Zverev beats injury scare to reach Rome Open semis as Collins sets up Sabalenka clash

Zverev beats injury scare to reach Rome Open semis as Collins sets up Sabalenka clash
Germany's Alexander Zverev returns to Taylor Fritz of the US during their quarterfinal match in the ATP Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 15, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 16 May 2024
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Zverev beats injury scare to reach Rome Open semis as Collins sets up Sabalenka clash

Zverev beats injury scare to reach Rome Open semis as Collins sets up Sabalenka clash
  • Zverev is the highest-ranked man left in the event after Daniil Medvedev’s elimination on Tuesday
  • Tabilo will play his first-ever Masters 1000 semifinal at the age of 26, after seeing off unseeded Zhang Zhizhen of China 6-3, 6-4

ROME: Alexander Zverev reached his 18th Masters semifinal in Rome on Wednesday but only after a worrying fall which sparked memories of the horror injury he suffered at the French Open two years ago.

The world No. 5 from Germany defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to set up a last-four duel with Alejandro Tabilo, the Chilean journeyman who had stunned Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament.

Zverev’s moment of concern came in just the third game on center court at the Foro Italico when he fell on the clay and landed on his front.

The 2017 champion cut his left wrist and a finger in the tumble and required treatment from the tournament physio before he continued the match.

Zverev, 27, suffered a serious ankle injury at the 2022 French Open after falling on the clay of Roland Garros during his semifinal against Rafael Nadal and missed the rest of the season.

On Wednesday, however, he was able to dust himself down to defeat Fritz in 90 minutes, firing 20 winners with six aces and not facing a single break point.

“Taylor has been one of the best players on clay this year. To have a win like that is great for me, especially after the fall,” Zverev said.

“I still have a little bit of pain, so once the adrenaline settles I’m going to check out tomorrow what it is. But definitely happy with the win.”

Zverev is the highest-ranked man left in the event after Daniil Medvedev’s elimination on Tuesday.

As well as Djokovic’s exit, Italian world No. 2 Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz both dropped out injured before the tournament.

Holger Rune, who lost last year’s final to Medvedev, Madrid champion Andrey Rublev — ranked sixth in the world — and beaten finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime have also been eliminated.

Chile’s Tabilo will play his first-ever Masters 1000 semifinal at the age of 26, after seeing off unseeded Zhang Zhizhen of China 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes.

“I just can’t believe it right now, still trying to soak this in... Definitely an unforgettable two weeks for me,” said a delighted Tabilo, the 29th seed who knocked out top-ranked Djokovic on Sunday.

“It’s definitely the best tennis of my life right now, trying to keep a poker face there because inside I’m just so nervous, every time trying to close out the match gets a little bit tighter.”

Tabilo, in fact, had far less trouble on Wednesday than he did in his battle with Karen Khachanov in the previous round, not facing a single break point on his way to the biggest match of his career at the last major tournament before the French Open.

Women’s second seed Aryna Sabalenka needed just an hour and 13 minutes to see off Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 on her way to the semis, improving her record against her Latvian opponent to three wins and no defeats.

Sabalenka will next take on Miami Open winner Danielle Collins who eased past Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-3.

“With this amazing atmosphere and with this amazing support... that’s why I’m super motivated here and that’s why I always say that this is the dream tournament for me to win,” said Sabalenka.

The 26-year-old could get a rematch of the Madrid final which she lost in dramatic fashion to world number one Iga Swiatek earlier this month.

Sabalenka, who has won the two most recent Australian Opens, was in a different class to Ostapenko, a former French Open winner, who could do nothing in the face of some punishing hitting.

Rome is the first time since the 2013 French Open that the top three women have reached the last four of a WTA event of 250 level or higher, with Swiatek and world number three Coco Gauff in the other semifinal on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Collins, ranked 15 in the world, announced in January that this would be her final season on the tour before retiring.

She now has 19 wins in her last 20 matches, dating back to the start of Miami where she captured her first WTA 1000 title.

Her only loss since came against Sabalenka in three sets in the fourth round of the Madrid Open.


Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue

Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue
Updated 01 February 2025
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Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue

Australia’s Marsh out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy with back issue
  • Replacement to be named later with deadline for final squads on Feb. 12
  • Eight-nation Champions Trophy tournament to begin from Feb. 19-Mar.9

SYDNEY: Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of next month’s Champions Trophy with a back injury, with the allrounder needing an “extended period of rehabilitation.”
Marsh struggled with the complaint during their recent home Test series against India and Cricket Australia said the problem had not “responded sufficiently.”

“Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” the governing body said late Friday.

“His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the National Selection Panel to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation.”

A replacement will be named later, with the deadline for final squads on February 12.

The eight-nation Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates between February 19 and March 9.


Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
Updated 01 February 2025
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Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118

Wembanyama has 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks to help Spurs beat Antetokounmpo, Bucks, 144-118
  • Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in an dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve

SAN ANTONIO: Victor Wembanyama had 30 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks and the San Antonio Spurs had a season high in points to overcome 35 points and 13 rebounds from Giannis Antetokounmpo and beat the Milwaukee Bucks 144-118 on Friday night.
Keldon Johnson added 24 points and Stephon Castle had 20 as San Antonio snapped a two-game skid and won for just the second time in seven games.
Damian Lillard had 22 points for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 21.
Wembanyama was 9 for 20 from the field in a dynamic showing one day after being named to his first All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve.
Wembanyama banked in a 34-foot 3-pointer that hit the backboard, bounced off the front of the rim, hit the backboard again and dropped in with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter. The 3-pointer drew loud gasps and cheers from the fans and left Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers with his arms raised in puzzlement.
Wembanyama closed out a 14-point quarter by making a running, one-legged 3-pointer.
Takeaways
Bucks: Middleton was 8 for 9 from the field, including 3 for 4 on 3-pointers, in 23 minutes off the bench.
Spurs: Castle is averaging 16.8 points and 3.3 assists in his past nine games since returning to the starting lineup.
Key moment
Wembanyama was held to two points on 1-for-4 shooting in the first quarter, but he had three blocks to help San Antonio end the period tied at 35. Wembanyama blocked Antetokounmpo’s shots twice in 14 seconds in the opening two minutes of the game. Antetokounmpo avoided a third block by powering in a dunk over Wembanyama.
Key stat
San Antonio shot 15 for 25 from the field in outscoring Milwaukee 45-30 in the third quarter.
Up next
The Bucks host Memphis on Sunday night. The Spurs host Miami on Saturday night to complete a three-game homestand.


Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20

Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20
Updated 01 February 2025
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Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20

Pooran’s brilliance guides MI Emirates to victory over Gulf Giants in ILT20
  • Captain’s innings seals impressive triumph

DUBAI: MI Emirates secured a five-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in the DP World ILT20 at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, with skipper Nicholas Pooran leading from the front with a match-winning unbeaten 58 off 37 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award as his side claimed their first win of the season.

Batting first, the Gulf Giants made a strong start, with openers Gerhard Erasmus and James Vince regularly finding the boundary.

However, their momentum was dented in the third over when Akeal Hosein dismissed Erasmus for 12. Vince, undeterred, found an able partner in Jordan Cox, and together they pushed the score to 52 for one at the end of the powerplay.

Cox and Vince put together a solid 51-run stand before Alzarri Joseph dismissed Cox in the 10th over. Tom Curran chipped in with 13, while Vince continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century in style.

With the Giants poised for a strong finish, Vince was joined by Shimron Hetmyer, and the duo accelerated in the 16th over, hitting 19 runs. However, MI Emirates fought back, removing Hetmyer (15) and Vince (86 off 50 balls) in quick succession. Late contributions from Tim David and Chris Jordan (both 10 not out) took the Gulf Giants to 173 for six in 20 overs.

Chasing 174, MI Emirates got off to a flying start as openers Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem took the attack to the bowlers. Waseem smashed a rapid 26 off 10 balls before departing, while Tom Banton added 11 before falling to Aayan Khan.

Despite a run-out setback that saw Kusal Perera dismissed for just one, Fletcher continued to hold the innings together, scoring 31 before being castled by Blessing Muzarabani, who impressed with figures of one for 17 in four overs. At 102 for four, MI Emirates faced an uphill task, needing 72 runs off the last five overs.

Pooran, however, took control of the chase alongside Bevon Jacobs, forging a crucial 53-run stand off 33 balls. Jacobs’ departure for 18 brought Romario Shepherd to the crease, but Pooran remained composed under pressure.

Reaching his half-century in the 18th over, Pooran shifted gears as Shepherd’s late blows further eased the equation. With six runs needed off the final over, the MI Emirates skipper finished the job in style, smashing a six over cow corner to seal the victory.

