THURSDAY 2 JANUARYARY 22020020 SPORTSPORT 07

Australia's Nathan Lyon Ridiculous ... I'm not a fan of four-day is totally against the idea of tinkering Test matches. I believe you'll get so many with the duration of five-day Test. more draws and day five is crucial. Kubica opens new NBA: Paul lifts Thunder past chapter as Alfa Romeo F1 reserve Mavs; Celtics down Hornets

REUTERS — OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma City Thunder REUTERS — LONDON guard Chris Paul (left) drives Chris Paul scored 17 points -- to the basket around Dallas Robert Kubica has joined Alfa including 13 in the final 4:31 -- Mavericks forward Dorian Romeo as their 2020 reserve to lead the Oklahoma City Finney-Smith during the driver, the role the Pole carried Time and circumstances Thunder to a come-from- second half of their NBA out 14 years ago when he made are obviously different, behind, 106-101 home win over game. his Formula One debut with the but I am convinced the Dallas Mavericks. Swiss-based team then known With less than three minutes as BMW Sauber. that I will find the same remaining, the Thunder trailed The deal announced yes- determination and by seven. But then Oklahoma terday also sees Polish oil hunger to succeed: City reeled off a 14-2 run -- company PKN ORLEN, who Robert Kubica fueled in large part by Paul -- backed the 35-year-old’s to end the game. The win was comeback last season at former the third in a row and seventh champions Williams, become in the last eight games for the a co-title sponsor of the team in my heart and it’ll be nice to Thunder. in a multi-year partnership. see the familiar faces I still Two players who were Kubica’s big break came in remember from Hinwil,” said questionable going into the day 2006 when he became Poland’s Kubica in a statement. due to ankle injuries, Danilo first F1 racer, replacing Can- “Time and circumstances Gallinari and Dennis Schroder, ada’s 1997 world champion are obviously different, but I led the Thunder with 20 points Jacques Villeneuve at BMW am convinced that I will find each. Sauber and going on to win the same determination and Dallas’ Luka Doncic scored with them at the 2008 hunger to succeed.” 35 points to lead all scorers but Canadian Grand Prix. Team principal Frederic struggled from behind the arc, The Pole, who suffered a Vasseur welcomed Kubica, going just 3 of 16 on 3-point near-fatal rally accident in 2011 who before his accident raced attempts. that partially severed his right for Renault and was close to Boston Celtics 109 - Char- assists to carry Houston to its San Antonio Spurs 117 - with 21 points, 11 rebounds and arm, scored tail-enders Wil- becoming a Ferrari driver, back lotte Hornets 92 seventh consecutive home win Golden State Warriors 113 nine assists for the Clippers, liams’ only point last year in a to the Hinwil factory. Jayson Tatum scored 24 over the Nuggets, who had won DeMar DeRozan scored 24 who have won 14 straight in remarkable personal comeback “He is a driver that needs points, Kemba Walker added nine of their past 10 games points, and Dejounte Murray Sacramento. Richaun Holmes clouded by the team’s inability no introduction: one of the 22 points and seven assists, and overall. contributed seven of his 15 had 22 points and 10 rebounds, to provide a competitive car. most brilliant in his generation visiting Boston handed Char- Denver defeated the visiting points in overtime as host San and Buddy Hield contributed 20 He announced in Sep- and one who displayed the true lotte its sixth consecutive loss. Rockets 105-95 on November Antonio posted a victory over points for the Kings, who have tember that he was leaving and meaning of human determi- Coming in off a lopsided 20 by trapping Harden Golden State. Patty Mills high- lost eight in a row overall and has since been replaced by nation in his fight to return to loss to reigning NBA champion repeatedly. lighted his 18-point per- haven’t defeated the Clippers in Canadian Nicholas Latifi, the racing after his rallying Toronto, Boston ratcheted up Nikola Jokic led Denver formance with five 3-pointers Sacramento since March, 2013. team’s 2019 reserve. accident,” he said. its defensive intensity early. with 21 points, including 13 to as San Antonio improved to 4-1 Toronto Raptors 117 - “I’m starting a new chapter “His feedback will be inval- The Celtics limited the pace the Nuggets’ 37-point third in overtime this season. Cleveland Cavaliers 97 in my career by joining Alfa uable as we continue to push Hornets to just 18 first-quarter period. LaMarcus Aldridge collected Kyle Lowry scored 24 Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is our team towards the front of points and 43 for the first half. He added eight rebounds 17 points and 12 rebounds for points and added eight assists a team that has a special place the grid.” Gordon Hayward had 21 and four assists. Monte Morris the Spurs, who have won seven as host Toronto defeated points and 10 rebounds for scored 18 points off the bench. of their past 11 overall and five Cleveland. It was the second Boston, and Enes Kanter regis- Indiana Pacers 115 - Phil- of their past six meetings with win in 15 days for the Raptors Robert Kubica tered 13 points, a game-high 14 adelphia 76ers 97 Golden State. San Antonio over the Cavaliers, who have rebounds and six blocked shots. Domantas Sabonis had 23 defeated the Warriors for the lost five straight in Toronto. PJ Washington led the Hornets points, 10 rebounds and five second time this season, as it Serge Ibaka added 20 points with 15 points while Miles assists to carry Indiana past posted a 127-110 victory on and 10 rebounds for the Bridges posted 14 points and 10 Philadelphia in Indianapolis November 1 in San Francisco. Raptors, Terence Davis had a rebounds. on Tuesday. Los Angeles Clippers 105 - season-high-tying 19 points, Houston Rockets 130 - TJ Warren added 21 points, Sacramento Kings 87 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 14 Denver Nuggets 104 Myles Turner contributed 14 Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points and OG Anunoby and James Harden and Russell and Jeremy Lamb had 13 for the points, and visiting Los Angeles Fred VanVleet each scored 12. Westbrook combined for 63 Pacers, who improved to 15-3 defeated Sacramento for the Collin Sexton had 22 points points, and host Houston at home and snapped a two- 10th straight time. for the Cavaliers, who com- avenged a loss earlier this game losing streak. Leonard missed his first