SPORT Wednesday 17 January 2018

PAGE | 26 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Federer and Djokovic Djokovic delighted Nadal takes centrentre take control at after elbowing out stage ahead of Australian Open Young Kyrgios clash Ali eyes more goals as prepare for Palestine clash

THE PENINSULA

CHANGZHOU: Feared striker Amoez Ali yesterday said he is delighted with his goal-scoring form at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup where the tall forward has guided Qatar to the quarter-finals stage of the popular continental tour- nament. Qatar beat hosts 2-1 on Monday to seal their last-berth by completing their successive win at the 16-team event. Qatar, coached by Felix Sanchez, will take on Palestine on Friday. “Of course, I feel very happy that we have qualified for the next round and I want to say congrat- ulations to my team-mates,” Ali Qatar coach Felix Sanchez celebrates with striker said yesterday. after the latter scored the winning goal against Uzbekistan “I am also very happy that I Qatari players in action during a practice session in Changzhou, China yesterday. during the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in China on January 9. scored the goals. I now hope I can continue scoring and (in the proc- ess) help my team carry on playing against Palestine and we said that, I have great confidence winning,” he warned. will need to approach that in a in my team-mates. I hope we con- Ali scored both of Qatar’s very careful and serious manner,” tinue our journey with a strong Debutants goals against China. The Al Duhail he added. performance.” forward also managed to get his Qatar’s defender Meshaal Al Qatar defender Omar Al name on the scoresheet in the Shammeri yesterday said: “I would Emadi, who played the drying I feel very happy Palestine beat match against Uzbekistan when like to congratulate my team- minutes against China on Mon- that we have Qatar won 1-0. scored mates for reaching the day, said: “I think we did in the 1-0 win for Qatar against quarter-finals. I think we have a extremely well in the first round qualified for the next Thailand to meet . real challenge in front of us a Pal- as we remained unbeaten against round. I am also very Despite his rich form, Ali said estine cannot be taken lightly. We quality sides. I believe the real Qatar are gearing up for their will face a strong team. They beat challenge starts now. Palestine happy that I scored Qatar in quarters knockout clash thinking of it as a Thailand 5-0 in this are a strong side.” the goals. I now final. tournament.” Al Emadi added: “Both teams hope I can continue AFC “We have played every game He added: “The next clash will be playing to win. In order to as if it was a final and won all of requires out total commitment and dominate the match, we must look scoring and help CHANGZHOU: Tournament debutants Palestine sensa- our three games. We will be doing concentration since it is the knock- to score goals. We must look at the my team carry on tionally qualified for the AFC U23 Championship the same in the quarter-finals out stage of the event. We will face win and attempt to reach the winning: Almoez Ali quarter-finals yesterday as a comprehensive 5-1 win over also,” Ali said yesterday. “We are stiffer challenge now. But having semi-finals.” Thailand, coupled with DPR Korea’s loss to , saw them progress to the knockout phase as Group B runners-up. On a day of high octane entertainment, four first half goals laid the foundations for the thrilling victory which saw the Palestinians secure second place on goal difference from B razilian Oliveira joins Al Markhiya their Korean counterparts, and confirm a last eight meet- ing with Qatar on Friday. THE PENINSULA In what was to be a sign of things to come, Palestine raced out of the blocks at the start of the opening half, as DOHA: Qatar Stars League side Al first Mohammed Rashid fired narrowly over from distance Markhiya strengthened their on five minutes, and then Oday Dabbagh guided a header forward line by signing Brazilian wide of the post when well-placed shortly after. Eric de Oliveira till the end of this That early Palestine pressure was to pay handsome div- season. idends in the 15th minute when Dabbagh’s neat lay-off set The Brazilian attacking mid- up Mohanad Fannoun, who lashed the ball home from fully fielder has vast experience playing 20 yards past Thailand goalkeeper Nont Muangngam. in the leagues of Ukraine, Japan, The energetic Dabbagh duly doubled Palestine’s lead and . He last on 26 minutes courtesy of a fine run and shot, before Mah- played for Romanian side Viitorul moud Yousef slid the ball under Nont to register a third from Constanta. close range on the half hour mark after a fine Rashid pass. The Al Markhiya team manage- Thailand were then dealt a further blow just two min- ment decided to bolster their offence utes later when Yousef Alashhab’s cross from the left was because they are the side to have drilled into the net by the onrushing Mohamed Darwish. scored the least number of goals To their credit, Thailand responded well, and they duly (eight) in the QNB Stars League. reduced the deficit when captain Chenrop Samphaodi con- Al Markhiya, who pulled off a verted Tanasith Siripala’s cross as the first half came to a creditable goalless draw with sec- close. ond-placed Al Sadd in Week 12 to By way of contrast, chances were few and far between be placed 11th on eight points, will after the break before substitute Shehab Qumbor rounded Brazilian midfielder Eric de Oliveira (second left) holds an Al Markhiya jersey along with team officials host Qatar SC next at the Al Arabi off a perfect afternoon for Palestine with his side’s fifth in after officially joining the Qatar Stars League side yesterday. Stadium on Friday. the 88th minute. Qatar set to take on New Zealand in Asian Championship opener THE PENINSULA championship will be held under QATAR HANDBALL the aegis of Asian Handball Fed- TEAM: Danijel Saric, Firas SUWON, SOUTH KOREA: The eration over a period of 10 days. Chaieb, Rasheed Yusuff, Rafael Qatari national handball team The tournament also acts as Capote, Mahmoud Hassaballa, will open their campaign against the Asian qualifying tournament Abdulrazzaq Murad, Ahmad debutants New Zealand in Group for the 2019 World Men’s Hand- Madadi, Kamalaldin Mallash, D when the 2018 Asian Hand- ball Championship. Bertrand Roine, Hassan Mab- ball Championship kicks off The top four teams will qual- rouk, Houssem Romane, Aljosa tomorrow in Suwon, South ify for the world championship Cudic, Youssef Ali, Jovo Korea. to be held in January next year. Damjanovic, Moustafa Heiba, Group D also includes China The Spanish Coach of Qatar Anis Zouaoui, Allaedine Ber- and Saudi Arabia. handball team Valero Rivera has rached and Frankis Marzo. Qatari handball players train ahead of the 2018 Asian Handball Championship. The 18th edition of the selected 18 players for the tour. Coach: Valero Rivera 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 Federer, Djokovic produce vintage stuff on Day Two AFP Former Melbourne cham- one Angelique Kerber, who won pion Stan Wawrinka also the tournament in 2016, was also MELBOURNE: Flawless Roger successfully returned from half impressive in dismissing Anna- Federer and Novak Djokovic a year on the sidelines after knee Lena Friedsam 6-0, 6-4. stamped their mark on the surgery, having only decided he “2017, I have said goodbye Australian Open yesterday with was fit to play at the weekend. already, I am not looking back,” focused former champion Maria With the temperatures heat- she said after a forgettable last Sharapova also successfully ing up, he was pushed to four season that saw her relinquish negotiating the first round after sets by Ricardas Berankis before the number one spot and slide her drug ban. prevailing 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) Defending champion Fed- in a tough workout he said was erer, rated as favourite to win “proud” to come through. his 20th Grand Slam title, made World number one Simona his entrance on Rod Laver Halep booked her place in round Arena with a sizzling 6-3, 6-4, two, avoiding the first round exit 6-3 lesson for ’s Aljaz that befell her in the past two Bedene. years. But she made a meal of it The second seeded Swiss, against local hope Destanee who is coming off an extraordi- Aiava. nary 2017, when he won a fifth Both the Romanian and her down the rankings. She is now Australian Open title and a 17-year-old wildcard opponent on a 10-match win streak after record eighth at Wimbledon, was needed on-court medical atten- a perfect early season. in total control. tion before the top seed ran out Sixth seed Karolina Pliskova “I was thinking a lot about a battling 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 winner. and eighth seed Caroline Garcia what happened at the tourna- Third seeded Garbine Mugu- also progressed, in contrast to ment last year because it was my ruza, with heavy strapping on the other side of the draw that favourite tournament of the her injured right thigh, made her saw Venus Williams, Sloane whole season,” said the 36-year- tournament bow with a laboured Stephens and Coco Vandeweghe old, who beat Rafael Nadal in the 6-3, 6-3 win over French wild- crash out on Monday. 