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Saturday, August 22, 2020 FOOTBALL Muharram 3, 1441 AH ready to GULF TIMES deliver for PSG on biggest stage SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL Edmilson’s strike leads Duhail to QNB Stars League title Al Rayyan’s 2-0 win over Al Wakrah went in vain as they finished one point behind and had to settle for second

Al Duhail players pose with the Falcon Shield.

Al Duhail fans celebrate at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday.

rigues conceded a free kick, Edmilson and Kayke Rodriguez led their charge. made him pay. Goalkeepers Jassim al-Hail of Qatar Edmilson could have doubled the SC and his Al Arabi counterpart Mah- lead in the 50th minute but took a long moud Abunada did not face any serious time to shoot before Ahli’s Jasem Omar threats even though both came to the blocked to clear it off the line. Almoez rescue of their teams at times. Al-Hail Ali was poor on the night as his strike was returning from an injury layoff . Al Duhail’s Edmilson (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Al Ahli during the QNB Stars League match at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. sailed over the bar, thankfully though it Abunada collected a shot from Rash- did not cost Duhail. idov and header from Kayke in the fi rst By Sports Reporter as they went into the match with just a Duhail, who last won the title in their nerve intact and see of the game. In another match yesterday, Al Arabi half. Qatar SC’s best chance came in the Doha point ahead over Al Rayyan. 2017-18 season, have now regained the Duhail went ahead after the Belgium and Qatar SC played out a goalless draw 65th minute when Abunada blocked Duhail got the job done though, Falcon Shield, which they had relin- striker’ free kick defl ected off Ahli de- at the Al Janoub Stadium. Arabi and Rashidov’s shot from close range. thanks to Edmilson’s free kick in the quished to Al Sadd last season. Walid fender and landed on the net. That slice Qatar SC fi nished their campaigns with Al Arabi’s Jassim Jaber eff ected a dmilson’s fi rst half strike en- 24th minute and partly to Al Ahli’s lack Regragui’s men, though, will know they of luck helped Duhail on the night as 26 and 20 points respectively. save before Kayke could get the ball off sured there was no fi nal day of urgency in front of goal at the Al need to fare much better to keep their they wasted plenty of opportunities Possession was almost even right a Rashidov cross from the right in the drama as Al Duhail beat Al Ahli Janoub Stadium. For Al Rayyan, their title next season, which is scheduled to otherwise. throughout the game. While Al Arabi 83rd minute. 1-0 to regain the QNB Stars 2-0 win over Al Wakrah at the Jassim begin early next month. Duhail thought they had scored in attacked more through the wings, forc- Soon, Al Arabi’s Mohamed Salem LeagueE title yesterday. It was far from bin Hamad Stadium went in vain and A draw for Duhail and victory for the fi fth minute, but Mohamed Mun- ing nine corner kicks as against Qatar al-Hamed failed to connect a Marc impressive performance from Duhail, had to settle for second place. Duhail Rayyan yesterday would have forced a tari’s strike was ruled out for off side. SC’s two, the latter created more pur- Martinez free-kick and the stalemate who seemed to struggle under pressure fi nished with 52 points. play-off , but Duhail managed to keep After Al Ahli goalkeeper Ivanildo Rod- pose in the attack as Sardor Rashidov continued.

QATARI HIGH JUMP STAR Al Rayyan Stadium slowly coming to life BARSHIM PREPARES FOR With its glowing facade and brightly-coloured THE SEASON AHEAD seats, newly-built Al Rayyan Stadium is slowly coming to life. The stadium Al Rayyan is known for its love of traditions and local cul- ture, as well as its hugely popular football team, Al Rayyan Sports Club. The close-knit com- munity here is deeply committed to the team, whose new arena will host up to 40,000 fans at FIFA World Cup 2022 matches. Built on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the new Al Rayyan Stadium will incorpo- rate symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacu- lar undulating façade. The facilities surround- ing the venue will also Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim takes part in a training camp in Malmo, Sweden, as he prepares for upcoming mirror the country, athletic events, and most importantly for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The two-time World champion won with sand dune-shaped the Arab Athlete of the Year award, presented by Spanish newspaper AS, after winning the high jump gold structures recalling the at the World Athletics Championships in Doha last year. In Tokyo, he would be aiming for his first Olympic beautifully wild lands to gold having won a bronze in London 2012 and a silver in Rio 2016. (Twitter/QatarAthletics) the west. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, August 22, 2020 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONFIDENT Bayern squad better than Neymar ready to deliver 2013 treble winners, says Neuer

