Sunday 22 January 2017

SPORTNadal wins epic battle as Serena sails

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Godart, Caballero emerge champions in DohaThe Peninsula

Luxembourg's Olivier Godart won the inaugural Doha Tri-athlon in style, to steal the

hearts and minds of athletes and spectators alike.

Victorious Godart was fol-lowed by Spaniard Aday Alvarez who was placed second while Bah-raini triathlete Abdulla Attiya finished third.

Female overall top three went to Spaniard Isora Caballero, South African Carmel Lord and Gerda Maria from Romania.

The event saw over 50 inter-national athletes competing along with the locals, for both Olympic and Sprint distances for several titles, as either individuals or teams.

Triathlon is an endurance sport that combines swimming, cycling and running into one race. With triathlon races being open to the wide public, it offers a unique opportunity for sports enthusiasts to experience racing alongside professional athletes.

Over 25 Qatari triathletes par-ticipated in the event, a record number for any triathlon race and

a strong sign in the growth of tri-athlon in Qatar.

Winners of the Qatari Olym-pic category were Mubarak Al Ajji placing first, followed by Nasser Al Mohannadi in second and Faisal Al Qahtani taking third position. In the Sprint category Ebrahim Al Romaihi took the win, followed by Abdulaziz Al Hazeem in second and Abdulla Al Hemaidi in third for Qataris.

Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation President Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwari was proud to see the event unfold with such success amd said: “Qatar has hosted many world-class events in recent years and we are all proud to see Doha Triathlon add to our rich sports heritage. The number of Qataris having participated in this event is a testament to the growing pop-ularity of triathlon and our increased commitment to support local athletes and triathlon events.”

Dr. Nasser Al Mohannadi, Board Member Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation and founder of first Qatari triathlon group reports that Doha Triathlon has helped to popularize the sport of triathlon with Qataris.

An accomplished triathlete himself and first Qatari ironman and advocate for the sport, Dr. Nasser said: "triathlon has the potential to improve all our lives. The training and endurance requirements of triathlon foster the values of self-discipline, hard work and determination. As a Qatari, I've made it my mission to spread these values through the sport of triathlon for current and future generations."

With the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) serving as the principal race venue, competitors got a chance to swim the MIA water-front, cycle along a closed cornice road stretching from the MIA to Doha Sheraton and a run around the MIA park.

Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Mar-keting and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said, “QTA is particularly proud to have supported this home-grown initiative, which we hope will develop into a leading event in the GCC region over the next few years, attracting competitors and their families to visit Qatar.”

Hatem ElSafty, president of the TriClub Doha and event Race

Director said that the event was a great success showing Qatar at its best and putting it on the interna-tional triathlon map.

Marouf Mahmoud, founder of Tasama Sports Development took Doha Triathlon as his company’s first project for 2017 said: “I’d like to thank all involved in making this dream a reality. Qatar now has it’s own triathlon brand and we are committed to its growth after such a strong start. The Qatar Cycling Federation and TriClub Doha made the execution possible while all our sponsors contributed to the overall feel and reach that we’ve managed to achieve. ”

With Qatar Tourism Authority being a presenting partner, Doha Triathlon further benefited from the backing of local prize sponsors Carbon Wheels Bike Shop, Oola Sportswear, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Riviera Hotel, and Sehtak Awalan. On site operational con-tributions came from sponsors Trinity Talent, Fraser Suites, Man-nai Corp, Rayyan Water, FitQ and videography by Mena Film Group.

The podium winners of the inaugural Doha Triathlon, Olivier Godart of Luxembourg, (centre), Aday Alvarez of Spain and Abdulla Attiya of Bahrain pose for a photograph with Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation President Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwari (left) and Country Manager for Royal Air Maroc, Adil Khalloufi (second right) during the presentation ceremony yesterday. BELOW: A Bahraini triathlete crosses the finish line during the inaugural Doha Triathlon yesterday.

Competitors swim during the Doha Triathlon, at the Museum of Islamic Art waterfront yesterday.

Qatar take on mighty Germans with an eye on quarters

Fawad Hussain The Peninsula

Qatar arrived in France with a target to reach the quarter-finals of the World 25th IHF Men’s World Champi-

onship and they are just a win away in achieving their goal.

However, clearing the next hurdle won't be easy for the 2015 runners-up as they face Euro-pean champions Germany in the Eighth Finals in Paris today.