2017 final. card Jessika Ponchet. American woes continued “I’m hoping for it to go well Sharapova, still working her with Madison Brengle sent pack- again.” way back from a 15-month ban ing by British ninth seed Johanna Twelve-time Grand Slam for taking the performance- Konta. winner Djokovic has been out of enhancing substance meldonium Young gun Alex- action for six months with an in in 2016, showed ander Zverev, elbow injury, but he too looked glimpses of the tennis that made seeded four, the goods in his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 her a five-time major winner. Belgian seventh demolition of American Donald The 2008 Melbourne Park seed David Gof- Young. champion, now ranked 48, beat fin, and dark horse Tomas Gunning for a seventh Aus- ’s Tatjana Maria 6-1, Berdych were among men to Roger Federer of hits tralian Open title, he was glad to 6-4 in her first Australian Open make the second round. a shot against Aljaz Bedene of be back at the coal face, having match in two years. But ’s Milos Raonic, Slovenia yesterday. missed the competitive edge. “I cherish these moments. I who has made at least the last “I wanted to start with the love it here,” said the Russian, eight over the past three years right intensity, which I have,” he who returned from her drugs in Melbourne, was bundled out told the cheering crowd after- ban in April last year. by 86th-ranked Slovakian Lukas wards. “I played perfect tennis “It’s been a couple of years Lacko in four sets. in the first couple of sets and and I wanted it to be really It was his earliest Grand Donald came back in the third meaningful to me.” Slam exit in seven years as he set,” he said. Fellow former world number fights back from a wrist injury.

Federer AUSTRALIAN OPEN urges players Djokovic delighted after Men’s singles (First Round) Jiri Vesely (CZE) bt Vaclav Safranek (CZE) 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 to embrace Adrian Mannarino (FRA x26) bt Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Roberto Bautista (ESP x20) 6-1, 7-5, 7-5 the media elbowing out Young Maximilian Marterer (GER) bt Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 Julien Benneteau (FRA) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/0), 6-4, 6-1 AFP Sam Querrey (USA x13) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 REUTERS bit, but in general was a Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 MELBOURNE: Roger Federer great performance.” has urged his fellow profes- MELBOURNE: Novak Djok- Along with the addition Nicolas Kicker (ARG) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 sionals to act themselves and ovic was delighted with his of Andre Agassi to his coach- Lukas Lacko (SVK) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x22) 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) not as robots during media return to the Grand Slam ing team, Djokovic also Stan Wawrinka (SUI x9) bt Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) interviews to keep tennis arena after a long injury lay- introduced a new service Albert Ramos (ESP x21) bt Jared Donaldson (USA) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 interesting for the sporting off, the Serb having dealt action to allow for his elbow Peter Gojowczyk (GER) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 public. American Donald Young a injury. Alexander Zverev (GER x4) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 The Swiss star is a con- 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 thrashing to It seems, however, to David Goffin (BEL x7) bt Matthias Bachinger (GER) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 summate media performer reach the second round of still be a work in progress as Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) bt Florian Mayer (GER) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and regularly conducts his the Australian Open yester- he managed to land barely Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) bt Robin Haase (NED) 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 7-5 post-match interviews in day. half of his first serves against Novak Djokovic (SRB x14) bt Donald Young (USA) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 multiple languages for the Wearing a compression the 63rd-ranked Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Kwon Soon-woo (KOR) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 large global press contingent sleeve on his serving arm, American. Denis Kudla (USA) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 that hang on his every word. Djokovic showed no signs of “Second serve was very, Tennys Sandgren (USA) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 The 19-time Grand Slam the elbow trouble that cur- very good. I’m very happy Fabio Fognini (ITA x25) bt Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 champion says some of his tailed his 2017 campaign as with the second serve. First Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Jaume Munar (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 fellow players struggle with he swung freely to amass 33 serve was kind of up and their media obligations, fear- winners during the one hour down,” he said. Tim Smyczek (USA) bt Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 6-3, 6-7 (14/16), 6-3, 6-3 ful of being misinterpreted. and 51 minute romp at a “When you come back Chung Hyeon (KOR) bt Mischa Zverev (GER x32) 6-2, 4-1 ret “I feel they’re fearful of sunbathed Margaret Court after a long time and you Richard Gasquet (FRA x29) bt Blaz Kavcic (SLO) 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 you guys (media) just because Arena. play the first match, you Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 they feel they have been mis- The six-times Melbourne know, obviously all the (10/8), 6-4 interpreted in the past,” he Park champion, seeded 14th, things are a bit exaggerated, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-0, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, told reporters after his dropped to his knees and whatever is not working 6-4 straight sets opening round patted the blue court affec- well. You think, ‘Wow’. Karen Khachanov (RUS) bt Peter Polansky (CAN) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over Aljaz Bedene. tionately after completing “All in all, I’m quite Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Aljaz Bedene (GBR) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 “The power of the micro- his first match since retiring pleased. Tomas Berdych (CZE x19) bt Alex de Minaur (AUS) 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1

phone is a funny thing. Some hurt from a Wimbledon “I know that it’s going to Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 players I think struggle with it. quarter-final last July. take a little bit of time for me Juan Martin Del Potro (ARGx12) bt Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 I would like to see more play- “It felt great to be back to kind of work my way in ers just being really themselves ’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against Donald Young and get used to the specific in front of the press, being yesterday. changes that I’ve made in Donald Young more relaxed about it, not wor- my service motion. rying so much about making on the court and compete a while ago, about three “It wasn’t ideal, but it mistakes. It felt great to be again. It’s been a while,” the weeks ago, I didn’t know was still good.” “I feel like sometimes back on the court former world number one whether I’m going to play The 12-times Grand some players have gotten a told reporters. Australia or not. Slam champion will face a little bit too robot-like. I wish and compete “I did have various emo- “The first two sets went huge step up in class in the they would let loose and be again. It’s been a tions, mostly good ones. extremely well, considering next round, against French- themselves. I try to always do while, says Novak Excitement, joy, gratitude that I haven’t played for six man Gael Monfils, a that. It’s not always easy, but for being able to have an months. The third was, you quarter-finalist at Mel- I try hard.” Djokovic opportunity to compete. Not know, up and down a little bourne Park in 2016. WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 27