AFP for PSG on biggest stage Berlin ayern Munich and goalkeeper Manuel At 28, Neymar is desperate to get his Neuer says the current squad is better than the hands on another Champions League 2013B Champions League-win- ning side, who they are trying winner’s medal, five years after he won to emulate in tomorrow’s fi nal against Paris Saint-Germain. the competition with Barcelona Neuer, 34, was in goal at Wembley in 2013 when Bayern AFP went out, humiliated. completed their fi rst treble by Lisbon It was not the fi rst time PSG had been beating 2-1 stung by Neymar — when the sides met to add the Champions League in the quarter-fi nals in 2015, he scored to the and German aris Saint-Germain’s fortunes the fi rst goal as Barca won 3-1 in France Cup titles. Only four survivors in the Champions League in re- and then scored both in a 2-0 second- of the 2013 team — Neuer, Jer- cent years have been inextrica- leg win. But Neymar’s fi rst two years ome Boateng, and bly linked to those of Neymar, at the Parc des Princes were one long Thomas Mueller — are likely to evenP before they bought the Brazilian melodrama. A brilliant player who was start Sunday’s fi nal, although for a world record fee, and if he main- happy at Barcelona but had been eager striker , the tains his recent form in tomorrow’s fi nal to step out of Messi’s shadow, he never Champions League top-scorer it may make the diff erence against for- appeared at ease in his new surround- with 15 goals, was on the losing midable Bayern Munich. ings. By the summer of 2019 it was no Dortmund side. At 28, Neymar is desperate to get his secret he wanted to leave. The move had Neuer says the current Bay- hands on another Champions League been a mistake, but then it became clear ern squad has more depth. Brazil winner’s medal, fi ve years after he won the transfer back to Barcelona would playmaker Philippe Coutinho, the competition with Barcelona. If he not happen. three French World Cup winners can play the starring role in a PSG vic- His fi rst campaign in Paris was ruined — , Benjamin tory — while ’s Ju- by a fractured metatarsal which meant Pavard and — ventus were absent altogether from the he could not help PSG try to overturn a and Germany centre-back Nik- ‘Final Eight’ and and Bar- 3-1 fi rst-leg defi cit in their Champions las Suele were among the inter- celona went home in disarray — he will League last-16 tie against Real Madrid. Neymar has scored nationals on the bench against perhaps be accepted as the best player Fast forward to 2019 and a new foot in- 70 times altogether in 84 Lyon in the semi-fi nal. in the world, even with no Ballon d’Or jury forced him to miss both legs of the matches for PSG. (AFP) “The diff erence to 2013 is that in this pandemic year. last-16 defeat by Manchester United. we have top players across the It would be good timing for Netfl ix PSG lost on away goals after conced- board, back then, we won with too, with the streaming service cur- ing a late penalty at home in the sec- fewer players,” said Neuer. The rently working on a documentary series ond leg. Neymar, watching on, took to Germany captain said the play- about his season in Paris according to Instagram to insult the referee and re- ers waiting to come on to make reports in Brazil. And for PSG and their ceived a three-match ban. He did not an impact make the diff erence. Qatari owners, it would validate their appear again in a Champions League “We have a class of players be- decision to pay 222mn euros ($264mn) game for PSG until a 2-2 draw against yond the 18-man squad — it’s to take him from Barcelona three years Real last November. fantastic what players we have.” ago, after his fi rst two seasons in the By which time he had accepted his Bayern arrive in fi nal on a French capital were overshadowed by situation and knuckled down. Now he is 20-match winning streak in injury and constant reports that he was central to everything PSG are doing. He competitive games, which Neuer unsettled. When Paris signed him in is happy too, especially alongside Kylian says is partly down to head coach August 2017, they were still reeling in Mbappe. “We are more or less the same , who is poised to lead the wake of their spectacular Champi- age and we have a laugh together off the the German giants to the treble ons League exit against Barcelona a few pitch. We hit it off straight away,” says ten months after being hired as months earlier. After a stunning 4-0 Mbappe, who is 21. interim coach. “What sets him win in the fi rst leg of that last-16 tie, “We respect each other, we have a lot be able to win. We can’t do it with just against Atalanta in the quarter-fi nals 84 matches for them — has been saving apart is his calm, level-headed PSG collapsed in the return at the Camp of fun. We are also less focused on our- the two of us.” and magnifi cent against RB Leipzig in his next goal for the fi nal. “I hope that approach and his work with the Nou. Barcelona scored three times after selves now and more worried about the Neymar scored in both legs against the semi-fi nals, even if he did not score the good lord will help him to score on coaching team,” added Neuer. the 88th minute, with Neymar hitting other guys around us, because we un- Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 and in either game. PSG will hope Neymar Sunday and us to win,” said his compa- “We’re always well prepared and two of them, as Barcelona won 6-1. PSG derstand that we need everyone else to cried afterwards. He was excellent — who has scored 70 times altogether in triot Thiago Silva. always have a plan.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Stick or twist? Bayren’s Flick Di Maria feeling good vibes on ‘home’ ground Reuters tion for me, it’s felt really great.” Lisbon PSG manager Thomas Tuchel faces fi nal tactical dilemma has shown a lot of faith in Di Maria and has been rewarded. f any player has felt perfectly But he will need another big per- at home during the unique formance from the Argentine to circumstances surround- help them ruffl e a Bayern side ing the climax to this year’s who obliterated Barcelona 8-2 in IChampions League, it is Paris the quarter-fi nals. St Germain’s Argentine winger “They’re tough, they’re a re- Angel Di Maria. As soon as ally well-organised team, and I UEFA decided that Portuguese think this will be their 11th Eu- capital Lisbon would host the ropean Cup fi nal,” Di Maria said. quarter-fi nals onwards in a “We know they have amaz- mini-tournament, in light of the ing players, players in incred- Covid-19 pandemic, Di Maria ible form, but we also have good felt good vibes. After PSG scram- players, our own system, our own bled past Atalanta in a dramatic way of playing, and I think we comeback, the 32-year-old was have a group that deserves to win then instrumental as the Paris- the Champions League.” ians outclassed RB Leipzig in the When Real won the 2014 title it semi-fi nals to set up a meeting Di Maria was man of the match bon during those years,” Di Maria was their 10th, a special moment with Bayern Munich at the home in that clash and now has the told UEFA’s website. in their history. Di Maria says of Benfi ca tomorrow. perfect stage to help PSG realise “To be able to get to a fi nal and helping PSG to a fi rst would be In 2020, not one team has managed to beat Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich, with only RB Leipzig It is the ground at which Di their ambition of winning Eu- make history with a club like Par- just as big a milestone. “Winning managing a draw back in Bundesliga in February. (Reuters) Maria played for three seasons rope’s most-coveted club crown is — reaching their fi rst fi nal — that tenth title was something while with the Portuguese club for the fi rst time. “When they and because I won it in 2014 with amazing for Madrid and I became Reuters many teams cannot cope with. and the one which he returned to changed the venue to Lisbon, I Real Madrid in the same stadi- part of the club’s history,” he Lisbon Alphonso Davies on the left, is the epitome of in 2014 to help inspire Real Ma- had a strange feeling in my body um... And to also have the chance said. “Winning a fi rst title here the modern, attacking full back, while Joshua drid to an emphatic victory in the that reminded me of the old to play the quarters and semis at would be unforgettable for me Kimmich, who has deputised for the injured Ben- Champions League fi nal against times when I lived here for three the Estadio da Luz, as well as the personally, because that’s been ayern Munich’s success in reaching the jamin Pavard, is a midfi eld player by nature. The Atletico Madrid. years and how happy I was in Lis- fi nal... It’s been a great combina- my goal since I joined.” fi nal of the Champions League has been only problem with this approach is that it only built on a very distinct tactical approach works if Bayern’s defence plays a very high-line but it is one that carries big risks against and compresses the game. ParisB St Germain, leaving coach Hansi Flick with That carries with it the risk of opposition at- Germany’s Loew to rest Bayern, Leipzig stars for Nations League a major dilemma. tacks with pace getting behind the back of Bay- Bayern play an aggressive pressing game, pin- ern’s defence with long balls forward or swift, Berlin: Germany coach Joachim Saint-Germain. who are still in a position to per- However, the DFL said Bayern, ning back their opponents, maintaining pressure well-constructed counter-attacks. Lyon man- Loew said yesterday he will not RB Leipzig defenders Marcel form at their best,” Loew added. who won an eighth straight on their defence and making it diffi cult for them aged to do just that on Wednesday but lacked the select certain Bayern Munich Halstenberg and Lukas Klos- title last season, want to keep to move the ball through the midfi eld. It is an ap- clinical fi nishing to make the most of the oppor- or RB Leipzig players for next termann, who bowed out in the BAYERN INSIST ON with the tradition, established proach that has worked superbly in the knockout tunities that came their way. month’s Nations League games semi-final defeat to PSG, will also OPENING NEW in 2002, by hosting the opening games in the Portuguese capital with Barcelona PSG’s attack, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, to allow them to recover from be missing. However, Loew said BUNDESLIGA SEASON game. simply swept aside in an astonishing 8-2 victory is unlikely to be so forgiving. Mbappe, in particu- their Champions League cam- he may well pick PSG pair Julian Champions League finalists and As a result Bayern will play for the Germans and then Olympique Lyonnais lar, presents a real problem given his lightning paigns. Draxler and Thilo Kehrer, as Bundesliga title holders Bayern Schalke at Munich’s Allianz succumbing 3-0 in the semi-fi nals. speed from the left fl ank. Neymar’s ability to “I’ve already made up my well as, Bayern’s Leroy Sane and Munich yesterday waived the Arena on Friday September 18. In 2020, not one team has managed to beat make runs from deeper positions and Angel Di mind that the internationals who Niklas Suele, who are only just German league’s off er to delay “Bayern Munich have stated Bayern, with only RB Leipzig managing a draw Maria’s ability to pick them out with the perfect are under heavy pressure due to back from injury. their start to the 2020/21 domes- their wish to contest the season back in February. In addition to their dominance pass mean Bayern’s back line will be tested on the delayed end of the Bundes- “Each of them has had a long tic season by insisting they keep opener in keeping with the tradi- domestically, Flick’s side have won every game in Sunday. liga and the final tournament in period of injury, with phases with tradition and host the open- tion and to do so without any the Champions League this season. In particular Davies and Kimmich or French- Lisbon will not be called up for during which they didn’t play ing game. additional preparation time,” The Bayern approach shows the increasing man Pavard, if he is chosen after coming back the September matches,” Loew regularly, so they have to get Bayern face Paris Saint-Ger- said a DFL statement. irrelevance of describing tactical approaches from injury, will have to be as accomplished de- told the German FA website. back into a training and com- main in the Champions League Originally, the DFL had pencil- via numerical formations — after all, Robert fensively as they have been with the ball. Flick Germany host Spain on petition rhythm,” Loew said of final tomorrow in Lisbon to end led in last season’s runners-up Lewandowski is their only striker but he is far could reduce the danger of Mbappe by springing September 3 in Stuttgart, then Sane and Suele. the current term which has been Borussia Dortmund and fourth- from alone. The Pole leads the line but the press Bayern’s off side trap, ordering his defence to play play Switzerland on September Loew said his priority is not aff ected by the coronavirus placed Borussia Moenchenglad- comes from a trio behind him — deeper, reducing the space able to be exploited 6 in Basel. They will be without the Nations League, where Ger- pandemic. The German Football bach to replace Bayern against on the right, Thomas Mueller centrally and Ivan behind them. Bayern’s , the many also face Ukraine in their League (DFL) had initially Schalke as the opening game. Perisic on the left. But that would stretch the game and work con- national team captain, Joshua group, but Euro 2020, which has off ered to push back Bayern’s Now Dortmund and Gladbach, and Thiago Alcantara are hardly trary to Bayern’s game-plan in the opposition’s Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and been rescheduled for June-July start to the new campaign until who have both qualified for the typical ‘holding midfi elders’ with Goretzka in half. It is a classic case of stick or twist? The good Leon Goretzka, all potential 2021 because of the coronavirus Monday September 21 in order Champions League, are sched- particular helping pin-back opposition defences. news for those hoping for an exciting game is that, starters in tomorrow’s Champi- pandemic. to allow the Bavarians extra time uled to meet as the top game on Crucially, the two full backs get into advanced so far, Flick has shown no inclination to alter his ons League final against Paris “There we will need players to prepare. Saturday, September 19. positions, creating the ‘swarming eff ect’ that so approach. Gulf Times Saturday, August 22, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Man United's Maguire Messi contemplates detained in Greece aft er alleged assault on police offi cer Barca exit — reports By Jamie Jackson and with their fi sts and kicked them. Helena Smith “I can’t tell you what they were The Guardian telling us,” he added. “All English Messi has one year remaining on his contract but his release clause is 700mn euros swear words against the authori- ties and against the work of the Reuters anchester Unit- police. All three, including the Barcelona ed’s captain, Harry football player, are being held in Maguire, is expected custody, locked up in Mykonos to be charged with cell. They will appear before a ionel Messi still wishes to leave Maggravated assault after he al- state prosecutor on the island of Barcelona after meeting new legedly “hit” a police offi cer and Syros later today to be charged coach Ronald Koeman, according was arrested following an alter- with aggravated assault.” to reports in the Spanish media cation on Thursday evening in According to his lawyer, Kon- Lyesterday, as all four sports newspapers Mykonos, Greece. The England stantinos Darivas, Maguire de- dedicated their front covers to the Argen- defender is set to spend his sec- nies the allegations and is “fully tine’s uncertain future. ond night in police custody as he convinced that tomorrow he will Marca, Spain’s biggest selling daily, faces charges on the neighbour- be released without any charges”. said the Argentine told Koeman that he ing island of Syros – the admin- A statement from United yester- was more likely to leave the club than to istrative centre for the region at day read: “The club is aware of an stay, while AS declared on its cover 11am local time today. alleged incident involving Harry ‘Messi sees himself leaving’. Barce- Maguire was with friends in Maguire in Mykonos last night. lona-based daily Mundo Deportivo said a bar on the Greek island when Contact has been made with Messi ‘does not see his future clearly’, but Lionel Messi, who joined Barcelona the incident occurred and the Harry, and he is fully co-oper- stressed that the captain has little hope of aged 13, has scored a record 634 goals 27-year-old subsequently de- ating with the Greek authorities. leaving the club immediately due to his for the Catalans in 730 matches and is tained along with two friends At this time we will be making no 700mn euro ($827.05mn) release clause. also the club’s most decorated player and taken to a local police station further comment.” Messi, who joined Barca aged 13, has with 33 trophies. (AFP) for questioning before later be- Maguire will have legal advice scored a record 634 goals for the Catalans ing transferred to Syros by boat. and support from club lawyers, in 730 matches and is also the club’s most “The football player was ver- with it thought the player’s own decorated player with 33 trophies. bally abusive to an offi cer and legal representatives will also be He is 37 games away from matching then hit him. The three were involved. If found guilty of an Xavi Hernandez as the club’s all-time ap- resisting when brought to the off ence it will cause Ole Gun- pearance maker. Mykonos police station,” said nar Solskjaer, United’s manager, But the 33-year-old is into the fi nal a police offi cial, who added a serious problem and could year of his contract at the club and doubts Maguire and his friends has threaten Maguire’s status as about his future have grown since last been taken by boat to Syros to United captain. The 27-year- week’s historic 8-2 thrashing to Bayern face charges brought by a public old was signed by Solskjaer last Munich to exit the Champions League, prosecutor. summer, the £80mn fee paid to which Barca have failed to win since 2015. Greek media reported that Leicester City a world record for Sport, also based in Barcelona, talked Maguire had got into “a very a centre-back. He was then made of a ‘fi rst summit meeting’ between the heated altercation” with other captain by the manager and has captain and coach, adding that Messi English holidaymakers on the been key to the rebuilding of interrupted his holidays in order to meet party island late on Thursday. team culture and performance, with Koeman. The Dutch coach said in When policemen, subsequently United fi nishing third. his presentation on Wednesday that he called to the scene, attempted Maguire is enjoying a close- wanted Messi to stay, although he did not to break up the midnight brawl, season break before the start of show as much reverence to the player as they were verbally abused. United’s next campaign, which some of his predecessors. would be able to aff ord him. at Barcelona, the club announced on Fri- man for two years at Feyenoord between “There were several police- begins on 19 September with a Koeman said he “did not know if he A study by French newspaper L’Equipe day. Larsson and Schreuder signed two- 1995 and 1997. Since his retirement in men there. At some point, one of visit of Crystal Palace. United needed to convince Messi to stay” al- earlier this year said Messi earns 8.2mn year deals. Koeman was appointed earlier 2009, Larsson has coached Landskrona, the three members of the group were knocked out of the Europa though he did call the Argentine the best euros per month from Barca, way more this week as the replacement for Quique Falkenberg and Helsingborg in his home- – they were aged 27, 28, and 29 League by Sevilla on Monday, player in the world and said he would than Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo Setien, who was sacked in the wake of land. Schreuder, 47, left Hoff enheim in – threw a swing at one of the with Maguire playing the whole be happy if he chose to remain at Barca. and Paris St Germain striker Neymar, Barca’s 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in June over a diff erence of opinions about policemen and a fi ght ensued,” game, and on Thursday evening With his contract running out next June, who earn 4.5mn and 3mn respectively. the Champions League quarter-fi nals. the club’s direction. added police spokesperson Pet- his fi ancee, Fern Hawkins, post- the six-times world player of the year is The 48-year-old Larsson spent two sea- The Dutchman, who had previously ros Vassilakis. “All of the three ed a picture to Instagram of them free to negotiate with other clubs from HENRIK LARSSON JOINS sons at the Camp Nou as a player from served as assistant manager, rejoined the were arrested but during the ef- together. He was also photo- next January. KOEMAN’S BARCA COACHING STAFF 2004-06, scoring 22 goals in 62 games Bundesliga side last year from Ajax to fort to do so, the other two, in- graphed supposedly celebrating Yet even without a transfer fee, Messi’s Former Sweden star Henrik Larsson and and winning the Champions League and take over after Julian Nagelsmann left for cluding the football player, got the birthday of the 2019 world colossal salary, reported to be the highest ex-Hoff enheim boss Alfred Schreuder two La Liga titles. RB Leipzig. Schreuder also had a stint in violent also. They threw down snooker champion, Judd Trump, in world football, means very few clubs will join new coach Ronald Koeman’s staff The Swede also played alongside Koe- charge of Twente in 2014-15. at least two policemen, hit them on the island.