Al Anabi, coached by Valeiro Riveira, experienced a roller-coaster ride on their way to the knock-out stage of the global event bagging two wins – against Bahrain and Argentina – while losing to Egypt, Sweden and Den-mark in their group D matches.

Germany, on the other hand, reached the last 16 stage by win-ning all their group matches.

Qatar lost their last group match against Olympic champi-ons Denmark on Friday but not

before putting up a brave show and they can take heart from their courageous performance against the European giants, before taking on the unbeaten Germans.

The 2015 silver medalists gave Denmark a run for money in the 60 minutes of thrilling action before the latter side ended as the eventual winners by three points, claiming the bat-tle 32:29.

The Danes took an early lead and held a steady one to two-goal advantage until Qatar managed to equalise in the 10th minute off a goal from Abdulrazzaq Murad.

Qatar's goal-keeper Danijel Saric came into goal to save a penalty off Jesper Noddesbo and from there the game remained level until Qatar claimed their first lead at 11:10 thanks to left back Roine Bertrand in the 20th.

The Danes kept Al Anabi from increasing the lead to more than two goals, and with five minutes left in the half the

difference stood at one in favour of the Asian champions.

Qatar took a more com-manding lead and hit a 20:15 advantage eight minutes in. But Denmark slowly came chasing, steadily closing the gap to a two-goal deficit at 21:23 by the time the clock hit the 45-minute mark.

Less than five minutes later Niclas Kirkelokke equalised at 24:24, and as the final whistle drew near Danish coach Gud-m u n d u r G u d m u n d s s o n experimented with seven-against-six featuring two line

players. His team made it work, first reclaiming a one-goal advantage then moving further ahead. When Kirkelokke tallied his seventh goal at 100 per cent, he put Denmark in front by three, and the match was decided.

Despite the loss, the Qatar coach was delighted on his team’s performance.

“I am happy with the way my team played today, especially in the first half. We had a good first half match, which allowed us to score at half-time. We have seen some good opposition,” said Riveira.

“I also had to preserve some players. Even if everyone is OK, some of them had to take some rest. Now we will see what’s going to happen.”

The Spaniard who before the event said that guiding his team into the last 8 stage was his tar-get admitted that his team faces a tough challenge against the Germans terming it a “compli-cated match”.

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Path to last 16Al Anabi reached the knock-out stage bagging wins against Bahrain and Argentina.

Germany reached the last 16 stage by winning all their group matches.

Qatar's Bassel Alrayes shoots on goal during the 25th IHF Men's World Championship 2017 Group D handball match against Sweden at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris on Wednesday.

Magical Shakib destroys New Zealand

middle order

Christchurch AFP

Bangladesh unleashed Shakib Al Hasan with dramatic effect late on day two of the second Test against New Zea-

land claiming three quick wickets to leave the contest evenly poised yesterday.

"He can do anything on any wicket," fast bowler Taskin Ahmed said of the left-arm spin-ner who reshaped the game with three wickets in nine deliveries.

New Zealand, comfortable at 252-4, were rapidly reduced to 260-7 by Shakib in reply to Bangladesh's 289 when rain ended play about 40 minutes early at Hagley Oval.

Henry Nicholls was not out 56 with Tim Southee on four.

"Shakib did really well. The three wickets changed the momentum," Taskin said, with Bangladesh searching for a first win over New Zealand to follow their victory over England in October. "It will be a very good achievement for us. Our last series back home, we won. We're a bit less experienced than them but still, we can win.

"They also batted well but we're hoping in the next innings if we can make a big score it will be a good Test match."

New Zealand rated the situa-tion "even" and were banking on Nicholls taking them to a first innings lead before applying pres-sure with the ball.

"If we can get ourselves in a handy position and get as many as we can in front hopefully we can put the pressure on them with the ball," opener Tom Latham said.

"If we can come in the morn-ing get a few with the ball it'll swing it back into our favour."

Until Shakib's one-man

fightback, New Zealand were advancing towards a first innings lead after a century stand by Ross Taylor (77) and Latham (68) laid the groundwork following an early collapse.

Taylor, needing one more century to equal the New Zea-land record of 17 held by his mentor the late Martin Crowe, entered the fray following the cheap dismissal of Kane Wil-liamson when New Zealand were trouble at 47-2.

He batted for 160 minutes, piercing the field with a series of cuts and pull shots and sur-vived a dropped catch on 75 before being dismissed two runs later and 23 short of matching Crowe's record.

He did achieve one mile-stone, though, becoming the third New Zealander and fastest to 6,000 Test runs when he drove Mehedi Hasan for three to reach 62 in his 145th innings.

