Pat Cummins stars as take control of third Test in Sydney page 14 SUNday, JANUARY 10, 2021 Teens and rising stars Musetti, Alcaraz set for Aus Open qualifiers in from today 128-Player draw qualifying for throws up interesting mix

Vinay Nayudu Doha

Teenagers and rising stars of and Spaniard would be among the ones who will swing into action on the open- ing day of the 2021 men’s qualifiers at the Khalifa International Complex in Doha on Sunday. The 128-player draw for the qualifying was held on Sat- urday and streamed live on all Tennis Federatio (QTF) and Australian Open (AO) social media platforms. The Australian Open qualifiers in Doha, being held outside of Australia for the first time in theG rand Slam’s 116-year history, will be played from January 10 to 13. The highly-rated Spanish prospect Carlos Alcaraz, aged 17, managed to win 39 of 46 matches and boost his ranking from No.492 to No.144. He A total of sixteen qualifying began 2020 with a 14-match winning streak on the ITF Futures tour, turned heads after upsetting world No.41 Albert Ramos Vinolas at the ATP 500 slots are up for grabs in Doha, event in Rio (while 16 years old), and later in the season won three ATP Challenger titles. He was named the ATP’s Newcomer of the Year in 2020. with winners earning a spot in the Australian Open main draw to be held from February Playing Schedule (Sunday) 8 to 21 in Melbourne. Men’s Qualifying Singles 1st Round Court 2 Attracting attention Day session From 10:30am A. Vatutin versus S. Diez straight up would be Musetti, a T. Wu versus J. Clarke former Australian Open boys’ Court A M. Moraing versus M. Torpegaard singles champion in 2019 and B. Mott versus E. Ymer F. Mena versus E. Karlovskiy The 18-year-old Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, a former Australian Open A. Santillan (WC) versus M. Huesler (27) A. De Greef versus M. Safwat (31) a fast upcoming player. C. Stebe (11) versus T. Fabbiano Court 3 Currently world-ranked 129 boys’ singles champion in 2019 is currently world-ranked 129 Musetti. M. Ebden (WC) versus J. Kubler (WC) D. Istomin versus L. Giustino (29) Musetti, aged 18, also enjoyed a He also enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, winning his maiden ATP A. Hoang (8) versus T. Robredo F. Bagnis (10) versus R. Ramanathan breakout 2020 season, winning Challenger title and scoring his first top-20 victory against three-time The ticket-free tournament is open to all, and spectators Court B G. Garcia-Lopez versus F. Cerundolo (19) his maiden ATP Challenger title Grand Slam champion Stanislas Wawrinka in . will be allowed in on a first-come, first-served basis as H. Laaksonen (15) versus T. Kamke L. Musetti (13) versus B. Van de Zandschulp and scoring his first top-20 vic- V. Troicki versus J. Rodionov (23) Court 4 tory against three-time Grand ish player is also six feet and toine Hoang of . only 30 percent stadium capacity is allowed to be F. Meligeni Rodrigues Alves versus M. Klizan (30) B. Gojo versus S. Ofner Slam champion Stanislas Waw- one inch tall and interstingly Later, there would be a accommodated in line with Ministry of Public Health H. Moriya versus D. Brown A. Kuznetsov versus U. Blanch I. Marchenko versus K. Coppejans R. Hijikata (WC) versus C. Eubanks rinka in Rome. he has been drawn to play thrilling opening round be- (MoPH)protocols and guidelines for prevention of the Court 1 R. Marcora versus C. Taberner (22) Standing tall at 6 feet and 28-year-old and 184-ranked tween , a late- spread of new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. T. Daniel (5) versus R. Cid Subervi Court 6 1 inch, Musetti will be interest- Slovakian Filip Horansky, who blooming Russian who has E. Donskoy (9) versus Z. Zhang M. Trungelliti versus M. Marterer ing locking horns with 6’2” high towers at 6’3”. been one of the in-form play- F. Horansky versus C. Alcaraz (21) A. Giannessi versus M. Vilella Martinez of the Also in the mix is France’s ers of 2020, rising almost 200 St Petersburg. fiers in Doha includes former S. Stakhovsky versus B. Zapata Miralles (28) T. Machac versus J. Domingues on Court No.3. , a 20-year-old places to a career-high ranking He will be up against Bran- world No.10 Ernests Gul- A. Rinderknech versus D. Masur J. Menezes versus A. Collarini Ranked 156, Van de Zand- who made the Roland Garros of No.111 in November. don Nakashima, the youngest bis (USA), and former world schulp is 25-years-old but fourth round in 2020, who will Karatsev, 27, thrived on American in the field, who No.12 of . 