CRICKET | Page 7 Pakistan seek change of fortune against South Africa

Friday, January 18, 2019 TENNIS Jumada I 12, 1440 AH Graf backs GULF TIMES Serena to surpass Margaret Court SPORT Page 8 SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah rules Dakar for third time ‘The rally is not easy and if you push every day, sure, you will have a problem with the car. I’m really happy to win this race with Toyota’

AFP Lima

atar’s Nasser al-Attiyah cruised to his third Dakar Rally title yesterday with a 46-minute cushion over sec- ond-placedQ Nani Roma at the end of the world’s toughest rally in Lima. An Olympic medallist in shooting at the 2012 London Games, al-Attiyah had enough in hand to avoid taking any risks in his Toyota on the 10th and fi nal stage from Pisco to the Peruvian capital, crossing the line a sedate 12th behind Carlos Sainz, the 2018 champion. “Everybody wants to win the Dakar. But we felt when we came that in Peru, a 100-percent Peru rally, with no other country, there would be a lot of sand dunes, so we could do what we know we’re good at,” said al-Attiyah. France’s former nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb took third in the overall standings, almost two hours behind the Qatari whose previous wins came in 2011 and 2015. three and, yeah, I’m really quite happy. and-a-half minute advantage over Chil- Al-Attiyah laid down his marker for The rally is not easy and if you push ean rider Jose Cornejo. 2019 honours when rising to the top of every day, sure, you will have a problem Victory was achieved despite Price the time sheets after the fi rst stage. with the car. I’m really happy to win this having suff ered a broken bone in his And after winning his third stage of race with Toyota”. wrist. this year’s event on Wednesday for his Stephane Peterhansel, a 13-time “I’m so damned stoked. It’s been a 34th career stage win the title was his, Dakar Rally champion, had to quit the long 10 days. Now I’ll just wait and see barring fi nal-day disaster. race early on Wednesday’s penultimate what damage I’ve done to my wrist,” said “It’s fantastic,” added the 48-year- stage when sitting fourth overall. 31-year-old Price. old Qatari. “No mistakes during the en- Toby Price clinched his second Dakar “The pain and torture has been worth tire rally. It was a very, very diffi cult rally bikes title, the Australian following up it. I thought I would only be able to do for everybody. his 2016 crown with success in the 10th two stages and then pull out and that “The good thing was that from day and fi nal stage. The KTM rider seized would have been me done, but the sup- three we were leading and we built on overall command of the bikes category port from everyone back home in Aus- our time everyday until we came to the on Tuesday and after crossing the fi n- tralia and then having some things go last day with a big, big lead.” ish line in Lima he took the 2019 honours my way and a bit of luck, it just worked “I’m happy for Toyota because it’s the by over nine minutes from his team- out in the end. fi rst time in the history of Toyota that mate and defending champion Matthias “Pretty much all I can say is that it they won the Dakar, this is fantastic. It’s Walkner. feels like there are about fi ve people like what I always say, we respect all the Price wrapped up his second title in driving a knife in my wrist now.” other drivers. All the drivers are really style, taking the closing stage from Pisco This was an 18th consecutive bikes ti- very strong. We we’re leading from day to the Peruvian capital with a near two- tle for Austrian bike manufacturer KTM. Toyota driver Nasser al-Attiyah (C) of Qatar and his co-driver Matthieu Baumel (L) of France celebrate after winning the Dakar Rally 2019 after the last stage between Pisco and Lima yesterday. They finished ahead of Mini driver Nani Roma of Spain and co-driver Alexandre Haro Bravo, also of Spain. At bottom, the winning duo react to fans’ applause.

Australian biker Toby Price (L) celebrates with Ktm’s Austrian biker Matthias Walkner, after winning the Dakar Rally 2019, at the end of the last stage between Pisco and Lima yesterday. Price won the title ahead of Ktm’s Austrian biker Matthias Walkner. Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 18, 2019 FOOTBALL

QATAR SWAT ASIDE SAUDIS

Qatar’s Akram Afif (R) fights for the ball with Saudi Arabia’s Fahad al-Muwallad during their Asian Cup Group E match in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Qatar won 2-0 to top the group and will now clash with Iraq in the last 16.

Qatar’s Almoez Ali reacts after scoring against Saudi Arabia.

The victorious Qataris celebrate after beating Saudi Arabia. Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos greets Saudi Arabia’s Fahad al-Muwallad before the match.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Son boosts Korea’s Asian Cup hopes Shiotani screamer as Spurs sweat

