QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Anastasia QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Pavlyuchenkova makes her first Grand Slam semi-final on 7th attempt WEDNESday, JUNE 9, 2021 page 14

AL SHAMAL EDGE AL GHARAFA IN THRILLER FOR 3RD ARAB SUPER CUP

Al Shamal won a pulsating final against Al Gharafa 23-22 to lift the 3rd Arab Super Cup at the Al Duhail Hall on Tuesday evening. The winners led 11-8 at half time. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee -- in the pres- ence of Dr. Hassan Mustafa, President, International Handball Federation (IHF) -- presented the trophy to the winners. In Pics above (left): HE Sheikh Joaan hands over the trophy to Al Shamal . (Right) Dr. Hassan Mustafa, President, IHF, and Sheikh Joaan award medals to the runners up Al Gharafa’s players. Sanchez lauds Qatar on Asian Cup qualification Oman’s Ivankovic confident of his team advancing AFC Doha

Felix Sanchez lauded his Qa- tar side for getting their job done by qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals following their 1-0 win against Oman on Monday. Hassan Al Haydos’ first half penalty steered Qatar to their seventh win in eight matches as the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions com- pleted their fixtures with a haul of 22 points to finish as Group E winners to seal their place in the China 2023 Finals. “Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup is the latest achievement for Qatari foot- ball and it’s a happy day for us,” said Sanchez. “I hope we The Qatar national team’s playing eleven ahead of their match against Oman at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday. can continue producing good results with the team. resume working because we and they deserve to be on top “The match was difficult have a new challenge in the Qualifying for the AFC of the group,” said Ivankovic. against a persistent team who CONCACAF Gold Cup in USA Asian Cup is the latest “Our players performed tried their best to equalise. We this summer.” achievement for Qatari well and created many scor- were also affected by the injuries Despite the defeat, Oman ing chances but we were not of Musab Kheder and Boualem head coach Branko Ivankovic football and it’s a happy lucky today while the weather Khoukhi during the match and praised the performance of day for us. I hope we also affected them. I expect this put more pressure on us. his players and felt they were can continue producing that we can qualify from the “At the end of the day we worthy of at least a share of group and we hope to win the achieved our target, which was the points. “Congratulations good results with the last two matches. We will give Oman will face Afghani- the Third Round of the Asian to qualify for the AFC Asian to Qatar for their win tonight. team. our best in those matches and stan on Friday before taking Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. We will give the players They have been the best team hopefully, we can advance as on Bangladesh on June 15 Cup as one of the best five sec- a few days of rest and then in Asia in the last few years Qatar coach Felix Sanchez one of the best runners-up.” in their push to advance to ond-placed finishers. Chhetri working, scoring goals Maaloul applauds Syria players as if he’s still 25: Coach Stimac for Asian Qualifiers masterclass ANI Sunil Chhetri,” Gurpreet Sin- AFC round of World Cup qualifiers, Doha gh Sandhu said. “It shows his Sharjah as the top team in the group,” commitment and how consist- the Tunisian coach posted on Blue Tigers head coach Igor ent he has been scoring goals – Syria head coach Nabil Maal- Twitter. “I provide my heart- Stimac has said that striker one after the other. It’s simply oul called his players “heroic” ful thanks to everyone who Sunil Chhetri is still working remarkable,” he added. after their 3-0 win over Guam helped the team to qualify, es- on his game as if he is 25 and Talking about his own per- on Monday sealed their place pecially the heroic players.” that shows the passion he still formance, Chhetri said: “The in the third round of qualify- Even though Syria’s pas- has towards the game. match against Bangladesh was ing for the FIFA World Cup sage to the next round has Chhetri had added another a tough match, frustrating at Qatar 2022 and earned a berth been guaranteed, Maaloul feather to his illustrious cap times,” he referred. at the Finals of the AFC Asian stressed his players would as he overtook Argentina star India’s 36-year-old striker and skipper Sunil Chhetri. “We were guilty of miss- Cup China 2023. not be easing off in their final Lionel Messi to become the ing a lot of chances. We could Two early goals from game against the Chinese as second-highest active interna- session, he is by far the best. ple will still talk about Sunil have done better. It has been Mardik Mardikian sent the they aim to finish the Group A tional goalscorer on Monday. He is in such good shape and Chhetri. As long as there is a topsy-turvy qualifying cam- Syrians on their way to their schedule with a perfect record. He achieved the feat when he is working with such profes- Indian Football, people will paign. Looking