MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

World No.2 Novak Djokovicvic If it continues same way and if the quality of says he is concerned that smoke air is affected in Melbourne or Sydney, I think might cause some problems at thee Australia probably will be forced to . create some rules about it. Hornets sting Mavs as Carter makes history in Hawks' win

AFP — LOS ANGELES Evergreen Vince Carter made NBA history in Atlanta, Terry Rozier drained the becoming the first player to go-ahead three-pointer in compete in the league in four overtime as the Charlotte different decades in the Hawks’ Hornets withstood a triple- 116-111 victory over the Indiana double from Dallas star Luka Pacers. Doncic to beat the Mavericks Carter received a standing 123-120. ovation when he checked into Vegas Golden Knights players celebrate after Chandler Stephenson Rozier’s 29 points included the contest at 6:30 of the first scored in overtime to give the Golden Knights a 5-4 victory over the trey that put Charlotte up quarter. the St. Louis Blues. for good with 41.9 seconds left Drafted in 1998, Carter in the extra session, as well as brought “Vinsanity” to a driving basket to send the with his high-flying exploits, NHL: Golden Knights rally game to overtime. earning eight All-Star appear- Devonte Graham added 27 ances along with an Olympic points and 13 assists for the gold medal. to knock off Blues; Sharks Hornets. The 42-year-old, who Doncic set a Mavericks agreed to a one-year contract record with his 10th triple- in August to play in his 22nd edge Blue Jackets double of the season, scoring NBA season, scored three points 39 points with 12 rebounds and and grabbed three rebounds on REUTERS — LAS VEGAS Maple Leafs 3, Islanders 0 10 assists. Saturday for Atlanta, who were Backup Michael But the Slovenian star led by the 41 points of Trae Chandler Stephenson scored on Hutchinson stopped 33 shots missed two three-pointers and Young -- the 21-year-old who a breakaway with 1:59 to earn his first shutout of the coughed up a turnover late in was born the year Carter was remaining in overtime, as the season and the fifth of his regulation as the Mavs -- who drafted. Vegas Golden Knights rallied career as host Toronto defeated trailed by 20 in the first half -- Kevin Huerter added a from a three- deficit to win New York. squandered a 12-point fourth- season-high 26 points for the for the first time in franchise Pierre Engvall and Auston quarter lead. struggling Hawks, who squan- history, 5-4, over the St. Louis Matthews scored second-period “I didn’t make great deci- dered a 22-point lead but Blues in a battle of division goals for the Maple Leafs, who sions,” Doncic, last season’s battled back to secure just their leaders in Las Vegas. are on a 9-0-1 roll and are 15-4-1 Rookie of the Year, admitted eighth win of the season. Stephenson stole the puck since Sheldon Keefe replaced after the Mavs let another late- In Washington, it was the from Robert Thomas along the Mike Babcock as coach. Zach game lead get away. “Terrible Wizards reserves who came up right boards in the Blues’ zone Hyman added an empty-net goal decisions. I’ve got to do better. big in an upset of another elite Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier and went the length of the ice in the third period. Mitch Marner “We could have won it, but team. Led by a career-high 32 (3) drives to the basket past Dallas before beating Jake Allen with had two assists, and Matthews I made terrible decisions.” points from Ish Smith, the Mavericks forward Luka Doncic during a backhand shot. added an assist. It was just one of the upsets Washington Bench scored a their NBA game. Reilly Smith, Paul Stastny, Canucks 2, Rangers 1 on a day that saw the Memphis combined 92 points in the win Ryan Reaves and Nicolas Roy Tyler Myers scored the Grizzlies shock the Clippers in over a Nuggets team tied with also scored for Pacific Division- game-winning goal in the Los Angeles 140-114 and the Houston for second in the absences, in his team’s loss to -- and we deserved to,” Rivers leading Vegas, which overcame waning moments, and Van- Washington Wizards topple the Western Conference. the lowly Grizzlies. said. an early 3-0 deficit to win its couver won its seventh straight Denver Nuggets 128-114. Troy Brown chipped in 25 “They were faster, quicker, There were no surprises in fourth straight game. game with a victory over vis- with 14 rebounds for the they played harder,” Rivers Milwaukee, where reigning Sharks 3, Blue Jackets 2 iting New York. NBA RESULTS Wizards, who are 12th in the said. “They were clearly the NBA Most Valuable Player Aaron Dell made 21 saves Myers became the hero East but knocked off third- tougher team. Honestly, they Giannis Antetokounmpo scored Washington 128, Denver 114 to lead San Jose to a win in with his fourth goal of the placed Miami. deserved to win the game.” 32 points and the Bucks Columbus, Ohio, snapping the season -- and third in three Dallas 120, Charlotte 123 “Ish was amazing tonight,” With Paul George sitting out improved their league-leading Blue Jackets’ league-high games. Milwaukee 127, San Antonio 118 Brown said of his teammate because tightness in his left record to 32-5 with a 127-118 12-game point streak in the The lanky Atlanta 116, Indiana 111 who scored 13 points in the hamstring and Patrick Beverley victory over the San Antonio process. received the puck at the point Cleveland 106, Oklahoma City 121 fourth quarter -- and 23 of the missing a third straight game Spurs. The backup to starting net- and sent a long wrist shot that Sacramento 115, New Orleans 117 Wizards’ 67 in the second half. with a sore wrist, Rivers said the Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez minder Martin Jones, Dell has found the mark with 89 Chicago 104, Boston 111 “It was crazy. It was ridic- rest of the Clippers failed to step blocked seven shots -- seen his time increase of late, seconds left on the clock. Orlando 96, Utah 109 ulous,” Brown said. “It was lit- up. thwarting Spurs guard DeMar starting for the sixth time Goaltender Jacob Markstrom Brooklyn 102, Toronto 121 erally like ‘Give Ish the ball and “I just think we came to the DeRozan on both a dunk and a

since Bob Boughner was made 35 saves for the Canucks, Golden State 104, Detroit 111 get out the way.’” game today, we showed up and layup on the same possession named interim coach on who jumped back into the LA Clippers 114, Memphis 140 Clippers coach Doc Rivers thought we were just going to in the third quarter as the Bucks December 11. Pacific Division’s top three. blamed attitude, not injury win and we got our butt kicked began to pull away. Tennessee Titans beat Patriots Former Astros star Will Harris joins in perhaps Brady’s last game Nats after losing