AFP Abu Dhabi as new-look Japan purs manager Mauricio Pochettino will be like a nervous parent for the next two weeks as Son Heung-minS tries to help South Korea end 59 years of Asian Cup hurt. The mercurial Tottenham for- “It’s an honour to wear this red pip Uzbekistan 2-1 ward, who played in the Lon- shirt and play for the national don club’s defeat by Manchester team,” he said. United three days earlier, had a “Not everyone gets the chance, ‘We now have some tough games waiting for us so I think it was good hand in both goals as the Koreans and if it’s possible I try my best beat China 2-0 on Wednesday to on the pitch always.” that I could use these players and get them match-fit’ reach the last 16 as Group C win- South Korea, who have failed ners. to win the Asian Cup since 1960, AFP minutes before defender Sei Muroya’s But Pochettino will be more beat the Philippines and Kyr- Al Ain cross from the byline was met by a solid concerned that Son not only gyzstan 1-0 in their opening header from Newcastle’s Muto, arriving started the game in Abu Dhabi, two matches in the United Arab at the back post. but completed 87 minutes — Emirates. sukasa Shiotani thumped home A spell of Japanese pressure early in long enough for China’s rugged But the addition of Son has a sizzling second-half winner the second half resulted in a thunderous defenders to leave their mark on energised the 2015 runners-up, as Japan changed 10 players but goal from Shiotani, who plays his club South Korea’s talismanic cap- who suddenly look a very diff er- Tstill beat Uzbekistan 2-1 to fi n- football with Al Ain and unfurled a rip- tain. ent proposition. ish top of Group F at the Asian Cup yes- pling strike just before the hour-mark. “Of course I didn’t expect to It will not have done Pochet- terday. It knocked the stuffi ng out of Uz- play for so long,” Son told AFP. tino’s blood pressure any good, The unfamiliar line-up briefl y trailed bekistan and when they fi nally started to “I’m a bit tired, but that’s however, to see some of the in- after Eldor Shomurodov’s opener, but press forward again in the fi nal 15 min- normal. It was my dream to play dustrial tackles dished out on his Newcastle United forward Yoshinori utes, Japan nearly caught them on the football when I was a kid and still Korean star. Muto’s header and Shiotani’s thunder- break when Kitagawa blazed over. it’s my dream. I love to play for Son went down clutching his bolt gave Japan their third win in the With four minutes to go, Davronbek my country.” ankle after a particularly meaty group. Khashimov caught a shot fl ush from The 26-year-old has just come challenge late on, which earned Elsewhere in the group, Oman scored outside the area and the ball was rock- off a punishing run of fi xtures tattooed China defender Zhang two late goals to down Turkmenistan 3-1 eting towards the top corner before the with Spurs, playing in 13 matches Linpeng a yellow card. and scramble into the knockouts as one diving Daniel Schmidt gloved it away. since the beginning of December. Title-chasing Spurs can ill af- of the best-performing third-placed “It was an incredible save,” shrugged But there were few signs of fa- ford another injury blow, having teams, behind Japan and the Uzbeks. Uzbekistan coach Hector Cuper. “But tigue against China, as Son won just lost England striker Harry In the round of 16, Japan will take on the game was really equal in terms of the fi rst-half penalty converted Kane until March with ankle lig- Saudi Arabia, while Uzbekistan take on performance and attitude.” by Hwang Ui-jo and whipped in ament damage. defending champions Australia. Muhsen al-Ghassani and Mohamed the corner for Kim Min-jae to “I feel OK,” insisted Son, a “The players achieved one of our al-Musallami were on target in the dying head home just after the break. huge celebrity in his native coun- goals, to reach the knockout stage with Japan forward Koya Kitagawa (R) heads the ball during their Asian Cup group F match minutes in Oman’s win over Turkmeni- “I think we deserved to win the try. “We have fi ve or six days be- three wins and at the top of our group,” against Uzbekistan in Al Ain yesterday. stan in Abu Dhabi. game,” said Son. fore the next game, so I can rest said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu. The Gulf side took the lead after 20 “We dominated from the start enough.” “It wasn’t a risk (to change 10 play- tournament, excluding penalty shoot- Inui worked veteran goalkeeper Ignatiy minutes thanks to an Ahmed al-Maha- to the end. It was my fi rst game South Korea, who famously ers),” he added. “I wanted to use these outs, confi dence was high. Nesterov with a powerful volley. ijri free-kick, before Altymyrat Anna- this tournament — clean sheet, reached the semi-fi nals of the players today. Only Shimizu S-Pulse striker Koya Nesterov also tipped over Kitagawa’s durdyyev slammed home the equaliser 2-0, it’s a happy afternoon.” 2002 World Cup, are joint fa- “We now have some tough games Kitagawa survived from the team that turn and shot before Shomurodov shortly before half-time. Over the past year, Son has vourites with Iran to win Asian waiting for us so I think it was good that beat Oman but the Blue Samurai still opened the scoring fi ve minutes be- But al-Ghassani pounced from close played for his country at the football’s most coveted prize. I could use these players and get them looked sharp with Junya Ito swinging in fore the break with a fi ne piece of work, range with six minutes left and Al-Mus- World Cup in Russia and the “We’re hoping for bigger match-fi t.” Japan had smashed a total of dangerous crosses from the right. nudging the ball between two defenders allami added a stoppage-time header to Asian Games in Jakarta, where things,” said Son. “But we don’t 12 goals past Uzbekistan in their previ- As Uzbekistan’s fans drummed along and stabbing home for his fourth goal of give Oman their fi rst points of the tour- he led them to gold, earning him talk about winning the tourna- ous two Asian Cup encounters and with samba-style, Shomurodov scooped a the tournament. nament and see them into the knockout an exemption from South Korea’s ment. There’s a long way to go, only one loss in their last 30 games in the decent chance over and Japan’s Takashi But the Uzbek lead lasted only three stage. military service. and we know it will be diffi cult.” Gulf Times Friday, January 18, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Ghana journalist who exposed African football graft shot dead Accra: Ghanaian police yester- his life for a reward? In law this day opened an investigation is abetment of crime.” after an undercover journalist The Committee for the Henry and Vieira who helped expose corruption Protection of Journalists called in African football was shot for an immediate investigation dead. “Our men are on the and for Ghanaian authorities ground currently gathering to “ensure that threats against information”, said the director the press are taken seriously”. of the criminal investigations Ghana ranked 23rd out of 180 department, Maame Yaa Tiwaa countries in the Reporters With- reunion ends in draw Addo-Dankwa “Everyone con- out Borders 2018 World Press nected to this murder will be Freedom Index — an improve- invited for questioning,” he said ment of three places on the Presence of the two greats in the respective dugouts made an international event Ahmed Husein was part of previous year. a team led by award-winning RSF has previously con- out of what is usually little more than a hotly contested local derby journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, demned threats against Anas whose probe led to the resigna- himself after he revealed AFP tion of the head of the Ghana “threatening calls, intimida- Paris Football Association. Dozens of tory messages and suspicious football referees and off icials vehicles near his home”. The in several countries were also reporter, whose other exposes t was honours even between Thi- banned, including Nigerian have lifted the lid on graft in the erry Henry and Patrick Vieira as the national team coach Salisu judicial system, is distinctive for old France and Arsenal teammates Yusuf, for receiving cash from wearing hats and face-cover- clashed for the fi rst time as coaches undercover journalists posing ings to conceal his identity. onI Wednesday night in a controversy- as agents. He has also faced threats laden 1-1 draw between Monaco and Nice. Husein was shot in the neck from Agyapong, who belongs The presence of the two greats in the and the chest by unknown to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s respective dugouts made an international gunmen on his way home on ruling New Patriotic Party. event out of what is usually little more Wednesday night in the capital Ghana’s national media regula- than a hotly contested local derby on the Accra, police said. Confirming tor condemned the killing. “It Cote d’Azur. It was a spicy encounter, the incident, Anas tweeted: will be in the national interest to with Allan Saint-Maximin putting Nice “Sad news, but we shall not be arrest the perpetrators of this ahead before youngster Benoit Badiashile silenced. Rest in peace, Ahmed.” crime,” the commission’s chair- levelled for the hosts in the second half. Husein had previously made man Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo said Nice played half the game with 10 a complaint to police after a in a statement. men but also saw Saint-Maximin miss a Ghanaian lawmaker, Kennedy Ghanaian journalists great chance to win all three points when Agyapong, showed his photo- condemned the killing of the he had a late penalty saved. Members of graph on a private television 34-year-old reporter, who France’s 1998 World Cup-winning side channel. He promised payment played a key role in last year’s and later colleagues for six years in Ar- for supporters who took retribu- investigation. Football’s world sene Wenger’s Arsenal team, Henry and tion against Husein. “That boy governing body FIFA last Vieira embraced warmly before kick-off that’s very dangerous, he lives October banned former Ghana at the Stade Louis II. They did so again here in Madina. If he comes FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi for life at full-time, both allowing themselves here, beat him,” he said, point- and fined him nearly $500,000 a smile even though the stalemate did ing to Husein’s image. after he was seen on camera not satisfy either man. “It was strange,” In the undercover investiga- accepting bribes. Henry said about taking on his old friend. tion into football corruption, Nyantakyi was accused of “We played together for a long time and Agyapong’s name was men- requesting $11mn to secure we came up the steps together from the tioned by implicated sporting government contracts. Eight dressing rooms. We had a little chat but off icials. Husein’s lawyer, Kissi referees and assistant referees we were both focused on the match.” Agyabeng, said the member were banned for life while 53 Henry’s side are scrapping to pull away of parliament had questions to off icials were subject to 10-year from the relegation zone in Ligue 1, and answer. “He invited the world bans. Fourteen off icials were they remain 19th in the table, three points to beat him up and said he will exonerated. The revelations adrift of outright safety. They have still pay for it and now he has been rocked Ghana, a country where not won at home this season. “A point is killed,” he said. “How can you football is the national sport not enough, but we could also have been put pictures of someone out and which prides itself as a talking about a defeat here,” he said. there and splash it on national stable democracy in an often Vieira’s Nice, meanwhile, have lost just TV and ask people to go after turbulent region. once in 10 league matches but might re- gret dropping two points in their quest to qualify for Europe. “Thierry can be Monaco’s coach Thierry Henry (left) embraces his Nice counterpart Patrick Vieira after the Ligue 1 match in Monaco. (AFP) pleased, but that said the draw was the SPOTLIGHT right result,” admitted Vieira, who took it was originally supposed to be played was shown a straight red card after the and Monaco are now just a point clear over last year after leaving New York City in December before being postponed due referee reviewed the images. The hosts of bottom side Guingamp, who defeated FC. Henry, 41, has now won just twice in to security concerns linked to the ‘yellow then drew level early in the second half, Rennes 2-1. 11 league games since being appointed to vest’ protest movement in France. Badiashile’s header just crossing the line Champions League hopefuls Lyon India’s defender his fi rst coaching job in October, although Fabregas instead watched from the despite the best eff orts of Nice ‘keeper needed a brilliant late free-kick by Na- performances have improved since the stands, and he saw Saint-Maximin, a Walter Benitez. There was controversy bil Fekir to grab a point in a 2-2 draw at turn of the year. He will also wonder how former Monaco player, put Nice in front as referee Benoit Bastien used VAR again Toulouse, while Nimes beat Nantes 1-0. Jhingan off ered contract this game might have ended had new on the half-hour mark, running through to give 10-man Nice a penalty in the 76th Marseille’s rotten run persisted as they signing Cesc Fabregas been available. to score after some sloppy play from the minute, despite the footage suggesting slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Saint-Etienne The Spaniard — another former pro- home side. that Youcef Atal had dived. despite taking a fi rst-half lead through by Gharafa: Report tege of Wenger’s at Arsenal — joined from That has characterised Monaco’s sea- Henry will feel that justice was done, Dutch midfi elder Kevin Strootman. Wah- Chelsea last week and made his debut at son, but they were helped when Nice though, as Saint-Maximin’s kick was bi Khazri levelled from the penalty spot By Sports Reporter Marseille on Sunday. Unveiled to the me- were reduced to 10 men in fi rst-half stop- saved by Diego Benaglio. The home side on the hour and the Tunisian slammed Doha dia earlier on Wednesday, he was never- page time. Ihsan Sacko raked his studs could still have won it late on, but Rad- home a brilliant winner two minutes from theless ineligible for this match because down the calf of Benjamin Henrichs, and amel Falcao’s shot came back off the post, time to bump Saint-Etienne up to third. ndia’s national team de- fender Sandesh Jhingan FA CUP has been off ered a contract by QNB Stars League side Al IGharafa, according to a report. Qatari sports news channel Southampton rocked as Derby win shoot-out Al Kass says seven-time QSL champions Gharafa are inter- AFP Mary’s. The tie fi nished 2-2 after extra- Wilson’s free-kick went straight in and fl ight scalp in the shoot-out. ested in signing Jhingan, who London time, with Derby winning 5-3 on penal- was allowed to stand by VAR despite Redmond was the only player to miss was the stand out player for India ties. Having avoided falling behind when Southampton’s claims that several Rams on either team, fi ring wide before Derby during the Asian Cup tourna- VAR dubiously ruled out a goal from Der- players were off side. Just six minutes captain Richard Keogh netted the win- ment in UAE. The 25-year-old ing the move to Qatar, he will outhampton’s dismal season hit by’s Craig Bryson in the fi rst half, Saints later, Martyn Waghorn headed Derby’s ning kick. The VAR decisions will stoke centre back plays in the Indian play alongside the likes of former a new low as the Premier League went ahead through Stuart Armstrong’s equaliser from Wilson’s superb cross to fresh debate about whether VAR is be- Super League for Kerala Blasters. Dutch midfi elder Wesley Snei- strugglers were dumped out of the 68th minute header. Nathan Redmond force extra-time. Just as they had in the ing used correctly after Chelsea manager Jhingan put in a brilliant show jder and Slovakian international FA Cup by second tier Derby after doubled their lead with a cool fi nish two original match at Pride Park, Derby had Maurizio Sarri said offi cials don’t know in India’s fi nal match against Vladimir Weiss. aS penalty shoot-out on Wednesday night. minutes later. battled back from 2-0 down. how to work the system. Sarri criticised Bahrain in the Asian Cup. But an Gharafa already in their roster In a third round replay heavily infl u- Both Southampton goals were also re- And Frank Lampard’s Championship VAR following the controversial decision extra time penalty crashed Men have fi lled four foreign player enced by the latest controversy over the ferred to VAR, but the drama with the promotion chasers, who knocked Man- to award a penalty to Tottenham’s Harry in Blue’s qualifi cation hopes for quota with Sneijder, Weiss, Por- use of VAR, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side blew video assistant wasn’t over. Derby got chester United out of the League Cup Kane in Chelsea’s 1-0 League Cup semi- the Round of 16. tuguese player Diogo Amado and a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St one back with 14 minutes left when Harry earlier this season, claimed another top- fi nal fi rst leg defeat last week. If Jhingan does end up mak- Mehdi Taremi from Iran.

