Barshim braces for return to action in preparation for Tokyo 2021 THURSday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 page 15

We should have scored more, says Almoez AFC acknowledges AFC strong team but we could have Doha scored more goals. However, Qatar’s efforts this match is over and we must Striker Almoez Ali believes focus on the next (against Al Duhail SC should have regis- Sharjah again on Friday).” as hosts tered a more convincing victory Sharjah goalkeeper Adel Al against UAE’s Sharjah in their Hosani said the UAE side were AFC 2020 AFC Champions League punished for their mistakes. Kuala Lumpur Group C tie on Tuesday. “We didn’t have a good The Qatar champions reg- performance at all in the first The Asian Football istered their second win in the half,” said Al Hosani. “Howev- Confederation (AFC) today group with the 2019 AFC Asian er, we improved in the second thanks the efforts of the Cup top scorer opening the scor- half and created several scor- Qatar Football Association, ing before Rami Rezaeian added ing chances but failed to con- the Qatari authorities and the second with Igor Coronado vert them. We must not make the Supreme Committee for pulling a goal back for Sharjah that mistake again. Delivery and Legacy Local from the penalty spot. “Our performance, in gen- Organising Committee in While Ali stressed that get- eral, was not as what we had hosting the opening match played in state-of-the-art ting the three points was im- expected. We should prepare days of the four stadiums with the very portant, he said Al Duhail’s su- better for the next match and AFC Champions League latest technology. perior performance meant they fix the mistakes that we made (West) groups. The medical support should have scored more goals tonight.” With 15 teams in Doha provided by the Qatari at the Education City Stadium. The defeat means Sharjah for the AFC Champions authorities in safeguarding “We had a great perfor- are still in search of their first League (West) centralised the health and welfare of all mance and were the better win, with the UAE side rooted competition, which the participants during this side,” said Ali. “It was very at the bottom of the Group C comprises the Group difficult time of the OC VID-19 important for us to win the standings on one point. and Knock-out stages of pandemic has demonstrated match in order to increase our Al Duhail, with six points, the tournament, the AFC that Qatar’s non-football care chances of qualifying to the are second with Saudi Arabia’s President Shaikh Salman is also exceptional. next stage. Al Taawoun leading the stand- bin Ebrahim congratulated Three FIFA World Cup Al Duhail’s forward Almoez Ali (left) celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League Group C match “Sharjah are the UAE ings and Islamic Republic of Qatar earlier in the week Qatar 2022 stadiums against UAE’s Sharjah at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday. (AFP) champions and they are a Iran’s Persepolis FC (four) third. saying the arrangements – Khalifa International for Asia’s premier club Stadium, Al Janoub competition had been of Stadium and the Education the highest calibre. City Stadium – are With just more than two being used for the AFC years to go until the FIFA Champions League (West) World Cup Qatar 2022, the along with Al Sadd’s Jassim AFC Champions League bin Hamad Stadium. Coach wants Pakhtakor to grab has tested procedures, The FIFA World Cup protocols, facilities and Qatar 2022 is the highlight stadiums of a world class of the next four years standard in the build when Asia is scheduled up to and start of the to host the FIFA U-17 competition. Women’s World Cup in chances against Al Hilal SFC The experience of all India, the FIFA U-20 World the participants – teams, Cup in Indonesia and the AFC officials, match officials and FIFA Women’s World Cup Doha staff - has been outstanding Australia/New Zealand from a world leading airport, 2023 as well as the FIFA Pakhtakor head coach to smooth and efficient Club World Cup planned Shota Arveladze believes his immigration, to some of the for China, the Olympic side need to convert more of best hotels in Asia, to cutting Football Tournament in their chances in Matchday edge training facilities and Tokyo and the FIFA Pan-Arab Four fixture against reign- now matches have been Tournament in Qatar. ing champions Al Hilal SFC in Group B of the 2020 AFC Champions League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday. A Sebastian Giovinco free- kick and a last-second strike from substitute Hattan Baheb- ri sealed a 2-1 win for Al Hilal on Monday as Pakhtakor were reduced to 10 men following Today’s Matches the dismissal of keeper Eldor- bek Suyonov for handling the Group B ball outside of his area. (at Al Janoub Stadium) But with two victories from their first two games, Pakhta- 6pm: Shahr Khodro (IRN) kor could still pip Al Hilal to vs Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) the top of the group with a two-goal margin win, and if 9pm: Pakhtakor (UZB) Shahr Khodro manage a win vs Al Hilal SFC (KSA) Al Ahli’s German midfielder Marko Marin (left) celebrates after scoring against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai during the AFC Champions League Group A against Iraq’s Al Shorta at in the other Thursday match, Group A the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. (AFP) the Uzbek League champions (at Khalifa International could have a foot and a half in the Round of 16 come Match- Stadium) Marin sure of Al Ahli SFC day Five. 6pm: Al Shorta (IRQ) v “We did not change much Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) encore against Al Shorta in our programme follow- ing the previous game,” said AFC Chelsea winger. Arveladze. Doha “I feel that game by game “It was mostly recovery Action from the Al Hilal SFC and Pakhtakor Group B clash of the AFC Champions League (West) at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday. The two I can get better physically and and preparation to face Al Hi- sides will lock horns again on Thursday at the same venue at 9pm. Marko Marin believes he can on the pitch. I hope I can show lal again. We know each game take his game to new heights that in every match. is different, and we cannot do teams know each other better peat their win against Shahr talk to our players about tak- Champions League at the as the 2020 AFC Champions “We always want to win. the same thing in each game. now, so focus is ever more im- Khodro FC when the two sides ing it match-by-match. We group stage. League rumbles on with his Al The preparation until now has We cannot keep wasting the portant for us.” said Lucescu, meet on Thursday in Group B are now thinking of Shahr “In the first match, we did Ahli Saudi FC eyeing a repeat