Brendon McCullum took 163 innings to each the mark and Stephen Fleming 165.

Latham, backing up from a career-best 177 in the first Test,

was untroubled in his partner-ship with Taylor until he uncharacteristically edged a wide Taskin delivery to give wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan his first Test dismissal.

Taylor soldiered on for another nine overs until he scooped Mehedi to substitute fielder Taijul Islam.

The umpires debated whether the ball hit the pitch

first before ballooning out to Tai-jul but video replays confirmed it was a legitimate dismissal.

Kamrul made the early breakthrough for Bangladesh in his opening over when he removed opener Jeet Raval for 16 and Williamson for two in the space of three deliveries.

The Bangladesh bowlers had reason to feel aggrieved with at least four catches put to ground and a caught behind to remove Nicholls on 45 was rejected.

Television replays suggested the catch appeal had merit but Bangladesh had used up their two review opportunities.

When Mitchell Santner was given out lbw to Shakib Al Hasan for 29 and appealed the decision, the umpire's decision was upheld but New Zealand did not lose a review because of the ball-tracking technology.

Santner and Nicholls put on 75 for the fifth wicket.

Shakib bowled BJ Watling for one and Colin de Grand-homme without scoring to finish the day with three for 32.

21SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2017SPORT

Bangladesh (I innings): .......................289New Zealand (I innings):J Raval b K Islam...................................................... 16

T Latham c N Hasan b T Ahmed......................... 68

K Williamson c N Hasan b K Islam ........................2

R Taylor c (sub) b M Hasan ...................................77

H Nicholls (batting) ................................................56

M Santner lbw b S Al Hasan ................................ 29

B Watling b S Al Hasan ............................................1

C de Grandhomme b S Al Hasan ...........................0

T Southee (batting) ..................................................4

Extras (LB-1, W-4, NB-2) ........................................ 7

Total (for 7 wkts) ..................................260Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-47, 3-153, 4-177, 5-252,

6-256, 7-256.

Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 17-1-64-1 (2w); Mehedi

Hasan 16-2-51-1; Rubel Hossain 15-2-54-0 (2nb);

Kamrul Islam 13-3-48-2 (2w); Shakib Al Hasan

7-0-32-3; Soumya Sarkar 3-0-10-0.

SCOREBOARD

Magical Shakib destroys New Zealand middle order

Rapid fire Miller leads South Africa to victory Centurion AFP

David Miller hit 40 off 18 balls to set up a South Africa win by 19 runs

in a rain-shortened first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka at Super-Sport Park on Friday.

Miller's power hitting ena-bled South Africa to score 126 for six in a match reduced to ten overs a side before Sri Lanka reached 107 for six.

Although Sri Lanka made a good start, with Niroshan Dickwella and Dhananjaya de Silva putting on 59 off 31 balls for the first wicket, they could not maintain the run rate and wickets fell rapidly after the left-handed Dickwella was caught on the midwicket boundary off leg-spinner Imran Tahir for 43 off 19 balls.

Lungi Ngidi bowled with impressive pace and was named man of the match after taking two for 12 in his two overs. The left-handed Miller hit three sixes and three fours. He and new captain Farhaan Behardien put on 51 off 23 balls for the fourth wicket.

Behardien made 31 not out off 18 balls.

Bairstow to replace Hales for India T20 series New Delhi AFP

Wicketkeeper-bats-man Jonny Bairstow will replace injured

opener Alex Hales in England's squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against India, the English cricket board said yesterday.

Hales has been ruled out of the third and final one-day international against India on Sunday after he fractured his right hand while attempting a catch in the second ODI in Cuttack.

He will also miss the T20 series that starts on January 26.

Hales was scheduled to consult a surgeon upon returning home yesterday.

The Eoin Morgan-led Eng-land team is trailing the ODI series 2-0 after India won the second one-dayer by 15 runs.

The final ODI will take place in Kolkata today.

Blundell in New Zealand ODI squad to play Australia Christchurch AFP

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell is the sole newcomer in the

14-man New Zealand squad announced Saturday for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia which starts next week.

However his inclusion in the playing XI was not guar-anteed with New Zealand weighing up the option of using regular opener Tom Latham as the gloveman.

Blundell's only previous international experience was when he was rushed into the New Zealand side for the final Twenty20 match against Bangladesh two weeks ago when regular wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi was injured.

The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODIs are in Auckland on January 30, Napier on February 2 and Hamilton on February 5.

