Celtics Rout Lakers; Sixers and Bucks Win

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WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 07

TENNIS FOOTBALL We're disappointed losing the game, we don't Australian Open Leicester City vs want to be behind them in the league. But tournament, third West Ham United; there were signs there that we are on the right day in Tottenham Hotspur ACTION track, deﬁnitely: United Manager Solskjaer TODAY’S Melbourne Park vs Norwich City Celtics rout Lakers; Sixers and Bucks win

AFP — LOS ANGELES Bulls for a 10th straight time. Boston Celtics forward Khris Middleton added 24 The Boston Celtics handed Jayson Tatum (0) guards points for the Bucks, who were LeBron James and the Los Los Angeles Lakers headed Monday night to Paris Angeles Lakers their worst forward LeBron James where they take on the Char- defeat of the NBA season on (23) during the second lotte Hornets on Friday in the Monday, routing the Western half of their NBA games first NBA regular-season game Conference leaders 107-139. at TD Garden on Monday. in the French capital. Jayson Tatum scored 27 “Obviously, a game like this points, and Kemba Walker is kind of a tricky game,” returned from injury to add 20 Antetokounmpo said, adding for the Celtics, who snapped a that preparations for the trip to three-game skid with the upset France were a bit distracting. triumph. “I think we did a better job Enes Kanter came off the coming out in the second half, bench to score 18 points and playing with some energy, being pull down 11 rebounds for the more aggressive and being Celtics, who had lost six of their more sharp.” past eight games. The Miami Heat needed “Listen, it was just a good, overtime to stay in second place old-fashioned butt-whipping, in the East, rallying from an that’s all,” said James, who eight-point fourth-quarter scored 15 points and handed out deficit to triumph 118-113. 18 assists for the Lakers -- who The Heat, trailing the Bucks had won 10 of their last 11. by eight games, remained a “They beat us in all facets of game in front of the reigning the game,” added James, who champion Toronto Raptors, said 15 Lakers turnovers leading who pushed their winning to 28 Celtics points and Boston’s streak to four games with a 48-36 rebounding advantage 122-117 victory over the Hawks were too much to overcome. in Atlanta. The Celtics spoiled the Houston’s Russell West- return from injury of Anthony brook notched another iconic Davis, who missed five games triple-double moment, but his with a bruised backside suffered 32-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist during an in-game fall. performance for the Rockets For Walker, it was a first wasn’t enough in a 112-107 loss career win against James. He’d to the Oklahoma City Thunder. gone 0-28 in prior games Westbrook played his first against James-led teams. 11 seasons for Oklahoma City, Philadelphia’s star guard and they were the only team he Ben Simmons matched his for a 76ers team trying to keep season. For good measure, he Dinwiddie scored 22 points for with a 111-98 victory over the hadn’t recorded a triple-double career high with 34 points and their playoff push on track added five steals and two the Nets, who led by 10 in the Chicago Bulls. against. added 12 rebounds and 12 despite the absence of injured blocked shots. third quarter but dropped their Reigning NBA Most Valuable He joined James as the only assists in a triple-double that big man Joel Embiid. “Ben was ridiculously dom- fourth straight. Player Giannis Antetokounmpo players in NBA history to notch propelled the 76ers to a 117-111 The Aussie star connected inant tonight,” 76ers coach Brett Philadelphia, holding down posted a triple-double of 28 a triple-double against every victory over the Nets in on 12 of 14 from the field in his Brown said. “He was just multi- sixth place in the Eastern Con- points, 14 rebounds and 10 team in the league. Brooklyn. fifth straight game with 20 or skilled, used all over the place ference, notched their fourth assists as the Bucks notched a But the Thunder, aided by Simmons, named during the more points, achieving his in multiple positions, ball- straight win. seventh straight win. 28 points from Chris Paul and game as the NBA’s Eastern Con- fourth triple-double -- posting handler, screen setter, post Eastern Conference leaders The Bucks were slowed by 25 from Danilo Gallinari, erased ference player of the week, did double figures in three key sta- target. Milwaukee improved their 23 turnovers -- 15 in the first a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit it all in a dominant performance tistical categories -- of the He was incredible.” Spencer league-leading record to 39-6 half -- but held on to beat the to grab the win. Alonso a free agent for Indy after McLaren contract ends

REUTERS — LONDON

Fernando Alonso will be free to drive for whomever he chooses at this year’s Indian- apolis 500 after ending his Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and relationship with McLaren. strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrate after beating the The Formula One team Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead confirmed on Monday that the Stadium in this ﬁle picture. double world champion’s contract had expired at the end of last year and was not renewed. “Fernando is a world-class Chiefs and 49ers march competitor and we wish him well for the future,” said a to Miami for Super Bowl team spokesman. “While our relationship REUTERS — MIAMI has come to a natural con- Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on a shot from Chicago Blackhawks clusion, he will always remain The NFL will cap its centennial season with a compelling Super right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the third period of their NHL game at the United Center on Monday. part of the McLaren family.” Bowl featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers Alonso, twice a winner of that will highlight a clash of styles and two dynamic young quar- the Le Mans 24 Hours terbacks poised to lead the league into its next hundred years. sportscar race, has made Back in Miami for a record 11th time, the National Football Panthers nip Wild in final winning Indianapolis his major League is planning a week-long party of the century with focus of the year to complete something for everyone including a championship game on the so-called Triple Crown of Febraury 2 between the throwback 49ers and high-octane seconds for 5th straight win Motorsport. Chiefs. Now 38, the Spaniard The 49ers, coached by Kyle Shanahan who turned just 40 in REUTERS — LOS ANGELES NHL Results Florida’s Anton Stralman failed to qualify in a McLaren December, play a run-first, hard-hitting style that was more in committed a delay-of-game for last year’s Indy 500 after vogue when Jim Brown and Gayle Sayers were blasting through Florida’s Noel Acciari chipped Colorado 6 Detroit 3 penalty late in the opening leading the race on his debut defences back in the 60s. in the game-winning goal with Florida 5 Minnesota 4 period, creating Minnesota’s in 2017 with Andretti The Chiefs, coached by 61-year-old Andy Reid, are explosive 5.6 seconds left as the Panthers second man advantage. Autosport. and creative with a play book that looks like it was lifted from a won for the first time ever in Spurgeon cashed in with 17 McLaren are returning to video game. regulation at Minnesota, beating goal and an assist, and Zach seconds remaining before the The Brickyard in May as part “Fired up, fired up to go Miami, I need to go on a diet so I can the Wild 5-4 on Monday night Parise potted a goal for the intermission to tie the game at of a fulltime IndyCar return in fit into my clothes,” Reid told reporters. in St. Paul, Minn. Wild. Joel Eriksson Ek and Ryan 1 -- the Wild’s ninth power-play partnership with Arrow “They don’t care about the score,” he said of his team, “they Mark Pysyk fired in a long Suter posted two assists apiece, goal in nine games. Schmidt Peterson just bring it and that’s paid off for us the last couple of weeks.” shot in the closing seconds and Alex Stalock made 20 Josh Brown’s stretch pass Motorsports. How the 49ers and Chiefs reached the 54th Super Bowl is a that Aaron Ekblad tipped and saves. Victor Rask played in his went over half of the length of The team have been contrast of style and philosophy. then Acciari redirected in for 400th NHL game. the ice, sending Barkov in on a renamed Arrow McLaren In two playoff contests, San Francisco quarterback Jimmy his 18th goal, giving Florida its Frank Vatrano led a quick breakaway in the second Racing SP, competing with two Garoppolo, 28, completed just 17 of 27 passes for 191 yards. season-high fifth consecutive breakout for Florida in the period. Chevrolet-powered cars and During one stretch of Sunday’s NFC championship game victory. first period, then dropped a The Florida captain skated a possible third entry for against the Green Bay Packers, Garoppolo went 90 minutes without Keith Yandle scored his pass back to Mike Hoffman. in and chipped the puck back Indianapolis. throwing a single pass. 99th career goal and assisted The high-scoring winger, high over the goalie’s glove at Alonso, who left Formula Instead the Niners leaned on a top-ranked defence and the on three markers, Aleksander known more for his one- 7:28 for a 2-1 lead for the One as a McLaren driver at the running of Raheem Mostert, who rumbled for 220 yards - second Barkov scored and recorded an timers, found Yandle all alone visitors. end of the 2018 season and most in NFL playoff history - and four touchdowns, to brush aside assist, and Evgenii Dadonov and on the far post for his fifth Minnesota tied it when competed in this year’s Dakar the Packers 37-20. Vincent Trocheck netted goals marker at 4:01. Kunin scored just the second Rally in Saudi Arabia, has since Earlier on Sunday, the Chiefs were tackling another run-first for the Panthers, who are 7-2-0 The helper gave Hoffman a short-handed goal of the season been linked with a return to outfit in the Tennessee Titans, led by Derrick Henry, the NFL’s in January. Sergei Bobrovsky nine-game point streak (five against Florida, finishing a Honda-powered Andretti. leading rusher. stopped 29 shots. goals, six assists), the longest cross-ice pass from Eriksson Ek He had also carried out an Henry had steamrolled over Tom Brady and the defending Luke Kunin found the net run by a Panthers player this at 10:59 of the middle period for ambassadorial role for champion New England Patriots and the top seed Baltimore Ravens twice, Jared Spurgeon had a season. his 11th tally. McLaren last year. on the way to the AFC title game. 08 SPORT WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020

