This might be the year we see Murray finally win

and defended their lead, containing Al Shabab, who were without star striker Jociel Ferraira Da Silva.

This allowed the dangerous Al Shabab to claw their way back on 64 minutes from the penalty spot after Leo Lima fouled Carlos Villaneuva, Julio Cesar stepping up to hammer home.

In the dying moments Cesar received a long ball from Villaneuva and should have equalised, only for goalscorer Hassan to clear, injuring his goalkeeper in the process.

Nasty injury

Meanwhile, Diarra, who was injured early in the game following a clash with Al Wahda skipper Haider Allo Ali which left him bleeding from his head, pulled off an 84th minute equaliser to rescue a point for Emirates.

Hosts Al Wahda frittered away a golden chance to move into third place with their fifth draw this season.

For Emirates, it was their f irst points since victory on the opening day back in October 15 when they beat Dubai 2-1.

Abdullah Al Shehi head- ed home Emirates’ opener on 21 minutes after some good work from Diarra.

Al Wahda equalised in the 30th minute through their Brazilian Fernando Baiano and the 2009-10 champions moved ahead through an own goal, scored by Diarra.

— With inputs from M.satya Narayan, Chief

Sports Reporter

Themen’s draw is an interesting one because it simply feels a lot different from how things were 12 months ago. Back then, Rafael Nadal was in pursuit of a ‘ Rafa Slam’, whereby he would be the champion of all four Grand Slams although not in a calendar year. The Roger Federer-nadal rivalry was the stuff of legends and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were just a little distance away. Exactly 12 months later, Djokovic is the man who is looking unstoppable, but he does not seem as unassailable as Nadal did a year ago.

Djokovic has had a dream year, and his game both on the mental and physical front has improved vastly. However, he is aware that his body does need to be in prime form as he gets into the first Grand Slam of the year. The guy I am excited by at the moment is Andy Murray. He has looked really fit and in good rhythm in the run-up to Melbourne. There is also an extremely capable Ivan Lendl looking after his game, and this might be the year we see Murray finally win a Grand Slam that has eluded him so far. The other player I would be looking out for is Jo-wilfried Tsonga. He has matured into a fine all-court player and seems to have overcome some of the concentration problems he used to face earlier on.

Big challenge

Then there is Federer. I would be surprised if he does not make the semis, but going further than that might be a challenge.

Which finally brings us to Nadal. He was the toast of the circuit last year this time and looked invincible on court. He has not lost any of that in the intervening months, but what he has lost is an aura of being unbeatable. Djokovic would find it tougher at the summit than when he was on his way there.

Tsonga and Murray are snapping at his heels and he will have to really work on his fitness and ensure he is in prime condition towards the end of the tournament. Murray, Tsonga and Djokovic are my men for the tournament, purely on form and physical condition.