REUTERS — NEW YORK On a compelling first day of the postseason, the Houston Game 7 The Tennessee Titans beat the New Texans earlier defeated AP — HOUSTON New England Patriots England Patriots 20-13 in an AFC the Buffalo Bills 22-19 in an quarterback Tom wild card play-off game that might Relief pitcher Will Harris is joining the Wash- Brady reacts during overtime classic in Houston turn out to be a bitter end to Tom in the other AFC wild card ington Nationals after they beat him in Game Brady’s storied career. a game against the 7 of the World Series against the Houston contest. The 42-year-old Patriots quar- Tennessee Titans. Astros. terback, a six-times Super Bowl Harris and the Nationals have agreed to a winner, is a free agent, adding to “We never quit regardless,” $24m, three-year contract, the team speculation as to his future. Watson told reporters. announced. He said after the game that it “Whatever it takes to get the The 35-year-old Harris dominated with was “unlikely” he would retire, but win we are going to keep fighting Houston for much of the postseason, starting added there was no need to rush a however we need to play.” October with nine consecutive scoreless decision. After being outplayed in the innings. The Nationals finally got to him late On a compelling first day of the first half, the Texans found new life in the World Series, and Harris allowed Howie postseason, the Houston Texans in the third quarter. Kendrick’s go-ahead home run in Game 7. earlier defeated the Buffalo Bills Watson, who passed for 247 Washington went on to win its first World 22-19 in an overtime classic in yards, bulled into the end zone Series. Harris was stuck with the loss. Houston in the other AFC wild card with less than two minutes left in The right-handed Harris had a 1.50 ERA in contest. the quarter for Houston’s first 68 games for the Astros last season. He had But the story of the day was points. been with Houston since 2015 and was an All- Brady, who was unable to pull off Fairbairn’s first field goal and a Star in 2016. yet another miracle. His final pass five-yard pass from Watson to Harris will try to bolster a bullpen that was in the dying seconds was inter- Carlos Hyde and a two-point con- among the worst in baseball last season. cepted by former team mate Logan version in the fourth quarter then Nationals relievers blew 29 saves and had a Ryan who breezed into the end completed a 19-point comeback for 5.68 ERA, both worst in the NL. Harris is likely zone to clinch a victory for the the Texans. to slot behind left-hander Sean Doolittle as the visitors. A big sack by three-time NFL team’s top setup man. “We were locked in,” said Ten- Defensive Player of the Year JJ Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals are nessee running back Derrick Henry, Watt, who was returning for an bringing back veteran infielder Asdrubal who was virtually unstoppable on weekend. The Titans reward is a way for the winning points in October injury, rallied the Houston Cabrera in 2020 on a one-year, $2.5m con- his 26th birthday. visit to the Baltimore Ravens in the Houston. defense. tract, multiple outlets reported Saturday. “Great win, against a great team division round next weekend. The Texans, 10-6 in the regular Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen MLB Network said incentives for plate in a hostile environment.” In Houston, Houston quar- season, will play the Kansas City caught a 16-yard touchdown pass appearances could bring the deal's value to Tennessee had been 9-7 in the terback Deshaun Watson escaped Chiefs in the divisional round next from John Brown on a trick play on $3m. regular season and the Patriots an almost certain sack to set up weekend. Buffalo’s opening drive. He also After being released by the Texas Rangers 12-4. Ka’imi Fairbairn’s game-winning Buffalo, which at one point led rushed for 92 yards and passed for on Aug. 3, Cabrera signed with the Nationals The Patriots were left to rue 28-yard field goal. 16-0, had forced overtime after 264 more. and batted .323 with six homers and 40 RBIs their surprise home loss to the Watson pulled away from two Stephen Hauschka kicked a Hauschka kicked three other in 38 games down the stretch. He also drove Miami Dolphins on the final day of Buffalo defenders to hit Taiwan 47-yard field goal that tied the field goals for the Bills, who were in five runs in 12 postseason games for the the regular season, when a win Jones with a 34-yard pass at the score at 19-19 with five seconds left seeking their first play-off win since World Series champions. would have earned them a bye this Buffalo 10-yard line that paved the in regulation time. 1995. 08 SPORT MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2020 QSL: Al Sadd look to bounce back in game against Al Arabi

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

After a shock defeat to Al Wakrah, defending champions Al Sadd will be hoping to bounce back as they take on Al Arabi today in a deferred match from Week 5 of the QNB Stars League (QSL). The match, which was deferred due to Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League commitment, Schauffele will kick off at 18:45. Xavi-coached Al Sadd have one more match in hand, against stays one Al Khor from Week 7, also deferred owing to the same shot ahead reason. It will be played on January 21 before the QSL’s Week 13 action begins on January 23. at Kapalua In between, the 2020 Qatar Cup will be held, with semi-finals REUTERS — KAPALUA on January 10 and 11, and final on January 17. Al Arabi and Al Defending champion Sadd go into the match against Xander Schauffele Al Sadd's players take part in a practice session contrasting backdrop. (pictured) set himself up ahead of their QSL game against Al Arabi. In Week 12 action last for a successful repeat weekend, Al Arabi defeated Al when he took a one- Ahli 3-0, while Al Sadd suffered stroke lead in the third a 1-2 defeat at the hands of pro- round at the Sentry Tour- moted side Al Wakrah. nament of Champions in Al Arabi moved up from sixth Round 12 review: Al Wakrah’s Hawaii. to fourth position with their sixth Schauffele started the victory. The Dream Team have day leading by one and the same number of points (18) as ended it the same way Al Sadd, but are placed fourth on win over Al Sadd takes limelight after a respectable two- better goal difference (+9 as against under-par 71 in strong Al Sadd’s +8). Al Arabi drew three winds at the Kapalua matches and lost as many. Al Sadd THE PENINSULA — DOHA TOP SCORERS AFTER ROUND 12 crashed to their fourth defeat points) lost some ground Plantation course on the slipped one place to fifth fol- Yacine Brahimi (Al Rayyan) 10 and stood on 18 points. (eighth position to ninth). island of Maui. lowing the defeat. The 2019-20 QNB Stars Al Wakrah jumped from Al Shahania too caused a He goes intofinal Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd) 9 Al Arabi boast of Tunisian League’s second leg got off in ninth to seventh place with 15 major upset when they round at 11-under 208, Sofiane Hanni (Al Gharafa) 9 striker Hamdi Harbaoui, style with Week 12 fixtures. A points, while Al Sadd slipped shocked Al Gharafa 2-1 to with fellow American Mohammed Salah El Neel, Ice- total of 16 goals were scored Mohamed Benyettou (Al Wakrah) 8 from fourth to fifth as they script their first victory in this Justin Thomas nipping at landic midfielder Aron Gun- and Al Rayyan’s Yacine Hamdi Harbaoui (Al Arabi) 7 stayed on 18 points. season’s tournament. Al Sha- his heels after a 69.

