to become one of I don’t know why he first day of the 3-1/2 years we We are delightedelighted witwithh hhowow hhee Eintracht Frankfurt’s Mijat the best defenders in the world has not been able to have been here. We do every- has takenen his. He’s Gacinovic on December 15. but said he will not reach his play regularly. We try thing for him. helped usus in toughtough potential until he stays fit for long “It depends on him. It’s in his momentss to help him. We have Bayern say it had periods. hands and in his head to become Meanwhile,nwhile, agreed to sign Stones last featured for City one of the best.” Guardiolad iola tried to do the best goalkeeper Alexander in a 2-1 Premier League defeat to help him since the In the absence of Stones, City expected Brazil by Manchester United last month have been forced to play Bra- midfielderlder Nubel on a free transfer and has been restricted to just 12 ﬁrst day of the 3-1/2 zilian midfielder Fernandinho Fernandinhodinho from Schalke on July 1. club appearances this season. years we have been and 18-year-old Eric Garcia in to sign a new The 25-year-old is likely to centre back positions over the contract wwithith Nubel is joining Bayern return to City’s starting lineup for here. We do everything festive period. Manchesterster despite the likelihood the FA Cup third round match for him: Pep Guardiola Barcelona academy graduate City beforefore of Germany goalkeeper against League Two side Port Garcia has impressed Guardiola his currentrent Neuer, 33, who also Vale on Saturday after recovering with his tactical maturity, having deal expiresres at joined the club from from his third thigh injury of the defender you have to play one helped City to victories over the end ofof thisthis campaign. entire season, every three days Sheffield United and Everton. season. Schalke, extending his contract until 2023. “He has the conditions to do being there,” Guardiola told a “Eric is so clever,” Guardiola Pep Guardiola it, but to be the best central news conference. added.

Hathab: Kamil guides Quintendro to Big Tour glory Riders and officials pose for a group photo after the presentation ceremony of Big Tour at Al Shaqab, yesterday. Kamil Sabitov dedgui Quintendro to Big Tour victory at Longines Hathab in 71.16 to pick the winning prize money of QR 8,750.00. Daydreamer EC, ridden by Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, secured second position in 72.56 and picked QR 7,000.00. Quel Homme, guided by Nasser Al Ghazali, came in third position to win QR5,250.00. RIGHT: Quintendro in action yesterday. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Al Attiyah is Dakar Rally favourite: Alonso

AGENCIES — JEDDAH

Two-time Formula One champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Fernando Alonso named Toyota team-mate and three-time Dakar Rally winner Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah as the favourite to triumph on the event’s first visit to Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard will make his first start in the legendary cross-country event at the wheel of a factory-supported Toyota Hilux, after months of preparations with the Japanese manufacturer. “My favourite for this Dakar is Nasser,” said the Spaniard. “He has the car at his disposal and knows this area of the Toyota’s driver Fernando Alonso of Spain world. Yazeed (Al Rajhi) will reacts during a technical check-up of Dakar also go very fast. Rally in Jeddah, yesterday. RIGHT: Toyota “Then there are Carlos driver and three-time winner of Dakar Rally (Sainz Sr) and (Stephane) Peter- Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar. hansel. They are the fastest. But

all they were also in Morocco Despite his limited rally- comfort zone. This is something and (Ginie) de Villiers won. This raid experience, Alonso said totally new and outside of your discipline is like this.” he feels there are “high expec- control.” My favourite for this Al Attiyah won last year’s tations” of him during yester- Quizzed on his own objec- Dakar Rally in Peru and is com- day’s pre-event press con- tives, Alonso said: “It depends Dakar is Nasser. He peting in the Dakar Rally for the ference, and was keen to point on the difficulty of the rally. In has the car at his fourteenth time since 2004. out that “in this discipline terms of pure pace, between The Qatari will be behind there are great drivers, brands, 10th and 15th would be logical. I took part in and won races in 2008 