CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 PPARALYMPICSARALYMPICS | Page 3 India collapse Vio repeats Rio again as gold as Afghan England seal athletes arrive in crushing win Tokyo

Sunday, August 29, 2021 FOOTBALL Muharram 21, 1443 AH Manchester City GULF TIMES pile on misery for Arsenal, Arteta SPORT Page 4 MOTORSPORT HORSE RACING Qatar Racing’s Mise En Scene Qatar likely to lands Group 3 at Goodwood Agencies Goodwood, England

he Qatar Racing Lim- ited-owned Mise En be on revised F1 Scene remains unbeaten after a game success in theT Group 3 Tote Prestige Stakes, a seven-furlong contest for two- year-old fi llies, at Goodwood One race still to be yesterday. confirmed for November 21 Trained by James Ferguson, calendar the bay fi lly added to her debut success at Haydock and now re- mains unbeaten in two career starts, both the same distance. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, the fi lly was smartly away and was settled against the rail behind early leaders Daneh and Value Oisin Murphy (foreground) rides Mise En Scene to victory in the Group Theory. As the paced steadied, 3 Tote Prestige Stakes at Goodwood yesterday. (Steve Davies) Mise En Scene travelled a shad- ed keenly, but was always well and began to close. Inside the Siyouni. Her dam Gadfly was placed. fi nal 200m, Mise En Scene still unraced, but is a half-sister to On entering the home straight, had a length to fi nd, but fi nished Group One 1000 Guineas win- Value Theory came under pres- strongly and headed Daneh in the ner Speciosa. sure and Mise En Scene was fi nal strides going on to score by Mise En Scene holds entries in asked to close on Daneh. The lat- a neck. Prosperous Voyage stayed both the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at ter held a two-length advantage on well for third. Newmarket on September 24 and inside the fi nal 400m as Mise En Bred by The Gadfly Part- the Group 1 Fillies Mile at New- Scene was switched off the rail nership, Mise En Scene is by market, as well, on October 8.

ATHLETICS Thompson-Herah, Duplantis shine in Paris Diamond League

AFP Paris

lympic champion Elaine Thompson-He- rah stormed to victory in the women’s 100m Oat the Paris Diamond League yesterday although the 33-year- old world record remains frus- tratingly out of reach. Losail International The Jamaican star clocked a Circuit. meet record of 10.72sec to see off compatriot and Tokyo bronze medallist Shericka Jackson in 10.97sec. Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah celebrates winning the women’s Thompson-Herah, 29, who 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Paris yesterday. (Reuters) Reuters won three golds in Tokyo with London, England Turkey’s Istanbul Park circuit will move tional authorities. triumphs in the 100m, 200m and allist in Tokyo, pulled out of the “I’m glad I came here and passed from October 3 to take Japan’s October 10 “The pandemic continues to present 4x100m relay, has been threat- Paris meet citing fatigue. six metres. It was a good day.” slot. The Mexican and Brazilian races will the season with challenges but we have ening Florence Griffi th-Joyner’s Another Olympic champion He added: “To break the world ormula One published a revised also be pushed back a week, to November proven we can adapt and we are confi - world record of 10.49sec set back Armand Duplantis was also a record you need a perfect jump. I calendar for the remainder of 7 and 14 respectively, with a new race to be dent we can deliver a record-breaking 22 in 1988. winner yesterday, taking victory think I can do it but I’ll just have to the season yesterday with the announced on November 21. races this year despite a global pandem- Last weekend in Eugene, she in the pole vault with a clearance do things a little better next time.” number of races dropping from a If Qatar gets the nod, that would make ic,” added the Italian. ran the second fastest time in his- of 6.01m. American sprinter Fred Kerley, recordF 23 to 22 due to the Covid-19 pan- a Middle Eastern run to end the season “I want to thank the promoters in Bra- tory of 10.54sec and then timed Duplantis saw off Filipino who was the 100m silver medal demic and Qatar expected to debut. with Saudi Arabia’s fi rst race on Decem- zil, Mexico and Turkey for their patience 10.64sec in Lausanne on Thursday John Ernest Obiena (5.91m) and winner at the Olympics, edged Three races were given new dates and ber 5 and Abu Dhabi on December 12. and fl exibility and we will provide the behind fellow Jamaican Shelly- Olympic silver medallist Chris out compatriot Kenny Bednarek one weekend in late November was left Formula One starts a European triple- details of the fi nal addition soon.” Ann Fraser-Pryce’s 10.60sec, the Nilsen (5.81m) before attempting to take the men’s 200m. subject to confi rmation with Qatar likely header this weekend with Belgium fol- third fastest ever mark. to break his own world record of Both Kerley and Bednarek to fi ll it with a fi rst Grand Prix at the Lo- lowed by the return of the Dutch Grand COMING RACES “The world record is a short- 6.18m set in February 2020. timed 19.79sec. sail International Circuit used regularly Prix and then the Italian Grand Prix at September 5: Netherlands (Zandvoort) term goal, it’s quite close but if I The 21-year-old failed three Olympic 3000m steeplechase by MotoGP. Monza on successive weekends. September 12: Italy (Monza) end the season without taking it, times to clear 6.19m but his vic- champion Soufi ane El Bakkali fell While Formula One did not mention Those dates, as well as Russia’s race in September 26: Russia (Sochi) it doesn’t matter,” said Thomp- tory was still welcome having at the fi rst obstacle and needed Qatar on the list, an announcement is Sochi on Sept. 26, remain as planned. October 10: Turkey (Istanbul Park) son-Herah. been beaten into fourth place in treatment trackside. expected soon. The United States Grand Prix in Aus- October 24: United States (Austin) “I am a double Olympic cham- Lausanne. His early exit meant it was a The rejig followed this month’s can- tin, Texas, also retains its original date of November 7: Mexico (Mexico City) pion (in the 100m), I’m delighted He has now had six clearances Kenyan sweep with Benjamin Ki- cellation of the Japanese Grand Prix October 24. November 14: Brazil (Sao Paulo) with my performance. I have of six metres or more this sum- gen setting a world-leading time at Suzuka for the second year in a row. Formula One chief executive Stefano November 21: Venue TBC never been this fast. I’m very mer. of 8:07.12 to claim victory. Australia, Singapore, Canada and China Domenicali said there had been exten- December 5: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) happy with what I’ve accom- “I’m feeling good, I need to have Morocco’s El Bakkali had been were cancelled earlier. sive discussions with promoters and na- December 12: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) plished in 2021.” some more competitions by the the fi rst non-Kenyan since 1980 Fraser-Pryce, the silver med- end of the season,” said the Swede. to win Olympic gold in the event.