Rapid collapseNew Zealand, comfortable at 252-4, were rapidly reduced to 260-7 by Shakib in reply to Bangladesh's 289 at Hagley Oval.

New Zealand's Colin De Grandhomme is bowled by Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, watched by wicketkeeper Quazi Nurul Hasan during day two of their second Test cricket match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday.

SOUTH AFRICAJ Smuts c Gunaratne b Lakmal ................... 13

H Kuhn lbw Kulasekera ................................10

T de Bruyn c Gunaratne b Prasanna ......... 19

D Miller c Lakmal b Kulasekera ..................40

F Behardien (not out) ................................... 31

M Mosehle (run out) .......................................6

W Parnell (not out) .........................................0

Extras (LB-1, W-5, NB-1) ................................ 7

Total (for 5 wkts in 10 overs) .......126Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-30, 3-54, 4-105, 5-125.

Bowling: Mathews 2-0-29-0 (2w); Kulasek-

era 2-0-27-2; Lakmal 1-0-18-1 (1w); Gunaratne

2-0-12-0 (1w); Prasanna 1-0-14-1 (1w); Pra-

deep 2-0-25-0.

SRI LANKAN Dickwella c De Bruyn b Imran Tahir ......43

D de Silva b Imran Tahir ...............................27

A Mathews c De Bruyn b Parnell ..................6

T de Silva c Kuhn b Phangiso ........................0

S Prasanna c Mosehle b Ngidi ..................... 12

K Mendis c Imran Tahir b Ngidi ......................1

D Chandimal (not out) ...................................6

A Gunaratne (not out) ..................................10

Extras (LB-2).....................................................2

Total (for 6 wkts in 10 overs) ....... 107Fall of wickets: 1-59, 2-73, 3-74, 4-88, 5-90,

6-91.

Bowling: Ngidi 2-0-12-2; Parnell 2-0-23-1;

Phehlukwayo 2-0-23-0; Imran Tahir 2-0-23-2;

Phangiso 2-0-24-1.

SCOREBOARD

DJ shines on day three to set ‘Sunday Showdown’Abu DhabiThe Peninsula

Dustin Johnson stole the show on day three at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Cham-

pionship, as an 8-under round of 64 propelled him into a five-way tie for second at 12-under, one shot behind leader Tyrrell Hatton.

On a day where the over-night leaders faltered, Johnson was in irresistible form, and dis-played his undeniable pedigree as a Major champion and World No.3 on the way to his 64. The powerful American delivered six birdies, an eagle and kept his scorecard bogey-free around the pristine National Course he described as “perfect” post-round.

Englishman Tyrrell Hatton will take a one-shot advantage heading into Sunday’s final round, carding his third consec-utive round in the 60s with a 4-under 68 to lead the chasing pack of Johnson, Pablo Lar-razábal, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Martin Kaymer and Tommy Fleetwood. In an incredibly tight leaderboard, five players sit on 11-under, with Henrik Stenson

among a further five on 10-under.

On settling into his Middle East debut, Johnson said: “Yeah, I played a little bit better today. The biggest difference – I drove it better. I hit a lot more fairways today than I have been. Holed a few putts. Still have yet to birdie a par 5, but I did make an eagle on 8 today. I chipped one in. But yeah, it was a really solid round.”

Leader Hatton said on his thoughts ahead of Sunday: “Obvi-ously big names are up there, so I've just got to focus on my game and try and play as well as I can. I love this place. It's one of my favourite events of the year, so hopefully I can go out there tomorrow and have a good day.”

On his potential final round pairing with Johnson, the 25-year-old added: “Should be good fun. I'm sure I'll be hitting in first, that's for sure. It's great to play with the big names. I played with Stenson today which is pretty cool. Looking forward to tomorrow.”

After shining in the opening two rounds, three-time Abu Dhabi Champion Kaymer could only manage a level-par 72 in the blustery afternoon wind, but the

German remained positive after his round.

“Well, I didn't hit as many good tee shots as the first two days,” said the 32–year-old. “I missed a few fairways today, and then it's difficult to create birdie chances. And then I had a

couple of poor shots on 10 and 11. Made a couple bogeys there.

“Fought back well with another birdie, and then the putts didn't drop in the end. So over-all, still a decent round. I think I'm in very good position for tomorrow.”

The big morning crowds at the Championship were treated to a blockbuster pairing as defending Champion Rickie Fowler took to the tee alongside compatriot Johnson. However, Fowler couldn’t match the out-standing level of his fellow

American, moving to 5-under for the tournament after a 1-under 71.

