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Thursday, january 9, 2020

QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN 2020 Verdasco into quarter-finals, Kecmanovic shocks Tsonga Vinay Nayudu someone who has grown Doha through the rankings swiftly and is now ranked 62, Kec- Age, some say is just a num- manovic made only five er- ber. On Wednesday, 36-year- rors from the back of court. old, Doha-resident and Span- From being outside the ish player Fernando Verdasco top 130 and never to have underlined his belief as he won a tour level match, he is broke past 27-year-old and now sixth-seeded Filip Krajinovic has 26 tour level match of Serbia to move into the wins including against Tson- quarter-finals of $1.4mn Qa- ga. tar ExxonMobil Open 2020. Speaking on his debut win Verdasco’s telling three- in Doha, the Serbian said, “I set 7-5, 4-6, 6-0 came on tried to stay calm especially Khalifa International Tennis in the tie-break and it paid & Squash Complex’s centre off. I played some really good court and was witnessed by tennis today and I’m really HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim happy about it. bin Hamad al Thani. “It’s definitely a pretty Delighted following his cool feeling. I hoped it would hard fought win, Verdasco, happen but obviously didn’t who always calls Doha his know it would be that quick. home, said, “I’m honoured I am really excited to be here to have won and I was moti- and hopefully I can keep go- vated by the presence of HH Miomir Kecmanovic hits a returns the ball against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during their match on Wednesday. ing. The Amir. It’s always a great About beating Tsonga, he feeling to win here.” day three results court’s big action matches, said, “It was definitely one On what turned out to be Serbian Kecmanovic up- of my better wins. I’ve had an exciting evening of tennis, Singles (2nd Round) Pavic (CRO) & Bruno Soares (BRA) 4-6, 6-2, 10-7 staged Tsonga with a hard- some exciting wins last year. there were some other thrill- 2-Andrey Rublev (RUS) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-4, 6-2 2-Henri Kontinen (FIN) & Franko Skugor (CRO) bt Ken fought win. Tsonga, however, And to start the year off with Q-Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt WC-Cem Ilkel (TUR) 6-1, 6-4 Skupski & Neil Skupski (GBR) 6-7 (2), 6-4, 13-11 ing results with 20-year-old Fernando Verdasco bt 6-Filip Krajinovic (SRB) 7-5, 4-6, 6-0 3-Rohan Bopanna (IND) & Wesley Koolhof (NED) bt was hampered by a lower such a big name, it’s definite- Miomir Kecmanovic of Ser- Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt 5-Laslo Djere (SRB) Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) & Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3, back trouble. ly motivating me and giving bia handing a shock loss to 6-1, 6-3 6-4 It was all about the open- me a lot more confidence. third seed and 2012 cham- Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) bt 3-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 Luke Bambridge (GBR) & Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) bt ing set tie-break where On his feeling on being in (11-9), 6-1. 4-Fabrice Martin (FRA) & Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-3, 7-6 pion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Doubles (Quarter-finals) (9-7). Tsonga too put in his all. Doha, Kecmanovic said, “It’s of France; Pierre-Hugues Frederik Nielsen (DEN) & Tim Puetz (GER) bt 1-Mate But to Kecmanovic’s credit pretty cool. I like the courts. I Herbert from France defeat- Fernando Verdasco of Spain reacts during his second round match he stayed composed and re- like the hotel, the food. Eve- ing fifth seed Laslo Djere of against Filip Krajinovic at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on vantage of as many as eight players, however, committed turned almost all to Tsonga rything is great. I mean, so Serbia in straight sets; and Wednesday. break points as Karjinovic three double faults each. to clinch the tie-break at 11-9 far I’m enjoying myself.” qualifierMarton Fucsovics of succeeded in getting a break “Not winning any of the and the crucial set 7-6. Kecmanovic, who fin- Hungary prevailing over Tur- Well before the young and served impressively with to claim the set 6-4. break points in the second set In the second, Kec- ished 2019 by reaching the key’s Cem Ilkel. and hot prospect Kec- power. In the decider though, was tough, especially mental- manovic exhibited his range semi-finals at the Next Gen Second seed and a former manovic took on Tsonga, it It was in the 10th game Verdasco came out all guns ly. But the support of the fans of shots even as Tsonga strug- ATP Finals, will meet Hun- finalistAndrey Rublev had was Verdasco fighting like a that Verdasco upped the ante blazing to blank his opponent brought me back and I’m gled to move at times. In the garian qualifier Marton Fuc- earlier set the tone scoring a man possessed against Kra- to tilt the scale in his favour. 6-0. thrilled with the win,” said end, the Serbian emerged a sovics, who scored a breezy smooth win against Kazakh- jinovic. Still in the top-50, In the second set though, Verdasco hit a total of 17 Verdasco. deserving winner. win over Turkish wild card stan’s Mikhail Kukushkin. Verdasco used his experience Verdasco failed to take ad- aces to Krajinovic’s 2. Both In another of centre Touted as a hot prospect, Cem Ilkel.