SPOTLIGHT Verstappen masters rain to claim Belgian Grand Prix pole, Russell in second

AFP McLaren completing the second row. was narrowly shaded by Verstappen in tic,” said Hamilton, who is eight points George Russell (GBR/Williams) Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium Qualifying was marred by a heavy the Dutch driver’s fi nal fl ying lap. clear of Verstappen in the standings. 2nd row: crash in Q3 involving the McLaren of Russell is in contention alongside “We’re fi rst and that’s the most im- Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Lando Norris, whose hopes of a fi rst Valtteri Bottas for the second Mercedes portant thing,” said Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren) ed Bull’s Max Verstappen ever pole bit the dust at Eau Rouge. drive in 2022. Q3 got off to a dramatic start when 3rd row: mastered the rain to claim With the Briton thankfully escap- “Tomorrow’s the most important Norris lost control of his McLaren af- Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin) Belgian Grand Prix pole yes- ing serious injury, nine cars took to the one, but it’s been mega today. I’m de- ter the rear end hit the barriers at Eau Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri) terday, snatching the fastest track when the shoot-out resumed af- lighted for everyone. If the weather is Rouge. The only one of his four tyres 4th row: Rtime in qualifying from surprise pack- ter a 40-minute red fl ag intervention. the same and it’s there for the taking, intact was the front left. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) age George Russell of Williams. Fellow Briton Russell was poised to we’ll go for it,” said the Williams man. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine) Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes will give Williams an astonishing fi rst pole “I’m just trying to stay positive, fo- TODAY’S GRID (TOP 10) 5th row: start on the second row as he goes for since 2001 with seconds of Q3 to go. cused and calm. Max did a great job and Front row: Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) his 100th GP win, Daniel Ricciardo’s But the young driver’s brilliant time a great job also by George — that’s fantas- Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) Gulf Times 2 Sunday, August 29, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET MOTORCYCLING Espargaro savours ‘oxygen bubble’ of India collapse again season’s fi rst pole AFP STARTING GRID Silverstone, United Kingdom MotoGP Front row: 1. Pol Espargaro ol Espargaro was made to (ESP/Honda) 1min 58.889sec, as England seal wait just a little bit longer 2. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/ for the pole position that Ducati) 1:58.911, 3. Fabio Quar- could revive his disastrous tararo (FRA/Yamaha) 1:58.925 ‘I enjoy bowling here and fiP rst season at Honda at Silver- 2nd row: 4. Jorge Martin (ESP/ stone yesterday. Ducati-Pramac) 1:59.074, 5. to bowl with Jimmy is an The Spaniard had recorded the Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) fastest time of 1min 58.889sec 1:59.086, 6. Aleix Espargaro absolute honour’ when compatriot Jorge Martin was (ESP/Aprilia) 1:59.273 crushing win credited with an astonishing 1:58 3rd row: 7. Jack Miller (AUS/ right at the end of qualifying for Ducati) 1:59.368, 8. Valen- AFP the British Grand Prix. tino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) Leeds, United Kingdom England’s Ollie Robinson celebrates As both riders circled the 1:59.531, 9. Johann Zarco (FRA/ taking the wicket of India’s Virat track gesturing in disbelief, it Ducati-Pramac) 1:59.579 Kohli during the fourth day of the took the timekeepers a few min- 4th row: 10. Alex Rins (ESP/ llie Robinson completed a third Test at Headingley, Leeds, utes to realise that the Pramac Suzuki) 1:59.639, 11. Joan Mir fi ve-wicket haul as England Britain. (Reuters) Ducati rider had cut across the (ESP/Suzuki) 1:59.763, 12. Brad thrashed India by an innings chicane on his lap. Binder (RSA/KTM) 1:59.977. and 76 runs to win the third That left Italian Francesco TestO at Headingley yesterday with more Bagnaia of the factory Ducati than a day to spare. team second fastest with 1.58.911. caused problems for other rid- The hosts levelled the fi ve-match se- French championship leader Fabio ers in the one-lap ‘time attack’ ries at 1-1 after India’s 151-run success in Quartararo completed the front on new tyres. “I dont feel good the second Test at Lord’s. row of the grid for Yamaha. on the bike,” said Quartararo after The tourists, 215-2 overnight, col- Martin ended up fourth fastest battling onto the front row. “On lapsed to 278 all against the new ball as after an earlier time. He is joined the pace, I feel great but the bike they lost eight wickets for 63 runs in 19.3 on the second row by the second is shaking everywhere on one lap. overs during a mere 103 minutes’ play on Honda Spaniard Marc Marquez We need to see why.” the fourth morning. and Pol’s older brother Aleix Es- “I’m on the front row but re- Robinson, in just his fourth match at pargaro of Aprilia. Valentino Rossi, ally not happy because I felt like this level, returned Test-best fi gures 5-65 in his last British Grand Prix, was I’m not feeling comfortable on the for a match haul of 7-81. India’s 278 all eighth fastest and will start on the time attack.” out, however, was 200 runs more than third row. “But we are fast on the pace and their woeful fi rst innings 78 – made after Pol Espargaro, who has never that’s the most important.” captain Virat Kohli