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Wednesay, September 9, 2020 BOTTOMLINE Muharram 21, 1442 AH Mother’s daughter: GULF TIMES Serena to teach Olympia tennis SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Benyettou nets as Wakrah shock champions Duhail Al Ahli beat Al Arabi 2-0, while Umm Salal and Al Khor play out a goalless draw in the second week of the tournament

By Sports Reporter Doha

ohamed Benyettou scored the only goal of the match as Al Wakrah shocked Mreigning champions Al Du- hail in Week 2 of the 2020-21 QNB Stars League at the Education City Stadium yesterday. Benyettou scored the all-important goal in the 11th minute, as Al Wakrah put behind their 1-2 loss to Al Ahli in Week 1. Al Duhail, who had beaten Umm Salal 3-0 in their opener, will now head into the 2020 AFC Champions League, which will resume on September 14 with all West Zone matches being scheduled in Doha. Al Duhail were on the attack from beginning, whereas Al Wakrah took time to settle down. New recruit Ramin Rezaein skied a shot in the fi fth minute to signal The Red Knights’ intentions. Almoez Ali, Mohamed Muntari, an- other new signing Eduardo Rodriguez (Dudu) all looked like making up for the injury-forced absences of Ka- Mohamed Benyettou of Al Wakrah (9) is congratulated by Riadh Nasir after he scored against Al Duhail yesterday. Al Ahli’s Jasem Mohamed Omer (left) and Al Arabi’s Mohamed Salah Elneel vie rim Boudiaf, Edmilson Junior, Yousef for the ball during the QNB Stars League match at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Msakni, Bassam al-Rawi and Assim The Blue Wave goalkeeper Saoud al- Al Wakrah resorted to counter-attacks. points, having earlier held Al Arabi to a Stadium yesterday. Madibo. Khater had an outstanding game below Mehdi Benatia’s shot which was 2-2 draw. However, it was Al Wakrah who got the bar as Al Duhail failed to score a palmed away by al-Khater in stoppage Umm Salal made the fi rst attempt Both teams continued to make a aged to stay in the top fl ight by defeat- into the scoring act, with Benyettou, goal. time best spoke about the proceedings at the goal in the fourth minute with a breakthrough in the second half. ing Al Markhiya 2-0 in play-off . one of the top scorers in last season’s The script was no diff erent in the as Al Wakrah coasted to a famous vic- shot from Yannick Sagbo, who is back Around the 70th minute, Sagbo The play-off pitted 11th-placed team QNB Stars League, fi nding the target second half. Al Duhail’s Ali Afi f, Ismail tory. in their fold this season. However, Al missed an opportunity to score as his in the QNB Stars League against Sec- capitalising on a mistake by the Al Du- Mohamed and Abdelrahman Mohamed In another match, Umm Salal and Al Khor goalkeeper Baba Djibril saved it. bicycle kick, off a pass from Walid ond Division runners-up of 2019-20 hail defence, especially Luis Martin. came off the bench to give impetus to Khor shared points following a goalless Al Khor’s fi rst opportunity came in Mesloub, went narrowly wide. season. Al Wakrah then tightened their de- their attack. Mohammed Moosa also draw at the Al Ahli Stadium on Tues- the 11th minute when Ibrahim Amada The striker from Ivory Coast soon In the third match of the day, Al Ahli fence, with Ali Karami, Lucas Mendes, took the fi eld to strengthen their de- day. dodged more than one player in the headed wide. Umm Salal’s Mesloub beat Al Arabi 2-0. Hamdi Harboui net- Ousmane Coulibaly and Murad Naji fence, but to no avail. It was the fi rst point of Umm Salal, Umm Salal defence and passed the ball and Kesse Amangoua too made tries at ted an own goal to give Al Ahli the lead staying strong against an onslaught of Walid Regragui’s wards did every- who had lost 0-3 to Al Duhail in their to Said Brahimi at the goal, but the lat- the goal. in the 58th minute, while a Nabil El Zahr attacks by Al Duhail. thing as the game wore on. Meanwhile, opener, while Al Khor moved on to two ter hit wide of the target. It may be recalled that Al Khor man- strike consolidated two minutes later.

TENNIS/ US OPEN Brady routs Putintseva to reach Open semis

Reuters Up next for Brady will be the winner New York of the clash between former champion Done crying aft er loss, Kenin Naomi Osaka, the fourth seed, and un- seeded American Shelby Rogers. keen to look at brighter side merican upstart Jennifer On Monday as top men’s seeds Do- Brady continued her surpris- minic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev New York: Sofia Kenin said she was al- ing surge at the US Open with Jennifer Brady of the United sailed through to the last eight at ready done crying over her one-sided Aa 6-3 6-2 victory over Kaza- States reacts during her Flushing Meadows. loss to Elise Mertens in the fourth khstan’s Yulia Putintseva yesterday to quarter-final against Yulia Thiem raced into the round of eight round of the US Open on Monday and reach her fi rst Grand Slam semi-fi nal. Putintseva of Kazakhstan at with a three-set demolition of Cana- the second seed will instead focus on The 28th-seeded Brady, who has yet the US Open yesterday. dian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime. the positives from her campaign at her to drop a set at this year’s US Open, Thiem dismantled the 20-year- home Grand Slam. used her massive forehand and impres- old 15th seed 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 in 2hr Australian Open champion Kenin, 21, sive court coverage to deny Putintseva 7min. had not dropped a set, won 26 of her in her bid to become the fi rst Kazakh “I played a great match today, the 28 service games and was the highest woman to reach the fi nal four of any best one from my whole America trip,” surviving seed at Flushing Meadows major. said Thiem. He will play Australia’s coming into Monday’s match against “I came out with nerves obviously... 21st seed Alex de Minaur for a spot in an opponent she had defeated both so I just tried to treat it like all the other the semi-fi nals after the Australian times in their previous meetings. matches and pretend like it was a fi rst- breezed past unseeded Canadian Vasek But an error prone performance Elise Mertens of Belgium celebrates round match,” said Brady. Pospisil 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-2, in 2hr 17 under the lights at the Arthur Ashe match point during her match “I was happy with the way I started min. Stadium court from Kenin meant 16th against Sofia Kenin on Monday. and I think I was able to keep the mo- Third seed Medvedev blew away un- seed Mertens barely felt any pressure mentum and build off that.” seeded American France Tiafoe 6-4, during a 6-3 6-3 win in less than 75 in Melbourne at the start of the year Brady, whose lead-up to the US Open 6-1, 6-0 in only 1hr 38 min. minutes. and then added a WTA title in Lyon, included a maiden WTA title at Lexing- “I’m pleased with the fact that I’ve “I did better at US Open than I usually days before the circuit came to a halt ton, had all facets of her game clicking won all of these sets and didn’t have to do, fourth round, that’s better,” Kenin, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. early as she broke twice on the Arthur stay long on the court. who lost in the third round in the She had largely flown under the radar Ashe Stadium court to race to a 4-0 That’s always good when you’re previous three editions at Flushing at the US Open amid her more illustri- lead before wrapping up the fi rst set in playing a Grand Slam,” said the Rus- Meadows, told reporters in a video ous compatriots like Serena Williams. 34 minutes. sian. Medvedev will face compatriot conference. The Russian-born Kenin was already Putintseva, seeded 23rd, had no an- Andrey Rublev for a spot in the last “This is not funny, but somehow you looking forward to the claycourt swing swer in the second set as Brady broke four after the 10th seed ousted Italy’s have to joke around. I’m going to take in Rome and the French Open in Paris, three times for a 5-2 lead before secur- was like I really hope it is out. season. sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, the positives from here, try to forget and said she will leave for Europe in ing the win on her fi rst match point I didn’t want to play another point “Last couple of times I played her I 6-3, 6-3. The men’s competition was this match. Yeah, I cried after already. a few days. “I hate losing,” she said. when she successfully challenged a after that to be honest.” Brady, 25, en- got caught into playing her game,” said blown wide open on Sunday after Just trying to hold it back right now. “Obviously it’s gotten better since I’m service return that sailed long. tered her latest match having never Brady. “I don’t think I’m better than world number one Novak Djokovic was Not happy about that match, but we’ll not losing that much. I guess I’ll take a “I was waiting for the ‘out’ call,” won a set off Putintseva in their two her at just running and making balls so thrown out for accidentally hitting a see.” few days just to finally go back on the Brady said of the match point. “I was previous career meetings, which both I defi nitely was a lot more aggressive line judge after smashing a ball in frus- Kenin lifted her first Grand Slam trophy court and everything.” pretty confi dent that it was out but I came before the American’s breakout today.” tration during his last-16 match. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 TENNIS

REACTION FOCUS Djokovic urges angry fans not to Breakaway body turn on line judge

Reuters New York

has ‘blindsided ovak Djokovic has pleaded for compas- sion for the line judge Nhe inadvertently struck in the throat with a ball at the US Open on Monday after the female offi cial faced a backlash from fans of the world number one on so- ATP council’ cial media. The Serb was disqualifi ed in ‘I DON’T AGREE WITH HOW THEY’RE GOING ABOUT IT AND THE METHOD’ the fourth round after he hit a ball to the back of the court in frustration after dropping serve in the fi rst set against Spain’s Pa- Novak Djokovic of Serbia checks blo Carreno Busta, sending the on the line judge after he File photo of Serbia’s Novak Djokovic offi cial to the fl oor. A section of unintentionally hit her with a with South Africa’s Kevin Anderson. Djokovic’s fans took to social me- tennis ball on Monday. dia to hurl abuse at the offi cial af- ter her Instagram username was be okay and was not brought carried by Serbian media. off -site. Tournament referee So- “Shame on you. Old lady full eren Friemel came out on to the of evil,” read one of the messages Arthur Ashe Stadium and spoke left on her Instagram account, to chair umpire Aurelie Tourte while other users accused her of and Andreas Egli, the Grand Slam faking the injury and “bad act- supervisor, before a long chat ing”. Djokovic on Tuesday de- with the three-time former US fended the offi cial on Twitter, Open winner. while thanking fans who had left Djokovic pleaded his case for 12 him positive messages of sup- minutes but the Grand Slam rules port. “Please also remember the are clear, and his fate was already linesperson that was hit by the sealed. Britain’s Tim Henman, ball last night needs our com- who suff ered a similar fate in 1995 munity’s support too. She’s done at Wimbledon, said Djokovic nothing wrong at all. would learn from the experience. “I ask you to stay especially “Djokovic has had plenty of supportive and caring to her dur- examples in the past where he has ing this time. From these mo- cut it pretty fi ne on the court,” ments, we grow stronger and we Henman told The Times. rise above. “Unfortunately for him he has “Sharing love with everyone. got it wrong this time and suf- Europe here I come.” With the fered the harshest penalty. line judge screaming out in pain “I think he will take this on as she fell to the ground, a hor- board because he is a bright in- rifi ed Djokovic ran over to her dividual. Going forward he won’t and apologised. A tournament be hitting balls and throwing his spokesman told Reuters later racket because he knows what the that the line judge appeared to reaction will be.”