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Women’s Singles (First round) Johanna Konta (GBR x9) bt Madison Bren- Nadal takes centre stage gle (USA) 6-3, 6-1 Bernarda Pera (USA) bt Anna Blinkova (RUS) 6-2, 6-2 Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE x20) bt Kristie Ahn (USA) 6-1, 7-5 ahead of Kyrgios clash Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) bt Richel Ho- genkamp (NED) 6-1, 6-2 Safarova (CZE) bt Ajla (CRO) 7-5, 6-3 Karolina Pliskova (CZE x6) bt Veronica Ce- REUTERS Rafa Nadal takes on Leonardo Mayer today. pede (PAR) 6-3, 6-4 Zverev’s search Angelique Kerber (GER x21) bt Anna-Lena MELBOURNE: Rafa Nadal takes Friedsam (GER) 6-0, 6-4 centre stage on Rod Laver Arena for his Australian Open second Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) bt Kurumi Nara round match against Leonardo for consistency to (JPN) 7-5, 6-4 Mayer today but anyone look- Caroline Garcia (FRA x8) bt Carina Witthoeft ing for a wild atmosphere would (GER) 7-5, 6-3 be better off waiting for the last realise potential Elena Vesnina (RUS x16) bt Ons Jabeur match on Hisense Arena. (TUN) 6-3, 6-4 The second Melbourne Park AFP better every single day, and Maria Sharapova (RUS) bt Tatjana Malek stadium court is a multi-purpose that’s what I’m here for.” (GER) 6-1, 6-4 venue that also hosts cycling and MELBOURNE: Young German Zverev said he was expect- Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Christina netball but the more intimate star Alexander Zverev needed ing a tough scrap against McHale (USA) 6-3, 6-2 arena has become a firm favour- a hard-fought three sets to get Fabbiano. Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) bt Oceane Dodin ite of iconoclastic Nick Kyrgios, through his opening encounter “That’s what he does. That’s (FRA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) Australia’s best hope of a first at the Australian Open yester- what he’s known for on tour, to Sorana Cirstea (ROM) bt Zarina Diyas (KAZ) home champion since 1976. day and spoke of his search for be competitive, to fight for 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 The volatile 17th seed had a greater consistency. every single point, play well Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) bt Lizette Ca- quiet evening by his standards The world No.4 spent 2hr from the baseline,” he said. in his opening match on Mon- 22min on Rod Laver Arena brera (AUS) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 day, with just the one violation before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), “He’s like a Diego Donna (CRO) bt Nao Hibino (JPN) 7-5, 6-3 for unsportsmanlike behaviour 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Ital- Schwartzman-type of player. Madison Keys (USA x17) bt Qiang Wang when he asked spectator, in no ian Thomas Fabbiano. So they are always not easy to (CHN) 6-1, 7-5 uncertain terms, to be quiet Zverev, at the vanguard of beat, especially in first rounds. Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Destanee Aiava while he was serving. the “NextGen” brigade, will face “I was a bit surprised with (AUS) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 His second round opponent, fellow German Peter Gojowc- his serve and how well he was Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS) bt Polona Serbian Viktor Troicki, has also zyk in the second round. serving. But apart from that, I Hercog (SLO) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 had his moments, as his melt- While the 20-year-old won was looking forward to a tough Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO x28) bt Shelby down at Wimbledon two years five titles and was one of just match.” Rogers (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-2 ago amply illustrated, and a four players to beat Roger Fed- Zverev served up 17 aces Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x14) bt Varvara packed house can expect sparks erer last year, he has yet to get among his 47 winners and Lepchenko (USA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to fly. beyond the fourth round at a broke Fabbiano’s serve five Naomi (JPN) bt Kristina Kucova (SVK) 7-5, Kyrgios will expect much of Grand Slam. times, while saving 12 break 6-2 the backing of the crowd, even “I think last year I was points. if Melbourne’s Serbian commu- pretty consistent, apart from the He said of his next oppo- Lesya Tsurenko (UKR) bt Natalia Vikhlyant- nity has been vocal in support end of the year,” Zverev said. nent: “He’s (Gojowczyk) seva (RUS) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 of their compatriots in the past, “I think my game is getting someone who plays really well Camila Giorgi (ITA) bt Anna Kalinskaya (RUS) and three-times Melbourne “It’s a different crowd at Rod for a maiden Grand Slam title more consistent with age as on the hard courts. 6-4, 6-3 winner Mats Wilander thinks Laver Arena,” he said. against Croatian Jana Fett. well. I think that’s also some- “I think he played well in Lauren Davis (USA) bt Jana Cepelova (SVK) the Australian will be energised “They obviously root for him Fourth seed Elina Svitolina thing that is a factor of Auckland, as well. Obviously, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-1 by it. but they’re not as young and as opens the day on the main maturity. player that’s very well Andrea Petkovic (GER) bt Petra Kvitova (CZE wild, they’re more neutral.” showcourt against Katerina Sin- “So I’m just trying to get informed.” x27) 6-3, 4-6, 10-8 Rod Laver Arena is usually iakova with Nadal-Mayer the Hsieh Su-wei (TPE) bt Zhu Lin (CHN) 0-6, expected to host the cream of final match of the afternoon. Alexander Zverev 6-0, 8-6 the ties and day three of the Top seed Nadal has beaten Ana Bogdan (ROM) bt Kristina Mladenovic Fourth seed Elina 2018 championship is no differ- Argentine Mayer in all four of (FRA x11) 6-3, 6-2 Svitolina opens the ent, with Nadal’s clash with their previous meetings, includ- Garbine Muguruza (ESP x3) bt Jessika Pon- Mayer and Grigor Dimitrov’s ing a four-set victory at Flushing chet (FRA) 6-4, 6-3 day on the main meeting with American Mac- Meadows last year on his way Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x26) bt Kristy- showcourt against kenzie McDonald the to his 16th Grand Slam title. highlights. Another intriguing match- na Pliskova (CZE) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 Katerina Siniakova Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Heather Watson with Nadal-Mayer the A rash of upsets depleted the up pairs Denis Shapovalov with bottom half of the women’s French 15th seed Jo-Wilfried (GBR) 7-5, 7-6 (8/6)

final match of the draw on Monday but second Tsonga, a losing finalist at Mel- Ashleigh Barty (AUS x18) bt Aryna Sabalen- afternoon. seed Caroline Wozniacki sur- bourne Park a decade ago when ka (BLR) 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-4 vived and will pursue her quest the Canadian was eight. Pliskova serves a charity bonus Wawrinka happy to be back but still feeling pain

REUTERS months to set up a second- pain. It depends the way I’m round clash with American moving, how I push on it. But MELBOURNE: Stan Wawrinka Tennys Sandgren. in general, it’s going in the feels great to be back after his “Great to be back. It’s great right direction. That’s the best first-round victory at the to win, for sure. Was a tough news.” Great to be back. Australian Open yesterday but one in all aspects of the game,” Wawrinka was not firing It’s great to win, is still experiencing pain in the Wawrinka, who won the first on cylinders but still far supe- for sure. Was a Pliskova’s ace gesture left knee that required surgery of his three Grand Slams in rior in the opening two sets Sixth seed Karolina Pliskova (pictured) served more aces on tour then last season. Melbourne in 2014, said. before a lapse allowed 136th- tough one in all any woman last season and if she continues the trend in Melbourne it will The Swiss former cham- “I’m really happy to get ranked Berankis back into the aspects of the be great news for charity. The Czech rose to number one last year on the pion, seeded ninth, beat through a match like that, to match. game, says Stan back of her blistering serve, powering down 452 service winners in 68 Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis fight the way I did today, to Berankis broke early in the matches. And Pliskova said yesterday before her opening match she would 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(2) in his first win the match like this. fourth set for a 3-0 lead and Wawrinka. donate US$100 of her prize money to benefit sick children for every ace she competitive match for six “For sure. I still have some Wawrinka looked rattled, but serves at the year’s first Grand Slam. the Swiss replied in the fifth “I’ve decided to contribute to a good cause. During the Australian Open game when he drilled a back- I will donate through my endowment fund US$100 for each ace to help chil- hand at his opponent at the dren with oncological diseases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!” the sixth net. seed tweeted. Her 6-3, 6-4 first-round victory over ’s Veronica Wawrinka took an early Cepede Royg yesterday will see her writing a cheque for $700 already -- she lead in the tiebreak thanks to served seven aces. a Berankis double-fault and an Ostapenko stamps her mark ace took him to 6-1. Jelena Ostapenko has become such a big name in her Latvian homeland Berankis saved one match since winning the French Open last year that she has a stamp with her image point with an ace of his own on it -- and 55,000 were shifted in a single day. “It was very, very impres- but a netted volley ended the sive because not many athletes in get a stamp,” said the Riga-born contest. 