Relieved Rublev rolls on, eases Dynamo Schwartzman powers past fellow Russian Kukushkin Argentina into ATP Cup quarters AFP Vinay Nayudu Sydney Doha A focused Diego Schwartz- winning start to the It was first match of the man and Guido Pella guided tournament from season, first match for me Argentina into the ATP Cup Asecond seed Andrey since two months. I was a quarter-finals on Wednesday, Rublev was quite expected. leaving Croatia heartbroken. And that the 22-year-old little bit nervous and my After Poland beat Austria Russian brushed aside the team felt it since the 2-1 in the earlier Group E tie, challenge from Russia-born beginning. But in the end, it boiled down to a winner- Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin I’m happy that I was takes-all clash between the in straight sets in the sec- two nations in Sydney for a ond round also spoke about focused more on the things spot in the last eight of the in- Rublev’s rising stature. that how I could win. I’m augural team event. But there was something happy with my performance. Left-hander Pella got his about this tie that many country off to a strong start couldn’t perhaps perceive. – Andrey Rublev with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 win over As for the match proper, the former world number three two players ensured normal Andrey Rublev hits a return against Mikhail Kukushkin during their Qatar ExxonMobil Open match at Marin Cilic. service till 4-4 in the opening the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Wednesday. It left world number 13 set before the world No. 23 Schwartzman the task of Diego Schwartzman of Argentina (right) celebrates victory with team- Rublev got the much-needed the last one and a half year, since the beginning. But in the to be back in the rhythm. “Even needing to beat Borna Cor- mate Guido Pella after his men’s singles match against Borna Coric of break to gain control and win out of four, he beat me three end, I’m happy that I was fo- when you finish the season ic, ranked 28, to secure the Croatia at the ATP Cup in Sydney on Wednesday. (AFP) the set at 6-3. times,” said Rublev. cused more on the things that well and you don’t play for a tie, top the group and earn a In the second, Rublev “And the last time, I re- how I could win. I’m happy while, you lose little bit rhythm prized slot in the last eight ries in the other group tie pre- said he was playing some of broke twice in the 3rd and 5th member that I won was really, with my performance,” he ex- of playing. against Russia. vented Austria winning the his best-ever tennis. games to eventually win the set really tough in Cincinnati. So I plained. “And it’s when you after He did it in style, racing group. “I played really well to- at 6-4 to ensure his appointed was expecting it to be a really Rublev first created waves one and a half months or af- through the first set 6-2 as his Polish youngster Hurkacz day. I mean Dominic is a great place in the quarter-finals. tough match. I didn’t know -- international when he made ter two months play the first team cheered him on from the upset world number four player, the way he played the Rublev later at the press things for me to beat him. And the final of Qatar ExxonMobil match, it’s always even if you sidelines before driving the fi- Dominic Thiem -- his third top first set was unbelievable. He conference revealed that he I’m really happy that I could Open on his first appearance feel the ball well, it’s always a nal nail in Croatia’s coffin by 30 scalp at the tournament, to brought out the best in me,” was expecting a much tough win in straight sets today,” in the tournament in Doha in bit tough. winning the second set by the remain unbeaten this year. he said. encounter and was also quite Rublev sighed relief. 2018 where he lost to French- “When you win the first same score. The tall 22-year-old, who “I tried to work really hard wary of his ten years senior He termed the battle at the man Gael Monfils. match, you feel like you’re back “A day ago we were out and reached a new career-high in the off-season with my Kukushkin, ranked 66. Khalifa International Tennis & Back this time with more in the rhythm and that’s I think now we are in the quarters, so ranking 10 times last year and coach and my fitness coach Interestingly, Kukush- Squash Complex on Wednes- accolades having beaten leg- is important.” we are really happy. Guido is now 37th in the world, was and I think that is paying off.” kin, who hailed from a mod- day as a mental game. “I think end Roger Federer in Cincin- And now it’s going to be played an amazing match to- unflustered in the gritty 3-6, His young teammate Zuk est background and had to go today it was more of a mental nati in 2019, the young Rus- from quarter-finals, it is not day and I think we deserve to 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) win in Sydney. also had a good day, becom- through a lot of hard yards match. Both of us were not re- sian with ruffled hair continues going to be easy.” be in the quarter-finals, “ said The victory ended any ing the lowest-ranked singles before excelling as a pro, had ally feeling the ball as normally to excite. For now though, Rublev Schwartzman. hope that the Thomas Muster- player to win a match at the beaten Rublev thrice in their we do. So it was more about He will be meeting Pierre- is enjoying his stint in Doha. “(Kacper) Zuk, from Po- captained Austria had of win- ATP Cup, with the world num- last four meetings. mental energy. Hugues Herbert of France next “I always like to be here. I like land, we need to say thanks ning the group, with Poland ber 448 rallying past Dennis “I expected it be really, re- “It was first match of the in the last eight. Herbert was a the atmosphere here, I like the to him, and thanks to Hubert also out of contention after Novak 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. ally tough as I have known season, first match for me doubles champion along David conditions. I always enjoy be- (Hurkacz) for giving us the losing their opening two ties. “That’s my first (win) Mikhail since a long time. And since two months. I was a little Goffin in Doha last year. ing back and to compete here,” chance be in the quarters,” he Hurkacz, who came into against that high-ranked an especially our last meetings for bit nervous and my team felt it Rublev, however, is happy he signed off. added, referring to the Polish the match on the back of beat- ATP player (Novak). So for singles players whose victo- ing Schwartzman and Coric, me, it means a lot,” he said. 12 Thursday, January 9, 2020 Sports

Al Sailiya captain Majdi Siddiq Qatar gear up for AFC U-23 opener today Felix Sanchez says current China was two years ago and we’re a different team different generation now. We are a from 2018 squad young team and we have the target to do well, so we AFC Bangkok don’t want to compare generations. Felix Sanchez has stressed the – Felix Sanchez Qatar side he has brought to the AFC U23 Championship Thai- land 2020 should not be com- qualified for this tournament pared to the squad he led to the are the best teams in Asia and Al Sailiya can semi-finals of the last edition o our group is one of the toughest as the clock ticks towards his groups, but we hope to perform team’s clash with Syria in their well and we hope to qualify,” he Group B opener on Thursday. said. upset Al Duhail, Qatar finished in third place “It’s difficult because of at the 2018 AFC U23 Cham- Qatar U23 team players during a training session on Wednesday ahead of their opening match at the AFC the strong teams in our group pionship in China PR having U23 Championship. Qatar take on Syria on Thursday at 1:15pm Doha time. and we respect everyone in missed out on a place at the our group but nothing is im- says Majdi Olympic Games two years ear- team and we have the target ation, to be calm and concen- having both impressed in recent possible.” lier when they lost to Iraq in the to do well, so we don’t want to trate. We know our opponent editions of the AFC U19 Cham- “The first matchfor every tribune news network with a good result from this third place play-off. compare generations. has a strong team and we know pionship. team is very difficult, butI hope doha competition. But the Spanish coach, who “This is an opportunity for we’re going to have to play a Given the stellar achieve- all the players are responsi- led Qatar’s senior side to their them to prepare for the future very good game to have the op- ments of their opponents in re- ble and perform well. The first Midfield stalwart Ma- How about the semifinal first-ever AFC Asian Cup title and also to show their capa- portunity to have the result we cent years, Syria come into the match is the key for qualifying jdi Siddiq is one of the play- match against Al Duhail? last January, prefers to look bilities to join the first national want.” tournament as underdogs and for the next round. ers whom coach Sami Tra- A very big and difficult forward as the start of the lat- team in the near future, which is Qatar begin their campaign coach Ayman Hakeem knows “Our players are prepar- belsi can always rely on. the contest. This is a cup champi- est edition of the competition an objective for them. against Syria on Thursday be- his team must make a strong ing themselves to be in the first 34-year-old has made over onship and there’s no second looms. “The first game is difficult fore taking on Japan and Saudi start to their campaign if they team in the next couple of years 180 QSL appearances for Al chance. We need to focus, and “China was two years ago because everyone wants to start Arabia in a group that is among are to harbour hopes of a place and I hope they perform well Rayya, Al Arabi, Al Gharafa, show attention, strength and and we’re a different generation well and we just hope the play- the toughest of the tournament, in the knockout rounds. tomorrow and throughout the the defunct El Jaish, but most determination. now,” he said. “We are a young ers are able to manage the situ- with the Japanese and Saudis “All of