Messi gets a win for Barcelona on coach Setien’s debut PaGe 14 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 al sadd meet al Khor today Resurgent Wolves must keep winning, QNB STARS LEAGUE says their coach Xavi Hernandez PaGe 14 AL SADD VS AL KHOR (7pm)

Qatar prevail over south Korea in 2020 asian men’s handball Championship winning starts for defending champs Osaka, djokovic DPA MeLBoURne

AUSTRALIAN Open title holders Naomi Osaka and No- vak Djokovic cleared their first hurdles as they kicked off their title defence campaigns with wins under the roof of Rod La- ver Arena on a rainy Monday. Osaka opened proceed- ings on Melbourne Park’s big- gest stage with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova, while Djokovic dropped a set on his way past Jan-Lennard Struff, finishing 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the day’s final match for his 900th career singles victory. Top women’s seed Ash Barty also dropped a set in her 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 defeat of Le- sia Tsurenko, while former champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams both stayed perfect on day one, with the Swiss handing Steve Johnson an humbling 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 and the American beating Anasta- sia Potapova 6-0, 6-3. Osaka, playing under a then cloudy sky, showed some nerves against the Czech, com- mitting a barrage of unforced errors - 28 in total - but keep- ing in control of the match, which she closed out in one hour and 20 minutes. “Definitely, it was really Serbia’s Novak Djokovic cele- tough for me trying to control brates his win against Germany’s my nerves,” Osaka said in her Japan’s Naomi osaka serves against Czech republic’s Marie Bouzkova Jan-lennard Struff in the men’s on court interview. “I’m really during their women’s singles match on the opening day of the Australian singles first round at the rod glad I was able to finish it in open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Monday. (aFP) laver Arena on Monday. (aFP) two sets.” Second seed Djokovic ner in the works of the Open had a less than ideal start with a host of matches on out- against Struff: he failed to cap- side courts interrupted, can- italize on a break in the first celled or moved because of it. set, needing the tie-break to The match between Feder- get the edge over the German er and Johnson was inter- 29-year-old in 50 minutes. rupted early on to allow the After a smooth second Rod Laver Arena’s roof to be set, the seven-time Austral- closed, as was 2018 champion ian Open champion then Caroline Wozniacki’s bout dropped the third set with a against American Kristie Ahn double fault. at Melbourne arena. The seven-time Austral- Wozniacki, playing in her ian Open champion found his last tournament before retir- stroke again in the fourth set, ing, went on to win 6-1, 6-3 quickly closing the match in 2 “It was disappointing to The teenager showed resil- once play resumed under the hours and 16 minutes. not start as well as I would ience in the second set, break- roof, while Federer went on to “I thought I started off well have liked. All in all, I think ing Williams early on, but was dismiss Johnson in just over ... he came back and it was a it was really nice to be able overpowered by the American, an hour. close tie breaker. In the sec- to tighten the screws, run who hit a total nine aces and Greek six seed Stefanos ond set I played really well, away with it in the second and 24 winners. Tsitsipas, a 2019 semi-finalist, high percentage of first serves third,” Barty told journalists “I felt like I started out beat Italian Salvatore Caruso, in, then he turned it around ... after the win. very well, played really strong 6-0, 6-2, 6-3; and Italian eight credit to him,” Djokovic said Earlier in the day, seven- in the first set, just building seed Matteo Berretini also ad- after the win. time Australian Open champi- on that,” Williams said after vanced in straight sets, 6-3, World number one Barty on Williams made quick busi- the match. 6-1, 6-3 over Australian wild- had an even less ideal start as ness of 18-year-old Russian “I feel like I can still im- card Andrew Harris. she dropped her opening set Potapova, defeating her in less prove throughout this tourna- In the women’s draw, against Tsurenko after con- than one hour. ment for sure and this a good 24th seed and 2017 US Open ceding a break on 5-5. The 38-year-old American, stepping stone right now.” champion Sloane Stephens The 2019 French Open who is chasing a record-tying Amid worries during the qual- was serving for the match Qatar defeated South Korea 34-27 in the first of their Group 2 main round matches of the Asian Men’s champion turned gears in the 24th Grand Slam title, steam- ifying rounds that smoke from before dropping seven con- Handball Championship at the Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Sports Hall Complex in Kuwait City. Qatar led second and third sets, only rolled 18-year-old Russian the bush fires still devastating secutive games and finally 18-13 at half time. Group 2 consists of hosts Kuwait and Iran besides Qatar and South Korea. The top two allowing the Ukrainian two in the first set, grabbing the Australia may affect the slam, losing 6-2, 5-7, 2-6 to Chi- teams from the group will qualify for the semi-finals. Qatar meet Iran in their next clash on Tuesday. more games in total. opener in just 19 minutes. rain turned out to be the span- na’s Shuai Zhang.