pleted a three-game road trip season to Denver. Doug McDermott also had four shots before finishing 8 of at 1-2. Tristan Thompson had Harden paired 35 points 12 points for Indiana while 21 from the floor with seven 14 points and 11 rebounds for with six assists while Westbrook former 76er TJ McConnell assists. Paul George also his team-best 17th double- added 28 points and seven added 11 points and 10 assists. overcame a slow start to finish double of the season. Fleury No. 6 on wins list as Knights trip Ducks Twins sign veterans REUTERS — NEW YORK won two straight. Capitals goalie Braden Holtby has Marc-Andre Fleury made 26 dropped three in a row, giving Bailey and saves to move into sole up 13 goals in those three possession of sixth place on the games. Both teams came out Hill for 2020 NHL’s all-time wins list as the firing and had put four goals on Vegas Golden Knights posted a the board less than 15 minutes REUTERS — MINNESOTA 5-2 victory over the Anaheim into the game. Kuhnhackl made Ducks in Las Vegas. it 4-3 with more than 27 The Minnesota Twins The win was the 455th in minutes left to play, but neither signed right-hander Homer the career for Fleury, who team scored again. Bailey and left-hander Rich passed Curtis Joseph. Henrik Blue Jackets 4, Panthers 1 Hill to one-year contracts Lundqvist of the New York Defenceman Zach Werenski for the 2020 season. Rangers (458) sits in fifth place scored his first career hat trick, Financial terms were while Martin Brodeur holds the and goalie Elvis Merzlikins not disclosed, but MLB Net- record with 691 wins. earned his first NHL win, work’s Jon Heyman Oilers 7, Rangers 5 James leading host Columbus to a reported it was a $7m deal Neal scored twice in the victory over Florida. The Blue for Bailey and $3m plus opening 8:46 of the first period Jackets improved to 7-0-4 in incentives for Hill. Bailey, and recorded a hat trick, and their past 11 games. 33, made 31 starts with the Edmonton raced out to a six- Werenski has 11 goals, Kansas City Royals and goal lead, then held on for a Carolina Hurricanes defenceman giving him double-figure tallies Oakland Athletics last victory over visiting New York. Haydn Fleury (right) and Montreal in all four of his NHL seasons. season, combining to go 13-9 Neal recorded his second Canadiens centre Ryan Poehling He is just the third defenseman with a 4.57 ERA and 149 hat trick of the season, battle over the puck during the first in Columbus history to post a strikeouts in 163 1/3 innings. becoming the fifth player with period at PNC Arena. hat trick, joining Deron Quint Hill, who turns 40 in multiple hat tricks in his first (March 2001) and Bryan Berard March, made 13 starts for season for Edmonton. (January 2006). the Los Angeles Dodgers Devils 3, Bruins 2 (SO) Denver. Mark Scheifele had a improve to 23-4-2 against the Wild, also improved to 13-4-1 Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 1 last season, going 4-1 with Defenceman Damon Sev- goal and three assists, Nikolaj Sabres since the 2013-14 season. under head coach Sheldon Erik Haula scored the go- a 2.45 ERA and 72 strikeouts erson scored the winning goal Ehlers produced a goal and two Maple Leafs 4, Wild 1 Keefe, who replaced Mike ahead goal in the second period, in 58 2/3 innings. in the sixth round of the assists, Jack Roslovic notched Auston Matthews, William Babcock on November 20. and Carolina benefited from a Hill missed roughly two shootout as New Jersey ended three assists, Neal Pionk had Nylander and John Tavares Ryan Suter scored for Min- third-period video review in a months of the 2019 season Boston’s three-game winning two assists, and Connor Helle- each had a goal and an assist, nesota (10-4-3 at home), and victory over Montreal in with a left forearm strain. streak with a win in Newark, NJ buyck stopped 39 shots for the and Frederik Andersen stopped Devan Dubnyk finished with 25 Raleigh, NC. He underwent elbow Devils goalie Mackenzie Jets. 26 of 27 shots to lead Toronto saves. Sebastian Aho and Ryan surgery after the season Blackwood and Bruins net- Lightning 6, Sabres 4 past Minnesota in Saint Paul, Islanders 4, Capitals 3 Dzingel also scored for Carolina, and said at the time he was minder Jaroslav Halak each Tyler Johnson and Alex Minn. Tom Kuhnhackl scored the with Dzingel’s empty-net tally targeting a June return. stopped the first four shots of Killorn had three-point games Alexander Kerfoot also tiebreaking goal in the second coming with 54 seconds Since 2016, he ranks the shootout before rookie Jack to fuel Tampa Bay’s big rally for scored a goal for Toronto, which period and Casey Cizikas added remaining. Teuvo Teravainen, third in baseball in Hughes scored for New Jersey. a win and season sweep of host extended its point streak to two goals as New York handed appearing in his 400th career opponent batting average Jets 7, Avalanche 4 Buffalo. eight games (7-0-1). Nylander host Washington a rare losing NHL game, had two assists as (.209), sixth in ERA (3.00), Kyle Connor had his second Down 4-1 in the second extended his goal streak to four streak. the Hurricanes won their eighth in WHIP (1.08) and career hat trick, Blake Wheeler period, the Lightning scored five games. The Maple Leafs, who Washington has lost two in second game in a row. Petr ninth in strikeouts-per- added two goals and an assist, unanswered goals to win their won for just the fourth time in a row for just the third time this Mrazek made 29 saves for the nine innings (10.64). and Winnipeg beat Colorado in season-high fourth straight and the past 13 meetings against the season, while the Islanders have Hurricanes. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2020 Sports events in January 2020 AFP — PARIS Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut raises at Johannesburg, 4th Test Match (until the trophy after winning the 2019 ATP January 28); New Zealand v India at Major sports events taking place around Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa Auckland, 1st T20I the world in January. International Complex in Doha CYCLING: Tour Down Under (until in this file photo. The 2020 Qatar Jan 26) TODAY ExxonMobil Open kicks off on GOLF: USPGA at Torrey Pines (until January 6. January 26); EPGA Dubai Desert Classic GOLF: USPGA Sentry Tournament (until January 26); USLPGA at Boca Rio, of Champions, Maui (until January 5) Florida (until January 26) RALLYING: Monte Carlo (until FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 January 26)