narsson, who has returned from Brahimi and Al Shahania’s Ahmed Alaaeldin Al Gharafa) 7 Al Sadd have two matches hania’s both goals were scored Schauffele, in an injury, and German Pierre- Kesse Amangoua stood out Mohammed Muntari (Al Duhail) 7 in hand, deferred (from Weeks by Kesse Amangoua. Sofiane uncharted territory with Michelle Lassoga. with a hat-trick and double 5 and 7) due to their engage- Hanni was on target for Al the first sole 54-hole lead Al Sadd have the likes of respectively. ments in the 2019 AFC Cham- Gharafa. of his PGA Tour career, is Algerian ace Baghdad Boundejah, The first three (Al Duhail, margin. Brahimi’s heroics fol- pions League. Al Shahania (eight points) three shots clear of third- South Korean Nam Tae-Hee, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa) and lowed an early goal scored by In between, the 2020 and Al Gharafa (20 points) placed Gary Woodland Hassan Al Haydous, Akram Afif, last three positions (Al Khor, Abdulaziz Hatem. Qatar Cup will be held, with stayed 11th and third respec- (69). Abdelkarimbde a Hassan assa aand d Pedro. ed o. Al Shahania and Umm Salal) Al Duhail and Al Rayyan semi-finals on January 10 and tively. Al Khor collected three Patrick Reed and remained unchanged. have 30 and 28 points respec- 11, and final on January 17. crucial points to take their tally Joaquin Niemann, who Al Sadd's Leaders Al Duhail dropped tively. Al Wakrah pulled off a Al Arabi too have the same to nine following their 2-1 teed off one stroke behind coach Xavi two crucial points when they coup by beating reigning number of points (18) as Al victory over Al Sailiya, who Schauffele, both back- Hernandez were held goalless by Qatar champions Al Sadd 2-1. Sadd following their 3-0 win slipped from fifth to sixth spot tracked with matching SC, who slipped from seventh Mohamed Benyettou and over Al Ahli, but were placed with 17 points. 74s, falling four adrift. to eighth with 14 points. Omar Ali scored Al Wakrah’s fourth on better goal dif- Al Khor, nevertheless, Schauffele came from Thus, the gap between goals, while Hassan Al ference. Pierre-Michelle stayed 10th. Karim Ansari had five shots behind in the leaders Al Duhail and second- Haydous gave Al Sadd’s reply. Lassoga, Mohammed Salah El taken Al Sailiya ahead, but Al final round last year, placed Al Rayyan was reduced It was a major setback for Neel and Morteza Pouraliganji Khor struck back through shooting 62, and is from four to two as the latter Al Sadd in their bid to retain scored for The Dream Team. Helal Mohammed and Ibrahim looking forward to defeated Umm Salal by a 4-0 the league shield as they As a result, Al Ahli (13 Amada. playing from in front this time. “This is a newish realm I’m in, sleeping on the lead,” said the four- Six Qatari referees to Qatar U-23 gears up for Syria opener times PGA Tour winner. “Tomorrow’s going to be even windier, I saw in the officiate at AFC U-23 forecast. You can expect all sorts of things to happen and I’ll just go tourney in Thailand with the flow.” QNA — BANGKOK Second-placed Thomas, the 2017 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) appointed 62 champion, scorched match officials, including six Qatari referees for the around the front nine in upcoming AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020, five under par, but could scheduled to kick off on Wednesday. not continue the torrid Iraq will take on Australia before hosts Thailand pace, dropping a shot on lock horns with debutants Bahrain on the opening day. his inward half. The Qatari officials appointed by the AFC includes It was, nonetheless, a four referees - Abdullah Ali Al Marri, Abdulrahman Al four-shot improvement Jassim, Khamees Mohammed Al Kuwari and Khamees over his Friday score. Mohamed Al Marri besides two assistant referees - “I chipped the ball Saud Ahmed and Salim Al Marri. horrendously yesterday, Each referee will be accompanied by two assistant looked like a 20-handi- referees, and receive support from the Video Assistant capper,” said the world’s Referee (VAR) system, which is set to make its full tour- No. 4-ranked golfer. “I’m A Qatar U-23 player takes part in team’s training session nament debut across all three cities in Thailand - pretty disappointed with in Pathum Thani, Thailand yesterday ahead of the AFC Bangkok, Songkhla and Buriram, said the AFC on its my finish today. I could U-23 Championship Thailand 2020. Felix Sanchez’s side website. easily be 14 or 15 under The referees will be playing various roles will play their Group B opener against Syria on Thursday. now. I just need to build throughout the tournament that includes VAR and RIGHT: Coach Sanchez supervising the session. on that front nine.” Assistant VAR appointments. Third-placed Woodland last year led after 54 holes, only to finish second after being run down by the fast-fin- China hails Wu Lei after heroics against Barca ishing Schauffele. This time Woodland will be the hunter after a Espanyol’s Wu Lei (left) celebrates after AFP — SHANGHAI “Wu has now become the said that Wu’s dramatic leveller round that included a scoring their second goal as Barcelona’s first Chinese player to score from a narrow angle “sparked double-bogey at the Jordi Alba reacts. Wu Lei’s late equaliser for against Barcelona in all com- a wave of praise from media seventh. Espanyol against Barcelona petitions ever,” state-run China and fans in China”. “Outside of that I heralds “a new chapter” in Global Television Network Wu joined in the celebra- played really well,” said Chinese football, the country’s (CGTN) said. tions by writing on Weibo: the US Open champion. media declared yesterday, as The 28-year-old Wu “Wonderful night, a new year, the forward’s heroics went viral. “single-handedly revitalised a good start.” The Chinese international Espanyol” against the Spanish China’s new coach Li Tie TOP SCORERS came off the bench and struck in champions, CGTN said. will be relying on the forward 208 - Xander Schauffele 69-68-71 the 88th minute to salvage a 2-2 “A new chapter in history to help rescue the country’s 209 - Justin Thomas 67-73-69 home draw for La Liga’s bottom has been opened,” it added. hopes of reaching the 2022 211 - Gary Woodland 73-69-69 club in Saturday’s derby clash. “For Wu, it was a night that World Cup in Qatar. 212 - Kevin Kisner 72-72-68, Jon Rahm The goal was a huge talking will live long in the memory.” “He is currently the only (ESP) 69-73-70, Collin Morikawa 71-71- point on Chinese social media It was his fifth league goal Chinese player in one of the five 70, J.T. Poston 70-71-71, Matthew Wolff and a trending topic on the for Chinese-owned Espanyol major football leagues,” said the 69-72-71, Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 66-

Twitter-like Weibo, with one since he moved to the club from former Everton midfielder in his hashtag relating to it generating Shanghai SIPG a year ago. first press conference in charge 72-74, Patrick Reed 72-66-74 370 million views. State news agency Xinhua yesterday. MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Australia take control of third Test AFP — SYDNEY SCOREBOARD Australia (I Innings) ...... 454 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-117, 3-117, Australia took a commanding 243-run lead over plucky New New Zealand (I Innings) 4-145, 5-163, 6-195, 7-235, 8-237, Zealand in the third Test in T Latham c Starc b Cummins ...... 49 9-237, 10-251 “We’re in a very good Sydney yesterday, looking set for T Blundell b Lyon ...... 34 Bowling: Starc 21-1-57-1, Cummins 22-6- a clean sweep of the series. J Raval lbw Lyon ...... 31 44-3, Pattinson 16-3-58-0 (1nb), Lyon position here. A lot The Australians dismissed the R Taylor lbw Cummins ...... 22 30.4-10-68-5, Labuschagne 4-0-8-0, of work to do in the Black Caps for 251 to lead by 203 runs on the first innings before G Phillips b Cummins ...... 52 Head 2-0-1-0 morning and we have batting a second time in a bid to B Watling b Starc ...... 9 Australia (II Innings) to see what lead we build an overwhelming total with C de Grandhomme run out (Wade/Paine) 20 D Warner (batting) ...... 23 the batsmen want to two days remaining. T Astle not out ...... 25 J Burns (batting) ...... 16 At stumps on day three, the get to: Nathan Lyon W Somerville b Lyon ...... 0 Extras (1lb) ...... 1 hosts were 40 without loss with David Warner on 23 and Joe N Wagner b Lyon ...... 0 Total (0 wkt; 16 overs) ...... 40 Burns not out 16, and were M Henry st Paine b Lyon ...... 3 Bowling: Henry 5-2-11-0, de Grandhomme Raval, who was dropped expected to bat on for some time Extras (B1, LB4, NB1) ...... 6 3-1-9-0, Wagner 4-1-12-0, Somerville 4-0- after twin batting failures as an on the fourth day. Total (all out; 95.4 overs) ...... 251 7-0 opener in the first Test in Perth, Off-spinner Nathan Lyon batted positively at number three captured five for 68 to lead the before he was leg before wicket Australian bowling attack, with another bullet on 28 when he second Test in Melbourne. to Lyon for 31 off 58 balls. Kiwi Test debutant Glenn Phillips was caught by Travis Head at The Black Caps lost three Tom Latham was out two top-scoring with a charmed deep midwicket only to be wickets in the middle session balls later in the next over from knock of 52. recalled when James Pattinson with the experienced Ross Taylor Cummins, done by a fuller “We’re in a very good was found to have over-stepped out lbw to Cummins for 22 in the delivery and chipping straight to position here,” said Lyon, who for a no-ball. second over after lunch. Starc at mid-on. has now taken a career 385 Test Phillips hit a cracking pull Taylor remains 20 runs away The new skipper, deputising wickets. shot off Pat Cummins to raise his from becoming the highest- for the sidelined Kane Wil- “A lot of work to do in the debut half-century before scoring New Zealand batsman in liamson, was denied a deserved morning and we have to see what Cummins got him two balls later, Tests, behind Stephen Fleming half-century on 49 in his 133-ball lead we the batsmen want to get ripping through his defences to (7,172). vigil. to. take off-stump for 52. Wicketkeeper BJ Watling Blundell fell in the day’s fifth “It is pretty special to play Lyon bowled Will Somerville chopped a wide Starc delivery over, bowled by Lyon for 34. here in front of your home and Neil Wagner for ducks and on to his stumps for nine off 30 The Sydney Test is being crowd, in front of your family fast bowler Matt Henry came out balls to put his team under more played against the backdrop of and friends. Nice to go up on the to bat despite fracturing his left pressure. one of Australia’s most devas- honours board.” hand earlier in the match. Colin de Grandhomme was tating bushfire seasons, with at Phillips, who only flew in on Henry ducked out of the way needlessly run out for 20, taking least 24 people losing their lives the eve of the Test as cover for a of a couple of Mitchell Starc on Matthew Wade’s throw from in blazes raging across the team weakened by a virus out- thunderbolts directed at his body the deep to wicketkeeper Tim country, including on the out- break, was dropped twice and before he was stumped off Lyon’s Paine while attempting a second skirts of Sydney. given a reprieve when caught off bowling to end the New Zealand run. Play will be suspended in the a no-ball. innings. Lyon grabbed two key match at the umpire’s discretion, Lyon put down the two It was the longest innings of wickets in the morning session, should smoke significantly affect Australia’s Nathan Lyon acknowledges the crowd caught-and-bowled chances a disastrous lost series for the removing Melbourne Test cen- air quality or visibility, but the after taking a five-wicket haul during the third day when Phillips was on two and 17. Kiwis, bettering the 71 overs they turion Tom Blundell and recalled sky above the ground has of the third Test match against New Zealand at the The Kiwi batsman dodged faced in the second innings of the Jeet Raval. remained largely clear so far. Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, yesterday.