Open Results (Day 1); Schedule Day 2

men’s singles (1sT round) Women’s singles (1sT round) Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) bt Lesya Tsurenko (UKR) 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 not before 11am doha Time Court 11: Y. Sugita versus E. Benchetrit (Q) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Matteo Berrettini (ITA x8) bt Andrew Harris (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 Zhu Lin (CHN) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/5) Coco Gauff (USA) bt Venus Williams (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 N. Kyrgios (23) versus L. Sonego (Men’s Singles 1st Round) H. Dart (Q) versus M. Doi (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Ricardas Berankis (LIT) bt Roberto Carballes (ESP) 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 Julia Georges (GER) bt Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) 6-1, 6-2 Caty McNally (USA) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS) 6-1, 6-4 1573 Arena: G. Monfils (10) versus Y. Lu (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Court 12: F. Delbonis versus J. Sousa (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Sam Querrey (USA) bt Borna Coric (CRO x25) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 Petra Martic (CRO x13) bt Christina McHale (USA) 6-3, 6-0 Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Sloane Stephens (USA x24) 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. C. Suárez Navarro versus A. Sabalenka (11) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) T. Townsend versus J. Pegula (Women’s Singles 1st Round). Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS x25) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 Court 3: D. Goffin (11) versus J. Chardy (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Guido Pella (ARG x22) bt John-Patrick Smith (AUS) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Court 13: K. Flipkens versus K. Muchova (20) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) bt Kaia Kanepi (EST) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-3 daY 2 sChedule (laTe aFTernoon & nighT session) E. Mertens (16) versus D. Kovinic (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Gregoire Barrere (FRA) bt Mohamed Safwat (EGY) 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) T. Fritz (29) versus T. Griekspoor (Q) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Paula Badosa (ESP) bt Johanna Larsson (SWE) 6-1, 6-0 From 11am doha Time Court 5: C. Eubanks (Q) versus P. Gojowczyk (Q) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) C. Ruud versus E. Gerasimov (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Denis Shapovalov (CAN x13) 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) bt Katerina Siniakova (CZE) 6-1, 6-0 Rod Laver Arena A. Tabilo (Q) versus D. Galan (Q) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Court 14: J. Paolini versus A. Blinkova (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x18) bt Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, 6-4 Naomi Osaka (JPN x3) bt Marie Bouzkova (CZE) 6-2, 6-4 Court 7: M. Vondrousova (15) versus S. Kuznetsova (Women’s Singles 1st Round) D. Medvedev (4) versus F. Tiafoe (Men’s Singles 1st Round) D. Koepfer versus P. Martinez (Q) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Daniel Evans (GBR x30) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 3-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 Zheng Saisai (CHN) bt Anna Kalinskaya (RUS) 6-3, 6-2 S. Sorribes Tormo versus V. Kudermetova (Women’s Singles 1st Round) E. Cocciaretto (Q) versus A. Kerber (17) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Court 15: P. Herbert versus C. Norrie (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) bt Barbora Strycova (CZE x32) 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) K. Kozlova versus P. Hon (WC) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Margaret Court Arena P. Cuevas versus G. Simon (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 Ann Li (USA) bt Lizette Cabrera (AUS) 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (12/10) Court 8: J. Isner (19) versus T. Monteiro (Men’s Singles 1st Round) J. Brady versus S. Halep (4) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Court 19: C. O’Connell (WC) versus A. Rublev (17) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) bt Salvatore Caruso (ITA) 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 Sofia Kenin (USA x14) bt Martina Trevisan (ITA) 6-2, 6-4 A. Sharma (WC) versus A. Kontaveit (28) (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt Kristie Ahn (USA) 6-1, 6-3 M. Cecchinato versus A. Zverev (7) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) A. Pavlyuchenkova (30) versus N. Stojanovic (Women’s Singles 1st Round) I. Swiatek versus T. Babos (Women’s Singles 1st Round) Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 Tamara Zidansek (SLO) bt Han Na-lae (KOR) 6-3, 6-3 not before 8am doha Time Court 10: H. Gaston (WC) versus J. Munar (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Court 22: I. Karlovic versus V. Pospisil (Men’s Singles 1st Round) Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 Serena Williams (USA x8) bt Anastasia Potapova (RUS) 6-0, 6-3 Melbourne Arena: A. Popyrin versus J. Tsonga (28) (Men’s Singles 1st Round) K. Pliskova versus H. Watson (Women’s Singles 1st Round) I. Ivashka (Q) versus K. Anderson (Men’s Singles 1st Round). sports Tuesday, January 21, 2020 13 ‘Diamond in the Desert’ dazzles in Doha Generation Amazing partners with CORE for programme in Haiti SC.QA

ENERATION Amaz- ing has announced a Gpartnership with char- ity CORE to bring its football for development programme to children in Haiti, extending its reach beyond Asia and the Middle East to the Americas. The programme will ben- efit 375 boys and girls from three Port-au-Prince schools within the CORE network in- cluding the Institution Mixte de l’Espoir, Ecole Primaire Beth- The Education City Stadium – known as the ‘Diamond in the Desert – is all aglow. The newly-built 40,000 lehem and School of Hope, lo- capacity stadium will host matches through to the quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The cated in the area of Delmas. stadium has become the first Qatar 2022 tournament venue to receive a five-star rating from the The announcement was Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). made at CORE’s annual gala fundraiser in Los Angeles, California. The gala was at- tended by CORE founder Qatar’s Ambassador to the US, HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al Thani and Generation Amazing Programmes and actor Sean Penn, who Director Nasser al Khori with others during CorE’s annual gala fundraiser in los Angeles, US. started the charity following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to develop relief efforts and a Gauff stuns network of support for devas- Venus again tated communities.