Jack William Nicklaus (born January 21, 1940), nick- Nicklaus turns 80 and remains named The Golden Bear, is an American retired professional golfer. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. a part of golf’s conversations Over a quarter-century, he won a record 18 major cham- AP — SAN DIEGO pionships, three more than second-placed Tiger Woods. Jack Nicklaus turned 80 yesterday, no closer to retirement than when he was Nicklaus focused on the at the peak of his golf career. major championships— Never mind that he rarely competes, Masters Tournament, US and when he does play the occasional Open, Open Championship round of golf, he doesn’t always finish and PGA Championship—and the hole. His shoulder is sore, but that’s played a selective schedule of more from tennis. regular PGA Tour events. He He spends most of his time sup- competed in 164 major tour- porting his wife, Barbara, who has taken naments, more than any charge of the Nicklaus Children’s Health other player, and finished Care Foundation. He still has his hands with 73 PGA Tour victories, in about 10 golf courses his company is third behind Sam Snead (82) designing. and Woods (82). The real measure of a golfing great who has been around for 80 years are Nicklaus won the US the conversations he keeps. Amateur in 1959 and 1961 and Everyone wants a piece of Nicklaus, finished second in the 1960 US and he is all too happy to oblige. Even Open, two shots behind though he is more Olden Bear than Arnold Palmer. Nicklaus Golden Bear, Nicklaus remains as rel- turned professional at age 21 evant now as when he was winning his toward the end of 1961. He record 18 majors. earned his first professional “I’d like to stay involved... keep Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is seen talking to reporters at his home in this photo shared by the American on his official Twitter victory at the 1962 US Open, myself in front of the public, keep myself handle @jacknicklaus. Below is another photo of him shared on his Twitter handle. Nicklaus turned 80 yesterday. defeating Palmer by three relevant so when I get to 80 years old, shots in a next-day 18-hole you still want to ask me a question,” play-off. Nicklaus said last week in a conference famous 1986 Masters when he was 46. turned 44 three weeks ago. When he gets Johnson. Rickie Fowler. It’s a long list. call ahead of his 80th birthday. Imagine if he had quit playing. to the Masters, only six players older than Most of them live in South Florida and In 1966, Nicklaus became “There’s no reason to want to curl up Nicklaus would have been at 14 majors, Woods will have won majors, no more are members at his Bear’s Club. the first player to win the in a corner someplace.” and Tiger Woods would have passed him than one each. Still, the Nicklaus name “I don’t go out and seek this, but I’m Masters Tournament two The only time he considered some with that memorable Masters victory last is back in the conversation. He will available,” Nicklaus said. “I might have years running; he also won form of retirement was watch. He will answer some knowledge - you might call it The Open Championship, long ago. questions about whether wisdom - something to impart to the kids becoming at age 26 the Nicklaus told a story of Woods can catch him, as that might help them. It’s very flattering youngest player to win all always wanting to ski, but Nicklaus has done for to me as an 80-year-old. You never lis- four golf majors. He won not while he was still com- nearly two decades. tened to your dad, why listen to your another Open Championship peting. That seemed smart Nicklaus always said he grandfather? But it’s very nice and I in 1970. long before Phil Mickelson thought Woods could do it. enjoy it. We have 30 pros who are broke his leg skiing and One year at a charity lunch members up at the Bear’s Club. I see Between 1971 and 1980, he missed the 1994 Masters or for his Memorial, Nicklaus them all the time. I’m available, always won nine more major cham- David Duval injured his got the same question, gave around. They still want to come talk to pionships, overtook Bobby shoulder snowboarding. the same answer and then me.” Jones' record of 13 majors, Nicklaus thought he asked what kind of head- Nicklaus still dispenses advice on the and became the first player would wait until he was 35. lines it would make if he majors, particularly the Masters, which to complete double and triple “I figured I wasn’t going had given a different he won a record six times. But the one career grand slams. He won to take up skiing until I was answer. tip he prefers to share is what he learned the 1986 Masters, his 18th and done playing golf,” Nicklaus What makes him feel long ago from his idol, Bobby Jones, who final major championship at said. “We took up skiing at more relevant are the ques- told him to be responsible for his own age 46, the event's oldest age 35. While we were out tions he fields from younger game. winner. there skiing, I was talking players. “I feel a little sad for the guys today, about not playing much Charl Schwartzel came not that that’s the way everyone does Nicklaus joined the Senior golf the next year. The kids to talk to him about the it,” he said. “We have instructors, sports PGA Tour (now known as the all said, ‘Dad! What are you doing? You April. Now, Woods still has three majors Masters in 2011, a short time before the psychologists. I always thought that was PGA Tour Champions) when can still beat everybody out there. You to go to catch Nicklaus. South African birdied his last four holes the fun of the game, learning to do it he became eligible in January need to keep playing. You love it.’ I said, That also keeps Nicklaus relevant to claim the green jacket. Patrick Cantlay yourself. When it comes down to the end 1990, and by April 1996 had ‘I do, but I want to be part of your life.’ without having played a major in 15 met with him last year before winning of a tournament, you have to finish. The won 10 tournaments, They talked me into going out and keep years. There was a time when it looked the Memorial, and Cantlay was with him responsibility is on you, not wondering, including eight major cham- playing.” as though Woods was running out of again on a Saturday last fall, watching ‘Can I do what this guy taught me?’ That’s pionships. He continued to Nicklaus was coming off victories in time to catch him, especially with football and talking majors. Nicklaus told what I learned.” play at least some of the four the 1975 Masters (an epic battle against recurring leg injuries and then back him how he never wanted to feel his Nicklaus spoke for 45 minutes with regular Tour majors until Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf) and problems that led to four surgeries. Now game was in perfect shape on Thursday a small group of reporters on the phone, 2005, when he made his final the 1975 PGA Championship at Firestone. that Woods ended 11 years without a of a major, rather he wanted to play his along with a few who had come to his appearances at the Masters So he kept playing, adding another claret major with his Masters victory for major way into his best golf as the week went house. His final words were telling. Tournament and The Open jug at St. Andrews in 1978, another No. 15, the race is on. on. “Thank you for wanting to be on here Championship. double major season in 1980 and his History is not on Woods’ side. He Justin Thomas. Jordan Spieth. Dustin and making me relevant.”