SPEZIA SOAR INTO SERIE A FOR FIRST TIME IN 114-YEAR HISTORY

Milan: Italian club Spezia clinched second leg of their clash at home to outside Spezia’s 10,336-capacity Stadio victory, after a two-day final in Milan promotion to Serie A for the first time in Frosinone by 1-0 to leave the tie at 1-1 on Alberto Picco. Fans greeted the players in which they beat the ‘Grande’ Torino their 114-year history after coming out on aggregate, Spezia were promoted due to on their arrival and stayed throughout team, was not off icially recognised. top in a play-off behind closed doors fol- their better position in the Serie B table. the match, lighting flares, and celebrat- La Spezia, however, remember the lowed by thousands of their fans outside They had finished third while Frosi- ing after the final whistle. The Ligurians triumph with the team playing with an the stadium. The team known as the none, coached by former Italian inter- finally made the top flight after eight Italian tricolour badge on their off icial ‘Eagles’ hail from the seaside town of La national Alessandro Nesta, were only years of disappointments in promotion jersey. The club finished sixth in the Spezia in Liguria, southeast of Genoa. eighth. Spezia will join fellow promoted play-off s. Spezia spent a few seasons 2018-2019 season, before Vincenzo Serie A will now include three clubs sides Benevento and Crotone in the in the first division in the 1920s, when Italiano took over the northwestern side. from Liguria — Spezia, Sampdoria and top flight, with Lecce, Brescia and SPAL teams competed in regional tourna- It was the second consecutive promo- Genoa. “Congratulations Spezia: you relegated with the new season getting ments. But the town’s 93,000 inhabitants tion for the former Hellas Verona and wrote history, now enjoy the party. See underway on September 19. still talk of the 1944 ‘Scudetto’ when the Chievo player who coached Sicilian outfit you soon!” Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria On Thursday, despite coronavirus ‘Firefighters of La Spezia’ won the Italian Trapani from Serie C to Serie B the previ- Manchester United captain Harry Maguire (second left) is escorted wrote on Twitter. Despite losing the restrictions it was a party atmosphere championship during World War II. The ous season. by plain-clothes police off icers to the police station of the island of Syros, Greece yesterday. (Reuters)

LIGUE 1 FOCUS Marseille confi rm Wolfsburg into women’s Champions League last four AFP in a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid. fi ft h Covid-19 case San Sebastian, Spain Barca will face Wolfsburg in Tuesday’s semi with holders Lyon facing Bayern AFP responsible at home.” Munich and Paris Saint-Germain playing Nice, France Newly-promoted Lens are enmark attacker Pernille Hard- Arsenal today for the other two berths. awaiting the results of further er scored four goals in less than Wolfsburg’s impressive display started tests after defender Jonathan an hour as two-time winners with Harder’s eff ort just after a quarter of arseille have found a Clauss returned a positive sam- Wolfsburg hammered Glasgow an hour before Norway’s Ingrid Syrstad fi fth asymptomatic ple earlier in the week. “I hope we CityD 9-1 in San Sebastian yesterday to Engen bagged a double, Pauline Bremer case of coronavi- will play. If we start by postpon- reach the women’s Champions League also netted before two Leanne Ross own- rus in their squad, a ing the fi rst weekend, we’ll get semi-fi nals. goals in the last 10 minutes. Mclub spokesperson said yester- nowhere,” said Lens boss Franck Harder, who will leave the German Northern Ireland’s Lauren Wade’s goal day. Andre Villas Boas’ squad Haise. “I think we need to play as side at the end of the season, was the fi rst after 63 minutes was the consolation for had been scheduled to open the much as we can when it’s possi- name on the score sheet after 16 min- the Scottish outfi t in their fi rst appear- French Ligue 1 season later in the ble otherwise we’re going to fi n- utes before netting her fourth on the 72 ance at this stage of the tournament. day at home to Saint-Etienne but ish the season in 2023.” minute mark. In Bilbao, Atletico had the best of the the game was cancelled after the Later, Nimes announced a In the other quarter-fi nal yesterday, fi rst-half chances as left-back Kylie four earlier positive tests. fourth coronavirus case within with all four ties being played behind Strom skimmed a half-volley over the bar The club has not revealed the their squad putting tomorrow’s closed doors in Spain in rescheduled from close range after 11 minutes. names of the players but said fi xture against Brest in doubt. “I competition due to the coronavirus pan- Hamraoui broke the deadlock with 10 they are in isolation at home. hope we can play it, I think we demic, France’s Kheira Hamraoui claimed minutes to play as she hit her eff ort into The rest of the Marseille squad can play it,” the southern side’s VfL Wolfsburg’s Pernille Harder (left) and Glasgow City’s Krystyna Freda vie for the ball the match-winner to clinch a last four the bottom corner after a miscued pass has given the weekend off ahead coach Jerome Arpinon said. during the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final in San Sebastian. (AFP) spot for last year’s runners-up Barcelona from team-mate Asisat Oshoala. of next Sunday’s game at Brest. Captain Anthony Briancon and Nantes trip to Bordeaux was striker Nolan Roux are among moved from tomorrow to replace those to have tested positive for INJURED the season-opening fi xture. Ear- the illness. Brest also recorded a lier yesterday, Nice coach Patrick case, saying the individual had Vieira said he was concerned been placed in isolation while the about the impact two cases could rest of the squad and the coach- Oxlade-Chamberlain to miss Community Shield have on the club. His club said a ing staff have tested negative. pair of players had been held out A 57-page medical and health Reuters Klopp said yesterday. The 27-year-old dium on Aug. 29. for over nine months during Liverpool’s of training and placed in quaran- protocol set up by the French Liverpool was injured in a challenge at the Premier “It looks like it is very similar to what 2018-19 campaign after he ruptured the tine after contracting the virus. league is designed to limit stop- League champions’ pre-season training Hendo (Jordan Henderson) had which cruciate ligament in his right knee. “I felt on the pitch the rest of pages and reduce contamination camp in Austria and Liverpool said he has keeps him out... we don’t know for sure Klopp added that captain Hender- the squad is worried. I am too, for as much as possible. Players will iverpool midfi elder Alex Oxlade- returned to England to begin his rehabili- exactly how long,” Klopp said. son and defender Joel Matip have made the match against Lens on Sun- be tested two to three days before Chamberlain is set to miss next tation. “But for sure this pre-season he will progress in recovering from a knee injury day and for what happens next,” each match and a game will be week’s Community Shield game This year’s Community Shield game, not make a game, Arsenal for sure not and and a foot problem, respectively, and the Vieira told a press conference. “It postponed as soon as four cases against FA Cup winners Arse- the traditional English season-opener then we will see. The next game is prob- German manager said he hopes to have complicates the planning. We’ll are found at the same club within Lnal after sustaining a knee injury during between the FA Cup and top-fl ight league ably two weeks later, but I don’t know.” them ready for the fi rst match of the have to put up with it and be very an eight-day period. pre-season training, manager Juergen winners, will be played at Wembley Sta- Oxlade-Chamberlain was sidelined league campaign. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, August 22, 2020 SPORT

NBA UPDATE Timberwolves win NBA draft lottery to Top seeds back on gain top overall pick