AFP the next fortnight in Mel- WTA title in October in Linz, Noble cause MeLBoURne bourne, Gauff replied: “If I go Austria. into a tournament thinking I’ll Venus, a former number Generation Amazing’s FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Ameri- lose, then I’m going to lose... one but now 55 in the world, is partnership with charity CORE can Coco Gauff said she’s on “a “I believe I can beat any- tipping Gauff for the top. (to bring its football for mission to be the greatest” on one, but I think that’s almost Gauff spent some of the development programme to Monday after stunning veteran every player’s mentality. off-season with Serena, who children in Haiti) will benefit Venus Williams once again in “The ones who are the sailed through her Melbourne 375 boys and girls from three the first round of a Grand Slam. great ones, they don’t really opener. Port-au-Prince schools located The fast-rising Gauff, fear anyone. “She clearly wants it, works in the area of Delmas. ranked 67 in the world, de- “You respect your oppo- very hard, is extremely mature feated the seven-time Grand nent, but you can’t go into for her age,” said Venus. Slam winner 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 at the match fearing someone “I think the sky’s the limit To activate the partner- the Australian Open. because then you’re going to for her.” ship, a delegation of Haitian Generation Amazing and the SC donated photographic artworks, combining Qatari design elements by art- The teenager, who will play lose, and I don’t want to lose.” Gauff belied her tender representatives, including ist Shouq al Mana with Michael Muller photography, as well as a FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 experi- unseeded Romanian Sorana Playing under a roof as rain years with her power, preci- teachers nominated by CORE, ence, with all proceeds going to Haiti. The event raised almost $5million for CorE relief programmes. Cirstea in round two in Mel- lashed the first Grand Slam of sion and composure, but said attended the recent Genera- bourne, similarly beat the the year, Venus conceded the that she is a typical teenager in tion Amazing Festival 2019 in development methodology of empowering the youth that on the night, alongside Gen- 39-year-old Venus in the Wim- first-set tie break when she hit many respects. Doha, where they were trained in Haiti. This is a significant we work with and enriching eration Amazing Programmes bledon first round last year. a routine backhand overhead By her own admission she on how to deliver the pro- milestone as we expand the their lives.” Director Nasser al Khori. Gauff, touted as a long- into the net. is “very active” on TikTok, the gramme in schools across the reach of Generation Amazing At the CORE gala auction, Haiti marks the ninth term successor to Venus’s sis- Gauff, remarkably unfazed video sharing social media Haitian capital. to a new region and continent.” Generation Amazing and the country the programme has ter Serena, said the Williams by playing someone more than network. Generation Amazing aims Al Thawadi continued: SC donated photographic art- reached on its mission to use siblings were her idols and she twice her age, held her nerve “I procrastinate a lot on to use football as a devel- “The vision of Generation works, combining Qatari de- the power of sport and foot- wants to emulate their trail- in the second set to claim Ve- that app. I have to do home- opment tool to bring about Amazing stems from the be- sign elements by artist Shouq ball to change lives. The pro- blazing success. nus’s scalp once more. work,” she said, a reminder change in the lives of youth, lief that football and the FIFA al Mana with Michael Muller gramme also operates current- Warning that she can still Victory over Venus at that she is still school age. while focusing on promoting World Cup in particular has photography, as well as a FIFA ly in Qatar, Oman, Jordan, improve “a lot”, Gauff said: “My Wimbledon and her run to the “Everyone thinks I’m so a healthy awareness of issues a much more significant role Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Lebanon, India, Pakistan, the mission is to be the greatest. fourth round there – where she serious because of my on- relating to self-esteem, vio- beyond a sporting event. It has experience, with all proceeds Philippines and Nepal. That’s my goal, to win as many lost to eventual champion Si- court (demeanour). lence, abuse and conflict reso- the potential to develop and going to Haiti. The gala, which Generation Amazing is Grand Slams as possible.” mona Halep – propelled Gauff “Really I’m not. I don’t re- lution among Haitian children. nurture leadership skills, unify raised almost $5 million for the human and social legacy Asked if she believes she into the sporting limelight. ally take life too seriously, I Hassan al Thawadi, Secretary communities and ultimately CORE relief programmes, also programme initiated dur- can win her first Major over She went on to win her first just like to have fun.” General of the Supreme Com- improve people’s lives.” featured a Generation Amaz- ing Qatar’s successful bid for mittee for Delivery & Legacy Speaking about the part- ing activity booth where guests the FIFA World Cup Qatar (SC), said: “We are proud and nership, CORE COO, Jerome could interact with the Gener- 2022 in 2010, which uses the excited to be joining hands Lebleu, said: “Our partner- ation Amazing journey. power of sport to positively with Sean Penn and CORE as ship with Generation Amazing Qatar’s Ambassador to the impact lives and create sus- we develop our unique Gen- is a perfect match because we US, HE Sheikh Meshal bin tainable social development eration Amazing football for share the same values in terms Hamad al Thani, was present in communities.