CRICKET: Australia vs New Zealand SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 at Sydney, 3rd Test Match (until January 7); South Africa vs England at Cape TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian Town, 2nd Test (until January 7) Open, Melbourne (until February 2) GOLF: USPGA Sentry Tournament CRICKET: South Africa vs England of Champions, Maui (until January 5) at Johannesburg, 4th Test Match (until TENNIS: ATP Cup, Brisbane/Perth/ January 28) Sydney (until January 12) CYCLING: Tour Down Under (until Jan 26) SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 GOLF: USPGA at Torrey Pines (until January 26); EPGA Dubai Desert Classic CRICKET: Australia vs New Zealand (until January 26); USLPGA at Boca Rio, at Sydney, 3rd Test Match (until January Florida (until January 26) 7); South Africa vs England at Cape RALLYING: Monte Carlo (until Town, 2nd Test (until January 7; India January 26) vs Sri Lanka at Guwahati, 1st T20I RACING: Pegasus World Cup at (night) Gulfstream Park GOLF: USPGA Sentry Tournament RUGBY UNION: Men’s and of Champions, Maui (until January 5) Women’s Sevens Series, Hamilton, New TENNIS: ATP Cup, Brisbane/Perth/ Zealand (ends) Sydney (until January 12) January 12), ATP in Qatar (until THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 January 20); West Indies v Ireland at January 11); WTA Brisbane, Shenzhen, Basseterre, 3rd T20I SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Auckland (until January 12) CRICKET: South Africa vs England TENNIS: WTA Adelaide, Hobart GOLF: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii at Port Elizabeth, 3rd Test Match (until (until January 19) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Aus- CRICKET: Australia vs New Zealand (until January 12); EPGA South African January 20) GOLF: EPGA Abu Dhabi Champi- tralian Open, Melbourne (until Feb- at Sydney, 3rd Test Match (until January Open (until January 12) TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and onship (ends); USPGA at La Quinta ruary 2) 7); South Africa vs England at Cape Auckland (until Jan 18); WTA Adelaide, (ends); USLPGA Tournament of Cham- CRICKET: South Africa vs England Town, 2nd Test (until January 7); India SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Hobart (until January 19) pions at Florida (ends) at Johannesburg, 4th Test Match (until vs Sri Lanka at Guwahati, 1st T20 (night) GOLF: EPGA Abu Dhabi Champi- January 28); New Zealand v India at TENNIS: ATP Cup, Brisbane/Perth/ FOOTBALL: Spanish Super Cup onship (until January 19); USPGA at La MONDAY, JANUARY 20 Auckland, 2nd T20I Sydney (until January 12) final in Saudi Arabia Quinta (until January 19); USLPGA Tour- CYCLING: Tour Down Under (ends) GOLF: USPGA Sentry Tournament TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until nament of Champions at Florida (until CRICKET: South Africa vs England GOLF: USPGA at Torrey Pines of Champions, Maui (ends) January 12), ATP in Qatar (ends); WTA January 19) at Port Elizabeth, 3rd Test Match (ends) (ends); EPGA Dubai Desert Classic Rallying: Dakar Rally, starts in Brisbane, Shenzhen, Auckland (until TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian (ends); USLPGA at Boca Rio, Florida Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (until January 17) January 12) FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 Open, Melbourne (until February 2) (ends) GOLF: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii RALLYING: Monte Carlo (ends) MONDAY, JANUARY 6 (until January 12) CRICKET: South Africa vs England TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 RUGBY UNION: Men’s and at Port Elizabeth, 3rd Test Match (until Women’s Sevens Series, Hamilton, New CRICKET: Australia vs New SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 January 20); India vs Australia at Rajkot, CYCLING: Tour Down Under (until Zealand (ends) Zealand at Sydney, 3rd Test Match 2nd ODI Jan 26) (until January 7); South Africa vs CRICKET: West Indies vs Ireland at TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian MONDAY, JANUARY 27 England at Cape Town, 2nd Test (until St George’s, 3rd ODI Auckland (until Jan 18); WTA Adelaide, Open, Melbourne (until February 2) January 7) TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia; WTA Hobart (until January 19) BASEBALL: Hall of Fame inductees TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Aus- TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until Brisbane, Shenzhen, Auckland (end) GOLF: EPGA Abu Dhabi Champi- announced tralian Open, Melbourne (until Feb- January 12), ATP in Qatar (until GOLF: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii onship (until January 19); USPGA at La ruary 2) January 11); WTA Brisbane, Shenzhen, (ends); EPGA South African Open (ends) Quinta (until January 19); USLPGA Tour- WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 CRICKET: South Africa vs England Auckland (until January 12) nament of Champions at Florida (until at Johannesburg, 4th Test Match (until MONDAY, JANUARY 13 January 19) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian January 28) TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 Open, Melbourne (until February 2) TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 CYCLING: Tour Down Under (until TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 CRICKET: Australia vs New Auckland (until Jan 18); WTA Adelaide, Jan 26) Zealand at Sydney, 3rd Test Match Hobart (until January 19) CRICKET: South Africa vs England TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian (until January 7); South Africa vs at Port Elizabeth, 3rd Test Match (until THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Open, Melbourne (until February 2) England at Cape Town, 2nd Test (until TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 January 20); West Indies v Ireland at CRICKET: South Africa vs England January 7); India vs Sri Lanka at Indore, Basseterre, 2nd T20I TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian at Johannesburg, 4th Test Match (ends) 2nd Twenty20; West Indies vs Ireland CRICKET: India vs Australia at TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and Open, Melbourne (until February 2) at Bridgetown, 1st One Day Mumbai, 1st ODI Auckland (ends); WTA Adelaide, Hobart CYCLING: Tour Down Under (until WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 International TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and (until January 19) Jan 26) TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until Auckland (until Jan 18); WTA Adelaide, GOLF: EPGA Abu Dhabi Champi- GOLF: USPGA at Torrey Pines (until TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian January 12), ATP in Qatar (until Hobart (until January 19) onship (until January 19); USPGA at La January 26); EPGA Dubai Desert Classic Open, Melbourne (until February 2) January 11); WTA Brisbane, Shenzhen, Quinta (until January 19); USLPGA Tour- (until January 26); USLPGA at Boca Rio, CRICKET: New Zealand vs India at Auckland (until January 12) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 nament of Champions at Florida (until Florida (until January 26) Hamilton, 3rd T20I January 19) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 CRICKET: West Indies vs Ireland at FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 St George’s, 1st T20I SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 ALPINE SKIING: Men’s World Cup TENNIS: ATP at Adelaide and TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian slalom at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy Auckland (until Jan 18); WTA Adelaide, CRICKET: South Africa vs England Open, Melbourne (until February 2) Open, Melbourne (until February 2) TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until Hobart (until January 19) at Port Elizabeth, 3rd Test Match (until CRICKET: South Africa vs England GOLF: USPGA Phoenix Open (until January 12), ATP in Qatar (until February 2); EPGA Saudi International January 11); WTA Brisbane, Shenzhen, (until February 2) Auckland (until January 12) FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 TENNIS: ATP and WTA at Australian CRICKET: West Indies v Ireland at Open, Melbourne (until February 2) Bridgetown, 2nd One Day International CRICKET: New Zealand vs India at (D/N) Wellington, 4th T20I (night) GOLF: USPGA Sony Open in Hawaii GOLF: USPGA Phoenix Open (until (until January 12); EPGA South African February 2); EPGA Saudi International Open (until January 12) (until February 2) TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until China (ends); Women’s World Cup January 12), ATP in Qatar (until slalom at Maribor, Slovenia January 11); WTA Brisbane, Shenzhen, TENNIS: WTA St Petersburg, Hua Auckland (until January 12) Hin (end); ATP Rotterdam, Buenos Aires and New York (end) FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 GOLF: USPGA Genesis Invitational at Riviera (ends); USLPGA Women’s CRICKET: India v Sri Lanka at Pune, (ends) 3rd T20I BASKETBALL: NBA All-Star game, TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until Chicago