PREMIER LEAGUE COPA DEL REY Emery wants consistency Atletico crash out; Real, Sevilla sneak through from fi t-again Ozil AFP celona and the Catalans’ closest chal- Madrid lengers in La Liga. But it is now six sea- AFP the same. He didn’t play the last sons since Atletico last reached the fi nal London matches but to me he’s just like of Spain’s most prestigious cup compe- any other player. This Saturday ntoine Griezmann scored one tition, which still represented their most he can be with us if he’s okay.” and set up another but could not likely source of a trophy this term. rsenal manager Unai Ozil has publicly posted pho- prevent Atletico Madrid tum- Madrid were beaten 1-0 by Leganes, Emery is not looking to tos of his training regime to his bling out of the Copa del Rey on Martin Braithwaite giving hope to the offl oad Mesut Ozil this nearly 24mn Twitter followers WednesdayA night as Girona progressed on hosts, who failed to take a number of month, but wants the this week to demonstrate he is away goals after a thrilling 3-3 draw. chances to launch an unlikely comeback. GermanA to start delivering con- fi t for selection. The decision Real Madrid and Sevilla each avoided Real had won the fi rst leg 3-0. “We got sistently on the fi eld when given to hand the former Real Madrid upsets, their fi rst-leg victories proving through but the performance was weak,” the chance. Ozil wasn’t even in- midfi elder a contract worth a enough despite losses to Leganes and Solari said. His team now turn their at- cluded in Emery’s squad for last reported £350,000 ($450,000) Athletic Bilbao respectively. Defeat for tention to tomorrow’s crunch La Liga weekend’s 1-0 defeat at West a week until 2021 last January Real, however, means they have now won game against Sevilla, who slipped to a 1-0 Ham despite taking a full part in has been cited as a major reason only two of their fi ve matches this year defeat at home to Bilbao. Gorka Guruzeta training the week before the game why Emery has admitted Arse- while Santiago Solari’s frosty relationship scored the winner for a rejuvenated Bil- on his return from a knee injury. nal cannot aff ord any permanent with Isco shows no signs of improvement. bao side but Sevilla still progress 3-2 on However, Emery insisted the signings this month. Isco started, but struggled, and was aggregate. 2014 World Cup winner could And despite reports Arsenal replaced in the 68th minute. For Atletico, return against Chelsea tomorrow might even be willing to subsidise Griezmann came off the bench in the sec- SPANISH COPA DEL REY RESULTS in a vital clash for the Gunners if some of his wages to offl oad Ozil ond half and turned the tie in their favour, Last 16, second leg they are to make up a six-point this month, Emery insisted he is teeing up Angel Correa and then scoring gap to the top four. “I’ve spoken still very much part of his plans. himself to give his team a 3-2 lead at a Atletico Madrid 3 (Kalinic 12, Correa 66, to him because I want consist- “I’m not thinking about that. I’m rocking Wanda Metropolitano. Girona’s Cristhian Stuani (left) celebrates with teammate Valery Fernandez after Griezmann 84) Girona 3 (Fernandez Estra- ency. He’s had some injuries and thinking about how he can help But Girona pulled out one more sur- scoring against Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey. (Reuters) da 37, Stuani 59, Doumbia 88) Aggregate these injuries mean that some- us this year with good perform- prise to go through to the quarter-fi nals 4-4; Girona win on away goals times he is okay and sometimes ances,” added the Spaniard. “He’s as Seydou Doumbia’s shot found the cor- on Saturday. This was his eighth goal in as had given Atletico an early lead. Perhaps Sevilla 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 (Guruzeta 77) he isn’t okay,” said Emery. had injuries and not been okay to ner in the 88th minute, snatching a 4-4 many matches. Simeone had one eye on the Champions Sevilla win 3-2 on aggregate “I want every player to give the play matches, but now after these draw on aggregate after last week’s fi rst A sumptuous volley from Valery Fern- League tie against Juventus next month, same work everyday to be okay two weeks maybe this Saturday leg fi nished 1-1. Griezmann had scored andez and Cristhian Stuani’s header had not to mention his side’s title challenge, Leganes 1 (Braithwaite 30) Real Madrid 0 for every match. With Mesut it’s will be okay for him.” then too, and in between against Levante put Girona in charge after Nikola Kalinic which sees them fi ve points behind Bar- Real Madrid win 3-1 on aggregate Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 18, 2019 SPORT

GOLF BADMINTON Rising Singapore Lowry takes narrow star eyes Olympics Irishman holds one-shot aft er Lin Dan defeat AFP er up the rankings to qualify for advantage over South Singapore a place at Tokyo 2020 — but he hopes to make enough progress Africa’s Oosthuizen, Sterne in the coming year to do so. halfway lead ising Singapore bad- “My goal is to try to qualify for AFP “To be honest, right from the minton star Loh Kean the Olympics, and then of course Abu Dhabi start, I really feel like I played Yew has his sights set try to win the Olympic medal,” pretty good today. I think I gave on a place at the Tokyo said Loh. myself a lot of chances. OlympicsR after a stunning victo- Loh played down suggestions hane Lowry overcame “I didn’t hole that much. I ry against Chinese great Lin Dan that he could emulate the suc- an early wobble in his didn’t birdie any of the par- in Thailand. cess of Joseph Schooling, the second round to shoot a fi ves. Some of the shots early The relatively unknown player Singapore swimmer who won the battling two-under-par on were pretty horrendous, so I beat two-time Olympic cham- tiny city-state’s fi rst ever Olym- 70S to stay atop the leaderboard battled back and hit some really pion Lin 21-19, 21-18 to win the pic gold medal at Rio in 2016. at the halfway stage of the Abu nice shots out there.” Thailand Masters at the week- But he added: “Nothing is im- Dhabi Championship yesterday. end. possible, and I have always been The Irishman, who is search- OOSTHUIZEN IN THE HUNT “It is a big breakthrough, I did trying to achieve that dream.” ing for his fi rst win since the Sterne was bogey-free for the not really expect it,” the 21-year- For China’s Lin, 35, the loss World Golf Championship- second day running, while 2010 old told AFP late Wednesday. was another crushing blow after Bridgestone Invitational in Au- British Open champion Oosthu- “He’s an experienced player so a recent run of poor form. gust 2015, shot a bogey-free izen survived a brace of dropped it was not easy to catch him off - The former world number course record-equalling 10-un- shots after the turn. guard.” one, who has earned every ma- der 62 in the opening round Oosthuizen, who recently Loh shot 48 places up the jor prize in badminton during a Wednesday, but dropped two won the South African Open, world rankings, and is now 77th stellar career, suff ered a string of shots early in his second round. was motoring along nicely with following his victory over Lin, fi rst-round defeats last year and But the 31-year-old knuck- three birdies on the front nine, who was the top seed at the tour- is currently ranked 13th, below led down and did not make any but pulled his second shot way nament in Bangkok. compatriots Shi Yuqi and Chen major mistakes. Four birdies left on the par-fi ve 10th. He He will have to fi nish far high- Long. from there on were good enough needed to take a penalty drop for a one-shot advantage over and wound up making a bogey. the South African duo of Louis “It was going nice and strong, Oosthuizen and Richard Sterne, and then got a bit derailed on who both added 68s to their the 10th. Made a bogey and the opening-round 65s. rhythm was a little broke there,” Lee Westwood had set the fi nding water off the tee. ranked player in the fi eld, shot par-fi ve holes. said the world number 26, who clubhouse pace after the morn- Two-time defending cham- a 70 and was fi ve off the pace at “I’m really happy with that. bounced back with back-to-back ing rounds with a 68. That gave pion Tommy Fleetwood made the seven-under par. Look, I knew today was going birdies on the 13th and 14th holes. him solo possession of fourth cut on the number — at three-un- Lowry made bogeys on the to be a bit of a weird day after World number three Dustin place at 10-under, where he der par — courtesy a 15-foot birdie second and third holes, but his shooting such a low score yes- Johnson shot a one-under 71 to could have been joined by com- putt on the par-fi ve 18th hole. turnaround after that was re- terday. I just tried to go out and make the cut, but Henrik Sten- patriot Ian Poulter if not for American world number two markable considering he did not play like I played,” said Lowry, son missed out despite a two- a bogey on the fi nal hole after Brooks Koepka, the highest- make a single birdie on the four ranked 75th in the world. under 70.

SPOTLIGHT UPDATE Woods set Unwell Garcia trails in for season debut at Singapore fi rst round Torrey Pines Reuters Toronto

