US Open champion Stephens dominated Spain’s reigning Wimbledon champion Muguruza to record a 6-3, 6-4 win and advance to the quarter-finals.

Stephens, the world number 12, will face Germany’s Angelique Kerber for a place in the semi-finals.

Muguruza had been the highest ranked player left in the women’s draw following the early exits of world number one Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki in the earlier rounds.

Meanwhile former world number one Kerber was made to sweat in her gruelling clash with China’s Wang Yafan before prevailing 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

Kerber’s victory continues a remarkable run of results since the turn of the year.

The world number 10 has played six tournaments in 2018 and reached the quarter-finals or better in each event.

Earlier Monday, Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova booked her place in the last eight after opponent Zarina Diyas retired in the second set.

Pliskova was leading 6-2, 2-1 when the Kazakh player abandoned with an injury.

“The debt we owe is to ourselves, not to the people. We always give our all, we reached three finals. We haven’t been far off,” Messi said in an interview with Fox Sports.

Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany 1-0 after extra time and then finished runners-up at successive Copa America tournaments, losing to Chile on penalties in both 2015 and 2016.

“We always take each World Cup as a big opportunity, and now more than ever because an important generation will move on, several players will change,” Messi said, ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Spain in Madrid.

Vice-captain Javier Mascherano has already announced he will retire from international duty after the World Cup, while Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain will all be 30 come the finals.

Messi will turn 31 during the competition. He has yet to make a decision on his Argentina future but would be 35 by the time of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“(In Russia) it will be a good opportunity. Argentina is always a candidate for the title because of its image, its history. But this year, we are not favourites,” Messi added. “Spain, Brazil, Germany and France are above us.”

Argentina, who beat Italy 2-0 in Manchester last Friday, will play Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D at the World Cup.

The country last lifted the trophy in 1986 when Diego Maradona was named player of the tournament.

The European side dashed Thailand’s hopes of a hat-trick with a 4-3 victory in front of almost 45,000 fans at Rajamangala National Stadium. It was their second King’s Cup triumph to go with their first, in 2004.

Despite giving everything they had in defence of their crown the home side weren’t able to keep up with the pacy  Slovaks and their superior skills.

“We played a world-class team who are really tough. It’s not easy to vie for the ball with them as they are very strong,” said the diminutive Consadole Sapporo forward in the J league.

He only returned from Japan a few days before the friendly but impressed many onlookers, including Slovakia’s coach Jan Kozak .

“We had only limited time to get our team together but we all gave our best, including the coaching staff.”

The large Thai crowd sang their hearts out to lift the home players’ spirits throughout the 90 minutes it was greatly appreciated.

“I really feel thankful for the fans’ support,” said Chanatip as he prepared to fly back to Japan yesterday.

“I have not witnessed such an atmosphere for a long time. Instead of feeling down, we should learn from this loss and improve in the future.”

National coach Milovan Rajevac praised his players for raising up their level and putting in a top-quality performance.

“They made this game one of the greatest matches since I have been in charge for the team,” said the Serbian. “Every player put up a great fight against a stronger team and gave them a tough time.

“Even though they didn’t defend the title, I felt like they won the gold medal. I’m very proud of them.”

The national team will assemble again at the end of the year for the AFC Suzuki Cup which features Asean nations.

Brazil suffered their heaviest home defeat when Germany hit four goals in six devastating first-half minutes of the Belo Horizonte semi-final nearly four years ago.

Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle both scored twice over the 90 minutes as Germany’s attack ran riot en route to winning the World Cup title.

The teams meet in a friendly for the first time since at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and Tite says Brazil still bear the scars.

“This has a huge psychological meaning – no one needs to fool themselves about that,” Tite told German magazine Kicker.

“The 7-1 from the World Cup is like a ghost.

“It’s present, people still talk about it, but the more you talk about it, the less this ‘ghost’ disappears.

“It won’t just be a sporting challenge, but a huge emotional challenge too.

“We are preparing to give our best performance, which will be important, but of course I also want a good result.”

Tite has been in charge of Brazil since 2016, but Felipe Scolari was head coach for the mauling by Germany at the last World Cup.

“I was watching the game at home in Sao Paulo  with my wife and after the third goal went in, she started to cry,” said the 56-year-old Tite.

“That started me off.

“It was a moment of great inspiration for Germany, every shot was a goal – stuff like that doesn’t even happen in video games.

“Sometimes you get that in football, a team comes close to perfection and that’s what happened to Germany.

“The wound is still open and the match in Berlin is a part of the process of closing it.”

Germany lost to Brazil on penalties in the men’s final of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but this is their first meeting at senior international level since the 7-1 rout.

Tite told Brazil reporters that Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho will replace Douglas Costa in the only change from the team which beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow on Friday.

Germany head coach Joachim Loew expects to make up to five changes from the starting line-up of Friday’s 1-1 with Spain.