and disposal and knows the wheel of a Toyota for the legends”. But if this Dakar is hard and I 2011 on this terrain so I know exactly what this area of the fourth year running driving the “I do nothing to prove any- can get through it, it is easier to to expect. The dunes are very tricky and world. Yazeed (Al Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux. thing, I do it for fun,” he added. gain positions. alongside trusted co-driver “If I can make a good Dakar and “This will not be known totally different than those in South Rajhi) will also go Matthieu Baumel, a Frenchman be fast in cross-country or rally until several stages have been America. We have the same kind of dunes very fast. Then there who’s competed in 12 Dakars cars of this type, I would have completed. I have to pass the in Qatar and I grew up driving them with to date and taken top honours little more to prove. first two without incident. From are Carlos (Sainz at two of them. “Let someone else win eve- there it will be easier to set [spe- my father. There are only 110 kilometres Sr) and (Stephane) Alonso goes into the Dakar rything I won and then be fast cific] goals. between the dunes in Qatar in those in Peterhansel. They boosted by a podium finish in in cross-country... “The main objective is to try Saudi Arabia. The terrain suits me to a tee. the recent Ula-Neom Rally, “I do not come for publicity, to finish. After all, I would like are the fastest: which followed more troubled I do not need it. I would have to reach the end and be able to So, I believe that I’m the favourite. Fernando Alonso outings in the Lichtenburg 400 more fun in another discipline say that I have finished a Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah and the Morocco Rally. where you are more in your Dakar.” NZ openers resist after Labuschagne's double ton

AFP — SYDNEY SCOREBOARD Australia (I Innings) Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-95, 3-251, 4-288, New Zealand made a secure D Warner c de Grandhomme b Wagner 45 5-331, 6-410, 7-416, 8-426, 9-430, 10-454 start after a Marnus Labuschagne double century J Burns c Taylor b de Grandhomme ... 18 Bowling: Henry 32-3-94-1 (1w), de lifted Australia to a massive 454 M Labuschagne c & b Astle ...... 215 Grandhomme 24-1-78-3 (1nb), Wagner first innings total in the third S Smith c Taylor b de Grandhomme .. 63 33.1-9-66-3, Somerville 29-2-99-1, Astle Test yesterday. M Wade b Somerville ...... 22 32-0-111-2 The rock-solid number T Head c Watling b Henry ...... 10 New Zealand (I Innings) three reached his highest Test T Paine b de Grandhomme ...... 35 T Latham (batting) ...... 26 score of 215 in Sydney with the Australians dismissed just J Pattinson b Wagner ...... 2 T Blundell (batting) ...... 34 before tea on the second day. P Cummins c Phillips b Astle ...... 8 Extras (B1, LB2) ...... 3 In reply, the Blackcaps M Starc b Wagner ...... 22 Total (0 wkt, 29 overs) ...... 63 grittily batted through the final N Lyon (not out) ...... 6 Bowling: Starc 7-0-18-0, Cummins 9-3- England’s Dominic Bess (centre) celebrates with team-mates after the dismissal of South Africa’s Dean session without losing a wicket, Extras (LB6, NB1, W1) ...... 8 18-0, Pattinson 4-1-10-0, Lyon 8-3-13-0, Elgar during the second day of the second Test match at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town yesterday. leaving skipper Tom Latham on Total (all out; 150.1 overs) ...... 454 Labuschagne 1-0-1-0 26 and Melbourne Test centurion Tom Blundell at 34 in their team’s total of 63. thick edged Colin de Grand- count.” Labuschagne’s prodi- There were a couple of homme through the vacant slips gious form has notched him a Anderson drags England close calls -- notably a leg to the ropes to bring up his total of 837 runs since before wicket appeal off double ton. November and he has now Nathan Lyon and a possible The milestone came off leapfrogged the great Neil edge off Pat Cummins -- but 363 balls with 19 fours and a Harvey (834) for most runs back into contention the Kiwis showed plenty of six and eclipsed his previous scored by an Australian during fight after enduring five tough Test record of 185 against a five-Test summer. AFP — CAPE TOWN of off stump created uncer- with one for 62 off 27 overs. sessions in the field in sapping Pakistan in Brisbane last He was also Test cricket’s tainty for right-handed Bess made a vital break- heat. November. leading run-getter last year Stuart Broad and James