iger Woods, who capped a dramatic comeback with his 80th PGA Tour win in September, will Two men jailed for murder of Kazakh Tlaunch his 2019 campaign at Olympic skating medallist Torrey Pines Golf Course next week, organizers of the Farm- Two men were jailed for 18 years in Kazakhstan yesterday for the ers Insurance Open said on murder of Denis Ten, the country’s first Olympic figure skating Wednesday. medallist, a court spokesman said. Ten, 25, was stabbed in Almaty Former world number one in July as he struggled with two men he had caught trying to steal Woods has won the tournament the mirrors on his car, police said. He won bronze in the men’s seven times and the venue is figure skating at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, aged 20, and where he clinched the 2008 US also won world championship silver in 2013 and bronze in 2015. Open for the most recent of his A court in Almaty found Arman Kudaybergenov guilty of murder, 14 major titles. violent robbery and theft and Nural Kiyasov guilty of murder and The 43-year-old made his violent robbery and sentenced both to 18 years in prison. Female much-anticipated 2018 debut defendant Zhanar Tolybayeva was found guilty of theft and failing at Torrey Pines in what was his to report a crime, and sentenced to four years. Ten finished 27th fi rst offi cial PGA Tour start since at last year’s Pyeongchang Olympics after a build-up dogged by spinal fusion surgery the previ- injury, but was cheered by local fans because of his Korean roots. ous April. Sergio Garcia of Spain hits a shot during the first round of the Singapore Open yesterday. (AFP) “He really launched his fairy- tale comeback season right here London Olympics medal winner fails AFP Miguel Tabuena, 24, of the der the weather but managed They’re very fast, and you have last January, and he has en- new doping test Singapore Philippines was in second spot to card a 69. to be very aware of your speed, joyed incredible success at Tor- with a four-under par 67 after “I’ve had a little bit of a si- and unfortunately I lacked a rey Pines Golf Course and in Olympic medal-winning freestyle wrestler Davit Modzmanashvili he missed a chance for the lead nus infection these last couple little bit of speed in a couple of our tournament over the years,” has tested positive for the steroid turinabol after new analysis of efending champion due to a bogey. of days, and a bit of an upset parts here and there.” Peter Ripa, chief executive of samples from the 2012 London games, the International Olympic Sergio Garcia trailed “My game’s still pretty stomach this morning. But I Ryo Ishikawa, the prince of the Century Club of San Diego, Committee announced yesterday. Tbilisi-born Modzmanashvili on the opening day rusty,” said Tabuena, who was think I played nicely, and the Japanese golf who has recov- which hosts the event, said in a won silver for Georgia in the 120kg weight class in London before the SMBC Singapore tied with the Japanese duo of highest I can shoot,” the 2017 ered from a serious back injury, statement. switching to Uzbekistan in 2017. His positive test comes after the OpenD yesterday as he tried to Yuta Ikeda, a multiple winner Masters champion said. was initially in top form until Woods fi nished the week IOC announced in November that reanalyses of samples from shake off a sinus infection and on home soil, and Yoshinori “Obviously there were a he hit two bogeys in the last three-under and in a share of the 2012 games — using “the latest scientific analysis methods” — an upset stomach. Fujimoto. couple of shots here and there three holes. 23rd place, but then found him- were under way. This reanalysis programme has revealed more Hung Chien-Yao of Taiwan England’s Matthew Fitz- where I was a little bit rusty, He is tied with playing part- self in contention a number of than fifty positive cases and led to the removal of some twenty grabbed the early lead with patrick, playing his fi rst Sin- like this one on the last (ninth ner Garcia. times during the season before medals from the London Olympics, while during the Games a fi ve-under par 66 in the gapore Open, signed for a 68, hole) for example, the second Lightning halted play for ultimately prevailing in the Fe- only a dozen positive cases were discovered. Modzmanashvili round which was halted by bad along with Thailand’s Jazz shot,” added Garcia, 39. over three hours in the after- dExCup Playoff s fi nale at East was banned for two years in 2008 and stripped of that year’s weather. Janewattananond and Nicholas “But other than that I felt noon at the Sentosa Golf Club Lake Golf Club. European title after testing positive for a banned substance. In The 26-year-old, who wel- Fung of Malaysia. like I played well. I gave myself and play was cut short again He has said he will adjust his 2016 he was banned for and then cleared of testing positive for comed a baby daughter in No- Spanish and Ryder Cup star a lot of chances and hit some later due to fading light with schedule after admitting to be- meldonium, the same substance for which Maria Sharapova was vember, is chasing his fi rst vic- Garcia — the tournament’s de- good putts. I didn’t really make 78 players still to complete the ing exhausted by his comeback suspended the same year. tory on the Asian Tour. fending champion — was un- a lot, but the greens are tricky. round. season.

BOTTOMLINE England’s Rose unfazed by top spot ahead of 2019 debut AFP top 25 and clinching victory in the “Once (No.1) presented itself it “Obviously I believe that I’ve Los Angeles lucrative FedEx Cup postseason. became a big goal and it’s been a made some good decisions and He narrowly missed out on fi n- fantastic milestone in my career to some good changes, and I feel con- ishing 2018 as world number one have got there. fi dent about things. But you never ustin Rose says he won’t be but reclaimed the ranking from “But I feel like having got there quite know until the scorecard is in weighed down by his world Brooks Koepka last week after the now it’s about letting it go a little your hand. number one ranking when American could only fi nish 24th at bit, in the sense of, I need to focus “There will be some learning he makes his 2019 debut at the Tournament of Champions in on other goals now. If I achieve this week, and potentially tweak- theJ PGA Tour’s Desert Classic in Hawaii. those other goals I’ll remain at the ing next week. It’s just about going La Quinta, California yesterday. The 38-year-old Englishman told top.” out and playing and getting com- The English ace makes his fi rst reporters on Wednesday however he Rose, whose last outing fortable with it.” appearance of the year when he will not be preoccupied by trying to came at the Indonesian Mas- Rose will move from La Quinta tees it up in the 60th edition of retain his place at the summit of the ters in Jakarta last month, will to the Farmers Insurance Open at the tournament staged at the Jack world rankings this year. be playing his first tournament Torrey Pines outside San Diego Nicklaus Tournament Course at “You only get to number one in since switching to Homna golf next week. PGA West, southeast of Los An- the world by playing consistently clubs. Rose can expect stiff compe- geles. good golf and that’s always been “Of course there’s a few un- tition from Spain’s defending The 2016 Olympic champion my goal, to try and get the best out knowns; there’s always a settling- champion Jon Rahm while two- enjoyed a stellar season last year, of my game week-in, week-out,” in period with change generally,” time former winner Phil Mickel- Justin Rose (right) of England and swing coach Sean Foley talk prior to the start of the Desert Classic posting just one fi nish outside the Rose said. Rose said. son is also in the field. in La Quinta, California, on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, January 18, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Curry and Warriors outgun Pelicans, Harden stars in loss Curry became the first player to make eight or more three-pointers in three consecutive games Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors goes for a shot as Jrue Holiday of AFP beat the Brooklyn Nets in over- leg injury, hit a fadeaway jumper the New Orleans Pelicans defends during the Los Angeles time. Spencer Dinwiddie scored to give the Celtics the lead, then NBA game in Oakland, California. (AFP) 25 of his 33 points in the fourth drained a 30 foot three pointer quarter and overtime as the Nets for the last of his 27 as the Celt- tephen Curry scored 41 spoiled Harden’s huge scoring ics closed with a 17-4 run. Irving points and sank nine night with a 145-142 win. “The missed the Celtics game on Mon- three pointers as the man had 60 and we won,” Din- day with a sore right quadriceps. reigning NBA champion widdie said. “That’s big-time for He suff ered the injury in a 105- GoldenS State Warriors rallied a young group.” 103 loss to the Orlando Magic on from a 17-point defi cit to beat the Harden had his second straight Saturday. New Orleans Pelicans 147-140. season high after scoring 57 in a Irving had 10 of his 18 assists Kevin Durant tallied 30 points victory over Memphis on Mon- in the fourth quarter, including and 15 rebounds, Draymond day. Houston made just 23 of setting up the Celtics’ last three Green had 17 points and 14 as- their record 70 three point at- baskets of the contest. “Some- sists as the Warriors also tied a tempts. Harden has scored at how people still think I can’t franchise record with 24 made least 30 points in 18 straight pass,” Irving said. “When guys three pointers. games and has reached 40 in nine are making shots, it makes my Golden State attempted 49 of the last 12. job a lot easier.” shots from beyond the arc. Curry He fi nished 16 of 34 overall Al Horford scored 24 and Jay- became the fi rst player to make from the fi eld, made 21 of 23 free son Tatum had 16 points with eight or more threes in three throws and had 10 rebounds and 10 rebounds for Boston, which consecutive games, giving him a half dozen assists. But he was returned home after losing three 28 threes in that span. “When disappointed that his team sur- straight on the road. Kawhi Le- you get hot like that, you really rendered a seven-point lead in onard scored 33 points and Serge don’t see anything but the rim,” overtime. “Frustrating. Very Ibaka had 22 with 10 rebounds for Curry said. “You just try to stay frustrating,” Harden said. “We the Raptors, who are now 33-13 on balance and get to your spot, were small..... we had a couple of overall and fell percentage points wherever that is. These are shots mistakes out there near the end. behind Milwaukee (32-12) for the I work on, I have confi dence in But give them credit, they made best record in the NBA. them, I know my teammates do.” some big shots.” Toronto have won fi ve in a row Said Golden State coach Steve The Rockets broke their own heading into the matchup of two Kerr, “It is insane what he does.” record for three-point attempts teams that consider themselves The teams also set a record for after shooting 61 against New the heir to LeBron James’ Cava- combined three pointers made Orleans in December 2016. Hou- liers as the best team in the East. in a game with 43. The previous ston also holds the record for After adding Leonard in the off - record was 41 when Golden State most three-pointers made after season, the Raptors have zoomed faced Sacramento earlier this hitting 26 in a win over Washing- to the top of the conference month. Anthony Davis fi nished ton this season. standings. with 30 points and 18 rebounds Also, Kyrie Irving scored 27 while Elfrid Payton had 12 assists points and had a career-high Results: Boston 117, Toronto 108; for the Pelicans, who made 19 18 assists as the Boston Celt- Golden State 147, New Orleans baskets from beyond the arc. ics snapped a three-game losing 140; LA Clippers 109, Utah 129; Elsewhere, James Harden streak with a 117-108 win over Dallas 101, San Antonio 105; Port- scored a season-high 58 points the Toronto Raptors in a battle of land 129, Cleveland 112; Houston and the Houston Rockets shot two Eastern Conference heavy- 142, Brooklyn 145 (OT); Memphis an NBA record 70 three point at- weights. 101, Milwaukee 111; Detroit 120, tempts, but it wasn’t enough to Irving, who returned from a Orlando 115 (OT)

NHL LeBron cleared to return to practice next week Los Angeles: Los Angeles Rockets on Saturday. So far, the Lakers are 4-7 Lakers forward LeBron James The four-time NBA MVP was since James got hurt in the Coyotes snap Sharks’ win streak has been cleared to return evaluated by the team’s medi- Dec. 25 victory at Golden State, to practice next week, about cal staff on Wednesday. including a 107-100 win against one month after he suff ered No date was set for his first the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. a strained groin on Christmas game back, with a statement In his first season with Los Day. James, 34, will not travel released by the Lakers saying Angeles, LeBron James is with the team for road games only that he would “progress averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 against the Oklahoma City towards a return to game play rebounds and 7.1 assists in 34 Thunder and the Houston thereafter.” games.

