Bint Saffian bags Al Ghariya Cup as new QREC racing season begins page 15

THURSday, OCTOBER 15, 2020 Ronaldo returns to Italy despite coronavirus infection Portuguese football superstar flies out as Juventus isolate DPA the Portuguese federation Madrid/Rome on Tuesday and will miss Wednesday’s Nations League Portuguese superstar match with Sweden in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo has re- He had previously played turned to Italy to complete against Spain and France last his quarantine after testing week. All other players have positive for the coronavirus since tested negative. on international duty, his club The Juventus forward will Juventus said on Wednesday. also miss club games includ- “Cristiano Ronaldo re- ing in the Champions League turned to Italy with a medical as he isolates, possibly even flight authorised by the com- the October 28 showdown petent health authorities at with Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. the request of the player and This handout picture released by the Portuguese Football Federation Santos said Ronaldo was will continue his fiduciary iso- shows Cristiano Ronaldo giving the thumb up as he watches his “doing well” and was symptom lation at his home,” the Italian teammates’ training session from a balcony at Portugal’s training free. He too does not under- champions said. camp in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on Tuesday. (AFP) stand “how it could have hap- The A Bola sport newspaper pened,” the coach added. in Portugal said the 35-year- “In compliance with the tos said he could not explain The striker had already old Juventus forward Ronaldo regulations and the protocol, how Ronaldo came to be in- gone in isolation with Juve departed from Lisbon airport the team entered into fiduci- fected with the coronavirus at the club-owned J Hotel in a private plane, with Italian ary isolation this evening,” the while with the national squad. on October 3, following two media reporting his transfer by Bianconeri said. “Since Monday we have positive cases among workers ambulance from the Turin air- “This procedure will al- been completely locked in,” at the club. He had left Turin port to his residence. low all persons negative to the Santos was quoted by Portu- for Portugal four days later, Juventus also said they controls to carry out regular guese media on Wednesday. which prompted an investi- have gone in isolation follow- training and match activities, “The workers and players gation from the Italian foot- This handout picture released on October 13, 2020 by the Portuguese Football Federation shows Portu- ing the positive coronavirus but will not allow contact with have come in and otherwise ball federation (FIGC) into gal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left, up) watching his teammates’ training session from a balcony test of their midfielder Weston people outside of the group.” no one.” Ronaldo had his the negative test necessary at Portugal’s training camp in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on Tuesday. (AFP) McKennie. Portugal coach Fernando San- positive test revealed by for his departure. Premier League clubs reject radical ‘Big Picture’ plan AFP Financial pressures London Pressure has been applied to the Premier League from Premier League clubs unan- government to rescue lower imously agreed on Wednesday league clubs, who face finan- to reject the radical “Project cial ruin without the return of Big Picture” plan to restruc- supporters to stadiums. ture English football. A £50 million ($65 mil- Under the controversial lion) rescue package in the Qatar to play South proposals, backed by Liver- form of grants and interest- pool and Manchester United, free loans for clubs in League the number of teams in the One and League Two was Korea in Austria on English top-flight would have agreed on Wednesday. been cut from 20 to 18 and the But no bailout has been League Cup scrapped. agreed for the Championship, November 17th More power would have where unlike in League One been handed to the big- and Two, clubs have yet to set Tribune News Network team’s playing schedule was gest clubs in exchange for a a salary cap. And the Premier Doha halted because of the COV- hefty financial package and a League clubs took the opportu- ID-19 pandemic. greater share of broadcast rev- nity to again make their case to Asian champions Qatar will The Asian champions will enues for the English Football government to ease the corona- meet Korea Republic in an in- make their first appearance at League (EFL). virus ban on fans in stadiums. ternational friendly match on next year’s CONCACAF Gold Although endorsed by the Plans for a phased return of the 17th of November in Aus- Cup where they will compete vast majority of EFL clubs, the spectators in October were put tria. The venue of the match along with 16 of the world’s plan drew criticism from the on hold after the spike in Cov- will be decided later, Qatar best teams from July 10 and British government, the Foot- id-19 infections that has led to Football Association (QFA) are pitted in Group D with ball Association, the Premier local lockdowns across Britain. has announced. Honduras, Panama and Gre- League and fan groups. “League One and League The match comes within nada for the first round. “All 20 Premier League Under the controversial proposals, backed by Liverpool and Manchester United, the number of teams in Two clubs rely more heavily the framework of the team’s Just before the North, clubs today unanimously the English top-flight would have been cut from 20 to 18 and the League Cup scrapped. on matchday revenue and have preparations for the upcom- Central and Caribbean region agreed that ‘Project Big Picture’ fewer resources at their disposal ing events and within the tournament, Qatar will travel will not be endorsed or