AFP Unlike last year, when Zion Los Angeles, United States Williamson was the clear fa- vorite to be selected fi rst overall, this season’s potential top picks he Minnesota Tim- include guard LaMelo Ball, who terms as Lakers, berwolves snagged the most recently played in Australia number one pick in the and whose brother Lonzo plays upcoming NBA draft on for the Pelicans, University of TThursday, winning the lottery Georgia star Anthony Edwards ahead of the Golden State War- and University of Memphis stan- riors. dout James Wiseman. The Warriors, just one sea- NBA Commissioner Adam Sil- Bucks bounce back son removed from a run of fi ve ver took the opportunity of the straight fi nals appearances that televised lottery, which came as Davis scores more than 30 points in playoff game in less than 30 minutes of action yielded three titles, garnered the the NBA played fi rst-round play- second overall selection. off games in a quarantine bubble AFP The Warriors fi nished last in in Orlando, Florida, to address Miami, United States the Western Conference after a potential changes to plans for the season marred not only by the 2020-21 season, which had been departure of Kevin Durant but projected to start on December 1. he Los Angeles Lakers by injuries to Stephen Curry and Silver said the league is not and Milwaukee Bucks Klay Thompson. focused on playing in a fan-free stepped it up on Thurs- As the teams with the worst campus next season, but hopes day, bouncing back from three records in the season, Min- to have fans in their home stands. Topening upsets with convincing nesota, Golden State and the “I’d say December 1, now that victories in the NBA playoff s. Cleveland Cavaliers each had a we’re working through this sea- LeBron James and the Lak- 14 percent chance of winning the son, is feeling a little bit early to ers, seeded fi rst in the Western fi rst overall pick. me,” Silver told broadcaster ESPN. Conference, thumped the Port- Cleveland, however, fell to “I think our number one goal is land Trail Blazers 111-88 to even fi fth as the Charlotte Hornets, to get fans back in our arenas... So their best-of-seven series at one owned by NBA icon Michael my sense is, in working with the game apiece. Jordan, rose from eighth in the Players Association, if we could The Bucks came back from a pre-lottery odds to earn the third push back even a little longer and humbling loss to beat the Or- overall pick. increase the likelihood of hav- lando Magic 111-96. The Chicago Bulls will pick ing fans in arenas, that’s what we Anthony Davis, who strug- fourth followed by the Cavs, At- would be targeting.” gled through an eight-of-24 lanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, New Silver’s comments followed shooting night in the Lakers’ York Knicks, Washington Wizards, an ESPN report that the NBA game one loss to Portland, led Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, players’ union had been advis- Los Angeles with 31 points on 13 Sacramento Kings, New Orleans ing players that the start of free of 21 shooting and pulled down Pelicans and Boston Celtics. agency could be delayed from 11 rebounds in 29 minutes. The last time the Timber- its scheduled launch on October He’s the fi rst Laker since Kar- wolves had the fi rst overall selec- 18, although the draft remains eem Abdul-Jabbar to score more tion, they drafted franchise star scheduled for October 16. than 30 points in a playoff game Karl-Anthony Towns, taking him The NBA Finals are slated to in less than 30 minutes of action. instead of another highly touted end in Orlando no later than Oc- “He was just aggressive from newcomer Jahlil Okafor. tober 13. the beginning of the game,” James said of Davis. “He wasn’t passive at all, looked for his shots. He did COMMENT a great job of rebounding as well, got some put-backs.” James scored just 10 points, but his quiet night was no prob- Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (left) blocks a shot by Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (centre) during the first half of the NBA game Altercation happened lem for a Lakers team that closed in the 2020 NBA playoff s at AdventHealth Arena in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) the fi rst half on a 12-2 scoring run for a 17-point halftime lead. ‘because I am black’: “We knew we had to not have Injured Blazers star Lillard vows to play on against Lakers RESULTS as many defensive lapses,” James Miami 109-100 Indiana said. Portland’s star guard Damian But Lillard sounded certain. The loss of Lillard would be a Raptors exec Ujiri “When you have a defensive Lillard vowed a dislocated left “Oh, I’m playing,” he said after massive blow to the Trail Blaz- Milwaukee 111-96 Orlando strategy you have to execute index finger won’t stop him the Lakers leveled the best-of- ers. He averaged 37.6 points in Houston 111-98 Oklahoma AFP that strategy for 48 minutes from playing against the Los seven series at one game apiece. eight seeding games after the LA Lakers 111-88 Portland Los Angeles, United States and I think we did a great job of Angeles Lakers in the NBA Lillard left the game late in the NBA restarted its pandemic- that tonight,” he added after the playoff s today. third quarter after hurting him- disrupted season in a quaran- Lakers held the Blazers to 40% Blazers coach Terry Stotts said self as he tried to reach around tine bubble in Orlando, Florida. defensively, tried to do other oronto Raptors president shooting overall and just 27.6% after his team’s lopsided 111-88 Lakers star Anthony Davis for X-rays were negative, and Lil- things to impact the game.” Masai Ujiri said Thurs- from three-point range. loss to the Lakers on Thursday the ball. lard returned to the bench with Houston trailed by one going day that the alterca- The Lakers led by 30 — 88-58 that it was too soon to say if Replays appeared to show his his fingers taped together. “It’s into the fourth quarter, but af- tion between him and a — going into the fourth quarter, ter Oklahoma City’s Chris Paul TCalifornia sheriff ’s deputy at the Lillard would be ready to go in hand hit Davis’s foot, although just sore, a little bit swollen and when Portland suddenly found game three. Lillard himself wasn’t sure. uncomfortable,” he said. (AFP) hit a jumper seconds into the Raptors’ 2019 NBA title-clinch- themselves without star Damian period Houston put together a ing game was racially motivated. tion, for our players, for our city, Lillard. the Lakers. job fi rst quarter, setting the ROCKETS, HEAT WIN 17-0 scoring run, shutting out Nigerian-born Ujiri issued for our country, and for me per- Lillard exited with less than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope tone. Coming out hard, playing The Houston Rockets and Miami the Thunder for more than fi ve a statement through the Rap- sonally, given my long-tenured two minutes remaining in the scored 16 points for the Lak- hard, rebounding the ball and Heat both took commanding minutes with a tremendous de- tors Thursday in his fi rst public professional journey in the NBA. third after dislocating his left in- ers, JR Smith added 11 off the just making the right play.” 2-0 leads in their series. fensive display to put the game comments since body camera “Yet, unfortunately, I was re- dex fi nger — apparently when he bench and center JaVale McGee Brook Lopez scored 20 points Houston, still playing with- out of reach. video footage was released this minded in that moment that banged his hand against Davis’s chipped in 10. and Pat Connaughton chipped out injured point guard Russell Just two points in the run week that showed deputy Alan despite all of my hard work and foot while reaching for the ball. Reigning NBA Most Valuable in 15 for the Bucks, who led by as Westbrook, beat the Oklahoma came from NBA scoring cham- Strickland shoving Ujiri and success, there are some peo- Lillard, who torched the Lak- Player Giannis Antetokounmpo many as 23 in the fi rst half. City Thunder 111-98 despite pion Harden. telling him to back up as the ex- ple, including those who are ers for 34 points in game one fi n- led Milwaukee with 28 points Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic fol- a poor shooting night for star “My teammates, man, they did ecutive tried to show his pass and supposed to protect us, who ished with 18. and 20 rebounds as the Bucks lowed up his 35-point game one James Harden, who connected an unbelievable job, especially in join his players celebrating their will always and only see me as The Blazers said X-rays on brought the defensive intensity performance with 32 points. on just 5-of-16 shots from the that fourth quarter getting stops,” championship triumph over the something that is unworthy of Lillard’s hand were negative, but that carried them to the league’s But Milwaukee held the Magic fl oor on the way to 21 points. Harden said. “I think we got fi ve, Golden State Warriors. respectful engagement. And any lingering problem for the best regular-season record. without a point in the paint for Seven Rockets players scored six stops in a row and just turned Ujiri has counter-sued Strick- there’s only one indisputable player who powered Portland to “Our whole mindset this the whole of the fi rst quarter and in double fi gures and Houston the whole game around.” land, who claimed in a February reason why that is the case — be- a playoff berth — averaging 37.6 game was to come out, play out-rebounded Orlando 57-42. made 19 of their NBA playoff - Miami guard Duncan Rob- lawsuit that Ujiri struck him in cause I am Black.” points and 9.6 assists in eight hard, play together and as long “The eff ort was defi nitely an record 56 three-point attempts inson made seven of eight from an altercation that left him with Ujiri’s countersuit, fi led in US seeding games in the NBA’s as we got stops we were going ‘A,’” Lopez said. “Game one they to take a commanding lead in the three-point range for a game- lasting bodily and psychological District Court in Oakland, Cali- quarantine bubble in Orlando, to fi gure it out on off ense,” An- came in and they out-worked Western Conference clash. high 24 points in the Heat’s 109- injury. fornia, alleges that Strickland Florida — will be a severe blow tetokounmpo said. us, that’s not something we can “Couldn’t make a shot,” Hard- 100 victory over the Indiana “The video sadly demon- falsifi ed the encounter and at- to the Trail Blazers’ bid to topple “I think the team did a great allow.” en said. “I just tried to be active Pacers. strates how horribly I was treated tempted to portray Ujiri as “the by a law enforcement offi cer last initial aggressor and an inher- year in the midst of my team, the ently violent individual.” NHL Raptors, winning its fi rst It calls Strickland’s account world championship,” Ujiri said. “a complete fabrication” that “It was an exhilarating moment has been contradicted by video Stars rally to oust Flames, Islanders of achievement for our organiza- footage. Canadiens’ Gallagher suff ers down Capitals to advance in playoff s broken jaw AFP Following another Lucic pen- ontreal Canadiens afternoon, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun Los Angeles, United States alty for delay of game Radek RESULTS forward Brendan Gal- reported. Faska scored to give the Stars lagher will miss the Gallagher, 28, was injured NY Islanders 4-0 Washington M their fi rst lead of the contest. rest of the first-round series after the cross-checked near enis Gurianov scored Joe Pavelski scored before Dallas 7-3 Calgary against the Philadelphia Flyers the chin by Niskanen in the four goals in a seven- Gurianov completed his fi rst after being diagnosed with a third period of Game 5 of their goal spurt that lifted Stanley Cup playoff s hat trick on shots he faced. broken jaw on Thursday. Eastern Conference first- the Dallas Stars to a 7-3 a 1-on-1 to put Dallas up 6-3 at In Toronto, Anthony Beauvil- The Canadiens said Gallagher round series on Wednesday in victoryD over Calgary on Thurs- 15:30 of the second. lier scored twice and Semyon will require surgery that will Toronto. day and into the second round of Gurianov capped the scoring Varlamov made 21 saves for the cause him to leave the Toronto Gallagher was bleeding from the NHL playoff s. at 9:02 of the third. Islanders. ‘bubble.’ his mouth and reportedly lost It was a stunning rally from “Tonight was awesome for Josh Bailey had a goal and two Philadelphia’s Matt Niskanen, some teeth following the hit by a Stars team that surrendered him,” Pavelski said of Russian assists for New York. who delivered the hit to Gal- Niskanen, who was not whis- three goals before attempting rookie Gurianov. “It was fun to “It’s a great win for us, we’re lagher in Wednesday’s contest, tled for a penalty. a shot on goal themselves, and see. He’s one of those guys you obviously happy to move on,” was suspended for one game The Flyers hold a 3-2 edge in gave Dallas a 4-2 victory in the can give the puck to and there’s Bailey said. “You turn the page. by the NHL Department of Play- the series. best-of-seven series against the Dallas Stars’ Denis Gurianov (centre) celebrates a goal with moments in the night that he’ll We’ll enjoy it tonight, but I think er Safety for cross-checking. Gallagher, who shared the Flames in the NHL’s Western teammates during the game six of the first round of the Stanley Cup do the rest.” everyone realises there’s still a The Department of Player team lead in goals (22) with Conference playoff hub in Ed- Playoff s against Calgary Flames on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Heiskanen fi nished with four long way to go. We’re going to Safety released a video of the Tomas Tatar in the regular monton. points on his goal and three as- have a tough opponent, no mat- hit and said it ruled that disci- season, scored for the first time In Toronto, the New York Is- Avalanche, while the Islanders’ Anton Khudobin. sists. ter who it is.” pline was necessary due to the in the playoff s in Montreal’s 5-3 landers booked an Eastern Con- next opponent was yet to be de- The Stars took advantage with Calgary had scored three goals The Capitals have now been “force of the blow and the fact victory over Philadelphia on ference second-round berth cided. a goal from Miro Heiskanen late on their fi rst eight shots, with eliminated in the fi rst round in the original intent was to de- Wednesday. with a 4-0 victory over the Momentum began to shift for in the fi rst. Andrew Mangiapane, Johnny two straight seasons since win- liver a forceful stick foul to the Niskanen, 33, has yet to record Washington Capitals, winning the Islanders after Flames for- Gurianov scored less than a Gaudreau and Rasmus Anders- ning the Stanley Cup in 2018. upper body of an opponent.” a point but sports a plus-2 rat- their series 4-1. ward Milan Lucic took a goal- minute into the second period son giving them a quick lead. Barry Trotz took over as Is- Gallagher underwent a CT ing in eight games this postsea- The Stars booked a second- tender interference penalty — and added his second at 3:25 of From there Stars goalie Anton landers coach after guiding the scan on his jaw on Thursday son. (Reuters) round clash with the Colorado shoving a starts defender into the second. Khudobin stopped the last 34 Capitals to that title. Gulf Times Saturday, August 22, 2020 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Washington coach Rivera diagnosed Padres set slam with skin cancer