20-year-old. “When they told me, I was very, very happy, because I think it’s Wawrinka was cautious a big thing if they make a stamp. Especially they made 55,000 stamps and about his prospects of a long they were sold out on the first day.” Ostapenko is now hoping to stamp her run. mark on Australian Open. “The first thing was to Dasha has a wee tantrum come here, see if I was able to Australia’s 23rd seed Daria Gavrilova got a bit flustered during her first play,” the 32-year-old said. “I round win late on Monday when she saw her dad and other members of her won the first match. I’m going backroom entourage deserting her player’s box. Turned out they were just to focus on the tournament. I answering a call of nature, but their inconvenient dash didn’t impress the have a lot of work to do still. woman nicknamed Dasha herself. “They had to go to the toilet. It distracted “I need to be really patient me,” said Gavrilova, whose head suddenly filled with conspiracy-like theo- because I have a lot of fitness ries. “I was like, Is someone sick? Did someone have to get out of the stadium and practice to do if I want to because of something? I just create really weird stories in my head. “If they get back to my level.” Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland signs autographs after winning against Ricardas Berankis of had to go, they had to go. I just think of the worst things.” “But I think there’s a lot of yesterday. positives right now. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 29

Qatari players celebrate after winning their final AFC U-23 Asian Cup Group A match against China in Changzhou, China on Monday. The victory saw unbeaten Qatar football moving in right Qatar making their way into the quarter-final of the 16-team tournament. direction, says coach Sanchez

RIZWAN REHMAT Qatar, who are “The players are motivated. THE PENINSULA We feel very proud to be playing preparing to host the this important tournament in 2022 FIFA World Cup, CHANGZHOU: Coach Felix China. We are trying to do our have bagged key event Sanchez feels Qatar can have a best. We are aiming to produce ‘very competitive football team I see the evolution better results in each match. We wins in recent years to in the future’ considering the are working very hard. The play- raise visions of a strong heavy investment made to of the way the ers have the right amount of national squad in the develop the national teams at teams or clubs are motivation to play well in this future. the junior and senior levels. important tournament. We must Qatar, who are preparing to playing. I am sure have good performance to get host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, good results,” Sanchez said. have bagged key event wins in we will have a very In July last year, Qatar topped In October 2014, recent years to raise visions of a competitive team Group C to qualify for the AFC Sanchez guided the strong national squad in the U-23 Asian Cup currently on in juniors to the AFC U19 future. in the future. Trust Changzhou, China. In October 2014, Sanchez Qatar craftily beat Turkmen- Championship title glory guided the juniors to the AFC U19 me I have seen the istan and to seal their berth in Myanmar. Championship title glory in Myan- young players work at the China event where they mar. Qatar stunned DPR Korea have already posted three wins 1-0 in the final match as the really hard: Felix against Uzbekistan, Oman and Qatar stunned DPR national side booked a ticket to Sanchez hosts China. Korea 1-0 in the final the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in “Hopefully the (Qatar) play- match as the side New Zealand. ers will learn from this experience A month later, the senior Qatar and that they become better and booked a ticket to the side under coach Djamel Belmadi Abraham Mebratu, Yemen’s better,” Sanchez added. 2015 FIFA U-20 World clinched the Gulf Cup title with a Ethiopian coach, echoed Sanchez’s Cup in New Zealand. memorable win over Saudi Ara- sentiments about Qatar’s rapidly bia in the final. developing football culture. Yemen The same year, Qatar kicked have fulfilled their football com- off the new season in 2014 by win- mitments on Qatari soil due to the Striker Ali Qatar side under coach ning the WAFF Championship by unrest back home. Djamel Belmadi clinched beating Jordan in the final. In 2015, “I have seen Qatar football the Gulf Cup title with top QSL side Lekhwiya (now Al closely. They play important relishes joy a memorable win over Duhail) reached the quarter-finals events in the region and interna- It was a strong of the AFC Champions League. tionally and they have reached the contest from Saudi Arabia in the final Sanchez who has been given top level as far as hosting and in November 2014. the task to closely monitor the playing matches are concerned,” of r eaching both sides. There Qatar U-19, U-20 and U-23 sides Mebratu said in a candid chat dur- were outstanding over the last four years, is currently ing the Gulf Cup held in Kuwait coaching the national Olympic earlier this month. performances squad that stormed into the quar- “Qatar’s U-23 set-up is very quarters from our players ter-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian good. That means they have very Cup on Monday. good foundation for young play- THE PENINSULA but reaching the “Regarding the football in ers. I am expecting them to quarter-finals is Qatar, as you know that we have develop further. CHANGZHOU: Mercurial striker Almoez Ali has the real joy: Qatari the most important event in foot- “They (the young players) get praised his team for a commendable performance ball to staged in Qatar in 2022. I very good opportunities to in an important clash against hosts China on striker Almoez Ali think Qatar football is developing develop their game. The players Monday, saying reaching the quarter-finals was the right way. I see the evolution want to show very good perform- ‘the real joy’. of the players from close quarters,” ance. We can notice that. They The tall striker scored a brace on Monday as Sanchez said in an exclusive have some quality young players Qatar stunned China 2-1 to reach the last-eight stage interview. also. That doesn’t mean they are of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. “I see the evolution of the way lacking in experience but teams “It was a strong contest from both sides. There the teams or clubs are playing. I will have to be careful. They have were outstanding performances from our players am sure we will have a very com- respect of other teams,” he added. but reaching the quarter-finals is the real joy,” Ali Group A was one petitive team in the future,” the When asked about the junior told reporters at the end of the tough clash at former Barcelona youth coach players competing at the AFC U-23 Changzhou Sports Centre. of the toughest. I have seen added. “Trust me I have seen the Asian Cup, Sanchez said his young “The main reason for our performance is that We managed Qatar football young players work really hard,” players are aware of the huge we stuck to our plans,” he added. he said. responsibility on their shoulders. “Group A was one of the toughest. We man- to beat all our closely. They play aged to beat all our opponents including Uzbekistan, opponents important events The players are motivated. We feel Oman and then China. All these wins have given including in the region and very proud to be playing this important us confidence because these three sides were major hurdles in our path to the quarter-finals,” he added. Uzbekistan, internationally and tournament in China. We are trying to do Qatar football “Now we are confident that we can take on any Oman and then our best. We are aiming to produce better team. Personally speaking I am very happy because they have reached coach Felix China. All these the top level as Sanchez results in each match: Coach