Australia’s wicketkeeper Tim Paine (left) celebrates after stumping New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls (right) during the second cricket Test match at the MCG in Melbourne on December 29. Their third Test takes place in Sydney from tomorrow.

Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action in the Dakar Rally in this file picture. This year's Dakar Rally will be held from January 5 to 17. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Four Pakistan cities to host entire PSL T20 tournament

AP — ISLAMABAD matches were organised at trying to win back the confi- hosting of the entire Pakistan Lahore and Karachi - with the dence of foreign countries. Super League is our other The Pakistan Cricket Board has rest in the UAE - while last year The doors of international major achievement,” PCB taken another step in its bid to Karachi hosted eight matches. cricket were shut on Pakistan chairman Ehsan Mani said in a convince foreign teams that it’s A total of 36 foreign players after an attack on the Sri Lanka statement. safe to play in the country. will play this year for six local cricket team’s bus at Lahore in “I never had any doubts it For the first time, all the franchises - Quetta Gladiators, 2009. was Pakistan’s league and matches in Pakistan’s premier Islamabad United, Multan Over the years Pakistan has should be played in front of domestic Twenty20 tour- Sultans, Karachi Kings, Lahore hosted Zimbabwe, West Indies, home crowds.” nament will be held in the Qalandars and Peshawar a World XI and Sri Lanka in Nine matches will be country, across four major Zalmi. limited-overs matches before organised in Karachi, including cities. Those players include successfully organising a two- the opener between Quetta The PCB announced yes- batsman Jason Roy of England, Test series against Sri Lanka at Gladiators and Islamabad terday that Karachi, Lahore, February 20. Lahore has 14 the PSL in 2016 was staged in South African pacer Dale Steyn Rawalpindi and Karachi last United. Rawalpindi, which Rawalpindi and Multan will matches, including the final on the United Arab Emirates and West Indies batsman Lendl month. hosted its first Test match last host the 34 Pakistan Super March 22. before the PCB held the 2017 Simmons. “After bringing Test month since 2004, has eight League (PSL) games, starting The entire first edition of final at Lahore. In 2018, four Pakistan has long been cricket back to Pakistan, games and Multan three.

Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari SA seek to subdue England in second Test at Newlands

REUTERS — CAPE TOWN

A buoyant South Africa will seek to drive home their advantage at a favourite venue as they host an England side facing a big selection question in the second Test of the four-match series starting at Newlands tomorrow. The home team ended a run of five straight defeats with a QCA gears up to host commanding 107-run victory in the first Test in Pretoria as the winds of change through Four-Nation Women’s their camp, on and off the pitch, brought immediate success. Coach Mark Boucher T20 competition appears to have brought some steel back to the squad as they THE PENINSULA — DOHA The QCA will stage subdued an England side bat- the Four-nation tling with illness and which has The Qatar Cricket Association recently struggled to pick up (QCA), under the Presidency of Twenty20 International wins on the road. Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, has Tournament for women South African opener Aiden South African players during been busy with preparations Markram is definitely out with from January 16. the Centurion Test on Sunday. for another international event, a finger injury and that should following the Qatar T10 Inter- The participating teams mean a debut for Pieter Malan, national League. 30, at his home ground in what The QCA will stage the are China, Kuwait, is an iconic Test on the fixture only one of their previous 18 which could mean the intro- them, but England coach Chris Four-nation Twenty20 Inter- Oman and hosts Qatar. list which could see as many as Tests at the venue, picking up duction of a specialist spin Silverwood concedes that their national Tournament for The event will end on 10,000 England fans in 13 wins in that time. option, with Dominic Bess or places will be up for women from January 16. January 22. attendance. The illness that spread Matt Parkinson in contention. discussion. The participating teams are South Africa must also through the tourist’s squad in Left-arm spinner Jack “In Jimmy and Stu we have China, Kuwait, Oman and hosts decide whether to accom- the build-up to, and during, the Leach still has a fitness a wealth of experience and we’d Qatar. The round-robin cum QCA Operations Manager modate a fit-again Temba first Test appears to have eased, question-mark hanging over be really stupid not to take that knock-out event will end on Manzoor Ahmad, while giving Bavuma in the middle-order, providing them with more him, which could mean Bess into consideration every game,” January 22 with the third-place details of the tournament, said, with his replacement Rassie van options. Fit-again middle-order gets a run having not been part Silverwood told reporters after play-off and the final at the “Our new season has been der Dussen scoring a second- batsman Ollie Pope is likely to of the original touring party. the first Test. Asian Town Cricket Stadium, quite busy this time. Recently, innings half-century on debut replace Jonny Bairstow in what The question would then be “But, equally, you want your Industrial Area. we hosted the Qatar T10 in Pretoria. should be the only change in the who to leave out, with one of youngsters to come through and QCA President Yousef Cricket League and now we are England have not won at top seven, but the make-up of the four-prong seam attack of if we’re going to make room for Jeham said in a press release giving finishing touches to the Newlands since 1957, though the bowling attack is far from James Anderson, Stuart Broad, a spinner we’ve got to have a that the QCA is ready for Four-Nation T20 International their last two visits in 2010 and certain. Jofra Archer or Sam Curran to look at which seamers are right another international event Women’s Cricket 2016 ended in draws. The wicket in Cape Town is miss out. for this pitch. after organising the inaugural Tournament. It is a traditional stronghold expected to be less seamer- Anderson and Broad have “If there’s a big decision Qatar T10 International “After the single round- for South Africa, who have lost friendly than the first Test, 1053 Test wickets between we’re not afraid to make it.” League. robin, two top teams will play “Following the successful the final, while the third and staging of the Qatar T10 fourth teams will contest in the Cricket League, the Qatar third-place play-off on January Cricket Association is making 22. At the moment, we are Smoke could affect play during third Test elaborate arrangements for reviewing all the arrangements the Four-Nation Women’s T20 from receiving the teams to AP — SYDNEY been destroyed and about during a recent abandoned suffering” and that he would International Tournament, transportation, accommo- 2,500 firefighters, many of Twenty200 Big Bash League leave it up to others to monitmonitoror which will be played at the dation, ground and sending With more than 100 wildfires them volunteers, are battling match in Canberra.Canberra. air qualityquality and whether it was Asian Town Stadium from them off. burning in New South Wales the blazes. Thatat fit to play. January 16 to 22. “Qatar is known for its hos- state there is a strong chance New Zealand offspin decision inin “The“The reality is this is a “China, Kuwait, Oman and pitality and top-class event the smoke could affect play bowler Will Somerville, who Sydney wouldould game of cricket,” Langer hosts Qatar will be contesting management. On the same during the third Test between has lived in Sydney for most rest withh said. “Our hearts go out... in the event for the top honours. lines, we will host this event as Australia and New Zealand of his life, said any concern match ItIt will be thethe firstfirst timetime We are grateful to the Interna- well,” Ahmad added. beginning tomorrow at the over smoke issues were incon- refereee I’ll ever say this in my tional Cricket Council for giving The QCA has appointed Sydney Cricket Ground. sequential to those suffering Richie RiRich-ch- life, I hopehope it rains a bitbit recognition and support to this Shivani Mishra, who is also an Air quality has been a from the fires. ardson andnd the during the Test event. international umpire, as the regular concern for Sydney “It’s bloody horrible, umpires asas they because Sydney “Our aim is to give oppor- Team Manager. residents in recent weeks and shocking, and it’s been going closely monitoronitor air needsneeds iit.”t.” tunity to the Qatari women Shivani Mishra informed in the smoke is expected to be at on for so long,” Somerville quality and cricketers to play against other the press release that the Qatar its worst on Saturday. said. visibility. countries and help the QCA national team is extremely Bushfires, as they are “I don’t know what more Australiat r a lia develop the sport in the country excited about featuring in the called in Australia, have to say. There’s talk about coach Justin and the region,” he added. international event. affected most states but they smoke delaying this game but Langer (pictured)ctured) “We are quite optimistic “The Qatari players are have killed 15 people this fire who cares, it doesn’t mean expressed similar that the local fans will turn up feeling excited and motivated season, including four in the anything compared with what sentimentsnts as in large numbers to support the about the upcoming Four- past 24 hours. Two people people are going through.” Somerville,v ille, event and encourage all the Nation T20 Tournament. We remain missing, more than It’s possible that play could noting “a lotot ooff participating teams,” Al- have picked about 40 players 1,000 houses or buildings have be stopped, as was the case people arere Kuwari said. for the preparatory camp." No question over Paine’s captaincy, says Langer Sri Lanka's Mathews gets