31), and the 188-ranked and capacity is allowed to be ac- much lesser in comparative be playing 22-year-old Austral- the ATP Challenger circuit, also closed 2020 with a Chal- Surely there are some more 6’2” Ramkumar Ramanathan commodated in line with the experience and achievements ian Max Purcell in the opening reaching three straight Chal- lenger title thanks to his vic- who would definitely step up (26) – both from Chennai. essential health protocols and of Musetti. round but not Sunday. lenger finals in the Czech tory in Orlando. to grab one of the 16 spots for Ramanathan meets No. guidelines for prevention of The action on Court No. On show on Court A, howev- Republic in August (winning It was one many impres- a trip to Melbourne, top-seed- 125 Argentinian Facundo Bag- the spread of new coronavirus 1 will feature the 17-year-old er, will be the former world No.5 two) and later in the sea- sive results last year for the ed Gregoire Barrere of France nis on Court 3 on Sunday. (COVID-19) pandemic. Alcaraz, who won three ATP , an Australian son qualifying for the main 19-year-old, who has im- and second-placed Bolivian The ticket-free tourna- The tournament is being Challenger titles in 2020 and Open 2007 quarter-finalist. The draw of ATP Tour events in proved his ranking from included. ment is open to all, and spec- overseen by 64 line umpires, was voted the ATP Tour’s Spaniard, now 38 and ranked Nur-Sultan and Sofia after No.367 to No.166. Also jostling in those 128 tators will be allowed in on a 18 chair umpires and five Newcomer of the Year. 226, will go up against the reaching the second round of Among the other familiar are two Indians – 128-ranked first-come, first-served basis management officials drawn Ranked No. 141, this Span- 121-ranked and 25-year-old An- the ATP 500 tournament in names to contest in the quali- Prajesh Gunneswaran (age as only 30 percent stadium from across the world. Star-studded line-up to play official curtain raiser in Adelaide

Tennis Australia al event will be played straight further cements Adelaide as a Melbourne after the Australian Open and tennis destination.” will close out the international Tennis SA CEO Deb- Grand Slam champions Ser- tennis season down under,” bie Sterrey added: “We are ena Williams (USA) and Ra- Minister Wingard said. thrilled to be able to bookend fael Nadal (ESP) will star at A “Several of the top 10 fe- the Australian summer of ten- Day at the Drive, the official male players in the world are nis here in Adelaide with A curtain raiser to the Australian expected to compete in the Ad- Day at the Drive and the Ad- summer of tennis in 2021. elaide International – many elaide International WTA 500 The one-off event will be already know Memorial Drive tournament. held at Memorial Drive Tennis and love playing here - it’s “A Day at the Drive will be Centre in Adelaide on Friday where Ash Barty became the a truly star-studded field and 29 January and will feature a firstwoman in nine years to presents a once-in-a-lifetime total of eight players. win a title on home soil. opportunity for the South Aus- Williams and Nadal will “Hosting events such as tralian public to see some of be joined by these in Adelaide wouldn’t be these tennis players right here (SRB), (AUT), possible if the Marshall Lib- in our own backyard. Simona Halep (ROU) and eral Government wasn’t build- “We have worked closely Naomi Osaka (JPN), with fur- Serena Williams (centre) and (right), will be joined by Tennis Australia officials making the announcement Down Under. ing what matters through our with the South Australian gov- ther player announcements to Novak Djokovic at A Day at the Drive in Adelaide from Jan 29. $10 million Memorial Drive ernment to ensure that not be revealed in due course. are a real coup for South Aus- world-class events.” roof upgrade and our $44 mil- only will the players have the The current field boasts an of returning Australians to the also host the Adelaide Interna- tralia,” Premier Marshall said. South Australian Minis- lion stage two redevelopment best possible preparation for impressive 66 Grand Slam sin- country during the COVID-19 tional WTA 500 event from 22 “To have players of this ter for Recreation, Sport and which begins in March. the summer of tennis, but that gles titles between them. pandemic. to 27 February 2021. calibre playing at Memorial Racing Corey Wingard also “Late last year we struck a we protect the health and well- The group of