won the toss – which won a MotoGP race, moved to Bagnaia, whose consistency has saw England great James Anderson rip Honda this season and had not lifted him to second in the cham- through the top order with 3-6. recorded a pole position or a po- pionship even though he is yet to “It’s a great day,” Root told the BBC af- dium fi nish in the fi rst 11 races at win a MotoGP race, echoed the ter his 27th Test win as England captain his new team. sentiment. surpassed the record previously held by “We were just celebrating like if “The qualifying was not easy Michael Vaughan. I won the race,” he said. “For me it’s because in this track we are suf- England’s victory, which saw Root more than that. OK, tomorrow is fering a bit more with new tyres,” make 121 – his third hundred of the series the race as well for points, but this he said. “But when I saw that and sixth in Tests this year – in a total of is a huge step for me, not just this everything was coming to me I 432 on the Yorkshireman’s home ground, year but in my whole career to take was happy.” followed a poor last day at Lord’s. a pole position is already a winning Italian Lorenzo Savadori, who Asked if England’s revival had been a weekend after this tough season.” tried to make a comeback on his surprise, Root replied: “It might be for “I’ve been struggling so much. Aprilia on Friday after undergoing you but it’s not for me because I know the Psychologically it’s a big bubble of surgery on a fractured right ankle talent we’ve got and what we’re capable oxygen. Sometimes the hard work in early August, has withdrawn of. doesn’t pay off , but in the end this for the rest of the weekend. Silver- Robinson has become an increasingly happens.” stone, one of the longest and fast- important fi gure in a pace attack miss- “We knew we were always up against India could keep the match going beyond Extras (b4, lb4, nb5, w2) ...... 15 After two races in the sum- est circuits on the calendar, was ing the injured Stuart Broad, Jofra Arch- it when you are all out for 78 and the op- the lunch interval. Total (all out, 99.3 overs, 445 mins) ..278 mer heat in Austria, the cooler not on the programme in 2020 due er, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Olly position then puts such a big score on the They could not for all Ravindra Jadeja Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Rahul), 2-116 (Rohit), weather and grippier surface at to the Covid-19 pandemic but re- Stone, with all-rounder Ben Stokes out of board,” he said. made 30, with the recalled paceman Craig 3-215 (Pujara), 4-237 (Kohli), 5-239 (Ra- Silverstone helped Espargaro but turns this year to a sell-out crowd. action due to mental health issues. “The English bowlers were outstand- Overton (3-47) ending the match when hane), 6-239 (Pant), 7-254 (Shami), 8-257 “To get a fi ve-for at Headingley, where ing today. The pressure was relentless he had Mohamed Siraj caught in the slips (Ishant), 9-278 (Jadeja), 10-278 (Siraj) I started my professional career, is very and diffi cult to deal with. The batting or- for a duck to the delight of sun-drenched Bowling: Anderson 26-11-63-1; Robinson special,” said player of the match Rob- der crumbled.” crowd of more than 16,000. 26-6-65-5 (2w, 5nb); Overton 18.3-6-47-3; inson. “I enjoy bowling here and to bowl India resumed on Saturday on 215-2 Curran 9-1-40-0; Moeen 14-1-40-1; Root with Jimmy is an absolute honour. I learn but, with 80 overs bowled, England took SCOREBOARD 6-1-15-0 from him every day.” the new ball straight from the start of India 1st Innings ...... 78 Result: England won by an innings and Meanwhile Kohli, one of Robinson’s Saturday’s play. England 1st Innings ...... 432 76 runs wickets a spell of 4-25 in eight overs on From the moment Cheteshwar Pujara India 2nd Innings (overnight: 215-2) Player of the match: Ollie Robinson Saturday, praised the Sussex seamer by was out without adding to his overnight R. Sharma lbw b Robinson ...... 59 (ENG) saying: “He understands his skills really 91, lbw playing no shot to Robinson, Eng- K. Rahul c Bairstow b Overton ...... 8 Series: Five-match series level at 1-1 well, understands angles, swings the ball land were in complete command with C. Pujara lbw b Robinson ...... 91 Remaining Fixtures both ways, is very consistent and especial- Kohli falling soon afterwards for 55 – his V. Kohli c Root b Robinson ...... 55 Sep 02-06: 4th Test, The Oval, London ly in these conditions. A real fi nd for them.” fi rst fi fty of the series – when he was A. Rahane c Buttler b Anderson ...... 10 Sep 10-14: 5th Test, Old Traff ord, Man- Kohli, whose side must regroup quickly caught in the slips by Root off Robinson. R. Pant c Overton b Robinson ...... 1 chester before the fourth Test at the Oval starting Ajinkya Rahane (10) edging Ander- R. Jadeja c Buttler b Overton ...... 30 Previous Results on Thursday, insisted he had no regrets son to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler before M. Shami b Moeen ...... 6 Aug 04-08: 1st Test, Trent Bridge: Match about batting fi rst as he put India’s col- Rishabh Pant (one), reaching for a wide I. Sharma c Buttler b Robinson ...... 2 drawn lapse on Saturday down to “scoreboard delivery, nicked Robinson to third slip. J. Bumrah not out ...... 1 Aug 12-16: 2nd Test, Lord’s: India won by Repsol Honda’s Pol Espargaro during qualifying round of British pressure”. Now the only question was whether M. Siraj c Bairstow b Overton ...... 0 151 runs. Grand Prix in Silverstone, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters)