pur- pioned by EFL chairman changes. threat” during talks over the than Championship or Premier program of preparing the na- to Colombia and Argentina for sued by the Premier League, Rick Parry, was seen as a Speaking to Parliament’s divisive plans. League clubs and are therefore tional squad for the 2022 FIFA their second appearance at the or the FA,” the Premier League power grab from the Premier Digital, Culture, Media and In a letter to the FA coun- more at risk, especially at a time World Cup Qatar. Copa America, where they will said in a statement. League’s “big six”, also includ- Sport committee, Culture cil, which convenes on Thurs- when fans are excluded from The clash against Asian compete against Colombia, The Premier League share- ing Arsenal, Chelsea, Man- Secretary Dowden said the day, Clarke said he had taken attending matches,” said the giants South Korea will be Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador holders agreed to work on a chester City and Tottenham. proposals “tended towards a part in initial discussions be- Premier League’s statement. the second major friendly and Peru, from June 11 strategic plan for English foot- Those clubs and the three closed shop” for the big six. fore walking away when he “Football is not the same this year after Qatar played a Qatar, the Asian champi- ball to “ensure a vibrant, com- other longest-serving mem- Dowden’s comments come felt the aim had become “the without fans and the economy match against Ghana in the ons, are in 55th spot on the petitive and sustainable foot- bers of the top-tier – Everton, after Football Association concentration of power and is unsustainable. The Premier Turkish city of Antalya on FIFA rankings for September ball pyramid” and announced Southampton and West Ham chairman Greg Clarke said a wealth in the hands of a few League and all our clubs remain Monday evening. and fifth in Asia. South Korea a rescue package. – would have held the power breakaway from the Premier clubs, with a breakaway league committed to the safe return of These two matches have are ranked 39th in the world Project Big Picture, cham- to pass or block any major rule League was wielded “as a mooted as a threat”. fans as soon as possible.” been listed after the national and third in Asia. Boardroom putsch threatens weightlifting’s Olympic status AFP “The IOC is very worried that Papandrea had been re- eration by the IOC executive the accusations as “lies” before Lausanne to learn about the reported placed by Intarat Yodbangtoey board”. The Olympic body had being pressured into resign- decision made by the Board of from Thailand. The appoint- already threatened last week to ing in April. He had originally The place of weightlifting the International Weightlift- ment of Yodbangtoey comes de- “reconsider the place of weight- stepped aside for 90 days while at the 2024 Paris Olympics ing Federation to replace the spite the fact that Thai weight- lifting on the programme of the an investigation set about ex- is under threat after the In- Acting President, Ms Ursula lifters will be barred from the Olympic Games in Paris 2024”. amining the ARD claims which ternational Olympic Com- Garza Papandrea, the way the Tokyo Olympics because of too In December it must make a largely focused on him. mittee said on Wednesday it decision was taken and the many doping cases. final decision on the events and According to the docu- was “very worried” about the chosen replacement,” the IOC Andrews said he was resign- quotas of athletes for the Paris mentary, until 2017 high-level boardroom putsch that ousted said in a statement. ing as Interim Deputy Director Olympics. Weightlifting has weightlifters were being ex- the interim president of the “The IOC enjoyed excellent General of the IWF, saying: “It been in turmoil since January empted from many doping con- sport’s governing body. cooperation with her during has became clear over recent when German TV channel ARD trols, and test results were being Ursula Papandrea of the her time in office, and is fully months that not everyone has broadcast a documentary which altered in exchange for bribes. US, who became the first wom- supportive of the reforms she the best interests of the sport revealed what it described as a ARD also referred to docu- an to head the International has initiated in the IWF.” in mind and our attempts to “culture of corruption” in the ments showing that nearly 4.5 Weightlifting Federation (IWF) The IOC did not name her reform the sport have been met sport intended to mask the use million euros ($4.9 million) when she took over in January, replacement but the CEO of with incredible resistance.” of doping. The Hungarian Ta- paid to the IWF by the IOC were was removed after an execu- USA Weightlifting Phil An- The IOC said the power grab mas Ajan, 81, chairman of the transferred to accounts in Swit- tive board vote at an emergency drews announced in a state- “and its consequences will, of IWF for 20 years after serving zerland over which Ajan alone meeting on Tuesday. ment released in his own name course, be taken into consid- as its secretary general, rejected exercises control. Sports Thursday, October 15, 2020 13 Players’ welfare is ‘main priority’, says Asian football body