international A Day at the Drive will fea- South Australian Premier Drive is an absolute win for lo- confirmed that Memorialdeal with Tennis Australia to being of our South Australian players will arrive in Adelaide ture two sessions with reduced Steven Marshall said these cal tennis fans and the South Drive would also close out the host professional tournaments community. from 14 January and under- venue capacity in line with events are expected to attract Australian public. international tennis season by for the next 10 years at Me- “These events will be a take mandatory quarantine for State Government require- an international audience and “This is a real show of sup- hosting the WTA 500 event morial Drive. The inaugural wonderful way to celebrate 14 days. All players and their ments to ensure the safety of showcase the recently reno- port for the way that South from 22 February, featuring Adelaide International was a 100 years of professional ten- teams arriving for the Aus- all patrons. vated Memorial Drive as a Australia has managed the around 70 of the world’s best roaring success and these new nis at Memorial Drive before tralian summer of tennis are Following the Austral- world-class tennis precinct. COVID-19 pandemic and un- female players. events show South Australia is the $44 million stage two rede- over and above the numbers ian Open, Memorial Drive will “These two tournaments derlines our ability to attract “The Adelaide Internation- open for sporting business and velopment begins in March.” Sports Sunday, January 10, 2021 13 Ultra-modern Lusail Multipurpose Hall wears new look ahead of IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021

Lusail Multipurpose Hall is all set for IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021 – the 2020 Tokyo Games qualifying event from January 11 to 13.

Tribune News Network judokas. Doha includes Teddy Riner the safest condition given the Doha Aside from this, all the of France, a two-time Olym- current global COVID 19 pan- venue facilities are in top pic gold medalist and ten- demic. With less than two days to shape with all the required time world champion in the To this end, the Inter- the start of the IJF World Judo technical and logistical equip- +100kg, Idalys Ortiz of Cuba national Judo Federation Masters Doha 2021, the venue, ment in place. - the 2012 Olympic gold me- (IJF) and Qatar Taekwondo, Lusail Multipurpose Hall, is The tournament features dalist in the +78kg female Judo and Karate Federation already wearing a new look in over 320 athletes – 184 male category, and Japan’s Soichi (QTJKF) have jointly set up readiness for the 2020 Tokyo and 136 female – from 63 Hashimoto - world No.1 in the health protocols in collabora- Games qualifying event which countries representing five lightweight division and four- tion with the Ministry of Pub- they compete on each day of arrangements are in place to ing events, and we are building takes place at the ultra-modern continental federations name- time World Championships lic Health, and the Ministry the tournament. ensure a smooth and stress- on that reputation with this venue from January 11 to 13. ly the African Judo Union, gold medalist. of Interior to accommodate Tournament Director Eid free tournament. We are ready tournament.” The hall is looking splen- Judo Union of Asia, and Eu- Aside from the brand- all delegations in one hotel in Al Meraikhi said, “We are to host the world, and we be- The tournament will fea- didly radiant after the brand- ropean Judo Union, Oceania ing and venue preparation, a quarantine. All the partici- happy with the progress of lieve all participants will leave ture competition in seven cate- ing’s completion, and the nec- Judo Union and Pan-Ameri- the tournament organisers pants will undergo PCR test, things so far, and we are very Doha at the end of the compe- gories for both men and wom- essary makeovers have also can Judo Confederation. are also not leaving any stone first on arrival before being impressed with the level of our tition with lasting memories. en, and it will be streamed live been done as Doha is set to Top on the list of top ju- unturned in ensuring that taken to their hotels. Another preparation for the IJF World Qatar is globally renowned for on the IJF website and social host some of the world’s best dokas who will be in action in the competition is held under test will be conducted before Judo Masters Doha 2021. All hosting very successful sport- media channels.