CYCLING GOLF Bardet wins Vuelta Stage 14 DeChambeau seizes lead with AFP sizzling 60, Rahm chasing Madrid AFP Washington omain Bardet won the mountainous 14th stage of the Vuelta a Espana ryson DeChambeau and also grabbed the fi red two eagles in a leadR in the climbing classifi cation spectacular 12-under yesterday. par 60 and a one-shot The Frenchman, who rides leadB over Jon Rahm and Patrick for DSM, was part of a group of Cantlay as darkness halted the 18 riders that escaped early on BMW Championship second the 165.7km stage and built a round. huge lead by the start of the fi nal The long-hitting American’s climb. power was on full display on the He shook off the remnants of 7,542-yard Caves Valley Golf the breakaway for his fi rst Vuelta Club course in suburban Balti- stage win and only his second more, Maryland. Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot during the career win outside , fol- DeChambeau had a six-foot second round of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club lowing the Tour of Burgos, also in Team Sunweb’s French rider Romain Bardet celebrates as he wins the 14th stage of the La Vuelta in Pico birdie putt at the 18th that in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Getty Images/AFP) Spain, earlier this month. Villuercas, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) would have given him just the It was also his fi rst 13th sub-60 round in US PGA handled myself, and it’s great to He eagled the fourth, where stage win in four years. went 8km into the stage and catch the men in front. We really man Guillaume Martin, who is Tour history, but he couldn’t feel some pressure again which his 273-yard second shot left “It’s been a long wait, it’s true. grabbed the lead in the King of played it smart with my team di- second overall, and a Cofi dis get it to drop. is awesome.” him an 11-footer. With birdies I’ve been second several times the Mountains classifi cation rector who told me exactly when team-mate tried to shake off Eik- The world number six, who Despite the dazzling display, at fi ve, seven and eight – where since then,” said Bardet at the when he was fi rst over the fi rst I had to attack on the steepest ing. The Norwegian was able to won his fi rst major title at the DeChambeau’s 16-under par he rolled in a 30-foot putt – fi nish. two peaks of the day. (part of the climb). I just com- match that move. US Open last year, hit just seven total of 128 put him just one DeChambeau was seven-under In the main pack, Norwegian “After that, I knew that even if mitted.” “Martin tried to attack but I of 14 fairways in regulation, but stroke in front of his nearest for the round heading into the Odd Christian Eiking responded I didn’t win, I had the polka dot Bardet said that he had recov- knew it was a lot of headwind so I he split the fairway at 18, where rival in the clubhouse Patrick back nine. to attacks from his main rivals jersey, so I bet on the stage win, ered from his earlier crash. gambled to stay on the wheel and his approach sailed over the pin Cantlay, who had 10 birdies and Birdies at 11, 12 and 14 had on the fi nal climb to come in and it worked out well,” said Bar- “The legs were OK,” he said. it worked out,” said the and spun back to six feet. a bogey in a nine-under-par 63 him neck-and-neck with Can- 10min 49sec behind Bardet, and det. “Everyone is a bit tired.” Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert Until that birdie miss De- for 129. tlay before another impressive retain the overall lead, although The breakaway led by 14 min- Bardet was followed home 44 rider. Chambeau had made all 16 of Cantlay was tied for the lead eagle at 16 – where he hit his he conceded a few seconds utes at the foot of the last climb, seconds later by Spaniard Jesus Eiking could not quite keep his putts from within 12 1/2 after his 10th birdie of the day second shot from trampled dirt to reigning champion Primoz but was broken up by crashes, Herrera of Cofi dis and Austral- up with a late attack from Slov- feet. at the 16th, but was in a green- near a cart path 252 yards to Roglic. punctures and attacks. ian Jay Vine of Alpecin, his shirt enian Roglic of Jumbo Visma who “I misread the putt, so, one side bunker at the par-three three feet. Bardet, who twice fi nished on Bardet remained cool as com- in tatters after a nasty fall earlier pinched 16 seconds at the end. of those things,” DeChambeau 17th and couldn’t get up and “One of the better ones of my the podium in the patriot Nicolas Prodhomme and in the stage. Eiking remained 54 seconds said. “It was an awesome op- down for par. career,” he said of his second early in his career, was caught in then two pursuers escaped. Briton Tom Pidcock of In- ahead of Martin with Roglic clos- portunity. DeChambeau didn’t have a shot at 16. “We judged the fl ier the huge crash in stage fi ve which “I had a feeling no one really eos, the Olympic mountain bike ing to 1min 36sec. “I had a couple shots, a cou- blemish in a round that started perfectly. knocked him out of contention wanted to commit in this breaka- champion, fi nished fourth, an- Today, the peloton will have ple birdie opportunities at 17 with a 10-foot birdie at the “A lot of putts went in,” he for the overall victory. way,” Bardet said. other 28 seconds back. another tough day in the moun- and 18, and didn’t happen but fi rst, followed by a 12-foot bird- added of the round as a whole. He was part of the group that “So I had really a hard time to Down the mountain, French- tains, with four big climbs. still really proud of the way I ie at the second. “A lot of things went right. Gulf Times Sunday, August 29, 2021 3 SPORT