been focused on recovering as chances we get, and we are who led Al Hilal to the 2019 at the Al Janoub Stadium at Khodro, and we have to win not know much about Shabab of their 1-0 win over Iraq’s quickly as possible for the next here to prove we can compete AFC Champions League title 6pm. before we start thinking of the Al Ahli,” said assistant coach Al Shorta when the two sides game. Today we will analyse at the highest level. just five months after his ar- The Dubai based side had following match.” Mohammad Navazi. meet in Group A on Thursday. the game and watch videos. “We have quality at the rival. managed to scrape a 1-0 win Brazilian attacking mid- “But now we know more The former German in- We prepared well for the last back and up front, and we are “We are still in an early against their Islamic Republic fielder Carlos Eduardo made because we played against ternational winger joined Al game and now we know even determined to come out with phase, the job is not done yet of Iran opponents, thanks to his Shabab Al Ahli debut off them. We have a combina- Ahli from Red Star Belgrade more about Al Shorta and will the three points.” even though we have nine a magnificent solo effort from the bench in the Matchday tion of young and experienced in January, but the Saudi Pro be totally focused on winning.” “This level of competition points out of a possible nine. youngster Harib Abdallah Three game and could be in players in our team and they League’s COVID-19 enforced Al Shorta go into Matchday needs players who are individ- Pakhtakor are a big team both Suhail to give Shabab Al Ahli line to start for the Thursday will gel together to produce break followed by a muscular Four with a point, but a win ually able to change the course offensively and defensively, their first three points in the fixture as Zaragoza looks to better performances. injury meant he had not played against Esteghlal in the follow- of the match such as Giovinco they also possess a fair amount 2020 edition. tinker with his selections. “We played defensively competitively for six months ing game will send them to the did from the free-kick. of physical strength but we A second consecutive win “Eduardo is a great player. against our instincts in the before putting on a Man of The Round of 16 for the first time in “Al Hilal are a good team also have the talent and ability for the 2015 AFC Champions He did really well with Al Hi- previous match. Shabab Al Match performance, including their history regardless of the who have excellent players, and want to win this match.” League runners-up would put lal last year, and that’s why we Ahli’s experienced players a late winner against Al Shorta result of their Thursday fixture some of whom are goal ma- A win for the three time them at the heart of competi- wanted to sign him. forced us into this, but we will on Monday. on Thursday, while beating Al chines, and they are the best continental champions will tion for a Round-of-16 spot as “He looked very good on try to deal with it in a better And with qualification to Ahli would not be enough if team in Asia, but we have see them join compatriots Al the two sides ahead of them in his debut, even though he way come the next game. They the Round of 16 guaranteed, they lose to the Iranians next. quality too.” Ahli FC Saudi in the Round of the group table, Al Hilal with had just made his comeback are a good team, and we will Al Ahli now eye the top spot in “We don’t want to dwell too The best team in Asia is a 16, with a perfect head to head nine points and Pakhtakor from injury, yet we expect a have our work cut out for us in Group A in hope it would help much on the first match,” said tag Al Hilal’s Romanian head record against the Uzbek side. with six, lock horns in the late lot more from him in the next the next match in order to get them avoid reigning champi- head coach Abdulghani Shahd. coach Razvan Lucescu is keen Thursday fixture. match.” the win.” ons Al Hilal who eliminated “We would rather focus on the to prove with the reigning Zaragoza warns Shabab Al “Shahr Khodro are a good Monday’s defeat meant Al Janoub Stadium hosts them at the same stage in 2019 next match and the group as champions intent on keeping Ahli against Shahr Khodro team, things will be a lot hard- Shahr Khodro remain with- the Matchday Four clash be- and now hold the top spot in a whole. Winning against Es- their 100% record so far in er now that both teams know out a point in three matches, tween Shahr Khodro and Group B after three matches. teghlal is the key, but that does the competition and securing Head coach Gerard Zaragoza each other,” said Zaragoza. and yet another defeat against Shabab Al Ahli at 18:00 local “It was my first official not mean we should ignore to- qualification early on. has warned against compla- “We will work on different Shabab Al Ahli on Thursday time, while the top two sides match in six months, so of morrow, but in order to guar- “As is always the case, we cency as his Shabab Al Ahli plans in order to ensure we would seal their fate, send- in Group B battle in the 21:00 course there is a lot of room antee qualification we have to want to win this match. Both Dubai FC side look to re- come out on top. We always ing them out of the 2020 AFC kick-off at the same ground. to improve,” said the former beat Esteghlal.” Sports Thursday, September 17, 2020 13 Qatar stresses on importance of sport in protecting youth from crime & drugs, and achieving development & peace QNA Doha

The State of Qatar affirmed that it included youth crime prevention through sports as one of the pillars of the Global Program for the Implementa- tion of the Doha Declaration, which it financed. This is due to the State of Qatar’s belief in the great role that sport plays in protecting youth from crime and drugs, empowering indi- viduals and societies, achiev- ing development and peace, and promoting dialogue be- tween cultures and nations. This came in the State of Qatar’s speech delivered by HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Austria and the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organisations HE Ambassador of Qatar to Austria and the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN in Vienna Sultan FIFA president Gianni Infantino and UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly at the event. in Vienna Sultan bin Salmeen bin Salmeen Al Mansouri at the high-level briefing session on tackling corruption and crime in and through Al Mansouri before a high-level sports, organised by UNODC in cooperation with FIFA. countries, organizations and with great success. partnership to fight corruption briefing session on tackling agencies concerned with fight- At the end of his speech, in football, as they emphasized corruption and crime