SPOTLIGHT De Minaur savours

Reuters discussed or communicated so some other top names in men’s with the ATP under the current ready being discussed at the ATP Mumbai I feel like we were blindsided by tennis have asked for more clar- structure. level within the council,” he said. Open breakthrough it,” Anderson said in a phone in- ity. “If we do go down this path “We have meetings with our terview from the United States. Djokovic had voiced his frus- of players wanting to have sole management, we’re pushing Reuters he launch of Novak “I don’t agree with how tration at that opposition before representation, the tournaments them very hard, we hear other New York Djokovic’s breakaway they’re going about it and the he was sensationally disqualifi ed also are going to have sole repre- players’ voices loud and clear. players body just before method. I will always respect from the US Open on Sunday. sentation,” the 34-year-old said. “I know the work and eff ort the US Open completely their eff ort to help the players, “I sort of don’t agree with “And if this happens, I feel that’s gone on behind the scenes ustralia’s Alex de Mi- Tblindsided the ATP player coun- I think that’s a great thing. But Djokovic’s premise there on that the whole ATP structure to get us here, but there’s still naur once struggled cil and could undermine the that’s what we’ve done in the what he defi nes as opposition will come apart and we will have more work to be done.” to grow into his body structure of the men’s tour, act- council and what we continue because I feel it makes it sound to come up with a new structure, New ATP chairman Andrea Aas a tennis player but ing president Kevin Anderson to do.” Djokovic has described like we’re against this idea of and we have no idea what that Gaudenzi presented a plan to the the tenacious 21-year-old feels told Reuters. the PTPA, which has already at- helping players,” said Anderson. will look like.” players in January addressing a himself a snug fi t in the US Open Djokovic sent shockwaves tracted the support of more than “We’re all players ourselves, The number of players pledg- number of key issues, including quarter-fi nals. De Minaur made through the sport last month 150 players, as a platform for the we’re in this together. It’s really ing support for the PTPA had collective TV rights across the his fi rst Grand Slam quarter- when he stepped down as head views of the athletes that can important that we stick togeth- been “illuminating”, Anderson sport and bringing all governing fi nal on Monday with a 7-6(6), of the ATP council along with co-exist with the ATP. er, because when we are united said. bodies closer together. 6-3, 6-2 win over Canada’s members Vasek Pospisil, John Tennis governing bodies have, we are strongest.” The South African accepted “At that time the full council, Vasek Pospisil, giving Australia a Isner and Sam Querrey and an- however, opposed the move and The Association of Tennis that issues relating to prize including Djokovic and Pospisil, player to rally around in the ab- kid with clown shoes on. I didn’t nounced the formation of the called for unity now that the Professionals (ATP) was set up money and pensions have been decided to give the new manage- sence of women’s world number have the best footwork, the best Professional Tennis Players As- sport has just resumed after a by players in 1972, but its board frustrating for players but said ment time to put this plan into one Ash Barty. movement. “So it was just a lot sociation (PTPA). lengthy shutdown due to the now includes equal representa- he thought real progress had motion,” Anderson said. “At the end of the day, this is of work, especially in technique “From the council standpoint, Covid-19 pandemic. tion for tournament owners. been made in the eight years he “And then at the US Open, where I want to be, and this is of movement from a young age.” especially the timing, the com- Player council members Roger Anderson, who has played had been on the council. Pospisil and Djokovic decided where I truly believe I belong, At 6 feet (1.83m) tall, De Mi- munication, the way this came Federer and Rafa Nadal have two Grand Slam fi nals, failed to “If you look at the PTPA agen- for their own reasons that now’s second weeks of Slams and going naur is the shortest player in the to be, it’s not something we had echoed those sentiments, while see how the PTPA could co-exist da, 75%-80% of that was al- the time to create this PTPA.” deep,” De Minaur told reporters last eight but stands out as an after setting up a clash with sec- all-court scrapper among base- ond seed Dominic Thiem. line beanpoles like Alexander BOTTOMLINE The man nicknamed “De- Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, mon” has turned heads since who are tipped to dominate the 2018 when he made the third game’s future with raw power. round of Wimbledon on his Toppling three-times Grand Mother’s daughter: Serena to teach Olympia tennis main draw debut and eclipsed Slam fi nalist Thiem will be a big tempestuous talent Nick Kyr- ask for De Minaur, who joked he AFP had earlier said Roland Garros would gios as Australia’s number one would prefer to “blast people off New York allow 11,500 fans per day between three before turning 20. the court” if he could. showcourts when the tournament starts His court speed and never- “This running thing gets tir- on Sept. say-die game have also endeared ing,” he smiled. “I’ve got to erena Williams issued an omi- 27 in a departure from numerous pro- him to fans weary of Kyrgios’s deal with what God gave me. nous warning to budding young fessional sports events that have barred lapses in eff ort. Behind De Mi- He didn’t give me the best phy- tennis players yesterday — her spectators amid the Covid-19 pandem- naur’s rise has been plenty of sique, I’m not as strong or as tall three-year-old daughter loves ic. Williams, who avoids public places hard work, though, and waiting as other people so I have to fi nd Sthe game and will soon take it up. and takes a conservative approach to for his body to catch up with his ways to win. “She’s a fan of tennis, she loves watch- social distancing due to prior health aspirations. “That’s the way I win. I want ing, she comes out and watches me prac- concerns, said she hopes to speak with “As a young kid, I was prob- that to be my brand of tennis. I tice,” Williams said of Olympia after French Open organisers to “see how that ably 11 or 12 and already had the want people in the locker-room moving into the US Open last eight. works with the crowd and how we will same size (11) foot I have right to know that if they’re going to The toddler was seen smiling and be protected. now,” he said. beat me, they’re going to have to waving at her mother during Williams’ “They have to make the best decision “So it felt like (I was) a little go through me.” third-round win against Sloane Stephens for them, and I have to do what’s best inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday. for me. But I think it should be okay,” “She loves when I practice on this said Williams, who suffered blood clots Defending champion Barty to skip French Open court because she can sit and watch,” and life-threatening pulmonary embo- Williams said after beating Greece’s lisms while giving birth to daughter Ol- Sydney: World number one risks that still exist with Covid. Maria Sakkari in the last 16 on Arthur ympia in 2017. Ashleigh Barty announced “The second is my preparation, Ashe. “There (are) a lot of factors that hope- yesterday she will not defend which has not been ideal without “She’s three now. I’m like, ‘I gotta put fully — hopefully — they are thinking her French Open crown, citing my coach being able to train my career aside and get her a racquet in about, and I’m sure that they are, as this the coronavirus fears that also with me due to the state border her hand. Seriously, that’s what I told is a global pandemic,” said Williams, who prompted her and several other closures in Australia.” my husband yesterday. notched her 100th win inside Arthur top players to withdraw from the Barty is based in Brisbane while I’m like, ‘We got to get a racquet in her Ashe Stadium when she beat Greece’s US Open. The Australian, who her coach, Craig Tyzzer, is in hand,” Williams added. Maria Sakkari at the US Open on Mon- claimed her maiden Grand Slam Melbourne and unable to travel The 23-time Grand Slam winner de- day. The 38-year-old American, who is at Roland Garros in 2019, said it as the city battles a significant feated Sakkari 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 to on a quest for a record-equalling 24th was a “diff icult” decision but the second-wave virus outbreak. set up a last-eight clash with Tsvetana Grand Slam title, said she misses playing health of her family and team She announced in late July that Pironkova, who is also a mother. In this file photo taken on September 4, 2020 in front of the legions of fans who regu- came first. “Last year’s French she would sit out the US Open, The Bulgarian is playing in her first Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., daughter of Serena larly support her but has largely adapted Open was the most special currently underway in New York, tournament in three years after giv- Williams (not pictured), attends the third round to the unusual circumstances at Flushing tournament of my career so this with defending men’s champion ing birth to a son. Williams also said match between Serena Williams and Sloane Meadows this year. is not a decision I have made Rafael Nadal and world number that she has some questions over how Stephens at USTA Billie Jean King National “I don’t feel like I’m super diff er- lightly,” she said on social media. two Simona Halep among those players will be protected at the French Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New ent without a crowd,” said third-seeded “There are two reasons for my who also opted out because of Open, which plans to welcome a lim- York City. Williams. “I’m super passionate. This is decision — the first is the health the pandemic. ited number of spectators. Organisers my job.” Gulf Times Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE PREMIER LEAGUE Everton confi rm signing of Rodriguez Italy beat Dutch from Real for £20mn

By Andy Hunter Carlo and his technical staff , we The Guardian can achieve big things and one of the big reasons for signing was the presence of Carlo Ancelotti. verton have completed I have enjoyed some great times to take top spot the transfer of James Ro- with him previously at two dif- driguez from Real Ma- ferent clubs. That was a massive drid for around £20mn reason to come here.” 'I’m happy for the mentality, the performance, the boys really played brilliantly' withE the Colombia international Everton, who have the option signing a two-year contract with on the third year of the contract, the option of a third. have been working on the deal The 29-year-old joins Allan as for several weeks and believe the second major part of Carlo Rodriguez’s transfer will accel- Ancelotti’s midfi eld rebuild and erate their international growth is believed to have accepted a plans. The former Porto play- pay cut on his £140,000-a-week maker has a social media follow- wage to be reunited with his ing of almost 100mn and the club former manager at Real and Bay- broadcast his arrival in Bogota ern Munich. and Miami, where Everton are Rodriguez was in the fi nal year considering opening its fi rst in- of his contract with the Spanish ternational offi ce in the US. champions and started only fi ve Rodriguez said: “I’m a win- league games under Zinedine ner, I’m a real winner. I can see Zidane last season. He cost Real the plans here, the project here £63mn when moving from Mo- is very serious. Everyone means naco after the 2014 World Cup, business. I think the seriousness when he won the Golden Boot and determination to win tro- while helping Colombia to reach phies can lead to silverware.” the quarter-fi nals, but spent Everton signed the Brazil in- two seasons on loan at Bayern ternational Allan from Napoli from 2017 after losing his regular for an initial £22mn on Saturday starting role. and hope to add a third midfi eld- “I’ve come here to try to im- er before starting the Premier prove, to get better,” said Ro- League season at Tottenham. driguez. “I’ve also come here The club have agreed a fee of to help the team to win, to play around £20mn with Watford for good football – entertaining their long-term target Abdou- football. I’m convinced, with laye Doucouré.