back, we un- seventh win in a row in Group “Our next step is the match struck a brace to help India sionalism. He is working as remember his name. It’s for derstand that we could have A before Mahmoud Al Mawas against China, (and we want) defeat Bangladesh 2-0 in the if he is 25, playing as if he is everyone to see what he does done a lot better. We will talk added a third and that perfect to continue the joy of quali- ongoing FIFA World Cup Qa- 25, and scoring goals like he on the field. Hence, I would about it but I am happy that record secured top spot in the fication with the full points tar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup is 25,” Stimac said in an offi- rather like to mention that off we got three points.” standings for Maaloul’s team. from that match.” China Qualifiers at the Jas- cial release issued by All India the field he is the perfect ex- India will next lock horns China PR are in second but Syria take on China PR sim Bin Hamad Stadium at Al Football Federation (AIFF). ample for all to follow.” against Afghanistan in the cannot surpass the Syrians de- on June 15 with Li Tie’s side Sadd Club in Doha. ‘Ironman’ Sandesh Jh- “I will keep on mentioning Qualifiers on June 15. The side spite their win over the Philip- Syria coach Nabil Maaloul. needing to win that game to “Many people keep on ask- ingan felt that Sunil’s name that there’s one guy floating is already out of contention to pines at Sharjah Stadium later enhance their hopes of tak- ing as to when Sunil is going will still be remembered even in between Cristiano Ronaldo qualify for FIFA World Cup on Monday, leaving Maaloul aged to get the second win in ing one of the best runners-up to retire. He works so hard on after a century. “Some 100 or and Lionel Messi – and that’s 2022, but the Blue Tigers can elated at his team’s progress. a row, to qualify for Asian Cup positions available in the next the pitch, and in every training 200 years down the line, peo- my teammate, my captain still qualify for AFC Asian Cup. “With God’s help we man- 2023 in China, and the final phase of the competition. Sports Wednesday, June 9, 2021 13 Qatar’s Aisha Al Suwaidi shoots 10m Air Rifle gold in Cairo

Qatar’s beach volleyball team members Cherif Younousse (right) and Ahmed Tijan. Qatar’s beach volleyball duo ranked second in Tokyo Olympics qualification

QNA Lausanne reaching the quarter-finals of the Czech Ostrava tour which The International Volley- concluded on Sunday. ball Federation announced The Qatari beach volley- on Tuesday that the Qatari ball team qualified for the beach volleyball team, consist- upcoming postponed Tokyo ing of the Cherif Younousse 2020 Olympic Games even be- The podium finishers of the 10m Air Rifle event at the Arab Shooting Championship in Cairo on Tuesday. and Ahmed Tijan achieved a fore participating in the deci- second rank in their Olympic sive qualifying rounds, and the eight competitors. ceeded in achieving first place lated Al Suwaidi and the Qatar classification with a score of team had previously won the The silver and bronze were and gold.” Shooting and Archery Associa- 7,720 points, behind the top- gold medal for the third round won by Egyptians Al Zahra Al Suwaidi gifted the gold tion. She said that Qatar ath- ranked Norwegian team with of the Cancun World Cham- Qatar’s Aisha Al Suwaidi in action during the 10m Air Rifle competi- Shaaban and Hadeer Al Sayed medal triumph to her coach, letes always prove their com- 10,960 points. pionship, which concluded in tion at the Arab Shooting Championship in Cairo on Tuesday. respectivelt. noting that he made great ef- petence at all Arab, Asian and In the past, the Qatari team Mexico in May, in which they In a press statement after forts in training her at the Lu- international forums. achieved many accomplish- won the silver medal in the QNA onship, currently being held in the victory, the Qatari shooter sail Shooting Complex which Al Nuaimi praised the out- ments and good results in all first and second rounds. Cairo Cairo, with the participation of expressed her happiness for resulted in the achievement at standing participation of the the tournaments they partici- The Qatari team is look- a large group of more than thir- winning the gold medal in the the Arab Championships -- the two shooters, Matara Al Asiri pated in, including achieving ing forward to advance in the Qatari shooter Aisha Al Su- ty women athletes representing ten-meter air rifle competi- focus of everyone’s attention. (in eighth place) and promis- the silver medal at the Sochi world rankings of the national waidi won the gold medal in twelve teams. tion. She said that the com- Al Anoud Matar Al Nuai- ing Shahd Al Darwish (in sixth World Tour Championship, teams, before its next partici- the 10m Air Rifle competition Aisha Al Suwaidi emerged petition was strong, especially mi, a member of the National place), and said that a good recently held in Russia, with pation in the upcoming Olym- at the Arab Shooting Champi- as the best shooting gold among in the final round, “but I suc- Teams Committee, congratu- future awaits them. a rating of 4 stars, as well as pic Games. Germany move into Euro camp with raised confidence but coach says work ahead