Reuters a plan B is in place if it is deter- Washington DC, United States mined that he should take some time off . The team wishes Coach Rivera a speedy recovery and we ashington Football will be supporting him every step mark in 10-inning Team’s fi rst-year of the way.” head coach Ron Rivera, 58, said he was sur- Rivera has been prised by the diagnosis given he diagnosedW with a form of skin was in the pink of health. cancer but plans to continue “I was stunned. But I was also coaching, the National Football angry because I feel like I’m in League (NFL) franchise said on the best health I’ve been in,” he Thursday. told ESPN. win over Rangers Washington said in a state- Rivera was appointed Wash- ment the cancer was at an early ington head coach in January fol- stage and “very treatable”. lowing a nine-year stint with the Padres are the first team in MLB history with a grand slam in four straight games “Coach Rivera has consulted Carolina Panthers. with leading doctors and oncol- His diagnosis comes dur- Reuters ogy specialists and is establish- ing a tumultuous off -season for New York, United States ing his treatment plan in con- Washington, which last month junction with the team’s medical said it would retire its Redskins staff ,” Washington said. name and logo which had been il Myers scored on “For now, the coach asks that used since 1933 but had long an error by Tex- the team keep things business been criticised as racist by Native as center fi elder as usual and remain focused but American rights groups. Scott Heineman on WThursday night as the San Di- ego Padres recorded a second straight, 10-inning walk-off win against the visiting Rangers, with the 8-7 victory completing a four-game, home-and-home series sweep. Starting at second to open the inning, Myers stopped at third on Jake Cronenworth’s leadoff single to short center off reliever Luis Garcia (0-1). However, he scored when the ball ricocheted off Heineman’s glove and rolled behind the out- fi elder. Earlier in the see-saw game, the Padres became the fi rst team in major league history to hit grand slams in four consecu- tive games when Eric Hosmer CHANGE connected in the fi fth inning off Rangers starter Kyle Gibson. The four slams all came at the expense of the Rangers. Super Bowl champs Singles by Hedges, who en- tered the game hitting.128, and Tatis plus a walk drawn by Chiefs ban face Machado set up Hosmer’s 366- foot drive into the right fi eld stands. The blast gave the Pa- paint, headdresses dres a 5-2 lead. Nick Solak tied the game at AFP “We are engaged in a thorough 7-7 when he led off the ninth New York, United States review process of the Arrowhead with a solo homer against Padres San Francisco Giants designated hitter Austin Slater (right) scores against Los Angeles Angels catcher Anthony Bemboom during the third Chop and plan to have additional reliever Emilio Pagan. inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) discussions in the future,” the ew policies announced Chiefs said. RAYS 10, YANKEES 5 twice, drove in four runs and fi ve runs on fi ve hits and one homered for the Phillies. Thursday by the reign- “We are exploring all options Mike Zunino capped a fi ve-run scored twice to lead San Fran- walk with no strikeouts. RESULTS ing Super Bowl cham- for a modifi ed engagement mo- sixth inning with a three-run cisco over visiting Los Angeles. BLUE JAYS 9, PHILLIES 8 pion Kansas City ment from the Drum Deck that homer and visiting Tampa Bay Flores got plenty of help, as the BLUE JAYS 3, PHILLIES 2 Rays 10-5 Yankees NChiefs will prohibit supporters maintains a unifying eff ect be- (GAME 2) beat New York for its fi rst three- Giants fi nished with 12 hits, in- (GAME 1) Rowdy Tellez had a solo homer Blue Jays 3-2 Phillies from wearing headdresses or tween our fans and our players game sweep at Yankee Stadium cluding two each from Austin but better represents the spir- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. singled home and a tiebreaking two-run sin- White Sox 9-0 Tigers Native American style face paint in over six years, improving to 6-1 Slater and Brandon Crawford, the winning run in the bottom gle in a seven-run bottom of into Arrowhead Stadium when itual signifi cance of the drum in against the Yankees this season. who suddenly has gotten hot. of the seventh inning as Toronto the sixth as Toronto overcame a Astros 10-8 Rockies fans return. American Indian cultures. Tampa Bay’s fi ve-run outburst Just fi ve games ago, Crawford defeated Philadelphia in the fi rst seven-run defi cit to defeat Phil- Blue Jays 9-8 Phillies The NFL club’s move, follow- “This includes discussions off Adam Ottavino (2-2) and Luis was hitting .200 with no extra- game of a doubleheader in Buff alo. adelphia to complete a double- Indians 2-0 Pirates ing the dropping of the nickname around how to shift the focus Avilan gave it its fi rst three-game base hits. But in the last fi ve Teoscar Hernandez singled header sweep. Redskins by Washington’s Foot- of the drum to something that sweep in New York since June 30- games, including the past four with one out in the seventh Lourdes Gurriel Jr. smacked a Twins 7-1 Brewers ball Team, come in the wake of symbolizes the heartbeat of the July 2, 2014. Manuel Margot hit a against the Angels, Crawford is against Deolis Guerra (1-3). three-run homer in the sixth in- Dodgers 6-1 Mariners greater cultural concern over stadium.” game-tying single off Ottavino in 8-for-17 (.471) with two home Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blooped a ning uprising that started with Red Sox 7-1 Orioles racial injustice and social in- The policies, coming after the sixth inning and Joey Wendle runs and four doubles. single to center, where Roman the fourth homer this season by equality following the May death dialogue with tribes that began followed with an RBI single off the Giants starter Kevin Gaus- Quinn overran the ball and Her- Tellez. After Teoscar Hernandez Padres 8-7 Rangers of George Floyd while in police in 2014, were aimed at raising right-fi eld fence against Avilan man (1-1) got the victory despite nandez reached third safely on a singled, Connor Brogdon replaced Cardinals 5-4 Reds custody. awareness of American Indian for a 5-4 lead. allowing four runs on nine hits close play. Gurriel chopped the Phillies starter Vince Velasquez. Athletics 5-1 D’backs “Fans will be prohibited from cultures and celebrating “the Gio Urshela belted a two-run and one walk in 5 1/3 innings. He winning hit through the left side He allowed a walk and the second wearing headdresses into the rich traditions of tribes with a Giants 10-5 Angels homer and Luke Voit also went struck out eight and benefi ted of the infi eld to give Toronto its homer this season by Gurriel. stadium,” the team said in a historic connection to the Kan- deep for the Yankees, who are 15-3 from a big lead. Angels starter fourth straight win. Hector Neris (1-1) took over statement. sas City area.” when not opposing Tampa Bay. Jose Suarez (0-1), just called up Jordan Romano (2-1) struck with one out. Errors by second Jansen scored the tying run from “Face painting is still allowed “We are grateful for the mean- to make his fi rst appearance in out the side in the top of the sev- baseman Scott Kingery and third on a wild pitch and Tellez for all fans, but any face paint ingful conversations we have had GIANTS 10, ANGELS 5 the majors this season, lasted enth to earn the win in the sev- shortstop Didi Gregorius around hit a two-run single to give To- that is styled in a way that refer- with all of these American In- Wilmer Flores homered, singled only 1 1/3 innings. He gave up en-inning game. Bryce Harper a walk loaded the bases. Danny ronto a 9-7 lead. ences or appropriates American dian leaders,” the team said. “It Indian cultures and traditions is important that we continue will be prohibited.” the dialogue on these signifi cant MOTORSPORT Still under review are two topics and we look forward to other Chiefs fan traditions, the continuing to work together in “Arrowhead Chop” cheer mim- the future.” icking a Tomahawk motion and a The Chiefs are scheduled to Indy 500 still aims to be ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ pre-game beating of a drum by a play host to Houston on Sep- celebrity or former Chiefs player tember 10 in the fi rst game of the Reuters next season after two years away or coach. 2020 NFL season. Toronto, Canada from Grand Prix racing. It could also be the last real chance for Castroneves to join n May or August, 300,000 AJ Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Un- Broncos’ Davis carted off ; Miller, spectators or none, the In- ser Sr as the only four-time dianapolis 500 continues winners. Gordon tweak injuries to promote itself as “The The 44-year-old Brazilian IGreatest Spectacle in Racing” no longer drives full-time on — not even a global pandemic the IndyCar circuit but former- proving capable of applying team boss Roger Penske con- brakes to the shameless boast. tinues to provide him with a As sporting extravaganzas go, competitive car and a chance to the Indy 500 has rarely disap- secure a history victory. pointed and Sunday’s race off ers Forced from its traditional no reason to reign in the hype May 24th date by the novel with an Andretti sitting on pole. coronavirus, the only elements Further back in the 33-car fi eld missing from Sunday’s show- are twice Formula One world case appear to be fans and a champion Fernando Alonso, bid- woman in the starting fi eld. ding to complete motorsport’s There will be no other sport- Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis was carted off the practice elusive Triple Crown and Helio ing event staged during the field with an apparent left calf injury on Thursday. Davis’ injury Castroneves trying, for perhaps Covid-19 pandemic where the was not the only one for the Broncos, who saw star linebacker Von the fi nal time, to enter the Brick- NTT IndyCar driver Marco Andretti reacts to winning the pole position during the Fast Nine Shoot during absence of spectators will be Miller (elbow) and running back Melvin Gordon (ribs) incur ail- yard’s exclusive club of four- qualifications for the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) more jarring. ments as well. Davis, who was unable to put weight on his left leg time winners. Billed as world’s largest single on Thursday, missed all of the 2019 preseason with a calf injury. The Andrettis may be mo- (Michael), to grandson (Marco). from pole since Mario 33-years Alonso who will launch his bid to day sporting event an estimat- The 28-year-old recorded a team-leading 134 tackles in 14 games tor racing royalty but when it But for all their success at cir- ago. “We’ve just been through become the second driver after ed 300,000 motor racing fans last season for Denver. He has collected 470 tackles, two fumble comes to the Indianapolis Motor cuits around the world, Mario’s so many ups and downs at this the late Graham Hill to complete would fi ll the sprawling grand- recoveries and one interception in 85 career games (63 starts) Speedway (IMS) and the Indy Indy 500 victory in 1969 stands place.” the Triple Crown of Motorsport, stands surrounding the 2.5 mile with the New Orleans Saints and Broncos. Miller, 31, is an eight- 500, their results are less than alone — the clan’s cruel luck at Joining Andretti on the front which also includes wins at the oval where thousands more pour time Pro Bowl selection and former Super Bowl MVP. He recorded regal. the Brickyard giving rise to the row are two former-winners Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans into the infi eld for a day of high- 46 tackles and eight sacks in 15 games last season. Gordon, 27, The Andrettis have ruled over “Andretti Curse”. New Zealander Scott Dixon, 24 Hours. octane excitement. rushed for a career-low 612 yards in 12 games (11 starts) last season open wheel racing in the United “This place means so much a fi ve-time IndyCar drivers It may be the last chance in There will also be a noticeable and averaged just 3.8 yards per carry for the Los Angeles Charg- States with a string of victo- to us as a family,” said Marco, champion, and Japan’s Takuma some time for Alonso to realise void on the grid as, for the fi rst ers. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Gordon’s season got a delayed ries that have connected gen- after becoming the fi rst An- Sato. his dream as he is due to return time since 1999, there is no fe- start after a contract holdout that ran into late September. erations — father (Mario), to son dretti to start the Indy 500 Starting on the ninth row sits to Formula One with Renault male driver in the fi eld. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, August 22, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING ATHLETICS Farah to be a pacemaker at Tour warns teams: London Marathon