PARALYMPICS TENNIS Djoko’s now-or-never Vio repeats Rio gold moment at US Open Reuters New York

ovak Djokovic hesi- tated to call the US Open a now-or-nev- er moment, but the as Afghan athletes Nhistory-hunting Serb noted on Friday that an opportunity for a calendar year Grand Slam ‘I will try to relax could be one of them. The fact that only two male now and try to tennis players – Rod Laver and Don Budge – have ever recover my legs’ achieved the feat underscores arrive in Tokyo just how rare such moments are. Throw in that a Djokovic AFP the women’s PTVI triathlon. calendar Slam – winning the Tokyo Beatrice Maria Vio of Rodriguez, who fi tted hours Australian Open, French Open, where historically I’ve played Italy reacts aft er winning training for the Paralympics in Wimbledon and US Open in the really well over the years. But I wheelchair fencing foil between helping patients recover same year – would be crowned thrive under pressure, as well. encing icon Beatrice individual – Category B from the most severe infections, by a record-setting 21st major I’ve done that many times in “Bebe” Vio successfully gold medal – at the will also compete in the 1,500m title and the stakes may be as my career,” Djokovic said. defended her women’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic at the Olympic Stadium on Sun- high as they have ever been for “This is what you work for Paralympic gold yester- Games yesterday. day. a player at a single tennis event. day in, day out, all your life, to dayF as Afghanistan’s two athletes (Reuters) “I will try to relax now and try “I don’t want to say it’s now put yourself in a unique posi- arrived in Tokyo to compete in to recover my legs,” she said. or never for me because I think tion to win Grand Slams and the Games. “I need to keep calm because I’m going to have more oppor- to make history. I have this Vio, one of the world’s best- this situation gave me a lot of tunities in my life to win slams. chance, and I’m going to try to known Paralympians, was in un- adrenaline.” I don’t know if I’m going to be use it,” Djokovic added. stoppable form as she defeated Britain’s Kadeena Cox will also having more opportunities to Without Federer and Nad- China’s Zhou Jingjing 15-9 in the turn her attention to athletics win calendar slams. That’s why al, Djokovic is aware that the Women’s Individual Foil Catego- after winning her second cycling it’s a very unique opportunity,” spotlight will be intensely fo- ry B gold medal match, just as she gold in the team sprint. She will Djokovic told reporters in New cused on him. had done in Rio fi ve years ago. try to defend her T38 400m title York. On the court instead of old The 24-year-old Italian, who next week. “At the same time, I don’t rivals it is young guns Alexan- had both forearms and legs am- Also at the velodrome, hus- need to put any additional der Zverev, Daniil Medvedev putated when she contracted band and wife Neil and Lora pressure to what I already and Stefanos Tsitsipas who the meningitis as an 11-year-old, Fachie of Britain won gold within have, which is pretty big from 34-year-old Djokovic believes screamed in joy before burst- 15 minutes of each other. my own self and from of course stand between him and history. ing into tears in the arms of her The boccia competition got people around me,” Djokovic “My participation here, coach after the winning point underway with all four individ- added. without Rafa and Roger par- was scored. ual gold medallists from the Rio Djokovic has said several ticipating, I feel it,” said Djoko- On day four of the competi- Games returning to defend their times that pressure is a privi- vic, who will be back in action tion, a total of 54 gold medals titles. lege, and the world’s top- for the fi rst time since a disap- were up for grabs across nine Hong Kong’s BC4 champion ranked player can expect piles pointing showing at the Tokyo diff erent sports, including 17 Leung Yuk-wing will try to re- of it when play gets underway Olympics. athletics fi nals at the Olympic peat his Athens 2004 feat of win- tomorrow at Flushing Mead- “Regardless of Roger’s and Stadium. The number of teams ning gold in individual and pairs ows. Rafa’s absence, you still have taking part rose to 163 as the events. Not since Laver in 1969 has a tremendous quality tennis International Paralympic Com- “I am trying to be relaxed to man won the four Grand Slam players that are probably right mittee said Afghanistan’s Zakia face the game because just think- titles in the same year. With now on hot streak.” Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli ing about being the champion or Big Three rivals Roger Federer Djokovic added, “Zverev, had arrived safely in the athletes’ the gold medal would be a lot of and Rafa Nadal out with inju- Medvedev, Tsitsipas – those village. pressure,” he said. ries, Djokovic is a favourite to are the three top contend- Khudadadi and Rasouli were Away from the competition, join that exclusive club. ers I see for the title. Everyone evacuated last weekend to France organisers apologised after a vis- “Obviously I know how big wants to do well at the Grand as the Taliban took control of ually impaired Japanese judoka of an opportunity this is in Slam. Anything can really hap- their country, it said. They will since 2008. But she said just cause it took me 20 months to re- Le Fur, a three-time Paralym- was hit by a self-driving bus in front of me here in New York, pen.” compete next week in taekwondo competing in Tokyo was a victory cover, and everyone was getting pic gold medallist, said she would the Paralympic village on Thurs- and athletics, and are “sending in itself, having been diagnosed better in those 20 months.” retire after the competition. day. Tokyo 2020 suspended the out a strong message of hope”, with a blood-clotting disorder McFadden added that it was “The time has come to fi nish it operation of the vehicles after the IPC chief Andrew Parsons said. in 2017 that required an almost “quite amazing” that she took here in Tokyo,” said the 32-year- accident, where one of the buses Vaccination proof will be needed US wheelchair racing leg- two-year recovery period. the bronze behind US teammate old. “I’m proud to do so with “made contact” with Aramitsu end Tatyana McFadden won her “I’m on cloud nine,” said the Susannah Scaroni, who won gold. this performance and with these Kitazono. for US Open spectators 18th Paralympic medal – tak- 32-year-old, who was born in Fleur Jong of the Netherlands extraordinary girls. There are no Kitazono was scheduled to ing bronze in the women’s T54 Russia and raised in an orphan- won the women’s T64 long jump, regrets.” compete in the men’s -81kg com- US Open organisers will enter the grounds of the Na- 5,000m to extend her streak of age until she was adopted at the beating French defending cham- Spain’s Susana Rodriguez, petition yesterday, but did not require all spectators at this tional Tennis Center for access fi nishing on the podium in every age of six. pion Marie-Amelie Le Fur with a who helped fi ght the coronavirus start his match against Ukraine’s year’s final Grand Slam tourna- to any match in any venue. No Paralympic race she has entered “I was in a really dark spot be- jump of 6.16m. in her job as a doctor, won gold in Dmytro Solovey. ment to have at least one dose spectators were allowed at last of Covid-19 vaccine, the US year’s US Open due to Covid-19, Tennis Association announced a safety move that left the Friday. USTA with a $180 million Sweden’s Ymer comes from behind to oust Alcaraz at Winston-Salem tennis The USTA said it was informed budget deficit in 2020. on Friday by the New York City This year’s tournament is set Mikael Ymer won seven In Saturday’s final, the fault, his third of the match biggest win of his career. Mayor’s off ice that it would to welcome spectators at full straight games to stun rising 22-year-old Ymer will face Ilya on the hardcourts at the Ivashka is attempting to mandate proof of Covid-19 capacity for every stadium, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz Ivashka, who is also in his first Wake Forest Tennis Complex follow in the footsteps of vaccinations for entrance to with the USTA having followed in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, at the final and seeking to become in Winston-Salem, North compatriot Max Mirnyi, who Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main guidelines established by the Winston-Salem Open Friday the first Belarusian champ Carolina. is the last player from Belarus venue for the Flushing Mead- US Centers for Disease Control to become the first Swedish since 2003. Robin Soderling was the to win an ATP title doing it in ows hardcourt showdown. and Prevention, the mayor’s ATP Tour finalist since 2011. Ivashka hammered Finland’s last Swede to reach a final, 2003 at Rotterdam. “Given the continuing evolu- off ice and the New York City Ymer stormed back from a Emil Ruusuvuori 6-2, 6-1 in the winning the Bastad, Sweden “I feel good physically and tion of the Delta variant and Department of Health. 3-5 deficit to take the first other semi-final Friday. tournament in 2011. mentally and I’m just trying to in keeping with our intention Ticket holders were advised to set then won the first three Ymer played flawless tennis Ymer, whose parents are from play my best tennis. I like to to put the health and safety of bring a CDC vaccination card games of the second set to from the baseline, clinching Ethiopia, blasted three aces play on hard courts, so it’s all our fans first, the USTA will ex- or other off icial immunisation reach the first final of his it on the first of two match to just two for Alcaraz. coming together this week,” tend the mayor’s requirement record or a photo or photo- career. “I was nervous,” said points when the 18-year-old Earlier this year, Ymer Ivashka said. to all US Open ticket holders copy of the card. The USTA said Ymer. “I knew he would come Alcaraz sailed his backhand reached the third round at “It is something I have been 12-years-old and older,” the it will have “extra measures to out very strong. Luckily I got long. the Australian Open and dreaming of to get an ATP USTA said in a statement. expedite entrance to the site to a chance to break him in the He lost only one point in the the French Open where he title, so let’s see tomorrow if it That will require at least one reduce any inconveniences” to first set.” final game due to a double defeated Gael Monfils for the happens.” dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to ticketholders.