Elsewhere in the field, South African Dean Burmester made one of the biggest moves of the day, and will head into the final round two shots back in tied-seventh after an impressive 66. South Korean Byeong Hun An also shot the best round of his week to put himself into conten-tion for the Falcon Trophy with a 5-under 67.

The tournament’s popular Wear Red Day saw the fairways and interactive Village lined with Championship red as thousands took advantage of the free entry and a chance to watch their favourite golfers in action. Village-dwellers were delighted when fan-favourite Fowler made an appearance, challenging former British no. 1 tennis player Tim Henman to a match on centre court and checking out the Mercedes Benz and Abu Dhabi Tour activations.

The driving range was equally busy, as the famed Trick-shot Boys dazzled crowds – and pros – with their array of tricks and talents.

Dustin Johnson of the US hits his tee on the second hole shot during the third round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

22 SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2017SPORT

Nadal wins epic battle; Serena sails MelbourneAFP

Rafael Nadal's ageing legs outlasted Ger-m a n t e e n a g e r Alexander Zverev in an epic five sets as

Serena Williams sailed into the last 16 at the Australian Open yesterday.

Nadal needed all his trade-mark grit against Zverev, 19, dubbed "the future of tennis", and his superior fitness told as he ground out a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 win.

Germany's Zverev looked in discomfort as he won a punish-ing 37-shot rally nearly four hours into their contest as Nadal, still full of running, pressed his advantage in the final set.

It means Nadal, 30, follows fellow veteran Roger Federer into the last 16 of a contest now missing defending champion Novak Djokovic after his stun-ning defeat to Denis Istomin.

"Everybody knows how good Alexander is," said Nadal, who will play France's Gael Monfils

in the fourth round. "He's the future of our sport, and the present."

Williams, by contrast, had no such trouble as she brushed off fellow American Nicole Gibbs 6-1, 6-3 to maintain her charge towards a 23rd Grand Slam title.

Williams, back after an injury break at the end of 2016, has been in brilliant form and she will take some stopping as she zeroes in on Steffi Graf's Open-era record.

The next player to take on Williams will be Barbora Stry-cova, who ousted France's Caroline Garcia to earn a shot at the world number two.

"Obviously I'm here for one reason," said Williams, who again lifted her index finger in celebration at her victory, sym-bolising the number one.

"But at the end of the day, this is all bonus for me and I look forward to playing (Strycova). I'm ready for her."

Elsewhere 117th-ranked Istomin built on his win over Djokovic by beating Pablo Car-reno Busta 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

to reach the last 16 for the first time. David Goffin halted tow-ering Croatian Ivo Karlovic, who won a tournament-record 84-game match in the first round, to set up a clash against Austrian eighth seed Dominic Thiem.

"I was ready to fight until midnight if I had to," grinned the Belgian.

Roberto Bautista Agut ousted fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 and will next play third seed Milos Raonic, who beat Gilles Simon 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3.

In the women's draw, Brit-ain's Johanna Konta maintained her sizzling form with a domi-nant 6-3, 6-1 victory over former world number one Caroline

Wozniacki. "Against someone like Caroline, she's not going to give it to you. You really do have to earn it and win it till the very last point. I'm just very happy I was able to keep that pressure on," said the ninth seed.

Konta's prize is a round-of-16 rematch with Russia's Ekaterina Makarova, whom she edged at the same stage last year, going 8-6 in the final set.

Makarova, seeded 30, beat sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova in a three set marathon.

Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, who hadn't won an Australian Open match since 1998 before this year, extended her fairytale run by beating Greece's Maria Sakkari 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Next up for the 34-year-old

Croatian, who put her career on hold to flee her abusive father, is American qualifier Jennifer Brady, who upset 14th seed Elena Vesnina.

Meanwhile, Federer is enthused at the prospect of fac-ing Kei Nishikori at the Australian Open today.

Federer, seeded 17th at the season-opening Grand Slam after a knee injury cut short his 2016 schedule, demolished 10th seed Berdych on Friday to set up his clash with the in-form Nishikori on Rod Laver Arena.

"I'm a big fan of his game. He's got one of the best back-hands out there. I love how he can crush it down the line or crosscourt," the 17-times Grand Slam champion said of the

Japanese fifth seed. "He's got wonderful second serve returns. He's fast on his legs. Strong in his mind.

"I know how tough he is as the match goes along. He finds his range and his rhythm, he's tough to stop."