‘Be nice to each other,’ retiring Wozniacki tells young players My mission is to be the greatest. That’s walking away from tennis after ing to enjoy every moment.” “I don’t know how it was the Australian Open aged 29, She said she will leave the before me. All I know is that my goal, to win as lived to fight another day at game with lifelong friendships, Serena obviously played way many Grand Slams Melbourne Park after crushing not least best buddy Serena before me and so did Venus, as possible. American Kristie Ahn 6-1, 6-3 Williams, and encouraged the and they were both super nice ETIRING former world in the first round. new women on the block to to me and very open and have 15-year-old Coco Rnumber one Caroline “There’s a lot of emotions, keep the locker room civil. always been there for me. Gauff of the US Wozniacki on Monday urged but I tried to keep them in check, “I think in general my gen- “So I have had a great expe- the younger generation of and I thought I did that very well eration we had great friend- rience with them. Then I hope players to “be nice to each oth- today,” said Wozniacki, whose ships even from the juniors that the younger generation er”, saying locker-room friend- only Grand Slam triumph came and we were a big group com- will also be nice to each other, Coco Gauff of the US celebrates her victory against Venus Williams, also of the US, after their women’s ships can last through life. in Melbourne in 2018. ing up and playing on the tour because it’s just a sport and we singles match at the Australian open in Melbourne on Monday. (aFP) The Danish star, who is “I think I’m just really try- at the same time,” she said. all try our best out here.” (AFP) Fuming Shapovalov slams ‘terrible call’ in Open upset just gets off the hook because Canadian, seeded 13, is sent he makes a call because he feels like it,” he said. packing by Hungarian Fucsovics “I think it was a terrible call. The rule as I know it is if I AFP The umpire gave him a code break my racquet you can code MeLBoURne violation for throwing his rac- me, but you can’t if I slam it. quet and it didn’t go down well. The racquet was still intact and FEISTY Canadian Denis “I’m not breaking any rules,” he gave me a warning because Shapovalov was sent pack- he shouted at the official. “It’s I did it two or three times.” ing from the Australian Open my racquet, I can do whatever He said nerves affected his at the first hurdle on Monday the hell I want with it.” game. “In a Grand Slam you after an epic row with the “What are you talking about, obviously want to do well, and umpire for throwing his rac- I didn’t break it,” he added. I was really excited for this quet in frustration. The world “If I broke it, give me a tournament but (nerves) just number 13 was beaten 6-3, 7-6 code, 100 percent. I didn’t got the better of me,” he said. (9/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) by Hun- break my racquet. It was a ter- “Not all of me was there garian Marton Fucsovics in rible call, do your job.” today. It happens to every ten- a big upset on day one of the Shapovalov, who crashed In a Grand Slam you nis player and it’s just about first Grand Slam of the year. out of the Auckland Classic obviously want to do well, and learning to deal with.” Considered one of the new last week to a qualifier, later I was really excited for this World number 67 Fuc- generation who could chal- blasted the umpire’s decision tournament but (nerves) just sovics, said he was pleased lenge the Big Three of Novak as “horrible”, saying he was with his form on Monday. Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and simply letting off steam so he got the better of me. Hugary’s Marton Fucsovics “I was hitting the ball Roger Federer, the 20-year- could relax for the next set. – Denis Shapovalov reacts after a point against really well, I like it here. I old lost the plot after being “I’m going to get fined for Canada’s Denis Shapovalov played some of my best ten- crushed in the third set. whatever the code was and he on Monday. (aFP) nis today,” he said. 14 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 sports resurgent al sadd must keep winning, says Xavi

its matches are difficult. The Wolves visit league still has a long way to go, and we should not lose Al Khor for any points in all the upcom- rescheduled ing rounds,” Al Hajri said. Al Sadd will be with- QNB Stars League out Gabi, Tarek Salman and Hamed Ismail due to injury. match today For Al Khor, a shock 2-1 Barcelona’s lionel Messi (left) celebrates after scoring a goal against win over Al Sailiya in their Granada during the Spanish la liga match at the Camp Nou Stadium AYENI OLUSEGUN last league game may provide in Barcelona on Sunday. (aFP) Doha the spark the Omar Naji-led side needs. AL Khor face reigning cham- The club recently signed pions Al Sadd in a resched- former Al Rayyan striker Messi earns Barca uled QNB Stars League Lucca Borges to add more match at the Al Khor Stadium fire-power to a side that have on Tuesday. managed just 13 goals, the win vs Granada The game was postponed third lowest in the division. due to Al Sadd’s 2019 AFC With just two wins so far, Champions League commit- the Knights face a tough chal- on new coach ment. lenge against an Al Sadd side Al Sadd, a few days shy of that last lost to Al Khor in winning the Qatar Cup after 2018. Setien’s debut a convincing display against “Everyone knows the league leaders Al Duhail, will strength Al Sadd but we al- hope to ride the recent resur- Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and midfielder Salem al Hajri during a press conference on Monday ways focus on the players and DPA healthy lead over Valencia at gence after an inconsistent ahead of their QNB Stars league match against Al Khor. strive to perform the way we BaRCeLona the interval. start to the season. are used to. We consider this Raillo headed home Salva The Wolves are currently match, especially after the with three wins from their We lost to Qatar SC and Al match a good opportunity for LIONEL Messi put the fin- Sevilla’s free-kick in the sev- third in the standings with 21 big win in the Qatar Cup. We last three matches – scoring Wakrah, so if we do not focus us to snatch valuable points, ishing touch to a great team enth minute, with Budimir points, nine less than leaders must now focus on the league 14 goals in those games. in front of Al Khor, we can especially as teams behind us move to earn new Barcelona stabbing home the second in Al Duhail and seven less than and the Al Khor match. We Xavi added that the mo- lose again.” are chasing. coach Quique Setien a 1-0 win the 22nd minute and rifling in Al Rayyan. have lost four games in the mentum will be key for his Midfielder Salem al Hajri “Al Khor is a team and over Granada on his debut in four minutes before the break. The defending champi- league championship, and team. also added that the players does not deal with names, La Liga. Valencia’s afternoon at ons have lost four matches from tomorrow’s match on- “We must play with the have put behind the Qatar we do not worry about the The veteran replaced Er- Son Moix got worse when cap- already this season – three ward we must win all the same pressure that we played Cup victory and are now con- stature of the opponent. The nesto Valverde at the helm on tain