In this file photo taken on October 01, 2019, a surfer makes a turn as he rides the wave in the Games makeover: ocean at Omaezaki. Modern upstarts skateboarding and surfing as well as the ancient martial art of karate are among new sports for 2020 ready to inject some street cred into Tokyo. Arguably the coolest sport never to have appeared at the Olympics, surfing will be one of the All aboard for hottest tickets at Tokyo 2020 -- if there are waves. new sports lighting up Tokyo 2020

AFP — TOKYO still argue that surfing is more a way of life than a professional Modern upstarts skateboarding sport. Try telling that to the and surfing as well as the lucky few who will be waxing ancient martial art of karate are down their boards at Tokyo among new sports for 2020 2020. ready to inject some street cred into Tokyo. - Skateboarding - This report will guide you through the new kids on the Another sport very much Olympic block this summer: “down with the kids” is skateboarding, also brought in to help - Surfing - give the fuddy-duddy Olympics a trendy makeover. Arguably the coolest sport Divided into “street”, run never to have appeared at the over a street-like course with a Olympic Games, surfing will be range of obstacles, and “park”, - Sport climbing - event as she looks to spoil Jap- choreographed sequences of defending champions Cuba in one of the hottest tickets at on a hollowed-out bowl with a anese veteran Akiyo Noguchi’s punches and kicks against an the final to win gold 12 years ago Tokyo 2020 -- if there are series of steep drops and chal- After a spate of white- swan song. invisible opponent. to scuttle their bid for a fourth waves. lenging undulations, the hipster knuckle documentaries in Iran, whose former judo Olympic crown. But baseball- While the Tsurigasaki Beach sport is poised to turn school- recent years, sport climbing - Karate - world champion Saeid Mollaei mad Japan will hope that the venue is unlikely to produce the children into global superstars looks set to become another defected last year after com- hosts can recapture the magic sort of massive barrels seen in chased by sponsors offering surefire hit for the Olympics. Long seen as the poor plaining he had been ordered that swept them to back-to- Hawaii or Tahiti, fans should them millions of dollars. Rankings in three formats relation of judo, expect karate to lose to an Israeli rival, could back World Baseball Classic see an almighty scrap for gold Eleven-year-old Sky Brown, -- one-on-one speed, the ninja- to pack a punch this summer in be dark horses following diplo- titles in 2006 and 2009. with Honolulu-born John John who opted to skate for Great like bouldering and dynamic what will be a short-lived matic efforts between the Inter- Japan’s two-way superstar Florence and explosive Bra- Britain rather than Japan and is lead climbing -- are compiled Olympic debut. national Olympic Committee Shohei Ohtani could provide the zilians Italo Ferreira and Gabriel also a professional surfer, faces for a total score. The ancient form of warrior and Iranian officials to nego- spark for Samurai Japan, but Medina among the men’s Japanese world champion Czech sensation Adam combat, which dates back cen- tiate an end to Tehran’s don’t back against the Amer- favourites. Misugu Okamoto, herself just Ondra, who started climbing turies to what is now Okinawa, decades-long boycott against icans or Cubans with the American Carissa Moore 13 years old, in what will be an when he was six and makes the has been left out of the 2024 Israeli athletes. Dominican Republic also a gold and Australia’s seven-time absorbing women’s park hair-raising sport look ridicu- Paris Olympics -- in favour of medal threat. world champ Stephanie competition. lously easy, is the man to beat breakdancing. - Baseball and softball - The United States will start Gilmore look the ones to beat In contrast, the men’s field though he can expect to be But Japan’s Ryo Kiyuna, a favourites to regain the Olympic in the women’s competition, could see a winner who is old pushed by the likes of Canada’s native of subtropical Okinawa, Baseball makes its Olympic softball title they have won on although Moore’s country- enough to vote with American Sean McColl, Austria’s Jakob will be one of those looking to return in Tokyo for the first time four of the five occasions the woman Caroline Marks and four-time world champion Schubert and local favourite leave his mark at Tokyo 2020 since its controversial exit after competition has been held, their Aussie Sally Fitzgibbons might Nyjah Huston a hot tip to win a Tomoa Narasaki. as the triple world champion Beijing in 2008, with what looks golden streak only halted by have a say. historic first Olympic street Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret is goes for gold in the “kata” dis- a wide-open tournament. Japan’s women in the 2008 Old school “soul surfers” gold. one to watch in the women’s cipline, where fighters execute South Korea stunned final. WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 09 Pakistan's Rauf eyes best bowler award in Bangladesh series

