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TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 PlatiniPl backs ‘best fit’ Giroud for France ItIt hash no form of importance. I’m not an accountant. I’m hahappy for Giroud, I’m happy for Thierry. I hope there will alwaysalw be players who score a lot of goals for France. Records are there to be beaten. If Giroud beats my record, I’m happy fforor France and for him.

FormerFoF UEFA President Michel Platini Sport |10

NBA FINALS: (Game 3) Miami Heat 115, Los Angeles Lakers 104 (Butler 40 pts, Herro 17, Olynyk 17) * Lakers lead series 2-1 Serbian beats Khachanov to level quarter-final appearances record in Paris Top seed Djokovic keeps title bid on track

AFP – PARIS

Novak Djokovic defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to make the French Open quarter- finals for the 11th consecutive year yesterday while Petra Kvitova returned to the last eight at Roland Garros for the first time since 2012. Top seed and 2016 champion Djokovic won 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 against Russian 15th seed Khachanov to draw level with Rafael Nadal on a record 14 quarter-final appearances in Paris. Djokovic faced his toughest assignment so far but Khachanov was unable to derail his bid to become the first man in half a century to win all four Grand Slam titles twice. The Serb hit 44 winners and has yet to drop a set in the tour- nament, losing only 25 games in four rounds. He improved his record in 2020 to 35 wins against just one loss. Russia’s Andrey Rublev celebrates after Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates after winning “It was a very even match, beating Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. perhaps more difficult than the result showed,” said Djokovic, who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title. Tsitsipas overcomes an eye problem to become the first He will face Spain’s Pablo Greek man to reach the last eight of the French Open. Carreno Busta, the man who benefited from Djokovic’s US Open disqualification, or Rublev, the 13th seed, advances to the quarter-finals for German qualifier Daniel Alt- the first time. maier for a spot in the last four. World number 186 Altmaier is just the fourth man in 20 Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova through to the years to reach the round of 16 last eight at Roland Garros for the first time in eight years. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his French Open fourth on his Grand Slam debut. round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov, yesterday. Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame an eye problem to become the first Greek man to reach the last 22-year-old Rublev had been FRENCH OPEN RESULTS seed Elina Svitolina following The Tunisian 30th seed next eight of the French Open with a break down in the second the exit of title favourite Simona faces 57th-ranked American a 6-3, 7-6 (11/9), 6-2 win over and third sets. He also had to Halep. Danielle Collins, although their MEN'S SINGLES: 4TH ROUND Grigor Dimitrov. save three set points in the Australian Open champion match was delayed by per- Andrey Rublev (13), Russia, def. Marton Fucsovics, Hungary, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4, The 22-year-old will now fourth. Kenin, who defeated Serena sistent rain that restricted play 7-6 (3). take on Andrey Rublev in a “I knew it would be tough,” Williams in the fourth round last to just Court Philippe Chatrier Stefanos Tsitsipas (5), Greece, def. Grigor Dimitrov (18), Bulgaria, 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-2. repeat of the recent Hamburg said Rublev who arrived in Paris year, will later face unseeded for much of the day. Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Karen Khachanov (15), Russia, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. final which was won by the having reached his second US French player Fiona Ferro. Siegemund, 32, advanced to Russian. Open quarter-final last month. “I feel like I’m playing well her first Grand Slam singles Fifth seed Tsitsipas has won “I had a little bit of luck WOMEN'S SINGLES: 4TH ROUND at the Slams,” said Kenin, who quarter-final after defeating 12 successive sets at the tour- today. There was a lot of wind Petra Kvitova (7), Czech Republic, def. Zhang Shuai, China, 6-2, 6-4. has made the last 16 or better at former junior champion Paula nament having been two sets so you are going to lose your Laura Siegemund, Germany, def. Paula Badosa, Spain, 7-5, 6-2. the three majors this season. Badosa of Spain 7-5, 6-2 before down to Jaume Munar in the serve a lot in those Sofia Kenin (4), United States, def. Fiona Ferro, France, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. “It’s not easy, everyone is the weather delay. opening round. conditions.” playing their best tennis at the She became the fourth Rublev, the 13th seed, also Two-time Wimbledon missed last year’s tournament that I’m still able to play on all Grand Slams. But I definitely unseeded player to make the advanced to the quarter-finals champion Kvitova advanced to due to an arm injury, defeated surfaces,” said Kvitova. feel like I should get deep in a last eight this year, joining Iga for the first time after battling the last eight at Roland Garros China’s Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-4 “When the roof is closed it’s tournament.” Swiatek, Nadia Podoroska and past Marton Fucsovics of for the first time in eight years. and will next play German like being indoors and I really Ons Jabeur is targeting a Martina Trevisan. Hungary 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4, Her best run in Paris came veteran Laura Siegemund. love to play.” Only four seeds second quarter-final in three Siegemund won last 7-6 (7/3). when she reached the semi- “After eight years to be in remain in the women’s draw, Slams after becoming the first month’s US Open women’s In a match which featured finals in 2012. the quarter-final again, it’s with No. 4 Sofia Kenin the Arab woman to make the fourth doubles titles alongside Vera 12 breaks of serve, the Seventh seed Kvitova, who great. I’m really happy for that, second highest left behind third round here. Zvonareva. Ooredoo