Action to resume after a rest day Dakar Rally at fever pitch as rally reaches halfway point

Agencies Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

As many as 231 vehicles (78 Khalifa Al Attiyah checks his SSV T4 category South Racing-built car motorbikes, 14 quads, 56 cars, he is racing with in the ongoing Dakar Rally. 49 lightweight vehicles and 34 trucks) out of the 286 cleared to start the race in Jeddah in South Racing-built the 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally have survived a prologue and six stages and made it to Can-Ams hold top three the rest day on Saturday. A further 26 vehicles have withdrawn from the race but places, dominate SSV T4 remain eligible to continue the adventure under Dakar Expe- Tribune News Network navigator Maciej Marton into rience rules without appearing Nasser Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel in the Toyota Hilux of the Mini’s driver Stephane Peterhansel and his co-driver Edouard Bou- HA’IL (SAUDI ARABIA) an outright lead of just 40 sec- in the general standings. Toyota Gazoo Racing during the 6th stage of the Dakar Rally 2021. langer of France compete during the 6th Stage of the Dakar Rally. onds in the first of four Mon- As different scenarios un- The South Racing Can-Am ster Energy Can-Am Team fold, the titles at stake are still Peterhansel. Honda rider still a force to Team has enjoyed a superb cars. Domzala won the fourth up for grabs in the five catego- The collector of Dakar re- be reckoned with in the final first half of the 2021 Dakar stage and has never been out- ries, but the current leaders cords is well aware that vic- week. Brabec made a series of Rally. All 12 of the South side the top three since the have taken at least a few steps tory is far from guaranteed on navigation errors in the first Racing-entered cars are still Prologue. forward: car driver Stephane the rest day, not least because few stages after claiming the running after six special stag- Speaking after the de- Peterhansel and Nasser Al At- he is just 5′53″ ahead of a ri- prologue, but the American es with Polish driver Aron manding fifth stage, the lead- tiyah, biker Toby Price, quad val as fast and aggressive as has remained in contact with Domżala currently leading the ing Pole said: “The last three rider Nicolas Cavigliasso, Nasser Al Attiyah. The Qatari the leading group without SSV T4 category and South stages were for tourists com- lightweight vehicle driver has been as unerring as ‘Pe- pushing his Honda too hard or Racing-built cars winning the pared to that stage. It was re- Aron Domzała and truck driv- ter’ throughout the opening burning through the six rear Prologue and five of the six ally technical with hard dunes er Dmitry Sotnikov have the week, claiming four victories tyres allocated to each elite timed tests. and tricky navigation. We’re advantage going into the sec- (including the prologue) and biker for the entire race. As drivers and co-drivers in a great battle with Chaleco ond week. ratcheting up the pressure on The 2016 and 2019 cham- now take some much needed (Lopez). In the dunes he has The 23 vehicles in the Da- the overall leader. He has a pion, Toby Price, is in control rest in the north-central city of incredible speed but there are kar Classic category overcame knack for pushing his rivals of the general standings. The Ha’il and South Racing tech- still a lot of stages to go.” the challenges of the first week. until they crack. KTM rider stayed as cool as a nicians set about preparing Qatar’s Khalifa Al Atti- Marc Douton and his Sunhill Whatever the weather is cucumber throughout a series the Can-Am Maverick X3s for yah and navigator Paulo Ceci buggy lead the regularity race. like on the road to Neom and Australian biker Toby Price powers his KTM during Stage 4 of the of specials in which navigation the second half of the world’s worked together for the first then Jeddah, expect the heat Dakar Rally 2021. (AFP) turned up the heat on the com- toughest off-road rally, the time shortly before Christmas Cars: Dancing on a to rise in the