AP — LAHORE matches before he was called up by Pakistan. Haris Rauf (pictured) wants to make “I don’t think a bowler gets a big splash in his international ignored if he knows he can bowl at cricket debut. 140 kph plus,” Rauf said. Showing no sign of nerves days “Whatever training I do, I try to out from his first match for Pakistan, maintain the pace. I touched 150 kph Rauf is determined to finish the in Big Bash, but it’s not in my mind. Twenty20 series against Bangladesh My aim is to bowl consistently at 140 starting on Friday as the best bowler. kph plus.” Rauf was first spotted by Lahore Rauf is one of four young fast Qalandars of the Pakistan Super bowlers in the Pakistan squad, after League in 2017 during an open trial. the selectors dropped the experi- The fast bowler was groomed by enced Mohammad Amir and Wahab Cricket World Cup-winning pacer Riaz with an eye on finding talent and Aqib Javed at the Qalandars, and he’s wins before the T20 World Cup in really made himself known in the “I have set a target for myself and October. No. 1-ranked Pakistan lost ongoing Big Bash League. that is to be the best bowler of the eight of nine T20s last year. The 26-year-old Rauf constantly series,” Rauf said. “I have been per- Rauf’s transition into the national bowled at more than 140 kph in Aus- forming well in the Big Bash League team has been eased by the presence tralia and took 16 wickets in seven and will try to replicate that for my of Qalandars team-mate and fellow matches for the Melbourne Stars, country.” fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. including a hat-trick and a five- For the BBL, Rauf was drafted for “I have played with him in the A cricket fan displays tickets for the upcoming T20 match of a three-match series wicket haul. That earned him three games initially when his idol PSL,” Rauf said. between Pakistan and Bangaladesh at Gaddaﬁ Cricket Stadium in Lahore, yesterday. selection for Pakistan’s T20s against Dale Steyn was injured. But when he “I will get another chance with The matches will be played on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Bangladesh in Lahore on Friday, Sat- bowled effectively with the old ball him and I hope it will help us to urday, and Monday. in death overs, he played seven perform.” Tendulkar and Walsh to De Kock named South Africa coach teams in Aussie ODI captain, Du Plessis axed bushfire relief match AFP — JOHANNESBURG AFP — SYDNEY India’s Tendulkar and Quinton de Kock Paceman West Indies fast bowler Quinton de Kock was yesterday Cricket legends Sachin Walsh will coach teams named as South Africa’s Rabada Tendulkar (pictured) and skippered by Shane one-day international captain Courtney Walsh will coach Warne and Ricky Ponting as part of a long term transition surprised by star-studded teams in a charity respectively. Steve plan. match to raise funds for victims Waugh and Australian His first assignment will be of Australia’s bushfires, organ- to lead the team in a three- ICC ban isers said yesterday. coach Justin Langer will match series against World Cup The former Test captains also have non-playing champions England, starting in REUTERS — PORT ELIZABETH are the latest players to come roles. Cape Town on February 4. out of retirement for the appeal, Test and Twenty20 captain South Africa paceman Kagiso joining Aussie greats Adam Gil- Faf du Plessis was not in a Rabada says he was surprised christ, Brett Lee, Michael Clarke and destroyed more than 2,000 15-man squad named by Cricket to be sanctioned for his and Shane Watson. homes in recent months. South Africa yesterday despite exuberant celebration of Joe India’s Tendulkar and West Sports stars have stumped committing himself to the Root’s dismissal in the third Indies fast bowler Walsh will up memorabilia and cash in organisation until the World Test against England but coach teams skippered by recent weeks to help the relief Cup T20 in October and knows he cannot keep letting Shane Warne and Ricky effort. November. his team-mates, and himself, Ponting respectively. Steve Earlier this month, Warne’s Independent selector Linda down. Waugh and Australian coach “baggy green” cap, awarded to Zondi said Du Plessis’ omission Rabada was handed a one- Justin Langer will also have Test players on their debut, sold did not signal the end of his ODI match ban by the International non-playing roles. at auction for more than A$1m career. Cricket Council (ICC), ruling “We are absolutely hon- (nearly $700,000) with all “We decided to rest Faf and him out of the last match of the oured to be welcoming Sachin funds aiding victims. Kagiso Rabada for this series four-Test series, which starts and Courtney back to Australia Tennis superstar Serena because they have both played in Johannesburg on Friday. where they both enjoyed a lot Williams gave her US$43,000 a lot of cricket,” said Zondi. His absence is a serious of success as players,players, and we WTA Auckland Classic winnerswinners’ “A different squad will be blow to South Africa’s hopes can’t wait to haveave them chequecheque to a bushfire relierelieff picked for a T20 series against of levelling the series. involved,” saisaidd fund,fund, wwhilehile an exexhi-hi- England after the one-day Rabada’s sanction related Cricket Australiaalia bbitionition mmatchatch ffea-ea- games and after that there are to an incident on the first day chief Kevinn turing Roger still T20s and ODIs against of the Test last Thursday. Roberts. FederFedererer anandd Australia.” After bowling out Root he The Feb- other top players Zondi said the appointment “He has a unique outlook Lutho Sipamla and Sisanda ran down the pitch, went ruary 8 game in Melbourne of De Kock was part of suc- and manner in which he goes Magala and left-arm spinner down on his haunches, will be playedd raised moneymoney cession planning leading up to about his business and is tacti- Bjorn Fortuin. Of these Magala clenched his fists and roared as a curtainn aheadahead ofof thisthis the 2023 Cricket World Cup. cally very street smart,” said and Verreynne have yet to play into the ground - all under the raiser to the Bigig week’sweek’s AusAus-- In his press conference after Smith. at any international level. nose of the England captain. Bash League final,nal, traliantralian Open.Open. the third Test against England “We are confident that the “It was something I didn’t with match profitsofits on Monday, Du Plessis said new leadership role will bring SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD expect,” Rabada said yes- and funds raisedd to there was an opportunity to out the best in him as a cricketer Quinton de Kock (captain), Temba Bavuma, terday. “Whether it was the go to the Australianralian relieve some of the pressure on and that he can take the team Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hen- right thing to ban me or the Red Cross. his captaincy. forward into the future and wrong thing, the reality is that Cricket Australiatralia hhasas dricks, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, De Kock, 27, has previously produce results that South I’m banned. also injected A$2m David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi captained South Africa in two Africans the world over can be “It cannot keep happening ($1.38m) intoo a one-day internationals and two very proud of.” Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Jon- because I’m letting the team fund to assistist T20 internationals. The South African squad Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Ver- down and I’m letting myself communityy Graeme Smith, CSA acting includes new ODI caps in reynne. down. That’s why it hurts so cricket clubss

director of cricket, said De Kock batsmen Janneman Malan and Smuts, Magala, Ngidi and Shamsi (called up much but it gives me a chance impacted by thee was one of the best wicket- Kyle Verreynne, all-rounder to a conditioning camp) to work on my game and a fires, which haveve keeper-batsmen in the world. Jon-Jon Smuts, fast bowlers chance to have a bit of a rest.” killed 29 peoplele India’s Sharma advised Mathews steadies Sri Lanka in pursuit of 6-week rest, to miss big first innings lead against Zimbabwe New Zealand Test series REUTERS — HARARE comfortable before he employed a wild heave at a IANS — NEW DELHI be taken off the ground as he Captain Angelo Mathews struck Nyauchi delivery and was needed medical attention. an unbeaten 92 as Sri Lanka caught at slip by Brendan Senior India pacer Ishant Ishant returned figures of posted 295 for four at the close Taylor. Sharma is all but out of the 3-45 in Vidarbha’s first essay. of the third day of the first Test And Zimbabwe will have Test series against New Ishant underwent an MRI against Zimbabwe yesterday, felt right in the game when they Zealand after he suffered a scan on Monday and the putting his side in the driving removed Dinesh Chandimal Grade 3 tear on his right report yesterday showed that seat at the Harare Sports Club. (12), caught and bowled by ankle while playing for Delhi he had a tear. Sri Lanka trail Zimbabwe’s captain Sean Williams with the in their Ranji Trophy While the first Test is set first innings total of 358 by 63 BRIEF SCORES score on 227. encounter against Vidarbha to be played from February 21 runs, but have six wickets in But Matthews and De Silva Zimbabwe 358 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. to 25, the second Test is from hand to pass that on day four set about steadying the innings Sri Lanka DDCA director Sanjay February 29 to March 4. and leave their hosts likely 295-4 (A. Math- again and have given Sri Lanka Bhardwaj said that the pacer The Indian team has in needing to bat out their second ews 92 not out, K. Mendis a platform from which to was all but out of the Test recent times seen quite a innings to save the test on what 80, D. de Silva 42 not out, F. launch on day four in search of series against New Zealand few injury issues and the is a slow wicket. Karunaratne 37; V. Nyauchi Sri Lanka’s quick runs to build a lead. as he has been asked to rest trio of Hardik Pandya, Bhu- Mathews has taken 253 balls 2-38) Angelo The tour was hastily his leg for six weeks. vneshwar Kumar and on his way to what he hopes Match situation: Sri Lanka Mathews arranged, having only been “He has been advised Shikhar Dhawan are at the will be a 10th Test century and trail by 63 runs with six during the announced on January 8. Zim- complete rest for six weeks, National Cricket Academy at first in over a year. He will be wickets remaining in the third day babwe, returning to Test cricket so there is little chances of him present. joined at the crease today by first innings of the ﬁrst for the first time since their tour playing the Test series against While Pandya will com- Dhananjaya de Silva (42 not Toss: Zimbabwe Test against of Bangladesh in 2018, were New Zealand next month," the plete his rehab after under- out) as the pair share an Zimbabwe briefly suspended by the Inter- former cricketer said. going back surgery, Bhuv- unbeaten fifth wicket stand of in Harare, national Cricket Council last The 31-year-old picked neshwar underwent surgery 68. yesterday. year because of government up the injury in the fifth over for sports hernia and Sri Lanka started the third interference in the sport, but of Vidarbha’s second innings Dhawan injured his shoulder day on 42 for one and advanced were reinstated in October. -- his third. Ishant was seen in the last ODI against Aus- that score to 92 before captain Zimbabwe seamer Victor another debutant, Ainsley The second Test will also be writhing in pain and had to tralia on Sunday. Dimuth Karunaratne (37) Nyauchi (2-38) as he was Ndlovu. played at the Harare Sports became a first Test wicket for caught at short mid-wicket by Kusal Mendis (80) looked Club, starting on January 27. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020 Al Sadd strike late to grab full points