Stars Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller have been released by Loew to rest while Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start in Germany’s midfield.

Tite explained in depth why he sees Germany as one of the favourites to defend their World Cup title this June in Russia.

“Not only because of the football, but because of something hard to attain: continuity in their performances,” said the Brazilian.

“It has been a process in the years under Joachim Loew.

“Tactically, Germany has a lot of options, you saw that at the Confederations Cup (which they won) with high quality young players.”

Co-organisers  Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism and Sport Ministry, Amaury Sport Organisation and Move Asia signed a three-year deal to stage the cycling event until 2020.

Two event distances will be raced, over 140km and 70km. More than 2,000 participants are expected to take part.

The contract signing has made Thailand the first country in ASEAN to be able to draw the world-class event to the country. The event will also help boosting the sport industry in the country, as it has a large fanbase. Technology and know-how by professionals will also be brought in to improve the local industry, driving the country to be the cycling hub of Asia.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau – the organisation that plays significant role in bringing L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France to be held in Thailand, stated: “TCEB is the main organization that championed organising L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France, as we envisioned how the event could generate economy to the country to meet government demands. L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France is considered a perfect combination of sports, tourism, and business, which will draw cycling industry players to participate in onsite activities during the L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France is expected to draw more than 20,000 of public participants and a large number of cyclists from around Asia, other world cyclists, business operators, investors, and media related to sports from around the world.

From the feasibility study, it reveals that the event will also generate more than 300 million baht, both directly and indirectly. Over 800 job opportunities are also expected to be created during the period. The event will not only boost the image of the province, but also its hospitality industry. The event is also expected to be a factor to improve the infrastructure and public transportation network, to meet the high standards determined by organizing an event under Tour de France brand.

Mr. Sittichai Sakda, Phang Nga Governor, said “Phang Nga is honoured to be the host of the world-class event L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour De France. We are confident about our preparedness to host the event. Over 80% of Phang Nga is hilly areas and the province does not have much road traffic, which has made the province perfect and challenging as a cycling destination as it has shared some of geographical features as France. Phang Nga has its unique landscape combined with more than 155 beautiful islands in the Andaman. Cyclists can also enjoy the shades of big trees and picturesque seascape during the ride. Starting from Khao Lak this year, there are two route options, 140km and 70km. The starting point is also the centre of hotels and facilities. Cyclists will later ride through the old charms of Sino-Portuguese architecture and many other elements of the city. I can guarantee that everyone will enjoy their stay and bring only the good impressions home with them.

Mr. Jean-Etienne Amaury, President of Amaury Sport Organisation – the owner of the right to L’Étape by Le Tour de France, stated: “We are very pleased to officially enter into an agreement with Move Asia Co., Ltd. and to work with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB to organize the world-class cycling event in Thailand. We are strongly confident in Thailand, especially Phang Nga, that it has all the potentials and very suitable for L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour De France, that will meet the high standard set by Le Tour De France, just like the other L’Étape series around the world that we have already been to. We hope to welcome all the Thai cyclists, as well as some international cyclists to the event.”

Mr. Boonperm Intanapasat, Managing Director of Move Asia, a promoter and official licensee of L’Étape Thailand by Le Tour de France stated: “We would like to thank you all the great support we have received from both public and private sectors, who have joined forces and collaboration to drive Thailand to be the first country in ASEAN to bring in the world-class event to Thailand for Thai and World Cyclists to experience a ride designed to challenge cyclists on a course comparable to the world’s most well known cycling race, Le Tour De France. The event will also allow Thai fans to rub shoulders with Tour De France ambassadors. Additionally, there will be other local celebrity cyclists to join the event such as Leo Putt, Yossawadee “Yo” Hassadeevichit and Thai national cyclists as well as members from cycling clubs in Thailand. In addition, there will be, activities and Expo including Tour De France museum to welcome the world cyclists at the event.”

The 39-year-old American joined Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els as the only players with multiple major and WGC wins, his other WGC crown coming in China at the 2014 HSBC Champions.

Watson, the 35th seed, won the first five holes of the final and never looked back in taking his 11th US PGA title and second of the year after winning last month at Riviera.

“I got off to a good start, really got it going,” Watson said. “There were only about four or five shots over the whole week where I lost my focus, where I didn’t have my concentration.”

His win came with the start of the Masters, the year’s first major event which he won in 2012 and 2014, looming on April 5 and Watson confident as he heads for Augusta National.

“It comes from knowing I’ve got strength to hit the shots again,” Watson said. “Physical strength, being healthy, is going to create the mind — you’re going to have confidence.”

In the semi-finals, Watson defeated second-seeded compatriot Thomas 3&2 and 32nd-seeded American Kisner beat Sweden’s Alex Noren in 19 holes at Austin Country Club.

“I didn’t really make any mistakes,” Watson said. “And then I made some putts early. You have a chance to get the lead. I played solid and he didn’t make any putts.”