ROUND-UP Canadiens Byron suspended three games for hit to head AFP New York

he National Hockey League has slapped Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron Twith a three-game ban for an illegal hit on Florida Pan- thers defenceman MacKenzie Weegar, the league confi rmed Wednesday. Byron was given a charging penalty on the play in Tomas Hertl (left) of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck ahead of Clayton Keller (centre) and Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes the second period of the Cana- during the NHL game at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Wednesday. (AFP) diens 5-1 win over the Panthers on Tuesday. Reuters FLYERS 4, BRUINS 3 goal and an assist to help snap tanen added two assists for Colo- Weegar is being monitored Glendale, Arizona Sean Couturier scored three Buff alo’s three-game losing skid. rado. Semyon Varlamov stopped by team doctors for a possible goals for his first career hat Evan Rodrigues, Rasmus Dah- 26 shots for the Avalanche, who concussion after Byron’s shoul- trick to carry host Philadelphia lin and Jake McCabe also scored fi nished their fi ve-game road trip der hit him in the head knock- hristian Fischer and past Boston. Oskar Lindblom for the Sabres. Linus Ullmark 1-4-0. ing Weegar’s helmet off . “There Lawson Crouse each scored one goal and added an made 30 saves to record the vic- is no reason why the shoulder of had a goal and an as- assist, and Claude Giroux con- tory in the see-saw aff air. The OILERS 3, CANUCKS 2 (SO) Byron should be making direct sist as the host Arizona tributed two assists for the Fly- Flames, whose fi ve-game win- Alex Chiasson scored the lone and forceful contact with Wee- CoyotesC defeated San Jose 6-3 ers, who won their second in a ning streak ended, got goals from goal of the shootout in the fifth gar’s head,” a spokesman for the on Wednesday night in Glen- row. Ivan Provorov also had two Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tka- round as visiting Edmonton league’s disciplinary committee tion met earlier Wednesday in While the Olympic hockey dale, Ariz., snapping the Sharks’ assists. Flyers rookie goaltender chuk and Noah Hanifi n. Gaud- beat Vancouver for its fifth win said on Wednesday. Toronto to see if a 2020 event tournament and the World Ice seven-game winning streak and Carter Hart was tremendous reau also had an assist, and Elias in eight outings. After the Ca- This is the fi rst suspension could be part of the next collec- Hockey Championships are or- handing them their fi rst loss of with a career-high 39 saves. Pe- Lindholm had two helpers. David nucks’ Jacob Markstrom denied in Byron’s 397-game NHL ca- tive bargaining talks. ganized by the International Ice 2019. ter Cehlarik scored twice while Rittich stopped 19 shots. Leon Draisaitl on a breakaway reer. Byron will also forfeit Both sides issued statements Hockey Federation, the World Richard Panik, Oliver Ekman- David Pastrnak also tallied, but during a frenzied overtime, the $19,000 of his salary and will saying talks would continue Cup of Hockey is run by the Larsson, Alex Galchenyuk and the Bruins could not hold an SENATORS 5, AVALANCHE 2 Swedish goaltender stopped the miss games against Columbus, with the hope of eventually NHL. There have been three Josh Archibald also scored for the early 2-0 lead. Brad Marchand Matt Duchene had a two goals first four attempts in the shoot- against Philadelphia and Arizo- holding another World Cup in World Cup of Hockey tourna- Coyotes, who won for the fourth had two assists for Boston. Bru- and an assist, Ryan Dzingel add- out before Chiasson’s wrist na. He’ll be eligible to return on the future. “While the parties ments with the last one taking time in their past fi ve games. Darcy ins goaltender Jaroslav Halak ed a goal and an assist, and host shot sailed over his glove to end February 2 against New Jersey. have now jointly concluded that place in 2016. Kuemper made 26 saves. Kevin stopped just 15 of 19 Philadel- Ottawa beat Colorado. Brady the contest. it is no longer realistic to try to Others were held in 2004 Labanc had a goal and two assists phia shots. Tkachuk and Mark Stone also Captain Connor McDavid NHL ENDS BID TO HOLD schedule a World Cup of Hock- and 1996. Over the past few while Evander Kane and Logan scored while Anders Nilsson scored his team-leading 29th 2020 WORLD CUP OF ey for the fall of 2020, they plan months the league and the un- Couture also scored for the Sharks, SABRES 4, FLAMES 3 (OT) made the goals hold up with 30 goal and Jujhar Khaira added a HOCKEY to continue their dialogue with ion have begun informal labour who were playing on back-to-back Jack Eichel, who rang a couple saves for Ottawa. The Senators short-handed tally for the Oilers. The National Hockey League a hope of being able to sched- talks. Owners or the players can nights after defeating Pittsburgh of shots off the post in the game, came into Wednesday with 39 Mikko Koskinen fi nished with announced on Wednesday that ule the next World Cup event choose to opt out of the current 5-2 at home Tuesday. Aaron Dell including one earlier in overtime, points, fewest in the NHL, but 20 saves as Edmonton improved it has shelved plans for a World as part of a broader agreement, collective bargaining agree- stopped 35 of 39 shots. The Sharks, scored the diff erence-maker as have now won three of their past to 3-0 in the shootout. Brandon Cup of Hockey tournament in which would include a long- ment in September. The current who had not lost since Dec. 31 at visiting Buff alo beat Calgary. four. Nathan MacKinnon had a Sutter and Markus Granlund tal- 2020 following a meeting with term international event cal- agreement runs until 2022 un- Calgary, fell into an early 2-0 hole Eichel, who snapped a fi ve-game goal and an assist, Nikita Zador- lied for the Canucks, who got 28 the players’ union. The league endar,” the NHL said in a state- less one side chooses to termi- and never recovered. pointless drought, collected a ov scored a goal, and Mikko Ran- saves from Markstrom. and the NHL Players’ Associa- ment. nate it early. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 18, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Ford backs ‘explosive’ Tuilagi to Farrell to lead England have big impact