in and protects them from extremism defending integrity in sport and the organization of a work- ing corruption within sports His Excellency affirmedthat that fighting corruption is a through sports, organised by and violence. the rule of law is an institution- shop to discuss integrity in structures, in addition to the the State of Qatar always seeks major challenge facing sports the United Nations Office on He added that this pro- al commitment in all countries sports tournaments and de- signing of a memorandum of to host major global events and in the world and all aspects of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) gram has succeeded not only and called for the importance of velop a mechanism concerned understanding between the enhance ways to support inter- life. They called for intensifying in Vienna, in cooperation with in keeping young people away combating organized crime in with combating corruption in Supreme Committee for De- national cooperation, pointing international efforts to confront the International Federation of from crime and drugs, but also all its forms that seek to achieve the sports sector and organiz- livery and Legacy and the UN- in this regard to the 2022 FIFA this dangerous scourge that Football Association (FIFA). in transforming these youth rapid profits in various sectors ing tournaments by Supreme ODC to combat corruption in World Cup, the first World Cup threatens the development and His Excellency said that into pioneers in their societies of sport by proposing a set of Committee for Delivery and sport in April 2019. in the Middle East and Arab stability of society. the importance of the Global who spread sports values and decisions and proposals that Legacy in cooperation with the HE Ambassador Al Man- World, and called on attendees It was also emphasised Program for the Implementa- sublime principles. He also contribute to combating cor- International Olympic Com- souri said that, in realization to participate in this historic that the Coronavirus pandem- tion of the Doha Declaration pointed out that there are en- ruption and curbing organised mittee (IOC) and the Interna- of Qatar National Vision 2030, event. He also referred to Qa- ic posed many challenges to stems from the fact that it deavors to include some youth crime in sports. tional Criminal Police Organi- the State of Qatar has invested tar’s endeavor to host the 2030 football in the world, and that provides an effective tool and as guests of the State of Qatar His Excellency reviewed zation (INTERPOL). heavily in building and de- Asian Games and the 2032 supporting sport at this im- practical practice on the role during its hosting of the 2022 the many efforts made by HE also added that the veloping sports facilities and Summer Olympic Games. portant time is an important of sport in protecting youth FIFA World Cup to present Qatar to raise awareness and State of Qatar and the UN- developing infrastructure in Executive Director of UN- matter that requires the effec- and creating opportunities for their experience to the youth education with regard to com- ODC signed an agreement accordance with international ODC Dr. Ghada Wali and FIFA tive contribution of the United them to develop their behav- of the world on that occasion. bating corruption and crime in to combat corruption in the standards, which enabled it President Gianni Infantino Nations and all international iors and life skills in a way that His Excellency stressed that the field of sports, including sports sector in order to help to host major sporting events launched from Vienna a global organisations. QFA’s Football for All Award Messi scores twice as for Ministry of Public Health Barcelona win friendly AFP The Argentine scored his QFA Barcelona first after 45 minutes, spin- Doha ning on the edge of the penalty Lionel Messi scored twice area and drilling a shot in off The Board of Trustees of Qa- on Wednesday as Barcelona the base of the far post. He tar Football Association (QFA) beat second-division Girona scored his second, with a de- Award presented the Football 3-1 in a preseason friendly. flected shot, after 50 minutes. for All Award for the 2019-20 Messi helped set up He went off after an hour. season to the Ministry of Pub- Philippe Coutinho, back from Messi only returned to lic Health for its efforts in the his loan at Bayern Munich, for training at the start of last resumption of football activity the first goal after 21 minutes. week after saying he wanted to on Tuesday. leave the club. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Messi started Barcelona’s Australia’s Mitchell Starc scores the winning runs in the last over in the General Secretary of the Board first friendly on Saturday, play- ODI against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. (AFP) of Trustees of QFA Award, ing 45 minutes without scoring presented the award in the in a 3-1 victory over third-tier presence of Dr. Hamad Eid Al thanks, affection and appreci- as administrative staff to con- Gimnastica Tarragona. Maxwell, Carey hit Rumaihi, Director of the De- ation to the Ministry of Public tinue co-operation with all sec- Earlier on Wednesday, La partment of Health Protection Health and all its departments tions of the community in or- Liga president Javier Tebas and Communicable Disease as well as medical teams for der to achieve common goals said he was pleased Messi had hundreds as Oz win Control at the Ministry of Pub- the hard work and efforts put and aspirations. He praised stayed at Barcelona. lic Health, and Dr. Muna Al in to combat the coronavirus the Ministry of Public Health’s “Messi is important for our Maslamani, Medical Director of (COVID-19) pandemic in the warm relationship with the competition,” said Tebas, at an thriller, clinch series Hamad Medical Corporation’s community. I also commend QFA and QSL, and the contin- event to promote the Liga stick- Communicable Disease Center. all their efforts and work in the ued constructive co-operation. er collection. “He is a player AFP ball as they ended a corona- Nasser Mubarak Al Kuwari, resumption of football activity It may be noted that the who was born in our competi- Manchester virus-hit season by suffering Head of Community Relations through the health protocol Football for All Award, given tion... and hopefully he will fin- their first series defeat in 18 Department at the Qatar Stars that was successfully adopted to organisations, groups or in- ish his career in our league.” Glenn Maxwell and Alex matches across all formats. League, was also present. and implemented to facilitate dividuals making a significant Barcelona used 20 players Carey both hit brilliant hun- Australia’s success was all On his part, Hassan Ra- the conduct of competitions contribution towards