Cup: Al Arabi top Group B with win Chiesa joins Juventus in over Umm Salal; Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan €60m deal THE PENINSULA – DOHA Evans Mensah (59th minute) and OOREDOO CUP AFP – ROME Abdulhadi Amin (90+3) scored for Al ROUND 2 RESULTS Al Arabi topped their group with a bril- Kharaitiyat, who raised their points tally GROUP B liant 3-0 win over Umm Salal 3-0 in their to six, whereas Al Ahli have yet to open Al Kharaitiyat 2 - 0 Al Ahli Juventus have signed Italy winger Ooredoo Cup Round 2 fixture at the Al their account as they had lost 1-5 to Al Umm Salal 0 - 3 Al Arabi Federico Chiesa from Fiorentina in Arabi Stadium yesterday. Arabi in their opener. Al Rayyan 0 - 2 Al Gharafa a deal worth up to €60m ($71), the Mehrdad Mohammadi (11th minute), In fact, Al Kharaitiyat, who were pro- Italian champions announced Sebastian Soria (19th minute) and Hamdi moted to this season’s top flight by virtue TODAY'S FIXTURES yesterday just hours before the close Harbaoui (30th minute) scored the goals of being the Second Division champions, GROUP A of the transfer window. as Al Arabi moved on to six points with continued from where they left off in the Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya Juve revealed that Chiesa had an all-win record, having beaten Al Ahli opening round, where they defeated Al At Qatar SC Stadium (17:45) signed on an initial two-year loan 5-1 in the opening round. Rayyan by a 4-1 margin. Al Sadd vs Qatar SC deal worth €10m, after which they Al Arabi were straightaway in Moroccan spearhead Tiberkanine, At Qatar SC Stadium (20:00) would buy the now 22-year-old for offensive mode and they were up 3-0 in who had scored two goals in Al Kharaiti- Al Khor vs Al Wakrah €40m “subject to the achievement half an hour. yat’s opening-round win over Al Rayyan, At Al Arabi Stadium (20:00) of certain given sporting objectives Mehrdad started the scoring act with was the architect of their victory this by the end of the season 2021/2022”. a long-range shot. Soria doubled the lead time around as he gave assists for both The Turin-based club added with a header off a pass by Abdulla Al goals. that the fee could rise by up to a Marafi and Hamdi was on target with an Al Kharaitiyat, who are enjoying further €10m “upon achievement assist from Soria. their return to the First Division this of further performance objectives Al Arabi took their foot off the pedal season, seemed a determined lot and over the duration of the in the second half, where Umm Salal were dominated possession with 66 per cent. employment contract with the more in the game compared to their per- Elsewhere, at the Qatar SC Stadium,Al player”. formance in the first half. Gharafa defeated Al Rayyan 2-0 with the He is considered one of Italy’s Earlier, Al Kharaitiyat defeated Al Ahli help of goals from Ahmed Mohamed Al Action during the Ooredoo Cup Group B Round 2 match hottest prospects and Juve’s interest 2-0 in another round 2 clash in Group B Janahi (5th minute), and Gachul Kuo (42nd between Al Arabi and Umm Salal, yesterday. in the player has been no secret over at the same venue. minute). the last couple of seasons. TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 11 Will most unpredictable PL season produce surprise champions? REUTERSREUTERS – LONLONDONDON last weekend against Leicester City, It is just three short of the finish fourth, fifth and sixth are not relegation in the Premier League champions Liverpool continued the Premier League record for goals in as far behind. last season, can humble Liverpool TheThe most astonishingastonish set of trend of extraordinary results at a single game week -- which was “I think this season could be like they did on Sunday, with resultsresults yet,yet, in an alreadyal very Aston Villa. set last month. This season has unique.” Everton remaining top of the table, unpredictableunpredictable PremierPrem League In their remarkable 7-2 defeat been anything but predictable, but With no fans in stadiums to add we could be in for more surprises season,season, andand thethe differentdiffe envi- on Sunday, Liverpool became the it has only enhanced the pressure as a result of COVID-19 to come. ronmentronment in which the English top first reigning English top-flight excitement. restrictions, home advantage is not “There was no pre-season, it is flightflight is operatinoperatingg hhaveave raised the champions to ship seven goals in a “I want the Premier League to as important this season as fewer a condensed league to get all the prospectprospect ofof unexpectedu league match since Arsenal against be a bit more like this season,” matches, on average, are being won fixtures in,” Carragher added. champions.champio Sunderland in 1953, but goals former Liverpool defender Jamie by home teams than in any of the “There is no time for coaches WithWi Man- flowing this season are anything Carragher told Sky Sports. last five seasons. to work with their teams on the chesterches City but abnormal. “When you are talking about Also, with less time to fit fixtures training pitch to iron out defensive havinghavi con- The result came hours after 95 points to win the league, it is in, clubs are going from game to frailties, as we have seen with cededced five Manchester United suffered their remarkable, but in some ways it game, with little time to regroup, almost every team this season. We goalsgoa at home joint-heaviest Premier League kills the Premier League. ensuring matches in the empty sta- might get a Leicester season (they forfo the first defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, “I’d like to go back to when diums have a distinct training- won Premier League title in timeti in 438 a 6-1 drubbing, with both games winning the league was mid-80 ground game feel, which has helped 2015-16) and get a new champions, gamesg at contributing to a total of 41 goals points. It just means you lose more increase the volume of goals. and even a strange top four, and I the Etihad in a single Premier League round games and there is more Carragher believes if teams like think that bodes well for the Jamie Carragher Stadium of matches. excitement, and the teams who Villa, who only just avoided Premier League this season.”