Reflecting on his match-winning knock, Pooran said: “I knew I had to get the job done and be there until the end. I am more experienced now and know what’s required. The key is to trust yourself to absorb the pressure.”

Vince, captain of Gulf Giants, admitted that missed opportunities cost his side. “We didn’t feel it was that straightforward out there. There was some turn for the slower bowlers, but we dropped a catch and it ultimately cost us tonight,” he said.


Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways

Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways
Updated 31 January 2025
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Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways

Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways
  • Blue Waves’ victory over Al-Okhdood comes after surprise defeat at Al-Qadsiah
  • Brazilian Kaio Cesar put hosts ahead on debut in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Al-Hilal returned to winning ways on Friday, defeating Al-Okhdood 4-0 to go three points clear of Al-Ittihad at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
The victory, albeit against the relegation-threatened visitors, showed a return to form after the club’s surprise defeat to Al-Qadsiah earlier in the week.
Al-Hilal may have seen the departure of megastar Neymar but thanks to fellow Brazilian Kaio Cesar, who was making his debut in Saudi Arabia, the result was never in doubt. The 20-year-old winger fired home from close range in the fourth minute after a shot-cum-cross by Moteb Al-Harbi.


It was the perfect start but the Blue Waves had to wait until the end of the first half to establish their dominance.
Two minutes before the break, Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic curled a free kick worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo into the top corner, and two minutes into added time Marcos Leonardo headed home at the far post following a headed cross from Saudi Arabian international Hassan Tambakti.
The Brazilian forward scored a second from close range just 10 minutes after the restart to seal the win.
While the victory put Al-Hilal back on top of the table, Al-Ittihad will join them on points if they beat Al-Kholood at home on Saturday.
Later on Friday Ettifaq recorded a much-needed 3-1 win over Al-Shabab, just a day after the departure of head coach Steven Gerrard.
Gini Wijnaldum put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes and despite a quick response from Abderazzak Hamdallah goals from Joao Costa and a second for the Dutchman deep into injury time put the game beyond reach.


Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries

Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries
Updated 31 January 2025
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Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries

Postecoglou hopes for end to ‘vicious cycle’ of Tottenham injuries
  • Postecoglou is under severe pressure after a miserable run of seven Premier League games without a win
  • Postecoglou is battling a lengthy injury list that threatens to stop the north Londoners ending their malaise

LONDON: Ange Postecoglou admits Tottenham’s “vicious cycle” of injuries has hampered his attempt to get the troubled club back on track.
Postecoglou is under severe pressure after a miserable run of seven Premier League games without a win, with six defeats in that dismal spell also triggering fan protests against chairman Daniel Levy.
Ahead of Sunday’s game at Brentford, Postecoglou’s side are languishing in 15th place, just eight points above the relegation zone.
The Australian earned a little breathing space on Thursday when a 3-0 win against Elfsborg booked Tottenham’s place in the Europa League last 16.
But Postecoglou is battling a lengthy injury list that threatens to stop the north Londoners ending their malaise.
Postecoglou was already without Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and James Maddison.
Romania defender Radu Dragusin became the latest to be bitten by the injury bug when he was forced off against Elfsborg, although center-back Micky van de Ven played 45 minutes on his return from a hamstring problem.
“We’ve had to deal with a real extreme situation, which unfortunately once we got hit, it is then very hard to rectify on the run,” Postecoglou told reporters on Friday.
“We obviously got some significant injuries early on, which hampered our progress, and then we had to rely on a small group of players to get us through and that then burdened them.
“It has been this vicious cycle. The volume of games that clubs are playing, we’ve been in an extreme situation but a lot of clubs are facing similarities in Europe.”
It is a vital week for Tottenham, who travel to Liverpool holding a 1-0 lead in the second leg of the League Cup semifinals on Thursday before heading to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on February 9.
Injuries forced Postecoglou to turn to youth academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi, who all scored their first goals for the club against Elfsborg.
Now the former Celtic boss is desperate to avoid any further fitness setbacks as he bids to end a Tottenham trophy drought stretching back to 2008.
“Every time I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s usually been an oncoming train,” he said.
“We seem to be losing players as we get them back. We don’t want to lose anyone else, but again, best laid plans.
“You can’t plan for these things. We’ve got a big week coming up, starting Sunday.
“We’re going to have to do it with this core group of players, so we’ve just got to be careful about how we go about it.”