DPA hard on this, we need fine-tun- Berlin A 7-1 win over Latvia was a good result for ing. But the basics are good. morale but Germany face a lot of more work France will be a different kind Germany were set to move ahead of their tough Euro 2020 opening game of opponent, putting us under into their Euro 2020 base a different kind of pressure - camp on Tuesday, boosted by against world champions France. there’s no point comparing it a 7-1 demolition of Latvia but to today’s game.” with a lot of work left ahead man Herzogenaurach ahead of mich back on the right side “We want to keep the high of their tournament opener the three games in Munich on and Ilkay Guendogan and intensity for a few more days, against world champions June 15, 19 and 23. Toni Kroos the holding mid- so that players are fighting for France in a week’s time. “The topics will remain the fieldersinstead, with Mueller, the positions. Syrian refugee Ibrahim Al Hussein takes during a training session at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ath- The scoreline Monday was same: How can we improve in Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry “There are a few more ens, Greece. Al Hussein is seeking and competing to become a part of a Refugee Paralympic Team for identical to that against Brazil certain situations? How do we lively up front. considerations to be had.” the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. (AFP) in the 2014 World Cup semi- defend the spaces? How do we Loew also warned not to Mueller said the team was finals, and goalkeeperM anuel defend while pressing? What draw conclusions about the “well aware that it will be a Neuer freely admitted that are the fifty-fifty challenges line-up against France or very different kettle of fish IOC announces refugee team the match seven years ago en looking like?” Loew said. whether the team would act as against France” but was route to the title was “a little “Those are the defensive successful. upbeat in general, just like more special.” questions. Using the space, “We’ve got a completely captain and Bayern Munich of 29 for Tokyo Games Germany have not lifted creating and opening up the different opponent ahead of team-mate Neuer, who be- a trophy since then, and the space - these will be the things us - in terms of flexibility, ver- came the first Germany goal- DPA at the opening ceremony. of it again, swimmer Yusra team faces a big challenge at to work on up front. satility and individual qual- keeper to reach 100 caps on Berlin “They will send a powerful Mardini, judoka Popole Mis- the Euros after many modest There’s a distinct lack of ity, they are on a whole other the night. message of solidarity and hope enga and runners Anjelina results lately, given that their space in modern football. We level,” Loew said on Monday “I have a very good impres- to the world this summer, Nadai Lohalith, James Nyang group also includes title hold- need to do this well, regard- night. sion of the boys. We have a lot The refugee team for the bringing further awareness to Chiengjiek, Paulo Amotun ers Portugal, plus Hungary. less of the formation. We need “This win should not make of trust in each other. It won’t upcoming Tokyo Olympics the plight of over 80 million Lokoro and Rose Nathike Outgoing coach Joachim some fine-tuning here.” us believe that the work is be easy as we have a tough will consist of 29 athletes, with displaced people worldwide,” Likonyen. Loew has said while Mon- Loew’s team played with a done. The work is only just group, but we’re an unpleas- six of them already part of the the IOC said. Ten of the athletes are ref- day’s win is good for morale lot of enthusiasm, with return- beginning. If you switch off ant team to play against. I first such team at Rio 2016. The athletes were chosen ugees from Syria, and others a lot of fine-tuning is needed ing Thomas Mueller among against France, it won’t take a have a good feeling about the The International Olym- through various criteria led are originally from countries at the camp in southern Ger- the scorers and Joshua Kim- lot. We need to keep working tournament,” Neuer said. pic Committee (IOC) said on by their sporting performance including South Sudan, Eri- Tuesday the composition of and their refugee status as trea, Iran, Iraq and Afghani- the team has been approved confirmed by the United Na- stan. by the executive board, and tions Refugee Agency (UN- The IOC said the team the athletes were unveiled in HCR), the IOC said. would gather on July 12 in virtual ceremony. Former marathon world Doha and fly to Japan two days The IOC said the athletes record holder Tegla Loroupe later where it will be hosted by from 13 host national Olympic will be the team’s chef de mis- Wandeda university for more Committees will compete in 12 sion as in Rio, and the team training before moving into sports at the July 23-August will also have 20 coaches and the athletes’ village. 8 Games. They will compete officials. The IOC also said it would under the Olympic flag and Six of the 10 refugee team continue to fund the athletes march second behind Greece members from 2016 are part after the Games.