AFP see the confederation (AFC) Hong Kong involved in some of these really drastic negative situations on Asian football’s governing the domestic level,” Baer-Hoff- body said player welfare was its mann told AFP. “main priority” after criticism He added: “We would very from the global players’ union much expect that the confed- that it had been slow to provide eration sets a certain standard, enough support since the coro- in terms of embracing collective navirus shutdown. decision-making, in terms of FIFPro general secretary embracing the standards that Jonas Baer-Hoffmann last week we are working under on the said the Asian Football Confed- deeper level. And that’s certain- eration’s engagement had been ly not happening.” “lacking severely”, adding that Like many sports bodies, player welfare problems threat- the AFC has suffered severe dif- Neymar hat-trick ened to undo Asia’s progress in ficulty running its competitions the sport. this year. But the AFC The suspend- defended its re- ed Champions sponse to the League has re- nets Brazil win as he Covid-19 cri- sumed in a bios- sis. “The Asian ecure “bubble” in Football Confed- Qatar, while the eration put the welfare and the second-tier AFC Cup has been well-being of the players – and cancelled and World Cup quali- moves closer to Pele all our stakeholders – as our fiers are on hold. Brazil’s Neymar leaps in joy after scoring one of his three goals against Peru during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier at the National Stadium in Lima on Tuesday main priority throughout the “Our focus has been on the amid the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. (AFP) pandemic,” it told AFP in a safe resumption of our AFC statement. competitions in a biosecure The AFC “provided support environment as well as promot- With 64 goals, Neymar passed super striker Ronaldo in the Brazilian national team’s all-time for clubs and leagues through ing the restart, where safe and the member associations and appropriate, of the leagues in scoring tally and is now behind legend of the sport Pele, who tops the list with 77 goals regional associations,” it added. our member associations,” the “Our competitions were AFC said. the first to be postponed in the The Kuala Lumpur-based DPA Argentina won their first Games are played behind world and that was to protect body said it also took part in Rio de Janeiro FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers qualifying match against Ec- closed doors and amid strict the health of all those who FIFA discussions leading up to uador last week 1-0, while Bo- safety and hygiene rules as the were to be involved in those the approval of up to $1.5 billion A hat-trick from superstar Peruvian ex-Bundesliga main striker was getting “bet- livia were trounced 5-0 by five- region is currently one of the matches.” in grants and loans for national Neymar enabled Brazil to turn player Carlos Zambrano was ter and better” as he matures. time world champions Brazil. pandemic hotspots. Baer-Hoffmann high- football associations around the tide against Peru and win red-carded towards the end of Earlier on Tuesday, Argen- Brazil top the table on goal Following the death of as- lighted the problems faced by the world. Tuesday’s World Cup qualify- the game. tina won their second qualify- difference from Argentina sociation president Cesar Sali- players in Indonesia, saying FIFPro, headquartered in ing match 4-2 at Estadio Na- The previous day Peruvian ing match by defeating Bolivia with Colombia third on four nas, Bolivian football is being a “unilateral decision” by clubs the Netherlands, represents cional in Lima. strikers Raul Ruidiaz and Alex 2-1 in La Paz. points thanks to Radamel Fal- rattled by internal conflicts. to slash wages by three-quar- tens of thousands of footballers Brazil trailed the hosts af- Valera had tested positive to The hosts initially ap- cao’s 90th minute equalizer Several clubs have not re- ters had caused “quite severe worldwide via 65 national play- ter Andre Carrillo opened the the novel coronavirus but did peared to have an advantage in Chile. leased their players, while na- hardship”. er associations, including eight scoring in the fifth minute, but not show serious symptoms. in the high-altitude match Jefferson Lerma had put tional coach Cesar Farias has “We would have liked to in Asia-Pacific. they equalised with Neymar’s With 64 goals, Neymar - at 3,650 metres above sea the guests ahead and though been accused of corruption. first goal in the 27th. passed super striker Ron- level - and took the lead with Arturo Vidal, from the spot, They are bottom of the Peru were ahead once aldo in the Brazilian national a Marcelo Martins goal at 24 and Alexis Sanchez turned 10-team round-robin league more when Renato Tapia team’s all-time scoring tally minutes. the tie seventh-placed Chile which sees the top four qualify scored three minutes into and is now behind legend of Inter Milan striker Lautaro were denied late on to remain for Qatar and the fifth-placed New Zealand scrap the seecond half, but Brazil the sport Pele, who tops the Martinez then equalized mo- winless. side enter a play-off. came out on top after goals list with 77 goals. ments before the end of the The start of the South from Neymar in the 82nd Brazil coach Tite played first half. American qualifying campaign Scoreline: Brazil 4 (Neymar 28’ England football friendly and 94th minutes and an- down comparisons to other Joaquin Correa secured for the 2022 finals in Qatar (P), 83’ (P), 90+4, Richarlison other from Richarlison in the Brazilian greats but said the the win for the Albiceleste with was delayed by the coronavi- 64’) bt Peru 2 (Andre Carrilo 6’, over virus ‘complications’ 65th minute. 28-year-old Paris Saint-Ger- a goal in the 79th minute. rus pandemic. Renato Tapia 59’).