Stoinis fined for Sibley, Root put England in command slur during Big Bash League REUTERS — CAPE TOWN AFP — MELBOURNE Opener Dominic Sibley struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as Australian all-rounder Marcus England seized control of the Stoinis was yesterday slapped second Test against South with a hefty fine after directing Africa at the close of the third a slur at Kane Richardson day at Newlands yesterday, during a domestic Twenty20 grinding down their hosts Big Bash League game. ahead of a fourth innings The Melbourne Stars victory charge. player apologised after being The tourists reached 218 found guilty of breaching for four at stumps, a lead of Cricket Australia’s code of 264 that already looks sub- conduct and penalised $5,200. stantial on a wearing wicket “I got caught in the and with two full days moment and took it too far,” remaining, providing an Stoinis said of the incident excellent chance to level the during the clash with cross- four-match series. town rivals Melbourne Rene- Sibley put on 116 for the gades on Saturday. third wicket with captain Joe “I realised immediately I Root (61), before the latter was in the wrong and I apol- steered Dwaine Pretorius to Faf ogise to Kane and to the du Plessis at slip late on. umpires. Nightwatchman Dominic “I did the wrong thing and Bess gloved a leg-side delivery accept responsibility for my from Anrich Nortje (2-36) to actions. The standards are England’s Dominic Sibley plays a shot during the third day of the end the day. there for a reason and I accept second Test cricket against South Africa at the Newlands stadium SCOREBOARD Sibley will seek to take the the .” in Cape Town, yesterday. game further away from South England (I Innings) ...... 269 Bowling: Anderson 19-6-40-5, Broad The incident comes six Africa with Ben Stokes on day South Africa (I Innings) 18-6-38-2 (1nb), Curran 13-3-39-2, Bess weeks after fast bowler James four with England’s travelling Kagiso Rabada to wicket- catches as they made short D Elgar c Root b Bess ...... 88 27-3-62-1, Stokes 9-0-34-0, Root 3-1- Pattinson, currently playing fans in full voice in Cape Town. keeper Quinton de Kock, and work of wrapping up the South P Malan c Root b Broad ...... 5 4-0 for Australia in the third Test Sibley’s previous best in Joe Denly (31), caught at long African first innings. Z Hamza c Stokes b Broad ...... 5 England (II Innings) against New Zealand in Tests was 29 and he showed leg attempting a hook off Anderson (5-40) knocked F du Plessis c Stokes b Anderson ...... 1 Z Crawley c De Kock b Rabada ...... 25 Sydney, was banned for player impressive patience and con- Nortje. over Rabada (0) with the first abuse. His penalty -- a one- H van der Dussen c Stokes b Curran ..68 D Sibley not out ...... 85 centration to see off the new It was, at times, a war of ball of the day and completed match suspension which ruled ball and then accumulate his attrition that the visiting side his England record 28th Test Q de Kock c Anderson b Curran ...... 20 J Denly c Pretorius b Nortje ...... 31 him out of the first Test against runs by waiting for the right won with risk-free, smart five-wicket haul when Nortje V Philander not out ...... 17 J Root c Du Plessis b Pretorius ...... 61 Pakistan -- was harsher as it opportunities to score. cricket. (4) edged to Stokes at slip for D Pretorius c Stokes b Anderson ...... 4 D Bess c De Kock b Nortje ...... 0 was his third code of conduct He took 140 balls to reach South Africa’s bowling the all-rounder to take his K Maharaj c Sibley b Anderson ...... 4 Extras (B14, LB2) ...... 16 breach in the past 18 months. his 50 and batted for almost the attack were unable to find the fifth catch of the innings. It is K Rabada c Buttler b Anderson ...... 0 Total (4 wkts, 79 overs) ...... 218 “The behaviour in this full day, which allowed Root to movement and pace off the the joint most by any player A Nortje c Stokes b Anderson ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-101, 3-217, matter falls short of the score more freely at the other wicket that England enjoyed as in Test cricket and the 12th standards we expect and we end. they bowled them out for 223 time a fielder had taken five Extras (B4, LB2, NB1) ...... 7 4-218 have acted accordingly,” South Africa’s other two early on the third day. catches in an innings, but a Total (89 overs) ...... 223 Bowling: Rabada 13-3-41-1, Philander Sean Carroll, Cricket Aus- wickets in England’s second Seamer James Anderson first for England. Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-38, 3-40, 4-157, 12-6-12-0, Nortje 15-2-36-2, Pretorius 12- tralia’s head of integrity and innings were that of Zak took five wickets and Ben South Africa won the first 5-191, 6-200, 7-207, 8-215, 9-215 3-34-1, Maharaj 27-8-79-0 security said of the Stoinis Crawley (25), who edged Stokes an England record five Test in Pretoria by 107 runs. fine. Sri Lanka’s sacked coach demands $5m compensation AFP — COLOMBO “He has sent a letter of what he called the wrongful sixth place, Hathurusingha and national team by appointing demand asking for $5m,” board termination. his assistants were shown the South African Mickey Arthur as Sacked coach Chandika Hathu- secretary Mohan de Silva said. His claim of $5m includes door. head coach in December. rusingha (pictured) has Details were not immedi- damages as well as the wages The then sports minister Former Zimbabwe Test demanded $5m in compen- ately available, but the Sunday he says are due to him. Harin Fernando insisted that player Grant Flower has been sation from Sri Lanka Cricket Island newspaper said Hathu- The board had been willing Hathurusingha was overpaid appointed the new national over the premature termination rusingha had sought his full to pay only six months’ salary and accused him of failing to batting coach, Australian David of his contract, an official said salary for the remaining 18 as compensation, the Island produce results. Saker was made bowling coach yesterday. months of his contract which said, adding that the coach was Fernando said Sri Lanka while Shane McDermott was The former Sri Lankan Test amounted to just over a million in receipt of a take-home salary could have hired a foreign placed in charge of fielding star and coach made the claim dollars. of $60,000 a month at the time coach at half the price paid to training. after the two sides failed to He has also claimed that his of termination. Following Sri Hathurusingha. The board has not dis- agree the terms of his termi- reputation as an international Lanka’s disappointing World Sri Lanka has since carried cussed the terms of their two- nation last summer. coach suffered as a result of Cup, where they finished in out a major revamp of the year contracts. 10 SPORT MONDAYMOND 6 JANUARY 2020