Sanchez I was the reason for our winning goal, but I was delighted to have the two goals, which came thanks wins have given far as hosting and to my team-mates,” he said. us confidence playing matches are “This result (against China) was possible concerned: Yemen’s because of the commitment from my team-mates. because these Our team is developing rapidly: Madibo The hard work done by the backroom staff is also three sides were coach Abraham commendable. We treat our next match-up as the Mebratu RIZWAN REHMAT final,” Ali said. major hurdles in THE PENINSULA “Our ambition is to win the title and we hope our path to the to win the next match and advance in the tourna- CHANGZHOU: Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo ment. Regardless of who we play, we will continue quarter-finals: Ali (pictured) says the national Olympic squad is to work hard and try to do our best,” Ali said. showing signs of quick development under the Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake said: “We are guidance of coach Felix Sanchez. very happy to have qualified for the quarter-finals. The Spaniard has nurtured most of the play- This was possible because of our strong perform- ers who form the Olympic squad currently ance against China. It was one of the stronger sides preparing for their quarter-finals clash at the AFC in the tournament.” They (the young U-23 Asian Cup. Al Brake added: “Our players were ready for Qatari players) On Monday, Qatar rallied for a 2-1 win against this fight. Clearly our physical fitness is helping us get very good hosts China in a Group C match. The result saw in this tournament but the determination and spirit Our team has Qatar storm into the quarter-finals of the 16-team of the players is great. That’s probably our secret presented a great opportunities to tournament. Qatar remained unbeaten in three for success in China.” develop their game. matches posting wins against Uzbekistan and Oman prepared. Even when we conceded goals, we fought He added: “We need to continue with our hard The Qatari player said China proved to be tough level of football The players want on the way. back well.” work.” opponents. here. We have At the last event held in 2016, Sanchez’s boys Madibo said the team was moving in the right Moein said Group A rivals Uzbekistan, Oman “The game was very difficult in the beginning, to show very good finished fourth after easily reaching the semi-finals direction. and China presented different challenges. especially as we faced a strong side who has scored faced strong teams performance. We where they lost to South Korea. “The result (on Monday against China) was “Every game was different and now we have first. Their team was well supported by a huge but we fought well can notice that. They A number of the playing XI also featured at the because of so much work done by everybody. The finished stage one at the top of the group,” Moein number of fans. We were able to break them when because we were have some quality Qatari striker Almoez Gulf Cup held in Kuwait earlier this month. technical staff and administration has put in great said. we scored the first goal,” Al Brake recalled. Ali carries the ball as he Madibo, who got injured at the Gulf Cup, said: efforts over the last few days,” Madibo said. “Now we look to the next stage and it will be “Thank God we managed to come back and better prepared. young players also. celebrates with team- “Our team is developing significantly from match “I hope we continue to get these victories, espe- tougher. That is because we are in the knockout score our goals due to brilliant finishing by Almoez Even when we That doesn’t mean mates Ahmad Moein to match. There is improvement thanks to the cially in the next game so that we reach the stage of the tournament. The top eight teams are Ali,” he said. “I think our team can continue to make conceded goals, they are lacking (centre) and Hashim Ali efforts of technical staff headed by Felix Sanchez. semi-finals,” he added. in the quarter-finals,” he added. strong challenges in future also. We are playing at (right) after scoring his The coach helps us prepare and puts us on the pitch Fellow midfielder and captain Ahmad Moein “I am confident that my team will match their a top level,” he said. we fought back in experience but first goal against China in the best possible shape.” said: “We have reached our first target and that fight they exhibited against China,” Moein, who “We play every game with great concentration well: Midfielder teams will have to during their AFC U-23 He added: “Our team has presented a great was to reach the quarter-finals. The players have played a stellar role in Qatar winning the 2014 and we strive to get the best results. I am sure we level of football here. We have faced strong teams given their best. The game against China was the U-19 Asian Cup, said. will continue to exhibit great fighting spirit on the Assim Madibo be careful: Mebratu Asian Cup match played in Changzhou, China on but we fought well because we were better toughest so far but we hung in there.” The 16-team tournament ends on January 27. pitch,” he added. Monday. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 Afghanistan Ngidi’s early strikes leave to make Test debut in June India reeling in chase of 287 against India AFP SCOREBOARD REUTERS (I innings) ...... 335 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-3, 3-144, 4-151, 5-163, 6-209, CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA: India (I innings) ...... 307 7-215, 8-245, 9-245 NEW DELHI: Afghanistan New fast bowling discovery South Africa (II innings) Bowling: Ashwin 29.3-6-78-1, Bumrah 20-3-70-3 (1w), will play their inaugural Test Lungi Ngidi plunged India into A Markram lbw b Bumrah ...... 1 I Sharma 17-3-40-2, Mohammed Shami 16-3-49-4, match in June in Bengaluru deep trouble as they struggled D Elgar c Rahul b Mohammed Shami ...... 61 Pandya 9-1-14-0 against neighbours India, the in pursuit of a victory target of H Amla lbw b Bumrah ...... 1 India (II innings) cricket boards announced 287 on the fourth day of the A de Villiers c Patel b Mohammed Shami ...... 80 M Vijay b Rabada ...... 9 yesterday. second Test against South Africa Q de Kock c Patel b Mohammed Shami ...... 12 L Rahul c Maharaj b Ngidi ...... 4 Afghanistan and Ireland F du Plessis c and b Bumrah ...... 48 C Pujara (batting) ...... 11 at SuperSport Park yesterday. V Philander c Vijay b I Sharma ...... 26 V Kohli lbw b Ngidi ...... 5 joined the ranks of full mem- India were 35 for three at K Maharaj c Patel b I Sharma ...... 6 P Patel (batting) ...... 5 ber nations of the the close, having lost both open- K Rabada c Kohli b Mohammed Shami ...... 4 Extras (B1) ...... 1 International Cricket Coun- ers and the key wicket of captain M Morkel (not out) ...... 10 Total (3 wkts) ...... 35 cil last June, taking the total Virat Kohli on a pitch with une- L Ngidi c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-16, 3-26 number of Test-playing coun- ven bounce. Extras (B2, LB5, W1) ...... 8 Bowling: Philander 6-3-6-0, Rabada 5-2-9-1, Ngidi tries to 12. The hosts will head into the Total (91.3 overs) ...... 258 6-2-14-2, Morkel 5-3-4-0, Maharaj 1-0-1-0 The Indian board (BCCI) final day confident of picking up has consistently backed the seven wickets they need to and struck him on the pad. Kohli ground out 258 in their second Afghanistan, who played a wrap up an impressive victory sought a review of umpire innings. There was some bright home match against Ireland in the three-match series, after Michael Gough’s decision but batting early in the day when AB last year at a stadium in a 72-run win in the first Test at replays showed the ball was de Villiers and Dean Elgar added Greater Noida, on the out- Cape Town. crashing into the top of middle 54 runs in the first hour, taking skirts of New Delhi. The unpredictability of the stump. their third-wicket partnership “Afghanistan and India wicket contributed to the dis- India had been reduced to to 141. have been traditional friends, missal of Murali Vijay, who was 26 for three. Ngidi caused more But De Villiers was caught even diplomatically, for ages bowled off an inside edge by a damage when the left-handed behind for 80, made off 121 balls, and it’s only appropriate that ball from Kagiso Rabada which Parthiv Patel was struck in the and Elgar followed soon Afghanistan opened its inter- cut back at him and kept low. ribs and collapsed to the turf. afterwards. national innings in India,” Debutant Ngidi, who came Patel recovered and battled to Mohammed Shami dis- BCCI acting secretary on as first change, took a wicket five not out at the close. missed both batsmen and Amitabh Choudhary told with his first ball of the innings Ngidi, playing in only his finished with four for 49, taking reporters. when Lokesh