AFP strictions when they returned Wellington home, adding that could “po- tentially jeopardise their pro- Swiss return $40m of New Zealand pulled out of fessional careers”. Goal-shy Ireland still awaiting win next month’s football friendly All Whites coach Danny stolen South American against England on Wednes- Hay said he was “gutted” to day, saying “complications” have to withdraw from such a football funds under Kenny after Finland loss caused by Covid-19 had made high-profile fixture. it too difficult to field a team at “Looking at the restric- Geneva: Switzerland has returned AFP Goalkeeper Darren Wembley on November 12. tions currently in place, as 36.6 million Swiss francs (40 million Helsinki Randolph’s pass was in- The withdrawal follows a well as the rising number of dollars) of embezzled funds to South tercepted by Teemu Pukki number of coronavirus cases Covid-19 cases across Europe, America’s football governing body Stephen Kenny is still and he squared for Jensen, during the current round of it just isn’t possible to put a CONMEBOL, the Swiss top prosecution waiting for his first win as who scored at the second international fixtures, includ- competitive squad together,” authority said on Wednesday in Bern. Republic or Ireland man- attempt after his first ef- ing a positive test by Portugal he said. The Swiss Office of the Attorney ager after a 1-0 defeat in fort was blocked by Shane and Juventus superstar Cris- Coronavirus problems General had seized the money from Finland left his side out of Duffy. tiano Ronaldo. have weighed heavily on Swiss bank accounts since last Decem- contention for top spot in Centre-back Duffy re- “The shifting nature of the ongoing round of ber. Nations League Group B4. mains the only man to travel restrictions and com- international games, with sev- The money is linked to investiga- In front of 8,000 fans score in Kenny’s reign mercial flight availabilityun - eral teams facing difficulties tions against the late Nicolas Leoz, who in Helsinki, Fredrik Jens- as for the fourth straight der Covid means that we do and disruption. served as CONMEBOL president for en scored the only goal, game Ireland failed to find not have certainty we could England manager Ga- many years, as well as Eduardo Deluca, as he did when the sides Finland’s midfielder Ilmari Niskanen (left) and Ireland’s defender the net. assemble a squad at Wemb- reth Southgate, whose team the body’s former secretary general, the met last month in Dublin, Dara O’Shea vie for the ball during their UEFA Nations League Enda Stevens hit the ley,” New Zealand Football play Denmark on Wednesday office said. to take Finland a point match in Helsinki on Wednesday. Finland won 1-0. (AFP) crossbar in the second- CEO Andrew Pragnell said in and are also due to face Bel- Deluca has been convicted in Swit- above Wales at the top of half and Ronan Curtis a statement. gium and Iceland next month, zerland of aiding embezzlement. the group. tive coronavirus cases and for Ireland to play more was denied by a fine save He said a “significant earlier defended the decision The case against Leoz was dropped Kenny has had to deal players forced into self-iso- possession football back- from Lukas Hradecky in number” of players would to play the games during the after his death in August 2019. (DPA) with the disruption of posi- lation, but his philosophy fired for Jensen’s winner. stoppage time. face quarantine or other re- pandemic. African roundup: CAF Champions League to resume after long delay

AFP the African equivalent of the tition from Onyango, Zambian at home when the 2020/2021 Arabian Gulf League when Johannesburg Europa League, will be staged Kennedy Mweene and locals season kicks off on Saturday the season was abandoned exclusively in Morocco. Ricardo Goss and Jody Febru- with a knockout competition due to the coronavirus. CAF club football resumes Local clubs Renaissance ary should he join the 10-time between the top eight finishers Mwape won the Premier- this weekend – five months Berkane and Hassania Agadir South African Premiership in the last league. ship Golden Boot award behind schedule because of meet in Casablanca on Octo- champions. When the previous cor- with 16 goals two seasons the coronavirus pandemic – ber 19 followed by Pyramids of onavirus-affected season re- ago and his playoff goals were with 2019/2020 Champions Egypt against Horoya of Guin- Zimbabwe: Former Zimba- sumed in August, all matches instrumental in Leopards’ League semi-final first legs in ea in Rabat the following day. bwe defender/midfielder Nor- were played within a ‘bio bub- survival. Morocco. Rabat hosts the October man Mapeza has quit as coach ble’ covering Johannesburg, DR Congo: Renaissance Casablanca teams Wydad 25 final and a new name will of South African Premiership Pretoria and Soweto. rose to the top of the Demo- and Raja host Egyptian giants be engraved on a trophy first newcomers Tshakhuma Tsha Sports minister Nathi cratic Republic of Congo Li- Al Ahly and Zamalek respec- competed for in 2004 and won Madzivhandila (TTM) after Mthethwa said the 16 top- nafoot Ligue 1 after a 1-0 away tively on Saturday and Sunday a record three times by Tuni- just three weeks. flight clubs can use their home win over Racing Club in a Kin- with the return matches next sian club CS Sfaxien. The 48-year-old cited “un- grounds, but no spectators will shasa derby. weekend. workable conditions”, adding be permitted. Jean Kaswayi scored for The single-match final is Uganda: Uganda goal- that he “could not help the Zamalek arrive in Morocco for their CAF Champions League match the unfamiliar leaders in set for November 6 at a Mo- keeper Ismail Watenga is hav- club anymore”. Egypt: Egyptian Premier against Raja Casablanca. a championship tradi- roccan or Egyptian venue to ing trials with South African TTM will play top-flight League club Ismaily have had tionally dominated by TP be decided and the champions 2019/2020 season treble win- football for the first time this a miserable season, lying 12th Champions League win- exchanged one lowly-placed Mazembe from southern city pocket $2.5 million (2.1 mil- ners Mamelodi Sundowns. Saturday having bought the in the 18-team championship ners receive $2.5 million -- club for another by moving Lubumbashi and Kinshasa- lion euros). He was recommended to status of disbanded Bidvest after just 10 victories in 32 $3.5 million less than Arab from Black Leopards in South based V Club. Here, AFP Sport cov- the Pretoria club