Tim Paine REUTERSREUTE — SYDNEY T20 call-up for India tour Newlands ball-tampering ahead of the third Test against TimTim Paine will be scandal. Selected for his New Zealand yesterday. “Truth AFP — COLOMBO SRI LANKA SQUAD AAustralia’sustr captain for demeanour as much as for his is there’s been conjecture from tthehe fforeseeable future batting and wicketkeeping skills, outside but there’s never been Sri Lanka recalled former Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathila- aandnd theret is no reason Paine was at the helm when Aus- one millisecond of conjecture skipper Angelo Mathews to the ka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun whywhy hehe would not lead the tralia lost a first home series to within our team,” he told T20 squad yesterday after a Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, teamteam ini next year’s inau- India, but has since overseen the reporters at the Sydney Cricket 16-month absence from the Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka guralgural World Test Cham- retention of the Ashes in England Ground. shortest form of the game for Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu

pionshippion final if they and two series triumphs. “He’s almost our most the upcoming India tour. Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lak- qualify,qua coach Justin With Smith’s further one- important player because he’s a The cricket board said shan Sandakan and Kasun Rajitha. LangerLan said yesterday. year ban from holding a lead- very good leader, his captaincy’s Mathews, 32, will be in the Paine was seen by ership position within the team been excellent, he’s the best squad led by pacer Lasith manyma as a place- expiring early in the New Year, wicketkeeper in the world, he’s Malinga to play three matches T20 international against South holderhol when he however, some in the Australian as fit as anyone in the group. in India. Africa in August 2018 when he becamebecam Australia’s 46th media have questioned whether “If he believed he could bat The squad will leave Sri led Sri Lanka to a three-wicket Test cacaptainpta in 2018 after the the right man was in the job. as well as we think he can, then Lanka today, the board said in victory but failed to impress at 45th,45th, SteveSteve Smith, was banned Langer gave the idea of a we’ll see results like we did in a statement. the crease, scoring a duck after for 12 months month for his part in the leadership change short shrift the last test match.” Mathews played his last facing three balls. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2020 Brighton spoil Chelsea’s New Year party

AFP — LONDON the match and deservedly took the break as his powerful effort the lead through Azpilicueta, found the top corner. Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s spec- who finished from close range Chris Wood pulled a goal tacular overhead kick earned after the ball fell to him. back for Burnley with 10 Brighton a share of the points It was frustrating for But Brighton enjoyed a spell minutes to go but Villa held on against Chelsea and dampened different reasons. of possession towards the end to secure all three points. Frank Lampard’s New Year In the first half, the of the first half and Leandro “It was massive. We’ve only celebrations yesterday as Aston Trossard tested Kepa with a had one away win all season Villa secured a vital win against game was there to powerful strike that the Chelsea before this,” Grealish told the Burnley. be won. We weren’t goalkeeper parried. BBC. Chelsea’s 1-1 draw on Eng- Lampard’s team were “To come here, one of the land’s south coast gave them a ruthless enough. We quickly into their stride after the hardest places in the league, it five-point lead over fifth-placed got the goal and we break but Pulisic failed to make was well-deserved and Manchester United in the race had the possession. the most of his chances and was well-needed.” to secure Champions League replaced by Callum Hudson- Speaking about his goal that football for next season. But we just didn’t Odoi in the 66th minute. was ruled out, he said: “I knew Cesar Azpilicueta gave the kill the game off: Brighton kept battling and it was going to be disallowed, visitors an early lead, tapping Kepa was forced to produce an when you see some of the deci- in from close range following a Frank Lampard outstanding save from Aaron sions over the past two weeks. corner in the 10th minute but Connolly in the 80th minute as When you score, you have the Brighton were never out of it was concerned about the lack the home side pushed for an feeling it will be disallowed. and pulled level in the 84th of consistency from his side, equaliser. When it was I really wanted to minute courtesy of Jahanba- who have beaten Tottenham Their persistence paid off score again and thankfully I khsh’s moment of magic. and Arsenal in recent weeks but minutes later. Lewis Dunk kept did.” Second-placed Leicester “It was frustrating for dif- also lost at home to the ball alive from a corner and take on Newcastle later on ferent reasons,” Lampard told Southampton. Iranian midfielder Jahanbakhsh Wednesday, with Tottenham BT Sport. The away side dominated acrobatically found the bottom- and Wolves, also chasing “In the first half, the game the opening hour of the match left corner to give his team Champions League football next was there to be won. We but were clinging on at the end share of the points. season, also in action. weren’t ruthless enough. We got with the impressive Kepa In the other early kick-off, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester the goal and we had the pos- Arrizabalaga denying Neal Villa beat Burnley 2-1 despite City are hosting Carlo Ance- session. But we just didn’t kill Maupay in the closing minutes. seeing Jack Grealish’s opening lotti’s Everton in one of the the game off. Christian Pulisic will rue goal controversially chalked off early evening matches before “We allowed them to stay three wasted openings that ulti- by VAR. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man- in the game. In the end it was a mately prevented Chelsea from Wesley put Villa ahead in chester United kick off against Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma (left) in action with Brighton & Hove Albion’s wonder goal but we were lucky cementing their dominance. the 27th minute and captain Arsenal in the late match. Neal Maupay during their English Premier League match at the not to lose the game.” Lampard’s team were Grealish doubled his side’s Runaway leaders Liverpool American Express Community Stadium, in Brighton, yesterday. The Chelsea boss said he quickly on top from the start of advantage four minutes before face Sheffield United today. Guardiola adamant City are England’s Perez haunts ‘team of the decade’ despite slump Newcastle as