Italy’s Nicolo Barella (right) scores against the Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League match in Amsterdam on Monday night. (Reuters)

AFP pulled Poland level at the break before Amsterdam Kamil Grosicki nodded home the winner. Romania came out on top against Aus- tria in Klagenfurt, with Denis Alibec, taly moved top of their UEFA Na- Dragos Grigore and Alexandru Maxim on tions League group on Monday night target in a 3-2 victory. Christoph Baum- after an impressive 1-0 win over the gartner had equalised for the hosts and Netherlands that was slightly spoiled Karim Onisiwo struck a late consolation Iby news rising star Nicolo Zaniolo might as Austria ceded top place in League B, James Rodriguez is believed to have accepted a pay cut on his have suff ered another serious knee injury. Group 1 to their opponents. £140,000-a-week wage he took at Real Madrid. Nicolo Barella’s bullet header in fi rst Norway shook off their opening loss half stoppage time was enough for Rob- to Austria as Borussia Dortmund striker erto Mancini’s side to take all three points Haaland helped tear apart Northern Ire- in Amsterdam and top spot in League A, land in Belfast. Paddy McNair cancelled CONCACAF confi rms postponement Group 1. The ‘Azzurri’ are a point ahead of out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s fi ne fi nish the Dutch, who are playing under interim but Haaland, who struck his fi rst inter- of 2022 World Cup qualifi ers coach Dwight Lodeweges following Ron- national goal in Friday’s defeat, thumped ald Koeman’s defection to Barcelona, and in from the edge of the area to restore Miami: The governing body format unveiled last month, 30 third-placed Poland following their 2-1 Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway in a 5-1 thrashing of Northern Ireland. (Reuters) Norway’s lead. Alexander Sorloth scored for football in North America, teams have been placed into six away win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. twice, the second via an assist from Haa- Central America and the Carib- groups with the group winners “I’m happy for the mentality, the per- His cross found his Roma teammate the back foot but would have been level land who completed the scoring on the bean (CONCACAF) confirmed advancing to three two-leg formance, the boys really played bril- Nicolo Zaniolo who was unlucky to not in the 55th minute had Gianluigi Don- hour with another superb fi nish. yesterday that 2022 Qatar play-off games originally set liantly,” said Mancini, who made seven open the scoring with an acrobatic bi- narumma not tipped over Donny van de Scotland scraped past an inexperi- World Cup qualifiers due to take for March. The winners of changes from the team that drew 1-1 with cycle kick. Two minutes later Immobile Beek’s stinging close-range drive. enced Czech Republic 2-1 in Olomouc to place in October and November those ties would join the final Bosnia on Friday, ending an 11-match cut in from the same fl ank before fi ring a However Italy continued to cause the go top of League B, Group 2. The Czechs would be postponed until 2021 eight-team round-robin group winning streak, and his team dominated shot just wide, and 10 minutes before the Dutch problems, wasting a host of prom- on Sunday announced a squad compris- because of COVID-19. for home and away matches at the Johan Cruijff Arena. break it was Insigne’s turn to charge in ising positions against a Netherlands ing 21 newcomers for the Scotland en- CONCACAF said in a state- starting in June 2021 under the “You don’t win 11 games in a row if from the left and curl a decent eff ort just team that lacked the vitality of the side counter after two backroom staff tested ment the games would now current schedule. you don’t have a good mentality. The wide of the far post. Koeman had led to qualifi cation for Euro positive for Covid-19. take place next March, saying The United States, Mexico, teams we beat (in Euro 2020 qualifi ca- Things took a turn for the worse for 2020. Kean should have put the result be- Jakub Pesek put the home side in front the decision had been taken in Costa Rica, Jamaica and tion) weren’t as good as the Netherlands Italy when Zaniolo limped off in the rstfi yond doubt as the Dutch pushed hard for early but Scotland hit back through Lyn- conjunction with world govern- Honduras are already into the or Germany, but winning games is still half with a knee problem, a worry for the a leveller in added time but after round- don Dykes who grabbed his fi rst interna- ing body FIFA. final round by virtue of world tough,” the former Inter Milan and Man- 21-year-old who only returned from a se- ing Jasper Cillessen could only shank his tional goal on 27 minutes. Captain Andy CONCACAF president Victor rankings. The three top teams chester City coach added. rious left knee injury in the summer. shot wide. Robertson then won a penalty and Ryan Montagliani had signalled among the last eight would Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and With Moise Kean on in Zaniolo’s place Poland registered their fi rst points after Christie converted the resulting spot- the probable postponement advance to Qatar 2022 with Leonardo Spinazzola all had plenty of joy Italy continued to control the match and a 2-1 win over Bosnia in Zeneca despite kick for Steve Clarke’s men. “It was far in remarks last week, saying the fourth-place team facing attacking down the left fl ank, with left- in added time Barella gave the away side the continued absence of rested striker from ideal for them but it wasn’t ideal the games were unlikely to a playoff against a squad from back Spinazzola creating the fi rst chance a deserved lead, crashing home a header Robert Lewandowski. Haris Hajradinovic for us,” Robertson said. “We’re top of the take place in October. Under a another region in June 2022 for of the game with a rapid burst towards the from an Immobile cross — again from the put Bosnia ahead on 24 minutes with a group and we can’t complain. We were new-look CONCACAF qualifying a final spot. byline in the 17th minute. left. The hosts started the second half on penalty but Kamil Glik’s powerful header probably on a hiding to nothing.”

ROUND-UP Rising Italy star Zaniolo ruptures ACL for second time this year

taly’s emerging star Nicolo the League Two club has focused on refused to comment on the nature the Bundesliga club yesterday. Cagliari midfi elder Nicol Barella and Zaniolo faces surgery and sustainability, installing solar panels, of the breach but media reports said After also selling striker Kevin Manchester United attacker Alexis months of recovery with a cruci- using a solar-powered robot grass the pair left the bio-secure bubble to Volland to Monaco last week, Sanchez on permanent deals this ate ligament injury to his left knee mower and creating an organic pitch. meet two local girls. Both players have Leverkusen, who fi nished fi fth in the summer. Ihaving missed much of this year with Forest Green, based in southwest been fi ned 250,000 Icelandic krona Bundesliga last season, are set to sign the same problem on the right, his Se- England, are also the world’s fi rst ve- ($1,800, £1,350) by Reykjavik police Schick, 24, from AS Roma on a fi ve- CARRASCO MAKES PERMANENT rie A club Roma announced yesterday. gan football club. FIFA has described and the Football Association said it year contract. MOVE TO ATLETICO Zaniolo limped off in the fi rst half of Forest Green as the greenest football would be launching a full investiga- The transfer is worth around 25mn Atletico Madrid have signed winger Italy’s Nations League victory over the club in the world and they were the tion. euros ($30mn). Schick spent last sea- Yannick Carrasco on a permanent deal Netherlands on Monday in Amster- fi rst to be certifi ed carbon neutral by “Having now had the chance to son on loan at RB Leipzig, scoring 10 from Chinese Super League side Dal- dam, immediately raising fears over the United Nations. refl ect on what’s happened, I can only goals in 28 games. The Czech Republic ian Yifang after the Belgium interna- the seriousness of the problem. It is Bellerin, who recently raised money apologise to everyone for the embar- international played the second-half tional enjoyed a successful loan spell wretched luck for the 21-year-old who to plant 60,000 trees in the Amazon rassment I have caused,” Greenwood of their 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint- back with the Spaniards last season. only returned in the summer after the rainforest, will work with Vince to said in a statement. “It was irrespon- Germain in the semi-fi nal of the A statement from Atletico said identical injury on his right knee suf- help promote environmental issues sible of me to break the Covid-19 Champions League. Carrasco, 27, had signed a four-year fered in a January defeat to Juventus. among clubs, leagues and supporters. protocols which are in place to protect Veteran Serbia left-back Ale- deal with the club, who fi nished third Before the injury Zaniolo had been players, staff and the public. In par- ksandar Kolarov has joined Inter in La Liga last season and reached unlucky not to open the scoring with ENGLAND’S GREENWOOD ticular, I want to apologise to Gareth Milan from Roma. Kolarov, 34, who the quarter-fi nals of the Champions an acrobatic bicycle kick. SORRY FOR VIRUS BREACH Southgate, for letting him down when won the Premier League twice in a League. Carrasco fi rst joined Atletico Italy went on to beat the Dutch 1-0 Manchester United forward Mason he had shown great trust in me.” seven-year spell with Manchester from AS Monaco in 2015 and scored thanks to a Nicolo Barella header. Greenwood has apologised for the Foden, 20, issued an apology on City, spent three campaigns at the for the club in the 2016 Champions embarrassment caused by his breach social media on Monday, saying he Stadio Olimpico. League fi nal against Real Madrid, ARSENAL’S BELLERIN INVESTS of coronavirus regulations while on would learn a “valuable lesson”. Kolarov, who has played 91 times which they drew 1-1 before losing in a IN GREEN FOOTBALL CLUB England duty in Iceland. The 18-year- for his country, is set to compete with penalty shootout. Arsenal and Spain defender Hector old said he had learned a lesson from LEVERKUSEN SET TO SIGN AS 21-year-old Alessandro Bastoni for He left for Dalian in February 2018 Bellerin has become the second- the incident, which resulted in him ROMA FORWARD SCHICK a starting spot in Antonio Conte’s alongside Atletico teammate Nico biggest shareholder at Forest Green being dropped from the squad for Bayer Leverkusen are poised to outfi t. Inter, who fi nished second in Gaitan but re-joined earlier this year Rovers, a lower-tier English side rec- yesterday’s Nations League match in spend some of the money from Kai Serie A last term and lost to Se- and was a crucial part of the team’s ognised as the world’s greenest foot- Denmark, along with Manchester City Havertz’s transfer to Chelsea with villa in the Europa League fi nal, have push to fi nish third when the cam- ball club. Under chairman Dale Vince, midfi elder Phil Foden. Czech centre-forward Patrik Schick also signed the likes of Real Madrid paign resumed after being halted by a British green energy industrialist, England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly undergoing a medical at right-back Achraf Hakimi as well as the pandemic. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Gharafa star Moreno to feature on Generation Amazing Instagram Live l Gharafa and Mexico national including two league titles with both Instagram Live since the programme teams. Coaches learnt how to use ac- team star Hector Moreno will AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven. Ahead launched its series of streams back in cessible equipment as well as ways to Mexico’s Hector Moreno be this week’s special guest of the live session, Generation Amaz- April 2020, when the Covid-19 pan- implement teaching resources in the played for Espanyol, PSV on Generation Amazing’s ing Programmes Director, Nasser al- demic fi rst gripped the world. He joins workshops. Eindhoven as well as AS (GA)A Instagram Live at 4pm Doha time Khori said: “The QNB Stars League has stars including Xavi Hernández, Samu- In eff orts to ensure the programme is Roma and Real Sociedad today. The Qatar Stars League (QSL) brought to Qatar many highly esteemed el Eto’o, Cafu, Tim Cahill and regional inclusive, GA are further adapting their before joining Qatari side player will talk about his international players and international stars in foot- legends Khalid Salman, Ibrahim Khal- programme curriculum to children and Al Gharafa in 2019. experience in football and share advice ball and Hector Moreno is one of those fan and Younis Mahmoud, who have all youth with special needs. with young viewers hoping to get ahead special players that have played such a appeared in the live social media broad- As a Supreme Committee for Deliv- in sport and their careers. tremendous role in football on and off casts which have so far been watched ery & Legacy (SC) social and human The player will also discuss football- the pitch. We are thrilled to get a chance by over 130,000 people worldwide. legacy programme, Generation Amaz- ing values, which is a key football for to get to know him in this special Gen- Notable female football stars who have ing has now reached over 500,000 ben- development tool that GA uses, that eration Amazing Instagram Live and to featured include Lianne Sanderson, efi ciaries. The programme continues have helped him carve out a name for hear about his time at Al Gharafa as well Amalie Thestrup, Anouk Hoogendijk, to work towards achieving its goal of himself on and off the pitch. Moreno as his success in Europe.” Nadia Nadim and Allyson Swaby. teaching values and life skills like in- played for RCD Espanyol, PSV Eind- Al-Khori added: “This will be a par- This past week, GA has also held clusion and gender equality, leadership, hoven as well as AS Roma and Real So- ticularly inspiring Instagram Live for a Disability Awareness workshop in organisation and teamwork, through ciedad before joining Qatari top division our youth in the programme here in Qa- collaboration with Qatar Foundation unique football training sessions in Qa- side Al Gharafa in 2019. The centre- tar and for his fans everywhere who are (QF). Those in attendance included a tar and globally. Follow @GA4Good on back has over 100 caps for his country, itching to catch a glimpse of the Mexico select number of participants, in ac- Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, tag @ Mexico, including appearances at the star’s recipe for success, his footballing cordance with current social distance GA4Good and use the #GALive hash- 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. practices and values.” safety measures, from the Paris Saint- tag for a chance to win exclusive signed Moreno has won four domestic titles Moreno is the latest to join GA on Germain Academy and GA coaching merchandise from the football stars.