Rahul played a tenth first-class match, took two three wickets in four overs Choudhary said Ben- loose forcing shot off the back for 14 in six overs. before lunch. galuru was the obvious choice foot and was caught at back- South Africa could have South African captain Faf du to stage the match bearing in ward point. had a fourth wicket when Plessis and Vernon Philander mind the expected weather That brought Kohli, who Cheteshwar Pujara was put on a painstaking 46 in 26 conditions in other parts of made 153 in the first innings, to beaten by a ball from Morne overs to ensure India would the country in June. the wicket. Morkel. have to chase more than 250. “At that point of time in Ngidi, 21, forced India’s Wicketkeeper Quinton de Du Plessis was ninth out for 48 the year, there will be rains South African bowler Lungi Ngidi champion batsman to play Kock started to appeal but was off 141 balls. almost everywhere, and celebrates the dismissal of Indian defensively before he scored his not supported by Morkel or the In the slowest cricket of the where there will not be rain, batsman and captain Virat Kohli during first runs with an edge for four slip fielders, but replays showed series, South Africa scored only there will be such heat that the fourth day of the second Test which flew wide of third slip. a faint edge. 57 runs for the loss of two wick- cricket would be practically match at Supersport cricket ground Kohli had scored five when The slowness and uneven ets in 27 overs and impossible during day time,” in Centurion, yesterday. he went back on his stumps to bounce of the pitch made for two-and-a-quarter hours he said. Cricket has a long his- a ball which cut back sharply slow going as South Africa between lunch and tea. tory in Afghanistan but the country only gained full one- day international (ODI) status in 2011. In 2015, still suffering from the impact of war and De Grandhomme blitz takes NZ to 4-0 lead conflict, Afghanistan took part in their first 50-over World Cup and they have also AFP SCOREBOARD New Zealand’s Colin de Grandhomme bats played in the World Twenty20 competition. Pakistan Williamson 10-0-32-2, Santner 10-0-43-1 (3w), Munro during the fourth one-day international HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND: Fakhar Zaman b Santner ...... 54 3-0-20-0 match against Pakistan at Seddon Park “The historic friendship Big-hitting Colin de Grand- Faheem Ashraf c Latham b Southee ...... 1 New Zealand in Hamilton, yesterday. and relations between India homme blasted New Zealand to Babar Azam c Latham b Southee ...... 3 M Guptill c Hasan b Shadab ...... 31 and Afghanistan go back to a five-wicket win over Pakistan Haris Sohail c Nicholls b Williamson ...... 50 C Munro c Hafeez b Shadab ...... 56 centuries. I’m glad that cricket in the fourth one-day interna- Mohammad Hafeez run out (Boult) ...... 81 K Williamson c Rumman b haris ...... 32 is now added as another tional in Hamilton yesterday. Shoaib Malik c Santner b Williamson ...... 6 R Taylor lbw b Rumman Raees ...... 1 layer,” Afghanistan Cricket De Grandhomme bludg- Sarfraz Ahmed c Guptill b Boult ...... 51 T Latham c Babar b Shadab ...... 8 Board (ACB) chairman Atif Hasan Ali c Guptill b Southee ...... 1 H Nicholls (not out) ...... 52 eoned the Pakistan attack with Shadab Khan (not out) ...... 6 C de Grandhomme (not out) ...... 74 Mashal said. an unbeaten 74 off 40 balls to Extras: (LB2, W7) ...... 9 Extras: (LB4, W5) ...... 9 “The support BCCI has reinvigorate New Zealand’s run Total: (8 wickets) ...... 262 Total: (five wkts) ...... 263 provided to ACB in the last chase as the hosts were strug- Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-11, 3-97, 4-123, 5-130, 6-228, Fall of wickets: 1-88, 2-89, 3-90, 4-99, 5-154 several years has been tre- gling to reach a 263-run 7-233, 8-262 Bowling: Mohammad Amir 6-1-36-0 (2w), Hasan Ali 8.5- mendous - whether it’s target. Bowling: Southee 8-0-44-3 (1w), Boult 10-0-73-1 (2w), 0-60-0 (3w), Faheem Ashraf 6-0-33-0, Rumman Raees backing Afghanistan in ICC “Everything just seemed to Ferguson 6-0-32-0 (1W), de Grandhomme 3-0-16-0, 9-0-59-1, Shadab Khan 10-0-42-3, Haris Sohail 6-0-29-1 while our application for full be hitting the middle tonight,” membership was under con- said de Grandhomme, whose all formats of the game and heavy defeat after a horror start sideration, making the innings included five sixes and keeps alive the prospects of an saw them at 11 for two but facilities available for us, seven fours. ODI series whitewash against Mohammad Hafeez notched 81 technical assistance. We The result puts New Zealand Pakistan in Wellington on Fri- to set a competitive target. Oth- really recognise it and appre- up 4-0 in the five-match series day. However, it was a much ers in the mis-firing Pakistani ciate it.” ACB chief executive and sets a new record for the improved performance from batting line-up also found form, Shafiq Stanikzai said the June Black Caps of 11 consecutive Pakistan, who were skittled for with Fakhar Zaman, Haris Test will be a dream-come- international victories. just 74 in their previous Sohail and captain Sarfraz true for the Afghanistan The streak includes convinc- outing. Ahmed all posting half players, and would trigger the ing wins over the West Indies in They looked set for another centuries. sport’s growth. Dakar leader Sainz penalised 10 minutes

AFP (almost 100mph) when the sup- posed incident happened, adding , : Spanish that had there been contact Dakar leader was between the two “I don’t think penalised 10 minutes on Monday there would have been any dis- for “potentially dangerous cussion about the state of the behaviour” during the fourth quad and the car”. stage last week, cutting his Famin, who said advantage to under an hour. would appeal, also said if it was The 55-year-old Peugeot a question about Sainz’s behav- driver was punished by the iour then disciplinary committee Dakar disciplinary committee “should penalise Carlos with a over an incident with Dutch quad fine and not in a sporting way”. rider Kees Koolen, who accused Sainz, the 2010 champion, ’s driver Nasser Al Attiyah of him of hitting his vehicle and not now leads Qatari Nasser Al-Atti- Qatar and his co-driver Matthieu stopping. yah by 56 minutes, 37 seconds Baumel of compete during the “It’s an unfair decision, I’m after eight stages. 2018 yesterday. ABOVE: not happy,” said Sainz. “For me, Monday’s 242km ninth stage Nasser Al Attiyah gestures at the end I avoided an accident. from Tupiza to Salta in Argen- of Stage 8 of the 2018 Dakar Rally. “I didn’t touch him, there was tina was cancelled following no damage to my car.” torrential rain and a huge Sainz’s Peugeot boss Bruno mudslide. Famin said the Spaniard was The Dakar Rally is due to fin- driving at more than 150kph ish on Saturday. WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 SPORT 31 Sirotkin to partner Stroll at Williams

REUTERS has always been to promote and develop young talent and Sergey LONDON: Russian rookie fits right into that ethos,” she Sergey Sirotkin will race for said. Williams this season after being “Lance has had a record- chosen ahead of Polish rival breaking debut season, and with Robert Kubica yesterday in what a year now under his belt, he will the Formula One team said was be ready to hit the ground run- a multi-year deal. ning in 2018.” Kubica, who had been hop- Kubica, 33, had at one point ing to return to the starting grid looked the favourite for the for the first time since a 2011 drive, with 2016 champion and rally accident partly severed his former Williams driver Nico right arm, was appointed reserve Rosberg championing his cause. and development driver instead. Williams said the Pole will Williams made the long- take part in testing before and awaited announcements in during the season as well as separate statements, with some Friday practice sessions 22-year-old Sirotkin filling the and simulator work. last remaining vacancy for the “It’s a great pleasure to be season that starts in Australia on back in Formula One,” said March 25. Formula One driver Robert Kubica of arrives in his box Kubica. The Russian will partner during the second practice session for the Hungarian F1 Grand “My ultimate goal remains 19-year-old Canadian Lance Prix at the Hungaroring Circuit near Budapest in this file picture. to race again in Formula One Stroll, the billionaire’s son who and this is another important made his debut with the former step in that direction.” world champions last year, in a ’s books as a develop- partner of President Vladimir Williams technical head lineup that will be the youngest ment driver. Putin, on his way through the Paddy Lowe described the Pole, on track this year. “The result of our combined junior series. a winner in Canada with BMW- Sirotkin replaces Brazilian efforts has helped me