batsmen. Twelve of the 18 through when Elgar lost The day belonged to “They batted really well to with 1,104 runs. Anderson led a relentless wickets in the match have patience and sliced the ball to Labuschagne, who sweated on finish the day off. I thought we The Kiwis finally dispatched bowling performance as fallen from that end. Root, running back from 199 for 20 minutes before he bowled really well,” him after he was caught and England gained what could Ben Stokes held four mid-off. Labuschagne said. bowled by leg-spinner Todd prove a crucial advantage on catches at second slip, three Elgar and Van der Dussen “The wicket looks like it’s Astle. the second day of the second of them athletic diving rescued South Africa from a going to go a little up and down Skipper Tim Paine sup- Test against South Africa at efforts. precarious 40 for three. and spin a bit but we stuck to ported Labuschagne to reach Newlands yesterday. Off-spinner Dom Bess Broad took the first two They batted really our guns there and hopefully his double century before he South Africa were 215 for played an important role, wickets in a hostile six-over the rewards will come was bowled between his bat eight the close, still 54 runs bowling accurately from the opening spell before Anderson well to ﬁnish the tomorrow. and pad by de Grandhomme for behind England’s first innings northern end while England was given a turn from the day off. I thought we “It’s always a privilege to 35. total of 269 on a dry pitch captain Joe Root rotated his Wynberg end and dismissed bowled really well: play for Australia and it was Paine faced 92 balls and which is likely to get more dif- faster bowlers from the more South African captain Faf du nice to get some runs today and shared in a 79-run stand with ficult for batsmen later in the helpful end. Plessis. South Africa won the Labuschagne when you’re batting well it’s Labuschagne to take Australia match. Bess had spells of nine and first Test at Centurion by 107 nice if you can make them beyond 400. More than half of South 14 overs and finished the day runs. Africa’s runs came in a 117-run fourth wicket part- SCOREBOARD nership between Dean Elgar England (I Innings) South Africa (I Innings) (88) and Rassie van der Z Crawley c De Kock b Philander ...... 4 D Elgar c Root b Bess ...... 88 Dussen (68). But Elgar and Van der D Sibley c De Kock b Rabada ...... 34 P Malan c Root b Broad ...... 5 Dussen were unable to dom- J Denly b Maharaj ...... 38 Z Hamza c Stokes b Broad ...... 5 inate as England dried up the J Root c De Kock b Nortje ...... 35 F du Plessis c Stokes b Anderson ...... 1 runs, with Elgar eventually B Stokes c Elgar b Nortje ...... 47 H van der Dussen c Stokes b Curran ..68 falling to a lofted drive when O Pope not out ...... 61 Q de Kock c Anderson b Curran ...... 20 he tried to lift the scoring J Buttler c De Kock b Pretorius ...... 29 V Philander (batting) ...... 13 rate. S Curran b Pretorius ...... 9 D Pretorius c Stokes b Anderson ...... 4 Anderson took three for 34, while Broad and Sam Curran D Bess c De Kock b Philander ...... 0 K Maharaj c Sibley b Anderson ...... 4 took two wickets apiece. S Broad b Rabada ...... 1 Extras (B4, LB2, NB1) ...... 7 Anderson took two wickets J Anderson c Van der Dussen b Rabada 4 Total (8 wkts, 84.4 overs) ...... 215 with the second new ball, Extras (B4, LB1, NB1, W1) ...... 7 To bat: K Rabada, A Nortje bowling from the northern, Total (91.5 overs) ...... 269 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-38, 3-40, 4-157, Kelvin end. Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-63, 3-105, 4-127, 5-191, 6-200, 7-207, 8-214 All the other wickets by the fast bowlers were taken from 5-185, 6-221, 7-231, 8-231, 9-234, 10-269 Bowling: Anderson 16.4-6-34-3, the southern, Wynberg end Bowling: Philander 16-3-46-2, Rabada Broad 16-6-36-2 (1nb), Curran 13-3-39- FROM LEFT: Australia’s Matthew Wade, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Joe Burms where they got bounce and 19.5-3-68-3 (1nb), Nortje 18-2-56-2 (1w), 2, Bess 27-3-62-1, Stokes 9-0-34-0, watch the scoreboard for a DRS review during the second day of the third Test match against New some sideways movement. Maharaj 27-6-68-1, Pretorius 11-5-26-2 Root 3-1-4-0 Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, yesterday. A crack just outside the line SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 23