Reuters London against Ireland in anu Tuilagi is back to his bulldozing best just in time for the Six Nations but the Mkey for England will be fi nding a way to free up the powerful cen- tre in the spaces where he can do the most damage, his team mate Hartley’s absence George Ford has said. The injury-plagued Tuilagi has not played in the Six Nations England are due to head to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp since 2013, but is set to be named in England’s 35-man squad for AFP this year’s championship, which Twickenham, United Kingdom starts on Feb. 1. Ford, who plays alongside Tu- ilagi for Leicester Tigers in the wen Farrell will captain Eng- English Premiership, described land against defending cham- his teammate as an “explosive” pions Ireland in their Six Na- player who off ered England “a tions Championship opener diff erent dimension”. inO Dublin on February 2, coach Eddie “With Manu, we need to Jones announced yesterday. Fly-half give him one-on-ones and soft Farrell and Dylan Hartley were offi - shoulders,” the fl y-half said. cially England squad co-captains dur- “We’ve got to work hard on the ing the November internationals, but inside to give him that bit of the hooker has been ruled out of Jones’ space on the outside where you initial 35-man party for the match at can see his full potential. I’m Lansdowne Road a knee injury that has not saying he can’t smash into sidelined him since December 31. people or get you quick release England are due to head to Portugal ball from that breakdown. If you for a warm-weather training camp in want to see Manu at his best in the lead-up to the Ireland match and terms of line-breaks, running Jones said: “Unfortunately Dylan won’t through people and scoring be available for the Ireland game so tries, then the attack has to be we won’t take him to Portugal, but we smart by fi xing guys so he can do are hopeful he will be back later in the what he does best.” Championship.” England begin their campaign Farrell now takes sole charge of the against holders Ireland in Dublin side, with Jamie George the starting on Feb. 2 and Ford was particu- hooker. “Owen will be captain by him- larly pleased by Tuilagi’s per- self,” Jones confi rmed. formance in Leicester’s 34-16 Veteran front row forward Dan Cole victory over Gloucester in the has been recalled with No 8 Billy Vu- Premiership on Jan. 5. nipola and lock Joe Launchbury also in line for a recall, as is veteran fullback WHITELEY BACK IN Mike Brown, who did not feature in TRAINING AFTER INJURY November, when England won three of Captain Warren Whiteley has their four Tests and lost only narrowly returned to training with South to world champions New Zealand. African Super Rugby side the But there was no place in this squad Lions after suff ering a calf injury for scrum-half Danny Care, long the with the Springboks in Novem- back-up to England fi rst-choice No 9 ber, coach Swys de Bruin said. Ben Youngs. Wasps’ Dan Robson, one England rugby team’s head coach Eddie Jones reacts during a press conference in London yesterday. (Reuters) The 31-year-old, who has of four uncapped players in the squad, been plagued with injury set- has been selected instead by Australian England will aim to improve on last ceptional players in their team — a very want to make sure we put our best foot we are good at and we then develop the backs since being named Bok coach Jones. “It was a tough decision,” season’s lowly fi nish of fi fth in what will methodical game plan that maximises forward and I think the squad we have ability that when we create opportuni- captain in 2017, hurt himself Jones told reporters at Twickenham be the last Six Nations before this year’s the strength of their team.” got is a very strong squad, and very ca- ties we score points.” while touring with the national stadium. World Cup in Japan. Former Australia and Japan coach pable of beating Ireland.” And he was adamant England’s play side in Europe and is in a race “Danny has been playing well for his But they have the toughest possible Jones insisted he’d unveiled a squad to Since taking over after hosts’ Eng- in key areas had advanced since last against time to be ready for the club but we have always wanted to have start, with reigning Grand Slam cham- play Ireland, “not a Six Nations squad”. land’s miserable fi rst-round exit at the year’s Championship. “The game is start of the new Super Rugby a look at Robson. We want that fast pions Ireland having won 11 of their 12 He added: “I think we are in a really good 2015 World Cup, Jones has emphasised about contest at the moment, that’s season next month. half-back at the end of the game that Tests in 2018 — including a 16-9 victory position. Obviously it is a World Cup the need to play to their traditional where it is in the cycle at the moment “Warren is over the worst and can shift the ball quickly, make breaks over the All Blacks in November. year so that is always at the back of your strengths. Asked what he meant by the — scrum, line-out, kick-off and break- it is now a matter of monitoring when the defences are sometimes fa- “Ireland are the best side in the mind. But clearly our focus is on beating “English way”, Jones replied: “English down,” said Jones. his progress but he’s busy train- tigued. We wanted to have a look at Dan world,” said Jones. “They are a good Ireland. It is the fi rst game of the tour- rugby is based on a strong tradition of “We have made some substantial ing with the rest of the squad,” in November, but unfortunately he was team and deserve all the praise they’ve nament, it is the most prestigious tour- being organised, and that means the set improvements around the breakdown Lions coach De Bruin told re- injured.” been getting. The have a number of ex- nament in the northern hemisphere. We piece and defence in rugby. That’s what since the last Six Nations.” porters.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Saint and Rams meet for NFC title Denver Broncos hire Reuters Scangarello as Los Angeles off ensive coordinator rew Brees turned 40 on Tues- day, and the New Orleans Saints Reuters ing ACL injury in Week 3 of this quarterback will cap off his Denver season. Scangarello’s lengthy birthday week matching throws resume also includes stints as an andD wits on Sunday in the NFC Champi- off ensive quality control coach onship Game with Jared Goff , the Los An- he Denver Broncos have with the Oakland Raiders in geles Rams quarterback who is 16 years hired Rich Scangarello as 2009 and the Atlanta Falcons in younger. Brees is in no mood for nostal- their new off ensive co- 2015. Scangarello worked under gia, but he knows better than anyone else ordinator, the team an- Shanahan with the Falcons. that chances to win a Super Bowl don’t Tnounced Wednesday. Scangarello come around often. served as the San Francisco 49ers LIONS NAME BEVELL AS “I think that’s been well communi- quarterbacks coach the past two OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR cated, really, as we’ve journeyed through seasons. Scangarello interviewed The Detroit Lions have hired the season and as we’ve hit every bench- with new head coach Vic Fan- former Seattle Seahawks off en- mark,” Brees said of being one victory gio on Tuesday and returned for sive coordinator Darrell Bevell to away from his second Super Bowl ap- more talks Wednesday, and Fan- run their off ense, the team an- pearance, the other when he won a ti- gio liked what he heard. nounced Wednesday. Bevell, 49, tle after the 2009 season. “Don’t take it “With the addition of Rich replaces Jim Bob Cooter, whose for granted. Appreciate it. We are still a Scangarello as our off ensive co- contract was not renewed after young team in a lot of areas, but we also ordinator, we’re getting an expe- Detroit fi nished 24th in total of- have a lot of great veteran leadership.” rienced coach who was a trusted fense and 25th in scoring off ense Goff said he appreciated Brees’ willing- and valued assistant with Kyle in 2018. Bevell was out of coach- ness to share some insights into the art of Shanahan for three seasons,” ing last season. He was fi red by quarterbacking when they played togeth- Quarterback Drew Brees will be a key player for New Orleans Saints. (AFP) Fangio said. “He worked won- the Seahawks in January 2018 er in the Pro Bowl last year. Brees said he ders with all the quarterbacks after seven seasons as their of- was simply “paying forward” what other have Brees connect with Michael Thomas victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last touchdowns on 39 carries (6.1-yard aver- who started for San Francisco fensive coordinator and did not veteran quarterbacks did for him, guys on a 72-yard touchdown with 3:53 left to week. The Rams also will be without one age). “I thought those guys did a great job during the previous two years land another position. like Doug Flutie, Trent Dilfer and Kurt seal the victory. When Saints coach Sean of their best performers, wide receiver complementing each other,” McVay said. as quarterbacks coach. With his Bevell was also the off ensive Warner. “I told myself at that time that Payton remarked after the game that he Cooper Kupp, who tore his left anterior “Certainly, Todd’s our guy, but I thought background and knowledge, it’s coordinator for the Minnesota hopefully I can play long enough where liked the match-up of Thomas going cruciate ligament in Week 10. Kupp had CJ was a great change of pace to come in the perfect time for Rich to be Vikings for fi ve seasons (2006- guys start asking advice from me,” Brees against Rams cornerback Marcus Peters, 40 catches for 566 yards and six touch- there and be able to do some really good an off ensive coordinator in the 10) before he joined Pete Carroll’s said, smiling. the defensive back fi red back and said he downs in eight games this season. things.” NFL. I fi nd this opportunity for staff in Seattle in 2011. His of- In their 45-35 regular-season victory was relishing a rematch. “That game was a while ago,” Rams The rematch should have plenty of of- Rich very similar to when I fi rst fense with the Seahawks peaked over the Rams in November, the Saints Asked Wednesday about the ver- coach Sean McVay said of New Orleans’ fensive fi reworks. The Rams fi nished No. became a defensive coordinator in 2015, fi nishing fourth in the held a 35-14 lead late in the second quarter bal dustup, Payton discounted any bad head-to-head win. “It was a great refer- 2 in the NFL in scoring (32.9 points per many years ago, and he is ready NFL in both scoring off ense and — scoring touchdowns on fi ve of their six blood, saying the Saints had come close ence point for us to work from and try to game), but the Saints were right behind to take this step in his career.” total off ense. He helped the Sea- fi rst-half possessions. Their only miscue to drafting Peters in 2015. In the No- learn from some of the mistakes every- them at No. 3 (31.5). Both defenses fi n- Scangarello, 46, has never hawks reach the playoff s in vefi of came when Mark Ingram fumbled at the vember matchup, Brees completed 25 of body made, and we’re looking forward to ished in the middle of the pack in total been a coordinator at the NFL his seven seasons, including con- New Orleans 22 with the game tied at 14, 36 passes for 346 yards and four touch- the challenge again on Sunday.” yardage allowed and points allowed. level, but he held the OC position secutive trips to the Super Bowl. but the Rams wasted that scoring oppor- downs, and Thomas caught 12 passes for The Rams, playing in their fi rst NFC While Gurley and Anderson proved in the college ranks at Wagner in Seattle defeated Denver in Super tunity when they passed up a go-ahead, a career-high 211 yards to hand the Rams Championship Game since 2001-02, are they could pound the ball against the 2016 and at Northern Arizona Bowl XLVIII and notoriously lost 34-yard fi eld goal on fourth-and-4 and their fi rst loss of the season. coming off an impressive 30-22 victory Cowboys, the Saints’ Alvin Kamara and from 2012-14. He earned praise to New England in Super Bowl failed to convert on holder Johnny Hek- In the rematch, the Saints will be play- over Dallas in which they produced 273 Ingram provide the sixth-best rushing for his work with 49ers rookie XLIX when his off ense opted to ker’s run around right end. ing without one of their best run-stop- rushing yards, the most ever surrendered attack in the league. Kamara had three quarterback Nick Mullens and throw from the 1-yard line and The Rams rallied starting late in the pers, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, by the Cowboys in the playoff s. fi rst-half touchdowns in the November second-year signal-caller CJ Malcolm Butler intercepted Rus- second quarter and put up 21 consecutive who sustained a torn Achilles tendon in Running backs Todd Gurley and CJ An- meeting. “We need to keep our gap integ- Beathard after starter Jimmy Ga- sell Wilson’s pass to seal the win points to the tie the game at 35, only to New Orleans’ 20-14 divisional playoff derson combined for 238 yards and three rity and tackle well,” McVay said. roppolo suff ered a season-end- for the Patriots. Gulf Times Friday, January 18, 2019 7 CRICKET

ONE-DAY SERIES FOCUS De Villiers says ‘time is right’ to play in Pakistan Pakistan seek change of fortune AFP De Villiers will become argu- “I’m hoping to go there and But De Villiers, who unlike World Cup, which starts in London ably the most high-profi le have some fun and show the Kohli is now a ‘free agent’ May. overseas cricketer to play in whole world that Pakistan is after retiring from interna- South Africa have never won against South Africa Pakistan for a decade should safe to travel to again.” tional duty in May, said: “I the World Cup, but De Vil- outh Africa’s AB de he, as planned, feature in two Meanwhile the 34-year-old can’t see anything wrong liers — whose 31-ball century AFP last year, and Shoaib Malik, while Villiers hopes his in- fi xtures in the PSL, a domestic wicketkeeper-batsman add- with trying something dif- against the West Indies at Jo- Port Elizabeth, South Africa they have a capable attack in volvement in this year’s Twenty20 tournament, in La- ed he “would love to play” in ferent.” hannesburg in 2015 remains which spinners Shadab Khan and Pakistan Super League hore on March 9 and 10. English cricket’s new Hundred “I’m not set in my schedule the fastest one-day interna- Imad Wasim could play key roles. willS encourage the world’s best “I felt that I had this op- tournament when it launches at the moment but I would love tional hundred — said: “I feel akistan will seek a Fakhar Zaman, the aggressive players to return to the country. portunity to maybe make an in 2020. to play in the UK. I’ve made the right decision to change of fortune when left-handed opening batsman, Pakistan have had to play impact to help international Matches will be restricted to “I’m sure with the tradition retire. they play South Africa was exposed against the short most of their ‘home’ games in cricket return to Pakistan,” he 100 balls per innings — even and the culture of cricket over “If they (South Africa) do in the fi rst of fi ve one- ball in the Tests, being dropped the United Arab Emirates since told the BBC World Service’s fewer than in Twenty20 — in a there, it would be very well approach me — and I don’t Pday internationals at St George’s after scoring only 32 runs in four a 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s Stumped programme. bid to speed up the game. supported. I would love to be a think that will happen — we’ll Park tomorrow. innings, but has hit 1275 runs at team bus in Lahore, although “I was reluctant to go a few India captain Virat Kohli has part of it.” have a conversation and I’m The tourists were mauled in a an average of 57.95 in one-day the West Indies did tour Paki- years back, when we were all a queried the need for a new for- De Villiers, however, all but pretty sure that I will be stay- recent Test series, with none of internationals, scored at close to stan in April last year. bit worried, but I feel the time mat in addition to fi rst-class, ruled himself out of playing ing over here and supporting the three matches going beyond a run a ball. But former Proteas captain is right to go back there.” one-day and Twenty20 cricket. in England during this year’s the team.” lunch on the fourth day, but have South Africa have based their reason to be optimistic in the World Cup plans on picking four 50-overs game where fast short- specialist bowlers but have yet to pitched bowling will likely not be settle on a batting all-rounder to THIRD ODI a decisive factor. fi ll the crucial number seven po- For both teams, the series is sition. an important step towards the They announced a squad for Cricket World Cup in England the fi rst two matches only. Since and Wales later this year. the squad was announced, it was “We’re certainly a far better decided to rest wicketkeeper- white-ball team than we are a batsman Quinton de Kock and Test unit at the minute,” said Pa- fast bowler Dale Steyn. India must keep the kistan coach Mickey Arthur after The changes provide opening the third Test on Monday. batsman Aiden Markram with That seems a reasonable as- another opportunity to shine in sessment as Pakistan have shown a format in which he has yet to their ability in one-day crick- assert himself, while fast bowler et, notably when they won the Duanne Olivier was rewarded for Champions Trophy in England in his man of the series perform- 2017. Since the start of that tour- ances in the Tests with a fi rst pressure on Aussie nament, during which they beat one-day call-up. South Africa in a rain-shortened Port Elizabeth usually has one match, they have compiled a 17- of the slowest pitches in South 10 winning record. Africa, which should suit the tour- Pakistan’s batting will be ists. In their most recent appear- strengthened by the inclusion of ance at the ground, in November Mohamed Hafeez, who retired 2013, they clinched their only one- openers: Dhawan from Test cricket at the end of day series win in South Africa. ‘Bhuvi is experienced... and Shami. That’s why in the first 10 overs we’ve dominated’