Stefanos Tsitsipas of Pliskova looks Greece in action during his Halep, Cornet match against Alexander to Murray's Zverev of Germany during day 3 of the ATP Cup in plan unique ways former coach Brisbane, yesterday. for Slam to contribute to breakthrough bushfire relief AFP — BRISBANE REUTERS — SYDNEY World number two Karolina Pliskova is hoping Andy Romanian women’s world No. 4 Simona Halep has Murray’s former coach can devised a unique way to support relief and recovery help her take the next step up efforts amid Australia’s bushfire catastrophe: she as she targets a will donate money every time she yells at her breakthrough and reclaiming Australian coach. the top ranking. Other tennis players from across the world, The tall Czech ditched sparked in part by a call to action from tennis player Spaniard Conchita Martinez in Nick Kyrgios, have pledged to donate A$200 ($139) November despite winning a to the cause every time they serve an ace. But, Halep single-season career-high four noted, serving is not her strength. titles in 2019. “Well guys, you know I love Australia, but you She has since hired Vene- ATP Cup: Tsitsipas whips also know I don’t hit too many aces,” she wrote on zuelan coach Daniel Vallverdu Twitter. with former Ukraine Fed Cup “Sooo I want to help and my pledge is this... every player Olga Savchuk -- a long- time I give @darren_cahill a hard time in my box time friend -- also joining her Zverev as top names crash during all my matches in Aus, I will donate $200,” team. she added, referring to her coach, Darren Cahill. “I didn’t want to stay AFP — SYDNEY ATP CUP RESULTS Fognini was beaten in Perth by “This way I will raise a lot more money.” where I was,” she said at the emerging Norwegian 21-year-old Halep, who resumed working with Cahill last Brisbane International yes- Stefanos Tsitsipas whipped an error- IN SYDNEY: GROUP C , who claimed his year after the pair split late in 2018, often animatedly terday ahead of opening the strewn Alexander Zverev to win the 2 Moldova 1 second big scalp after upsetting remonstrates toward her box during matches. new season with the defence battle of the big guns at the ATP Cup (BUL) bt American John Isner in his first Meanwhile, women’s world No. 1 Ash Barty from of her title. yesterday, inflicting a second suc- (MDV) 6-1, 7-5 match on Friday. Australia has said she will donate all of her prize “But I felt that there’s no cessive defeat on the German in his (BUL) bt (MDV) 6-2, 6-3 Ruud, whose father Christian is money from next week’s Brisbane International to way she (Martinez) can maybe warm-up for the Australian Open. Radu Albot/Alexander Cozbinov (MDV) bt Grigor Norway’s captain, won 6-2, 6-2, the Red Cross Fire Appeal. help me more, so that’s why I On day three of the inaugural Dimitrov/ (BUL) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) although it wasn’t enough to prevent Most of the best tennis players in the world are changed.” 24-nation team event in Sydney, Norway losing 2-1 to Italy. already in Australia for the inaugural ATP Cup and Vallverdu previously Brisbane and Perth, world number IN BRISBANE: GROUP F Stefano Travaglia won the other other warm-up tournaments leading up to the year’s worked with Murray from 11 David Goffin was another loser, Australia 3 0 singles and Fognini bounced back first Grand Slam. 2010 to 2014 and was part of along with Italy’s Fabio Fognini, Alex de Minaur (AUS) bt (CAN) alongside Simone Bolelli to take the Alize Cornet of France, who like Halep is not the Ivan Lendl-led team that ranked one place below him. 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-2 deciding doubles rubber. known for her serving prowess, came up with a fun- helped the Scot win Olympic Greek star Tsitsipas, who won “Coming out here and beating draising idea of her own. John Millman (AUS) bt Felix Auger-Aliassime gold and the US Open in 2012 the 2019 season-ending ATP Finals two top 20 players at the beginning “These bushfires in Australia are tearing my (CAN) 6-4, 6-2 as well as Wimbledon in in London and is now ranked six, of the year is great for my confi- heart apart... And as Simona was saying, I won’t be /John Peers (AUS) bt Felix Auger- 2013. was in a different league to Zverev, dence,” said world number 54 Ruud. raising much money either if I have to count on my Aliassime/Adil Shamasdin (CAN) 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), He also had stints with who only began hitting balls a week Mercurial Australian Nick serve! Sooo I will donate $50 for every drop shot 10-8 Thomas Berdych and Grigor ago after an off-season curtailed by Kyrgios pulled out of his country’s winner that I’ll make at the Australian Swing. Much

