Pal Dan first up in Fed’s return
DAN EVANS will be the first opponent for practice partner Roger Federer when the 20-time Grand Slam champion makes his comeback in Doha today.
The Swiss ace, who has a bye through to the second round, is playing in his first tournament since last year’s Australian Open after two knee operations.
He has been training with Evans in Dubai in preparation for his return to the tour and the British No.1 will get the chance to use that inside knowledge when they meet in the second round.
Evans played his first match yesterday since a first-round loss at the Australian Open and had to dig deep to claim a 6-4 1-6 6-2 victory over Jeremy Chardy.
Asked what shape Federer is in Evans said: “He was playing well. We played plenty of sets and it was competitive. This is probably my best chance to trouble him – if I win it would be great.”
RONALD KOEMAN insists he can’t write his Barcelona side off – because with Lionel Messi anything is possible.
The La Liga giants chase a three-goal deficit in tonight’s Champions League last-16 second leg with PSG following a comprehensive 4-1 loss.
But boss Koeman said: “If Leo
PARIS ST-GERMAIN v BARCELONA
TONIGHT, 8PM, BT SPORT is capable of playing one of his best games, everything is possible. He can decide a game at any moment.”
PSG superstar Neymar will miss the tie with a thigh injury.
RAITH ROVERS.0 AYR ...................
DAVIE WHITE was delighted to finish his spell as Ayr’s stand-in boss with a hard-fought draw.
Former Morton and Livingston boss David Hopkin is expected to be named as Mark Kerr’s successor tomorrow.
The Honest Men held firm against a Raith onslaught and could even have nicked a second victory in three days as they were a threat on the counter-attack.
White said: “We deserved to get something.
“Two clean sheets, two goals and four points from two games is pretty decent.
“You can’t underestimate going to Raith Rovers and gaining a point.”
With Manny Duku, Brad Spencer and Ross Matthews all off target and Ayr keeper Viljami Sinisalo denying Duku and his replacement Gozie Ugwu, it was a frustrating night for Rovers.
Boss John McGlynn said: “I thought we played really well, especially first half.
“The only thing that was missing was a goal.”
AYR want to name David Hopkin as their new manager.
The Championship club have interviewed a number of candidates but are edging towards the former Livingston and Bradford City boss.
The 50-year-old has been out of a job since he quit Morton earlier this season but he’s tried and trusted in the Championship and helped Livi win promotion.
Applicants for the job were informed they had been unsuccessful over the last 24 hours with former Scotland coach James McFadden and East Fife boss Darren Young linked with the post, while former Rangers defender David Robertson was also interested.
Ayr have been on the lookout for a boss since they parted ways with Mark Kerr at the end of last month.