Reuters Melbourne Finch happy with Lyon’s displays ahead of India decider Reuters ndia will continue to target Melbourne Australia’s under-pressure openers Alex Carey and Australia’s Nathan Lyon (right) Aaron Finch as they seek to athan Lyon has failed bowls to India’s Virat Kohli Iadd a one-day series win to their to take a wicket in Aus- during the second ODI in fi rst ever Test series victory in Ntralia’s ongoing one-day Adelaide on Tuesday. (AFP) the third and fi nal match in Mel- series against India but captain bourne today. Aaron Finch is pleased with the Carey and Finch’s best open- off -spinner’s role as they head ing partnership in the fi rst two into a series-decider against matches of the series is the 20 India in Melbourne today. runs they achieved in Adelaide The series is locked at 1-1 after on Tuesday. India won the second game in Carey, the team’s vice-captain, Adelaide by six wickets on Tues- In this November 2, 2018, picture, Pakistan’s Mohamed Hafeez (right) has scored a total of 42 runs while day, following Australia’s 34-run and Sarfraz Ahmed celebrate their victory over New Zealand in the captain Finch has tallied just 12 win in Sydney last Saturday. Twenty20 match in Dubai. (AFP) and been bowled by Bhuvneshwar Lyon, 31, is Australia’s undis- Kumar in both games of the se- puted first-choice Test spinner, ries, which is locked at 1-1. having played 84 matches and Finch was also dropped from taken 339 wickets since his New Zealand bring back the Test squad after he struggled debut against Sri Lanka in 2011. in the that series and India have However, he has struggled to heavyweights for India series concentrated on the 32-year- have the same impact in lim- New Zealand have assembled their strongest possible line up old, who has 11 one-day inter- ited overs cricket and played for the one-day series against India starting next week in what national centuries and two in just 17 ODIs. Until playing two will be their toughest workout ahead of the World Cup. Tom Twenty20 internationals. matches in England last year Latham and Colin de Grandhomme, who were rested during the “We respect that Finch is a he had not featured in the one- 3-0 sweep against Sri Lanka, were named yesterday in a 14-man great player... we make sure day team for almost two years. squad for the first three games of the five-match series which our guard is up always,” Indian Finch said he was pleased with starts next Wednesday. Captain Kane Williamson and bowling opening batsman Shikhar Dha- the contributions from Lyon, spearhead Trent Boult, who sat out the Twenty20 against Sri wan said yesterday. “The boys who along with legpsinner to play a more containing role In Adelaide he bowled 26 dot quite defensively, which I think Lanka last Friday, are back in the squad as is Mitchell Santner must have seen his weakness Adam Zampa and left-arm spin- and was therefore bowling flat- balls, but conceded three sixes for his role was pretty impor- who made the Twenty20 after being sidelined by injury for 10 and they are implementing their ner Ashton Agar are likely to ter and more defensively. and a four. tant,” Finch said. months. plans quite nicely. They’re not vie for the slow bowling role at While Lyon has conceded 5.45 All of the sixes were hit off “Anytime the ball’s been tossed giving him singles that easily or the World Cup later this year. runs per over from both games, flighted deliveries when he up... he’s bowling against some even boundary options. “I thought the way Gaz (Lyon) he has bowled a significant was trying to attack more, and pretty world-class (batsmen)... England fast bowler Stone ruled out “Once you’re creating that has bowled has been really number of dot balls in each Finch said the quality of the some all-timers, really. of West Indies tour pressure to a batsman, espe- impressive,” Finch told report- match. Indian lineup was a major fac- “When he keeps bowling that cially in limited overs, that bats- ers in Melbourne on Thursday, In Sydney he bowled 35 dot tor in that. well he will get rewarded England pace bowler Olly Stone will miss the tour of the West man is going to do something adding that he was being asked balls, but was hit for four sixes. “(He has) bowled really well eventually.” Indies after suff ering a back injury. Stone has been hampered extra or take more risk to rotate by stiff ness in his lower left back since taking part in a practice the strike or to score more runs. session on Sunday. The 25-year-old went for scans in Barbados That’s where we’re having the Australia slumped to 41-2 rienced as well as (Mohamed) ful periods, which has contrib- “It’s always a fi ne balance that confirmed the extent of the injury was serious enough to opportunity.” in 9.5 overs in the fi rst game in Shami,” Dhawan said. “That’s uted to 3,430 one-day inter- between attack and hanging in rule him out of the Tests against the West Indies. Stone had Dhawan added that the pressure Sydney, while they were 38-2 af- why in the fi rst 10 overs we have national runs at an average of there and waiting for the right hoped to make his Test debut in the three-match series, but the the bowlers were placing on the ter 10 overs in the second match been dominating.” 36.88. time to be aggressive and take Warwickshire seamer will have to wait for his maiden five-day Australians at the top of the order in Adelaide, although that total Finch, however, said he had “Maybe I’ve been too tenta- on the game. I still feel that I’m appearance. Stone impressed with his speed and hostility during meant they were not capitalising on was only boosted by scoring 11 been reviewing footage of his tive in the last couple of games, a very good player... 13 interna- four appearances in England’s one-day series win against Sri the fi elding restrictions during the runs in the 10th. dismissals in the series and letting a bit of pressure build tional hundreds suggests that I Lanka in October. fi rst 10-over power-play. “Bhuvi (Kumar) is very expe- comparing it to more success- up,” Finch said. do know what’s required.”

SPOTLIGHT Qatar cricket team to play Asian T20 in Oman Warner to return to Australia aft er elbow injury

AFP fl amboyant knock for the Sylhet dergoing extensive rehabilita- Sydney Sixers in the Bangladesh Pre- tion. mier League on Wednesday. The disgraced pair still have He will return to Australia three months of their suspen- anned Australian bats- next Monday, after two more sions left to run over the inci- man David Warner matches in the Bangladesh dent last March that rocked the will return home from Twenty20 competition. game. Bangladesh to have an “While the extent of the in- The injuries could prove a injuredB elbow assessed, Cricket jury remains unknown, Warner major blow to the national side, Australia said yesterday. will continue to play for the with the star batsmen facing the The extent of the injury is not Sylhet Sixers before he de- prospect of less match-time in yet known, but it raises con- parts, meaning he will feature in the lead up to their expected re- cerns of a stint on the sidelines matches on the 18th and 19th,” turn to the national side ahead for the explosive opener along- Cricket Australia’s offi cial news of the World Cup in late May. side disgraced teammate Steve site reported. Fox News reported that Smith, as the pair face a dis- The injury just days after Warner injured the elbow dur- rupted return to international former captain Steve Smith re- ing his creative unbeaten 61 off cricket. turned to Australia to have el- 36 balls for Sylhet against the The Qatar national cricket team contingent that will participate in the ACC Twenty20 Western Region tournament in Oman poses with Warner, who continues to bow surgery following an injury Rangpur Riders. Qatar Cricket Association Operations manager Manzoor Ahmad and other off icials. The tournament will start today and conclude on serve his 12-month suspen- he sustained while playing in The left-hander switched to a January 25, 2019. Skipper Inam Ul Haq will be joined by vice captain Tamoor Sajjad, Mohamed Rizlan, Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim, Mohamed sion from the national team for the same Bangladesh tourna- right-handed stance while facing Awais Malik, Khurram Shahzad, Kamran Khan, Noman Sarwar, Faisal Javed Khan, Gayan Buddika, Iqbal Chaudhry, Mohamed Nadeem, his role in the ball-tampering ment. a spell from Chris Gayle, smash- Mohamed Tanveer and Mohamed Imran Ashraf in the team. The off icials travelling as part of the contingent include team manager Gul scandal in South Africa, report- Smith is expected to be in a ing the West Indies superstar Khan Jadoon, coach Abdul Rehman and trainer/physio Mohamed Jahangir. edly injured the elbow during a brace for six weeks before un- back over his head for six.