Villa defeat The big screen at the Villa Park Rashford displays the score after Liverpool unacceptable: were beaten 2-7 by Aston Villa in their Premier League match on apologises Robertson Sunday. to fans REUTERS – BIRMINGHAM after 1-6 Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has said their embarrassing 7-2 thrashing hammering at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday was unac- REUTERS – ceptable and vowed that the players will react positively Manchester United forward after the international break. Marcus Rashford has apolo- Ollie Watkins’ hat-trick gised to the club’s supporters coupled with a double from following their 6-1 Jack Grealish gave Villa a hammering by Tottenham remarkable victory as Liv- Hotspur on Sunday. erpool became the first Spurs’ Son Heung-min reigning English top-flight and Harry Kane each scored champions to ship seven goals twice as manager Jose in a league game since Arsenal Mourinho celebrated a victo- in 1953. rious return to the club which “At times we couldn’t sacked him 22 months ago. believe it. We weren’t good The result at Old Trafford enough... That result as a Liv- Klopp admits Liverpool ‘lost equalled United’s worst defeat erpool player is embar- in the Premier League era. rassing,” Robertson told the They were previously beaten club website. 6-1 by local rivals Manchester “We never won our City in October 2011. second balls, we never won the plot’ in thrashing at Villa “First and foremost I’m a our challenges, we never United fan. This is my club. scored from the chances. All REUTERS – BIRMINGHAM Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and team- I’m so proud to wear this shirt credit goes to Aston Villa, mates look dejected after conceding but there are no excuses, it’s unfortunately. They were Stunned Liverpool manager their seventh goal. just not good enough and to better than us.” Liverpool Juergen Klopp said his side did every single fan around the started badly at Villa Park “all the things you should not world that tuned in today, I’m after a poor pass from stand- do in a football match” as they just so sorry,” Rashford in keeper Adrian gifted “lost the plot” to play into Aston tweeted. Watkins a fourth-minute Villa’s hands in their 7-2 “You deserve so much opener. humbling at Villa Park in the better than that. I would have Watkins went on to com- Premier League on Sunday. stayed away from social plete his hat-trick inside 39 Following on from Man- media tonight but you deserve minutes, becoming the first chester United’s 6-1 defeat to to hear from me during the player to score a Premier Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool highs and the lows, there is no League treble against Liv- added to a remarkable day as hiding. erpool in over a decade. they became the first reigning “I feel horrible but I Mohamed Salah got Liv- English top-flight champions to promise you we will do erpool’s two goals - to make ship seven goals in a league better.” Defender Luke Shaw it 2-1 and 5-2 - but the visitors match since Arsenal in 1953. said the result was “embar- were outplayedyed by Dean Ollie Watkins’Watkins first-halffirst-half hathat-- rassing” and that the players Smith’s side in botbothh hhalves.alves. tricktrick set VillVillaa eenn rrouteoute had to take more “We were 4-1-1 downdown in thethe toto an astonisastonishinghing showing at thethe back in the boss Dean Smith hailed the responsibility. first half and thisis LiveLiverpoolrpool vvictory,ictory, aass Midlands.Midlands. effort from his side, as they “A club like United side believes thatat wewe couldcould LiverLiverpoolpool “We playedplayed iinton their hands, We played into their made it three wins from three shouldn’t be losing, but losing have come backback - ofof slippedslipped to a withwith allall tthehe goals,”goal Klopp said. hands, with all the goals. in extraordinary fashion, to in this way ... it really hurts course we did,”” 26-year-26-year- first defeat ofof “Then the gagame has a spe- Then the game has a move up to second in the table, and it is kind of embarrassing old Scotland internationalternational the seasoseasonn cificcific direction.direction. ahead of Liverpool in fifth. because I feel like we have let Robertson added.ed. ththanksanks ttoo a “We“We had still good specific direction.We had “It was just sheer hard work a lot of people down today “But the factact wewe woeful moments, bbutu our good still good moments, but and effort,” Smith told Sky Sports. who were watching at home,” then go out anandd momomentsmen lead to our good moments lead “The work ethic, when Juergen Shaw told Sky Sports. concede (almost)ost) nnothing,ot other to nothing, other than Klopp says ‘wow’ to you know “We’re the players on the as many goals in tthanh a Mo’s Mo’s (Mohamed Salah) you’ve done something right. The pitch and we need to have the second halff (Mohamed(Mo Salah) lads were superb, they executed very high standards. The as well, thatt twotwo ggoals. two goals. the game plan perfectly. We were players we have, have quality scorelinee “All“A their good Liverpool manager at our best today. but it hasn’t been showing. becomess momentsmomen lead to a big Juergen Klopp “It’s a good start, an excep- “We need to look at our- embarrassingg chancechance or goals, and tional result and a really good selves in the mirror as indi- when you playy thatthat makesma all the dif- start. We won’t get complacent viduals but as a team ... we’re for this club, it’ss ference.ference All the things but we’ll enjoy tonight because nowhere near it at the not acceptablee youyou shshouldo not do in a “The first goal had an results like that don’t come moment.” and that’ss footballfootball match we did impact but it shouldn’t. We con- around too often. We’ve got a United visit Newcastle something wee tonight,tonight, bbut all credit to ceded goals like that in the past, lot of pride and confidence United in the league on Oct. all have to dealal Juergen Klopp AstonAston Vila,Vila as they forced but the reaction wasn’t good, going into the international 17 after the international with. us to do tthoseho things. and we lost the plot.” Aston Villa break.” break. Spurs would have put 10 past United with ‘attacking coach’: Mourinho ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE REUTERS – LONDON Sunday's results Arsenal 2 Sheffield Tottenham Hotspur’s Jose With a defensive coach, (Saka 61, Pepe 64), Mourinho delivered a sharp they scored ... six. With an United 1 (McGoldrick 83) riposte to critics of his attacking coach they’ll Aston Villa 7 (Watkins 4, 22, 39, McGinn “defensive” style on Sunday, 35, Barkley 55, Grealish 66, 75), Liverpool score 10, 11, 12. We were 2 (Salah 33, 60) saying after their 6-1 Premier more convinced about our League win over Manchester Leicester 0, West Ham 3 (Antonio 14, Fornals United that they would have power, our qualities and 34, Bowen 83) scored 10 if only they had a our gameplan than about Manchester United 1 (Fernandes 2-pen), more attacking coach. United’s weaknesses, Tottenham 6(Ndombele 4, Son 7, 37, Kane Mourinho came in for crit- 31, 79-pen, Aurier 51) because I don’t think that Southampton 2 (Djenepo 41, Romeu 69), icism last season due to some they have many: defensive displays and disap- West Brom 0 pointing results after he took Tottenham Hotspur’s Wolves 1 (Neto 56), Fulham 0 Tottenham Hotspur’s Serge Aurier speaks with over from the sacked Mauricio Manager Jose Mourinho Played on Saturday manager Jose Mourinho during their Premier League Pochettino in November. Chelsea 4 (Chilwell 50, Zouma 66, Jorginho However, Sunday’s victory, match against Manchester United on Sunday. 