Dimitrov, but has not worked a lucrative exhibition tour. tie against Canada just hours before more efficient,” she said on Twitter. IN PERTH: GROUP D before with a top women’s The lacklustre German world it started with back soreness. Italy 2 Norway 1 player. number seven sent down 10 double But John Millman seamlessly Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Viktor Durasovic (NOR) “I think it’s also new for faults and made just 45 percent of stepped in to stun Felix Auger-Ali- 6-1, 6-1 him, new for me. But hopefully his first serves, a worrying sign assime in straight sets before De Casper Ruud (NOR) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-2, 6-2 I think or I feel he can add ahead of the opening Grand Slam of Minaur again showed the fighting some good things to my the year. Fabio Fognini/Simone Bolelli (ITA) bt Casper qualities for which he is renowned. tennis,” said the 27-year-old, He lost to Australia’s Alex de Ruud/Viktor Durasovic (NOR) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) After bouncing back from losing who first became world Minaur in his opening match on the opening set to Zverev on Friday, number one in July 2017. Friday, throwing away a one-set he did the same against Denis “We will see how every- lead. knockout phase before one is Shapovalov in a gutsy 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, thing goes in tournaments. I “I worked very hard for this win, crowned the winner. 6-2 three hour display. think it’s going to need some I found solutions, found my rhythm The Grigor Dimitrov-led Bulgaria Australian captain Lleyton time for him, also for me to get and my pace and knew what I was won their second tie in a row, Hewitt said Kyrgios would be used to it. doing on court,” said impressive beating Moldova 2-1, to be in a com- assessed before their next tie on “But he’s a clever guy and 21-year-old Tsitsipas after his 6-1, manding position in Group C, while Tuesday. it’s still tennis. It’s not a dif- 6-4 walloping in Brisbane. Australia also made it two-out-of- Elsewhere, Dimitrov, who is ferent sport. Of course, some- “I was serving pretty okay and two in Group F with De Minaur again player-coach of Bulgaria, whipped times it looks like it, but it’s played clever again. I managed to on fire in their 3-0 sweep of Canada. Moldova’s top player Radu Albot 6-2, actually not. So I think he will stay calm and positive in my head.” Belgium’s Goffin saved five 6-3 for his second win of the tour- adapt (to the women’s game). The Boris Becker-captained match points against Dan Evans, but nament, having already beaten Evans. “I think I’m quite easy, like, Germans have now won one of their it was too little, too late as he crashed “I wanted to give something back tough on one hand to work opening ties, while Greece has lost 6-4, 6-4 in Sydney for one of the to the boys and just make sure that with, but on the other hand both of theirs. biggest wins of the Briton’s career. they learn. That’s it,” said the former Moldova’s Alexander Cozbinov and Radu Albot shake easy, so I think he’s not going The 24 countries are split into six and world number three on why he hands with Bulgaria’s Alexandar Lazarov and Grigor to have problems with me,” groups, with the top eight from the won the deciding doubles to secure accepted the dual role in an inexpe- Dimitrov after winning their Group C doubles match she added. round-robin going onto the the tie for Britain 2-1. rienced team. during the ATP Cup in Sydney, yesterday. Djokovic concerned about Ruud claims another big scalp smoke at Australian Open AFP — PERTH “I’m very happy to beat my Ruud broke twice to draw first highest ranked player ever,” he blood and his accurate serving REUTERS — SYDNEY Emerging 21-year-old Casper said of Fognini. gave little chance of inroads for Ruud continued his giant-killing “Coming out here and beating the Italian. He broke in the sixth Tennis world number two run with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over two top 20 players at the beginning game of the second set to grab a Novak Djokovic said he is world number 12 Fabio Fognini of the year is great for my stranglehold en route to his second concerned that smoke yesterday, before Italy recovered confidence.” straight upset. might cause some to down Norway on day three of The world number 54 was in In the earlier singles match, problems at the Australian the ATP Cup. imperious form with an array of Stefano Travaglia notched his first Open later this month as Ruud levelled the Group D tie pinpoint shots on the baseline rat- win of the season after com- bushfires continued to in Perth in just 66 minutes and tling a frustrated Fognini, who fortably beating Durasovic 6-1, 6-1 blaze across large sections then backed up alongside Viktor badly miscued several forehands. in 56 minutes. of the southeast yesterday. Durasovic in the deciding doubles The world number 84 took Hundreds of fires in only to be thwarted by Fognini and advantage of a misfiring New South Wales and Vic- Simone Bolelli, who prevailed 6-3, Durasovic, who had 16 unforced toria have killed at least 24 7-6 (7/3). errors in a horror first set. The people and destroyed Italy join surprise packets one-sided contest continued with more than 5.25 million “It’s tough for them “The small changes we Norway with a 1-1 record so far Travaglia giving Italy their first hectares (13 million acres) because... there’s a lot of have had to make are after being swept by Russia in their taste of victory. of land over the last few different things involved. nothing in comparison to opening tie on Friday. The 28-year-old is repre- months. But health concern is a the distressing position so Ruud, whose father Christian senting Italy for the first time after Smoke from the blazes health concern for me and many people in our region is Norway’s captain, has led his replacing world number eight has also resulted in haz- for anybody.” are sadly experiencing at team’s surprising run, starting the Matteo Berrettini, who withdrew ardous conditions in The smoke has so far the moment,” coach Dan season spectacularly after from the tournament with an Sydney, where the final caused the most disruption McKellar said in a upsetting not only Fognini but big- abdominal injury. rounds of the inaugural to the sporting calendar in statement. serving American John Isner in his “It’s very important for me to ATP Cup will take place Canberra, where a “Player welfare is first wins over top-20 players. play for Italy,” Travaglia said. “I next weekend, and Mel- Twenty20 cricket match always a priority and tem- tried to play every point at my best bourne, where the year’s was abandoned on porarily moving to New- and I think I did it.” first tennis Grand Slam gets December 21 when condi- castle will allow us to con- Durasovic, ranked 332, has not underway on January 20. tions became too haz- tinue to prepare for our won a set from two matches after Seven-times Australian ardous to continue. round one match on winning just four games against Open champion Djokovic, An ATP Challenger/ITF January 31.” American Taylor Fritz in his who is playing in the ATP Futures tennis tournament The New Year’s cricket opener. Cup, said he hoped the scheduled for next week test at the Sydney Cricket The Daniil Medvedev-led crisis would “dissipate” in the capital was moved Ground, one of the biggest Russia take on the United States soon but that an action plan to Bendigo, while on fixtures on the Australian in the later Group D tie. would be needed to avoid Sunday the city’s ACT sporting calendar, moved any impact on the health of Brumbies rugby team into its third day without players if it did not. announced they would be disruption, although there “If it continues same moving their pre-season was a distinct smell of way and if the quality of air training camp to smoke in the air is affected in Melbourne or Newcastle. yesterday. Sydney, I think Tennis Aus- The twice Super Rugby Australian sportsmen tralia probably will be champions made the and women have joined forced to create some rules decision after their training actors, popstars and Brit- about it,” he told a Brisbane ground at the University of ain’s royal family in Norway’s Casper Ruud in action during news conference in the Canberra was closed indef- pledging financial support his Group D singles match against early hours of Sunday initely “due to hazardous for those affected by the Italy’s Fabio Fognini in Perth, yesterday. morning. air quality”. bushfires. MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