football in Wednesday’s game at the dreds as Australia sealed a the more creditable as star bats- biah Al Kuwari said, “I present and matches.” in the local community, was Barcelona’s Argentinian forward club’s training centre but nei- dramatic series win over world man Steve Smith missed the en- this award on my own behalf Dr. Al Rumaihi thanked jointly presented in the 2019- Lionel Messi grabs the ball dur- ther Uruguayan forward Luis champions England in the tire series after suffering a head and on behalf of the Board of and appreciated the Board of 20 season to a number of en- ing a friendly football match be- Suarez nor Chilean Arturo third One-Day International injury batting in the nets. Trustees of the QFA Award, Trustees of QFA Award for this tities, namely the Ministry of tween FC Barcelona and Girona Vidal appeared. Barcelona are at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Jonny Bairstow had re- headed by His Excellency initiative, stressing the keen- Public Health, Ministry of In- at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in due to start their league cam- Australia, chasing a target vived England from the depths Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin ness of the Ministry of Public terior, Aspetar Hospital and Sant Joan Despi near Barcelona paign on September 26 or 27 of 303, were all but out of the of 0-2 with a superb hundred Ahmed Al Thani, with sincere Health and all medical as well Qatar Red Crescent. on Wednesday. (AFP) against Villarreal. game at 73-5 when Maxwell that saw them to 302-7. came to the crease. But an Aus- Opening batsman Bairstow tralia record sixth-wicket stand watched from the other end as of 212 between Carey (106) and left-arm quick Starc removed Maxwell (108) gave the tourists Jason Roy and Joe Root with beIN SPORTS starts new season with new look studios a 2-1 success as England suf- the first two balls of the game. fered their first home ODI se- But Bairstow counter- Tribune News Network back to back league games from Additional new beIN pro- ries defeat in five years. attacked superbly and his in- Doha the English Premier League, duced programs set to be broad- Maxwell’s hundred was nings of 112 was the corner- LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and cast live and exclusively on beIN just his second century in 113 stone of England’s eventual beIN MEDIA GROUP, the more. The HD1 channel will SPORTS for the new 2020/21 matches at this level, with 302-7, with Sam Billings (57) global sports, entertainment also broadcast football com- season include: “Do you know?” Carey’s innings the wicket- and Chris Woakes (53 not out) and media group and its flag- petitions including the UEFA – a program explaining all the keeper’s maiden century in his making valuable fifties. ship leading sports network Champions League, UEFA Eu- interesting stories behind the 39th ODI. Pace bowler Woakes then beIN SPORTS welcomes the re- ropa League, AFC Champions names of stadiums from across But when Maxwell holed took the first two wickets to turn of the 2020/21 season in a League, CAF, UEFA Nations the world, nicknames of the out off leg-spinner Adil fall, having Australia captain completely new setup with state League and more. teams and unknown histories Rashid, Australia still needed Aaron Finch lbw and Marcus of the art studios, legendary New programs will also be of football clubs; “The Road to 18 off 15 balls. That became 10 Stoinis caught off a leading guests and analysts and a host of broadcast on beIN SPORTS Qatar, 2022” – a behind the off six when Carey, whose cen- edge at midwicket to leave the new programs covering the big- for viewers and fans to pre- scenes program into Qatar and tury came off 106 balls, was tourists 31-2. gest leagues on the planet in full view the best games, discus- its preparation to host the big- superbly caught by a diving And Australia were 55-4 HD and 4K technology. sions and analysis with beIN gest sporting competition in the Mark Wood at third man off when Morgan saw his decision The 2020/21 football sea- SPORTS’ famous presenters world, the 2022 FIFA World Jofra Archer. to bring on part-time off-spin- son on beIN SPORTS will also The 2020/21 football season on beIN SPORTS will also see legend- and analysts. Cup; “Tactical series” – a pro- But new batsman Mitchell ner Joe Root rewarded by the see legendary guests, analysts ary guests, analysts and presenters including Mohammad Saadon Al “This Evening” is a brand- gramme specialised to analyse Starc – who’d got the match Test captain taking two wick- and presenters including Mo- Kuwari, Abdulaziz Al Nasr, Mohamad Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa, Tariq new live studio presented by the tactical approach of games off to a stunning start by tak- ets for three runs in six balls. hammad Saadon Al Kuwari, Dhiab, Bassel Tabbal, Tariq Al Jalahma and Hatem Trabelsi, Arsene Hicham Al Khalsi which will from national football teams; ing two wickets with the first Abdulaziz Al Nasr, Mohamad Wenger, Ruud Gullit and Marcel Desailly. be on air from Saturday to “Super Saturday” and “Soccer two balls of the game – hit his Brief Scores: England 302- Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa, Tariq Wednesday throughout the Sunday” – hosted weekly on first ball, from Rashid, for six 7, 50 overs (J Bairstow 112, S Dhiab, Bassel Tabbal, Tariq Al Arsene Wenger, Ruud Gullit all the premium live games season. The program focuses beIN SPORTS HD11 channel by and sealed victory with two Billings 57, C Woakes 53 no; A Jalahma and Hatem Trabelsi and Marcel Desailly all feature every Saturday and Sunday on behind the scenes stories legends Richard Keys and Andy balls to spare. Zampa 3-51, M Starc 3-74) bt as well as exclusive contribu- live and exclusively. and through the week when in the football world with a Gray providing viewers with en- England were left to rue Australia 305-7, 49.4 overs (G tions from global stars from beIN SPORTS’ HD1 chan- the leagues play – as HD1 will special focus on Arabic players tertaining and original insight the fact that Carey was caught Maxwell 108, A Carey 106) by the world of football including nel will be the centrepiece of broadcast the pick of the best and competitions. throughout the season. on nine off a Jofra Archer no- three wickets. 14 Thursday, Sepember 17, 2020 Sports US Open to offer brutal test in major sans fans