78-pen, 82-pen), Crystal Palace 0 which followed a 7-2 win over Everton 4 (Calvert-Lewin 16, Mina 45+2, Maccabi Haifa in Europe on beIN Sports. “With a defensive United’s weaknesses, because “The mentality is great. The “Now the players are going Rodriguez 52, 70), Brighton 2 (Maupay 41, Thursday, saw Spurs join coach, they scored ... six. With I don’t think that they have players are playing very well. to go to their national teams Bissouma 90) Premier League top scorers an attacking coach they’ll score many.” Everyone is giving everything. and we keep working.” Leeds 1 (Rodrigo 59), Manchester City 1 Everton and Leicester City on 10, 11, 12. Victory was especially The squad is of course full of Spurs return to action after (Sterling 17) 12 goals from four games. “We were more convinced sweet for Mourinho, who was quality, talent and in this the international break and Newcastle 3 (Saint-Maximin 14, Wilson 65, “Imagine if they have an about our power, our qualities returning to the club which moment numbers,” Mourinho host West Ham United on Oct. 77-pen), Burnley 1 (Westwood 61) attacking coach,” Mourinho told and our gameplan than about sacked him 22 months ago. added. 18. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 PSG sign Pereira on transfer deadline day

AP – PARIS forward Moise Kean, who on “It’s a new challenge for me, Following its 1-0 loss to Sunday signed on loan from and to be part of Paris Saint- Bayern Munich in the Champions French champion Paris Saint- Premier League club Everton Germain fits my ambitions,” League in August, PSG endured Germain signed midfielder until the end of June. Pereira said. a shaky start to the French Danilo Pereira (pictured) from While Kean’s signing was not “Joining one of the biggest league season with two losses. FC Porto on Monday on a seen as crucial given PSG’s clubs in Europe and in the world Tuchel’s team has since season-long loan, a move likely attacking riches, the recruitment is a huge moment in my career, bounced back with four straight to appease tensions between of a defensive midfielder like and I hope to be able to bring a wins, moving up to fourth coach Thomas Tuchel and Pereira was Tuchel’s priority. lot to Paris and its supporters.” overall. sporting director Leonardo. At 29 and 1.88 meters tall, he Tuchel, now in his third Once hailed as prodigy, PSG announced the deal with will bring both his experience and season at PSG, regretted the Keane has struggled since an option to buy on the transfer physical strength in midfield departures of many important leaving the Serie A in 2019. window’s deadline day after alongside smaller-built Marco players, including Thiago Silva, Trained at the Juventus Leonardo criticized Tuchel last Verratti and Idrissa Gueye. Thomas Meunier and Tanguy academy, he turned professional week for suggesting that the club Pereira won the 2016 Kouassi. in 2017 and won two Italian had been weakened by failing to European Championship and the He said the defending French championships before moving recruit new players. 2019 Nations League with Por- champions and Champions to . He scored only two PIC: TWITTER / Following their public spat, tugal and has made 39 appear- League runners-up might need goals in 31 Premier League with @PSG PSG also secured 20-year-old ances with his national squad. to lower expectations this season. Everton.

Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann (centre) in action during the La Barca post €97m Liga match against Sevilla at Camp Nou, on Sunday. loss for 2019-20 due to COVID-19

REUTERS – BARCELON

Barcelona have announced a loss of €97m ($114.28m) after tax for the 2019/20 financial year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while a projected estimate of breaking the €1bn mark in revenues was also scuppered. The Catalan club also said in a statement on Monday that they had made revenue of 855 million euros, 14% down on the €990m they posted in 2018/19, while their overall net debt has more than doubled to €488m. The club said €47m of losses was due to lost matchday revenue, 35 million to reduced club shop sales and 18 million on stadium tours, with further losses expected until fans can return to stadiums in Spain. Predicted revenue for 2020-21 is €791m. The players took a wage cut in order to help Griezmann continues to struggle combat the deficit while football was suspended due to the coronavirus. The club have also sold players who were on lucrative contracts, such as Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic in new season with Barcelona and Arturo Vidal, in the close season in a bid to get salary expenditure within La Liga guidelines, which directly relate to projected income. AP – MADRID Ronald Koeman in every match a goal from them considering his This has also meant a fairly quiet transfer so far. quality.” window for new coach Ronald Koeman, with local After a full year to adapt to his new Instead of gaining a bigger But three games into the new Koeman said he was happy media saying Olympique Lyonnais’ Dutch forward club, Antoine Griezmann was role, he has been losing space to season, there are no signs of a with Trincão’s work so far, saying Memphis Depay could only join if they sold forward hopeful of a breakthrough season some of the team’s youngsters and turnaround for the he gives the team a fresher look, Ousmane Dembele, who has been linked to Man- with Barcelona. newly signed players. 