Dani Parejo fouled Bu- more than they did last sea- matches,” Al Sadd coach Xavi against Al Duhail and Al centrating on the league chal- squad is complete and we Monday and victory restored dimir and was dismissed six son whey they claimed the Hernandez told reporters at a Rayyan especially as Al Khor lenge. have finished our prepara- Barcelona to the top of the ta- minutes into the second half title, seven points clear of press conference on Monday. is a strong team with high ca- “We have turned the Qa- tions for the match. Lucca’s ble, ahead of Real Madrid on for a second yellow card. second-placed Al Duhail. The Wolves seem to have pabilities. We must play the tar Cup page and our focus is participation will be decided goal difference with 43 points Dani Rodriguez ham- “It will be a very difficult turned the chapter however, game with all our strength. entirely on the league, and all on match day,” Naji said. from 20 matches. mered home the fourth from Earlier Real Mallorca distance, but Ferran Torres thrashed 10-man Valencia 4-1 notched a late consolation for to climb out of the relegation Albert Celades’s Los Che. Ronaldo double zone, while Real Betis saw off Mallorca climb above Cel- Arteta believes Arsenal can still chase Real Sociedad 3-0. ta Vigo to 17th, on 18 points pulls Juventus Messi twice came close from 20 games, with the Gali- with free-kicks and fired into cians drawing 1-1 at Athletic the side netting as Barcelona Bilbao later on. Valencia stay clear of Inter down Chelsea in EPL top-four fight dominated possession against seventh on 31 points. AFP Granada but failed to score in “The secret is to work MILan AFP things can happen, a lot of the first half. hard, keep going and for cir- LonDon games between the top teams Granada’s Yan Eteki hit cumstances to go in your fa- CRISTIANO Ronaldo struck as well so I think that will the post with a low drive af- vour like today,” Mallorca twice as Juventus beat Parma ARSENAL manager Mikel Ar- change.” ter the break but the Andalu- coach Vicente Moreno said. 2-1 to pull four points clear of teta believes there is still time Conceding late goals has sians had defender German “This allows us to be a Inter Milan at the top of the Se- for his side to stage a challenge been a theme of Arsenal’s fal- Sanchez dismissed for his bit calmer going into the rie A table on Sunday. for a top-four Premier League tering form this season as they second yellow card when he weeks ahead but nothing will Ronaldo broke through finish if they beat Chelsea at let another two points slip tripped Messi. change.” just before the break, to score Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. away when Sheffield United That tipped the game in Celta took the lead at Ath- in a seventh consecutive league Chelsea are in pole posi- grabbed a late equaliser at the Barcelona’s favour and Messi letic through former Barcelo- game, and almost set up a sec- tion for the fourth Champions Emirates in a 1-1 draw on Sat- slotted home after 76 from Ar- na midfielder Rafinha Alcan- ond just after for Aaron Ram- League place as they hold a urday. turo Vidal’s backheel to take tara but Raul Garcia equalized sey, but the Welsh internation- five-point cushion over Man- Alexandre Lacazette la- home three points. from the penalty spot to tie al rattled the post. chester United and Wolves belled his side “naive” after- “We have good feelings the game. Andreas Cornelius scored and are 10 clear of Arsenal, wards, calling on Arsenal “to (from the game), we were a At the Benito Villamarin, with a towering header to get who are down in 10th. be nastier and more consist- solid team,” said Sergio Bus- Joaquin and Canales came seventh-placed Parma back The Gunners have won ent.” quets. close for Betis before Borja level ten minutes after the just once in five league games And Arteta agreed with “We had control of the Iglesias sent the hosts ahead. break. since Arteta took charge last the French international that ball, they created little. It’s Veteran midfielder But the visitors hardly had month, but their only defeat in the Gunners must improve true that it was hard to break Joaquin slotted home the sec- time to celebrate when Ron- that run came against Frank Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta shouts out instructions to his their ability to see games out through but generally the ond shortly before half-time, aldo broke through again after Lampard’s men on the Span- players from the touchline during an EPl match recently. (aFP) with the lead. team had a good game. just reward for an impressive latching onto a Paulo Dybala iard’s home debut. “I think it’s part of game “Each coach has their own performance from the Anda- cross for his 11th goal in seven Arsenal were deservedly “The game we played at league game of the season at management,” said Arteta. style and form of seeing foot- lusians, who moved into 11th. games to bring his league tally leading 1-0 at the Emirates home, it could have made a Newcastle on Saturday. “I think there are things ball, you’ll see what Setien has Real Sociedad, sixth, this season to 16. until two Chelsea goals in the big difference and we were “Everyone is having a lot that we could have done better asked from us [in the future], could not find a way back into “It was important that we last 10 minutes changed the very close to it. Tomorrow we of problems to put together there to put more pressure on we won’t reveal it. the game and Canales struck win tonight,” said Ronaldo. complexion of the game and need to win.” back-to-back wins, the league the opponent, to bring the ball “We’re delighted with deep in stoppage time on the “Lazio won, Inter drew so it was the race for the top four. Chelsea’s strong position has been very competitive this into certain areas where we what Valverde did and de- counter to seal victory. important to take advantage. “It’s very, very important in the table is as much thanks season and that is why the can rest with the ball and we lighted with Setien too.” Espanyol earned their “Parma pushed forward for us to win this game to fight to those behind them failing gaps aren’t that big,” added can control the game better. In Mallorca Ante Budimir first victory in 10 league in the end, we got a little for that,” said Arteta in his to mount a serious challenge Arteta. “That will come, it’s a good struck twice in the first half af- matches as they triumphed nervous, but we managed to pre-match press conference as their own form. “There are still four process for us as well to learn ter Antonio Raillo broke