AFP qualification system for mara- London, United Kingdom thon races from September 1, meaning athletes have the chance to achieve the Olympic two virus positives ritish athletics legend standard of two hours 11 min- Mo Farah has agreed utes 30 seconds. to be one of the pace- “The London Marathon has makers for this year’s been so important to me since I LondonB Marathon with his aim was a schoolboy and when they to help fellow Britons make the asked me to do this I thought it qualifying time for the Olympics. would be great to help,” said Fa- and you’re out The 37-year-old will also hope rah, who was third in the 2018 to tee up a spectacular fi nal duel London Marathon. between two fellow legends in “I am in good shape, I’ll be in The 2020 edition of Tour de France will start on August 29 in Nice with 28 teams Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele and London that week and it fi ts in world record holder Eliud Kip- with my training. AFP choge of Kenya. “I’ve been training with some Paris, France Farah last year gave up plans of the British guys who are going Cavendish to miss Tour de France yet again of running the marathon at the for that Olympic qualifying time Reuters Landa, 30, finished fourth on Tokyo Olympics and will instead and they are good lads. our de France organisers Bengaluru, India the 2017 Tour and is set to lead compete in the 10,000 metres “I know just how special it is have told teams they will the team at the race this year. which, if successful, will be his to compete for your country at boot them off the race if “This year’s parcours is very fi fth gold medal at the Games. an Olympic Games and it would they return two positive ark Cavendish will well suited to Mikel and his This year’s London Marathon be great to help other athletes TCovid-19 tests in seven days, of- has been aff ected like all sports achieve this. not be competing at form is strong,” Ellingworth fi cial sources said yesterday. Mthe Tour de France said in a statement. by the coronavirus pandemic and “With the current global situ- The measure concerns not for the second year in a row “The group we have chosen to was postponed from the original ation and lack of races, the Lon- only the riders, but other team after Bahrain McLaren omitted support him represents our rid- date of April 26. don Marathon in October is the staff inside the “race bubble”. the British cyclist from their ers who are most suited to the It is also the fi rst time it will be best chance for athletes to run The 2020 Tour will start on squad which was announced parcours and Tour-ready. only contested by elite athletes the Olympic qualifying time.” August 29 in Nice. There are yesterday. “The past few months have been with the 45,000 casual runners London Marathon director 28 teams each with eight riders Cavendish, who has won 30 challenging for all riders to be prevented from doing so due to Hugh Brasher said the six-time but those in close contact in the stages on the Tour and is race fit and it’s a credit to all of the coronavirus. track world champion’s decision bubble take the total to 25 to 30 considered one of the best our guys that we had such a World Athletics will lift its to act as pacemaker was a “won- people. sprinters in the event’s history, strong line-up to choose from.” suspension of the Olympic derful gesture”. Tour organisers and a team joined the team last year along Cavendish is four short of Eddy that had received the health pro- with Belgian rider Dylan Teuns, Merckx’s record of 34 stage tocols confi rmed the measures who has also missed the cut. wins on the Tour and he joins yesterday. Team principal Rod Ellingworth Britons Chris Froome and Ge- All the riders must undergo said earlier this year that raint Thomas on the sidelines two PCR nasal tests in the days Cavendish, who missed the “I just don’t feel I’m ready this racing to get going and I just after the two former champions leading up to the start of the 2019 Tour when Dimension year for the Tour de France,” haven’t had that this year with were omitted from the Ineos Tour. Data left him out of the squad, Cavendish, 35, said in a video Covid-19. But Bahrain McLaren Grenadiers squad this week. “A fi rst wave will be made on needed to earn his spot and posted on Twitter. “It’s the hard- do have an incredibly strong The Tour, which was postponed Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” that his chances of making the est parcours I’ve seen in my GC contender in Mikel Landa this year due to the Covid-19 said a Tour offi cial explaining team were hit by the Covid-19 entire career. and an incredibly strong team pandemic, starts on August 29 the tests were spread over three pandemic. “I’m a rider that needs a lot of to support him.” from Nice. days because riders were com- peting in their national cham- pionships spread across Europe leave the race bubble. Riders and over the weekend “and rid- would therefore automatically ers are not tested on race day.” withdraw from the race. He added “a second wave of A daily check-up will be car- tests” will also be staggered over ried out within the teams and three days — Tuesday, Wednes- each doctor will have to report day and Thursday — because any problems to the race coro- some riders will be competing navirus unit. in the European champion- All those in the race bubble ships, which run from Monday will have to undergo another to Thursday in Brittany. PCR swab test on the two rest Coe says athletics may have to think A team can replace a rider who days — September 7 and 14. ‘out of the box’ if Games axed tests positive before the race. The Covid-19 unit can also, For the race, the Tour has set on medical advice, expel anyone World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe hopes the delayed Tokyo up a Covid-19 unit of around 15 displaying suspicious symp- Olympics can take place in 2021, but says his sport will have to be people which will be attached to toms, even if they have not test- innovative if the coronavirus again disrupts the sporting calendar. the co-ordination centre which ed positive. The Games were pushed back from July 24-August 9 this year is part of the Tour caravan. It On the other hand, “a rider to July 23-August 8 next year because of the pandemic. But with is responsible for liaising with may be allowed to start in the cases still rising across the world, doubts about whether the ex- regional health authorities and event of a favourable medical travaganza can take place remain. Briton Coe, who led the London team doctors. opinion from the team doc- 2012 Games, told BBC radio there are “no certainties” Tokyo will During the race anyone who tor and the Covid-19 unit”, said A spectator wearing a protective mask and a cap reading ‘Tour de France’ watches the French Elite men happen and said a behind-closed-doors version would be worth tests positive would have to Tour organisers. time trial championship in Grand Champ, France, yesterday. (AFP) doing but does not fill him “with unalloyed joy”. “I really hope we are in a position to deliver the Tokyo Games,” the twice Olympic 1,500m champion said. “We also may have to think slightly out of RUGBY the box about how we might have to create other types of events O’Connor shines as if — I hope not — but if we have a very badly disrupted season rampant Reds defuse generally.” Feisty Bok De Klerk spurred on Force to go top Ineos Grenadiers sign Adam Yates on Reuters two-year deal Sydney, Australia by being told he was too small Dominant British outfit Ineos Grenadiers have signed climber Adam Yates for the “prime years” of his career, according to team ilipo Daugunu and Tate McDer- principal Dave Brailsford. The signing of the 28-year-old Yates AFP mott both grabbed two tries as from Australian team Mitchelton-Scott on a two-year deal was London, United Kingdom Fthe Queensland Reds hammered announced yesterday. “I’m really delighted that Adam is finally the Western Force 57-5 on the Gold joining the team,” Brailsford said in a statement. “It feels like the Coast yesterday evening to move to the timing is just right as he enters the prime of his career and we em- eing told he was too small to top of the Super Rugby AU standings. bark on a new era as the INEOS Grenadiers. “As a global team with make it in rugby acted as the Reds flyhalf James O’Connor scored a British heart, Adam’s no-nonsense British character is a perfect spur for South Africa’s World one of his team’s eight tries and added fit. He knows how to win and his gritty, determined and resilient Cup winning scrum-half Faf 17 points from the kicking tee in a spar- approach are exactly the attributes we are looking to foster as we deB Klerk to prove the doubters wrong, kling performance that will only burnish assemble the new INEOS Grenadiers to be built on purpose.” Yates, he told The Times. his claim to the Australia number 10 who finished fourth in general classification at the 2016 Tour de The 28-year-old was pivotal in the jersey for the test season later this year. France, will join up with Ineos in 2021. Springboks’ impressive World Cup Playing against his old team, O’Connor campaign in Japan last year climaxing had hands in both of winger Daugunu’s New Zealand’s North-South rugby with a 32-12 thrashing of England. scores in the first half and produced While he says off the pitch he is an outrageous off load to send Fraser delayed over virus travel ban “a very easygoing, fun guy”, oppos- McReight in for Queensland’s third try ing players whether in Tests or in the in the 56th minute. New Zealand’s much-anticipated North v South Island rugby English Premiership — he plays for the Scrumhalf McDermott, who has plenty match was delayed yesterday after health authorities refused to Sale Sharks — see a very diff erent side of backers for his own Wallabies ambi- let players travel from locked-down Auckland. Squads were due to to him on the pitch. tions, then showed quick wits to score assemble in Wellington on Monday ahead of the August 29 fixture, However, he admits standing at only two tries in five minutes and later came but New Zealand Rugby said 14 Auckland-based players and five 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 metres) he had to up a metre short of a hat-trick after support staff were barred from leaving because of coronavirus develop a feisty side. moving to the wing. restrictions. As a result, New Zealand Rugby postponed the match “It defi nitely has something to do O’Connor along with replacements for a week to September 5. “We’re disappointed that the game with it,” he said. “Especially growing Bryce Hegarty and Tuaina Taii Tualima can’t go ahead at this stage next week, but we understand and up, always being told: I’m too small, crossed in the last 10 minutes to inflate respect the government’s decision,” New Zealand Rugby head of I’ll never make it. I’m a good player but In this October 27, 2019, picture, Wales’ lock Jake Ball (second from left) confronts the score and help the Reds end a professional rugby Chris Lendrum said. He said a decision was yet not big enough. South Africa’s scrum-half Faf de Klerk (second from right) during the Japan 2019 10-match winless streak on the road to be made on whether the match will be played in Auckland, as “From a young age, I wanted to Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama. (AFP) with their biggest ever tally in an away originally planned, or Wellington. show that I can make the tackles that game. the big guys do, that I can do all the played and was a wicketkeeper. De Klerk — who hopes to add Pre- Perth-based Force were technically the One more player tests positive in physical stuff . “There, I was very, very annoying!” miership success this season with home side at the Robina Stadium in “I wanted to prove to them that I can he said. Sale in third position — says although southeast Queensland as they contest latest Premiership Covid-19 tests do what they say I can’t.” De Klerk’s success at Sale has also the South Africans enjoy each other’s the season in exile because of travel De Klerk — capped 30 times since acted as a magnet for several fellow company they do not hang out togeth- restrictions caused by the coronavirus One player in the Premiership tested positive for Covid-19 in test- making his Test debut in the 2-1 home South Africans to come to the club, in er exclusively. pandemic. ing after the first round of fixtures following the season’s restart, series win over Ireland in 2016 — says some cases acting as a recruiting ser- “The biggest thing for us as South They scored a try through former Reds Premiership Rugby said yesterday. The Premiership said 1,043 he has to always be snapping at the geant. Africans is we can’t speak our native hooker Andrew Ready early in the sec- players and club staff had been tested — the highest number of heels of his opponents to let them “I helped with a few guys,” he said. tongue the whole time,” he said. ond half but crumbled after prop Kieran tests they have carried out in a day since they began testing in know he is around. “In the beginning, when we were “If we are alone, say, walking from Longbottom was sent to the sin bin in early July. Neither the club nor player were named, but he will now “The other thing is: if I’m not going a bit short in a few positions, Dimes the gym to the changing room, we’ll the 53rd minute and finished the night go into self-isolation along with any close contacts until they are to go 100 per cent against these guys, (Sale’s director of rugby Steve Dia- speak Afrikaans, but if someone joins still seeking their first win. reassessed. The top-flight season was suspended in March due to I’m going to come off second best,” he mond) would ask me: ‘Do I know of us, we’ll switch back to English. The Reds top the standings by three the novel coronavirus outbreak, but clubs were allowed to begin said. “So I need to give everything to anybody who will fi t into the group?’ “It’s not a problem for us, but if we points from the ACT Brumbies, who close-contact training last month. In seven weeks of testing so stay in the fi ght.” “I am thinking of guys like Rohan do speak Afrikaans too much, the boys play the New South Wales Waratahs far, 27 players and 13 members of staff have tested positive. After (Janse van Rensburg) and Rob (du Preez), let us know we are in England now. in Canberra in the second round-eight 14 rounds of the season, Exeter Chiefs top the standings with 50 ‘A HEALTHY SQUAD’ who came over for the short term, fi tted “It shows a healthy squad when match today. points, eight ahead of Bristol Bears. He says he was just the same when he in really well but ended up staying.” guys can give each other some stick.” Gulf Times Saturday, August 22, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF CRICKET Malinga to miss Four share lead at initial games of IPL Northern Trust as PGA playoff s begin The top 70 players in season points advance to the BMW Championship with only the top 30 going from there going to the season-ending Tour Championship IANS “It is understood Malinga’s fa- AFP Colombo ther has been ill and may require New York surgery in the coming weeks. The fast bowler wants to be by umbai Indians his side and will be training in ustralia’s Cameron seamer Lasith Ma- Colombo,” the report said. Davis fi red a seven- linga will not be Last year, Malinga was in the under par 64 to share Mavailable for the ini- middle of things as he helped the Athe lead with Ameri- tial stages of the Indian Premier franchise get to their fourth IPL cans Harris English, Kevin League (IPL) 2020 due to per- title with a scintillating last-over Streelman and Russell Henley sonal reasons. fi nish. He has played 122 games after Thursday’s opening round According to a report in ESP- in the IPL, picking 170 at of the US PGA Northern Trust. Ncricinfo, the Sri Lankan bowler an average of 19.80. Davis, chasing his fi rst US will not be travelling to the UAE The 36-year-old last featured PGA title, made eight birdies with the Mumbai Indians squad for Sri Lanka in a T20I during the against a lone bogey on his pe- as his father is ill. home series against West Indies nultimate hole to join the US The lucrative T20 league, in March this year. pack atop the leaderboard in scheduled to be played across Malinga has so far played 30 the FedEx Cup playoff opener at three venues in Abu Dhabi, Du- Tests, 226 ODIs and 84 T20Is TPC Boston. bai and Sharjah, will be held from in which he has scalped 101, 338 “My game suits this place September 19 till November 10. and 83 wickets respectively. pretty well,” the 25-year-old Cameron Davis chips onto from Sydney said. the eighth green during the “We’ve got to hit our irons first round of The Northern SELECTION well. I felt like all I had to do was Trust golf tournament at play a nice solid round of golf. TPC of Boston on Thursday. “I was able to get a few more PICTURE: Mark Konezny-USA putts to go in and that’s nice TODAY Sports Naseem Shah in to see. Nice to fi nally get a low one.” Davis opened and closed 17-man Pak squad the back side, his opening nine holes, with back-to-back bird- ies on putts inside six feet and Houston Open. for England T20s added a 12-foot birdie putt at 14. Woods says no cause for alarm, neck was just ‘hot’ One stroke back on 65 were The Aussie added 21-foot South Africa’s Louis Oosthui- IANS side, along with Fakhar Zaman birdie putts at the par-5 second Norton: The sight of Tiger Woods holding cold We do it all the time just so I can get loose,” said zen, Colombia’s Sebastian Mu- Southampton and ,” he added. and par-4 sixth but found brush water bottles to his neck and rubbing his upper Woods. “I decided to put some up on my neck, noz and Americans Charley “Usually, the T20I team at the par-3 eighth and took a back on Thursday ahead of the Northern Trust and it’s not as tolerant as my lower back, so it Hoff man, Scott Piercy, Bubba comes together for a brief pe- bogey. triggered speculation about his physical health gets awfully hot.” Watson, Kevin Kisner and Mat- eenage pace sensation riod but due to the current situ- “You just have to plot your but the former world number one said there was The excessive heat triggered the scenes of thew Wolff . Reigning Masters Naseem Shah is among ation most of the players have way around,” Davis said. “Being no need to worry. Woods trying to cool down, which quickly champion Tiger Woods, re- 17 players Pakistan been here with us for more than aggressive is just going to bring Woods, who has a well-documented surgical had many on social media wondering what, if turning to the Scotty Cameron Thave shortlisted for the a month and it has provided us a in bigger numbers.” history and has played a very limited schedule anything was wrong with the 15-times major putter he used in 14 of his 15 ma- three T20Is against England, a good opportunity to work on the The top 70 players in season this year, said he had “pretty hot oils” applied champion. jor triumphs, opened on 68. statement on Pakistan Cricket development of the team and the points advance from Boston to to his neck to help keep his spine loose for the “As soon as you heat up, the whole idea is to “Just stubbornness I guess,” Board’s offi cial website said. young players. So, even the play- next week’s BMW Champion- FedExCup playoff opener. keep my spine loose,” said Woods. “My spine is Woods said of the switch back. The Babar Azam-led team will ers who might not get an oppor- ship with only the top 30 going But while on the practice range ahead of first- not what it used to be and never will be.” “I’ll put it in play and see how it play Eoin Morgan’s England at tunity to play will benefi t from from there to the season-ending round action at TPC Boston in Norton, Massa- In only his fifth start this year, Woods had five goes and it worked. When I gave Old Traff ord, Manchester, from the experience they are getting Tour Championship next month chusetts, Woods was seen trying to rub off the birdies and two bogeys en route to a three- myself some chances I made August 28 to September 1. here. at East Lake. excess oil and cool the area down with water. under-par 68 at TPC Boston where he was four them.” “This is mostly the same team “It is going to be a competitive English and Streelman are “My lower back is used to it. It’s accustomed to it. shots off the early lead. Munoz birdied the fi rst seven which has been featuring in the series as England are a strong in the top 30 but Davis is 91st holes. shortest format for us. Besides side. We are looking forward to and Henley 10 more spots back, “I just saw the lines and made retaining the core, we have in- play good cricket and win the needing big weeks to advance. and I pulled the ball out.” me for sure,” Henley said. “I was and including a 41-foot putt at my putts,” he said. “I didn’t ducted youngsters like Haider series,” said Misbah. Streelman had three sets of Henley’s bogey-free round happy to fi nish that way.” 13. He answered a bogey at 17 think about anything. It’s great Ali, who has performed well in Pakistan squad for England back-to-back birdies and holed saw him close with an eagle and English, who won his only with a tap-in birdie at 18. to be in the zone and I was there.” the HBL PSL, U19 and fi rst-class T20Is: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar out for eagle from 148 yards in two birdies in the last four holes. two PGA titles in 2013 at the St. Streelman seeks his third ca- Two-time Masters champion cricket, and Naseem Shah as Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, the fairway at the par-4 15th. He birdied the par-4 15th and Jude Classic and the Mayakoba reer PGA victory after 2013 at Bubba Watson was working on we had an opportunity to keep Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, “It was pretty fun,” Streelman 17th from just over six feet then Classic, eagled the par-5 sec- Tampa Bay and the 2014 Travel- mental issues. a bigger pool due to Covid-19 Khushdil Shah, Mohamed Ha- said. “I hit a 9-iron that was go- dropped his second shot at the ond from 97 yards in the fairway ers Championship. “It comes down to thinking pandemic, which also increases feez, Mohamed Hasnain, Mo- ing right at the hole... par-5 18th only inches from the then birdied three and four. Henley seeks a fourth after I’m man enough to hit the shots our options,” chief selector Mis- hamed Rizwan, Mohamed Amir, I walked up and I didn’t see cup. English ran off four straight the 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii, and then able to make the putts,” bah-ul-Haq said. Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, the ball, said maybe it went in “It felt like the game came to birdies starting at the par-3 11th the 2014 Honda Classic and 2017 Watson said. “Our two experienced bowlers Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah in Mohamed Amir and Wahab Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz have also returned to the Riaz. BOTTOMLINE NY welcomes the tennis world — well some of them