Stage set for Qatar ExxonMobil Open Rising Russian star Andrey Rublev, the second seed, arrives in Doha for Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which will begin tomorrow at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. CENTRE: Top seed Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during a desert safari yesterday. RIGHT: French powerhouse Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the third seed, on his arrival. PIC COURTESY: QTF AND STAN WAWRINKA TWITTER HANDLES Nadal and Djokovic off to winning starts AFP — SYDNEY Barty gets Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic started their build-up to the Australian Open with It was tough ﬁrst tough draw at straight sets wins at the ATP match of the season, Cup yesterday, but world Brisbane number four Dominic Thiem not an easy start. slumped to defeat. But I think I played a International Top-ranked Nadal had little AP — BRISBANE trouble with Georgia’s Nikoloz great game: Rafael Basilashvili, racing to a 6-3, 7-5 Nadal No. 1-ranked Ashleigh Barty victory, while long-time rival will begin the new year with Djokovic was given more of a a tough draw at the Brisbane test by South Africa’s Kevin crowned the winner. France, International. She’s one of six Anderson before overcoming Argentina, Croatia and Japan Grand Slam champions in her him 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (8/6). also began their tournament in half of the draw. There are Their wins ensured Spain style, winning their ties to join three others her quarter at her and Serbia clinched their ties at day one victors Belgium, Bul- home tournament. the inaugural 24-nation team garia, Canada, Norway, Russia Defending Australian event, where the countries are and Australia. Open champion Naomi Osaka, split into six groups across “I’m super, super happy to who is on the other side of the Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. be here in Perth for first time in draw, has a first-round match The top eight from the my life. It’s an amazing arena against Maria Sakkari. round robin go onto the and a great crowd,” said Nadal. Barty will have a first- knockout phase in Sydney “It was tough first match of round bye before a potential before one is eventually the season, not an easy start. But second-round match against I think I played a great game.” five-time major winner and ATP CUP RESULTS Earlier, his team-mate wild-card entry Maria Roberto Bautista Agut crushed Sharapova, who plays a qual- In Sydney (Group E) a hapless Aleksandre Metreveli ifier in the first round. Argentina 2 Poland 1 6-0, 6-0. Barty won both her Guido Pella (ARG) bt Kamil Majchrzak Serbian superstar Djokovic matches against Sharapova in (POL) 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 needed to produce some of his 2019, including in the Aus- Hubert Hurkacz (POL) bt Diego Schwartz- best tennis to see off the big- tralian Open’s fourth round. man (ARG) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 serving Anderson, admitting it Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia during their men’s singles match If Barty reaches the quar- Maximo Gonzalez/Andres Molteni (ARG) bt was a testing encounter. on day two of the ATP Cup in Perth, yesterday. RIGHT: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his victory terfinals, the French Open Hubert Hurkacz/Lubasz Kubot (POL) 6-2, “What a way to start the against Kevin Anderson of South Africa in Brisbane. champion could take on either 6-4 year,” he said. 2017 US Open champion In Brisbane (Group A) “He was on fire tonight -- I clashes. Thiem, who won five who are without the injured Kei upsetting world number 14 Sloane Stephens or two-time France 2 Chile 1 think the quality of tennis was titles last year, had six break Nishikori but crushed Uruguay Diego Schwartzman in three Wimbledon champion and Benoit Paire (FRA) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) quite high. “I was very pleased points in the third set against 3-0 in Perth, dropping just 15 sets. fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova. 