Quick read Injured Puig ends season, won’t go for second Olympic gold Berlin: Monica Puig has said that injury is denying her a chance to seek back-to-back gold medals in Olympic women’s tennis in Tokyo. Puig became the first-ever gold medallist from PuertoR ico at Rio 2016 when she beat German Angelique Kerber in the final, after earlier wins over two more grand slam champions, Garbine Muguruza and Petra Kvitova. She said on Instagram late Monday that she would miss the rest of 2021 after recent shoulder surgery, including the July 23-August 8 Games in Japan. “About a week ago I got my second shoulder surgery to repair my rotator cuff and my biceps tendon. This has put me in a very difficult position of having to sit out of the TokyoO lympics this year,” Puig said in a video. “It is very difficult.A nd it was with a heavy heart that I took this decision.” Puig, 27, has only played three matches since having to undergo elbow surgery in December 2019. She has slipped to 168th in the rankings, from a career-high 27 in September 2016. “Obviously, my team and I are thinking long-term and prolonging my career for as many years as possible and hoping to play in the Paris 2024 Germany’s forward Thomas Mueller (front) celebrates scoring final goal in the 3-0 win in their friendly against Latvia at Duesseldorf, Germany, Olympics,” Puig said. (dpa) on Monday, in preparation for the UEFA European Championships. (AFP) 14 Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Sports Pavlyuchenkova battles past Rybakina to make her first Slam semis Germany’s Alexander Zverev returns the ball to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina during their men’s singles quarter-final at the Court DPA/WTA “The third set, 2-0 up serv- Philippe-Chatrier at the in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) Paris ing, yeah, I slowed down a lit- tle bit there. I don’t know if maybe she played a little bit fought back to win a pulsating more loose there as well, com- Zverev reaches French Open battle with her bination of both. I was rushing doubles partner Elena Rybaki- a little bit.” na and reach an elusive first While neither player faced men’s semis with Grand Slam semi-final. a break point in that stretch, A decade after playing in Rybakina saved some of her the last eight of a major for best first-strike tennis as she the first time at Roland Gar- served from behind, includ- one-sided win ros, Pavlyuchenkova finally ing a hold from 0-30 to even broke new ground with a up at 7-7. DPA/ATP early in the second. hard-fought 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 9-7 In the end, however, Pav- Paris This was not an advantage victory on Tuesday. lyuchenkova would not be de- he would cede, racing through The 29-year-old had lost nied: a winner from Alexander Zverev finally the set in only 26 minutes as a six Grand Slam singles quar- her racquet capped a lengthy advanced to the semi-finals of tiring Davidovich Fokina won ter-finals but the 31st seed rally to give her match point, the French Open with a com- a meagre 11 points. will do battle with surprise and the Kaxakh’s sixth double fortable 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 win over The struggling underdog package Tamara Zidansek for fault of the match handed her Alejandro Davidovich Fokina saved two break points at the a place in the championship the victory. on Tuesday. start of the third but then went match in Paris. “I didn’t well at all The sixth seed was playing long to tee up another oppor- Rybakina beat the great today. My biggest weapon in the last eight at Roland Gar- tunity that was duly taken, Serena Williams to reach was not going, and because I ros for the third time in four quickly bringing the finish line the last eight and gave an- was thinking a lot about this, I seasons but had twice previ- into view for Zverev. other demonstration of her forgot completely the tactics,” ously fallen at this stage. Indeed, just 21 minutes huge promise, but made 43 Rybakina reflected in defeat. Some inconsistent early were required this time to unforced errors in an enter- “In the end, we showed really serving aside, another slip- see out the match as Zverev’s taining contest that took two good fight, in the last, third up never appeared likely as power made light work of the hours and 33 minutes to settle Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova celebrates after winning against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in the set, last few games. Nastia also Zverev secured swift progress 22-year-old with two more on Court Philippe-Chatrier. French Open women’s singles quarter-final at Roland Garros in Paris on Tuesday.