Women's champion Angel-ique Kerber will also seek to keep improving her game after she ironed out some wrinkles with her easy victory over Kristyna Pliskova to set up a fourth-round clash with American Coco Vandeweghe.

"Coco is a tough opponent," the German said. "I know I have to move good, being ready, bring a lot of balls back, but also being aggressive, as well, like I can play."

Men's Single (Third Round) Dominic Thiem (AUT x8) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

David Goffin (BEL x11) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x20) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

Roberto Bautista bt David Ferrer 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 6-4

Denis Istomin (UZB) bt Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x30) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6,

6-2

Rafael Nadal (ESP x9) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x24) 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7),

6-3, 6-2

Gael Monfils (FRA x6) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x32) 6-3, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4

Milos Raonic (CAN) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3

Women's singles

Women's Single Third Round) Jennifer Brady (USA) bt Elena Vesnina (RUS x14) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2

Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

Ekaterina Makarova bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x6) 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3

Barbora Strycova (CZE x16) bt Caroline Garcia (FRA x21) 6-2, 7-5

Serena Williams (USA x2) bt Nicole Gibbs (USA) 6-1, 6-3

Johanna Konta (GBR x9) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x17) 6-3, 6-1

Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 4-6, 6-0, 10-8

Daria Gavrilova (AUS x22) bt Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x12) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts during his third round match against Germany's Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open in Melbourne, yesterday. Inset: Serena Williams of the US celebrates after victory against Nicole Gibbs.

Injured Iniesta irreplaceable, says Enrique Barcelona AFP

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique believes there isn't another player in

world football who can ade-quately replace what injured captain Andres Iniesta brings the Catalan giants.

However, as Barca go in search of a fourth straight win at Eibar tonight, Enrique is hopeful the Spanish champi-ons are finally beginning to find the form that will help them chase down Real Madrid at the top of La Liga points table.

"There is no one, not in the squad or in world football (like Iniesta)," Enrique said yesterday.

"That is the problem. I have many very good play-ers, but none of them are like Iniesta.

Iniesta will miss the trip to the Basque country after coming off at half-time in Barca's 1-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final, first leg win at Real Sociedad on Thursday due to a calf problem.

However, the club remain hopeful he will return in time for the second leg against Sociedad on Thursday.

A first victory in San Sebastian for 10 years in mid-week rounded off a good week for Barca as they cut the gap on Real Madrid to two points in La Liga, although Real also have a game in hand.

Rooney rescues United with record-breaking goal London Agencies

Wayne Rooney curled home a superb free kick deep into injury

time to become Manchester United's all time leading goals-corer and give his side a 1-1 draw against Stoke City in their Pre-mier League clash yesterday.

Stoke went ahead in the 19th minute following a quick coun-ter-attack when Manchester United's Juan Mata steered Erik Pieters' cross-shot from a tight angle into his own goal.

Jose Mourinho's side squan-dered plenty of chances to equalise, with Mata spurning a superb chance to redeem him-self by sending Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass over with the goal at his mercy.

United won a free kick deep into stoppage time and Rooney curled it spectacularly into the top corner to notch his 250th goal for the Red Devils, break-ing Bobby Charlton's previous record.

United host Hull in their next game, while Stoke are also at home, where they will face Everton.

Meanwhile, Gylfi Sigurds-son's decisive goal boosted

Swansea's hopes of Premier League survival as they inflicted Liverpool's first home defeat for almost a year with a 3-2 triumph at Anfield yesterday.

Iceland international Sig-urdsson, who has repeatedly been linked with a move away from the Welsh club, struck with 16 minutes left after Paul Clem-ent's side had let a two-goal lead slip against title-chasing Liverpool.

Fernando Llorente had scored twice in the first seven minutes of the second half for Swansea, but Liverpool's

Roberto Firmino responded with a double of his own.

Swansea showed great spirit to come back and earn both the Welsh club's first-ever league win at Anfield and their first under Premier League victory under new manager Clement.

In doing so, they lifted them-selves off the foot of the Premier League table and out of the bot-tom three, at least for a few hours.

Liverpool, playing their eighth match in 25 days, paid for sloppy defending, and missed the chance to put pressure on

leaders Chelsea, losing at home for the first time since Stoke won the second leg of a League Cup semi-final at Anfield on January 26 last year.

In other match, clinical first-half volleys from Darren Fletcher and Chris Brunt gave buoyant West Brom a 2-0 win over Sun-derland yesterday, leaving the visitors bottom of the Premier League.