competition stage petitors. -based team can look and won the second of the razor’s edge after stage. hard ten Brinke also crashed podium finishes, while his Honda has placed two rid- back on a dominant first week Ha’il Bajas. The men on the final podium But what about the men out of the race. equally ambitious teammate ers, Kevin Benavides and “Na- of racing across the most de- That new Qatari-Italian of the 2020 Dakar lined up for billed as dark horses at the Bahrain Raid Extreme is Yasir Seaidan languishes in cho Cornejo”, right behind the manding terrain that the Sau- partnership has gone from the start of this year’s edition start of the race? still banking on Nani Roma 38th place. Not everyone can Australian and in perfect posi- di Arabian desert could throw strength to strength ever since in Jeddah with the confidence X-Raid and Toyota could (fifth at 1 h 37) to catch up with go the distance. tion to pounce on any mistake at competitors. and the Doha-based driver that comes from being one of only look on helplessly as the leading trio, but Sébastien the leader may make at 2′16″ Francisco Lopez and fel- has recovered well from los- the big favourites. Jakub Przygonski sank to Loeb is out of the running after Price holds tenuous grip and 2′57″ back, respectively. low Chilean navigator Juan ing almost two hours on the Fast-forward one week fourth overall at 1 h 11 (al- making several blunders and on race lead in bikes The Argentinian put in a Pablo Latrach led the SSV T4 first stage. He slipped down and the protagonists are still though he remains in con- breaking a wishbone, which A dozen riders are still in heroic performance in stage 5 event outright from the second to 56 th overall after that first the same, but the roles have tention for a podium spot), meant an unscheduled night with a shot as the race heads from Riyadh to Al Qaisumah, stage and picked up daily vic- special but a fourth, a ninth, a changed. Struggling to adapt Orlando Terranova threw in in the desert for the French into its decisive second week. soldiering on to victory despite tories on stages three and five second and a fastest time on to what he calls “the new the towel in stage 5 due to an driver and sent him plummet- A mere quarter of an hour crashing and hurting his nose in their Copec-supported Can- stage six have lifted the Qatari roadbook philosophy”, Car- electrical problem, rising star ing to 45th place overall, 11 h separates the top 10 halfway and an ankle after cresting a Am before losing over an hour into ninth place at the rest day. los Sainz has made a series Henk Lategan tumbled out of 34 behind his old stablemate through the rally. dune. Meanwhile, the Chilean following an accident over a Support for the Monster of navigation errors that have the Dakar after two stellar per- at Peugeot. Mathieu Serradori Defending champion Ricky has found his rhythm after a sand dune on day six. Energy Can-Am Team comes pushed him down to third formances in a row, Yazeed Al has a similar tale to tell after Brabec is thirteenth overall, cautious start to the rally and That delay dropped the from Method Wheels, Ten- place in the general stand- Rajhi broke his gearbox and slipping down to 50th place but only 19 minutes down on is now racking up one top 2019 winner down to third sor Tires, Motul, Bell, Lazer ings, 40′39″ behind Stéphane his heart in stage 3, and Bern- despite a string of provisional the leader, which makes the placing after another. overall and lifted Domżala and and OMP. 14 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Sports