the 2-1 at Villarreal, but remain get the result.” on Monday. The Blues lost their eighth months to play and a lot of about those situations.” deadlock to give the hosts a bottom in 20th. Barcelona’s Dembele is all praise Iran clubs to boycott AFC over hosting row AFP The teams’ managers re- armed forces mistakenly shot TehRan jected any legal basis for the down a Ukraine International for Aspetar after his treatment ban and called for an urgent Airlines Boeing 737, killing all FOUR of Iran’s top football meeting with top AFC officials, 176 people on board. clubs on Monday threatened to the statement posted on the Iran on Sunday accused TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK “I have heard a very good boycott the Asian Champions Iranian Football Federation’s Asian football’s governing Doha feedback, because Samuel League unless a reported ban website said. body of bias for a mooted ban Umtiti came here before, and on the Islamic republic hosting on it hosting club matches, BARCELONA and French he advised me to visit As- international matches is lifted. after a spate of security inci- world champion Ousmane petar to treat my injury and Iran’s government has ac- In a joint statement, the dents including the downing Dembele has praised Aspetar, get prepared for the rest of cused the Asian Football Con- four clubs said they of an airliner. sports medicine and ortho- the championship and the federation of bias over the would “only play if the “It appears that the deci- paedic hospital, after receiv- matches that will take place, measure. The AFC has yet to sion of your Competitions ing treament for an ankle especially in order to do a confirm whether or not a ban AFC officially announces Committee was influenced ligament damage he suffered very good physical prepara- is in place. they can host their by foreign media hostile” to- in November last year. tion and get myself back in The row comes after a competitors inside the wards Iran, Sports Minister “Aspetar has a lot of shape.” spate of security incidents Islamic Republic”. Masoud Soltanifar told the qualities, the people here The French winger also in Iran, including the down- head of the Asian Football welcomed me very well, they had some good words for ing of a passenger jet shortly Confederation, according to took care of me, and it did not Qatar and the 2022 FIFA after takeoff from Tehran Tensions have soared be- the ministry’s news agency. surprise me. The quality is Barcelona and French world champion footballer ousmane Dembele World Cup. on January 8. tween the West and Iran fol- “Iran is a safe and pow- paramount here. during his treatment at Aspetar in Doha. “Frankly, I was not sur- Esteghlal, Persepolis, lowing the killing of top com- erful country... We have no “At Aspetar they take prised by what I saw here Sepahan and Shahr Khodro mander Qasem Soleimani in problems regarding the secu- good care of the athletes, they Dembele underwent an ing with the Catalan club on because I watch TV, and eve- are among the Iranian teams a US drone strike in Baghdad rity of aviation,” he was quot- prepare them well. intense recovery therapy in Monday will hope to join new rywhere people were talking in the AFC Champions League. on January 3. ed as saying in the call with “Here, the staff know Aspetar for two weeks re- coach Quique Setien as Bar- about Qatar, Mehdi Benatia In a joint statement, the Iran retaliated five days AFC chief Salman Bin Ibra- their job very well, and take cently and has already spent celona push for another La spoke to me also, Doha is a four clubs said they would later by launching a wave of him al Khalifa. care of us. In case of injury, another two weeks at the be- Liga title. very beautiful city where we “only play if the confederation missiles at US troops stationed The minister said that in I recommend any athlete to ginning of December. Hoping to come back to feel good, it is quiet, and I officially announces they can in neighbouring Iraq. addition he would “personally come here and he will see for The 22-year-old who play as soon as possible, the think that the world cup here host their competitors inside Tehran was still on high guarantee the security of visit- himself,” Dembele said. reportedly resumed train- French world champion said: will be well organised.” the Islamic republic”. alert hours later when its ing football teams”. sports Tuesday, January 21, 2020 15 england crush south africa by an innings

ing their win in the first Test Skipper Root against England when it seemed that radical changes in praises the team management, includ- ing the appointment of Mark team after Boucher as head coach, might have heralded a new dawn. “We made huge strides in unassailable that first Test match, mostly from a confidence point of 2-1 lead view,” said Du Plessis. “I felt like we turned a cor- AFP ner. I feel like we are taking a Police blockers jump to foil an Al Sadd player during their QVA league match in Doha on Monday. PoRT eLIZaBeTh (SoUTh aFRICa) step backwards in this Test, Defending champion Police won 3-0. especially from a batting point ENGLAND captain Joe Root of view.” on Monday hailed a complete Du Plessis said he was Police move to second performance by his team af- determined that South Af- ter they beat South Africa by rica should put up a better an innings and 53 runs on the performance in the fourth fifth day of the third Test at St and final Test, starting in spot; Al Ahli triumph George’s Park, taking an un- Johannesburg on Friday, beatable 2-1 lead in the four- which could be his final TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fifth with six wins in 10 games. 18 points, respectively. Musa match series. home Test appearance. Doha Police opened a four-point Koni also added 10. “It was a brilliant template gap in the middle of the first Al Ahli, who won the first for us moving forward as a HOLDERS and twice champi- set against Al Sadd (16-11). and third sets without much team,” said Root. The partnership between ons Police brushed aside the But the latter rallied back and ado, trailed most of the second “Big first innings runs and maharaj and Paterson was opening set blues to beat lowly forced extended points before set. They just about managed then we really drove the game England’s Joe root (left) and Man-of-the-Match ollie Pope after the easily south africa’s best of Al Sadd Club in straight sets in going down 27-29. But in the to force extra points at the from that point forward.” fifth day’s play of the third Test against South Africa at the St George’s the match and showed up the QVA League second leg in next two sets, Police main- end before sealing the win and Root said the solid start Park Cricket Ground in Port Elizabeth on Monday. (aFP) an otherwise poor batting Doha on Monday. tained a good lead after initial coming out with a 3-0 verdict by young opening batsmen performance by the hosts. The 29-27, 25-21, 25-21 resistance from Al Sadd and in 76 minutes. Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley victory was an eighth one in 10 went on to complete the vic- Miguel Angel Dalmao had had laid the foundation for a scoreboard matches and enabled Police to tory in 71 minutes. a game-high 21 points for Al double century partnership england (1sT innings): 499-9 deCl D. Paterson not out 39 “It is one massive Test take the second spot with 23 Joao Neto and Dimitro Ahli and Roman Danilov mus- by Ben Stokes (120) and man souTh aFriCa (1sT innings): 209 extras (b12, lb1, nb1, w1) 15 where we need everyone to be points behind leaders and un- Vietsky, who had four blocks, tered 15 points. Eugenie Turin souTh aFriCa (2nd innings, overnighT 102-6): Total (88.5 overs) 237 of the match Ollie Pope which P. Malan lbw b Root 12 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Elgar), 2-22 (Hamza), 3-44 as strong as possible to try to beaten Al Arabi. collected 14 and 13 points, topped the scoring chart with enabled England to make 499 D. Elgar b Wood 15 (Malan), 4-66 (Van der Dussen), 5-74 (De Kock), 6-83 draw the series.” Police are two points respectively for the winners. 14 for Al Khor. Cairo had the for nine declared before bowl- Z. Hamza c Buttler b Wood 2 (Du Plessis), 7-102 (Philander), 8-128 (Rabada), But Du Plessis admitted adrift of 25-time winners Al Oragwa Kennedy (8), Osman second best tally of 10. ing out South Africa for 209 F. du Plessis c Pope b Root 36 9-138 (Nortje) that the loss of fast bowler Kag- Arabi, while Al Rayyan and Al Abdulwahid (7) and Assam H. van der Dussen c Pope b Root 10 bowling: Broad 10-5-14-1 (1nb), Curran 6-0-46-0, and 237. Q. de Kock c Wood b Root 3 Wood 16.5-6-32-3 (1w), Bess 22-11-36-1, Stokes iso Rabada through suspension Wakrah have 20 points each Mahmoud (6) were other use- resulTs Root said Pope, whose 135 V. Philander c Pope b Broad 13 5-2-9-0, Root 29-13-87-4. had unsettled the team. from six and seven victories, ful scorers. Police beat Al Sadd 3-0 (29-27, 25-21, not out marked a maiden Test K. Maharaj run out (Curran) 71 result: England won by an innings and 53 runs “It’s frustration,” he said. respectively. Raimi Wadidie and Daud 25-21) in 71 minutes hundred, and fellow 22-year- K. Rabada c Broad b Wood 16 series: England lead the four-match series 2-1 “Now we go into a seriously Al Ahli Club, who beat Al led the resistance from Al Al Ahli beat Al Khor 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, old, off-spinner Dom Bess, who A. Nortje b Bess 5 man of the match: Ollie Pope (ENG) important Test without our Khor 3-0 in another match, are Sadd and contributed 21 and 25-21) in 76 minutes took the first five wickets in the best bowler.” first innings, had made “mas- England were held up by a SA struggle The win extended Eng- sive contributions”. last wicket stand of 99 between South African captain Faf land’s unbeaten run in Test se- “It’s exactly what we are af- Keshav Maharaj (71) and Dane du Plessis said being bowled ries in South Africa, going back ter in terms of our development Paterson (39 not out) and it out cheaply in the first innings to 1999/2000 when Nasser Arabi placed in Arab clubs v’ball Pool B as a team moving forward. It needed a direct-hit run-out by had been a crucial factor. Hussain’s team were beaten by fills the whole group with a Sam Curran from mid-on to “I think we are doing well as a side led by Hansie Cronje. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK winners, have been clubbed (Saudi Arabia). Pool C consists massive amount of confidence.” clinch the result shortly before a bowling unit but from a bat- That series ended with Eng- Doha with Palestine’s Jabalia, of Zamalek (Egypt), Southern Root said England, who lost lunch after South Africa added ting point of view England are land gaining a consolation win Libya’s Al Hilal, Bahrain’s Al Gas (Iraq), Baniyas (UAE), a two-Test series to New Zea- 135 runs in losing their last showing us how to apply your- in a contrived finish to a Test FORMER champion Al Ara- Ahly and UAE’s Shabab Al Wadi Mousa (Jordan) and Al land before Christmas, were four wickets. self, how to get yourself in and in Centurion which was later bi Club of Qatar have been Ahli. Salam (Oman). not yet the finished article. The partnership between how to score runs. I think that revealed to have been orches- placed in Group B of the Arab Fifteen teams are compet- After double defending “But we’re heading in the Maharaj and Paterson was eas- is the only difference between trated by Cronje in collabora- Clubs Volleyball Champion- ing and they have been put in champions Al Rayyan sent re- right direction. We’ve got a ily South Africa’s best of the the teams.” tion with a bookmaker. ship, to be held in Cairo, Egypt three different groups. Pool gret for not competing in this group of players who are willing match and showed up an other- It was South Africa’s sev- Since then England have from February 16 to 28. A has Al Ahli (Egypt), Asaria year’s Arab championship, Al to learn and we’re very clear on wise poor batting performance enth defeat in their last eight won two series in South Africa According to the draw of (Libya), Al Seeb (Oman), Arabi, the two-time finalists, how we want to play.” by the hosts. Tests, the only exception be- and shared one. the event, Al Arabi, the 2003 Khaibel (Yaman) and Al Hilal were included in the draw. Oman, Kuwait set up QCA series review Zimbabwe Tougher India learn to convert get edge in T20I final showdown toss losses to match wins Lanka Test TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK AFP “The last six or eight the first game. Doha BanGaLoRe (InDIa) months have been a revelation “The last two games were AFP and the younger guys stepping tough wins, it boosts your con- haRaRe OMAN and Kuwait set up the INDIA’S one-day side have up is a very good sign for In- fidence which we’re carrying final showdown in the QCA learned to be tougher when they dian cricket.” forward,” said Kohli. DONALD Tiripano struck ear- Women’s T20I Tournament, lose the toss following the heart- India were due to fly to Australia skipper Aaron ly to remove Oshada Fernando to be held at the Asian Town break of a World Cup semi-final New Zealand later Monday for Finch said India had been “ex- and complete an excellent sec- Stadium in Industrial Area on defeat, said captain Virat Kohli a tour that will start with the ceptional” and praised man- ond day of the first Test for Tuesday at 3 pm. said after winning the one-day first of five Twenty20 interna- of-the series Kohli, who hit Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka The Qatar Cricket As- series against Australia. tionals in Auckland on Friday. 