DPA raged through the country’s big- New York gest city just a few months ago. There was a fi rst positive case among a US Open employee on ovak Djokovic and Tuesday while Guido Pella and Alexander Zverev are Hugo Dellien are not allowed to back having fun. participate in the Western and N The German pub- Southern Masters tournament lished a video on social media due to a positive coronavirus of him standing high up in the test for their fi tness trainer. Arthur Ashe Stadium in New Hygiene protocols mean play- York. ers cannot leave designated ho- From below on the court, tels and playing facilities and Djokovic hammers balls towards cannot meet with anyone from him, which Zverev catches outside. Players who have cho- without any problems. sen to stay in a private house for After the controversy of the accommodation are also not al- Serbian’s positive coronavirus lowed to receive guests who are test at his own Adria Tour ex- not part of the bubble. hibition and Zverev being criti- Cleaning staff are only al- Pakistan’s Naseem Shah. cised for partying during the lowed to enter the house if no crisis, they are trying to move on player is present. as the men’s professional tour Regular testing, masks and starts again. social distancing are also part of LPGA drops Kia Classic from 2020 schedule But with so many players not the routine. heading to New York for the “As we’ve seen the players Los Angeles: The Kia Classic, again at beautiful Aviara Golf men’s and women’s Western and come in, the energy has been due to be played next month Club in 2021,” LPGA Commis- Southern Open, which begins really positive. They’re excited at the Aviara Golf Club in sioner Mike Whan said in a today and has been moved from Alexander Zverev of Germany to be back,” Stacey Allaster, US Carlsbad, California, has been brief statement. Cincinnati to act as a warm-up trains prior to the Western & Open tournament director, said dropped from the women’s The LPGA Shanghai tourna- for the August 31-September 13 Southern Open at the USTA Billie in a statement. professional golf circuit this ment, scheduled for Oct.15-18 US Open, there is an air of un- Jean King National Tennis Center “There’s a strong sense of year and will return in 2021, the at Qizhong Garden Golf Club, certainty. in New York City yesterday. community, that we are all in LGPA said yesterday. was cancelled earlier this Six of the women’s top 10 this together for our sport and The tournament, originally month because of health including Australian world our fans.” scheduled for March, had been concerns and travel restric- number one Ash Barty have not Players are not allowed to moved to Sept. 24-27 due to tions put in place due to the travelled because of the pan- players at the tournaments, plus Rafa Nadal is among the men Even Zverev has his doubts. head over to Manhattan. the Covid-19 pandemic. pandemic. The LPGA returned demic, which suspended the possible quarantine when play- not to have made the trip, as he “It’s a bit crazy to play the US But organisers say they will “We appreciate all of the ef- from a 166-day hiatus at Inver- season back in March. ers return home have all con- concentrates on the clay sea- Open now,” he said recently. bring Manhattan to the players. forts by Kia to try and make ness Club for the first of two The US has the highest Cov- tributed to the mass withdraw- son with the French Open due Flushing Meadows, in There are gyms, an arcade and this event happen this year consecutive spectator-free id-19 death rate in the world als. to start on September 27, while Queen’s, was even used as a tem- even a golf simulator to keep and we look forward to playing events in Ohio. while heavy restrictions on US Open reigning champion Roger Federer is injured. porary hospital as the pandemic people entertained. Saturday, August 22, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT World champ Carlsen confi rms participation in Katara chess tournament