SPOTLIGHT Bid to oust Barca chief gathers pace as fallout from Messi saga continues Leeds’ Bielsa brings Barcelona: With Lionel Messi’s who cannot stand again as he aborted bid to leave Barcelona has already served two terms, still raw, club president Josep has called elections for March Maria Bartomeu may be count- 2021, three months ahead of ing his days after a campaign schedule, in the wake of the group announced they were team’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to racking up signatures in a bid Bayern Munich in the Champi- his whirlwind style to to force a vote of no-confidence ons League in August. in him. ‘Mes que una mocio’ The motion of censure was (More than a motion), the filed by presidential candidate group supported by candidates Jordi Farre on Aug. 26, the day for next year’s presidential after captain and all-time high election, said they had reached scorer Messi sent the club an the Premier League 7,500 club member signatures off icial notice saying that he of the required 16,520 by Sept. wished to leave. 17 to trigger a vote of no confi- The Argentinian then said on The 65-year-old Argentine has deployed an exhilarating, whirlwind brand of football dence in Bartomeu. Friday that he would stay for If the campaign reaches its this season as he did not want Reuters target and the vote is held, to fight a legal battle with Barca London two-thirds of the club’s 150,000 over the validity of a clause in members would have to vote his last contract which allowed against Bartomeu to trigger an him to depart for free. He eeds United are back in the Pre- imminent election. Bartomeu, trained with Barca on Monday. mier League for the fi rst time in 16 years with a style of play under eccentric manager Marcelo Bielsa Lthat is as far removed from their historic ROUND-UP “Dirty Leeds” image as it is possible to get. During a long and varied career, the 65-year-old Argentine coach has de- ployed an exhilarating, whirlwind brand Scottish Premiership of football designed to not let the oppo- sition breathe — although it risks leaving his own players exhausted before the end games get go ahead of the season. Bielsa’s teams invariably deploy a high press and attack using quick, vertical for limited fans return passes, with his two seasons at Leeds in the Championship (second-tier) being AFP SPANISH CLUBS no exception as he steered them to the London ALLOWED FIVE title and promotion to the top fl ight. For SUBSTITUTIONS Bielsa, taking the initiative is a sacrosanct Clubs in Spain’s top two divi- principle and he has no time for teams wo matches in the Scot- sions will be able to make fi ve who sit back in defence, or “speculate” tish Premiership this substitutions for the entirety as he disparagingly describes it. He fa- weekend will be played of the upcoming season after mously displayed his dislike for negativ- in front of a crowd of the national soccer federation ity after his Chile side lost 1-0 to Italy in Tup to 300 supporters after the (RFEF) said yesterday it had ap- an under-23 tournament in 2008. country’s government gave the proved a request from the league At the end of the match, a livid Bielsa go-ahead to test events for the to extend the rule change. angrily reprimanded his opposite number return of fans. The change was brought in by Pierluigi Casiraghi for alleged spoiling Celtic’s visit to Ross County the game’s global rule-making tactics. “Hitting long balls over the top for and Aberdeen’s clash at home to body IFAB last season when the number nine — that is not football,” he Kilmarnock on Saturday will al- competitions resumed after be- ranted. Bielsa’s infl uence is widespread, low a small number of home fans ing disrupted by the Covid-19 with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and their fi rst chance to watch a game pandemic, in order to reduce the former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mau- live in Scotland since the coro- burden on players due to con- ricio Pochettino among those who regard navirus pandemic stopped the gested fi xture lists. IFAB has since him as their mentor, even if the contents of 2019/20 season in March. extended the fi ve substitutions his trophy cabinet are modest. Rather than Marcelo Bielsa (centre) has steered Leeds to the Championship (second-tier) title and promotion to the top flight. (Reuters) Rangers’ match at home to rule until August 2021, although big name players, Bielsa works better with Dundee United had also initially individual leagues can decide those who are prepared to adapt themselves Marseille side topped the table at the around the pitch and if you are not ready quite like the concept. “We have a his- been selected as a test event, but whether they wish to implement to his heavily demanding style, making halfway mark of his only full season in you get exposed.” tory of being “Dirty Leeds” and we actu- has not been included after the it. Spain joins soccer associations Leeds an ideal club for his Premier League charge before fading to fi nish fourth. It is all far removed from the 1960s ally channel that,” club chairman Andrea return of local lockdown meas- in Germany and France in declar- debut. It will be the third of Europe’s top Arsenal experienced a foretaste of what and 1970s when the Yorkshire club’s Radrizanni said. “We want to play great ures in Glasgow. ing they will allow fi ve substitu- leagues to experience Bielsa after La Liga is to come during a 1-0 win over Leeds perceived win-at-all-costs approach football and we are doing that but we also A crowd of 700 fans were al- tions this season, although Pre- and Ligue 1. in the FA Cup last season. “They are a under Don Revie earned them the “Dirty need to fi ght every time we go onto the lowed in to watch Edinburgh’s mier League clubs voted against He led Athletic Bilbao to the fi nals of nightmare for any team to play against,” Leeds” nickname as they swept up tro- pitch. All of our boys are willing to fi ght Pro14 defeat to Glasgow Warriors extending the rule change and the Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup in his said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “It is phies including the league title, FA Cup for the shirt every week and having that at the 67,000 capacity Murray- will only have three changes fi rst season there, although his second like going to the dentist. It’s tough, they and League Cup. But even if that label character is important to being a Leeds fi eld in Scotland’s fi rst sporting available. The La Liga season was a disappointment. His Olympique make it really hard. It’s man-to-man no longer applies on the pitch, Leeds still United player.” test event on August 28. starts up again on Friday.

BOTTOMLINE SIGA’s fi rst ever Sport Integrity Week kicks off QNA wider industry, facilitate collective ac- of the law and the global sports ma- axes: sports governance anti-corrup- Geneva tion and pave the way to the necessary fi a targeting young athletes and their tion and international co-operation, reforms at the centre of SIGAs mission. victims from small clubs in particular, fi nancial integrity transparency and In his opening speech, SIGA chair- he added. The discussions during the sustainability, integrity and betting in he fi rst edition of the Sport man Franco Frattini hailed the organi- event will also address racism, which is sports, developing youth capabilities Integrity Week kicked off on sation of such unprecedented event in one of the misfortunes of football, and and protecting children in sports, man- Monday with the participation the world which will address over fi ve will seek to strengthen co-operation aging sports media and technology. of 100 speakers representing day fi ghting corruption and how to between the public and private sectors The launch of the fi rst edition the Tfi ve continents. The initiative proposed protect integrity. He noted that SIGA and international community organi- Sport Integrity Week witnessed wide and organised by the Sport Integrity has succeeded in organising this event sations, he noted. participation from diff erent countries Global Alliance (SIGA), the worlds larg- across all continents of the world de- SIGA CEO Emanuel Macedo de Me- of the world, especially from the youth est sport integrity coalition, headquar- spite the repercussions of the coronavi- deiros in a typical tub-thumping ad- segment, as registration to participate tered in Geneva. rus pandemic, with wide participation dress said the sports and their stake- and attend the sessions in the Webinar The Sport Integrity Week agenda in- from the public and private sectors, holders must “stand united and strong system remained open even minutes cludes 50 digital events, including dis- civil society organisations and leading in the resolve to overcome this crisis”. before the offi cial opening of the event. cussion sessions (webinars). The fi rst personalities in the world. He said that sports “must feel the pas- The activities of the second day of edition of the global initiative will be Over the coming days, Frattini, the sion the catalyst of socio-economic the event included Chairman of the In- held on a digital platform that includes event will witness sessions with the progression. There is no second chance. ternational Centre for Sports Security live broadcasts and interactive discus- participation of jurists, public prosecu- Sport owns the problems but it must and Vice Chairman of the Sport Integ- sions on SIGAs YouTube channel. tors, specialists in all sectors, offi cials also own the solutions.” rity Global Alliance (SIGA), Mohamed The event aims to promote the adop- and civil society organisations, all of One of this solutions he encouraged bin Hanzab, delivering an opening tion and implementation of the high- whom will discuss, under the umbrella sports to use is SIGAs standard inde- speech. est integrity standards at all levels and of SIGA, organised crimes that aff ect pendent ratings valuations (SIRVs) that The Qatari presence is also highlight- across all areas of sport. It will bring sport, and the manipulation of match have been launched to give sports an ed in the participation of CEO of Qatar together all relevant key stakeholders, results. integrity audit and valuation as gov- Stars League and Vice Chairman of the senior industry leaders and top experts, Despite all the obstacles, we are now erning bodies seek, in many cases, to FIFA Referees Committee, Hani Ballan, and provide a privileged opportunity to on a platform through which we can regain or retain trust in their sports. at a panel discussion on the Impact of Chairman of the International Centre for Sports Security (ICSS) and Vice Chair- raise global awareness about the most exchange views and talk about atypical The sessions and discussions of the Covid-19 on the integrity in sports. man of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Mohamed bin Hanzab delivered critical challenges facing sport and the crimes and fi nd solutions to breaches Sport Integrity Week comprises fi ve an opening speech during the Sport Integrity Week summit yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 9, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Lightning strike for 8-2 win over Isles Clippers out-gun in series opener