SCG TEST ENTHRALS Cummins claims four as Australia dominate Agencies 26* at the other end. India Sydney Australia’s Pat Cummins would’ve probably scored a successfully appeals for the few more runs, were it not for Pat Cummins led a fantastic wicket of India’s Mohammed another sensational direct-hit, bowling performance by the Siraj on the third day of the this time by Labuschagne to hosts as India were bowled third Test at the Sydney Cricket catch Jasprit Bumrah short. In out for 244 before Australia Ground (SCG) in Sydney on all, India suffered three run- made 103/2, extending their Saturday. (AFP) outs in their innings of 244. lead to 197 runs on day three Jadeja copped a blow to his of the third Test in Sydney on gloves off a Mitchell Starc lift- Saturday. er and was also unable to take Australia’s quicks got the the field later, adding toI n- ball to talk on a pitch that ap- dia’s growing injury concerns. peared to be flat, putting their Australia looked to be pos- side in the driver’s seat. Mar- itive after securing a healthy nus Labuschagne and Steve 94-run lead. Debutant Will Smith then made an unbeaten Pucovski, who scored a fine 68-run partnership to ensure fifty in Australia’s first in- the hosts finished the day well nings, got going with a crack- Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with Barce- and truly on top. ing cut shot off Saini, but was lona’s Spanish midfielder Pedri (right) after scoring a goal during the The match hung in the bal- soon dismissed for 10 by Siraj, Spanish League match against Granada at the Los Carmenes stadium ance at the start of day’s play with the bowler getting one to in Granada on Saturday. (AFP) with India resuming at 96/2. nip away and take the outside Australia’s bowlers, however, edge. His partner Warner fell appeared determined to seize for 13 when he looked to play Messi double the initiative in the morning a sweep off Ashwin only to be session. They tirelessly pep- low to beat Pant’s pull and hit trapped in front. pered Cheteshwar Pujara and him on the elbow and while the The two wickets caused sends him top of Ajinkya Rahane with short ‘keeper-batsman continued Labuschagne and Smith to stuff. The ploy worked when after treatment on the field, he adopt a slightly more con- Rahane finally chopped a didn’t look quite as fluent and servative approach initially scoring charts and Cummins bouncer onto his soon nicked off to Josh Hazle- but they grew in confidence stumps. wood for 36. To make matters after spending time in the One brought two as Ha- worse, Pant was unable to take middle to blunt the new ball. Barca back to third numa Vihari was run out in an the field in Australia’s innings Labuschagne played some instance of fielding brilliance as he was taken to the hospital superb shots, scoring freely DPA the Danish substitute. by Josh Hazlewood. Vihari set for scans. Cummins then pro- on both sides of the wicket. Barcelona “I’m pleased to score the off for a quick single after driv- duced a perfect away-seaming He went to stumps only three two goals and to get another ing to mid-off but Hazle- delivery to Pujara to have him short of a second fifty in the Barcelona moved to third win,” said Griezmann. “We wood dived to cut the ball off, dismissed for the fourth time game, while first-innings in La Liga with a 4-0 win over have to keep picking up three collected it cleanly and then this series just after the bats- centurion Smith went to Granada thanks to two goals points and then let’s see what fired a direct-hit while still on man brought up his fifty. close at 29*. apiece from Lionel Messi and happens.” Earlier a brilliant the ground to catch Vihari just R Ashwin was the next to Australia will fancy their Antoine Griezmann. Youssef En-Nesyri hat-trick short. fall, run out for 10, after a spot chances of going up 2-1 in Messi’s double left him gave Sevilla a 3-2 win over Rishabh Pant and attack anything short or wide, the second new ball was taken of slightly lazy running. Aus- the series, while India will on 11 goals for the season and Real Sociedad. Cheteshwar Pujara played in while Pujara continued to hold early in the second session, tralia had little trouble clean- mull over growing injury makes him top scorer in The Moroccan striker contrasting styles to take India the fort with caution. Things however. ing the tail up even as Ravin- concerns as the teams head - in a season where he has opened his account on five to lunch. Pant was happy to started changing quickly once A Cummins bouncer kept dra Jadeja scored an attacking into day four. struggled for form. minutes scoring from close Barcelona took the lead on range from Fernando’s assist. 