MANCHESTER Leicester cruise AFP —

Pep Guardiola has insisted AFP — NEWCASTLE Manchester City are English foot- ball’s team of the decade, despite Leicester kept alive their faint hopes of catching his side heading into 2020 some 14 Premier League leaders Liverpool as Ayoze Perez points behind runaway Premier returned to haunt Newcastle in yesterday’s 3-0 win League leaders Liverpool. at St James’ Park. Statistics appear to prove him Spanish forward Perez put Leicester ahead nine right given City have won 13 minutes before the break with his fifth goal since domestic trophies since 2010, with swapping Newcastle for the King Power Stadium in only Chelsea (nine) within touching the close-season. distance of that mark. James Maddison doubled Leicester’s shortly City have clearly benefitted afterwards and Hamza Choudhury bagged the late from the financial clout they have third as Brendan Rodgers’ side made a flying start enjoyed since being taken over by to 2020. Abu Dhabi ownership in August I think this in the Leicester’s seventh away league win this season 2008. last decade was the maintained their mastery of Newcastle, who lost City manager Guardiola best team in terms 5-0 to the Foxes earlier this season after also losing reached the peak of his powers their League Cup second round clash. when he oversaw an unprece- of points, in terms Second-placed Leicester are now 10 points dented treble in the 2018/19 season behind Liverpool, who face Sheffield United at of goals, in terms Manchester City manager Pep that saw the club win all three Anfield today. Guardiola gestures during the English major English trophies -- Premier of everything, titles Newcastle suffered a third successive league Premier League match against Everton League, FA Cup and League Cup -- even. So congratulate defeat for the first time since October 2018 and boss at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, in the one campaign as well as the Manchester City for Steve Bruce and his players were loudly booed by Community Shield. north west England, yesterday. the frustrated locals. Even though their league form that: Guardiola Jamie Vardy was absent again after Leices- has been a disappointment in the ter’s 17-goal leading scorer missed the win at first half of the current season, West Ham following the birth of his baby Guardiola is in no doubt City are we did it incredibly well. “People player in the English game in the competed for the title had injuries daughter. “the” team of the decade in say ‘how was 2019?’ Now people decade ahead. and, he hinted, VAR not sidelined But Ben Chilwell, Caglar Soyuncu, Ricardo England. are saying it is a disaster. We won “The big clubs here in England their bid. Pereira, Youri Tielemans, Maddison and Wilfred “I think this in the last decade four titles in 2019, so it was an are always looking forward, we are “Work harder, play better, and Ndidi all returned after being rested at West Ham. was the best team in terms of incredible year for us, we enjoyed going to try and analyse not just in pray,” said Guardiola when asked Leicester’s reinforced line-up were quickly on points, in terms of goals, in terms it a lot. “In some games in this last terms of the squad but as a club how City can close the gap to the front foot and Jonny Evans forced a good save of everything, titles even. So con- part of the year we have struggled how we can do better,” he added. Liverpool. from Martin Dubravka with a towering header in gratulate Manchester City for that,” a bit but it was an incredible year “Hopefully in the next decade “Liverpool have been the opening moments. he said. for us. Congratulations for all the this club can be here for more incredible, European champions Dubravka had to get down well again to parry “When we analyse every single people working here. time.” In the short term, Guardiola and they have dropped just two a low drive from Tielemens. day here, what happened day-by- “They were fighting with huge has long since conceded the race points (so far this season), we have Despite Leicester’s early pressure, Newcastle day gives us perspective in what elephants here in England, big, big for this season’s Premier League to congratulate them. should have taken the lead when Joelinton ran happened in the last 10 seasons, clubs with the biggest history. For title to Liverpool and admitted they “But there are things we cannot onto Jonjo Shelvey’s defence-splitting pass. especially when people from Abu the past decade we were part of had to “pray” if they were to win a control, we cannot control what a Joelinton’s initial shot was saved by Kasper Sch- Dhabi took over the club and them. That is amazing.” third successive domestic fantastic team like Liverpool have meichel and from the rebound the out-of-form bought good players, interesting Despite their current ‘troubles’, championship. done so far and there are other striker somehow managed to head completely off managers.” City could still win any, or all, of the But the Catalan manager, who issues you cannot control. When target with the goal at his mercy. The former Barcelona and three cup competitions in which again ruled out being active in the everyone is fit we can do it. But Leicester were dominating so confidently Bayern Munich manager, who they are involved and Guardiola January transfer window, believes “You (the media) know what that they held 77 percent of the possession before joined City in 2016, added: “I think expects the club to remain a major his current squad could still have they are. You know that.” taking the lead in the 36th minute. Spurs lose at Southampton as Kane limps off injured

AFP — SOUTHAMPTON Christian Eriksen’s free-kick, that Ings proved too sharp and but was flagged offside before skillful for a defence that Tottenham’s push for a top four hobbling down the tunnel. Mourinho has been unable to finish in the Premier League Ings’s goals have shot tighten up since taking charge suffered another setback Southampton out of the bottom six weeks ago. Jack Stephens’s yesterday as Danny Ings’s three in recent weeks and Spurs long ball over the top caught the winner handed Southampton were unable to cope with the Tottenham back line square a well-deserved 1-0 win at St threat the former Liverpool and Ings coolly flicked the ball Mary’s, while England striker striker early on. over the head of Alderweireld Harry Kane limped off with a Inside the first five minutes before slotting his 15th goal of hamstring injury. Ings saw a shot blocked inside the season past the helpless Ings produced the one real the area before right-back Cedric Paulo Gazzaniga. moment of quality in the game Soares headed wastefully wide Southampton could have by lifting the ball over Toby from Ryan Bertrand’s teasing been further ahead by the break Alderweireld before firing cross. Tottenham also had their as only a last-ditch block from home his ninth goal in as many chances at the other end in an Alderweireld prevented Nathan Premier League starts to lift the open start as Alex McCarthy Redmond turning in Stuart Saints up to 12th, six points clear turned Kane’s deflected effort Armstrong’s dangerous cross. of the relegation zone. behind and Dele Alli saw half- The Belgian defender was There was little response hearted claims for a penalty lucky to escape without con- from Jose Mourinho’s men as waived away. ceding a penalty early in the they slipped six points behind Spurs have now gone a cal- second period as his arms were Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli (left) checks on team-mate Harry Kane after he fourth-placed Chelsea, apart endar year without a clean raised when he blocked Red- appears to have picked up an injury during the English Premier League match against from the moment when Kane sheet away from home in the mond’s cross inside the penalty Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England, yesterday. injured himself as he converted league and it was no surprise area. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11 QSL: Al Sadd wary of Al Wakrah threat