DPA The 120th US Open features a behemoth 70-par course Washington that is among golf’s toughest. All eyes are on world After a five-month post- number one Dustin Johnson, but Jon Rahm of Spain and ponement, the 120th US American Collin Morikawa are also among the other top Open Championship will begin on Thursday without contenders vying for the $2.5 million in winnings. fans, in what is expected to be one of the year’s tough- ing stretch of five straight this 2020 PGA Champion- est tests for the world’s best lengthy par-fours has upend- ship, are also among the top golfers. ed countless rounds. players vying for the major The Winged Foot course This year’s tournament win. in Mamaroneck, New York, will feature 144 players, re- Eyes will also be on five- is known as one of the most duced from the typical 156, time major champion Mick- brutal courses in golf. In the since the US Golf Association elson, to see if he can come 1974 US Open, dubbed the cancelled their past system of back to conquer Winged Foot Massacre at Winged Foot, qualifying for the event due 13 years after his disastrous Hale Irwin took the cham- to the coronavirus pandemic. double-bogey in 2006. pionship with a staggering The roster includes most The event is also taking seven-over par score. of the world’s top 70 players. place without fans, creating In the last US Open Two-time champion Brooks an entirely different atmos- played there in 2006, Aus- Koepka, who is recovering phere for the golfers. tralia’s Geoff Ogilvy claimed from an injury, will not take “Unfortunately this is victory with a five-over par part. our new reality,” said Ti- score after Phil Mickelson Perennial contender and ger Woods, who is hoping double-bogeyed his 72nd world number one Dustin to recover from missing the hole. Johnson is coming off of a Tour Championship cut last “It’s tough. You know it’s PGA Tour Championship vic- month. going to be tough, and you Max Homa of the United States, Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson of US look on from the second tee during a practice round prior to the tory last week and is favoured “This is something we’re know par is a really, really 120th US Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, on Wednesday. (Getty Images/AFP) by many to win the US Open. getting used to. It’s not some- good score,” American Jus- Jon Rahm of Spain, who thing we like. tin Thomas, the world num- Tuesday. fun” but added “I might not tures narrow fairways hit- steep consequences for slight won the BMW Championship We want the fans and ber three ranked player, said Thomas said the daunting think the same at the end of ting up against deep rough, errors off of the tee. last month, and American we want the atmosphere out during a press conference on course is a “different kind of the week.” The course fea- meaning players will suffer Winged Foot’s clos- Collin Morikawa, winner of there, but safety is first.” ‘World’s best’ Roglic glimpses triumph from Alpine peaks

AFP “I won many things in my Mumbai Indians Meribel (France) life, but this is impressive and I worked so hard to get here,” Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic said the man who has previ- seek back-to-back once more prevailed on his ously finished on the podium at toughest test yet to remain on both the Giro and the Vuelta. course for Tour de France glory, The long hard 14km strug- IPL titles while Miguel Angel Lopez so- gle up the Col de la Madeleine loed to a breathtaking stage win to its 2,000m summit was at atop the highest mountain of the halfway point of the race. the race. Lopez made the difference With the Slovenian pair Ro- on the even higher Meribel glic and Tadej Pogacar playing mountain with a sudden turn of cat and mouse for the overall pace while Roglic and Pogacar leader’s yellow jersey, the cagey were watching each other. Lopez grabbed Wednesday’s “I felt at home over 2,000m, 17th stage by the throat with a as I live at 2,500m above sea surging burst for the line that level,” he explained. “But I also allowed Roglic to leave be- won’t win, the others ahead of hind his 21-year-old rival. me are too good on time trials. Lopez’s win at high alti- I’m just going to enjoy myself.” tude gave Colombia something The key remaining challenge to celebrate on the day 2019 is stage 20, the 36km individual champion Egan Bernal pulled Team Jumbo rider Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey is followed by Team time trial that runs over 30km of Rohit Sharma has captained Mumbai Indians to IPL trophies in out after he and his team Ineos UAE’s Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar wearing the best young’s white jersey, and Team Jumbo rider US Sepp Kuss rolling terrain before tough 6km 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. failed to live up to expectations. ride at the Loze pass during the 17th stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France on Wednesday. (AFP) ascent up the fabled Planche des With two massive moun- Belles Filles on Saturday. AFP Former Australia captain tains the queen stage ascended kilometre. struggled through villages full 23-year-old captain by with- The final day on Sunday New Delhi Ricky Ponting is another to 2,304m altitude atop the Col “That was hell,” said the for- of ubiquitous baskets of flow- drawing him. is a kind of parade, except for ex-skipper. de la Loze, where Tour rookie mer ski jumper Roglic. ers hanging from Swiss-style ski But his compatriot Astana the concluding eight laps of the Already regarded as the Pogacar lost just a handful of “I’m glad this is behind me,” chalets. captain Lopez, who is known Champs-Elysees, where Ire- world’s richest and most ‘Absolute greats’ seconds to Roglic in their ongo- he added, merely needing to In the rarefied air that suits as “Superman” in his homeland land’s Sam Bennett will face a successful Twenty20 cricket But it was only when ing war of attrition. survive without a major inci- the men from the Andes, the after fighting off three thieves stern challenge for the green team, the Mumbai Indians Sharma was appointed cap- Pogacar has however been dent to win this year’s Tour. 26-year-old Lopez leapfrogged who tried to steal his bike, gave sprint jersey from seven-time will now attempt to under- tain in 2013, after Ponting racing virtually alone, and won “Every metre counts on a compatriot Rigoberto Uran and Colombia something to shout winner Peter Sagan on a last- line their status by claim- stepped down due to loss of plaudits challenging Roglic, climb like that.” extended his lead over Adam about. gasp dash for the line. ing their first back-to-back form, that the team became a who has appeared rock-steady Shorn of Bernal Ineos co- Yates and Richie Porte. Lopez had complained ear- titles in the Indian Premier force to be reckoned with. with a powerful climb posse captain Richard Carapaz pro- Roglic now leads his young lier in the race that Jumbo’s Stage 17 results: 1. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL/AST) 4hr League. The 33-year-old star bats- surrounding him in Jumbo’s duced a doomed solo bid as the compatriot Pogacar by 57 sec- dominance was suffocating the 49min 08sec, 2. Primoz Roglic (SLO/JUM) at 15sec, 3. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE) 30, 4. Sepp Kuss (USA/JUM) Led by senior Indian man has led by example, scor- black and yellow outfits. Giro champion was caught on onds with just three real races race, but saw his opportunity 56, 5. Richie Porte (AUS/TRE) 1:01, 6. Enric Mas (ESP/ batsman Rohit Sharma and ing 3,728 runs since joining The Slovenians have been the ever-changing gradient of left before the Tour gets to Paris. on a mentally challenging fi- MOV) 1:12, 7. Mikel Landa (ESP/BAH) 1:20, 8. Adam owned by Nita Ambani -- Mumbai in 2011 and captain- the story of the Tour and will the final 7km above 2,000m as nale where the varying gradient Yates (GBR/MIT) 1:20, 9. Rigoberto Uran (COL/EF1) wife of India’s richest man, ing the team to IPL trophies likely square off for the overall the top 10 experienced a slight Colombian highs and lows called for constant adaptations. 1:59, 10. Tom Dumoulin (NED/JUM) 2:13, 11. Richard Reliance Industries bil- in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. win on stage 20’s mouthwater- shake-up. Suffering from a bad back “I felt strong coming into Carapaz (ECU/INE) 2:41, 12. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ MOV) 2:48, 13. Damiano Caruso (ITA/BAH) 3:30, 14. lionaire Mukesh Ambani -- Sri Lankan legend Mahe- ing individual time trial. A day after the race was for a month now Bernal, his the race and on the Grand Co- Guillaume Martin (FRA/COF) 3:59, 15. Valentin Madouas Mumbai have la Jayawardene is the As Lopez pulled away cleared of Covid-19 to run all the Tour defence in tatters, said a lombier, which was the first big (FRA/FDJ) 4:09, 16. Kenny Elissonde (FRA/TRE) 6:12, won an unsur- coach, while West team Jumbo leader Roglic also way to Paris on Sunday, French sad goodbye to the 2020 edition one (climb) of the race, like the 17. Carlos Verona (ESP/MOV) 6:53, 18. David De la Cruz passed four IPL Indian big-hitter showed too much power for President Emmanuel Macron when Ineos decided to protect ones I train on in Colombia, I (ESP/UAE) 7:15, 19. Wout Van Aert (BEL/JUM) 7:15, 20. titles. Kieron Pollard and Pogacar on the last agonising was present as the peloton the long-term interests of their felt good,” Lopez said. Warren Barguil (FRA/ARK) 7:15. So far they India quick Jasprit have been un- Bumrah add power able to match to the team. the Chennai Super Kings’ Australia paceman Na- feat of 2010 and 2011 by than Coulter-Nile, part of the winning the world’s most Indians’ first title win in 2013, Underdog Nuggets stun Clippers in game seven lucrative T20 league twice returns this season after being in a row. snapped up for $1.12 million But Murray issued a warn- Heat beat the Boston Celtics But Mumbai, who open in the December auctions. Heat edge Celtics ing for people who think the 117-114 in the opening game of the coronavirus-delayed IPL “It’s good to come back Lakers’ juggernaut is going to the series. season against the Super to the most successful T20 opener steamroller them. Adebayo leapt high to take Kings in Abu Dhabi on Sat- franchise of the world,” said AFP “They got to worry about us what appeared to be an easy urday, head into the tourna- Coulter-Nile. Los Angeles too,” Murray said. dunk away from Celtics star ment as the bookies’ favour- “Obviously the team I The Nuggets found them- Jayson Tatum to preserve the ites for a fifth trophy. was involved with then was Jamal Murray scored a game selves down by 12 in the first Heat’s slim lead, 116-114. Mumbai’s financial clout filled with absolute greats. high 40 points and Nikola Jo- half. They also trailed 61-54 Adebayo then capped the is formidable. Ambani, who Ricky Ponting, Sachin Ten- kic had a triple double as the with 10:50 left in the third when scoring by sinking a free throw bought the franchise for dulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Denver Nuggets stunned the they stepped it up and went on a at the other end. more than $100 million in Rohit Sharma. Los Angeles Clippers 104-89 35-13 run to compile a 15-point “He is the heart and soul of 2008, has been rated by “And to come back to in game seven to reach their lead in the fourth. our team on the defensive end,” Forbes as the world’s second see this team now devel- first Western Conference -fi “Next is Lakers, another Jimmy Butler said of Adebayo. richest sports team owner oping those sort of greats nals in 11 years. tough opponent,” Jokic said. “We love and appreciate him. I behind former Microsoft again. Rohit Sharma is The underdog Nuggets “But we are going to be out know I sure do.” chief executive Steve Ballm- a great in himself. Bumrah, became the first team in NBA there having fun. It is simple for Tatum, who finished with er, who owns the Los Ange- best death bowler in the history to rally from a 3-1 se- us, effort and energy.” a game high 30 points, missed les Clippers. world.” ries deficit twice in the same Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives the ball against Patrick Kawhi Leonard managed a desperation 29-foot three- According to an Eco- However, the loss of pace postseason. Jokic completed his Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game just 14 points and Paul George pointer at the buzzer. nomic Times estimate, the ace Lasith Malinga earlier triple double by the third quar- Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA finished with 10. Leonard shot “He made a great play,” Indians are worth $115 mil- this month was a big blow, ter of Tuesday night’s contest in Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports six of 22 while George was four Tatum said of Adebayo’s block. lion, the highest among the after the veteran Sri Lankan the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP) of 16 from the floor. “That’s all it is. He made a good eight IPL franchises. opted out of the tournament Florida, finishing with 16 points, “Internally we’ve always felt play, can’t do anything about it.” The team has an im- to be with his family. 13 assists and 22 rebounds. We have talks, we have fights, season so far. this is not a championship or Game two is Thursday night peccable playing pedigree But despite the loss of His rebound count is the everything. We are like a cou- Denver will once again be bust year for us... We just didn’t in Orlando. too. Their founding captain Malinga, the IPL’s highest most by a Nuggets player in ple,” Jokic said of playing the underdogs when they face have enough time together,” Goran Dragic scored 29 was the now retired Sachin wicket-taker with 170 scalps an NBA playoff game, break- with Murray. LeBron James and the Los An- said George. points, Jae Crowder had 22 Tendulkar, the record- in 122 matches, Mumbai’s ing his old record of 19. Den- An odd couple for sure. A geles Lakers in the conference In the Eastern Conference and Butler finished with 20 breaking batsman who is fans still expect their team to ver’s dynamic duo combined Serbian and a Canadian pair finals beginningF riday. finals, Bam Adebayo made a for the Heat, who eliminated worshipped by Indian fans. come home with the trophy. for 56 points. that has engineered the big- “Nobody wants us here,” in- clutch block with 2.5 seconds the Celtics from the playoffs in “We are just improving. gest upsets of the 2020 post- sisted Jokic. left in overtime as the Miami 2011 and 2012. Sports Thursday, September 17, 2020 15 Horse racing season Qatari high jump legend charts his progress on way to kick-off on Oct 14th