12 minutes when a Sergio Bus- A minute later Diego Car- quets pass intended for Messi los put past his own goalkeep- FA Cup holders was diverted into the path of er to level the score. But En- Maiden call-ups for Baartman, Dupavillon Griezmann by Roberto Soldado. Nesyri scored an exceptional The French forward was second on seven minutes drib- Arsenal down offside when he scored but bling past three Real Sociedad as SA name squad for Pakistan Tests with Soldado having given him defenders before shooting Newcastle 2-0 the ball it did not matter and past Alex Remiro. the goal stood. On 14 minutes Alexander Agencies Tests. in extra-time Granada were upset about Isak made it 2-2 scoring from Johannesburg Rabada missed both Tests the second too. Messi doubled a corner to compete an ex- against Sri Lanka due to a the lead curling a left-foot shot traordinary first quarter hour. will receive a groin injury and his return to DPA past Rui Silva from just inside The game calmed down boost as Kagiso Rabada and full fitness will provide some London the area after being played in but there was no stopping Dwaine Pretorius return after welcome experience to lead the by Griezmann. En-Nesyri completing his hat- recovering from injuries, while attack. Pretorius too has been FA Cup holders Arsenal pre- Busquets had handled in trick scoring from Lucas Oc- the spin attack is strengthened cleared to play after recovering vailed against Newcastle 2-0 the build-up but Messi’s 10th ampos’ cross a minute into the by the inclusion of Tabraiz from a hamstring strain. in extra-time to continue goal of the season stood and second half. Shamsi and George Linde. Convener of Selectors their defence into the fourth three minutes before half time Jules Kounde denied Real As many as five members Victor Mpitsang was cau- round. he had goal number 11. Sociedad their third heading of the 21-member squad could tious about the alien nature of The first 90 minutes at Pedri was flattened on the Mikel Merino’s header off the make their Test debuts in Pa- conditions in Pakistan to the the Emirates ended goalless edge of the area and Messi line with 15 minutes left. kistan, with seamers Ottniel squad, but remained confident despite Newcastle’s Andy curled a low free-kick past “It’s my best day in a Se- Baartman and Daryn Dupa- that they possessed enough Carroll missing a chance to Silva to make it 3-0. This time villa shirt,” said En-Nesyri. villon recieving their maiden depth in key areas. clinch victory in the closing there could be no complaints “But we know it’s just one call-ups in the format. Bats- Mpitsang said: “Consider- seconds. for Granada. On 63 min- win, it doesn’t mean anything men Sarel Erwee and Keegan ing that the conditions that will Emile Smith Rowe, who utes Barcelona got the fourth more than that and we have to Petersen are both yet to make be faced are largely unknown almost got sent off but saw with Griezmann scoring with keep going to achieve our ob- their Proteas debuts in any to the South African team, we the red card decision re- delicate volley after receiving jective.” The fixture between format, while Kyle Verreyne wanted to strengthen the at- versed by the video assistant Ousmane Dembele’s pass. Atletico and Athletic has only appeared in ODIs to tack with the skill sets that referee (VAR), opened the Barcelona were home and Bilbao was postponed due to date. Tabraiz Shamsi’s inclu- Tabraiz Shamsi and George scoring in the second half of dry now and Ronald Koeman heavy snow in Madrid. sion means he could make his Linde have to offer, while giv- extra-time. gave Messi the last 20 minutes The weather had prevent- first red-ball appearance for ing players like Daryn Dupa- Pierre-Emerick Au- off with Martin Braithwaite ed the Athletic squad from South Africa since 2018. villon and Ottneil Baartman bameyang then doubled the taking in his place. travelling to Madrid, where Quinton de Kock’s side are gave them 120 points in the continue that success on their an opportunity after making