Sports Reporter will carry $10,000 in prizemon- of important sporting events, Doha ey. whether local or international, Qatar Chess Association including the Katara Interna- president Mohamed al-Mu- tional Chess Tournament. randmaster Magnus dahka expressed his delight at This year’s event is a special Carlsen, the 7-times Carlsen’s participation, saying one as it will be organized re- world chess cham- he expects around 5,000 players motely in line with the precau- Gpion, has announced to take part in the event. tionary measures taken by the his intention to participate in He said more than 1,000 country to combat Coronavirus the Katara International Chess participants confi rmed their Covid-19. Tournament organized by the participation on the fi rst day of He added that the tourna- Qatar Chess Association in co- registration. ment has succeeded in gaining operation with the Cultural Vil- Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Su- a high level of international at- lage Foundation – Katara. laiti, the general manager of the tention, which enables it to at- The tournament, which be- Cultural Village Foundation — tract a larger audience. gins on August 24, is scheduled Katara, said that Katara as a cul- He praised the fruitful rela- to be played in two phases in tural institution is keen to sup- tionship between the Cultural three diff erent time zones so port sports activities and spread Village Foundation — Katara that the players can opt for any the culture of sports by organ- and the Qatar Chess Associa- time zone they prefer. The event izing and hosting a number tion.

CRICKET FOCUS Williams no longer a family aff air as Crawley’s maiden US investment Test ton powers fi rm buys F1 team England to 332-4 The 22-year-old got off the mark with a boundary and rarely looked troubled

AFP Southampton

ak Crawley struck his maiden Test century as England established a strong position on the opening In this file photo taken on May 13, 2012 William’s Venezuelan driver day of their series fi nale against Pastor Maldonado and William’s team principal Frank Williams (R) ZPakistan at Southampton yesterday. celebrate with after his Spanish Grand Prix win at the Circuit de Crawley’s commanding 171 Catalunya in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona. The historic was the centrepiece of England’s 332-4 Williams Formula One team has been bought by US-based invest- at stumps after captain Joe Root won the ment firm Dorilton Capital, ending 43 years of family ownership, it toss. Jos Buttler (87 not out) proved a fi ne, was announced yesterday. free-scoring ally to Crawley during an unbroken stand of 205. Crawley came in AFP champion. with England struggling at 12-1 following London Matthew Savage, chairman the loss of Rory Burns. of Dorilton Capital, believes the But the 22-year-old Kent batsman, in new investment and his compa- just his eighth Test, got off the mark with he historic Williams For- ny’s patient approach will herald a boundary and rarely looked troubled mula One team has been a change in their on-the-track during what was just the fourth fi rst- bought by US-based in- performances. class century, and highest score, of his vestment fi rm Dorilton “We believe we are the ideal career. England, 1-0 up in a three-match Capital,T ending 43 years of fam- partner for the company due to contest, will win their fi rst Test series ily ownership, it was announced our fl exible and patient invest- against Pakistan in 10 years if they avoid yesterday. ment style, which will allow the defeat at the Ageas Bowl. Founded in 1977 by Frank Wil- team to focus on its objective With Pakistan playing just four front- liams and Patrick Head, Williams of returning to the front of the line bowlers, there was pressure on leg- have won nine constructors’ ti- grid,” he said. spinner Yasir Shah to give captain Azhar tles and seven drivers’ champi- Williams said the fresh in- Ali a degree of control, even though a onships, the most recent coming vestment allied with the new fi rst-day pitch rarely favours slow bowl- through Canadian Jacques Ville- Concorde Agreement that all the ers. At tea, Yasir had fi ne fi gures of 2-60 neuve in 1997. teams signed earlier this week from 19 overs. But Buttler counter-at- They were forced to look for put the team in a good position. tacked by lofting Yasir for two sixes in new investment when in May The new Concorde Agreement three balls and at stumps his fi gures were Williams Grand Prix Holdings on Wednesday saw all 10 Formu- 2-107 from 28 overs. group reported an adjusted loss la One teams agree to a crucial Crawley reverse-swept Yasir for four of £13 mn ($17 mn) for the year fi ve-year commercial deal from on the way to a third fi fty in just 62 balls. ending 2019. 2021 which guarantees the mo- After Root won the toss on a blustery England’s Zak Crawley celebrates his century on the first day of the third match against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in They blamed the losses largely torsport’s “sustainable” future morning, with the sun trying to break Southampton, southwest England, yesterday. on the impact of the coronavirus and is designed to usher in a new through, Burns (six) nicked a fi ne deliv- pandemic having posted a £12.9 era of closer and more unpre- ery from Shaheen Afridi that moved away ing a hundred in my room at night. I mas- mn profi t in 2018. dictable racing. late low to Shan Masood at fourth slip. SCORECARD sively want it for England. But I don’t “This may be the end of an “This marks the beginning of Crawley, fresh from his 53 in the drawn want to put myself under pressure. era for Williams as a family an exciting new era in the his- ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS second Test at Southampton, a match Broad, J Anderson That could create too much pressure owned team, but we know it is tory of Williams,” read the team marred by bad weather, cut Yasir for four R. Burns c Masood b Afridi 6 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Burns), 2-73 (Sibley), as I get closer.” Two controlled twos off in good hands,” said Claire Wil- statement. and glanced fast bowler Naseem Shah for D. Sibley lbw b Yasir Shah 22 3-114 (Root), 4-127 (Pope) paceman Mohammad Abbas saw Crawley liams, deputy team principal and “Which with its new owner, another boundary. to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours. daughter of Frank in a statement. is well positioned to capitalise Z. Crawley not out 171 : Afridi 18-2-71-1 (3nb); Abbas 21- But a second- partnership of 61 3-52-0; Yasir 28-3-107-2; Naseem 17-4-66-1; His team-mates, in a season of Tests “The sale ensures the team’s upon the sweeping rule changes ended when Dom Sibley was lbw to Ya- J. Root c Rizwan b Naseem Shah 29 Alam 6-0-25-0; being played behind closed doors because survival but most importantly coming into Formula One with sir for 22. Crawley brought up an 80-ball of the coronavirus pandemic, tried to will provide a path to success.” the new Concorde Agreement.” O. Pope b Yasir Shah 3 Pakistan XI fi fty off the last ball of the session when, : Shan Masood, Abid Ali, compensate for the lack of any fans at the As Williams’s fi nancial for- While Claire Williams ran the J. Buttler not out 87 tempted to drive after Pakistan reinforced Azhar Ali (capt), Babar Azam, Asad Ageas Bowl with enthusiastic applause tunes have taken a hammering day to day operations Frank re- the slip cordon, he struck left-arm quick Extras (lb11, nb3) 14 Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Mohamed Rizwan from the dressing room. so has their performance on the mained the principal, but his (wkt), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Afridi to the long-off rope for a stylish Total (4 wkts, 90 overs, 390 mins) 332 He followed fellow 22-year-old Pope track. close friend and former Formula Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and the 24-year-old Sibley as the latest One supremo Bernie Ecclestone four. England, however, lost two wickets To bat: C Woakes, D Bess, J Archer, S They fi nished as high as third early in the second session to be 127-4. young England batsman to have made a in the constructors’ champion- said that is where the problem There was little Root could do on 29 Test century. Buttler completed an 85- ship as recently as 2015 but last lay. when a full-length from teen- undone by Yasir’s quicker delivery when had to spend the 20-minute tea interval ball fi fty featuring six fours and two sixes. year slid to bottom, the same “Trouble was, Frank was age paceman Naseem seamed away late to clean bowled for three hanging back on 97 not out. Pakistan took the new ball with Eng- position they occupy this sea- hands-on in the way he managed take the outside edge, with wicketkeeper in the crease. Crawley, whose previous But if there were any nerves they did land 288-4 off 80 overs before Buttler’s son having yet to garner a single the team,” he told AFP in June Mohammad Rizwan holding a fi ne div- Test-best was the 76 he made against the not show, with Crawley having said dur- cover-driven four off Naseem in Friday’s point. when he was also seeking a buyer ing catch. Ollie Pope was then once again West Indies at Southampton last month, ing the second Test: “I think about scor- last over raised a 200 stand with Crawley. It represents quite a contrast for the team. to the glory years in the 90s “Unfortunately, the current when the likes of Nigel Mansell, management do not have the BOTTOMLINE Alain Prost and Damon Hill were same status as Frank has. He in their pomp and crowned world could get things done.” McKenzie calls it quits as Bangladesh coach Australia’s White retires, to focus on coaching AFP fore the COVID-19 outbreak, he agreed “It is diffi cult to leave a role which I Dhaka to work with us in all formats. have thoroughly enjoyed. From the very Melbourne: Former Australia a playing point of view and I’m But in the changed circumstances, beginning I have been made to feel a part cricket all-rounder Cameron ready to focus on coaching.” ormer South African interna- with new COVID-19 protocols, he in- of the team and I am going with happy White ended his nearly two- The Victorian made his Australia tional Neil McKenzie yesterday formed us recently that it was getting re- memories,” he said. decade-long professional career debut in a one-day international stepped down as batting coach ally diffi cult for him. Bangladesh are expected to return to on Friday, saying he wants to against the ICC World XI in of the Bangladesh national team “He would have to come 14 days ear- international cricket in October with a focus on coaching. 2005 and went on to play 91 dueF to the coronavirus pandemic, the lier now and had to spend even more time three-Test series against Sri Lanka after a “I’ve definitely finished up play- one-dayers and 47 country’s cricket board announced. with Bangladesh away from his family, break of more than fi ve months, triggered ing, that’s for sure,” White, who Internationals. McKenzie had completed two years which was no longer possible for him. by the coronavirus pandemic. turned 37 this week, told www. Though he played only four with Bangladesh after joining the Tigers “So he wanted to work in either red- Bangladesh cricketers resumed train- cricket.com.au. Tests, White captained Australia during the tour of the West Indies in July ball or white-ball cricket. But we felt that ing in July, but only one player and one “To be totally honest, I’m pretty in seven limited-overs matches 2018 but he was expected to continue in it was better to discontinue the arrange- trainer are allowed inside Dhaka’s main content. I think my time is defi- where his destructive batting the role after agreeing an extension. white-ball cricket,” BCB chief executive ment with him.” stadium at a time because of coronavirus nitely up, I’ve had enough from was more valued. “We had a commitment with him for Nizamuddin Chowdhury told AFP. “Be- McKenzie said it was a tough decision. restrictions.