achieve The team did not give any Sauber in 2008, as a legend of veteran Felipe Massa, who my dream, and rest assured the financial details of the deal. the sport. retired at the end of last year. team can rely on me to deliver Deputy team principal Claire “To overcome his injuries, “It took a huge amount of my best.” Williams said the Mercedes- return to fitness, and drive a For- work to get where I am, and I’m Sirotkin has been backed by powered team, fifth overall last mula One car again is a really happy and thankful to Russian billionaire Boris Roten- year, were confident the new remarkable achievement, and everyone involved,” said Sirot- berg, whose oligarch brother pairing would deliver. one that few considered possi- Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin will race for Williams this season kin, who was previously on Arkady is a former judo sparring “The Williams philosophy ble,” added Lowe. after being chosen ahead of Polish rival Robert Kubica yesterday. Durant in Gatland lays down Six Nations command as Warriors challenge to uncapped pair down Cavs AFP following a long injury absence, Fullback , Wales coach is also selected along with Bath scrumhalf Nathan Fowles, and AFP , UK; Coach Warren fly-half , who has props Murray McCallum and Gatland said uncapped pair Josh a hamstring problem. D’Arcy Rae were called up with LOS ANGELES: Kevin Durant Adams and James Davies had Cardiff Blues prop Dillon long-serving scrumhalf Greig scored 32 points as the an “exciting opportunity” to Lewis is included and experi- Laidlaw and lock Richie Gray Golden State Warriors over- make their mark as Wales enced forwards Scott among those returning to the fold. powered the Cleveland unveiled their Six Nations squad Baldwin and are Laidlaw, Gray and centre Cavaliers with a late rally to yesterday. both recalled. Mark Bennett, who have 142 caps score a 118-108 win in a Worcester wing Adams and There are no places, though, between them, last played for pulsating clash between the flanker Davies are part of for Harlequins centre Jamie Rob- in the 2017 Six Nations two NBA arch-rivals on a 39-man squad that also includes erts or Bath lock . before suffering injury problems. Monday. Northampton wing “With Taulupe, we are hoping “We welcome Blair Kinghorn Durant added seven and Bath number eight Taulupe he will be available towards the into our group for the first time... assists and pulled down four Faletau, who are both currently end of the campaign, and Rhys and also three of our most expe- rebounds as the Warriors sidelined through injury. (Priestland) picked up a knock rienced players in Richie Gray, completed back-to-back wins Adams, 22, is the top try- at the weekend, so we will see and Scott Law- over the Cavs following their scorer in this season’s English where he is at,” said Gatland. son,” Townsend said. victory in the Christmas Day Premiership with nine touch- “It’s useful to have these expe- “We are looking forward to meeting. downs and he was recently rienced guys around camp and to working with them and the rest LeBron James and Cleve- watched at Sixways by Wales have them included and to work of the squad to ensure that we land had gone into the game assistant coach . with them.” build on the momentum the play- at the Quicken Loans Arena “For Josh, it’s a great oppor- Wales, who finished fifth in ers generated in 2017.” determined to halt a three- tunity,” said Gatland. “He’s been last year’s championship, kick Back-row forward John Bar- game losing streak by beating on great form, and the back three off their Six Nations campaign clay will continue to captain the Warriors, who they have is somewhere we are looking to against Scotland in Cardiff on Scotland, who will be confi- faced in the last three editions create depth in.” February 3. dent ahead of the tournament of the NBA Finals. Davies, 27, brother of Wales Meanwhile, Scotland coach after victories over Australia and The Cavs had got off to and British and Irish Lions cen- “It is an exciting opportunity but we look forward to seeing named four Samoa in November along with a flying start, jumping out tre Jonathan Davies, was part for the two new caps,” Gatland what he can do.” uncapped players and recalled a narrow defeat by New Zealand. to a seven-point lead late of Great Britain’s rugby sevens added. “James’s form over the last Gloucester back-row for- several experienced ones in his Scotland begin their Six in the first quarter before medal-winning squad at the 2016 couple of years has been impres- ward , who has 40-man squad for the Six Nations Nations campaign against Wales the Warriors clawed it back Rio Olympics. sive. He is in a competitive area, played just two games this season championship. in Cardiff on Feb. 3. to 35-37. Rajat tops at New Vision Badminton Sport tourney

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Promising 12-year-old Rajat Raj Rameshan turned out to be the star performer at the New Vision Badminton Sport (NVBS) tournament winning two titles at American Acad- emy School indoor courts. Rajat performed brilliantly in the under-17 category on way to the title and maintain the same level of con- sistency to pocket the top honours in the under-13 category. In the under-17 final, Rajat over- came top seed Saadhwi Krishna Sheri 21-14, 21-14 to clinch the under-17 crown. In the under-13 The podium winners at the New Vision Badminton Sport tournament pose for a picture at American Academy final, Rajat outclassed Shashwath School, Al Thumama in Doha. Right: Rajat Raj Rameshan, winner of the under-13 and under-17 winner’s trophies. Praveen 21-3, 21-2. In the under-17 semi-final, Saad- hwi overcame a tough challenge Dilan Togi won the under-9 title “This achievement for the play- “NVBS Players can shine in the from 13-year-old Faiz Ahmed Anas defeating six-year-old Mashal ers training at New Vision Badminton international tournaments if they all 18-21, 21-17, 21-15 to book a place in Sahibjan 21-14, 21-8 in the final. Sport has been possible for the ded- perform and train in the same man- the final. Most of the podium winning ication and excellent coaching of ner,” said coach Sahibjan. The under-13 girls title went to players have been training with Manoj Sahibjan and Kesit Sustrisno,” The prizes for the winners and Rasha Sajeer who defeated Diya coaches Manoj Sahibjan and Kesit said Rajat after completing a the runners-up were given by offi- Manoj Shetty 21-13, 21-16 in the final. Sustrisno for the last three months. double. cials representing the NVBS. WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2018 32 Some of the facilities I saw at SPORT Aspire could be the envy of any other country. I hope that Neymar other countries also develop PSG’s Brazilian Rallying CRICKET such facilities for the benefit of football star Stage 11 of Dakar Final day of the second Test between India and South Africa young sportsmen Rally Aspire Zone Foundation celebrates a decade of sports excellence THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar’s status as a world-leading sports hub grows more assured each day. In a short space of time, the country has emerged as a sporting capital of the Middle East and Asia, with Aspire Zone Foundation sits at the heart of this development. This month AZF marks a decade of sports excellence since being established in 2008. During that time it has followed a clear and consistent strategy to contribute to the vibrant and growing sports economy of Qatar, whilst supporting the human and economic pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. To mark the occasion of its tenth anniversary, AZF’s CEO Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi said: “This month we mark ten years of the decision by our country’s visionary leadership to establish AZF and direct investment and resources towards sporting development and focus on the steady expan- sion of sports-related industries in Qatar.” “In the past few years, the sports scene in Qatar has devel- oped steadily with Aspire Zone WHAT THEY SAID: Foundation sitting at the heart Runners compete in the men’s heptathlon 1000 meters race at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor of this remarkable progress. Athletics Championships at the Aspire Dome in this file picture. “Producing world-class Qatari sporting champions is a funda- Now, AZF represents one of the mental part of Qatar’s vision for sport. While Qatar has made con- world’s leading destinations and siderable progress on the sporting field in recent years, highlighted is an enormous source of significant progress towards its in Qatar in partnership with local by our three silver medals in the Olympic and Paralympic Games national pride for the country’s vision, further cementing its rep- and international organisations. this summer, we are keen to build on this