AFP Game two is on Wednesday Los Angeles in Edmonton, where all games in the conference fi nals and the Stanley Cup fi nal will be played. rayden Point scored Point put the Lightning up 1-0 Nuggets, Celtics push twice and delivered 1:14 into the fi rst period, driv- three assists as the ing across the crease and shoot- Tampa Bay Lightning ing past the outstretched pad of ‘WE WEREN’T trouncedB the New York Island- Greiss. ers 8-2 in game one of the NHL “We haven’t played for a week, AGGRESSIVE Eastern Conference fi nal on and you were wondering how the Monday. start was going to be,” Hedman ENOUGH’ Nikita Kucherov added one said. “And then (Point) went out Raptors to brink goal and four assists for the and did that.” Lightning, who looked rested, Jordan Eberle scored a power- not rusty, after nearly a week off play goal to tie it 1-1 at 4:33 be- since their series win over the fore Hedman gave the Lightning Boston Bruins. a 2-1 advantage with a power- Yanni Gourde scored twice, play goal at 8:12 of the fi rst. Victor Hedman had a goal and Ryan McDonagh’s slap shot two assists, and Andrei Vasilev- made it 3-1 at 10:46. skiy made 23 saves for second- Gourde got to a loose puck in seeded Tampa Bay. the crease to stretch the lead to “We’re playing so well,” Point 4-1 at 4:03 of the second and said. “We’re playing with struc- Point made it 5-1 when he redi- ture, we’re playing responsible rected a shot from Hedman on a with the puck, we’re making the power play at 13:18. right plays. I think our team has Kucherov made it 6-1 when he been so good.” converted a pass from Point on a New York goaltender Thomas 2-on-1 at 5:51 of the third period. Greiss allowed three goals on After Nick Leddy cut it to 6-2 nine shots before he was pulled Palat scored for the fi fth straight at 10:46 of the fi rst period. game to make it 7-2, and Gourde He was replaced by Semyon scored a power-play goal for the Varlamov, who made 20 saves for fi nal 8-2 margin. the sixth-seeded Islanders, who The Lightning matched their wrapped up a 4-3 series win over playoff goal-scoring record, fi rst the Philadelphia Flyers on Satur- set in an 8-2 win over Pittsburgh day, then travelled from Toronto in the fi rst round in 2011. to the NHL’s second playoff hub But Lightning coach Jon in Edmonton, Alberta. Cooper said he expected the “This game, we’ll wash it Islanders to make things more away,” Islanders coach Barry diffi cult in game two of the best- Trotz said. “We’ve lost some of-seven series, which will send heartbreakers in overtime, some the winner to the Stanley Cup fi - real hard matches and all that. nal. “They’re a proud group,” he Sometimes you get it handed to said. “I don’t expect them to roll you like we did today.” over for us. It’s just one game.”

LA Clippers guard Paul George (centre) shoots over Denver Nuggets forward Jerami Grant (right) and guard Jamal Murray during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoff s at AdventHealth Arena. (USA TODAY Sports)

AFP out with a 12-6 scoring run. – tied it at 101-101 and he fol- from the early body blow. The the fourth quarter, comfort- Miami “The game came down to one of lowed with a free throw to give Celtics’ 37 points in the second ably keeping the lead in dou- the two teams was going to play the Clippers the lead for good. quarter were two more than the ble digits. Fred VanVleet led some defense,” Clippers coach “We got stops,” George said. Raptors managed in all of the the Raptors with 18 points, aul George scored 32 Doc Rivers said. “For three and “It’s going to be a battle, (Den- fi rst half. They trailed 62-35 at Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam points and the Los An- a half quarters both teams were ver) is a great off ensive team. half-time, and despite a notice- scored 10 apiece. OG Anunoby, geles Clippers turned basically scoring and the last six “We’re up for the challenge.” able uptick of energy to start who drained the buzzer-beat- up the heat defensively minutes it was our defense.” There was no suspense in the the third, there was too much ing three-pointer that gave the PMonday in a 113-107 victory Leonard contributed a Boston Celtics’ 111-89 blowout ground to make up. Raptors their fi rst win of the se- over the Denver Nuggets for breathtaking block, reaching to victory over the Toronto Rap- “The job isn’t done,” said ries in game three, scored seven a 2-1 lead in the NBA Western deny Jamal Murray’s dunk at- tors, which pushed the reigning Jaylen Brown, who led all scor- points – all in the fi rst quarter. Conference semi-fi nals. tempt with his fi ngertips at the NBA champions to the brink of ers with 27 points. He grabbed “Our off ense, we didn’t make Kawhi Leonard added 23 rim with 1:47 left to play. “That elimination in the Eastern Con- six rebounds and made three of shots, we weren’t aggressive points, 14 rebounds and six as- play by Kawhi was amazing,” ference semi-fi nals. Boston’s fi ve steals. “We’ve got enough,” Lowry said. sists for the Clippers, coming up Rivers said. “I don’t even know The Celtics, who had lost two to come out and play with the “They were very comfort- big on both ends of the fl oor as where he came from.” straight as the Raptors clawed same intensity.” able from the jump. We weren’t Los Angeles powered to the fi n- Nikola Jokic scored 32 points their way back into the best-of- Kemba Walker added 21 as assertive as we should have ish in the see-saw battle. with 12 rebounds and eight seven series, took a 3-2 lead and points, four rebounds and seven been.” Lowry brushed off sug- Denver, blown out in game assists for Denver and Mur- can clinch a place in the confer- assists, Jayson Tatum delivered gestions that the Raptors were one but coming off a convincing ray scored 14. The Nuggets ence fi nals with a win today. 18 points and 10 rebounds, Dan- feeling the eff ects of the eve- game-two victory, led 78-68 had their chances late, but af- They dominated defensively iel Theis and reserve Brad Wa- ry-other-day schedule in the midway through a third quarter ter Denver took a 97-90 lead to hold the Raptors to 20 per- namaker scored 15 apiece and NBA’s quarantine bubble in Or- Tampa Bay Lighting left wing Ondrej Palat (left) congratulates that featured nine lead changes. early in the fourth quarter the cent shooting in the fi rst quar- Marcus Smart chipped in 12 for lando, Florida. Brayden Point for scoring a goal during the second period in game It was tied up at 101-101 with Clippers came back with eight ter, emerging from the opening the Celtics. “Nope,” he said when asked if one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff s less than fi ve minutes remain- straight points. Ivica Zubac’s period with a 25-11 lead. Boston coach Brad Stevens fatigue played a part. “We just against the New York Islanders at Rogers Place in Edmonton. ing and the Clippers closed it dunk – assisted by Leonard The Raptors never recovered kept his starters in for much of didn’t play well enough.” (USA TODAY Sports)

MLB 10-run sixth carries Blue Jays past Yanks Reuters stopped and slid home well ahead of New York RESULTS the relay to the plate. The Padres (26-17) won for the sixth Blue Jays 12-7 Yankees time in eight games. The Rockies (20- anny Jansen hit his fi rst ca- Mariners 8-4 Rangers 21) had won three of their previous reer grand slam to cap a 10- Padres 1-0 Rockies four. run sixth inning, and the The run ended a pitchers’ duel be- Marlins 5-4 Braves Toronto Blue Jays defeated tween the National League West rivals theD visiting New York Yankees 12-7 Phillies 9-8 Mets as both starting pitchers were nearly Monday night in the opener of a three- Nationals 6-1 Rays fl awless. game series at Buff alo. Padres right-hander Dinelson Twins 6-2 Tigers Jansen’s fourth homer of the season Lamet allowed six hits and no walks came against Adam Ottavino (2-3), the Cubs 5-1 Cardinals with 11 strikeouts over 7 2/3 scoreless second of three Yankee pitchers in the A’s 6-0 Astros innings. Lamet, who lowered his ERA sixth, to highlight Toronto’s fi rst 10- Indians 5-2 Royals to 2.24, threw 111 pitches, 71 going for run inning since 2010. strikes, in the longest start of his ca- The Blue Jays (23-18) moved two Giants 4-2 D’Backs reer. games ahead of the Yankees (21-20) for Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland second place in the American League Travis Shaw led off the second with departed after throwing six shutout in- East and 4 1/2 games behind the fi rst- a double and scored on Santiago Espi- nings. He allowed three hits and issued place Tampa Bay Rays. nal’s single. three walks while striking out six. Luke Voit, Aaron Hicks and Miguel Andujar’s fi rst home run this season Left-hander Drew Pomeranz (1-0) Andujar hit solo home runs for the gave New York a 3-2 lead in the fourth. worked around a leadoff single and a Yankees, who have lost four straight. The Yankees scored twice in the stolen base by Trevor Story in the top Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery fi fth. DJ LeMahieu hit an infi eld single of the ninth to get credit for the win. allowed two runs and six hits in 3 1/3 to fi rst, Voit singled and Clint Frazier Pomeranz has worked 13 innings this innings. hit a two-run double. season without allowing a run and Toronto starter Hyun Jin Ryu al- Reid-Foley walked Hicks with the Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen (left) celebrates his grand slam home run during the sixth inning with second base- having given up just four hits. lowed fi ve runs and six hits that in- bases loaded in the top of the sixth, and man Travis Shaw (centre) against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field. (USA TODAY Sports) A rare throwing error by Rockies cluded three home runs in fi ve innings. the Yankees led 6-2. third baseman Nolan Arenado led to Sean Reid-Foley (1-0) got the win, al- Chad Green walked Espinal and Big- the bases, and Shaw hit a two-run sin- from fi rst with the game’s only run on Carlos Estevez (1-2). The speedy Mateo the Padres loading the bases with one lowing one run in one inning despite gio and allowed Randal Grichuk’s sin- gle and Toronto led 8-6. Pinch-hitter a short double down the right fi eld line went in to run for Garcia. out in the seventh against reliever Yen- walking three. gle to load the bases with one out in the Joe Panik walked to load the bases and by Jurickson Profar in the bottom of With no outs, Estevez had an 0-2 cy Almonte. However, Manny Mach- Voit hit his 14th homer and Hicks hit 10-run sixth. A run scored on Voit’s er- Jansen homered. New York scored a the ninth Monday night to give the San count on Profar when the Padres left ado lined into an inning-ending double his fourth in the fi rst. ror on Tellez’s grounder to fi rst. run against Anthony Bass in the ninth. Diego Padres a 1-0, walk-off win over fi elder looped a soft liner over the head play. Cavan Biggio doubled to lead off Ottavino replaced Green and allowed the visiting Colorado Rockies. of Rockies fi rst baseman Daniel Mur- Padres fi rst baseman Eric Hosmer the bottom of the fi rst and scored on a Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-run single. PADRES PREVAIL IN PITCHERS’ Pinch hitter Greg Garcia opened the phy. Right fi elder Charlie Blackmon left the game in the fi rst inning after double by Rowdy Tellez, who extended Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tied the score with DUEL, POST WALK-OFF WIN ninth with an opposite-fi eld single to raced to the line to cut off the hit before being struck on the fi nger by a Freeland his hitting streak to nine games. a single. Jonathan Villar walked to load Pinch runner Jorge Mateo raced home left off Rockies right-handed reliever it reached the corner, but Mateo never pitch while trying to bunt. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, September 9, 2020 SPORT