CHINTHANA WASALA Al Sadd's coach Xavi THE PENINSULA Hernandez speaking during a press Title-holders Al Sadd will be conference yesterday. extra cautious when they take I am working as hard as possible on hosts Al Wakrah as the 12th for the team but I’m not satisfied round of the QNB Stars League with my performances until now. (QSL) kicks off today. TODAY We want to win all the remaining The match kicks off at Al Wakrah vs Al Sadd games and I will work on 4.10pm. Al Wakrah Stadium @16:10 performing better so that we can The Xavi Hernandez-led Al Ahli vs Al Arabi Wolves beat the same opponent Al Ahli Stadium @18:20 reach the level expected by our 4-1 in their first leg encounter in fans: Al Sadd's Nam Tae-hee the opening round of this sea- TOMORROW son's QSL. Al Shahania vs Al Gharafa Al Sadd's Spanish head Al Arabi Stadium @16:10 leg. We want to get a good result Al Sadd are currently occupy coach yesterday said that they Umm Salal vs Al Rayyan against our opponents, who are the fourth position with 18 have a 'difficult game' against Al Al Gharafa Stadium @18:20 a great team. We’re looking to points, playing two matches less Wakrah but his men are fully beat Al Sadd," a confident Lopez than the rest of the top-four prepared to face the challenge. SATURDAY said during a press conference occupants. Speaking at a press con- Al Khor vs Al Sailiya yesterday. Their matches against Al ference on the eve of the match, Al Khor Stadium @16:10 “We lost important points Arabi (from Week 5) and Al Khor Al Duhail vs Qatar SC Xavi said: “We will have a dif- against Al Arabi, Umm Salal and (from Week 7) were deferred Al Gharafa Stadium @18:20 ficult game against Al Wakrah. Al Rayyan. Our team had to be due to their AFC Champions We know we will face a very a little lucky. Had we not League engagements. strong team. They have an dropped those points, our Al Sadd will play Al Arabi on excellent coach who knows his win over Al Gharafa in our best qualification tournament for I will work on choosing the best position in the table would have January 6 and Al Khor on 21. players very well, but we are game of the season. But our per- next summer’s Tokyo Olympics. suitable line-up,” Xavi said. been different. But this is Xavi's men have recorded six fully prepared to get the win.” formance on the pitch is what Xavi also said that all his Meanwhile, Al Wakrah football. wins and lost three. They have He added: “I do not know will help us get a positive result.” players are ready for action. coach Marquez Lopez said his Al Wakrah are ninth in the a goal difference of +9 (26 goals whether (Cristian) Ceballos will Both teams will have some “All the players are ready for team has improved a lot since standings with 12 points fol- for and 17 against). return to play with Al-Wakrah absentees who are doing duty tomorrow’s game. Only the three they last met the reigning QSL lowing three wins, as many Later this evening, Al Ahli or not, but the rest of the players for Qatar in the AFC Under-23 Olympic team players are champions. draws and five defeats. The Blue face Al Arabi in the second are of the highest calibre. On Championship, to be held in missing. Training has gone well “Our team has undoubtedly Wave have scored 16 goals 20 fixture of the day at the Al Ahli paper, we are the favourites. We Thailand from 8th to 26th and everyone is in working hard improved from the time we goals have been scored against Stadium. The match kicks off at are coming on the back of a big January, 2020. It is also the to get a spot in the starting eleven. played against Al Sadd in the first them so far. 6.20pm. New tennis era kicks off with ATP Cup AFP — SYDNEY ATP CUP GROUPS GROUP A (BRISBANE) - Serbia, France, South Africa, Chile Tennis’ innovative new team GROUP B (PERTH) - Spain, Japan, Georgia, Uruguay championship kicks off the GROUP C (SYDNEY) - Bulgaria, Belgium, Great Britain, Moldova men’s 2020 season tomorrow, GROUP D (PERTH) - Russia, Italy, USA, Norway with Rafael Nadal and Novak GROUP E (SYDNEY) - Austria, Croatia, Argentina, Poland Djokovic among those looking GROUP F (BRISBANE) - Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia for a winning start ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. The ATP Cup will see 24 “This is going to bring “We have got medical nations split into six groups together a lot of nations and, for experts on site during the tour- across three Australian cities, me personally, it will be a very nament who will be advising in with eight teams emerging from nice and proud moment to rep- relation to conditions and the round-robin to compete in resent my country. An event like ensuring that it is safe for a knockout phase until one this is truly going to make an players to play and also safe for country is left standing. impact.” our fans and our ball boys and Spain's Rafael It is the sport’s newest tour- Sydney hosts the finals, staff,” he told reporters. Nadal (right) walks nament and the third men’s along with group games, which The championship, from on the Rottnest team event competing for the are also held in Brisbane and January 3-12, will feature two Island beach with hearts and minds -- and dollars Perth with US$15m in prize ties each day in the three cities his team-mates -- of fans, along with a revamped money and up to 750 singles and during the round robin, com- (from left) Roberto and the annual Laver 250 doubles ATP rankings points prising two singles matches Bautista Agut, Cup, which pits Europe against at stake. then a doubles. Pablo Carreno the rest of the world. Australian star Belgium kick off the Sydney Busta and captain But it has already suffered agrees with Djokovic, believing action against Moldova before Francico Roig setbacks, with major drawcard it will be “an awesome event”. Britain face Bulgaria. yesterday, ahead opting to give it “I know everyone on the Kyrgios spearheads local of the ATP Cup a miss and Andy Murray and Kei Tour wants to be with their hopes for Australia in Brisbane tennis tournament Nishikori pulling out injured. teammates. There’s nothing against the Alexander Zverev- later in the week. Despite this, world number better than playing for your led Germany while Greece take two Djokovic said the move country against the other best on Canada in the same city. towards more team tennis was players in the world,” he said. First up in Perth will be the players from each country face Becker (Germany), Marat Safin everyone under one umbrella. good for a sport best known for While Federer, Nishikori and United States against Norway each other first, then the top- (Russia), Tim Henman (Britain), “The ATP Cup fits perfectly the individuality of its global Murray are missing, most of the followed by Russia and Italy. ranked men ahead of a poten- Lleyton Hewitt (Australia), and with our strategy to innovate superstars. world’s top 30 are playing. Djokovic makes his tour- tially decisive doubles. Thomas Muster (Austria). and look towards the future,” “More than 90 percent of the With bushfires raging nament debut in Brisbane for A country winning two of Previously the men’s season he said. time, we’re playing as indi- around Sydney and elsewhere Serbia on day two, as does three matches will claim the tie. kicked off with players spread “The first week of the viduals and we don’t have too in the country, tournament Spanish world number one As well as the players, some across various smaller-scale season is when the players want many team events,” said the director Tom Larner said offi- Nadal in Perth. big-namebig-name fformerormer starstarss aree tournaments, and outgoing ATP to play and that’s why the tour- Serbian great, who also heads cials were ready in the event of Under the format,mat, the captaining their coun-coun- chairman Chris Kermode said nament has their strong the ATP player council. air quality problems. second-ranked ssinglesingles tries, including BorisBoriss it made far more sense to have support.” Venus pulls out of It would be great just to have one event that is a world championship. A month ago we Brisbane event played the world championship and now it feels like we are playing another one. AFP — BRISBANE Venus Williams (pictured) pulled out of the season-opening Brisbane International yesterday after a “setback” during practice. The American veteran said she still hoped to play at the Adelaide International later this month ahead of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. “Unfortunately I will not be starting my season in Brisbane due to an unexpectedunexpected setbacksetback duringduring mymy training,” the 39-year-old seven- Canada’s Shapovalov calls for time majoror winner said in a statement.t. “I lookok fforwardorward to being in AAustraliaustralia in the merger of ATP Cup and Davis Cup new yearr and will see everyone in Adelaide.” REUTERS — SYDNEY over 10 days from Friday for the reporters in Brisbane yesterday. Djokovic, the president of the The tournament,ournament, feafea-- first time, is similar in nature “A month ago we played the ATP’s Player Council, have in turing a strong field Canadian Denis Shapovalov and the big question remains if world championship and now the past said the two event includingng worldworld called on the organisers of the the two can co-exist in the it feels like we are playing cannot co-exist and a solution number one AshAsh-- Davis Cup Finals and the ATP future. another one. must be found. leigh Bartyarty and Cup to work together to create The 20-year-old Shapo- “It would be great if they The ATP Cup will have total Australiann OOpenpen one world championship, valov played brilliantly to lead could organise and make one prize money of $15m. The new championn Naomi saying it felt “weird” to play two Canada to it first Davis Cup big event, make it a unique and Davis Cup Finals offered around Osaka, getsgets similar events back to back. final where they eventually special tournament. Hopefully $18 million to teams and underwayay oonn The inaugural edition of the went down to Rafa Nadal’s they can come to terms another $9m to federations. January 6.. revamped Davis Cup, the Inter- Spain. together and make something “I think the timing is inter- Organisersnisers national Tennis Federation’s The world number 15 will happen.” esting. I think it is a little bit will announceunce flagship event, was held in again take up the mantle from The new Davis Cup format strange to have it at a similar a replacementment November in Madrid’s La Caja Friday for Canada, who have was voted in by the ITF in 2018 time as Davis Cup,” Shapovalov for Williamsams Magica with 18 nations playing been clubbed with Germany, and bankrolled by a $3bn said. on Thursday.ay. a week-long soccer World Cup- Greece and hosts Australia in 25-year partnership with “It is a weird feeling playing style showpiece. Group F of the ATP Cup. Kosmos, the Barcelona-based a world championships then The rival ATP cup, which “It would be great just to investment company owned by coming into another event that will see 24 nations contesting have one event that is a world soccer player Gerard Pique. is pretty much the same thing. across three cities in Australia championship,” he told Both Pique and Novak We will see how it pans out.” SPORT SPORT | 10 SPORT | 11 Guardiola QSL: Al Sadd adamant City are wary of England's 'team Al Wakrah threat of the decade' in Round 12

THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2020 Three-time Grand Slam champion leads star cast at Qatar ExxonMobil Open Wawrinka ‘can’t wait’ to start season in Doha RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 'can't wait' for the start of the new tennis season in Doha where the Qatar ExxonMobil Open kicks off on Monday. The Swiss star - with Australian Open, and the US Open titles under his belt - tweeted before arriving in Doha: "Going to miss my off to Doha today to kick off the new year & new season! Can’t wait to get back on court ." Winner of the doubles gold with Roger Federer at the 2008 Olympic Games, Wawrinka yesterday posted a photo of himself carrying out physical exercises at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Stan Wawrinka during a fitness training session in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: TWITTER / @STANWAWRINKA Wawrinka tweeted: "Starting 2020 with a workout! Let’s make this year I would like to thank the right way." ExxonMobil for their Wawrinka, 34, will be joined by support for so many popular Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, also 34, and 2018 Qatar Open years. They have been finalist Russia's Andrey Rublev at the with Qatar Tennis Fed- 32-man tournament that rings in the eration for so long and new season every year. "Then we are waiting for Tsonga Canada's Milos Raonic, another and Fernando Verdasco who will be this year also they are main draw player in Doha, also arrived joined by Andrey Rublev who has starting the 2020 yesterday. played a final here. So a lot of top-10 season with us. We are According to Tournament Director players along with a Grand Slam ready to start the event Karim Alami, Wawrinka and Tsonga winner, so we are happy with the field will have to negotiate a tough field in here," he added. on January 6. We have Doha. "Obviously the dates (of the tour- big names like Stan "We are pretty happy with the field nament) have changed this year. We Wawrinka and we have got," Alami said in an are starting one week later than usual. interview with The Peninsula. We will experience the new dates. We Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. 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Wawrinka, 34, will be joined by popular Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, also 34, and 2018 Qatar Open finalist Russia's Andrey Rublev at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open which kicks off on Monday. RIGHT: Canadian Milos Raonic is welcomed by a young fan We have Stan Wawrinka upon his arrival in Doha yesterday. playing here along with Milos Raonic. Then we QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN are waiting for Tsonga MAIN DRAW and Fernando Verdasco Pablo Andujar (ESP) Jordan Thompson (AUS) who will be joined by Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) Andrey Rublev who has Aljaz Bedene (SLO) Frances Tiafoe (USA) played a final here. So a Adrian Mannarino(FRA) Richard Gasquet (FRA) Ricardas Berankis (LTU) lot of top-10 players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) Milos Raonic (CAN) along with a Grand Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) Alexander Bublik (KAZ) Slam winner, so we are Fernando Verdasco (ESP) Andrey Rublev (RUS) happy with the field Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) Jeremy Chardy (FRA) here: Tournament Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) Stan Wawrinka (SUI) Director Karim Alami Laslo Djere (SRB) Filip Krajinovic (SRB)