Wawrinka and Rublev the players to beat at Qatar ExxonMobil Open

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA PRIZE MONEY CHAMPIONS IN QATAR 1993 Boris Becker WINNER: $227,930 1994 Stefan Edberg QTF ‘proud’ to bag Three-time Grand Slam champion FINALIST: $126,160 1995 Stefan Edberg Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland and SEMI-FINALIST: $71,030 1996 Petr Korda rising Russian star Andrey Rublev, QUARTER-FINALIST: $40,425 1997 Jim Courier ATP Tour award tipped by Roger Federer to sparkle SECOND ROUND: $23,190 1998 Petr Korda in 2020, will be looking to start the FIRST ROUND: $13,560 1999 Rainer Schüttler again, says Zainal new season with wins at the $1.5m 2000 Fabrice Santoro Qatar ExxonMobil Open starting 2001 Marcelo Ríos today. 2002 Younes El Aynaoui RIZWAN REHMAT Top seed Wawrinka, without a 2003 Stefan Koubek THE PENINSULA title since bagging 16th trophy of 2004 Nicolas Escudé his career on clay in Geneva in 2005 Roger Federer Last year's Qatar Exxon- 2017, arrived in Doha three days 2006 Roger Federer Mobil Open being named ago but has been in training mode 2007 Ivan Ljubičic the ‘Best Tournament’ by for most part of December. 2008 Andy Murray the ATP Tour is a ‘proud 2009 Andy Murray Rublev, the 2018 Qatar Open achievement for Qatar 2010 Nikolay Davydenko finalist, is seeded second at the 2011 Roger Federer Tennis Federation’ (QTF), 32-man singles event which ends 2012 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a top official said. on Saturday. 2013 Richard Gasquet Last month the Wawrinka, the doubles gold 2014 Rafael Nadal annual 250-point event medal winner with tennis icon 2015 David Ferrer in Doha was adjudged by Federer at the 2008 Olympic 2016 Novak Djokovic the Tour and the players Games in Beijing, will be looking to 2017 Novak Djokovic as the ‘Best Tournament’ improve on his 6-5 record at the 2018 Gaël Monfils for the third time. Qatar Open. 2019 Roberto Bautista Agut “We are proud to win Placed at 6th on the all-time Stan Wawrinka the ATP Tour Best Tour- champion in Doha this tennis earnings list, Wawrinka was nament award for the year. He won in Doha in a runner-up to Andy Murray in Rublev, 22, is the one to watch Spanish veteran Fernando Ver- who battled knee injury after the third time,” QTF Secretary 2012.” Doha in 2008 and a quarter-finalist out for this season, according to dasco, based in Doha since 2016, said US Open, said. “My knee and my General Tareq Zainal (pic- He added: “We hope last year. Federer. players always look to put the pre- body are feeling good,” he said. tured) said yesterday. Arab tennis players like Federer last week sangsang praisesp season training to good use when it “I have been here since 2016. “It’s a big advance at ofo Rublev,Ru tellingtelling ATPATP TeTennisTV:nni “I is competition time. This is my fifth year. I moved after achievement in the 250- this event. I believe this thinkthinthhinhinkk tthathat RuRublevblev is goinggoing to be “You always want to win. It is speaking with friends. I am already point category. There is tournament will be good somethingsosomsommmeething special. He plaplayedye great about how to use all the work done 36. I am not a young kid any more no secret behind this for players especially againstagaggaaaiinst me in Cincinnati,Cincinna he in the pre-season when you are tennis-wise. Qatar are improving achievement. We work as with the cold weather in impressedimimmppressed me a lot there.”there.” playing the first match and the sub- in all sports. I love sports and I have a team. We work for all Europe. We hope all FrenchFrench powerpowerhousehouse Jo-Wil-J sequent season,” Verdasco, 36, said. a spot to be here after I am done of Qatar. We learn from spectators get to enjoy friedffrried Tsonga (third seed), “It is always a bit harder with tennis,” Verdasco said. our mistakes,” he added. this event. Very few SerbianSerbian yyoungsteroungster LaLasloslo Djere because you need a little bit of time “But my priority is to focus on “We look at our neg- tickets are left for the (fifth seed), comcompatriotpatrio Filip to get into the competition,” the myself before the match. It is a atives, not gloat about the quarter-finals and semi- Krajinovic (sixth(sixth seed), feisty left-hander said. really good draw. It will be tough positives. We learn finals of the tournament. FrenchmanFrenchman AdrianAdrian Man- Verdasco, who plays Pablo no matter which part of the draw quickly. That’s how we do Qatar Tennis Federation narinonarino (seventh(seventh seed)seed and Andujar, a fellow Spaniard, in the you are on,” Verdasco said. well. We heard from ATP are ready for this American FrancesFrances Tiafoe first round in Doha, said he wants Eighth seed Tiafoe, who faces and the players that our tournament.” (eight(eight seed) araree the other to keep battling on court. a qualifier in his opening match, tournament is as good as Zainal hinted the seededseeded pplayerslayers setse to be “It is never easy to play feels 2020 could be his break- a 1000-point event in event in Qatar could be seenseen in actionaction at the somebody from Spain. I’ve known through year on the Tour. terms of organisation,” he moved to another week KhalifaKhalifa InInternationalterna him for many seasons. We are good “I have never played here said. after the 2021 edition. TennisTennis and SquashS friends on Tour. He’s not the before. I really like it so far. The “We are looking to be “It is not easy to Complex.Complex. opponent I would choose. He’s the courts are nice. The stadium is the best again,” Zainal change the calendar in only Spanish player here. Only one pretty big. I am happy to be here,” said with a smile. one or two years. The cal- of us will go to the next round,” Ver- Tiafoe said at the draw ceremony When asked about endar is already con- dasco said. on Saturday. the draw of the 2020 firmed for two years. If When asked about his goals in “I think it’s going to be an edition, Zainal said: “It is there is a change, it will the new season, Verdasco said exciting year. I am starting to do equal for all the players. be for 2022. There is a playing consistent tennis was the right things. It’s going to be good We have Stan Wawrinka chance, maybe, to important. tennis this week. I am very excited. and Andrey Rublev, the change. I hope next year “I want to be regular in the There are good players in qualifiers. top two seeds. We could this tournament will be season. At the end, I want to get I am excited to get out there and have a new champion different and we continue Andrey Rublev good results and obviously I want compete and hopefully get some this year. Jo-Wilfried to have top players,” he to fight for a big title,” Verdasco, wins,” the 21-year-old added. Tsonga is the only former said. Tricky path for top seed Wawrinka in Doha

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Wawrinka’s best result at the meeting at last year’s US Open. season opener. Fernando Ver- champion (d. Monfils), will begin championship matches in 2019. tournament came in 2008, when Wawrinka shares the top dasco and Pablo Andujar also his quest for a second trophy in Pavic and Soares picked up their Top seed and crowd favourite he reached the championship quarter of the draw with Adrian feature in an all-Spanish first- Qatar against Miomir Kec- maiden team trophy at the Rolex Stan Wawrinka will face Jeremy match (l. to Murray). Mannarino, who opens his cam- round encounter. manovic or Jordan Thompson. Shanghai Masters before a Chardy or a qualifier in his If Chardy wins his opening paign against Newport and The bottom half of the draw Tsonga has reached the quarter- runner-up finish at the Intrum opening match of the 2020 ATP match, the Frenchman will face Chengdu runner-up Alexander is headlined by 2018 finalist finals or better in each of his Stockholm Open. Tour season, as he attempts to Wawrinka for the seventh time Bublik. Mannarino fell to Dusan Andrey Rublev (l. to Monfils). The three previous visits to Doha, Former champions Chardy lift his first Qatar ExxonMobil at tour-level. Wawrinka owns Lajovic in the opening round on 22-year-old Russian returns for compiling a 9-2 tournament and will also be Open trophy. an undefeated 6-0 ATP his tournament debut last year. the third straight year, having record. bidding to claim a second crown The 34-year-old, who is the Head2Head record against the In the second quarter, fourth won five of seven matches in his in Doha. The 2017 titlists share top seed at the 2019 ATP 250 World No. 51, which includes a seed will face previous two tournament Pavic and Soares Lead the top half of the draw with Tournament of the Year, owns four-set victory in or a appearances. Rublev, who is Doubles Field Pavic and Soares and will open a 6-5 record in Doha. their most recent qualifier in the joined in the bottom quarter by their campaign against Divij second round, fifth seed Laslo Djere, awaits the Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares Sharan and Artem Sitak. while sixth winner of wild card Malek Jaziri will face wild cards Marton Fuc- Second seeds seed Filip Kra- and Mikhail Kukushkin’s first- sovics and Verdasco in their first and Franko Skugor will meet jinovic will round clash. match of the season. wild cards Malek Jaziri and meet Kyle Third seed Jo-Wilfried The top seeds, who joined Rashed Nawaf in their first-round Edmund in Tsonga and eighth seed Frances forces at the Fever-Tree Cham- match. The Finnish-Croatian his Tiafoe own the two seeded posi- pionships in June last year, will tandem are joined in the bottom tions in the third quarter of the be aiming to lift their second title half of the draw by Rohan draw. Tsonga, the 2012 as a team after reaching two Bopanna and .