ATHLETICS Semenya loses appeal against CAS ruling Warholm misses out on over testosterone regulations 400m hurdles world record Reuters mass, strength and haemoglobin, Lausanne which aff ects endurance. Some Norway’s Karsten Warholm blame the false start. competitors have said women failed in his bid to set a new “You don’t want this of course, with higher levels of the hormone world record in the men’s but it’s part of the game.” ouble Olympic 800 have an unfair advantage. 400m hurdles at yesterday’s But he admitted he had to metres champion “I am very disappointed by Golden Spike meet in the Czech adjust his pace in the final turn Caster Semenya has this ruling, but refuse to let city of Ostrava. of the race. lost her appeal to the World Athletics drug me or The 24-year-old is in electric “There is nothing dramatic SwissD Federal Tribunal to set stop me from being who I am,” form and in Stockholm two about it, I needed to do a switch aside a 2019 Court of Arbitration Semenya said referring to the weeks ago came within 0.09 and maybe that was what cost (CAS) ruling that female athletes sport’s governing body. seconds of Kevin Young’s me a good time today,” said with a high natural level of testo- “Excluding female athletes or long-standing world record of Warholm. sterone must take medication to endangering our health solely 46.78sec which the American “Everything that ruins the reduce it. because of our natural abili- set at the 1992 Barcelona rhythm is bad for the sake of South Africa’s Semenya ap- ties puts World Athletics on the Olympics. time of course.” proached the tribunal in May wrong side of history. A false start did not help mat- Warholm only agreed to run at last year after CAS, sport’s high- “I will continue to fi ght for the ters in Ostrava, where Warholm Ostrava last week after weigh- est court, ruled that World Ath- human rights of female athletes, blasted off to his usual fast start ing carefully the pros and cons letics regulations were necessary both on the track and off the at the second time of calling. of competing in the eastern for athletes with diff erences in track, until we can all run free But the two-time world cham- Czech steel hub during the sexual development (DSDs) in the way we were born. pion flagged coming through coronavirus pandemic. races ranging from 400 metres “I know what is right and will for victory at the line, clocking “We are starting to get used to to a mile, to ensure fair compe- do all I can to protect basic hu- 47.62sec. it, this is our third meet and I tition. man rights, for young girls eve- “It’s always nice to get a win,” think we’re very good at doing The tribunal found the re- rywhere.” the 24-year-old Norwegian told the right decisions and being quirement of subjecting certain Semenya has already indi- reporters. smart considering the virus,” female athletes to drug or surgi- cated that she would focus on “Today I was a bit surprised by he said. cal interventions as a precondi- the shorter 200-metres sprint the time to be honest, I actually “I have a plan about going to tion to compete does not amount event, which falls outside of the thought it was faster.” Rome for the Diamond League to a violation of Swiss public regulations, at the Tokyo Olym- “But this is sport and... you’ve (on September 17) but time will policy, Semenya’s lawyers said in pic Games that were postponed got to take whatever you get,” show.” a statement yesterday. to next year due to the Covid-19 Warholm said, refusing to (Reuters) Testosterone increases muscle pandemic. Double Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya

GOLF FOCUS Tokyo 2020 should be held ‘at any cost’: Johnson claims Olympic minister

AFP “Now very much these will Tokyo be the Games that conquered Covid, the light at the end of the tunnel.” okyo 2020 should be A spokesman for the Tokyo FedExCup title and held next year “at any 2020 organisers declined to cost” given athletes’ comment directly on whether eff orts to be ready, Ja- they agreed with Coates’s con- pan’sT Olympic minister said fi dent assessment. yesterday, a day after the IOC’s But Masa Takaya said the John Coates told AFP that the remarks showed “that the IOC postponed Games would go team is fully committed to de- ahead in 2021 “with or without livering the Games next year”. $15 million payday Covid”. In a landmark decision, the “For the Games next year, 2020 Olympics were post- athletes are continuing to work poned because of the corona- ‘He made that putt, which I didn’t. That was a pinnacle moment, I think’ hard in the environments they virus, and they are now set to fi nd themselves in. So I feel open on July 23, 2021. AFP we have to hold it at any cost,” But Japan’s borders are still Washington Seiko Hashimoto said when largely closed to foreign visi- asked about International Ol- tors and a vaccine is months ympic Committee vice-presi- or even years away, feeding orld number one dent Coates’s remarks. speculation about whether the Dustin Johnson “I think Mr Coates felt re- Games are feasible at all. capped a two-un- assured that the Tokyo Games Offi cials have made clear der-par 68 with a can be held with further close that another delay would not Wbirdie at the last to seal a three- coordination of eff orts,” she be possible, and there are signs stroke victory in the US PGA added. Coates on Monday told that public enthusiasm in Ja- Tour Championship and earn the AFP in an exclusive interview pan is waning. $15 million FedEx Cup playoff ti- that he was confi dent the de- A poll this summer found tle Monday. layed Games would open as just one in four Japanese want Johnson fi nished with a planned next year, vowing them to go ahead next year, 21-under-par total at East Lake they will be the “Games that with most backing either an- Golf Club in Atlanta – three conquered Covid”. other postponement or a can- shots clear of Americans Xander “It will take place with or cellation. Schauff ele and Justin Thomas. without Covid. The Games A taskforce including or- “I hit the fairways when I will start on July 23 next year,” ganisers and Japanese govern- needed to coming down the said Coates, who heads the ment offi cials that will develop stretch,” said Johnson, who IOC’s Co-ordination Com- coronavirus countermeasures started the day with a fi ve- mission for the Tokyo Games. met for the fi rst time this week. shot lead. He rolled in an 18- “The Games were going to Takaya said the organis- foot birdie putt at the third, be, their theme, the Recon- ers would continue “carefully a 10-footer at the fi fth and a struction Games after the monitoring” the pandemic’s three-footer at the sixth. devastation of the tsunami,” evolution and “make every ef- But bogeys at the seventh and he said, referring to the cata- fort in coordination with all eighth – where he was in a fair- strophic 2011 earthquake and relevant organisations to en- way bunker – opened the door tsunami in northeastern Japan. sure a safe and secure Games”. just a crack for Thomas and Schauff ele. Neither could do enough, never getting the defi cit below Thailand out of badminton two strokes as Johnson parred nine straight. That run included Dustin Johnson of the United States celebrates with the FedEx Cup Trophy after winning in the final round of the Tour Championship at East showpiece as Ratchanok leads a 21-foot par-saving putt at the Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images/AFP) coronavirus withdrawals 13th, where he was in the left rough off the tee and right of SCORES AFTER MONDAY’S FINAL ROUND format he started the week seven Thailand have withdrawn Badminton Association of the green and hit a poor chip but adrift. Johnson played 72 holes from badminton’s Thomas Thailand president Patama drained the putt to push his lead (USA unless noted, par 70, tian Munoz (COL) 71-65-70-66, Viktor Hovland (NOR) 69-69-68- in 11-under 269. and Uber Cups after former Leeswadtrakul said sepa- back to three over Schauff ele. players began even to 10-un- Rory McIlroy (NIR) 64-71-70-67 70, Brendon Todd 67-68-70-74 Prior to his dramatic near world champion Ratchanok rately that the decision was “He made that putt, which I der based on season points) 10-under 3-under miss at the BMW Champion- Intanon and other players triggered by the withdrawal didn’t,” said Schauff ele, who bo- Im Sung-jae (KOR) 68-64-72-70 Bryson DeChambeau 72-69- ship, Johnson won the North- pulled out over coronavirus of several players. geyed the 13th. “That was a pin- 21-under 9-under 69-71 ern Trust by 11 strokes to seize fears, an off icial and her “Despite Denmark’s strict nacle moment, I think.” Dustin Johnson 67-70-64-68 Harris English 70-69-69-67, 1-under the world number one ranking. coach said. measures and procedures “Obviously it’s a very tough 18-under Webb Simpson 70-71-68-68 Kevin Kisner 72-68-69-71 In June, he won the Travelers Taiwan – the team of women’s applied to players... it’s un- trophy to win. This time I did Justin Thomas 66-71-66-66 8-under Even Championship – his fi rst title world number one Tai Tzu- derstandable for some of the control my own destiny, I knew Xander Schauff ele 67-65-67-66 Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 70- Cameron Smith (AUS) 68-68- since February 2019. “I’m defi - ying – and Australia are also full-team players to withdraw what I had to do. But I still had to 17-under 69-66-67, 73-71, Ryan Palmer 72-72-70-67, nitely playing probably the best skipping the tournaments, because they are concerned go out and play well today. I had Jon Rahm (ESP) 65-74-66-66 7-under Cameron Champ 68-71-70-71 I’ve ever played,” the 2016 US which will be played in a bio- about the pandemic,” she a lot of great players right behind 14-under Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70-70- 1-over Open champion said. “I really secure ‘bubble’ in Denmark said. me and they played some good Scottie Scheff ler 71-66-66-65 67-70, Daniel Berger 69-71-64-73 Kevin Na 69-70-71-72, Joaquin feel like everything is dialed in in October, the Badminton Ratchanok’s coach Patpapol golf today. I knew I was going to 13-under 6-under Niemann (CHI) 72-72-67-72 pretty well.” World Federation said. Ngensrisuk told AFP that have to come down the stretch Collin Morikawa 71-65-67-69 Tony Finau 68-71-66-71, Abraham 2-over The Tour Championship The twice-postponed Thomas the world number five was and hit some golf shots.” 12-under Ancer (MEX) 64-71-69-72 Marc Leishman (AUS) 66-75- marked the offi cial end of the and Uber Cups, the men’s and worried about catching coro- He was in the fairway at the Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 67-66-71-66 5-under 73-69 US tour’s pandemic-disrupted women’s world team cham- navirus ahead of next year’s par-fi ve 18th, but his approach 11-under Lanto Griff in 67-69-69-72 4-over 2019-2020 season. pionships, will be the first postponed Tokyo Olympics. hit the bank in front of the Patrick Reed 71-66-70-65, Sebas- 4-under Billy Horschel 70-73-71-70 The 2020-21 season starts this international tournaments “Ratchanok is very concerned green and bounced back into the week with the Safeway Open, since the pandemic brought about Covid-19 because she greenside bunker. He blasted out and while Johnson won’t be badminton to a halt in March. has already qualified for the to fi ve feet and made the putt for overall points leader since 2009 season points edge. Spain’s sec- the BMW Championship a week there he and the world’s other Thailand had blamed its with- Olympics. So if she contracts a closing birdie. to win the season-ending show- ond-ranked Jon Rahm was next earlier, fi nished alone in third on top golfers won’t be settling drawal on “special circum- the virus, then she is worried The 36-year-old claimed his down for the $15 million (12.6 on 8-under with third-ranked 17-under after closing with his down for some rest with the re- stances related to Covid-19 about her future (at the 23rd US PGA Tour title and his million euro) playoff prize. Thomas on 7-under and others second straight 66. Schauff ele scheduled US Open coming up at in addition to injuries to key Games),” Patpapol said. third since the tour resumed in Johnson had a head start com- up to 10 shots adrift in the stag- actually had the week’s lowest Winged Foot September 17-20. players”, the BWF said in a “Her main goal right now is June after a three-month coro- ing into Eastlake. He began the gered start system. Rahm, who 72-hole total of 15-under 265, “You’ve only got a few days,” statement. the Olympics.” (AFP) navirus shutdown. He’s the fi rst week on 10-under thanks to his edged Johnson in a playoff at but under the staggered start Johnson said. Gulf Times Wednesday, September 9, 2020 7 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT Delhi Capitals can challenge and win Pacers’ workload IPL, says Rabada