by compa- Wits, and there have been re- matches. Club Champions Cup semi-fi- Africa to Hatta in the United Renaissance have seven ers news from around the triot Denis Onyango, the cur- ports of chaotic pre-season But they could soon pocket nalists Ismaily will earn if they Arab Emirates. points from three matches, continent. rent first choice shot stopper preparations. prize money much greater go on the win the competition. Leopards needed playoffs two points more than Manie- Morocco: The single- at 2016 African champions than that on offer in the CAF to retain their South African ma Union, three above Bless- match semi-finals and final of Sundowns. South Africa: South Afri- Champions League, the elite Zambia: Zambian for- Premiership status while ing and four ahead of V Club the CAF Confederation Cup, Watenga will face compe- can clubs will return to playing African club competition. ward Mwape Musonda has Hatta were second last in the and Saint Eloi Lupopo. 14 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Sports

Ewan wins ATP Player Council Belgian GP Anderson becomes as Cavendish drops hint chief as Djokovic of retirement seeks solace in AFP Paris ‘energy pyramids’ The world’s current top cy- cling sprinter Caleb Ewan won AFP After Nadal loss, the Grand Prix de l’Escaut on Paris Djokovic seeks solace Wednesday in a race where Sarajevo: Meanwhile, Novak the great British veteran Mark South African Kevin An- Djokovic visited a Bosnian Cavendish possibly made his derson has succeeded Novak ‘pyramid park’ on Tuesday to last appearance. Djokovic as president of the benefit from the site’s purport- Cavendish wiped away ATP Player Council. ed healing powers and miracle tears this week saying he was The Serbian World No.1 cures, 48 hours after his dem- possibly at the end of a career quit before the US Open in olition by Rafael Nadal in the which has produced 30 Tour September to launch a breaka- French Open final. de France stages, a record only way organisation. The Serbian world number bettered by Eddy Merckx on 34. The ATP said in a state- one is known for unorthodox While the Belgian was an ment that Anderson would and sometimes controversial all rounder Cavendish was the step up from vice-president of new-age spiritual views and greatest pure sprinter the Tour the Player Council to take over practices. And two days after has ever seen and would surely as president. being swept aside 6-0, 6-2, have surpassed Merckx but for “Congratulations Kevin” 7-5 at Roland Garros he made fallow spells in his career. Tennis South Africa tweet- a trip to Visko’s Valley of the ed on Tuesday in recog- Pyramids and its 25,000-year- nition of Anderson’s new old tunnels beneath whose responsibility. “energy” is claimed to bring It said that Canadian Felix about miracle cures. Auger-Aliassime, Frenchman Although some hills in the Team Groupama-FDJ rider France’s Arnaud Demare, wearing the best sprinter’s mauve jersey, celebrates as he crosses the line and win the Jeremy Chardy, Australian region resemble a pyramid 11th stage of the Giro d’Italia 2020 cycling race, a 182-kilometer route between Porto Sant’Elpidio and Rimini on Wednesday. (AFP) John Millman and British for- shape, the European Asso- mer world No.1 Andy Murray ciation of Archaeologists de- were voted on to the council by bunked the claims as pseudo- their fellow players. science over a decade ago. They replace Djokovic, “I would invite all athletes Americans John Isner and to come here to spend time Sprint king Arnaud Sam Querrey and Canadian in the tunnels, which are very Vasek Pospisil who all re- beneficial for the increase of signed in September. oxygen in the lungs,” he told The ATP Player Coun- public TV station FTV. “It has cil has 12 members, includ- a direct effect on regeneration, Demare wins 4th ing Roger Federer and Rafael on recovery, which is very im- Nadal, who beat Djokovic on portant for athletes,” he said. Sunday to win the French According to local media, Open at Roland Garros for the visitors to the pyramid park Team Lotto rider Australia’s Caleb 13th time. have increased since Djoko- Ewan celebrates on the podium Djokovic is behind the vic’s earlier visit in July after after winning the 108h edition of Giro d’Italia stage creation of a new men’s pro- he and his wife contracted the “Scheldeprijs” (Grand Prix de fessional tennis players’ asso- Covid-19 following a tennis L’Escaut) one day cycling race, Results ciation (PTPA), independent tournament Djokovic organ- 174km from Schoten to Schoten, Deceuninck’s of the ATP, which runs the cir- ised in the Balkans. on Wednesday. (AFP) Stage 11 182km from Porto Sant’Elpidio to Rimini): Overall: 1. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 43hr 41min 57sec, 2. Wilco cuit. He has ignored calls from “If there is paradise on Almeida keeps Stage: 1. Arnaud Demare (FRA/Groupama-FDJ) 4hrs 3mins 52secs, 2. Kelderman (NED/SUN) at 34sec, 3. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 43, 4. Nadal and Federer for “unity earth, then it is here,” the Ser- The 35-year-old has suf- Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) s.t.,3. Alvaro Hodeg (COL/DEC) s.t., 4. Simone Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/NTT) 57, 5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) 1:01, 6. not separation”. bian player said at the time. fered with Epstein-Barr virus race lead Consonni (ITA/COF) s.t., 5. Rick Zabel (GER/ISR) s.t.,6. Nico Denz (GER/ Patrick Konrad (AUT/BOR) 1:15, 7. Jai Hindley (AUS/SUN) 1:19, 8. Rafal and depression in recent times AFP SUN) s.t., 7. Fernando Gaviria (COL/UAE) s.t., 8. Stefano Oldani (ITA/LOT) Majka (POL/BOR) 1:21, 9. Fausto Masnada (ITA/DEC) 1:36, 10. Hermann s.t., 9. Jacopo Mosca (ITA/TRE) s.t.,10. Elia Viviani (ITA/COF) s.t. Rimini (Italy) Pernsteiner (AUT/BOR) 1:52, 11. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 2:20. and does not yet have a con- Selected: 15. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) s.t., 16. Wilco Kelderman (NED/ tract for 2021. “I don’t want to Selected: 77. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) at 1hr 07min 39sec, 122. Arnaud SUN) s.t., 22. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) s.t, 23. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) s.t, Demare (FRA/FDJ) 1 h 56:56. stop. I love this sport,” he told Frenchman Arnaud De- 25. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) s.t, 31. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) s.t. Belgian media. “But this might mare powered to his fourth have been my last race. I was victory in this year’s Giro points jersey. The victory gives Demare five Sant’Elpidio with the last man, looking forward to this race d’Italia, winning a frenetic “It was the first perfect in total on the Giro, after one Belgian Sander Armee, not and I was enjoying racing in stage 11 finish in the seaside sprint of this Giro for me, even last year. caught until the final 6km. Belgium. It’s pure racing like town of Rimini on Wednesday. though it’s the fourth win and Demare trails 122nd in “The youngsters of the when I was a kid again. I don’t The Groupama-FDJ rider we weren’t in the right position the overall standings, nearly team have done enormous have a desire to stop.” crossed the line in a bunched at the entrance of the finishing two hours behind leader Joao work to bring Sander Armee On Wednesday, Cavendish sprint just ahead of Tuesday’s town,” said the 29-year-old. Almeida of Portugal, in the back,” said Demare. ripped off his race number stage winner, Slovak Peter “But the sport directors race which finishes in Milan “My three lead-out men from his bib and pocketed it be- Sagan, with Colombian Al- and coaches of the team had on October 25. delivered me in a perfect posi- fore leaving the event, sparking varo Hodeg third after the prepared the finale very well On Wednesday, Deceun- tion and I felt a lot of strength speculation it was a souvenir. 182km run north along the so we knew where we’d go. inck’s Almeida finished in the in my legs to launch my Results: Grand Prix de l’Escaut Adriatic coastline from Porto “When I launched my leading group, to keep the sprint.” 1. Caleb Ewan (AUS/LOT) 3hrs Sant’Elpidio. sprint, it was at very high overall leader’s pink jersey Thursday’s 12th stage cov- 34mins 38sec, 2. Niccolo Boni- “Coming to the Giro I speed again. with a 34-second advantage ers 204km around Cesenatico, fazio (ITA/TDE) same time, 3. didn’t think I’d get four stage “Since I got my second on Team Sunweb’s Dutch rid- through the home region of Bryan Coquard (FRA/B&B) s.t., wins. Hats off to my team stage win, everything is just er Wilco Kelderman. Italian cycling great Marco 4. Tim Merlier (BEL/ALP) s.t., 5. mates!” said Demare, who a bonus, and the pleasure we “The first part of the stage Pantani, who died in 2004, Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE) s.t.. now has 75 career wins, in- take from winning together as was fairly quiet, then a frenetic with five climbs in theR omag- Selected: 13. Alexander Kristoff cluding 14 this season. a team is extraordinary.” finish with many teams who na hinterland. (NOR/UAE) s.t., 21. Pascal Ack- Demare has won all four Demare becomes the first wanted to race in the front,” “Tomorrow is a very un- ermann (GER/BOR) s.t., 133. bunched sprints in this year’s French rider since 1982 win- said Almeida. dulating stage, there will be Mark Cavendish (GBR/Bahrain Giro, to move ahead of Sagan ner Bernard Hinault to claim A five-rider breakaway some attacks, but we will be McLaren) 1min 47sec. in the fight for the cyclamen four stages in the same Giro. formed after leaving Porto prepared,” said Almeida. South African Kevin Anderson. Filipino UFC fighter follows Pacquiao’s mountain path to glory

AFP heat of much of the sprawling before travelling. bat sambo gold medallist. Hong Kong tropical archipelago. After 10 days in quarantine “It’s a crazy, crazy game,” The mountains are home fighting off the coronavirus he said Striegl. Mark Striegl makes his UFC to the indigenous Igorot peo- was cleared to resume training “This is just one of those debut in Abu Dhabi this week- ple, legendary warriors who and now comes his date with adventures I will look back on end having taken a path forged resisted colonial domination Nurmagomedov – the first one day and just laugh about. by centuries of feared Filipino for hundreds of years. contest of Streigl’s four-fight It’s super fun.” warriors and followed by box- From 1565 to 1898 they UFC contract. The UFC was one of the ing great Manny Pacquiao. successfully fought to keep the “Thankfully it came and it first international sports or- Striegl based himself in gold found on their lands out went,” Striegl said of the virus. ganisations to restart during the cool mountain climate of the hands of Spanish colo- “I had a fever and lost my the Covid-19 pandemic, set- of Baguio City and it paid off nial powers. sense of taste and smell. But ting up sports “bubbles” in as he became the only Phil- They continued their de- now I have had a full fight Florida, Las Vegas and then in ippines-based fighteron the fiance after Spain ceded the camp and I am super stoked. Abu Dhabi, where the promo- UFC’s books. Philippines to the United It’s almost like I have been liv- tion is currently having its sec- “There’s the high-altitude States. They then fought ing in a movie.” ond month-long stay. training but there’s also the against Japanese occupiers The 28-year-old Nurma- history there,” said Filipino- during World War Two. ‘Crazy, crazy game’ gomedov is also a mountain American Striegl. “Once I’d “Everybody knows about Striegl was born in Tokyo to man, from Russia’s Dagestan, fought there, I couldn’t get the warriors from