(AFP) played really good. on Court Philippe-Chatrier. ruthless breaks. After Kazakh Rybakina “Overall, it’s really good Next is the winner of Da- Zverev is the third German claimed the first break for a at 4-4 with the nerves jangling so much before that I think I set in a tiebreak. tournament for me, because niil Medvedev versus Stefanos to reach the Roland Garros 3-1 first-set lead with clean following four breaks in five have achieved it now and I’m Rounding into form after it was my goal to reach second Tsitsipas, the other quarter- semi-finals in the OpenE ra striking off both wings, Pav- games, both players looking sort of, like, [having a] neu- the early deficit,P avlyuchen- week and I did it.” final in the bottom half of the (since April 1968), following lyuchenkova took a more ag- understandably tense but still tral reaction,” Pavlyuchenkova kova ran off six straight games Pavlyuchenkova is the first draw that should prove rather in the footsteps of Boris Beck- gressive approach and that producing some high-quality said. from 2-2 in the second set to Russian woman to reach a more testing for the victor. er (1987, ’89, ’91) and Michael paid off when she got back on tennis. “Of course I’m happy, but lead 2-0 in the third, but lost Grand Slam semi-final since A peculiar first set saw Stich (1996). serve at 4-3. It was Pavlyuchenkova I feel like I’m doing my work, three straight games to fall a reached the last only four games stay on serve “After the first set, my Rybakina, the 21st seed, who claimed the decisive fifth I’m doing my job, and there break behind. With parity im- four at Wimbledon in 2016, as both players showed signs baseline game improved a lot took that setback in her stride, break of a long final set to ad- is still matches to go through, mediately restored thanks to and will bid to be the firstR us- of frustration, first with Zverev and I started to dominate the storming into a 5-0 lead after a vance, earning a match point still work to be done. I just the Russian’s fifth break, the sian Grand Slam finalist in six offering an incredulous re- points,” said Zverev. tactical first-set battle was tak- with a rasping forehand win- look at this like that. I’m try- two players went with serve years. But first,she and Ry- sponse to a tight but correct “At the beginning, I don’t en to a tie-break, which ended ner before her young oppo- ing to enjoy this moment as for the next nine games. bakina will reunite tomorrow line call that allowed his oppo- think I played that well. (Davi- with Pavlyuchenkova putting a nent double-faulted. much as I can but not giving so “The way she started, it on the same side of the court nent to hold. dovich Fokina) has improved into the net. Ten years ago, a teenaged much importance as well right didn’t surprise me because as they take on Zverev’s anger was short- a lot over the past 18 months Pavlyuchenkova appeared Pavlyuchenkova led 2010 now. Take in the present and obviously I have watched her and Magda Linette in the dou- lived, though, as error- and has climbed up the rank- to have missed out on a fourth champion, and eventual 2011 enjoy this moment now and matches before, the previous bles quarter-finals. strewn serving on both sides ings. I think I will play him a chance to break in a long sixth runner-up, Francesca Schi- then see. match, and we practiced a lot. “I try to take it as another of the net ensured regular lot in the future.” game of the second set when avone, 6-1, 4-1, in her first “I’m a bit out of emotions So I kind of expected it could match that I won in this tour- opportunities. The 24-year-old will next she slipped, but looked up Grand Slam quarterfinal. right now. I guess I need a lit- happen, like she would just nament, and I’m not going to Davidovich Fokina in- look to beat second-seeded while she was sitting on the clay There was no such lead in tle bit more time. Probably lat- serve bombs and play hard, so change any routines,” Pavly- advertently threw his racket Russian Daniil Medvedev or to discover Rybakina had made lucky number seven: instead, er tonight I’ll realize that. I’m I’d be, like, no chance there,” uchenkova said. into the stands after sending fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of a mess of a simple smash. the now-veteran, a month shy very happy with the win. It was Pavlyuchenkova said. “So tomorrow I’m just a deep forehand wide and an- Greece on Friday. The 