FOCUS Osaka sees no more Slam pullouts like French Open AFP same situation again. “I feel her second match last week at ways make me feel a little nerv- New York like there’s a lot of things I did Cincinnati. “I know I haven’t ous. Maybe I can just attribute it wrong in that moment,” Osaka played that many matches. I to that. I guess I’ll fi nd out when said Friday. “But I’m also the know that I haven’t even gotten I’m in that situation.” efending US Open type of person that’s very in the to a quarter-fi nal,” Osaka said. Osaka said she would like to be champion Naomi Osaka moment, like whatever I feel I’ll “Actually I feel pretty happy able to see the court as a sanctu- has ruled out any future say it or do it. I don’t necessarily with how I’m playing. I feel ary from off -court troubles, but repeats of her abrupt think that’s a bad thing. pretty confi dent with where I am she doesn’t. withdrawalD from the French “I think there’s a lot of things right now. I’m not declaring that “It would be nice if there was Open, saying Friday she would I learned to do better. Of course, I’ll do amazing here. I’m the one- that line for me, but no. I’m the have handled the controversy I don’t feel the same situation match-at-a-time person. Hope- type of person that everything is diff erently if given the chance. will happen again. I’d say maybe fully it will work out in the end.” sort of the same,” Osaka said. The four-time Grand Slam think it through a bit more in the Osaka says she has had to ad- “You could see it earlier on in winner, seeking her third New way that I didn’t know how big a just to feeling people look diff er- my career. If there was some- York title, dropped out at Ro- deal it would become.” ently at her when they watch her thing that was not right in my land Garros after skipping post- Osaka, seeded third in the fi - play, a factor that could be a fac- personal life, you could kind of match interviews with report- nal Grand Slam event of the year tor with full capacity crowds be- see it in my playing. ers, saying it caused her mental that begins Monday, said she ing allowed at the US Open after “It would be really cool if I health distress. was happier to have people ask- spectators were banned last year could draw that line and be able When she was fi ned and ing questions rather than getting due to Covid-19. to be like a robot Superman that warned future similar viola- them over audio and video mon- “It will defi nitely feel a bit dif- could go on the court, focus just tions could bring greater pun- itors. “Defi nitely it feels better ferent. I don’t really know how on tennis. But no, I’m the type ishments, Osaka withdrew from to see the person,” Osaka said. to describe it, but I kind of had that kind of focuses on every- the tournament and skipped “It’s really off -putting just to be to get over the feeling of people’s thing at one time. That’s why Wimbledon as well, her actions seated in front of a screen. May- gazes feeling a bit diff erent to everything is sort of muddled to raising global awareness of the be that’s one of the reasons why me,” Osaka said. me.” mental challenges facing world- I feel, like, a lot of nerves. But it “At the same time I started to class athletes. feels much better to be talking to tell myself that it is what it is. I Speaking in a room of report- a human.” did what I did, so I can’t really Japan’s Naomi Osaka speaks ers on Friday with more tuned Osaka, who lit the cauldron change people’s perception on during a interview ahead of the in virtually, the 23-year-old in the opening ceremonies of me. 2021 US Open at the Billie Jean Japanese star said she would do the Tokyo Olympics, has played “It might make me feel a little King Natinal Tennis Center in things diff erently if put in the only once since then, losing in bit nervous. But fi rst rounds al- Queens, New York. (AFP)

Sunday, August 29, 2021 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 Promotional campaign on for Man City pile Qatar ahead of Euro qualifi ers QNA Debrecen, Hungary