Nam Tae Hee (right) of Al Sadd celebrates scoring ARMSTRONG VAS through Brazilian Thiago In the second half, the THE PENINSULA a goal against Al Khor during their QNB Stars who put the ball past goal- induction of Hassan Al League match at Al Khor Stadium yesterday. keeper Saad Al Dosari Al Haydos gave Al Sadd more Al Sadd rallied from a goal Sadd players tried to equalise attacking options. down to register a fighting but attempts by Baghdad However, Al Sadd were 2-1 win over Al Khor in the Bounedjah, Afif, missed the denied a goal in the second Faria resigns as QNB Stars League match at mark. half with VAR coming to Al Al Duhail coach Al Khor Stadium yesterday. Al Sadd kept up the Khor rescue as Bounedjah The match was the pressure and In the 15th was ruled as offside. QNA — DOHA seventh round match which minute, Nam Tae unleashed Al Sadd continued to was postponed due to Al a powerful shot from outside dominate the proceedings as Al Duhail announced Sadd’s AFC Champions the penalty area which went Al Khor were pushed to the yesterday that their coach Rui league engagements With close to the goal post. defensive mode. Faria (pictured) resigned. this victory, Al Sadd climbed Al Sadd equalized Al Sadd team pressed The club said in a to third place with 24 points. through Nam Tae, following hard in the last minutes to statement that the board Al Khor opened the Hashem Ali’s cross from the score the second goal. In the accepted Faria’s resignation, scored very early in the 4th right side, which Baghdad 89th, Afif penetrated from which was due to personal minute, before Nam Tae Hee controlled and Nam Tee the left side and played a reasons. scored the equaliser for Al giving the finishing touches cross that was deflected by The club thanked Faria for Sadd in the 30th, before by firing into the back of the Al Khor’s defense in front of his efforts during his time at Akram Afif scored the match nets. the striker Bounedjah but he the club, wishing him luck in winning goal in the fifth Al Sadd came close to missed the target. future endeavors. minute of injury time. taking the lad with a minute Finally, Afif score the Al Duhail hired Faria in The beginning of the left for the first half whistle second goal for Al Sadd in the January 1 of 2019, they cur- match witnessed an early but Afif’s effort went close to fifth minute of extra time to rently lead the league with goal for Al Khor team the target. give Al Sadd full points. nine wins and three draws.

PSG's Mbappe dreams of Premier League wobbles leave ‘Champions League, Euro 2020 and Olympic treble’

AFP — BAGNOLET top four chase wide open (pictured) Kylian Mbappe says he is dreaming of helping Paris Saint-Germain win a first AFP — LONDON Champions League trophy this year, as well Manchester United’s as leading France to the title at Euro 2020 and Chelsea remain in pole position to Norwegian manager Ole the Olympic Games in Tokyo. claim fourth spot in the Premier Gunnar Solskjaer throws The 21-year-old PSG and France star, a League and a return to the riches and the ball back in from World Cup winner in 2018, was asked what prestige of the Champions League the touchline during the was on his wish list for the new year while next season. English Premier League launching his charity in the Paris suburbs on However, a slump in form from match in this ﬁle picture. Monday. Frank Lampard’s men has left the “It would be a treble of Champions League, door open for Manchester United, European Championship and Olympic Games. Tottenham and Arsenal to secure a That wouldn’t be bad,” said Mbappe, with a much-needed return to Europe’s top smile. competition, while Wolves and Shef- “That seems unattainable for the time field United are also aiming to reach being but I’m going to make sure I fulfil this the promised land for the first time. dream. It would be a proud moment to be able A look at all six sides’ ambitions win the first European title for PSG and for heading into the final 15 league our country to keep winning.” games of the season. Mbappe’s charity, “Inspired by KM”, was Chelsea - 39 points set up to help 98 children -- a nod to his birth The Blues still have a five-point year -- between the ages of nine and 16 from cushion, but should already be out various social backgrounds to accomplish of sight for the chasing pack. “their dreams”. Chelsea have won just four of Last month, Mbappe put himself forward their last 11 league games, a poor run for the French team at the Tokyo Olympics, that includes defeats to Bourne- while adding he would not want to fight his mouth, West Ham, Southampton, club over taking part in Japan. Newcastle and Everton. “Playing in the Olympics, I don’t control Arsenal at home is followed by everything,” he told France Football magazine. Leicester, Tottenham and Man- “Of course I want to go, but if my club, which chester United, giving them the City, Tottenham and Sheffield United League and was scathing of his side’s that they will put together the sus- is my employer, doesn’t want me to go, I won’t chance to finally pull clear, but it all to come before Rashford returns. performance for most of Saturday’s tained run needed to overhaul his force a clash.” He said he would hold talks could also hand those behind them Wolves - 34 points 1-1 draw at Arsenal. old club Chelsea. with PSG sporting director Leonardo, who is another lifeline. Wolves’ stunning fightback from Tottenham - 31 points Arsenal - 29 points said to be hesitant to allow Mbappe to play at Man Utd - 34 points 2-0 down to win 3-2 at in-form Spurs are almost back to where Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta the Olympics for fears over his fitness. United’s challenge for the top Southampton on Saturday reignited they started under Jose Mourinho as admitted Tuesday’s trip to Stamford Euro 2020 will be held across 12 different four will depend largely on what their Champions League challenge, early optimism and an upturn in Bridge is a must-win to maintain any cities over the continent from June 12 to July business they do before the end of which had stalled in recent weeks. results has fallen away in recent hope of a top-four finish. 12, with the men’s Olympic football tour- the January transfer window. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men face weeks. The Gunners’ performances have nament scheduled for July 23 to August 8. Top scorer Marcus Rashford will Liverpool in their 40th game of the The loss of Harry Kane for poten- improved since the Spaniard took be out for at least six weeks due to a season on Thursday and a short tially the rest of the season is being charge last month, but they have won stress fracture in his back, while squad could well run out of steam, felt in a lack of goals, with Mour- just one of five league games under long-term injuries to Paul Pogba and particularly as they return to Europa inho’s men taking just two points Arteta. Scott McTominay have already left League action next month. from their last four matches. 1-1 draws with Bournemouth, the Red Devils light in midfield. Sheffield United - 33 points A return of 31 points from 23 Crystal Palace and Sheffield United United have what looks like the Most Blades fans would have games is 20 less than at the same have been symbolic of what has held most appealing fixture run-in for the settled for survival in their first top stage last season. Arsenal back this season. final seven games after the March flight season for 13 years, but United Spurs have grown used to Other than Pierre-Emerick international break. manager Chris Wilder demands Champions League football over Aubameyang, a lack of clinical fin- However, they have to ensure much more of his players. the past four seasons, but there has ishing at one end has been com- they are still in the running by then Wilder has led the club up from been little evidence from Mour- pounded by consistent errors from with Wolves, Chelsea, Manchester League One to seventh in the Premier inho’s first two months in charge an unsettled defence. La Liga chief concerned reforms will hasten growing financial gulf