A general view outside the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex ahead of the 2020 Qatar ExxonMobil Open yesterday. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT SPORT SPORTS | 10 SPORT | 11

TsitsipasTs whips Wawrinka and Zverev as Rublev the players top names to beat at Qatar crash ExxonMobil Open

MONDAY 6 JANUARY 2020 Al Attiyah begins Dakar Rally title hunt

AFP / THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Nasser Al day's drive Peterhansel added: JEDDAH Attiyah and France’s "There were dunes, sandy pla- Matthieu Baumel of teaus and rocky sectors where Qatar's three-time Dakar Toyota Gazoo Racing we had to walk on eggshells. Rally champion Nasser Saleh during the opening We're good at adapting to ORDER OF PLAY Al Attiyah and his French presentation ahead these conditions, we're co-driver Matthieu Baumel nimble!" of the 2020 Dakar CENTER COURT yesterday kicked off their title One driver facing an early Rally in Jeddah, Saudi Starts at 3:30pm - R32 defence as the 2020 edition Arabia, yesterday. flight home was France's two- of motorsport's gruelling time Le Mans 24 Hour winner 7,500 kilometre marathon Romain Dumas, who could Alexander Bublik vs (7) Adrian began in Saudi Arabia. only watch from a safe dis- Mannarino Al Attiyah led the way for tance as flames engulfed his Not before 5:30pm over 200km but he had to car after only 65km. Fernando Verdasco vs Pablo settle for fourth place after Defending motorbike Andujar problems with his Toyota. champion Toby Price won Followed by "It was a hard day, we had Sunday's first bike stage, (Q) Gregoire Barrere vs Jeremy three punctures in 10 kilo- despite losing his roadbook. Chardy metres, I have no clue what "Once the road book is Followed By went wrong, it's rather gone, then you're pretty much Kyle Edmund vs (6) Filip strange," reported the Qatari, driving blind," said the Krajinovic over five minutes adrift. 32-year-old Australian. Dakar Rally debutant The KTM rider completed COURT 1 Fernando Alonso avoided any the 752km route over two Starts at 3:30pm - R32 first stage pitfalls as he tries minutes clear of American (Q) Corentin Moutet vs Tennys to make history as the first champion Marc Coma navi- Peterhansel, the 13-time new co-driver Paulo Fiuza. Ricky Brabec on a Honda with Sandgren Formula One champion to gating, was over quarter of an Dakar champion, and Carlos "In 21 editions of the Austrian Matthias Walkner on Followed by win the event, completed the hour behind surprise stage Sainz. Dakar, I've never had a co- another KTM in third. (Q) Mikael Ymer vs Aljaz Bedene drive from Jeddah to Al Wajh winner Vaidotas Zala. 'Mr Dakar', as France's driver talk to me in English, Monday's second stage is Followed by in his Toyota in 11th place. The Lithuanian led home Peterhansel is affection- so I need to get used to it," he 401km to Neom, a planned Miomir Kecmanovic vs Jordan The 38-year-old Spaniard, a 1-2-3 for Mini, 2mins 14sec ately known, struggled with said. futuristic city being built on the Thompson with five-time Dakar bike clear of teammates Stephane a language barrier with his Reflecting on a solid first Red Sea. COURT 2 (Doubles R16) Starts at 3:30pm DAKAR RALLY 2020 RESULTS Ricardas Berankis/Milos Raonic Stage 1 (752 kilometres) from Djeddah to Al Wajh. vs Luke Bambridge/Santiago CARS: Gonzalez Followed by 1. Vaidotas Zala-Saulius Jurgelenas (LTU-LTU/Mini) 3h19:04, 2. Stephane Peterhansel-Paulo Fiuza (FRA-POR/ (WC) Malek Jaziri/Rashed Nawaf Mini) at 2mins 14secs, 3. Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (ESP- vs (2) Henri Kontinen/Franko ESP/Mini) 2:50, 4. Nasser Al Attiyah-Matthieu Baumel Skugor Followed by (QAT-FRA/Toyota) 5:33, 5. Bernhard Ten Brinke-Tom Colsoul (NED-BEL/Toyota) 6:30, 6. Mathieu Serradori- Alexander Bublik/Andrey Rublev Fabian Lurquin (FRA-BEL/Century) 6:55, 7. Orlando vs Frances Tiafoe/Stan Wawrinka Nasser Al Attiyah and Terranova-Bernardo Graue (ARG-ARG/Mini) 7:15, 8. his co-driver Mathieu COURT 3 Yazeed Al Rajhi-Konstantin Zhiltsov (KSA-RUS/Toyota) Baumel compete during (Doubles R16) Starts At 3:30pm 11:46, 9. Vladimir Vasilyev-Vitaliy Yevtyekhov (RUS- the Stage 1 of the Dakar UKR/Mini) 13:25, 10. Erik Van Loon-Sebastien Delaunay /Lorenzo 2020 between Jeddah (NED-FRA/Toyota) 13:58 Sonego vs (3) / and Al Wajh yesterday. Wesley Koolhof Alaba not for sale, says Bayern boss Flick ARMSTRONG VAS where the Bayern squad were THE PENNINSULA tasked with various exercises involving dumbbells, bars, rings Bayern Munich coach Hans- and weights. Dieter Flick has set aside spec- Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry ulation surrounding David had to cut short his training Alaba’s move to Chelsea by after feeling a strain in his saying that the player is ‘not for Achilles tendon during training sale’ in the January transfer yesterday. window. The 22-year-old Bayern Speaking to reporters yes- striker will therefore not be able terday during Bayern’s winter to complete some of the squad camp in Doha Flick said: “Alaba sessions at the team’s training is not for sale in the winter.” camp in Doha. Chelsea manager Frank “We had running practice Lampard had identified Alaba this morning, and during that, as a top transfer target in that’s when he had to stop,” January window with a specu- coach Flick explained to the lated £60m bid for the media. Austrian. Flick’s side will lay the foun- The 27-year-old defender dations for a successful second remains a key player for Bayern half of the season with a and Flick says he will continue Bayern Munich players take part in a training session during the team’s winter camp at the Aspire Zone in Doha, yesterday. number of training sessions in to deputise at centre-back due Qatar, before flying back to to the club’s injury problems at described the infrastructure at goalkeeper Alexander Nubel seen by Bayern’s fans for some around two and a half months Germany to face FC Nürnberg the back. Aspire Academy as from Schalke in a deal that will time. out following ankle surgery at in a friendly. “Alaba is doing very well at ‘wonderful’. see the 23-year-old arrive in The French World Cup the end of October. The second half of the centre-back at the moment. He “I did not get a chance to Munich at the end of the winner celebrated his return to The 23-year-old partici- season kicks off away at Hertha can lead a team, he showed that. visit the city and have a closer season. training for the first time after pated in the circuit training, Berlin on January 19. These are the criteria the leader look,” he added. Manuel Neuer has been of the defence has to fulfil.” Reigning champions ever-present in goal for Bayern “We are very well occupied Bayern is third in Bundesliga this season and Flick said he is Amir Cup: Mesaimeer beat Al Shamal to enter main round with Alphonso Davies on the at the midway stage, four happy with Sven Ulreich in the left,” said Flick, who has points adrift of leader RB role of deputy to the Germany overseen five wins and two Leipzig after an indifferent first international. Nubel is seen as defeats in the league since being half to the campaign. a potential long-term successor placed in temporary charge of Flick is the caretaker to Neuer, but Flick said: “I’m the German champion club on manager until the end of the not interested in that now. November 3. season after replacing Niko “Bayern took the chance to Alaba impressed at centre- Kovac in November and bring a talented goalkeeper to back alongside Javi Martinez, revealed last week he is after Munich. But Nubel will be a Benjamin Pavard and Jerome a new right-back. He has Bayern player in July. Boateng in a string of Bun- overseen five wins and two “I’m satisfied with the desliga victories before the mid- defeats in the league since current situation and Sven season break, and his perform- being placed in temporary Ulreich is doing very well. Com- ances fuelled speculation over charge of the German petition enables a possible move to Chelsea. champion club. performances.” The German club will train Bayern set off their training Yesterday morning Bayern till January 11 at the state-of- camp, though injured stars conducted their first open the-art facilities at the Aspire Robert Lewandowski, Javi Mar- training session since arriving Academy. tinez, Kingsley Coman and in Doha on Saturday evening. Mesaimeer and Al Shamal players vie for the ball during their Amir Cup play-off match at the Flick, who is making his Niklas Sule were all missing. During the session, much of the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, yesterday. Mesaimeer beat Al Shamal 1-0 to make it to the maiden visit to Qatar, the host Flick was reluctant to public’s focus centred on Lucas main round of the 16-team tournament. of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, comment on the signing of Hernández who has not been