score from close range with Granada’s misery was com- the game was supposed to take buoyed by their recent 2-0 se- ICC World Test Champion- first visit toP akistan in 14 strong cases for themselves in three minutes left to ensure pounded when Jesus Vallejo place at the Wanda Metropoli- ries win over Sri Lanka, which ship, and will be looking to years where they will play two recent seasons.” the Gunners are through. was sent off for bringing down tano stadium. Leipzig miss chance to go top in Dortmund defeat; Schalke finally win DPA equalizer in a flat display er for Sancho. “We had to do better.” Schalke Berlin hardly redeemed by Alexander Nice passing on the left had keeper Ralf Faehrmann to Sorloth’s late consolation. then created space for San- thank early on for a series of RB Leipzig missed the A brilliant hat-trick from cho’s cross to Haaland, who saves against Hoffenheim. chance to go top of the Bun- American teenager Matthew had earlier rattled the bar, to And Schalke went in front desliga on Saturday with a Hoppe inspired Schalke to a settle the tie. when Hoppe chipped Harit’s 3-1 collapse to Borussia Dort- 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim “Eveyone knew that was a pass over the advancing Oliver mund while Schalke finally and a first win since January really important game for us, it Baumann in the 42nd minute. won to avoid matching an all- 2020. Failure to beat Hof- was a game we could see what The pair repeated the trick, time league record. fenheim would have equalled direction we are going in,” this time with the 19-year- Jadon Sancho struck the Tasmania Berlin’s 31-match Emre Can told Sky television. old Hoppe rounding the 55th minute opener for Dort- winless streak from the 1965- “I think the victory will do keeper from Harit’s pass, in mund in Leipzig and a double 66 season. But Hoppe, with us good today, everyone knows the 58th minute and the US from Erling Haaland secured his first Bundesliga goal, the last weeks weren’t so easy striker completing his hat- a fantastic result for interim opened the scoring in the first for us.” Olmo’s low shot struck trick - from another Harit as- coach Edin Terzic. half against the run of play and the post and flew to safety with sist - ensured Schalke avoided The win lifts Dortmund two more after the break along Leipzig’s only attempt to level the record books. back to fourth, one point be- with one from Amine Harit and Sorloth’s first league goal “I don’t know how to de- hind third-place Bayer Lev- sealed the deal. came too late, after Reus set scribe how I feel but I’m happy, erkusen and five off leaders Schalke, under new coach Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland (3rd right) celebrates scoring the second goal with team- up Haaland’s second. just lost for words,” Hoppe said. Bayern Munich who lost 3-2 at Christian Gross, even moved mates during the German first division Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig in Leipzig on Saturday.(AFP) “We pinned them back “You saw throughout the whole Borussia Moenchengladbach off the bottom of the table as in the first half without mak- game the team was fighting for on Friday. Mainz lost 2-0 at home to Ein- contenders Union Berlin drew saw no chances with Dort- Immediately after the re- ing clear chances,” said Yus- 90 minutes, that was amazing Leipzig stay second, two tracht Frankfurt. 2-2 with 10-man Wolfsburg. mund’s Axel Witsel limping start Reus tested home keeper suf Poulsen. “The game was to see and I hope the team keeps behind champions Bayern, Leverkusen were held 1-1 Freiburg thrashed Cologne off with an apparent Achil- Peter Gulacsi and it was the then very intensive, very big moving forward.” Schalke’s win- with only Dani Olmo’s drive at home by Werder Bremen 5-0 in the other game. les injury the only moment of Dortmund captain’s clever and we knew that Dortmund less run stopped at 30 - 359 days off the post threatening an while in a battle of European A drab first half in Leipzig note. flick which provided the open- are very good on the counter. after their last triumph.