– No.1 chance ruined Thomas –

Thomas, who won his first major at last year’s PGA Championship, was chasing his fifth title in eight months and would have overtaken American Dustin Johnson atop Monday’s world rankings by winning, Johnson having crashed out in the group stage.

“It might be a good thing going into Augusta not to deal with all that and let DJ have all that pressure,” Thomas said.

Thomas admitted the chance to match Woods and Jordan Spieth as a world number one before age 25 weighed on him.

“I haven’t had such a hard time not thinking about something so much. And that really sucked. I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Thomas said.

“You’re constantly getting questions about it with the media but I need to be mentally stronger than that, and understand that it’s just a match.

“At the end of the day, obviously I didn’t play very well, but I definitely didn’t give him the match. He made a lot of birdies and played well enough to be deserving to be in the final match.”

– ‘Just one of those deals’ –

Watson sank a 12-foot birdie to win the first hole against Kisner. At the second, Kisner missed a nine-footer for par, falling 2-down for the first time all week.

Bogeys by Kisner at the par-5 third and par-3 fourth staked Watson a 4-up lead and a concession birdie by bogey-bound Kisner followed at five.

Kisner sank a 12-foot par putt to avoid losing the par-5 sixth but took three to reach the green at the par-3 seventh to fall 6-down.

Watson sank an 11-foot birdie putt at 10 but Kisner, on the brink of defeat, rolled in a 34-foot birdie at the par-3 11th to win his first hole.

But that only delayed his fate, Watson capturing the crown with a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 12th.

“It’s just one of those deals. Every time I looked up, there was nowhere to look,” Kisner said. “I guess I need to figure out what happened this afternoon and work on that.”

Kisner was chasing the biggest title of his career, having won PGA crowns at Colonial last year and Sea Island in 2015.

Kisner showed grit in the semi-final, making an eagle at 12 to square with Noren, then matched him with six birdied in a row before sinking a five-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole, the 12th, to dispatch Noren.

“That was a tough match,” Kisner said. “He kept hitting it in there close. I hung in there and made putts and got it done in the playoff.”

Noren beat Thomas 5&3 for third place.

Argentina’s fifth-seeded del Potro, chasing his second ATP Masters title in as many weeks, breezed past Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-2.

Ranked sixth in the world after vanquishing Swiss great Roger Federer in the final at Indian Wells last weekend, del Potro needed just 73 minutes to book a fourth-round meeting with Filip Krajinovic of Serbia, who beat France’s Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-3.

Second-seeded Cilic also reached the fourth round with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Canadian Vasek Pospisil.

Cilic and del Potro are the biggest names left in a field lacking star power thanks to the early exits of Federer and Novak Djokovic and the injury absences of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

Del Potro, the hottest player on the ATP tour right now, is actually in search of a third straight ATP crown after back-to-back victories in Acapulco and Indian Wells.

His win in the California desert was his first in a Masters 1000 event, a welcome milestone after a succession of injury setbacks almost forced him into retirement in 2015.

In other third-round action, South Korean Chung Hyeon posted a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory over American qualifier Michael Mmoh.

Chung, who has yet to drop a set in Miami, needed just 63 minutes to advance to a meeting with Portugal’s Joao Sousa, who rallied for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over American Jared Donaldson.

Ranked No 29 in the world, the European visitors scored three goals by Ondrej Duda, Robert Mak and Erik Pacinda in the 10 th, 34^th and 42^nd minutes.

Thailand despite employing counter-attack strategy were unable to catch up with the fast game from the Republic. Jakkraphan Kaewprom and Pansa Hemviboon scored two goals for the Kingdom in the 42^nd and 79 th minutes.

This is the second time that the Slovak team won the Cup following their maiden win in 2004. Thailand failed in their campaign for a hat-trick after winning the event between 2016-2017. They also have to be content with only BT5 million reward from the Football Association of Thailand for the upset win over Gabon through a penalty shoot-out 4-2 on Thursday. A win on Sunday would have earned them extra BT5 million from the association.

Earlier Gabon beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the third place play-off.

The Saraburi province side prevailed in a tournament that began last November and drew more than 100,000 players from 5,000 teams.

The final 32 teams took part in the knock-out stage on Saturday and Rimklong came out on top despite being a man down in the second half of the final that ended 2-2 after they had a player sent off.

Their reward is a round trip to the UK, where they will undergo a training session with Chelsea coaches at their training ground in Cobham and receive tickets for the potentially crucial game between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on May 5.

A Chelsea Football Clinic was also conducted on Saturday by Laurence Griffin, Regional Football Development Officer (Asia) of Chelsea Football Club for more than 100 children.

Purit Bhirombhakdi, chief executive of Boonrawd Trading Co Ltd, said: “This year’s edition proved a great success as we had extensive responses from 5,000 teams nationwide. We are looking forward for a bigger Singha Football League next year.”