The world number one needed to wait for his 14th opportunity to break his opponent but by that time Mayer had taken the first set by winning the tiebreak. The third placed side can still qualify for Russia but must negotiate a tortuous series of playoffs. Asian World Cup qualifying goes down to the wire. ear but it aims to fatten its coffers when India and Australia come calling in the new year. women’s last 16, with Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, Jennifer Brady and CoCo Vandeweghe also through. Australia not reaching for the panic button, says Mark Milligan. Cricket South Africa reported loss for fiscal year. r better in Jeddah to grab the second direct berth to next year’s tournament in Russia. The Liverpool youngster’s incredible introduction to international football produced rave reviews on Sunday, with manager Chris Coleman leading the praise. However, that is of little concern to Japan, whose players have their own internal battles to impress Halilhodzic and keep their place on his World Cup squad.