AFP — LONDON, in La Liga over the past decade. top managers with Liverpool’s Juventus have won eight Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola La Liga president Javier Tebas Italian titles in a row, Bayern of Manchester City criticising has warned Europe’s top clubs Munich have been crowned the addition of more matches of the destabilising effect German champions for the past I don’t think we are to an already congested cal- seeking further riches through seven years and Paris Saint- endar. However, rather than a revamped Champions League Germain have claimed six of the helping football player welfare, Tebas is con- or FIFA’s new Club World Cup last seven Ligue 1 titles. in any way if we cerned the huge prize money will have on national leagues. “I don’t think we are helping offered to clubs to take part in China will host FIFA’s football in any way if we gen- generate wealth and China will cause the gulf expanded 24-team Club World erate wealth and it just goes it just goes straight between the richest clubs and Cup in June and July of 2021, straight back to the big clubs but back to the big clubs the rest to grow. while talks are ongoing over that’s what’s happening, the “It’s not just about gener- plans to reform the Champions major clubs share out the large but that’s what’s ating more money and creating League from 2024. part of the income among their happening, the major a legacy, like FIFA is doing with However, Tebas believes players,” Tebas told reporters clubs share out the the Club World Cup, for increasing revenues must be at a launch for La Liga TV in example. Often, the implica- more evenly redistributed to London. large part of the tions, the ramifications, are not prevent the increasing domi- “In the end instead of income among their considered, and that can cause nance of a few select clubs. having 12 Ferraris, they have 15. harm,” he added. European champions Liv- Instead of having 10 Lam- players: Tebas “Everything we’re talking erpool have set a new record borghinis they have 12. We’re about new formats and com- for Europe’s top five leagues by dealing with major clubs gen- petitions aren’t going to benefit taking 64 points from a possible erating a huge amount of Europe’s premier club compe- grassroots football, they’re 66 in the Premier League just money. So our aim is to redis- tition have been rejected, but going to benefit the 10 or 15 two seasons on from Man- tribute that wealth.” some reform is still expected in major clubs.” For the first time chester City posting an English Proposals to change the the coming years. this season all of the Champions Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (left) is congratulated by team- record 100 points. Champions League to four Meanwhile, FIFA’s Club League’s last 16 will consist of mate Riqui Puig after scoring the opening goal during the Spanish Barcelona and Real Madrid groups of eight and introduce World Cup expansion has teams from England, Spain, League match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. have also hit a century of points promotion and relegation to already met opposition from Germany, Italy and France. WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020 SPORT 11

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios hits a return Nadal insists beating Federer’s against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego during their match on day two of the Australian Open in Melbourne 20 Grand Slams not important yesterday.