29-year-old Griezmann. The and didn’t guarantee Griezmann chester United. He came in looking to show He disappointed again in the as a starter after Barcelona returns that he can still meet the high team’s 1-1 draw against Sevilla in Frenchman has yet to produce from the international break. expectations of his transfer from the Spanish league on Sunday, a good performance, being Koeman also has Ousmane Atlético Madrid, even though the being replaced in the 61st minute held scoreless and being Dembélé and Martin Braithwaite Southgate given much-hyped partnership with by 20-year-old Francisco Trincão, substituted by coach Ronald available for the attack, and more Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez who just joined the club. players could arrive by the end of never produced the results eve- Griezmann had been substi- Koeman in every match so far. the transfer window. another off-field ryone expected. tuted by the Portuguese forward Barcelona, three points behind The trio never clicked, and in the 78th minute in the opener league leader Real Madrid with a Griezmann endured a lackluster against Villarreal, when it was Griezmann had not been among game in hand, resumes its cam- issue before first season with the Catalan club. 17-year-old Ansu Fati who thrived them, though, and was kept as paign in two weeks at Getafe. His chances of succeeding by scoring two goals in a 4-0 win. starter on the flanks. “In the end, these are decisions England games improved this season after Suárez Fati also scored in the 2-0 But it was unknown how much that we have to make,” Koeman departed and left him as the victory at Celta Vigo, when more time he would get from said. team’s most experienced forward Griezmann again didn’t finish the Koeman, who wasn’t happy with “Each player has to perform AP – LONDON other than Messi. It gave him the match. He was Koeman’s first the missed chances by Griezmann as best as possible.” A little over a perfect opportunity to take a more choice to leave the field when the against Sevilla. year ago, Griezmann was throwing England manager Gareth Southgate has another prominent role in attack. coach had to put in a defender “The substitution the other day glitter into the air to imitate off-field issue to deal with. But three games into the new because of a red card to Clément was a tactical one,” Koeman said. Lebron James’ chalk toss routine Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has apolo- season, there are no signs of a Lenglet before halftime. “Ansu Fati gives you more in the celebration of his first goal gized after a party was held at his house over the turnaround for the 29-year-old Koeman promoted several depth, more speed, and we needed with Barcelona, raising expecta- weekend in contravention of the British govern- Griezmann. The Frenchman has changes after replacing Quique that while playing with a man tions about his future with the ment’s coronavirus guidelines limiting people to yet to produce a good per- Setién following the team’s 8-2 down. (Griezmann) had his club. gatherings of groups of six or fewer when meeting formance, being held scoreless loss to Bayern Munich in quarter- moments today, he had a couple Now, he is just trying to keep those they don’t live with. and being substituted by coach finals of the Champions League. of chances and should have scored his spot in the starting lineup. According to footage shared by The Sun news- paper, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho - called up by England last week, along with Abraham - were at the party. Platini backs ‘best fit’ Giroud for France The three players were scheduled to link up Giroud, if he plays up with the England squad yesterday, but their arrival AFP – PARIS Giroud, 34, has playedwhowho is front it’s because more at the country’s training base at St. George’s Park than anything else he has has been delayed “to understand if there is any risk Former France captain and coach just 17 minutes out of Chelsea’s to the wider group,” the Football Association said Michel Platini defended Olivier three Premier League games the quality to play centre- in a statement yesterday. Giroud ahead of tomorrow’s friendly this season with Frank Lampard forward. And if “This is to allow time to gather further infor- with Ukraine, saying the out of preferring Tammy Abraham or Deschamps plays him, it’s mation of a social gathering that all three players favour Chelsea forward “has the Timo Werner but is tipped to because he thinks Giroud reportedly attended over the weekend,” the FA quality” to lead the French line. feature in France coach Didier deserves to play. It said. Giroud, 34, has played just 17 Abraham turned 23 on Friday and said he Deschamps’ starting line-up in minutes out of Chelsea’s three doesn’t interest me that returned to his house on Saturday - after playing Premier League games this season spite of criticism for his overly he is criticised. a Premier League game for Chelsea - “to find a with Frank Lampard preferring physical style. Deschamps knows how to small surprise gathering.” Tammy Abraham or Timo Werner do his job, he knows what “Though I was totally unaware this was planned, but is tipped to feature in France he should do and if he I would like to wholeheartedly apologize for the coach Didier Deschamps’ starting visitors will be without six players stronger, bigger, up on the coalface. naivety shown for the organization and attending line-up in spite of criticism for his who are in self-isolation due to coro- But Griezmann needs a Giroud,” he thinks Giroud is the best of this gathering,” the striker told The Sun. overly physical style. navirus cases at their club Shakhtar added. fit, then he plays him. “All I can do now is learn from it, apologize to “Giroud, if he plays up front it’s Donetsk. Giroud, meanwhile, is closing in After all, if Giroud’s everyone and ensure it never happens again.” because more than anything else he Griezmann has scored just 15 slowly on Thierry Henry’s record for criticised, we have all England plays Wales in a friendly on Thursday has the quality to play centre- times in 51 games since joining the France of 51 international goals. been criticised, even Pele! before Nations League matches against Belgium forward,” former UEFA President Catalans from Atletico Madrid in July Going into the Ukraine game, he and Denmark at home. Platini told AFP. 2019. has 40 to his name which is just one Former UEFA President When England’s players met up for interna- “And if Deschamps plays him, it’s Platini said the Barca attacker shy of Platini who ranks secondcond MiMichelchel PlPlatiniatini tional matches against Iceland and Denmark last because he thinks Giroud deserves would benefit from featuring in an behind Henry for the national teteamam month, Harry Maguire was withdrawn from the to play. It doesn’t interest me that he attack with a physical presence as with 41. squad ahead of the games after being convicted of is criticised. Deschamps knows how was the case at Atletico with Diego Platini, however, shrugss hishis assault in Greece. The defender has since been to do his job, he knows what he Costa. shoulders at the likelihood of slippingpping granted a retrial. should do and if he thinks Giroud is “I think Griezmann needs a down that particular ranking. Then, youngsters Mason Greenwood and Phil the best fit, then he plays him. After Giroud, a Costa, a guy in front of “It has no form of importance.ance. Foden were dropped from the squad for breaching all, if Giroud’s criticised, we have all him,” said Platini. I’m not an accountant. I’m happypy fforor coronavirus restrictions after playing against been criticised, even Pele!” Platini “Griezmann’s intelligence means Giroud, I’m happy for Thierry. I hophopee Iceland by meeting women from outside the team’s added. that he’s always where the ball lands. there will always be players wwhoho bio-secure bubble. Giroud is in line to make his You can say the opposite, the ball