22 Wednesday, January 17, 2018 SPORTS Kubica’s dream still alive as Williams reserve London nearly had amputated following his rally Sirotkin to partner Stroll obert Kubica says his dream of a crash, and opted to sign Carlos Sainz Jr dramatic return to is instead. stillR alive -- seven years after partially Kubica, who returned to rallying at Williams F1 team severing his right arm in a rally crash following his accident in Italy, London will partner 19-year-old -- despite being overlooked by Williams remained upbeat that his new role ussian rookie Sergey Canadian , who for 2018. was a step towards competing Sirotkin will race for made his debut with the The 33-year-old Pole tested for British again. RWilliams this season after former world champions last team Williams in the hope of landing a “My ultimate goal remains being chosen ahead of year. full-time seat for the coming season but to race again in Formula One Polish rival Robert Kubica Sirotkin replaces Brazilian they instead opted for Russian rookie and this (move) is another in a multi-year deal. veteran , who Sergey Sirotkin to partner Lance Stroll important step in that The Formula One team retired at the end of last year. when they announced their line-up. direction,” said Kubica. “I made the long-awaited “It took a huge amount Kubica’s omission from the race set- cannot wait to get started. announcement with a of work to get where I up has been softened by the role of “I have enjoyed being statement on Tuesday, am, and I’m really happy reserve and development driver, which back in the Formula filling the last and thankful to everyone will see him take part in a number of One paddock remaining involved,” said Sirotkin, who practice sessions, while he will also be on over these past vacancy on the was previously on ’s standby for races. few months, starting grid books as a development Kubica took part in three tests for and I for the season driver. Williams -- he was slower than Sirotkin now look starting in “The result of our in the decisive final shootout in Abu forward Australia on combined efforts has helped Dhabi in November -- and he also drove to working March 25. me achieve my dream, and on a number of occasions for Renault with the The rest assured the team can rely last year. The French team however, Williams 22-year- on me to deliver my best.” had reservations over the Pole’s fitness, technical team. Sergey Sirotkin old (Reuters) particularly the right arm which he (AFP) Robert Kubica BRAVE World Champion Nadal takes centre stage and coach wins Award ahead of Kyrgios clash Melbourne vocal in support of their compatriots afa Nadal takes centre stage on Rod in the past, and three-times Melbourne Laver Arena for his Australian Open winner Mats Wilander thinks the secondR round match against Leonardo Australian will be energised by it. Mayer on Wednesday but anyone “It’s a different crowd at Rod Laver looking for a wild atmosphere would be Arena,” he told Reuters. “They obviously better off waiting for the last match on root for him but they’re not as young Hisense Arena. and as wild, they’re more neutral.” The second Melbourne Park stadium Rod Laver Arena is usually expected court is a multi-purpose venue that to host the cream of the ties and day also hosts cycling and netball but the three of the 2018 championship is no more intimate arena has become a firm different, with Nadal’s clash with Mayer favourite of iconoclastic Nick Kyrgios, and Grigor Dimitrov’s meeting with Australia’s best hope of a first home American Mackenzie McDonald the champion since 1976. highlights. The volatile 17th seed had a quiet A rash of upsets depleted evening by his standards in his opening the bottom half of the match on Monday, with women’s draw on just the one violation Monday but second for unsportsmanlike seed Caroline behaviour when he Wozniacki asked spectator, in no survived uncertain terms, to and will be quiet while he was pursue serving. her His second round opponent, Serbian Manama Stephen Loman won the has provided a global platform Viktor Troicki, has also rave Combat Federation World inaugural World Bantamweight for athletes from Philippines to had his moments, as quest for Bantamweight Champion, championship at the Khalifa Sports showcase their skills which also his meltdown at a maiden grand BStephen Loman and Team Lakay City in Bahrain against Gurdarshan brought the two nations closer Wimbledon two years slam title against head coach, Mark Sangiao are among Mangat by way of knockout in using the medium of sports. After ago amply illustrated, Croatian Jana Fett. the winners for this year’s Kafagway the first round. Mark Sangiao will the Brave International Combat and a packed house Fourth seed Elina Sports International Luminaries receive the Super Coach of 2017 Week, the sports initiatives led can expect sparks to Svitolina opens the day Awards in Philippines. Loman will award. Sangiao was recently named by Bahrain had been praised by fly. on the main showcourt receive the Super Athlete of 2017 of one of the most outstanding coaches Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver, the Kyrgios will expect against Katerina the sports awards, spearheaded by in Asia and was responsible for the Ambassador of Philippines in much of the backing Siniakova with Nadal- National Correspondents Club on rise of Team Lakay on the global Bahrain while he welcomed Stephen of the crowd, even if Mayer the final match February 10 at the Silungan Center, stage. Loman after his championship Melbourne’s Serbian Rafa Nadal of the afternoon. Philippines. Brave Combat Federation victory. community has been (Reuters)