to 2021 Olympics HH Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa HH Amir Sword Al Thani Trophy will be run on December 26, 2020, and Janu- Festival scheduled ary 7, 2021, respectively. Qatar for Feb 18-21 Gold Sword meeting will be held on April 1, 2021. Tribune News Network In between race events Doha for the following will be held: Wathnan Cup (Oct 21), Umm The Qatar Racing and Eques- Bab Cup (Oct 22), Qatar Cup trian Club (QREC) has an- (Oct 28), Losail Cup (Oct 29), nounced schedule for the up- Umm Al Houl Cup (Nov 4), coming season which will begin Barzan Cup (Nov 5), Al Wukair on October 14, 2020. Cup (Nov 11), Doha Cup (Nov The official schedule, re- 12), Muraikh Cup (Nov 18), leased on Wednesday, states a Guineas Cups (Nov 19), Al Hu- total of 49 horse racing meet- waila Cup (Nov 25). ings between October 2020 The racing season also and April 2021. includes as many as 12 race The Al Ghariya Cup (run on meetings at the new Al dirt track) at Al Rayyan Park Uqda Complex — the state- will kick off the season on Oc- owned horse racing facil- Going back to competing tober 14 and will be followed ity in Al Khor being run by the Al Gharafa Cup (turf) on by QREC in coordination with October 15th. the Ministry of Culture and Qatar’s blue riband three- Sports. day horse racing event — His The first race meeting at Highness Amir Sword Racing Al Uqda will be the Al Huwaila is the most important Festival — has been scheduled Cup Day on November 25, from February 18 to 20, 2021. 2020. The biggest race meet- The festival sees a total ing at the new facility will be of eight races carrying a total the Al Shaqab Racing Trophy prize-money of US$3.5mn. on February 3, 2021, with the thing now: Barshim Other prime events – the six-furlong feature Thorough- Qatar Oaks and Qatar Derby bred sprint carrying total prize have been scheduled for De- money of QR200,000. The race cember 19-20, 2020, while meeting will also see a sprint HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin race each for local Thorough- he achievements of Qatar’s of it as any other milestone in my ca- Khalifa Al Thani Trophy and breds and Arabians. falcon and high jump icon Mutaz reer, and I shall do my best, while keep- Barhim will resonate for a long ing in mind that competing for gold time as the story of a legend may be though, but it is not impossible. whose name will go down in Tletters of gold in the records of history You work very hard with your in athletics. coach Stanislaw Szczyrba …. The Qatari Red Bull historical tri- What kind of relation do you umph which earned him his second have with him? gold medal and crowned him as the I definitely have a strong bond with world champion at the 2019 World coach Stanislaw Szczyrba, and it is not Athletics Championship in Doha has just a coach – athlete relationship. It demonstrated his extraordinary ability goes beyond the track and field, and is to overcome difficulties and challenges not limited to training. We are friends, as he was just recovering from injury we discuss all matters of life. This has and yet achieved the incredible feat. facilitated communication between us, Barshim is the falcon who flew and we now understand each other, QREC has scheduled a total of 49 race meetings between high in the sky and now the whole which grants us success. October 2020 and April 2021. world is awaiting his performance at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Do you believe it is time to break Barshim is preparing for the Cuban Javier Sotomayor’s 2.45m challenges to come after the ficulties. This was demonstrated ing public health and safety is given record? COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks after your infamous injury and utmost importance at both individual When it comes to the high jump re- Qatar Anti-Doping about the road ahead and his plans your strong return to the scene. and community levels. cord, I think no time is a good time to leading to Tokyo 2021. How do you view the challenge consider breaking it. I think I need to Commission holds training now? Would you limit your activities be focused on my training (and my aim Excerpts I personally strive to do my best in to the Olympic Games or will you is to set this figure as a target during my workshop for handball team What are your plans for the 2021 every tournament I take part in. I take also compete at the World Athlet- training). season and competitions? each of the challenges very seriously, ics Indoor Championships, the My plans for the period to come and attempt to succeed. Seriousness is Diamond League, and other such What is more important for you have begun by a return to usual routine indeed an important factor in achiev- tournaments? right now: Focusing on the Olym- and the daily training in preparation ing success and winning. So far, we’re still carrying on the pics or gradually returning to the for the championships that will pave routine training, which is the most im- scene through the World Indoors the way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. You were one of the athletes who portant thing for us currently. We are and the Diamond League? I will keep on the same track till then. contributed the most in raising still to set the schedule of the events I What’s important to me right now awareness on the importance of will compete in during the 2021 sea- is to go back to competing in tourna- Does your exceptional achieve- staying home, in line with the ef- son, but that will be decided with the ments, in order to be physically fit and ment at the 2019 World Athletics forts aimed at limiting the spread coach and the management team and prepared, as would be the case for any Championship put any pressure of COVID-19. Did the quarantine will include a review of all the competi- athlete in my position. on your future with regards to have negative effects on athletes? tions of the 2021 season. the Olympics? The pandemic has had a toll on the What have you learned from the I believe that feeling the pressure world as a whole, and athletes are no After the COVID-19 