score a lot of goals for France,”e,” he Southgate left Greenwood and Foden out of his 100th appearance for les Bleus this always lands where he is. It’s the said. latest squad, but recalled Maguire. week and is likely to line up mark of anyone with an instinct for “Records are there to be beaten.eaten.. Raheem Sterling has been ruled out of all three alongside Barcelona’s Antoine the game. If Giroud beats my record, I’mm games because of an unspecified injury, England Griezmann in a game where the “However, Giroud is someone happy for France and for him.”” said yesterday. TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 09 F1: Turkish ICC forging ahead with 1st World GP to be held without fans Test Championship despite virus due to COVID-19 AP — DUBAI scheduled. Now they are The nine Test countries playing the competition were scheduled government this year in order working out what to do with to play six series home and away over a two-year period starting to secure waivers for elite REUTERS — ANKARA Cricket’s global governing the points from the series that in 2019. The top two teams in the standings would then meet in sportspeople coming into this body is forging ahead with haven’t been played,” Har- the final in June 2021. These are currently India and Australia. country,” he said. Formula One’s Turkish Grand plans to stage an inaugural rison said yesterday. “What I want to say is that Prix next month will be held World Test Championship “And how to distribute we will not sign off plans that without spectators due to the final in 2021, despite the those points, which is obvi- While England, India and Pakistan have played four series each, we are not comfortable with coronavirus outbreak, the disruption caused to the inter- ously going to be completely in terms of the health and Istanbul governor’s office said national game by the corona- material in terms of who ends four countries Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and wellbeing of our players and yesterday, as the event returns virus outbreak. up playing in that final,” he Bangladesh - have only played two. Australia and New Zealand staff.” to Istanbul after an absence of The International Cricket added. have played three series each. The ECB’s chief medical almost a decade. Council (ICC) devised the The nine Test countries officer, Nick Peirce, said there The Turkish Grand Prix, championship to give some playing the competition were was a concern that players and scheduled for November 13-15, context to dozens of Test series scheduled to play six series staff being moved between was put back on the Formula taking place around the world home and away over a two- a three-Test tour of Sri Lanka playing a world final in the UK, “endless bubbles” could affect One calendar in August. every year, finally giving the year period starting in 2019. failed because the countries’ I’m pretty sure you’d want to people’s mental health. Turkey last hosted a race five-day game its own stan- The top two teams in the two cricket boards couldn’t know you are safe and pro- “More importantly I don’t in 2011 at the Istanbul Park dalone showpiece to go with standings would then meet in agree to a 14-day mandatory tected when it comes to the think what’s helpful will be the circuit, which was popular World Cup finals in the ODI the final in June 2021. These quarantine period. health environment you are imposed prolonged quaran- among drivers but attracted and T20 formats. are currently India and The ECB chief said England heading into.” tines or unknown ways in small crowds. Having been forced to Australia. was keen to stage the final and After successfully hosting which governments will In order to boost attend- cancel its inaugural compe- While England, India and that the ICC’s preference Test, ODI and T20 matches in handle a positive test or people ances, Istanbul Park’s oper- tition in both 2013 and ’17, Pakistan have played four would be that it took place at isolated environments across who have come from a per- ators Intercity had sold tickets there were concerns the ICC series each, four countries - Lord’s, where the 50-over the English summer, the ECB ceived high-risk country,” at record-low prices for the would shelve its latest Sri Lanka, West Indies, South World Cup final was staged faces a challenging task Peirce said. 2020 weekend and announced attempts to hold the WTC final Africa and Bangladesh - have last year. arranging England’s winter “And, unfortunately, that as many as 100,000 fans next year because of so many only played two. Australia and “It’s the home of cricket on fixtures. Britain is escalating in terms would be allowed in. Test series being called off New Zealand have played an international level, and it It is hoped England can of the way it’s perceived is a However, the Istanbul amid the pandemic. three series each. certainly has a role to play in travel to South Africa, Sri risk.” Governor’s office announced The World Twenty20 With coronavirus restric- the positioning of Test cricket,” Lanka and India over the next The ECB said it lost about on Monday that the race finals, scheduled for October tions in place globally and Harrison said. seven months, but Harrison £100m ($127m) because of weekend would be held this year, have already been varying from country to “But we are talking about said the relationship between the coronavirus this year, without fans amid a rising canceled. country, all fixtures are a COVID environment and the governments and cricket leading to a 20% cut in its trend in coronavirus cases and However, Tom Harrison, unlikely to take place. when you put COVID into a boards in those countries workforce. deaths in Turkey, based on a Chief Executive of the England Bangladesh, for example, negotiations like this, it were different to that in Harrison said the financial recommendation by the and Wales Cricket Board has seen matches against changes everything. England. impact for 2021 could be as Istanbul Provincial Pandemic (ECB), said he has been Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka “If you are taking part in “Not everyone enjoys the much as £200m ($254m) if Council. notified by the ICC that the and New Zealand postponed, that fixture and you have collaborative relationship we home and away tours are “It was decided that the WTC final is “proceeding as and recent attempts to revive potentially two neutral teams have enjoyed with our disrupted. race be held without fans,” the governor’s office said in a The final of the first World statement. Test Championship is Tickets went on sale in scheduled in June 2021. early September, with organ- isers and officials saying there was great interest in the race. Intercity Chairman Vural Ak said in a statement yesterday that all tickets would be fully refunded, and added “human health is all of our priority.” “I am sure that even if it’s without fans, after the perfect hospitality we will show here, we will bring the races here next year and fill the stands together,” Ak said.