success and continue to citizens and residents.” utation as a leading sports hub For example, AZF has teamed increase the performance of our athletes across a wider range of “If you draw a simple com- that attracts decision-makers, up with the Supreme Committee sports.” parison between Qatar and the community members and for Delivery & Legacy and Qatar region before and after the sporting icons from around the University scientists to develop H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani establishment of AZF as a fully- world. It has become an essen- innovative helmets designed to “I took a detailed tour around Aspire Zone and its member organ- integrated sports city, you can tial component in athletes’ jour- keep workers cool in summer isations and Aspetar. I was really impressed by the clearly identify the impact that neys to excellence. Crucially AZF months. facilities. They are some of the best I’ve seen globally. What’s great the organisation has had, is playing a central role in argu- Together with the Qatar about Aspire and its training programmes and services is that they including delivering high-pro- ably the greatest sporting spec- Football Association and QNB are all in one place, offering easy access to a comprehensive training file international sporting events. tacle of them all – the FIFA Stars League, Aspire Academy programme for visiting athletes. That is why I have chosen it as my We have made enormous World Cup. launched the Qatar Football training destination.” progress in developing the coun- AZF’s involvement in sup- Analytics Dashboard – a set of try’s sports infrastructure and porting the tournament will tools that help analyse and sup- American track and field athlete Allyson Felix facilities and cultivating our tal- create an incredible sporting and port the sporting performance “As a player, I’d personally enjoy using these facilities every day. ented sports men and women social legacy for the country of players in Qatar. The initia- Academies like Aspire provide a good foundation for young players including star athletes and which includes building FIFA tive makes the data available to to make it into professional leagues.” Olympic champions,” Al Suwaidi World Cup Qatar™ host venues clubs, coaches and the players concluded. stadiums like Khalifa Interna- themselves. Data collected Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets Aspire Zone Foundation CEO The country’s emergence as tional Stadium and Al-Khor Sta- includes distances covered on “Some of the facilities I saw at Aspire could be the envy of any Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi a destination of choice for inter- dium. It is a legacy from which the field and players’ ranking in other country. I hope that other countries also develop such facili- national sporting events began all members of the community relation to key aspects of their ties for the benefit of young sportsmen.” in earnest in 2006 when Qatar stand to benefit, with access to tinually involved in ground- game (e.g. passing) compared hosted the Asian Games, the world-class sporting facilities breaking research endeavors. with teammates as well as Brazilian professional footballer Neymar second-largest multi-sport event designed to support active and In Aspire Academy, the players from other clubs, along “Our players have access to world-class facilities in Aspire Zone. in the world. Since then, the healthy lifestyles. Sports Science Department with video analysis. The weather conditions in Qatar at this time of year are ideal. The country has hosted large num- AZF believes that research manages an Applied Sport Sci- AZF also unveiled for the team will return to Germany energized and motivated. Qatar’s deci- bers of major international is the essential foundation of ence Research Programme first time a new application that sion that the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ would be played during events averaging nearly 80 outstanding player performance designed to increase capacity for automatically tracked all the the winter was a smart move.” events per year. and athlete care, and works to applied research across Aspire’s runners who took part in Samla In January 2008, Aspire integrate that research into daily diverse disciplines. In addition Race – a Desert Extreme Trek. FC Bayern Munich’s Manager Jupp Heynckes Zone Foundation (AZF) was clinical practice, in the hospital to in-house research, the pro- The app helped specify the “It (Aspire Academy) is really a benchmark for the world of sports. established by Emiri decree in and on the playing field. gramme provides extensive runners’ exact position, speed, What is happening here is not only the training of athletes but also order to develop a world-class To this end, Aspetar is con- scope for collaboration with heart rate and other vital signs. their education, and its scientific achievements are remarkable.” sporting environment, enhance external partners. The app also provided the func- sports performance and con- In addition to their core tionality to automatically dis- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach tribute to producing elite local servicing roles, Sports Science patch an ambulance and med- “It is a fantastic experience to visit Aspire Academy’s superb athletes. By providing a compre- staff have been actively involved ical support in the event that facilities. The philosophy here – which focuses on preparing kids for hensive academic, athletic and in applied sport science research any runner’s vitals were life and equipping them with sports skills and a good education – is mental education AZF equips In the past few aimed at maximising the per- detected to have reached dan- superb. This is one of the best sports academies I have ever seen in such athletes to compete in var- formance of Aspire Academy gerous levels. the world, and Qatar will be served well by the work and initiatives ious local and global years, the sports programmes and athletes. Aspire Zone is home to underway at Aspire.” competitions. scene in Qatar has Aspire Logistics also man- some of the finest sporting facil- Since then, AZF has emerged developed steadily ages a Centre of Excellence for ities and services in the world. Brazilian Minister of Sport Leonardo Picciani as the umbrella organisation for with Aspire Zone natural sports turf research and Aspire Dome is the world’s “It is quite evident that this country has a vision and well-thought- a world-leading sports academy, development, and is working in largest indoor, multipurpose out plans for sports development. l firmly believe that it will reach logistics business and renowned Foundation sitting very close partnership with the sports stadium with a seating its objectives in the years to come. Aspire Academy is really impres- orthopaedic and sports medicine at the heart of Supreme Committee for capacity of 15,500 spread across sive and has embarked on a good sports development philosophy hospital. Bringing together this this remarkable Delivery & Legacy to develop 13 sports halls. which is backed up by world-class facilities.” global expertise means AZF is progress. Now, AZF the turf that will cover the Other facilities include the uniquely placed to catalyse the pitches in the 2022 FIFA World 4,500-seat Hamad Aquatic Evangelos Grammenos, President of the Hellenic Football Fed- country’s sports industry in pur- represents one of Cup Qatar finals. AZF recently Centre and the 2,500-person eration said: suit of its ambitious vision to be the world’s leading succeed in re-turfing the Kha- capacity Ladies Sports Hall, and “I decided to come to Qatar after learning that Aspetar has very ‘the Reference’ in sports excel- destinations and is lifa International Stadium in two hotels: the Torch Doha Hotel good rehab centers, and physiotherapists who have a lot of exper- lence worldwide by 2020. It an enormous source world record time, covering and the Mövenpick Hotel Al tise in the field and know what they are doing. I spent 11 years with does so whilst operating as one 7,800 square metres in just 13 Aziziyah Doha. Together, these my former club Chelsea, and I have always had my treatments there integrated institution that of national pride hours and 30 minutes. make Aspire Zone a leading before moving to China. I think Aspetar’s facilities, physiotherapists adheres to a unique working for the country’s AZF’s Information Tech- sports hub in Qatar and the pre- and doctors are similar to Chelsea’s. That is also why I enjoy my time model – the ‘Aspire way.’ citizens and nology department has also ferred training destination for here.” During the past decade, AZF residents: Al Suwaidi made a major contribution to the elite local, regional and interna- has continued to make development of the sports sector tional athletes.