treets and public places in Debrecen, Hungary, were decorated with pro- on misery for motional campaign for theS Qatar national football team ahead of the European qualifi ers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Ten-man Chelsea hold Debrecen will host Qatar’s Group A matches against Serbia Liverpool to a 1-1 draw and Portugal on September 1 and Arsenal 4 respectively at the Nagyerdei Stadion. AFP The Group also includes Ire- London, England land, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. Qatar Football Association (QFA) launched the promotional Qatar national football team players take part in their final training en-man Chelsea held on campaign both in Debrecen and session in Austria ahead of the European Qualifiers for the FIFA World for a 1-1 draw at Liver- on its social media platforms Cup Qatar 2022 yesterday. pool after Reece James’ which has been actively an- controversial dismissal, nouncing the campaign. Qatari fl ags, advertisements, the Qatar had a strong kickstart in Twhile urged his Ar- Main streets of Debrecen and national team players and infor- the fi rst three matches of the Eu- senal fl ops to “look in the mir- its main train and stations, as mation about the matches which ropean qualifi ers after its win over ror” after a dismal 5-0 thrashing well as Budapest Airport and will be held at the Nagyerdei Sta- Luxemburg 1-0 and Azerbaijan at Manchester City yesterday. main streets were decorated with dion. 2-1, and a draw with Ireland 1-1. European champions Chel- sea took the lead through ’s looping header from LIGUE 1 James’s corner in the 22nd minute. But a hard-fought clash of title contenders turned when Nice crush Bordeaux to go 2nd James was sent off in first half stoppage-time. Reuters The Chelsea defender, sta- Nice, France tioned on the goal-line, blocked Sadio Mane’s eff ort with his thigh and then his arm after Joel ice hammered Giron- Matip’s header had hit the bar. Manchester City’s Ferran Torres (left) scores their fifth goal during the match against dins de Bordeaux 4-0 Referee Anthony Taylor was Arsenal at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, yesterday. (Reuters) to continue their fi ne advised to check with the pitch- start to the Ligue 1 sea- side monitor and he awarded fl oodgates before Ferran Torres ent. I am pretty sure the mo- stoppage-time equaliser. Nson yesterday a week after crowd a penalty before sending off pounced on shocking Arsenal ment will come when every- The Magpies took the lead trouble marred their previous James for denying a goalscoring defending to double City’s lead thing will be back and he will do 10 minutes into the second half outing. opportunity. inside 12 minutes. a job because he is an excellent through Callum Wilson before In a game that was played be- Chelsea complained furi- Arsenal’s task was made manager.” Mohamed Elyounoussi levelled hind closed doors pending in- ously but Mohamed Salah even harder when Everton beat Brighton 2-0 to for the visitors. vestigations into the incidents stepped up to convert the needlessly lunged at Joao Can- extend their unbeaten start un- Allan Saint-Maximin looked that caused their home game spot-kick before another an- celo and was shown a straight der former Liverpool boss Rafael to have won it from close range against Olympique de Marseille gry protest from Blues de- red card. Benitez. in the 90th minute, but Ward- to be abandoned last Sunday, fender Antonio Rudiger and Gabriel Jesus made it 3-0 be- A controversial appointment Prowse converted from the spot. Nice prevailed through an early goalkeeper Edouard Mendy fore half-time before Rodrigo to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Leicester won 2-1 at Norwich, goal by Justin Kluivert, a double sparked a penalty area melee. and Torres, with his second of close-season due to his Anfi eld with putting the by Amine Gouiri and Khephren Liverpool dominated the sec- the afternoon, rounded off the links, Benitez is winning over Foxes ahead and Teemu Pukki Thuram’s late strike. Nice’s Amine Gouiri (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates ond half but Chelsea defended scoring. his new fans after goals from equalising from the penalty The result lifted them up to during the Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux yesterday. (Reuters) superbly, with Mendy making and Dominic Cal- spot before second on seven points from several fi ne saves. ‘REALLY DISAPPOINTED’ vert-Lewin on the south coast. wrapped up the points. three completed matches, two goal, playing Gouiri through for Thuram, the former French in- Both sides remain unbeaten “I’m really disappointed with After failing to win his fi rst behind Paris St Germain who the striker to finish the job with ternational Lilian’s second son and after seeing their 100 percent the things that happened on the two league games in charge of RESULTS travel to Reims today. a left-footed effort on 33 min- brother of France striker Marcus, records come to an end in what pitch and the summary after Crystal Palace, while also crash- Aston Villa 1 (Buendia 13) Kluivert opened the scoring utes. added another with fi ve minutes was the fi rst chapter of what three games, losing all of them, ing out of the League Cup in Brentford 1 (Toney 7) after just seven minutes when Gouiri made it 3-0 three min- left from inside the area shortly af- should be a gripping title race. doesn’t make it any easier,” midweek, Arsenal and France Brighton 0 Everton 2 (Gray he volleyed home from Hicham utes before the interval as he ter coming on as a substitute. Arsenal have lost their fi rst Arteta said. legend Patrick Vieira watched 41, Calvert-Lewin 58-pen) Boudaoui’s cross to give Christo- converted a penalty after being Bordeaux, who have yet to win three league games and are yet “It is time to refl ect and look his team earn a creditable 2-2 Liverpool 1 (Salah 45+5-pen) phe Galtier’s side a perfect start. brought down by centre back a game this season, are 17th with to score a goal this term. in the mirror, each of us, and try draw at in-form West Ham. Chelsea 1 (Havertz 22) He also assisted in the second . two points from four outings. Arteta’s side sit bottom of the to change the dynamic straight Pablo Fornals and Michail Manchester City 5 (Gun- league after their worst start away because we need to pick up Antonio twice put West Ham dogan 7, Torres 12, 84, Jesus 43, to a season since 1954 as pres- results.” ahead, with Conor Gallagher Rodri 53) Arsenal 0 SERIE A sure mounts on their under-fi re Despite Arteta’s woes, Man- netting both goals for Palace. Newcastle 2 (Wilson 55, boss. chester City boss Pep Guardiola Promoted Brentford remain Saint-Maximin 90) Southampton Arteta’s switch to a back three insisted Arsenal should keep unbeaten after a 1-1 draw at As- 2 (Elyounoussi 74, Ward-Prowse failed to halt a slick City attack faith with his former assistant. ton Villa. 90+6) Immobile fi res treble as stylish that suggested they are more “I love him, we love him,” Brentford’s Ivan Toney got the Norwich 1 (Pukki 44-pen) than capable of defending their Guardiola said. “The period we opener and Emi Buendia scored Leicester 2 (Vardy 8, Albrighton Premier League title this season worked together, these two or his fi rst Villa goal to equalise. 76) Lazio hand Spezia 6-1 thrashing despite missing out on Harry three seasons was a key point to Southampton snatched a dra- West Ham 2 (Fornals 39, Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo. build what we now have. matic 2-2 draw at Newcastle Antonio 88) Crystal Palace 2 (Gal- AFP time only to nod home com- Italy’s entertainers over the Ilkay Gundogan opened the “I know, completely, his tal- thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s lagher 58, 70) , Italy pletely unmarked from the sub- past few seasons, Atalanta looked sequent corner to complete his bereft of ideas in their stalemate treble. with Bologna in Bergamo. iro Immobile fi red Lazio Felipe Anderson, Elseid Hysaj Having conceded fi ve to sec- Super League rebels planning next coup attempt: report to two wins from two in and Luis Alberto — who also cre- ond-tier Ternana in their fi rst- Serie A with a hat-trick ated three of the goals — added round Italian Cup exit and two AFP waves through European the face of fierce opposition It lays out a campaign designed in a 6-1 hammering of three more stylish strikes after against promoted Salernitana football with their short-lived from fans, players, politicians to win over other top clubs and CSpezia yesterday, while Atalanta the break as Lazio put on a show last weekend, Bologna looked Berlin, Germany attempt to set up a new elite and organisations. key figures, such as politicians, laboured to a goalless draw with of passing football that belied perfect home opposition for usu- competition. However, Spiegel reports the stakeholders and journalists. Bologna. new coach Maurizio Sarri’s pre- ally goal-hungry Atalanta. he three remaining Super It was designed to wrestle remaining rebel clubs — Real, The strategy outlines diff erent Immobile struck his fi rst just match complaints about what he However Gian Piero Gasp- League rebel clubs — Real power away from European Barcelona and Juventus — are scenarios for a new competi- seconds after Daniele Verde had called a “shameful” Stadio Ol- erini’s side struggled to create TMadrid, Barcelona and football’s governing body UEFA. working with two consultancy tion, such as a Super League 1, given Spezia a shock fourth- impico pitch. many opportunities and had to Juventus — are planning an- The coup folded within 48 agencies on their next attempt at involving 20 clubs to replace minute lead in Rome, levelling One of Italy’s Euro 2020 heroes settle for a point following an other next attempt to replace hours when nine clubs — launching a “Super League 2.0”. the Champions League and a the scores with a delicate dinked and the winner of the European underwhelming performance. UEFA’s elite Champions League Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Spiegel says it has seen a 10- Super League 2, also contain- fi nish and then ramming home Golden Shoe in 2020, Immobile competition, according to Ger- Inter Milan, Manchester City, page document titled “Paving ing 20 clubs, instead of the the second 10 minutes later with looks in fi ne form in Sarri’s ex- RESULTS man magazine Spiegel. Manchester United, Liverpool, the way for the Super League: Europa League. There would a fi rst-time strike from just out- pansive system, having scored Lazio 6 (Immobile 5, 15, 45+2, Last April, a breakaway group Chelsea, Arsenal and Totten- the strategy for reconstruction, be promotion and relegation side the penalty area. four of the nine goals Lazio have Anderson 47, Hysaj 70, Luis of 12 clubs briefly sent shock ham Hotspur, backed down in reset — and victory”. between the two leagues. The 31-year-old then missed racked up in their opening two Alberto 85) Spezia 1 (Verdi 4) a penalty in fi rst half stoppage- matches. Atalanta 0 Bologna 0