IANS rest of the team on Monday after Dubai completing his quarantine. “It feels good to be running in, and to be with some teammates elhi Capitals’s fast as well. It is of course some old management will bowler Kagiso Rabada teammates and some new ones,” feels that the team has he said. “This (situation) is quite the wherewithal to unique, not a lot of people get challengeD all comers for the In- to do this. We’re in the middle dian Premier League (IPL) title of a desert, playing cricket - it’s this season. something that I didn’t think I Always seen as an under-per- would ever be able to do. So it’s a forming side for much of their lot of fun also.” be key, feels Shami 12-year history, Delhi entered Rabada said that the break the playoff s last year for the first he has got due to the Covid- time in seven years and beat 2016 enforced freeze on the cricket ‘Temperature is much higher compared to India. There are chances of getting dehydrated’ champions SunRisers Hydera- calendar since mid-March has bad before losing to Chennai Su- helped him recharge his bat- IANS per Kings. teries. “It’s been a high volume Kolkata “We had a really good season, of cricket in the past fi ve years so I know that we can challenge for me, but I really enjoyed the and win this competition be- break at home. I was just chilling eeping in mind the hot cause we came really close last with my family, getting to see my and humid conditions season. So, mentally I guess that friends (virtually) during lock- in the United Arab helps,” Rabada said in a state- down. So, yeah, being home was Emirates (UAE), it will ment. “But, also, it is a new tour- the best thing,” he said. Kbe vital for fast bowlers to man- nament so we have to start again “I feel quite strong. I think age their workload properly as and we’ve got a nice group put I just need to bowl more, and the task at hand wouldn’t be easy together, nice team.” make sure I haven’t forgotten when the Indian Premier League Rabada, who has 31 wickets in how to bowl. I need to keep up (IPL) gets underway on Sep- his IPL career in just 18 matches, with the bowling practice, but tember 19, feels Kings XI Punjab trained for the fi rst time with the otherwise I feel healthy.” pacer Mohamed Shami. The IPL was moved to the UAE due to rising Covid-19 cases in India. The cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah - which will host the league - are expected to experience temperatures of around 35-40 degree celsius during the tournament. “Temperature is much higher compared to India. There are chances of getting dehydrat- ed. There will be chances of cramps. So we will have to keep those things in mind,” Shami told IANS in an interview from Dubai yesterday. “It will be diffi cult as the wickets here are also diff erent. So workload management is important. But it is not that dif- fi cult that it can’t be managed. Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. It depends on us how we man- age our workload,” added the 30-year-old, rated as one of the Lynn joins Mumbai Indians squad best pacers in the World at the moment. Australia’s Chris Lynn yesterday for the conditions we will play “It felt great getting out of joined the Mumbai Indians in in this season in UAE,” said MI home and coming to Dubai. We Abu Dhabi, the Indian Premier team owner Akash Ambani. are all grateful to play the game League (IPL) franchise said. Earlier, it was reported that which we all love. So the feeling The four-time IPL champions Malinga won’t be available in cannot be compared. The best also informed that Lynn’s com- the early stages of the IPL as part is that everyone is on the patriot James Pattinson and he wanted to be with his ailing fi eld and training. In India, IPL New Zealand’s Trent Boult had father. The 2020 edition of should bring smiles to the faces joined the side last week. the IPL starts on September of all,” he said.Shami will lead even at the club level. I like to does not have weakness.” goal. I like to perform as per the would be there. “We have beat- Pattinson was signed by MI as 19 and will be played in three the pace attack for the KL Ra- talk about the team rather than A veteran of 49 Tests, 77 One- role given to me and to the best en them before. You cannot say a replacement for Sri Lankan bio-secure venues across the hul-led side, which is yet to win myself.” Day Internationals and 11 T20s, of my ability.” somebody was not there so it fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who United Arab Emirates (UAE). the IPL trophy. Asked if there Shami will once again share Shami has been in top form in India are slated to travel to was easier and all that,” Shami will miss the 13th edition of the Initially scheduled to start on will be added pressure on his the dressing room with Chris the recent past. Further asked if Australia for a T20 and four- said. “Now we can also think, league because of personal rea- March 29, the IPL had to be shoulders, Shami said, “I don’t Gayle. Quizzed about how a he has set a goal for himself, he Test series later this year. The if we had this bowler, it would sons. “James Pattinson will join postponed and eventually take pressure of being a senior bowler should approach players said, “I don’t believe in any goal. Virat Kohli side scripted a his- have been good and so on. As the MI family, currently based in moved out of India due to the in the side. You should believe like Gayle and Andre Russell, I believe in performing accord- toric series win in Australia in per situation and current form, Abu Dhabi this weekend,” said Covid-19 pandemic. in your skill and back yourself. he said, “There is no batsman ing to the demand of the situ- 2018-19 but the hosts did not you need to plan. That mat- MI in the statement. Mumbai will be playing Chennai “I always try to share my in the game against whom you ation. I always try to do better have Steve Smith and David ters more. If you compare both “James is the right fit for us and Super Kings in a repeat of the knowledge with all my team- cannot plan. You have to plan. than what I am doing. Warner, who were suspended teams, they are strong. It mat- adds to our pace attack options 2019 final in the opening match mates at any level. It can be I have played against Gayle. It “Always try to better myself. I for the ball tampering incident. ters how well you execute at the available at hand, especially of the season. (IANS) IPL, while playing for India or is not possible that a batsman tell coaches also, I don’t have a This time though, the star pair end of the day,” he signed off .

FOCUS Never felt so calm, says RCB skipper Kohli AFP New Delhi Friend in me trumped the captain:

irat Kohli says he has Du Plessis on De Villiers’ retirement “never felt so calm” South African cricketer Faf du with international cricket, as a going into an Indian Plessis says his compatriot AB friend, my first instinct was ‘I’m Premier League season de Villiers’s sudden retirement here for you, and I’ll support Vas the Royal Challengers Banga- in May 2018 from international you, if you feel like you’re at lore skipper chases an elusive ti- cricket was “really tough for the end of your career and you tle in the Twenty20 tournament. him”. don’t want to do it anymore, Kohli’s Bangalore fi nished de Villiers’s retirement came then that’s okay - I support that runners-up in the 2016 edition as a surprise to many as the decision 100 per cent’. but have since disappointed and former South Africa captain “As a captain, I was like - ‘how were bottom of the eight-team had only recently got back into do we move forward without table last year. the groove in Test cricket after AB, how do we get the same But the world’s leading ODI a spate of injuries kept him performances?’ But the friend batsman expects a turnaround away from the longest format in me trumped the captain in from a team containing big of the game. His announce- me. And I just said, ‘we’re going names such as South Africa’s ment came on the back of to miss you, are you sure?’ He explosive AB de Villiers and the infamous 2018 Test series was like, ‘yeah, I am 100 per Australia’s big-hitting white ball against Australia in which he cent sure, I don’t want to play skipper Aaron Finch. scored 427 runs at an average international cricket anymore. “I (have) never felt so calm go- of 71.16. He was also expected I don’t have the drive to do it ing into a season before,” Kohli to be an integral part of the anymore. So I am stopping’. said during an interview posted South African side for the 2019 “I respected that immediately on his side’s YouTube channel World Cup. De Villiers and du and left it there. I never ever on Monday ahead of the tourna- Plessis are known to share a after that tried to convince ment beginning September 19 in strong friendship that goes him again, because I respected the United Arab Emirates. back to their days in age-group what he said. Even at times “He (de Villiers) is coming cricket. “When AB left, it was when we desperately needed from a very diff erent space and really tough for me because him.” The void left by de Villiers he is enjoying his life and is very I depended a lot on him, as a was starkly visible in the South relaxed and fi t as ever. I feel I am because of coronavirus meant other imported talent includes player.” conditions change... This time, friend, and obviously as the African team at the World Cup. in a much better space, much his side would be “disconnect- South African pace bowler Chris The IPL will be played across it’s more of a level playing fi eld best player in the team; we They were swept aside in the more balanced, when it comes to ing with things that have hap- Morris and little known Austral- three venues within relatively and everything would now boil needed his skills,” du Plessis group stage and in the months environment of (the) IPL. “Aar- pened in the past and not taking ian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh close proximity - Dubai, Sharjah down to skill level rather than told India spinner Ravichan- after de Villiers retired, Sri on Finch is someone who has ex- that baggage, as we have done Philippe. and Abu Dhabi - and Kohli feels home advantage,” he said. dran Ashwin in the latter’s Lanka clean swept the Proteas perience of playing international that way too many times. “Morris brings in a lot of bal- that will lead to consistent play- “We have unpacked all bags YouTube show ‘DRS with Ash’. at home in a two-Test series, cricket.” “Just because we have a bunch ance,” said Kohli. “Some of the ing conditions across the tour- and stacked clothes in the ward- “So that conversation was... then lost 3-0 away in India, and Kohli has captained Bangalore of players that are so skilled... youngsters we have picked this nament. robe. We go, practise, live in our when he said that to me, said were beaten 3-1 by England at since 2013 and said the tourna- people have had so much expec- time are quite exciting too like “It (the usual home and away own bio-bubble... It’s a more he was done, he was finished home. (IANS) ment being played outside India tation,” he admitted. Bangalore’s Josh Philippe, a very exciting system in India) gets hectic, settled and calm feeling.” Wednesday, September 9, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING Bennett in the green as Tour de France survives Covid test ‘I threw my bike over the line to get the win but I was so excited I almost forgot to do it. It hasn’t sunk in yet’