79 and 89 respectively in the in Harare. sociation (QCA), under the Kohli lost all three tosses They will be followed by three second and third matches, and The 31-year-old seamer presidency of Yousef Jeham al to Australia’s Aaron Finch but one-day internationals and prolific opener Rohit Sharma, had earlier made a handy 44 Kuwari, is hosting the event to the hosts bounced back from two Tests. who made 119 in the decider. not out batting at number groom the local and regional a 10-wicket hammering in the Kohli said the team would “They’ve got Virat who eight as Zimbabwe advanced players for the upcoming in- opener to clinch the series 2-1 be confident after a 4-1 ODI is probably the greatest ODI from their overnight 189 for ternational challenges. on Sunday. India comfortably series win in New Zealand a player of all-time, and Rohit two to 358 all out. Both Oman ended the dou- QCA Pr Director Eissa al yacoub presents the Player of the Match defended 340 in the second year ago. who’d probably be in the top Left-arm spinner Lasith ble robin-robin league with award to oman’s Anshita lalit for her three-wicket haul against Ku- match and chased down 287 five batters of all-time,” Finch Embuldeniya, playing in his three wins and one loss, while wait on Sunday. in the decider. Perfect tonic said. sixth Test, was the stand-out Kuwait recorded two wins and Kohli said the World Cup “We were very positive in “They’re exceptional, and bowler with five for 114. two losses and edged hosts Qa- results semi-final loss to New Zealand how we played, very sure of the thing with the Indian side When bad light stopped tar (one win and three losses) last year after losing the toss what we wanted to do,” said at the moment is their experi- play for the day, Sri Lanka had before advancing to the final. Kuwait beat Qatar by seven wickets and failing to chase down a Kohli. “The thing about play- enced players are getting the reached 42 for the loss of Fer- Qatar: 79 for six in 20 overs (Aysha 26 in 46 balls, On the third and last day Khadija Ahmad 22 not out in 48 balls; Maria Jasvi moderate target had made had ing away is if you’re able to put job done in the big games.” nando who had his off stump of the league, Kuwait out- 1/11, Madeena Zuberi 1/10, Mariamma Hyder 1/7) them stronger. the home team under pressure, India are fretting however flattened by Tiripano’s very played Qatar by seven wickets, Kuwait: 80 for three in 17 overs (Priyada Murali 20 “We spoke after the World you can enjoy your cricket. over batsman Shikhar Dhawan first delivery. chasing a modest 80-run tar- in 29 balls, Amna Shareef 15 not out in 25 balls; Cup the way we exited, you “That’s what we did last who went off the field during Dimuth Karunaratne will Rochelle 1/16, Shahreennawab 1/23, Akshata Arjun get with three overs to spare. 1/8) can’t always look for a situa- year, squeezed them in the the Australian innings Sunday resume on 12 and Kusal Men- Captain Aysha continued to Player of the match: Maria Jasvi (Kuwait) tion that should go your way at middle overs, picked up wick- after hurting his shoulder. dis on six. be consistent and made 26 in the toss,” Kohli told reporters. ets, the spinners were out- Dhawan, part of India’s The day began with Zim- 46 balls with two boundaries. oman beat Kuwait by three runs “We’ve literally taken the standing.” T20 squad, watched the rest babwe Craig Ervine well set oman: 108 for five (Vaishali Jasrani 29 in 48 balls, Khadija Ahmad contributed Priyanka Edna 32 in 31 balls; Madeena Zuberi toss out of context, and we’re Kohli said the two wins of the game wearing a sling on on 55 and looking for his third 22 not out in 48 balls. 2/16, Maria Jasvi 1/20, Amna Shareef 1/24) as prepared as possible to do over Australia had been a his left arm after been taken Test century. Kuwait clinched the match Kuwait: 105 all out in 19.5 overs (Priyada Murali 31 something the opposition asks perfect tonic after being criti- for an X-ray. The team said the The 34-year-old pro- as Priyada Murali hit two fours QCA Domestic Cricket Head Gul in 31 balls, Zeefa Jilani 22 in 39 balls, Amna Shareef us to do. cised for the heavy defeat in scans were being assessed. gressed comfortably to 85 un- 23 in 20 balls; Snehal Nair 1/27, Priyanka Edna in 20 and Amna Shareef got Khan Jadoon presents the Player 1/25, Bhakti Shetty 2/25, Anshita Lalit 3/8) til pace bowler Suranga Lak- an unbeaten 15. Maria Jasvi of of the Match award to Kuwait’s Player of the match: Anshita Lalit (Oman) mal nipped one through his Kuwait was declared the play- Maria Jasvi on Sunday. defence shortly before lunch. er of th match. Shareef made 23 in 20 balls Zimbabwe last played a out after her attractive 31 off with four boundaries, no other Test at home against the West Lalit’s fine bowling as many balls with four stylish player stay long enough to re- Indies in October 2017. In another match, Anshita boundaries. Thirty runs later, sist the Omani attack. Lalit and Bhakti Shetty grabbed Shetty removed Jilani for 22 Priyanka Edna and five wickets between them to in 39 balls to trigger the col- Vaishali Jasrani played su- scores derail Kuwait’s 109-run chase lapse. Within 23 more runs, perbly to lift Oman to 108 sri lanka 42-1 (B.Fernando 21; D. against Oman. Priyada Murali the remaining players were for five. Edna smashed four Tiripano 1-5) and Zeefa Jilani collected 52 dismissed, leading Oman to a hits to the rope, while Jasrani Zimbabwe 358 (C. Ervine 85, K. Kasuza runs for the opening wicket be- thrilling three-run triumph. cracked two fours. Madeena 63, P. Masvaure 55, D. Tiripano 44 not fore Priyanka Edna broke the While Shetty had two for Zuberi bagged two wickets for out, S. Raza 41; L. Embuldeniya 5-114, stand the 10th over. 25, Lalit had a delightful three 16, while Maria Jasvi and Sha- India cricketers pose with the trophy after winning the third and last one-Day International against R. Lakmal 3-53, L. Kumara 2-82) Murali was the first player for eight figures. After Amna reef had one each. Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday. (aFP)