29-year-old broke of her 30th birthday, came unreal match today.” “The only thing you can gonna go do my cool down, other poor shot into the net Medvedev holds a three- again to wrap up the set and from a set down, and a break The Kazakh hit 11 win- do is hang in there. That’s treatment, and tomorrow sealed the opener for Zverev, match winning streak against maintained her momentum down in the decider, to see ners in the first five games to what I did. I believed in my I’ve got a doubles to play with who seized on the Spaniard’s the German while Zverev beat in the decider, charging into off another first-time quarter- lead 4-1 early on but couldn’t chances. I believed in my Elena, so we gonna warm up sloppy play once more to lead Tsitsipas. a 2-0 lead - with her back- finalist inR ybakina. maintain the level of her torrid game overall. I know I’m a together and play normal dou- hand firing. “I actually have always start, though she found it just fighter, so I will fight till the bles, and nothing’s going to They were back on serve wanted to be in the semifinals in time to sneak out the first end. That’s what I did. change for me.” CORNER Hope, Seales named in Windies squad Zidansek bests Badosa in dramatic tussle Gros Islet (St Lucia): Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel on Tuesday named the West Indies men’s 13-member squad for the DPA hours and 26 minutes. third set. first Test against South Africa, beginning Thursday. The Test squad London The 23-year-old World Almost all of Zidansek’s includes one newcomer in Jayden Seales, the exciting 19-year-old No.85 becomes the first player shots had deserted her dur- fast bowler from Trinidad and Tobago, and a former member of the Surprise package Tamara representing Slovenia to make ing this passage of play, but West Indies Under-19 World Cup squad in 2020, who has been very Zidansek prevailed in a dra- the last four of a major. Prior the first to come back was the impressive since he emerged on the scene. The panel also recalled matic tussle with Paula Bado- to the country’s independence dropshot. She came up with Shai Hope, the top-order batsman, and Kieran Powell, the experi- sa to reach the semi-finals of in 1991, Maribor-born Mima five winning ones in the next enced left-handed opener. Hope last played in England in the French Open. Jausovec won Roland Gar- six games alone as she clawed July last year, while Powell’s last Test appearance was in Bangladesh The Slovenian, who had ros in 1977 and reached five her way back into the match. in December, 2018 “Jayden Seales is young, very enthusiastic, and never previously been beyond Grand Slam semifinals or bet- tournament. With her back has a big heart. In the ‘Best v Best’ matches, he bowled with pace, the second round at a Grand ter playing for the former Yu- to the wall, Zidansek came got movement, and has displayed the ability to take . We Slam, was the outsider of the goslavia. As a result, Zidansek from 15-40 down and found think he is capable of adding potency to the attack,” Roger unexpected quarter-final line- will break the Top 50 for the winners to save three break Harper, the Lead Selector said in an official release. up but she held her nerve firsttime in next week’s WTA points, including two of her Windies squad for 1st Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Black- when it counted to win 7-5, rankings. fiercest of the day. wood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua 4-6, 8-6. “It feels overwhelming,” A smash sealed the hold Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Zidansek looked poised she said afterwards. “It’s after five deuces. One game Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales. for a more comfortable victory hard to take it in like this fast. later, going big paid off again when she led by a set and a Speaking about nerves today as Zidansek pummeled an break but Badosa fought back ... it was a great opportunity inside-in forehand winner on name Santner ruled out and led early in the decider. for the both of us to get into her second match point. 