Italian Karter Botham introduced who threw Rabada, Stoinis earn Delhi bumper at as a peer in the big victory over Bangalore rival says House of Lords he's quitting AP — DUBAI (2-18) and Ravichandran REUTERS — LONDON AP — LONDON peer in the Lords, whose Brief Scores Ashwin (1-26) inside the first six members are mostly political Kagiso Rabada grabbed three overs paid off. An Italian who threw part Ian Botham swapped Lord’s for appointees, with a smattering wickets in four balls and Marcus Devdutt Padikkal holed out of his go-kart at a rival the House of Lords when he of hereditary nobles, judges Stoinis bludgeoned a half- Delhi Capitals 196/4 wkts in the deep in Ashwin’s first during a world champi- was introduced as a peer and clergy. century as Delhi Capitals surged in 20 overs (M Stoinis 53 over and Aaron Finch, who was onship final, prompting yesterday. Referred to as Baron to the top of the Indian Premier not out, P Shaw 42, R twice dropped in the first two 2009 Formula One The England cricket great Botham of Ravensworth, his League with a 59-run victory Pant 37, M Siraj 2/34) overs, was brilliantly snapped champion Jenson Button donned the traditional scarlet home village, in the chamber, over Royal Challengers up by Pant behind the wickets to call for a life ban, apol- and ermine-trimmed robe and the former cricketer will be Bangalore yesterday. beat Royal Challengers in Patel’s first over. ogised yesterday and said swore the oath of allegiance to known as Lord Botham. Stoinis hit 53 runs off 26 Bangalore 137/9 in 20 Top-scorer Kohli (43) he was leaving the sport. Queen Elizabeth II in a cer- “I, Ian Lord Botham, do balls to propel Delhi to 196-4 overs (V Kohli 43, K became the first Indian Coverage of the KZ emony that didn’t go according swear by almighty God that I after Bangalore captain Virat Rabada 4/24, A Patel batsman to score 9,000 runs in final on Youtube showed to plan initially. will be faithful and bear true Kohli won the toss and elected 2/18, A Nortje 2/22) Twenty20s when he reached 23-year-old Luca Corberi Technical problems allegiance to Her Majesty to field. Rabada then took 4-24 10, but the skipper couldn’t crashing out and then delayed the start of pro- Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and to restrict Bangalore’s reply at push the scoring rate against waiting by the side of the ceedings, with the speaker her successors, according to the 137-9. the spinners and was one of track for rival Paolo saying Botham’s words could law. So help me God,” he told “Delhi Capitals are playing Rabada’s wickets. Ippolito before hurling his not be heard outside the House. the House. some really good cricket,” Kohli Bangalore came back with Rabada found the inside kart’s bumper at him. “I think rain has stopped Botham is one of England’s said. three quick wickets after Prithvi edge of Kohli’s bat and then Nobody was hit. play just for the moment,” Lord greatest sport stars, retiring in “Their batting is fearless, Shaw blazed 42 off 23 balls at claimed Washington Sundar, Footage posted on Fowler said - in a nod to cricket 1992 with 102 matches, 383 they have got pace, they have the top of the order and pro- Shivam Dube and Isuru Udana social media showed parlance - to laughs in the wickets and 5,200 runs in Test got good spinners. I won’t say vided a quickfire start of 63-0 in the space of four balls to earn further fisticuffs after the chamber. cricket. they are unbeatable, but they in the first six overs. Delhi’s fourth win in five games. race at the South Garda Botham is a Brexit sup- He is best known for will be hard to beat. Against this But Stoinis’ arrival in the “Kudos to the boys ... it is circuit in Lonato, northern porter who was one of 36 new career-defining displays in the side, you have to bring your A 12th over at 90-3 revived Delhi. really important for us to get Italy. peers nominated by British comeback victory over Aus- game. We didn’t tonight.” He hit six fours and two sixes good recovery after the games,” The Gazzetta dello Prime Minister Boris Johnson tralia in the 1981 Ashes series. Stoinis made Bangalore as fast bowler Navdeep Saini Iyer said. Sport website said Corberi in August. He has been a TV commen- pay for a dropped catch on 30, finished with expensive figures “It is not easy when you are had posted an apology on He will sit as a non-party tator since retirement. and together with Rishabh of 48-0 off his three overs. in the bio-bubble. We try to get Facebook, before deleting Pant (37 off 25 balls) they put Delhi Capitals captain into team activities and get to it. up 89 runs off 41 balls for the Shreyas Iyer’s bold decision to know each other well,” he “There are no excuses fourth wicket. introduce spinners Axar Patel added. to explain why I did some- thing so shameful,” it quoted him saying. “I have decided not to Mishra out of IPL after injury take part in any other motorsport competition AFP — NEW DELHI top performers in league management for this unfor- for the rest of my life.” cricket. tunate injury.” Button suggested on India and Delhi Capitals’ leg- “(Mishra) sustained a flexor The world’s richest T20 Twitter that the Italian spinner Amit Mishra has been tendon injury to the ring finger league is being played in the deserved a life ban: “Luca ruled out for the remainder of his bowling hand whilst United Arab Emirates after Corberi just destroyed any of the Indian Premier League attempting to take a return being shifted out of India due chance he had at a racing (IPL) season after injuring his catch off his bowling (this Sat- to rising numbers of corona- career after his disgusting finger against the Kolkata urday),” IPL side Delhi Capitals virus cases. behaviour at the FIA Knight Riders, his team said in a statement issued Other players, including World champs,” said the yesterday. yesterday. Mishra’s Delhi teammate and Briton. A video grab from footage broadcast by the UK Parliament’s The 37-year-old, who last “Mishra will now consult Indian off-spinner Ravi- The governing FIA Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) shows former England played for India in a Twenty20 with a specialist over the next chandran Ashwin, have also said it had launched an cricket legend Ian Botham taking his seat in the House of Lords match against England in Feb- few days to determine the most faced injury scares during this immediate investigation. in London, yesterday. ruary 2017, has been one of the appropriate course of year’s IPL. Sport TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 08

England coach Relentless Butler propels Heat Eddie Jones to win over Lakers in game 3