For Tony Pulis's West Brom this was three wins from four Premier League games and leaves them in a lofty eighth place on 32 points.

The visiting fans chanted "Are you watching Ellis Short" for much of the second half, directed at their owner, the American equity fund manager who is trying to sell the club which is winless in five league games.

Powerful West Brom have made a habit of seeing off weaker opponents and after a 4-0 thrashing by Spurs and defeat to Derby in the FA Cup in their last two outings the Bag-gies showed no mercy to David Moyes' modest Sunderland line-up.

Swansea bt Liverpool 3-2

Watford draw with B'mouth 2-2

Everton bt Crystal Palace 1-0

West Ham bt Middlesbrough 3-1

Stoke draw with Man United 1-1

West Brom bt Sunderland 2-0

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates after

scoring their first goal against Stoke City during their

Premier League match in Stoke-on-Trent

yesterday.

23SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2017 SPORT

Nasser Al Malki (77), Saeed Al Sulaiti (11) and Mashel Al Naimi negotiating a turn during the race 1 of the first round of the Qatar Superstock 600 series at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Al Naimi thrilled fans with a slick finish to take the top spot followed by Sultan Al Sulaiti and Nasser Al Malki. RIGHT: H E Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali congratulating Nasser Al Malki on his victory.

Veteran Al Naimi strikes early blows

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula

Veteran biker Mishal Al Naimi yesterday thrilled fans with slick riding, grabbing honours in both

races of the first round of the Qatar Superstock 600 series.

Al Naimi edged past arch-rivals Sultan Al Sulaiti and Nasser Al Malki to nail wins in both 12-lap races at Losail International Circuit under lights.

In race 1, the popular Qatari rider clocked a time of 25:10.279 to pick up 25 points.

Al Sualiti, one of Qatar's fin-est riders, clocked s only 0.080

seconds slower and finished with a time of 25:10.359.

Al Malki - who has repre-sented the QMMF Racing Team in the past - finished with a time of 25:14.080, just 3.801 seconds slower than Al Naimi.

Al Nami, who grabbed the pole position in the Superpole, grabbed the lead during the

second half of the race. Despite threatening moves from Al Sulaiti and Al Malki, Al Naimi retained his composure and did not allow any gap to those shad-owing the Qatari veteran rider in race 1.

"I am very happy with this result," Al Naimi said after the two races.

"To get these results makes me very pleased for the Ooredoo team. "

"But I must admit that I didn’t expect such a close fight with Saeed and Nasser," he added.

"When I started the race, I felt I was very fast and after 3 laps I looked back and I saw Saeed and Nasser right behind

me and I thought I cannot push until the end of the race like this and I kept pushing," he said.

"I am lucky that I won the race in the last lap. It was a very good race. I really enjoyed the competition," Al Naimi said.

In the sixth lap, Al Sulati overtook Al Naimi and tried to keep this position until the end of the race but in the last lap, Al Naimi was not to be denied as he slipped passed the former and clinched the race with a narrow lead.

"It was a dramatic race, one of best the races," Al Sulati said.

"I have to say I really I enjoyed the race. I was expect-ing a fight but not from the start until the end," he added.

"When it was five laps to go I tried to overtake Mishal and create a gap but unfortunately it was not possible to get the dis-tance that I was looking at," he said.

"In the straight line of the last lap, he overtook me. But I have to say that I am happy with my performance but not with the second position. I will push in the second race," Al Sulaiti said.

"I take this opportunity to say that congratulations go to all the riders, especially the winner. I would also like to thank QMMF and LCSC for their support of this

series," Al Sauliti said. Al Malki, who finished in third spot, said luck was not on his side.

"I am very happy today, but I would say I was not lucky enough," Al Malki said.

"The race in the beginning was good with the bike and tyres but after seven laps I started to lose my feeling in the bike and I slid a lot with the rear tyre," he added.

"The suspension, I think it was stuck when I pushed. I didn’t like this lap time. I feel I can go better times. The problem was that I couldn’t push the bike more.

"I started to lose the grip and that cost me a lot lap by lap. Al Malki said.

In race two, the three riders retained their positions to secure the top three spots on the points table.

Al Sulaiti has 40 points while Al Malki has 32 from the two races in round one.

A total of 12 riders hit the starting ramp in both the races. All riders featured on Kawasaki 600 bikes.

The trophies were presented by H E Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Abdulrahman Al Mannai the QMMF President, and Khalid Al Remaihi, the LCSC Vice President and General Manager.