the moun- an American father and Fil- famed for producing his cous- myself to leave.” tains and that history really ipina mother and started out in and feared UFC lightweight Baguio City – on the north- surrounds you,” said Striegl. in karate and wrestling. He champion Khabib Nurma- ern Philippines island of Lu- Today Baguio City is home spent his college years in Cali- gomedov (28-0), conqueror of zon – has in the past hosted to gyms such as Shape Up Box- fornia before turning to MMA Conor McGregor. eight-weight world champion ing and Team Lakay MMA that and making the Philippines “I’m expecting a war,” said Pacquiao’s training camps. have hosted a string of top-class his home. Striegl. “There’s never an easy The 32-year-old MMA fighters, including Pacquiao Striegl grafted for a decade fight in the UFC and I am ex- bantamweight Striegl first vis- and the Asia-based One Cham- in regional fight promotions pecting Said to bring out the ited Baguio a decade ago for a pionship’s strawweight MMA A file photo of Mark Striegl of the Philippines (white shorts) fighting Sotir Kichukov of Bulgaria during their such as Asia’s One Fighting best in me. mixed martial arts bout. world champion Joshua Pacio. ONE Championship catchweight mixed martial arts bout at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. (AFP) Championship and the Philip- “I’m never in a boring He met a local woman and pine-based Universal Reality fight. He’s from the moun- fell in love both with her and ‘Living in a movie’ career in the talent-rich ban- “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. two days before a maiden Combat Championship, where tains of Russia and I’m from the popular Filipino holiday Striegl, who has an MMA tamweight division against It’s a debut delayed from bout at the UFC’s Las Vegas he claimed the featherweight the mountains of the Philip- destination, which offers wel- record of 18 wins with two Russia’s Said Nurmagomedov August when Striegl tested base, despite having spent belt. He is also the reigning pines, so this is going to be a come respite from the sticky defeats will begin his UFC (13-2) on Sunday morning at positive for COVID-19 just weeks in isolation in Manila Southeast Asian Games com- good one.” Sports Thursday, October 15, 2020 15 Bint Saffian lands Al Ghariya Cup as QREC racing season begins

Tribune News Network Doha

Bint Saffian I( RE) from the stable of Al Azraq bagged her 4th victory to land the the Al Ghariya Cup run on dirt at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan park on Wednesday as the new QREC racing season kicked off. Ridden by jockey Alberto Sanna, the Bader Al Balushi- trained 5YO bay mare won by a whopping 5¾-length in the 1100m Class. The winning team was honoured by QREC Racing Manager Mohammed Khalid Al Khalifa. In the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, Al Shaqab Rac- ing’s homebred Alsdry (TM The winning team of the Al Gharaiya Cup with the trophies at the QREC on Wednesday. Alberto Sanna guides the Bader Al Balushi-trained Bint Saffian to win in the Al Gharaiya Cup on Wednesday. Fred Texas x Dixie Darlene) emerged supreme. Soufi- Handicap (0-75) on dirt. Me- organised at the new Al Uqda ane Saadi rode the Alban de teb Al Saaq rode the Moham- Racing Complex in Al Khor. Mieulle-trained 4YO bay filly med Hussain-trained 5YO Commenting on the start to a 3½-length win in the chestnut horse to a short-head of the new season, especially 1200m run. win in the 1200m run. after the previous season was Al Shahania Stud’s home- Dhafi Rashid Al Marri’s abruptly halted due to the on- bred Rajeh (FR) (Jaafer x Nel- homebred Tahri Baha (QA) going COVID-19 pandemic, ka) enhanced his strike rate (Mared Al Sahra) added a 3rd QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida to 8 winnings in the Purebred win to tally in the Local Pure- Al Kaabi said, “We have been Arabians race on dirt. bred Arabian Conditions. preparing for a long time for Saleh Al Marri jockeyed Carlos Henrique rode the the start of the new season. And the Jassim Ghazali-trained Mohammed Hussain-trained I am sure that with the pro- 6YO grey horse to a ¾-length 7YO horse to a head win in the gramme already announced, win in the 1700m run. 6f run. the owners and the trainers Al Thumama Racing’s Umm Qarn’s Badda (FR) would have already begun ar- Barig Al Thumama (GB) (Kyl- (Seraphin Du Paon) also ranging their cards, especially lachy) won the Thoroughbred added 4th (& 2nd straight) since the new season is ex- pected to be a different from the others in the past, given the current circumstances. “The club has kept the fi- nancial prizes unchanged, es- pecially for the big races, and has also increased the number of race meetings to 49. We are also hosting races at the new track, which is completely ready, and the first meeting at the new track will be the Huwaila Cup Day on November 25. Action from one of the eight races held on the opening day of the new Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) season at Al Rayyan on Wednesday. “In the future, more races will be held at the new track, win to her record in a Pure- 5YO bay mare to a fine the Thoroughbred Maiden 2020/21 season. which is well-equipped with bred Arabian Handicap (0-90 2½-length win. (1100m) race with Saleh Al The meeting was the first all the facilities to ensure suc- /1700m) race. Abdullah Mohammed Marri rifing the Jassim Ghaz- of 49 meetings that have been cess of the races and is also Jockeys line up ahead of the opening race of the new Qatar Racing & Ronan Thomas rode the Al Kuwari & Sons’ Shell- ali-trained 4YO to a ¾-length scheduled this season, with a great support for Qatari Equestrian Club’s (QREC) racing season at Al Rayyan on Wednesday. the Alban de Mieulle-trained brook (GB) (Shamardal) won win in the opening race of the as many as 12 meetings to be equestrian,” he added.