AFP Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France

rishman Sam Bennett was left in tears after sprinting to a maiden stage win on the Tour de France yesterday after an Atlantic coast Irun between the islands of Oleron and Re. The Deceuninck team rider’s stage 10 victory, on his Tour debut, ensured he reclaimed the sprint points green jersey, a similar shade to the rugby and football shirts of the Ireland national team. It also followed a dramatic start to the day as Tour director Christian Prudhomme tested positive for Cov- id-19 while the entire peloton returned negative tests. There was a negative test result, however, for French Prime Min- ister Jean Castex, whom Prudhomme had sat alongside in his car for Satur- day’s stage. Wearing his Irish champion’s tunic Bennett narrowly edged Australia’s Caleb Ewan while peloton superstar Peter Sagan came third to cede the green jersey on a sunny day attended by more fans than on any previous day in the region famous for its huge, lus- cious oysters and other shellfi sh in the mud fl ats. After the fi nish line on the chic Island of Re Ewan quickly rode alongside the winner to fi st bump in a rare show of empathy between sprinters. Surround- ed by his teammates Bennett watched a replay before clenching his fi st and cheering. “It’s almost a relief,” said the 29-year-old who had four near misses before fi nally clinching this win after a frantic 168.5km-long stage 10 that fea- tured 78 roundabouts. Bennett said he could hardly think straight at the end of the stage. “I threw my bike over the line to get the win but I was so excited I almost forgot to do it,” he said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Bennett add- ed at the fi nish line before bursting into Team Deceuninck rider Ireland’s Sam Bennett (centre) sprints to win the 10th stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France yesterday. (AFP) tears and thanking his team and his family. “I don’t want to be a cry baby,” be a Tour de France fi nal day win on will now go in to a third day in the lead- The former ski-jumper was making The spectacular run between the two The 23-year-old usually clean-cut said the powerfully built Belgian-born the cobbled Parisian streets of the er’s jersey. no predictions of keeping the jersey ei- Atlantic Islands, both of which are con- Colombian appeared with a peculiar sprinter. “I want to bring this shirt Champs-Elysees, before concentrating “If I’m honest I’m relieved I wasn’t ther with his narrow advantage over the nected to the French mainland by road haircut yesterday. home for Ireland, but Peter Sagan is a post-Tour on the Milan-San Remo race positive and I’m still here, but I never champion coming largely from his time bridges, was largely free of the cross- “I’ll be honest about this,” Bernal master of this game.” and the World Cycling Championships. really thought I was positive,” said bonuses. “I tried to take as many time winds that could have blown the race said, a little abashed. “I did it myself Bennett now has stage wins on all Jumbo’s Slovenian leader Primoz Roglic about Monday’s Covid tests that bonuses as possible. We’ll see in Paris wide open. But Bernal’s Ineos made and I started in there and cut off too three Grand Tours, his stage win here Roglic holds on to the overall lead with were delivered yesterday. “We are all in whose favour these bonuses have two assaults from the front of the pelo- much. I had to keep going so, you can following stage victories on the Giro Colombia’s defending champion Egan healthy (the riders) and it’s beautiful been,” he said. “This was a stressful ton when there was wind, on the nar- see the result,” he said having a good d’Italia (three) and the Vuelta a Es- Bernal in second place in the general the race goes on. For the director I wish stage and I thank my team for protect- row roads that were ram-packed with laugh at himself. “It’s more aerody- pana (two). He said his next goal would classifi cation, 21 seconds adrift. Roglic him a speedy recovery.” ing me and keeping me out of the wind.” spectators most of the way. namic like that!”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT F1 champion Hamilton to enter Tour de France director positive team in Extreme E electric series for Covid-19 but peloton negative AFP Reuters Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France London our de France direc- ix times Formula One champion tor Christian Prud- Lewis Hamilton, an outspoken homme must leave the campaigner for the environment and race and quarantine for sustainability, is entering his own Ta week after a positive Covid-19 teamS in a new Extreme E electric off -road test but all the riders were nega- series highlighting climate change. tive, organisers announced The fi rst race is scheduled for early 2021 before the start of yesterday’s and Hamilton’s team will be X44, referring 10th stage. Prudhomme, who is to the Mercedes driver’s racing number. The asymptomatic, said he had tested Briton, who will not be driving or involved in negative for coronavirus three day-to-day operations, is the biggest name times before this year’s resched- to link up with a series that includes the uled race started on August 29 US-based Andretti United and Chip Ganassi but the positive came from the Racing teams. fi rst of two in-race mass tests of “Extreme E is an exciting new sustain- riders, team staff and offi cials. ability initiative, and this is a great opportu- His role as chief organiser nity to be involved from the outset as a team means he attends numerous founder,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Of Tour-related social events, and course, my ambitions and commitments interest in switching to the all-electric For- tion. Teams will race identical SUVs with on Saturday he shared his car with Mercedes in Formula One mean that I mula E series. each one having a male and female driver. with French Prime Minister Jean won’t be operationally involved in X44, but Extreme E races, held without spectators The series will also use a former mail ship Castex who visited the eighth I’m excited to play a diff erent role in this but to be broadcast live on TV and social as a fl oating paddock and transporter be- stage in the Pyrenees. Following new series, one that brings my vision for a media, will be held in some of the most re- tween locations and for oceanographic re- news of Prudhomme’s positive more sustainable and equal world to life.” mote and harsh environments including the search. “Like us, Lewis is hugely passionate test it was announced Castex Hamilton, a vegan, said last year he was Brazilian rain forest, Greenland, Saudi Ara- about motorsport, but also shares our belief would undergo a precaution- trying to reduce his carbon footprint — sell- bian deserts and mountains of Nepal. that we can use sport to highlight subjects ary test, which turned out to be ing his private jet and banning single-use The locations are either already damaged which are vital to the world, such as climate negative. former rider Francois Lemarch- tex had stressed the importance plastic from home and offi ce among other or severely under threat from a range of is- change and equality,” said series founder The prime minister’s offi ce and, who is director of the Paris- of the Tour being staged despite measures. He also said then that he had no sues such as rising sea levels or deforesta- Alejandro Agag. said he and Prudhomme had Nice stage race. much of France being on red alert worn masks “and respected so- While all the riders got the with the number of coronavirus cial distancing” measures. Prud- green light to continue, four staff infections rising. “Living with homme, who has been in charge members from four diff erent the virus is the doctrine of the ROBERTS APPOINTED ACTING PRINCIPAL OF WILLIAMS F1 TEAM of cycling’s showcase event since teams — Team Ineos of reigning Tour and the government, but 2007, said: “I leave the Tour now champion Egan Bernal, Cofi dis, everyone must protect them- London: The Williams Formula to US-based Dorilton Capital new era for Williams and one most successful team strug- for a week, I’m going to do what AG2R and Mitchelton-Scott — selves and obey the rules so that One team promoted managing last month. Roberts joined the that I am excited to be playing gling to score even a point. any French employee would in tested positive and had to leave the Tour can take place,” said director Simon Roberts to the British-based team in June from a part in. I look forward to the They managed one point last this kind of case.” the Tour’s bio-secure bubble. Castex. “What I have seen today role of acting principal yester- McLaren, where he had been challenge ahead as we look to year and have yet to open their He added: “I’ll be watching the This means those teams face in the Pyrenees pleased me.” day following the departure of chief operations off icer, and take the team back to the front account in eight races in 2020. Tour on television, something I expulsion should they have a sec- The Tour, which normally the founding family after last will take charge immediately of the grid.” The team earlier As managing director, Roberts haven’t done for 15 years.” Prud- ond case exhibiting symptoms in takes place in July, was moved weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. with racing at Italy’s Mugello announced that chief executive had been in charge of techni- homme said he was not surprised the next week. Overall Tour de till later in the year to allow it to Frank Williams was previously circuit this weekend. “I am Mike O’Driscoll was set to retire cal, operations and planning the peloton was free from coro- France leader Slovenia’s Primoz take place. The test results were the principal but his daughter delighted to be announced after supporting the ownership functions. He joined McLaren in navirus, saying “the riders live Roglic said he felt a mixture of announced ahead of yesterday’s Claire ran the team day-to-day as acting team principal for transition through 2020. Wil- 2003 and spent 2009 second- like monks or soldiers, which is relief and joy. “It’s just beautiful spectacular run between the two as his deputy. Williams during this transitional liams have not won a race since ed to what was the Force India not the case with me”.— Infec- that the race can go on. For the Atlantic Islands of Oleron and Both have now left after the period,” he said. “It is an excit- 2012 and their glory days are team, and is now Racing Point, tions in four teams — He hands director I wish him a speedy re- Re, both of which are connected former champions were sold ing time ahead for the team, a long past, with the sport’s third as Chief Operating Off icer. over temporary responsibil- covery.” to the French mainland by road ity of the sport’s crown jewels to During Saturday’s visit Cas- bridges.