BUNDESLIGA Lewandowski hits hat-trick to pass 300 goals for Bayern Munich

AFP “Sometimes the fi rst goal Sane exchanged passes with when he stabbed home after from time in a 1-1 draw at home to Berlin, Germany is the most important, it was Mueller, then sliced through Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Eintracht Frankfurt. right to leave the ball for Tho- the defence on the left and gave Hradecky had rushed off his line. Wolfsburg can regain top spot mas — I knew he was there,” said Lewandowski a simple tap in for It was one-way traffi c in the if they pick up their third straight obert Lewandowski Lewandowski, who has scored his 300th goal in all competi- second half as Leverkusen domi- league win at home to fellow scored a hat-trick three goals or more in 15 Bundes- tions for Bayern. He completed nated with goals by Champions League side RB Leip- as Bayern Munich liga games in his career. his hat-trick when Joshua Kim- and . zig today. thumped Hertha Berlin “We had the game under con- mich’s corner was fl icked on to Freiburg are third after a 3-2 5-0R yesterday, with the Poland trol and everything planned came the back post by Tanguy Nianzou victory at Stuttgart, where all the RESULTS striker passing the milestone of off . I’m always hungry, I feel re- for Lewandowski to head home. goals came in a frantic fi rst half. VfB Stuttgart 2 (Mavropanos 300 goals for the defending Bun- ally good and I am always look- South Korea forward Jeong 45, Al Ghaddioui 45+2) Freiburg 3 desliga champions. ing to reach the next level, always JEONG’S RAPID-FIRE DOUBLE Woo-yeong, 21, made a dream (Jeong 3, 9, Hoeler 28) Bayern took an early lead ready to improve.” The rout lifted Bayern into second start with two goals for Freiburg in Mainz 3 (Lucoqui 15, Szalai 18, through Thomas Mueller before Mueller said Lewandowski is in the table, level on seven points the opening nine minutes before Stoeger 90+2) Greuther Fuerth 0 Lewandowski struck either side playing at “another level”. but behind early leaders Bayer striker Lucas Hoeler made it 3-0 Augsburg 1 (Niederlechner of a Jamal Musiala goal. Lewandowski doubled the lead Leverkusen, who swept Augsburg before half an hour was played. 30) Bayer Leverkusen 4 (Iago Having scored a record 41 after Mueller’s opener by head- aside 4-1 thanks to two early own Stuttgart hit back with rapid- 3-og, Niederlechner 14-og, Schick goals last season, ing into the net at the second at- goals, on goal diff erence. fi re goals from striker Hamadi 75, Wirtz 81) Lewandowski has already netted tempt having fi rst hit the cross Hertha’s fortunes did not im- the break when Mueller won pos- Augsburg made a disastrous Al-Ghaddioui and defender Arminia Bielefeld 1 (Wimmer fi ve times in three league match- bar as Bayern outclassed Hertha. prove when their goalkeeper session and Musiala, 18, beat two start when Brazilian defender Iago, Konstantinos Mavropanos just 86) Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Hauge 22) es this term. He has scored in 16 consecutive Alexander Schwolow landed on defenders to fi re inside the far post. then striker Florian Niederlechner before half-time. Cologne 2 (Schaub 82, Lem- Lewandowski could have fi n- games for Bayern in all competi- Berlin captain Dedryck Boyata Musiala made way for Leroy both turned the ball into their own Austrian midfi elder Patrick perle 90+1) Bochum 1 (Zoller 90+4) ished with four, having stepped tions, one more than club late leg- after clearing a corner and the Sane who answered recent whis- net to generously put Leverkusen Wimmer made a dream Bun- Bayern Munich 5 (Mueller 6, over the ball to allow Mueller to end Gerd Mueller, who scored in 15 pair banged heads. tles from Bayern fans by serving 2-0 up after 14 minutes. desliga debut with Arminia Lewandowski 35, 84, Musiala 49) score the early opener. consecutive games in 1969/70. Bayern’s third came just after up Lewandowski’s second. Niederlechner made amends Bielefeld’s equaliser four minutes Hertha Berlin 0