the teams that have whole tournament.” his appearances have come in the colours of Al Sailiya. In an Do Al Sailiya have the abil- exclusive interview with qsl. ity to beat Al Duhail? qa ahead of Al Sailiya’s 2020 Yes, we’ve the ability to Al Duhail sign North Korean Qatar Cup semifinal against win. Nothing is impossible Man City in prime position to Al Duhail, Majdi, now captain in football, especially in cup of the club said nothing i sim- matches. striker Song from Juventus possible in football. reach League Cup final Is this match different How do you prepare for than the league games? DPA the 2020 Qatar Cup? Certainly, it differs. Cup London Our preparations have matches aren’t about a long been normal. This tournament way. It’s one off. I hope we’ll Manchester City have one is very important and the team be in good shape in the tour- foot in the final of theL eague has the ambition to win the nament. Cup after they won 3-1 against first title. their neighbour team Manches- Which Al Duhail player do ter United in the first leg of the What do you promise the you worry more about? semi-final on Tuesday. team management and There’s no specific player, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mah- fans in this tournament? they are all high-level players. rez and an own goal from An- We hope that we’ll be on Our team also has high-quality dreas Pereira were enough to top of our readiness and suc- players. We ‘e gradually im- give City a big advantage. ceed in providing the required proving our performance. “The first minutes were level. tight but then we had an out- What does Qatar Cup standing goal and we played Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva scores the opening goal against What’re your expecta- mean to you? really good,” City manager Pep Manchester United during the English League Cup semi-final on tions of the team? Qatar Cup is a prestigious Guardiola said. Tuesday. (AFP) There’re no specific ex- championship. It has an im- “It’s not over because it is pectations. But I would like to portant place in Qatar football. United, they are able to score Silva cut in from the right and But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s state that our ambitions are I’ve won it previously with Al goals but hopefully we can unleashed an unstoppable shot side will need a near-miracle to high. We must first focus on Khor. I hope to win it with Al reach the final again.” into the top corner. overturn the deficit at The Eti- our semifinal against Al Du- Sailiya as well. Guardiola left Sergio Ague- Mahrez doubled their lead had stadium on Jan 29. hail. ro, David Silva and Gabriel Je- on 33 minutes and an own goal “In the second half they What’s your message to sus on the bench, fielding an from Pereira made it 3-0 seven changed their shape and we Juventus forward Kwang-Song Han has joined Al Duhail on a per- What’re your team’s fans? extra man in midfield without a minutes before half-time. struggled a little bit to keep the manent basis alongside former Bianconeri players Mario Mandzu- strengths in this tourna- We promise the fans and recognized striker. United produced a vastly- ball,” Guardiola said. kic and Medhi Benatia. The North Korean striker joined Juventus ment? the management to do our The move paid off as City improved performance after the “We play United, what do on deadline day in 2019 for a reported €5m. He underwent his Our strengths are team best to reach the final, by fight- dominated the first half, taking break and Rashford gave them you expect, a 7-0 win? In gen- medical earlier today and the Red Knights confirmed the move on spirit and determination, so ing with team spirit and deter- the lead in spectacular fashion a glimmer of hope with a goal eral it was an incredible perfor- its twitter handle. (PIC: Al DUHAIL TWITTER) we should be able to come up mination. after 17 minutes when Bernardo on 70 minutes. mance at Old Trafford.” Rising star Davies learning at Bayern Munich, dreams of World Cup success with Canada

Champions League start in the winger said his dream is the year is what’s impor- The 19-year-old the process. to win the World Cup with tant. We are a top team and Already a Canadian in- Canada, eyeing the 2022 we know it won’t be easy. winger is one ternational with 17 appear- FIFA World Cup Qatar as a We have to play hard in eve- ances and five goals to his starting point. ry single game,” he said. the brightest name -- the teenager has “Obviously we want to “The Bundesliga is a shown great maturity this win the World Cup (with great league with a lot of youngsters of season, having been de- Canada) but we know it young players and talent. A ployed as a left full-back won’t be easy. Right now lot of good teams with qual- the German since cracking the starting our dream is to make it to ity and I think for young Bundesliga, XI for Bayern Munich. the 2022 World Cup here players it’s a great league to “It’s been good and it’s in Qatar, that’s what we are play in.” hopes to qualify a learning process. When I fightin