Superstock 600Popular Qatari rider grabs the top honours in race 1 and 2 of the first round of the Qatar Superstock 600 series.

Al Sulaiti and Al Malki finish second and third in both races around Losail International Circuit under lights.

Mishal Al Naimi (centre), winner of race 1 and 2 of the first round of the Qatar Superstock 600 series, poses for a picture along with second and third place winners Sultan Al Sulaiti and Nasser Al Malki at the Losail International Circuit yesterday.

Al Ahli trounce Al Arabi The Peninsula

Skipper Meshal Abdulla yes-terday struck twice to power Al Ahli in their Qatar

Stars League (QSL) clash against visitors Al Arabi.

Watched by Qatar national team coach Jorge Fossati, Al Ahli won 4-2 on home soil as men in green posted only their 5th win of the season.

Abdullah (7 and 37, penalty), Pejman Mohammedreaza (15) and Ali Faridon (66) scored the goals as Al Ahli picked up three points against Al Arabi playing under new coach Oswaldo Oliveira.

Luis Antonio Jimenez (76 and 93) scored inconsequential late goals for Al Arabi in a game dominated by the home team.

In the 7th minute, Al Ahli skipper and forward Abdulla scored his team's first and his season's eighth goal in spectac-ular fashion, sending delirious home fans into a rapturous celebration.

Midfielder Younes Rahmati clipped in a near-perfect cross off a free-kick and despite pres-sure from Al Arabi's Vivien Assie, Abdullah produced a snap-header with a cleverly-judge deflection that pushed the ball past goalkeeper Rajab Hamza.

Abdullah celebrated his team's opening goal with an impromptu cartwheel as the home fans cheered on the inspiring captain and national team player.

In the 15th minute, the home team doubled the lead through Iranian midfielder Pejman. Rah-mati once again provided a well-executed corner kick that was headed towards Pejman by Jouhen Beitsoun inside the Al Arabi box.

An unmarked Pejman headed the ball over the head of

Al Arabi goalkeeper Hamza who was beaten by the flight of the ball that just sailed above his head.

Nine minutes from the first-half whistle, Abdulla scored his second goal of the match off a penalty kick.

In a reckless tackle, Abdulla was brought down by Al Arabi's Rami Fayez Shamalah resulting in a penalty kick awarded by referee Fahad Jaber Al-Marri.

Abdullah went for the top left of the net as Al Ahli went 3-0 up on home soil.

In the 66th minute, Faridon charged into the Al Arabi box and once goalkeeper Hamza stepped out of his position, the Al Ahli player chipped the ball into the net with absolute ease to give the home team a 4-0 lead. Jimenez scored two late goals - one from close range in the 76th minute followed by a direct shot off a free-kick in injury time (93).

In the second match, goals from Abdulghanai Muneer (20th minute), Vladimir Weiss (50) and Abdelaziz Hatem (89) helped Al Gharafa to register a 3-0 win over Al Shahaniya.

With yesterday's win, Al Gharafa now have 30 points from 17 matches, while Al Ahli moved to 20 from 17.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE WEEK 17

Yesterday’s results

Al Ahli 4 Al Arabi 2

Al Gharafa 3 Al Shahaniya 0

Today’s fixtures

Lekhwiya vs Al Wakrah

At Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium

(4.25pm)

El Jaish vs Al Rayyan

At Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium

(6.35pm)

Muaither SC vs Al Sadd

At Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (6.25pm)

On Friday

Al Khor 2 Al Kharaitiyat 0

Al Sailiyah 1 Umm Salal 0

PSV Eindhoven win five-goal thriller against Raja Casablanca in Doha

The players and officials of PSV Eindhoven and Raja Casablanca pose for a picture with guests during the opening match of the Al Kass Cup International at Aspire Zone yesterday.

The Peninsula

A hat-trick from 15-year-old Sekou Sidibe and an injury time penalty save in injury time helped PSV Eind-

hoven edge Raja Casablanca 3-2 in the opening match of the Al Kass Cup Interna-tional at Aspire Zone yesterday.

The Dutch giants took a runaway 3-0 lead but the Moroccan lads replied with two goals to make it 3-2.

Raja Casablanca, however, were unlucky not to get a point from the match as they failed to score from the penalty spot.

The PSV goalkeeper was sent off in injury time, and having used all the three substitutions, a striker took guard under the goal and saved a penalty to give the Dutch side victory.

Action from the Al Kass Cup International match between PSV Eindhoven and Raja Casablanca at Aspire Zone yesterday.