Ooredoo Cup Nortje clocks fastest IPL ball at Gharafa beat Kharaitiyat to lead 97mph as Delhi trump Royals AFP Group B with maximum points Dubai South African quick Anrich Tribune News Network Nortje clocked the fastest ball Doha of the Indian Premier League at 97 mph (156.22 kph) and Al Gharafa beat Al Kharaitiyat claimed two key wickets to 3-1 in Round 3 (Group B) of help Delhi Capitals beat Ra- the 2020-21 season Ooredoo jasthan Royals by 13 runs on Cup at the Al Duhail Stadium Wednesday. on Wednesday. Nortje bowled England’s With two straight wins, Jos Buttler, for 22, and Robin both teams went into the Uthappa, for 32, as Royals match knowing a win would faltered in their chase of 162 secure the group’s top spot. to manage just 148 for eight Al Kharaitiyat struck first in Dubai. through Hassan in the half- Nortje, who was ably sup- Delhi Capitals’ South African quick Anrich Nortje in action against hour mark, but their lead ported by fellow Proteas pace- Rajasthan Royals in Dubai on Wednesday. lasted only four minutes as Al man Kagiso Rabada, consist- Ahmed Al Janahi leveled the ently bowled at over 90 mph Delhi scored 161 for seven af- clocked 97 mph. contest before Sofiane Hanni through his four overs of fear- ter electing to bat first. Nortje though had his re- gave the lead to Gharafa be- some pace in a match where Iyer later walked off the venge on the last ball as he got fore the interval and in the Saad Naseeb Al Khayarin of Al khariatiyat (centre) is challenged by Jonathan Kodija of Gharafa during their Royals quick Jofra Archer re- field after injuring his shoul- through Buttler’s defences to 90th minute Almahdi Ali com- Ooredoo Cup Group B match at the Al Duhail Stadium on Wednesday. Al Gharafa won 3-1. turned figures of 3-19. der while fielding and took no rattle the stumps on another pleted the rout. “No idea I bowled at 156ks further part in the match. quick ball. Al Gharafa moved to nine the game when Almahdi head- had Younis come up with an Ali Ferydoon taking the field. tonight but good to hear it,” Delhi have reclaimed top “Didn’t expect him to go points with an all-win record ed into a goal from Muad Has- equally brilliant save. The stalemate continued said man of the match Nortje. spot in the eight-team IPL ta- for a six first ball. Maybe he as a result and Al Kharaitiyat san’s corner kick. In the 28th minute as well, and the teams shared points. Rabada, who took one ble with six wins from eight was expecting something else stayed on six points. In the other match of the Fahad thwarted Hamdi. Al Arabi are on seven wicket to stay top of the IPL games but second-placed off that delivery. Stuck to my Al Gharafa started strong, group, Al Arabi and Al Rayyan Parity was restored when points with an unbeaten re- bowlers chart with 18 scalps Mumbai Indians have played strength and paid off,” Nortje but it was Al Kharaitiyat who played an entertaining 1-1 draw Khalid applied an opportunis- cord, while Al Rayyan collect- in eight games, was all praise just seven matches. said of his battle with Buttler. took the lead when Hassan in Round 3 (Group B) at Al Ara- tic finish to a loose ball which ed their first point. for his pace partner, who was “Didn’t expect the sec- Ali capitalised on a quick bi Stadium on Wednesday. Al Rayyan’s Gabriel Mercado, Al Arabi earlier beat Al picked by Delhi Capitals as re- Nortje v Buttler ond ramp. Luckily I stuck to counter-attack and beat goal- Naif Abdulraheem Al Hadh- who mostly stands reliable at Ahli 5-1 and Umm Salal 3-0, placement for Chris Woakes In reply, England’s Ben Stokes it. We’ve got a good coach in ie Salah Zakaria before put- rami ‘s fifth-minute goal gave the rear, failed to clear. whereas Al Rayyan previously ahead of the virus-hit season. hit an attacking 41 but the Ryan. Lovely working with KG ting the ball home. Al Rayyan an early lead. Khalid Al Arabi took the field af- lost 1-4 to Al Kharaitiyat and “He is a real fast bowler knock went in vain as the Steve (Rabada). Al Gharafa didn’t have Mubarak Al Naimi equalised Al ter resumption with a spate 0-2 to Al Gharafa. and I can learn some technical Smith-led Royals lost regular “Tushar (Deshpande) to wait long to equalise, and Arabi in the 36th minute. Both of substitutions, which saw Al Ahli and Umm Salal stuff from him. I have some wickets and managed just 25 has been working in the nets. Ahmed Al Janahi was spot-on teams demonstrated intent and Sebastian Soria, Mohammed were locked in a draw of 1-1 experience which I can tell runs from their last five overs. Enjoying my experience with with a great assist from Jona- the game witnessed dramatic Salah El Neel and Abdulla Al in Round 3 at Al Arabi Sta- him about,” said Rabada. Stokes, a left-hand bats- them.” than Kodjia, who had a good moments throughout. Marafi come in, as they sharp- dium on Wednesday. New On Nortje hitting the fast- man, started the Royals reply Ravichandran Ashwin sent game out there. Naif was quick enough to ened their attack. recruit Abdennour Belhocini est IPL delivery, Rabada said, with a four off Rabada as he back Smith caught and bowled Kodjia gave the pass again take full advantage of the de- El Neel was unfortunate scored for Umm Salal in the “It looks like that every game. put on 37 runs with opening for one in the next over and as Hanni put Al Gharafa ahead fense-splitting pass of Yohan not to have scored around an sixth minute by converting Really happy for him but not partner Buttler attacked in his soon IPL debutant Deshpande in the first half of the injury. Boli and beat the charged-out hour into the game as his plac- the penalty, awarded when happy for the batter. When nine-ball stay. got the prized scalp of Stokes Al Gharafa continued to goalkeeper Sataa Al Abbasi ing shot went narrowly wide Ibrahim Majed tripped Ismail we play we only think about Buttler took on Nortje in as Royals slipped to 86-3. press hard in the second half, even as Al Arabi settled down. after Yasir Abubaker did the Mahmoud in the area. the delivery and not about the the third over, hitting a six and Scores: Delhi Capitals 161 for even as Al Kharaitiyat was In the 20th minute, the ar- hard work from the left flank. Al Ahli took a share of speed gun.” two successive scoop shots 7 (Dhawan 57, Iyer 53, Archer seeking to restore parity. rowhead of Al Arabi’s attack Al Arabi too made a few points through an own goal by Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer for four over short fine leg on 3-19) beat Rajasthan Royals The Cheetahs rounded off Hamdi Harbaoui free-kick replacements, with Mowafak Umm Salal’s Saoud Riaz in the made 53 and opener Shikhar deliveries that went over 95 (Stokes 41, Nortje 2-33) by the score in the last minute of saw Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fa- Awad, Abdulaziz Hazaa and 86th minute. Dhawan top-scored with 57 as miles an hour and one that 13 runs.