AFP — MELBOURNE Wimbledon. He has been a finalist in Melbourne four World number one Rafael Nadal insisted yesterday that times since winning but has struggled to get over the matching or beating Roger Federer’s record 20 Grand line, something that baffles him. Slam titles is not important and he was “super happy” “I have been a break up twice in the fifth set and I with his tennis career regardless. lost. Another time I have been injured in a final, of The Spaniard launched his campaign to equal the course, against a great opponent,” he said on why he Swiss great’s mark by dropping just five games in a 6-2, had not been able to convert in Australia. 6-3, 6-0 annihilation of Bolivian Hugo Dellien in the Nadal, in a pink sleeveless shirt and matching shoes, Australian Open first round. was in total charge against the world number 73 Dellien, The Mallorcan, the first man to be world number storming to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before the one in three different decades, can not only match his Bolivian held serve, then against the odds broke, before great rival’s achievement, but also become the first man the Spaniard served out the set. Underdog Dellien was in the Open era to win all four Majors at least twice if broken in the sixth game of the second set but hit back he lifts the trophy again at Melbourne Park. again to break Nadal for the second time in the match It is a big ask for the 33-year-old Nadal, who has before the top seed again rallied to restore control with Nick Kyrgios puts it in only won the title once before in Australia, against a some sizzling forehands down the line. tearful Federer in 2009, with four runner-up finishes Nadal raced 3-0 up in the third set as his physicality to his name. and power shone through. “I don’t care about 20 or 15 or 16. I just care about The Spaniard next plays either Argentine Federico perspective as he eases trying to keep going, keep enjoying my tennis career,” Delbonis or Portugal’s Joao Sousa and said he never said Nadal. looked further ahead than the next match. “It’s not like 20 is the number that I need to reach. “I think about Sousa or Delbonis, that’s all. I think into the second round If I reach 20, fantastic. If I reach 21, better. If I reach 19, about my practice tomorrow, try to follow up the level super happy about all the things that I did in my tennis of tennis that I played in the third set,” he said. “That REUTERS — MELBOURNE career. should be my main goal. I need to play at my highest “I am very satisfied about my tennis career because level if I want to keep going in the tournament. Nick Kyrgios, bad boy of the tennis court turned hero of the bushfire relief appeal, I give it all most of the time,” he added. “That’s the only “If I am able to reach my highest level, that’s the put on a vintage show for a packed Melbourne Arena yesterday with a 6-2 7-6(3) thing that matters.” thing that I have to worry about. 7-6(1) victory over Lorenzo Sonego in the first round of the Australian Open. The Australian Open is the only Major Nadal has “If I am able to play at my highest level, normally I The 24-year-old Australian strode out on court as if headed for the beach in multi- failed to win more than once, having claimed 12 titles am able to produce some good chances. coloured board shorts and a salmon pink polo shirt, promptly complained to the at Roland Garros, four at the US Open and two at “If not, impossible.” umpire about the colour of the towels and then set about playing tennis his way. There were fizzing serves at both the first and second attempts, drop shots aplenty and three “tweeners” in the space of two points -- the first two effective, the third running effort just a little too ambitious. All were greeted with rapt approval by a rowdy partisan crowd at the stadium Kyrgios had requested for his opening match, the only showcourt that is accessible to fans with general ground passes and a willingness to queue. “I’m just playing (for) a lot more than myself,” Kyrgios said. “There’s not neces- sarily added pressure. "I feel like I’m playing for a lot of people. “I guess it’s just a perspective thing, isn’t it? Why am I really getting mad on the tennis court with everything going on?” he added. “I felt like I was very focused today. Every match I’ve played this year, I’ve been pretty good. It’s probably because of everything going on.” It was a few hundred metres over the precinct on the more prestigious Rod Laver Arena that Kyrgios’s request for the millionaires of tennis to do something to help those stricken by the bushfires came to fruition last Wednesday. The greats of the game gathered for an exhibition that kickstarted a fund-raising effort that by the time Kyrgios came off court yesterday had raised more than A$5.2m ($3.6m). After the match yesterday, there was an on court interview with John McEnroe, who complimented Kyrgios on his performance and pledged $1,000 to the appeal for every set the Australian wins for the remainder of the tournament. It was perhaps a pointed pledge from the American great, who was very much the maverick himself as a player and has often looked like wanting to play a mentor- by-media role with Kyrgios. Getting through first-round encounters at the Australian Open has never been a problem for Kyrgios, who has now done it six times out of seven at Melbourne Park. The difficulty comes when he gets dragged into the longer encounters in later rounds where focus, discipline and fitness come into play. Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match That is likely to start in the second round when he takes on Gilles Simon or Pablo against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien at the Australian Cuevas, both almost indefatigable players well-versed in the art of attritional tennis. Open in Melbourne yesterday. “That’s going to be a battle,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve played both players and they’re both great players. I’m not thinking ahead at the moment.” Sharapova can’t say what’s next after latest loss AP — MELBOURNE were three-time major semifinalist Against the 19th-seeded Vekic, Johanna Konta, 2019 French Open Russia’s Maria who’s never been past the second Her Grand Slam losing streak up to four semifinalist Amanda Anisimova and Sharapova leaves round at the Australian Open, matches, Maria Sharapova surely was the 20th-seeded man, Felix after her defeat Sharapova appeared to be righting aware questions about her future Auger-Aliassime. against Croatia’s herself at the outset of the second set, would be coming. This is the only time in Sharapova’s Donna Vekic on grabbing a 4-1 lead, before ceding the She wasn’t able to provide answers. long career that the 32-year-old day two of the final five games. Might this have been her last trip Russian has lost in the first round at Australian Open “She’s still hitting it as hard as I can to the Australian Open, a tournament three consecutive major tournaments. in Melbourne remember,” Vekic said. she won in 2008 as part of a career Indeed, there only was one other yesterday. Perhaps. But Sharapova was not Grand Slam? instance of Sharapova dropping putting the ball where she wanted, “I don’t know,” Sharapova said, her opening matches at Slams twice in a especially on her forehand side, which head shaking and eyes looking down. row: All the way back in 2003, when produced 18 miscues alone - more than “I don’t know.... It’s tough for me to tell she was a teen and made immediate Vekic’s full unforced error total of 17. what’s going to happen in 12 months’ exits at the very first two major appear- “She had some amazing results in time.” ances of her career. her career. Might she enter low-level tourna- Hampered by right shoulder "You know, her work ethic is pretty ments to try to raise a WTA ranking problems that have been an off-and- amazing. I saw her training in the off- that once was No. 1, all those years ago, on issue for more than a decade, season and she’s really working hard,” already was only 145th entering play Sharapova is no longer the player she She played a total of 15 matches last “It’s tough to say I’m on the right said Vekic, who practiced with at Melbourne Park and now will tumble once was. One difficulty is simply that season, going 8-7. After a promising track right now, 45 minutes after the Sharapova before the start of the outside of the top 350 following a 6-3, shoulder itself; another is the lack of run to the fourth round in Melbourne match,” she said yesterday. “But, I season. 6-4 loss to Donna Vekic yesterday? “I match play because of her health. And a year ago, including a victory over mean, there is no way to get out of it “So I think her results will come.” just don’t know,” Sharapova said. “I since serving a 15-month ban after reigning champion Caroline Wozniacki except to keep believing in yourself, Maybe they will. haven’t thought of my schedule moving failing a drug test at the 2016 Australian that was her most recent win against because if you do do all the right things Maybe not. forward from here yet.” Open, Sharapova has only reached one a top-20 opponent, Sharapova went and you don’t believe in yourself, then No one can know, of course. That Joining Sharapova on the way out major quarterfinal. 5-6 the rest of 2019. that’s probably a bad formula.” includes Sharapova herself. Zverev pledges $2.84m for bushfire fund if he wins AO REUTERS — MELBOURNE undermined his confidence and only four double faults combined Germany’s with a first serve completion rate of 84% was another big plus from Alexander Zverev Alexander Zverev reached the second round of the Australian Open his baseline battle with the big Italian. reacts during his with a 6-4 7-6 (4) 6-3 victory over Marco Cecchinato yesterday “I didn’t play well at the ATP Cup,” he said. “Everybody saw match against and promptly pledged to donate his prize money to the bushfire that. I was struggling a lot with my serve, I was struggling a lot with Italy’s Marco appeal if he lands a maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park. my groundstrokes. Cecchinato The 22-year-old seventh seed has not been in the best of form, "I think I was much more stable than I was there. in Melbourne however, so his further pledge of $10,000 for every match he wins “This is a positive for me. Obviously there’s a lot still to build. I yesterday. in the tournament might work out to be a more realistic donation. think this is already getting better. So hopefully I can still get better The German conceded that he was not the favourite to raise in the next few days, maybe weeks.” the trophy on Feb 2 but, if he did, the A$4.12m ($2.84m) first prize Zverev found himself in a bit of a hole at 4-2 down in the first would be by far the largest individual donation to the Aces for Bush- set, but he dug himself out with consecutive breaks of the Italian’s fires appeal. serve and wrapped up the first set after 40 minutes. “Obviously I’m more fortunate than maybe other people are. The second set was an hour-long battle which the German won Every cent can help the Australian people, the Australian animals, on a tiebreaker, and an early break of serve in the third set sent the Australian nature in general,” he said. him on his way to victory and a meeting with Egor Gerasimov of “If I win the Australian Open, I will be the happiest person on Belarus. the planet. I think that the (money) will be in much better use in Swiss player Belinda Bencic last week pledged a donation to the hands that know what to do with it, and know how to help the bushfire appeal for every double fault at the Australian Open others.” and suggested Zverev did the same after his problems at the ATP Zverev made heavy work at times of his first-round victory Cup. over world number 77 Cecchinato but was just pleased to be back But the suggestion got short shrift from the German. in the winners’ circle after losing his first three matches of the “Yeah, no,” he said. “It was fun and all that, but I think it should season at the ATP Cup. In those contests, his faltering serve had be a positive thing, not double-faulting.” SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 11 Alonso a free Zverev pledges agent for Indy $2.84m for bushfire after McLaren fund if he wins contract ends Australian Open