crisis, ath- serious injury you suffered? is something natural for every profes- exception to that. However, athletes letes are now subjected to yet an- Injury has taught me that nothing sional athlete such as myself. I even have the duty to give back to society, by other type of psychological pres- is impossible when there is will and deem it essential for me to feel the leaving a positive impact. Sometimes sure. What are your thoughts hard work. I’ve got my friends and fam- The Qatar Anti-Doping Commission held a training workshop for the pressure in all the competitions I take we just have to make the right deci- with regards to Tokyo 2021. Do ily’s support to thank for helping me players of Qatar national handball team. The workshop briefed the part of. Nonetheless, I have to adapt to sion, and comply with the rules, even you think that going after your triumph over injury, as well as my pa- players on the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards it, and prevent it from taking a toll on if it goes against our interests as ath- third Olympic medal will pose a tient and devoted team and coach who in addition to the list of prohibited substances and the side effects of me, so as to channel the pressure into letes. The public health of the commu- particular challenge to you after have facilitated my strong comeback. nutritional supplements. The workshop also highlighted the athletes’ positive results. nity takes precedence in such cases. Of London 2012 and Rio 2016? But first and foremost, I thank God for rights and duties and cases of therapeutic use exemption. The Qatar course, staying home will do athletes Yes indeed, Tokyo 2021 is a great everything as success is actually a gift Anti-Doping Commission held a similar workshop for the players of You are one of the most deter- no good, but there is a positive side to challenge to me personally after Lon- from above. (www.redbull.com) Qatar equestrian and modern pentathlon national teams in addition mined athletes in the face of dif- it, as it sends the message that preserv- don 2012 and Rio 2016. Yet, I do think (www.redbull.com) to two online workshops for anti-doping offers and Qatar squash national teams. (QOC)

Former athletics chief Diack guilty Van Niekerk wins on return, says ‘almost forgot how to race’ of Russian doping corruption Tribune New Network But he clawed his way back to world 200m champion Dafne AFP Doha take the win in 45.58 ahead Schippers (11.42). Paris of Dutchman Jochem Dobber “It was completely differ- South Africa’s Olympic 400m (45.78) and Poland’s Karol ent to win at home in front of The former head of athlet- champion and world record Zalewski (46.03). my fans, who gave me a lot of ics’ world governing body, holder Wayde van Niekerk re- “The race was challeng- energy,” Del Ponte said. “This Lamine Diack, was on turned from injury on the inter- ing,” van Niekerk said. “The does not happen every day. Wednesday found guilty by a national stage with a victory. guys went out from the begin- My first coach was here. If I French court of corruption in He won at the 10th edition ning and I had to stick with keep the energy from today’s covering up Russian doping Former global athletics chief of the Gala dei Castelli in Bellin- them. The 400m is where I competition, Rome is going to cases and sentenced to four Lamine Diack looks on after at- zona, Switzerland, a World Ath- belong and I showed that I am be another nice race.” (inputs years in prison, of which two tending a court hearing at Paris’ letics Continental Tour Bronze still around.” worldathletics.org) years were suspended. courthouse on Wednesday. (AFP) meeting, on Tuesday which was Van Niekerk had tested pos- Diack, an 87-year-old Sen- his first competitive race out- itive for COVID-19 in early Au- Hynne smashes Norwegian egalese who led the Interna- Diack said he would imme- side his homeland since taking gust and said he then remained 800m record tional Association of Athletics diately lodge an appeal. gold at the 2017 World Champi- isolated for 25 days. “Basically I Norway’s Hedda Hynne Federations (IAAF), now re- His son, Papa Massata Di- onships in London. started from scratch.” claimed her second consecu- named World Athletics, for 16 ack, a former marketing con- Van Niekerk clocked 45.58 His compatriot Akani Sim- tive win in a high-quality wom- years was also fined 500,000 sultant for the IAAF, who was seconds on Tuesday, a modest bine, who was fourth over 100m South Africa’s Olympic 400m champion and world record holder en’s 800m race in 1:58.10, a euros ($600,000). tried in absentia because Sen- time compared with his world at last year’s World Champion- Wayde van Niekerk made a comeback in his first race outside of South world lead. The presiding judge in the egal refused to extradite him, record of 43.03. ships, won his third 100m race Africa since the 2017 World Championships in London at the Gala dei Hynne also broke the na- court in Paris, Rose-Marie Hu- was also found guilty and sen- “Back at it! Forgot how to this summer in 10.02 into a Castelli in Bellinzona, Switzerland, on Tuesday. tional record for the second time nault, said Diack’s actions had tenced to five years in prison race for a moment,” he posted slight -0.2 m/s headwind hold- in seven days after her 1:59.15 in “caused serious damage to the and fined one million euros. on social media. ing off Italian record holder and by local star Ajla Del Ponte son in which she won Wanda Rovereto. Four women dipped fight against doping”. Previously one of the Van Niekerk made a world finalist Filippo Tortu, and Olympic 400m champion Diamond League races in under 1:59 with Swiss record She said that despite the most influential figures in comeback in his first race out- whose 10.07 was the fastest by Wayde van Niekerk’s first inter- Monte Carlo and Stockholm. holder Selina Buchel second sentence, he was unlikely to go world sport, Diack was presi- side of South Africa since the a European this year. Simbine, national appearance since 2017 World U20 bronze medallist with 1:58.37, one day before to prison. dent of the IAAF from 1999 2017 World Championships who clocked 9.91 in March, and were the key highlights of Tues- Kristal Awuah finished sec- her wedding. She held off fresh “Given your age you can to 2015 until he was replaced in London. The world record- Tortu will clash again in Rome day’s athletics meeting. ond in 11.33 ahead of 200m Swiss champion Lore Hoffman expect conditional release,” by Britain’s Sebastian Coe in holder started slow, running on Thursday. Del Ponte’s 11.18 victory European U20 champion whose 1:58.50 made her the sec- she said. August 2015. fifth going into the final bend. An eagerly-awaited win crowned an impressive sea- Amy Hunt (11.41) and former ond fastest Swiss ever.