Friday, January 18, 2019 GULF TIMES TENNIS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOTLIGHT Graf backs Williams to surpass Court’s Serena in charge Grand Slam record

Reuters told Melbourne’s Herald Sun Melbourne newspaper. “Her game, her serve being such an incredible weapon. I erena Williams will think she at any time is danger- as Djokovic races eventually overtake Mar- ous. garet Court’s record of 24 “With the experience she’s Grand Slam titles even if had, she’s still so determined and Williams beats Canada’s theS American fails to equal the if she enjoys it why not? If her mark at the ongoing Australian body holds up I do believe she Bouchard in 70 minutes Open, according to former world has a big chance (to pass Court).” number one Steffi Graf. Court won 13 of her 24 Grand on Rod Laver Arena Williams was eight weeks Slams before the women’s game past Tsonga pregnant when she captured her became fully professional in 23rd Grand Slam trophy at Mel- 1968. AFP bourne in 2017 but missed op- Graf acknowledged Williams Melbourne portunities to equal Australian had achieved her success in the Court on her return from ma- more competitive Open era and ternity leave, losing in the fi nal said she would eventually fi nish erena Williams stepped of Wimbledon and the US Open her career as the game’s greatest up her drive for a record- last year. player. equalling 24th Grand “I don’t know if she can do it “I’d probably say with the ca- Slam yesterday by swat- here (equal the record) but I be- reer she’s had, that she’s not even tingS aside Eugenie Bouchard, as lieve she can absolutely,” Graf, fi nished at this point, then yes, world number one Novak Djok- who won 22 majors in her career, I’d say so,” Graf added. ovic won an emotional 2008 Australian Open fi nal rematch with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. But women’s top seed Simona Halep and young gun Alexander Zverev had to dig deep to make the third round on a day of epic battles and the latest start to a match ever at the tournament. American great Williams followed up her fi rst round 49-minute romp by spending just 70 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to dispose of the Cana- dian 6-2, 6-2. “It wasn’t an easy match to- night,” said the 37-year-old, seeded just 16. “So I knew ‘Serena, you’ve got to come out hot, you’ve got to come out fi ring, she’s a really good player and I haven’t had many matches since last year’.” Williams is bidding to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam crowns, and win an eighth in Australia, on her fi rst Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during their men’s singles match on day four of the Australian Open return to Melbourne Park since in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP) lifting the trophy in 2017 while pregnant. 6-4, 5-7, 6-7 (6), 6-1. get past big-serving Croat Kar- Serbian top seed Djokovic is Amid rain delays and drawn- lovic 6-3, 7-6 (6), 5-7, 5-7, 7-6 also looking to make history by out matches, Spain’s Garbine (7) in humid conditions. SHOCKING winning a seventh title. Muguruza and Britain’s Johanna Sixteenth seed Raonic He was too good again for Konta didn’t get on court until emerged the victor against France’s Tsonga, who he beat in half-past midnight — the latest Wawrinka, a three-time Grand the 2008 fi nal, rolling through start to a match in the event’s Slam champion who is on the Australia Davis Cup 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. history. comeback trail from injury. “You could feel the tension on US Open champion and The Swiss, unseeded for the court at the beginning. We felt a fourth seed Naomi Osaka had fi rst time since his debut in captain Hewitt says lot of emotion and tried to play it relatively easy, sweeping past 2006, fell 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 7-6 a great game,” said Djokovic as Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek (11), 7-6 (5). the memories of that tense fi nal 6-2, 6-4 with the roof closed on Despite being seeded six and threatened by Tomic came fl ooding back. Margaret Court Arena due to the seven respectively, neither Elina In contrast, world number rain. Svitolina or Karolina Pliskova one Halep staggered through The 21-year-old’s break- has progressed further than against American Sofi a Kenin through at Flushing Meadow the last eight at the Australian 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4 — her second over Serena Williams last year Open. three-set test in a row. made her a new standard bearer But self-assured Svitolina is “I have no idea how I won for tennis in her Japanese home- bubbling with confi dence after this, it’s so tough to explain what land and Asia, and she is work- dismantling Viktoria Kuzmova happened on court,” said the Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates her victory over Sofia Kenin of ing hard on living up to the hype. 6-4, 6-1, while Pliskova woke French Open champion, who the US yesterday. (Reuters) “I thought I served alright, up after losing the fi rst set to now meets Venus Williams af- this was my fi rst time playing race past Madison Brengle 4-6, ter the 38-year-old rolled back that all went to tie-breaks, while young Australian wildcard Alex- her and I’m just happy to win 6-1, 6-0. the years to beat France’s Alize eighth seed Kei Nishikori was ei Popyrin. to be honest,” Osaka said after Other women through in- Cornet. stretched to a draining fi ve sets Zverev, hailed as a fl ag-bearer setting up a clash with Taiwan’s cluded Italy’s Camila Giorgi and In another titanic battle, Ca- against Ivo Karlovic. for the next generation, also Hsieh Su-wei. China’s impressive Wang Qiang. nadian Milos Raonic ousted Seventh seed Dominic Thiem struggled against veteran world In contrast, Asia’s top-ranked Men still in the hunt included 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka limped out when he retired number 36 Jeremy Chardy, be- men’s player Nishikori needed Croat Borna Coric and Spain’s in four tightly-contested sets while losing 7-5, 6-4, 2-0 to fore putting him away 7-6 (5), an energy-sapping 3hr 48min to Pablo Carreno-Busta.

Muguruza stars in late, late show at Melbourne Park

Reuters tournament’s history. and Elise Mertens’s second- “I mean, I seriously can’t believe While the two-hour 42-minute Melbourne With a log-jam in scheduling round match at last year’s tour- there are people watching us match did not wrap up until caused by two men’s five- nament, which began a minute at 3:15. Like who cares?,” twice 3:12am, it was still well off the setters earlier yesterday, 18th before midnight. Grand Slam champion Mugu- record for the latest finish. arbine Muguruza seed Muguruza and Briton At the end of a high-quality ruza said on court. Australian Lleyton Hewitt’s claimed a 6-4, 7-6 (3), Konta were kept from playing duel, former Wimbledon “Very tough (match), I think third-round win over Cyp- G7-5 win over Johanna their first point until 12:30am champion Muguruza pounced Johanna was also playing very riot Marcos Baghdatis at the Konta early on Friday to reach local time (1330 GMT) in front on Konta’s serve at 6-5 in the good. 2008 tournament lasted until the Australian Open third round of a smattering of hardy fans at deciding set, grabbing a match “We play for you guys oth- 4:34am. and etch in her name into the Margaret Court Arena. point with a backhand winner erwise why are we here, for Muguruza will play Swiss Timea record books as the winner of The start was more than half an before forcing a forehand error what?” Muguruza told the few Bacsinszky for a place in the In this March 4, 2016, picture, Australia’s team captain Lleyton Hewitt the latest starting match in the hour later than Daria Gavrilova to seal the win. remaining fans in the terraces. fourth round. (right) talks to compatriot Bernard Tomic during the Davis Cup World Group first round tie against the US in Melbourne. (AFP)

Reuters have anything to do with it.” BOTTOMLINE Melbourne Reuters was not immediately able to contact Tomic for com- ment. ustralia’s Davis Cup Tennis Australia declined to LTA keen to work with Murray to develop British tennis captain Lleyton Hewitt comment on Hewitt’s allega- said yesterday he had tions. A spokesperson said the Reuters to build on Andy’s amazing mon Timson said the LTA was received physical governing body was unable to achievements and ensure his committed to long-term player threatsA from compatriot Bernard contact Tomic and did not know London success delivers a thriving lega- development as part of a 10- Tomic, leading him to cut ties if the player was still in Mel- cy,” Lloyd said. year strategy that includes a with the player and ban him from bourne. ritain’s Lawn Tennis “We have had some very new player pathway, a series the Davis Cup team. World number 88 Tomic, who Association (LTA) is exciting conversations with of grassroots initiatives and Twice Grand Slam champion has been in and out of the Davis keen on working with Andy’s team and (his mother) the potential “Murray Legacy” Hewitt, 37, told reporters at the Cup team for years, pilloried Andy Murray, when Judy around, in particular, how schools programme. Australian Open that Tomic had Hewitt in his post-match media theB Scot calls time on his career, we might go about develop- “We will always welcome made several threats against him conference after bowing out in to transform and develop British ing a schools programme. We Andy’s involvement with pro- and his family, including black- the fi rst round on Monday. tennis to produce more top 100 have equally acknowledged that grammes and players. He is an mail, over the past 18 months. Tomic, 26, accused Hewitt of players in the next fi ve years, ac- Andy to date has had to focus on iconic and inspirational fi gure “The threats that I’ve received favouritism in the awarding of cording to a media report. his career. — a beacon for what British ten- for me and my family that I’ve had wildcards to local players for the Murray, who was knocked out “As Andy mentioned, to re- nis players can achieve,” Timson for a year and a half now, I don’t year’s fi rst Grand Slam, and said in the fi rst round of the Austral- ally get children into our sport said. think anyone would reach out to he should be replaced as Davis ian Open on Monday, has criti- at the earliest possible age, and “The fi rst fi ve years, we want- a person who speaks like that,” Cup captain. cised the sport’s national gov- through a schools’ programme ed to support fi ve new British Hewitt said at Melbourne Park. “It’s all Lleyton. I’m going to erning body for failing to grow would be fantastic. We are ab- players to break into the world’s “For me, it was the abuse I say it honestly, no-one likes him the game over the last decade solutely ready when he is to top 100. Katie Boulter (ranked copped from him at the end. anymore,” Tomic told reporters. and not capitalising on his suc- ments, new LTA chief executive twice Wimbledon champion’s move something like that for- 97) has already done it. We want I drew a line in the sand and I “I hope he can get moved and cess. Scott Lloyd told the Daily Tel- concerns. ward.” to help four more get there by haven’t spoken to him since. He we can go back to having a good In the wake of Murray’s com- egraph he wanted to address the “We all want the same thing; Performance director Si- 2023.” won’t play Davis Cup while I captain.”