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3 with the way I kind of Croatia’s Borna Coric, but failed games across their two singles Guido Pella won the other The draw was made yes- weathered the storm.” to convert any of them. and one doubles rubbers. singles before Maximo terday when Kiki Bertens, Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Cristian Garin (CHI) His team-mate Dusan “It’s really nice to beat him Yoshihito Nishioka routed Gonzalez and Andres Molteni who will play doubles with 6-3, 7-5 Lajovic outlasted Lloyd Harris because at the end of last season higher-ranked Pablo Cuevas teamed to down Hurkacz and Barty in Brisbane, said the Nicolas Jarry/Cristian Garin (CHI) bt Nicolas 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. I was not playing well and this 6-0, 6-1 and veteran Go Soeda two-time Grand Slam winner WTA Finals champion seems Mahut/Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 7-5, Austria’s Thiem forecast this will give me a lot of confi- thrashed Martin Cuevas, Pablo’s Lukasz Kubot in the deciding to be enjoying life at the top. 6-2 week that 2020 would be the dence,” said Coric, ranked 28 younger brother, 6-1, 6-3 before doubles. “I was impressed (by her In Perth (Group B) year that the vice-like hold of and who suffered six losses in a tighter doubles encounter. Some US$15m in prize rise) but, for me, it was not a Japan 3 Uruguay 0 Djokovic, Nadal and Roger a row in late 2019. French duo Gael Monfils money is at stake in the tour- surprise,” Bertens said of Go Soeda (JPN) bt Martin Cuevas (URU) Federer on Grand Slam titles Fellow Croat Marin Cilic, a and Benoit Paire, both in the top nament, with up to 750 singles Barty. 6-1, 6-3 would come to an end. finalist at the 2018 Australian 25, led their country to a 2-1 and 250 doubles ATP rankings “I think she is handling it Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt Pablo Cuevas He is tipped as one of those Open, used his experience to Group A win over Chile, while points up for grabs.Under the all well. And she is a nice (URU) 6-0, 6-1 who could make the break- down Austria’s Dennis Novak Argentina scraped past Poland innovative tournament rules, person as well. I think she is Toshihide Matsui/Ben McLachlan (JPN) bt through, along with Alexander 6-7 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4, and ensure by the same score. on-court coaching is allowed the best player at this moment

Pablo Cuevas/Ariel Behar (URU) 7-6 (7/5), Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Croatia won the tie in Sydney. But it was a struggle for the and team zones are in the and she is having a really good 6-4 But all three have been beaten The most dominant win of South Americans with Polish corners of the court, rather than time.” in their opening ATP Cup the day came courtesy of Japan, number one Hubert Hurkacz on the sidelines by the umpire. Bayern Munich arrive for Doha training camp

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Apart from Bayern on his comeback in the Qatari Munich, Holland’s PSV capital and he's already Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer (front, left) European giants Bayern Munich Eindhoven (January 4 to penned-in to complete parts of and Thomas Muller (front, right) pose for a arrived in Doha yesterday for a 12) Belgium’s Club Brugge the team training. Michaël Cui- photograph on team's arrival in Doha, yesterday. training camp at Aspire Zone. (January 4 to 12) , AFC sance and Fiete Arp will are PICT COURTESY: BAYERN MUNICH TWITTER HANDLE For the tenth time in total, Ajax (January 4 to 12), Kas also back after recovering from the record champions will their injuries. Eupen (January 7 to 14), prepare for part two of the Bun- Apart from Bayern Munich, desliga campaign in Qatar, FC Zenit (January 13 to Holland’s PSV Eindhoven laying the foundations for a suc- 25) and Red Bull Salzburg (January 4 to 12) Belgium’s Club cessful second half of the (January 16 to 26) will Brugge ( January 4 to 12) , AFC season. also hold their training Ajax (January 4 to 12), Kas Bayern coach Hansi Flick camps at Aspire Zone. Eupen (January 7 to 14), FC Zenit has just six days on the spacious ( January 13 to 25) and Red Bull grounds of the Aspire Academy Salzburg ( January 16 to 26) will for Sports Excellence in Doha that will host the 2022 World also hold their training camps to ensure his squad achieves the Cup: In addition to long-term at Aspire Zone. “optimal level of fitness absentee Niklas Süle (torn cru- Aspire training camps required for three ciate ligament), Javi Martínez attract athletes from the Middle competitions.” (muscle injury), Robert Lewand- East, Asia, the Americas, Europe With a total of 26 players, owski (groin surgery) and and beyond, helping to demon- Flick and his coaching staff will Kingsley Coman (torn capsule strate sport’s ability to bridge be working in Doha until 10 in the left knee) are also out of cultures. January. action. This year, AZF has high However, four players from Following ankle surgery, hopes for further success in the pro squad will not be World Cup winner Lucas using sport to bring people making the trip to the country Hernández will continue to work together. SPORT SPORT | 22 SPORT | 23 Al Attiyah is Djokovic, Dakar Rally Nadal off to favourite: winning Alonso starts

SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Qatar ExxonMobil Open: Verdasco eyes win against Andujar in ‘battle of the Spaniards’ RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco will be looking to hit the ground running when the feisty left-hander takes on compatriot Pablo Andujar in the first round of the $1.4m Qatar ExxonMobil Open tomorrow. The 36-year-old Doha res- ident, in his long distinguished career, has played four matches against Andujar splitting the results with the right-hander based in Valencia. Verdasco, with 7 career Frances Tiafoe (third left) of USA, Spaniards ernandoF Verdasco (fourth left) and Pablo Andujar (fourth right), Malek Jaziri (third right) of Tunisia, players taking titles under his belt, yesterday part in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, pose for a picture with Tariq Zainal (second right), Secretary-General of Qatar Tennis Federation and Karim Alami (second found himself in the top half of left), Tournament Director, after the draw ceremony in Doha yesterday. the 32-man draw where top seed Stan Wawrinka of Swit- zerland and fourth seed Milos match,” he added. Rising Russian star Andrey match, sounded confident of some wins,” the 21-year-old (QTF Secretary General Tareq Raonic of Canada will also be “It is always a little bit harder Rublev (second seed), French starting the season on a positive added. Zainal, who was present at the looking to start the new season (at the start of the new season). powerhouse Jo-Wilfried note. Three-time Grand Slam draw ceremony, yesterday said: with wins. You always need a little bit time Tsonga (third seed), Serbian “I have never played here champion Wawrinka, 2018 “We are ready to host the tour- “He’s a Spanish player. I think to get into the competition. I hope youngster Laslo Djere (fifth before. Today is my first day. I losing finalist Rublev, 2012 nament. I think the draw has we are the only two Spanish I will be well prepared and that I seed), compatriot Filip Kraji- really like it so far. The courts Qatar Open champion Tsonga thrown up some exciting players this year in the main draw am close to 100 percent. If I win, novic (sixth seed), Frenchman are nice. The stadium is pretty and Canadian star Raonic all match-ups. The toughest and we have to play each other,” it will be much better,” Verdasco Adrian Mannarino (seventh big. I am happy to be here,” have a bye in their first-round players in the draw are the top Verdasco said with a smile said. seed) and American Frances Tiafoe said yesterday. matches. seeds Stan Wawrinka and yesterday. “It is never nice to play a Tiafoe (eight seed) are the “I think it’s going to be an If Verdasco picks up a win Andrey Rublev. But I am sure “These things happen. At the Spanish player (smiles). We have other seeded players to be exciting year. I am starting to in his first match, he is expected other players will be waiting to end of the day I have to be known each other for many years seen in action at the Khalifa do the right things. It’s going to to clash with Raonic in the fight all the way. This is a focused on myself. I should try to on Tour. He is not the opponent International Tennis and be good tennis this week. I am quarter-finals of the six-day popular event and we have the start the year positively. I always I would choose (to play). Only one Squash Complex later this very excited. There are good tournament. If things go well ATP Tour Award for ‘Best Tour- want to win. This is also about of use will remain in the draw week. players in qualifiers. I am then a semi-finals clash with nament’ three times. The fans putting all the work of the pre- (after the first round clash). I will Eighth seed Tiafoe, who excited to get out there and Wawrinka is also on the cards. are already battling to get the vious season in play in the first try to do my best,” he added. faces a qualifier in his opening compete and hopefully get Qatar Tennis Federation tickets.”

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