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020 Qatar reach Asian semis, book World Championship berth

THE PENINSULA— DOHA

Qatar qualified for the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship by reaching the semi-finals of the Asian Men’s Handball Champi- onship, following their 31-25 victory over Iran in Kuwait yesterday. Qatar, winners of the last three editions, defeated South Korea in their first Main Group 2 clash and will face hosts Kuwait in their last group match. All of the semi-finalists of Kuwait event will qualify for the 2021 World Men’s Handball Cham- pionship to be held in Egypt. Meanwhile, in Group 1 matches yesterday, UAE overcame Saudi Arabia 23-20 after a close contest while Japan prevailed over Bahrain 25-23. In Placement Group 3, Iraq col- lected full points after an impressive 31-26 victory over Australia while Pictures show action from the Main Group 2 clash between Qatar and Iran at the Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Kuwait yesterday. Hong Kong defeated China 32-27. Australian Open: QNB Stars League aims to Croatia's Vekic ousts Sharapova become ‘the best in Asia’ in first round ARMSTRONG VAS — THE PENINSULA QSL wants to The QNB Stars League (QSL), having achieved the distinction enhance the AP — MELBOURNE She reached the fourth of the second best league in Asia round in Australia last year, last season, wants to go one step fan experience Maria Sharapova hasn’t won and her profile means she further and bag the top rank in a tournament since 2017, and still gets a spot on center two years time. THE PENINSULA her ranking slipped to 136th court. It was only Vekic’s “So far the objective is to by the end of last year. second time on Rod Laver become the best league in Asia. Beautiful football, exciting After a 6-3, 6-4 loss to Arena. QSL has the vision to become matches - which feature 19th-seeded Donna Vekic at ‘I always enjoy the big the best league in Asia on and some big names - at amazing the Australian Open yes- stages,” Vekic said. “I’m off the field. Off the field in stadiums are some of the terday, former No. 1-ranked happy to leave with a win terms of organisation, we are parameters which drive Sharapova is on a run of this time.” already one of the best in the horde of fans to matches. three first-round exits at Johanna Konta, a 2016 world, one of the best countries The QNB Stars League Grand Slam events. Australian Open semi- in the world known for world- (QSL) having achieved the The five-time major finalist, lost her first-round class hosting of any sports event Asian Football Confederation winner got into the main match to Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-2. that can happen around the (AFC) award for the second draw at Melbourne Park via It was only her second match globe,” said Ahmed Khellil best league in Asia want to a wild card granted by since she lost in the quarter- Abbassi, Executive Director of enhance the fan experience organisers, helped by the fact finals of last year’s US Open Competitions and Football as they aspire to be one of the she won the 2008 title here. because of a tendinitis- Development, QSL. top leagues in two years time. Drawing Croatia's Vekic in related problem in her right “Our ambition is to be the “The next couple of years the first round was tough. knee. best in Asia by 2022. We are we want to enhance the fan The 32-year-old Russian The 12th-seeded Konta using research and innovation experience and we want to has had a series of right lost in the first round at the as well as learning. So we’re make it better for everyone Ahmed Khellil Abbassi shoulder injuries and also Brisbane International and using adaptive change to ensure to enjoy those matches as served a 15-month sus- then withdrew from the we become the best in Asia." much as possible. We have pension for a positive doping Adelaide International in an Last year Asian Football amazing weather, we have test to meldonium. Since her attempt to manage her Confederation (AFC) awarded amazing facilities this offers return from the suspension, injury. Even before she left QSL league as the second best a great opportunity for fam- her best showing at a major for Australia, the British No. league in Asia. ilies to come and enjoy that,” has been the quarterfinals at 1 told officials she wouldn’t Elaborating on the research said Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, the 2018 French Open. play Fed Cup this year. and innovation aspect Abbassi Executive Director of Com- She wasn’t making any Konta had always made said: “We are pioneers in petitions and Football Devel- excuses. at least the second round in football innovation. We are the opment, QSL. “I mean, I think I’m not four previous appearances first ones to use data and the best as we are attracting Abbassi said QSL’s plan the only one - I can speak in the main draw here. Still, tracking devices to evaluate our some big stars such as Mario is to reach more commu- about my struggles and the she was upbeat after the loss. players and to give the oppor- Mandzukic, such as Gabi. And nities and fans based in things that I’ve gone through “I think ultimately the tunity to the clubs, to the Our ambition is to of course, Xavi (Al Sadd coach) Qatar. with my shoulder, but it’s not main thing was to start coaches to use this data to and we have ex-coach off of “We want to reach out to really in my character to,” playing again, and I am,” she develop their players, but also be the best in Asia Iceland (Heimir Hallgrímsson the people, to share with Sharapova said. said. to study their opponents." by 2022. We are of Al Arabi) and ex-coach of them these exciting times to "We are the second league Fulham (Slavisa Jokanovic of Al happen as we are heading in the world after Denmark to using research and Gharafa). So we have some top towards 2022. We have Croatia’s Donna Vekic in use completely implement live innovation as well as players and coaches of the exciting matches, beautiful action during the ﬁrst analysis, which means the coach learning. So we’re world in the QSL which makes football, amazing stadiums round match against receives live statistics on his it one of the Asia’s best.” and really invite everyone Russia’s Maria Sharapova iPad when the match is going using adaptive change Abbassi said the level of to come and enjoy those in Melbourne yesterday. on. So he can take some deci- to ensure we become Under-23 players is increasing matches and those victories INSET: Sharapova reacts sions based on research, based over the last few seasons. and cheer for their teams during the match. on studies that are happening the best in Asia: “The level of participation and their players,” he on the spot.” Ahmed Khellil Abbassi of an Under-23 player with our added. “And when it comes to clubs in the QNB Stars League “We have a lot of inter- research, we rely heavily on in the past three seasons national players from all over adapting to adaptive change. So, award to QSl. “Off the field, we reached 10%. It increased to the world. We have over 20 we study our league and we see are also talking about profes- 14.5% in the current season." different nationalities and the strengths and weaknesses, sionalism, where we have some The QSL, he said is played this shows the diversity of but also the opportunities and of the most developed frame- at a more rapid pace which our league and also our the shortcomings. We we works in the world that comes makes it one of the best. society," he said. compare our league with others. to players professionalism, club “We are looking for a faster "We’re working heavily We see what others are doing professionalism and financial playing pace in the matches and on improving attendance. and we see what we can adapt sustainability." this playing pace is calculated And this year we have seen here. So for us, research and "But we are also trying to through the number of passes an improvement, which basi- innovation is a major driver for take inspiration from other per minute. Previously, the cally came also with the the achievement of hard leagues and federations in the playing pace in the league improvement of the clubs. So objective,” he added. world when it comes to eco- reached 16.3 passes per minute. we’re seeing attractive Abbassi broke down some nomic, social and environ- It is now 16.5 passes and this football, big stars and figures and yards sticks by mental sustainability and devel- number is one of the best in exciting matches which end which the AFC conferred the opment,” added Abbassi. Asian leagues compared to in close finishes,” he added. second best league in Asia “On the pitch we are one of European leagues.