24-member squad of 2nd Test The Spaniard was also play- the semifinals, but I guess I “I have always liked my for England series ing in her first slam quarter-final managed to keep my compo- forehand,” said Zidansek af- Edgbaston: New Zealand head but she has won more matches sure today a little bit better terwards. “It’s always been my Colombo: The Selection Com- coach Gary Stead on Tuesday than any other woman on clay than her.” favorite shot. It’s developed mittee of (SLC) said that skipper Kane William- this season and went into the Over two hours and 26 min- Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek celebrates after winning against Spain’s first in consistency and not on Tuesday selected the national son’s left elbow injury is being tournament as a dark horse. utes of thrilling tennis, battles Paula Badosa during their women’s singles quarter-final at the French just power. It’s not enough squad for the upcoming limited- monitored and a decision on That pressure was evident of nerves and wild momentum Open in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) that you just play one winner overs series against England. Sri his availability will be taken on for a set and a half, with Ba- shifts, Zidansek tallied 48 win- now and then. You also have Lanka and England are slated Wednesday. England and New dosa struggling to play freely ners to Badosa’s 31 and kept heavy forehand that Zidansek the first time when you’re in a to be consistent and keep go- to lock horns in three T20Is and Zealand lock horns in the 2nd while Zidansek handled the her unforced errors to 39 com- could direct around the court quarterfinals. When you want ing for those winners. three ODIs, beginning June 23. Test beginning Thursday. The occasion superbly. pared to Badosa’s 47. The sta- at will enabled her to take 11 it so, so much, maybe some- “I knew that I can do a lot Sri Lanka squad: coach has also said that spinner The 23-year-old reached tistics only scratch the surface of the next 15 games to build times it’s a little bit too much, of damage with my forehand. (c), Kusal Mendis, Danushka has been ruled the final of a clay-court tour- of the match’s story, though, a 7-5, 4-2 lead. A frustrated and I was putting a little bit I’ve just got to get into the Gunathilaka, , out of the second Test due to a nament in Colombia in April as the pair did battle on Court Badosa could only find her too much pressure on myself.” right position. That’s exactly Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dick- cut he suffered on his left index so had some form behind her Philippe-Chatrier in the biggest groove intermittently with Seven points from the what I managed to do.” wella, , Os- finger during the first Test. “Gary but, at 85 in the rankings, she contest of their careers. her powerful , biggest result of her career, Zidansek, who reached hada Fernando, Charith Asalan- Stead update, Birmingham, pace is certainly one of the more Each set was won from be- and was also hampered by five Zidansek faltered. Lapsing her second WTA final in April ka, , Wanindu bowlers from Lord’s will not all unexpected slam semi-final- hind. Zidansek trailed by a 0-3 double faults to this point. into the passivity she had hith- in Bogota, has yet to win a Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, play 2nd Test, Trent Boult avail- ists of reason years. double break after a slow start, “I was very nervous,” erto avoided so well, her rallies Tour title but is a two-time Chamika Karunaratne, Dhanan- able and likely to return, Mitch From a set and 4-2 down, but reeled Badosa in with pa- Badosa said afterwards. “I became tentative, central and WTA 125 champion, having jaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Santner ruled out with his cut left Badosa began to make her nache. The Spaniard had more couldn’t control the nerves error-strewn. lifted the Bol trophy in 2018 Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru index finger, Kane Williamson’s power count and a run of six raw power, but Zidansek’s rep- during the entire match. But at A heartened Badosa seized and 2019. That tournament Udana, , Nuwan left elbow injury being monitored games in a row put her in the ertoire was broader - and once least I fight until the last mo- her lifeline, striking her fore- was cancelled in 2020, but Pradeep, Shiran Fernando, Lak- and a decision to be made ascendancy. But back came she got on the scoreboard, she ment and I had my chances. hand with renewed relish to Zidansek had been planning shan Sandakan, , tomorrow,” the official handle of Zidansek and a forehand win- used its full range to approach “I was nervous in the snatch the second set and ul- on returning to Croatia as the . (ANI) BlackCaps tweeted. (ANI) ner gave her victory on her every point offensively. morning. I was nervous yes- timately rattle off six straight two-time defending champion second match point after two Exquisite dropshots and a terday night. It’s complicated games for a 2-0 lead in the this week.