Shelton ready to solve Grand Slam puzzle at US Open

New York: Ben Shelton believes his newly acquired problem-solving skills can carry him to a maiden Grand Slam title when he faces Alexander Zverev in the final of the US Open on Sunday.

The big-serving 23-year-old powered into the first major championship final of his career on Friday after muscling his way past close friend Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semi-final.

The eighth-seeded Shelton was in irresistible form as he stormed to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory in front of a raucous home crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. newsindata.com

It was another impressive milestone on Shelton's journey through this year's tournament, which included an epic five-set victory in the quarter-finals over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Shelton, who blasted 20 aces in Friday's semi-final win, said his success at Flushing Meadows this year has been based on his ability to align brain with brawn.

"I think that problem-solving has been the name of the game here," said Shelton, who had never beaten Alcaraz in three previous meetings before his last-eight triumph over the Spanish star.

"It's been a lot of uphill battle, so I think that I'm fully ready for the challenge to problem-solve," Shelton said.

"I feel that I'm a different player. I feel like I have so many more tools. I feel like I know my identity, am comfortable in my own skin, and I know what it takes for me to be playing top-level tennis.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, being able to problem-solve on Sunday. I know what I'm up against, and I'm also the most confident I've ever been in my game.

"For me, this whole tournament now at this point has been uncharted territory. I'm in positions I've never been in before. I've beaten guys that I have never beaten before. I'm just excited to put it all out on the line."

Shelton is now one win away from becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam title in 23 years. The last player to lift a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.

He is adamant he will not be burdened by the weight of history in Sunday's final.

"I think that I handle these big situations in my career pretty well," Shelton said. "I feel that confidence and belief take over.

"The nerves are always there. It's something that you got to kind of lean into. The nerves are as much there in the first round for me as in the semi-finals, and I'm sure that the finals will be the same.

"It's something you've got to be able to overcome, but for me I'm having fun, you know? This is an enjoyable moment for me and knowing that I can leave it all out there on the court and push myself to the absolute limit is an exciting, exciting thought."

Barcelona: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick warned his players Saturday that any drop in focus could bring them crashing back down to earth after a spectacular start to the season.

The Spanish champions have won all five matches they have played across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and conceding just three, ahead of Sunday's visit to face Levante in La Liga.

"We know in football things can change very fast. I like that we are enjoying the situation (right now)," Flick told reporters.

"If we change something from this attitude we'll go in the wrong direction and this is what we don't want."

Barcelona's attacking stars, including Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, have shone in recent weeks, netting five goals against Feyenoord in the Champions League, as well as against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Elche in the Spanish top flight.

"We're very happy we are playing on this level but we know that we have to show it in every game," Flick continued.

"We know we have huge quality but... we (also) have things we're doing that are important for us, when we keep the intensity high, we are focused and we are active."

Barcelona's main goal this season is to win the Champions League, which they last managed in 2015, but Flick said president Joan Laporta was also keen on claiming a third straight La Liga title.

"I spoke with the fans, with the people in Barcelona, this year we have to win the Champions League and of course this is a dream for us, this is our objective to win this," added Flick.

"The president also said that La Liga is also important, and to win La Liga three times in a row, it would be amazing."

Doha, Qatar: Roberto Firmino and Akram Afif scored braces as Al Sadd maintained their perfect start to the Qatar Stars League with a 6-3 win over Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium yesterday.

The defending champions’ fourth straight victory took them to 12 points, four clear of Al Shamal, who drew 1-1 with Al Wakrah. Al Rayyan, who face Al Ahli at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium today, are five points behind the leaders.

Afif opened the scoring in the 19th minute, chipping the ball into the centre of the net from a precise Paulo Otavio pass. Al Sailiya, seeking their first points of the season, responded through Ali Iyad Olwan, who levelled in the 35th minute with a solo effort. Hashem Ali restored Al Sadd’s lead before half-time, and Firmino extended it with a penalty in the 50th minute after Kellian Albertus fouled Pedro Miguel.

Ahmed Doozandeh pulled one back eight minutes later, but goals from Firmino and Afif in the 62nd and 75th minutes put Al Sadd in control.

Mostafa Mashaal added another in the fifth minute of stoppage time before Al Sailiya’s Olwan scored again in the dying moments.

“I am happy with the win and the results the team is achieving with the start of the league. We strive to continue working to achieve the best,” said Otavio after the win.

Al Sailiya are now on a four-match losing streak.

Al Shamal, Al Wakrah play out draw

At Al Bayt Stadium, Al Wakrah produced an improved performance following their 4-0 rout by debutants Lusail to secure a point against Al Shamal.

Pablo Mari put Al Shamal ahead in the 26th minute with a precise header, but Aissa Laidouni rescued a draw for the Blue Wave in the first minute of stoppage time before the interval.

Al Shamal started at a good pace, with Wesley Said denied by Mohammed Al-Bakri early in the match. After Mari’s header opened the scoring, Laidouni pounced on a rebound after Al Shamal goalkeeper Babacar Seck stopped Ayoub Assal’s shot. The second half saw several exchanges, with Baghdad Bounedjah’s fine header just missing the post in stoppage time.

The match ended on a sour note for Al Shamal when referee Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shammari showed Bounedjah a red card for a heated argument after the final whistle.

Lusail aim to build on historic win

Today, Lusail will look to build on their historic first QSL victory when they face Al Gharafa at Khalifa International Stadium.

Lusail moved to four points from three matches after thrashing Al Wakrah. Coach Emanuel Mesquita knows his side face a tougher test against Al Gharafa, who have collected three points so far and will be eager to return to winning ways under Pedro Martins.

“It has been a very positive week, the players are highly focused and enthusiastic, so we are ready for the upcoming challenge,” said Mesquita.

“The match will be difficult and we must be at our best.”

Martins said Al Gharafa must maintain their focus against a Lusail side that has made an impressive start to their debut season.