AFP — MIAMI personal fouls. James also turned the ball over four The Miami Heat, fueled by a times as 10 Lakers turnovers 40-point triple-double from led to 11 Heat points. Jimmy Butler, clawed their “You just can’t turn the way back into the NBA ball over against this team,” Finals with a 115-104 victory said James, who finished with over the Los Angeles Lakers eight of the Lakers’ 20 turn- Rugby: Jones calls on Sunday. overs on the night. The under-manned, “And I take full responsi- up 12 uncapped under-sized, underdog Heat bility for that.” turned the tables on the Despite their sloppiness, Western Conference cham- the Lakers trailed by just players for early pions in the NBA’s quar- three after the first quarter. antine bubble in Orlando, Markieff Morris drained England camp cutting the deficit in the a three-pointer to knot the best-of-seven championship score less than a minute into series to two games to one. the second period. REUTERS — LONDON “I think we realized that Davis’s first points of the we belong,” Butler said. night, a three-pointer off an England coach Eddie Jones, restricted in his “They can be beat, as Jimmy Butler of the Miami assist from Rondo put the options by the ongoing Premiership season, Heat dunks the ball during long as we do what we’re Lakers up 32-30, and Rondo has included 12 uncapped players in an initial the first half against the Los supposed to do.” found Davis for an alley-oop 28-man training squad to begin preparations Angeles Lakers in Game Three Butler scored 40 points, of the 2020 NBA Finals. dunk that made it 34-33. for the delayed Six Nations game away to Italy pulled down 11 rebounds It looked like the Lakers on October 31. and handed out 13 assists to were poised to mount the England will also have a non-cap match power a Heat team missing for Anthony Davis, who was and fired a pass to Kelly Nunn added 17 points apiece kind of comeback they put against the Barbarians the week before, and injured Bam Adebayo and in foul trouble early and fin- Olynyk on the perimeter for for the Heat. Duncan Rob- together in game one, when later roll into the new Autumn Nations Cup Goran Dragic for the second ished with 15 points and just a three-pointer and the Heat inson scored 13 and Jae they surged back from a tournament. The new squad will convene on straight game. five rebounds in the defeat. were on their way. Crowder chipped in 12 for 13-point first quarter deficit Tuesday for a three-day training camp at a The injuries to Adebayo An 8-0 scoring run “They continued to make Miami. to win by 18. London hotel. “Our preparation to build the and Dragic were a huge capped by Rajon Rondo’s shots,” James said. With their backs against But the Heat kept the team for the Italy game starts now,” Jones said blow to the Eastern Con- driving layup saw the Lakers “We had some turn- the wall and plenty of pressure on. Butler scored 11 in a statement. ference fifth-seeded Heat’s take a 91-89 lead with 8:56 overs, we didn’t make shots. pundits predicting a Lakers points in the second quarter, “We have a three-day camp this week and hopes of pulling off a title left in the game. They came out and executed sweep, the Heat surged out Davis picked up his third another one next week. We’ll be slowly upset, but Miami, with Butler The Heat responded after we took the lead. of the gate and led by as personal foul and the Heat building up, working on the basics and working leading the way, declined to with an 8-0 run of their own Butler added two blocks many as 13 in an impressive took a 58-54 lead into on team cohesion.” back down. launched by Butler’s and two steals as he did a first quarter. halftime. Jones’s options have been limited by many Superstar LeBron James fadeaway jumper under stellar job defending James, In the face of stifling Miami opened the third players still being involved in the Premiership led the Lakers with 25 pressure in the paint. but said individual numbers defense, Davis had four quarter on a 10-0 scoring run, playoffs as well as European finals. An updated points, 10 rebounds and After James was whistled are meaningless at this stage. turnovers and didn’t get a and less than two minutes into squad will be confirmed ahead of England’s eight assists. for traveling, Butler cut Rookie sensation Tyler shot off in the first period the third Davis was whistled next training camp from Oct. 15-17. After the But it was a tough night through the Lakers defense Herro and reserve Kendrick while collecting two for his fourth foul. Rome trip, where a win could secure the Six Nations title, England face Georgia, Ireland and Wales and then a “decider” against a team from the other Nations Cup pool. England training squad: Rivera to coach Washington through treatment Backs: Ali Crossdale, Saracens* , Saracens , * REUTERS — WASHINGTON He shared his story with ABC’s if he misses practices or even- Nathan Earle, Harlequins* , “Good Morning America” tually is not well enough for game Saracens George Ford, Piers Washington football team head yesterday. day. Francis, Northampton Saints , coach Ron Rivera (pictured) plans “It’s who I am,” Rivera said of Friends and family purchased Northampton Saints , Gloucester to remain on the sideline through his plan to remain in his head- 400 cardboard cutouts for a section Rugby Joe Marchant, Harlequins , the final three weeks of his ongoing coaching role the rest of October of the stadium on Sunday to show Alex Mitchell, Northampton cancer treatment. during treatment. their support through the American Saints* , Gloucester Rugby* Ben Rivera appeared to be physi- “Listening to the doctors talking Cancer Society. Youngs, Leicester Tigers cally exhausted during Sunday’s about how important it is to try and The head coach said he didn’t Forwards: Jack Clement, Gloucester loss to the Baltimore Ravens. do as much of the routine as possible, know anything about the gesture, Rugby* Alex Dombrandt, Harlequins* Ellis He was diagnosed with but they also tell you, ‘Hey, be careful, which caused an emotional Genge, Leicester Tigers , Saracens squamous cell cancer in August, but listen to your body.’ And also, there’s reaction. Joe Heyes, Leicester Tigers* , has missed only two practices and other people watching me, so I’m just “As [ESPN anchor] Stuart Scott Saracens Simon Kerrod, Harlequins* Lewis part of another. trying to set the example.” said, ‘I have it; it doesn’t have me.’ Ludlow, Gloucester Rugby* Alex Moon, North- Rivera said doctors told him his Rivera has former NFL head And it’s not how far I have to go, ampton Saints* , Northampton prognosis is very good and a full coach Jack Del Rio, Washington’s but it’s how far I’ve gone,” Rivera Saints* , Gloucester Rugby Billy recovery is expected. defensive coordinator, to rely on said. Vunipola, Saracens , Saracens Mark Wilson, Newcastle Falcons Thomas sunk, Yates dropped in third Giro d’Italia stage

REUTERS — MOUNT ETNA, ITALY

Geraint Thomas’s Giro d’Italia challenge was effectively over before the first climb yesterday after the Ineos-Grenadiers rider was dropped during the third stage following an early crash. Britain’s 2018 Tour de France champion hit the ground in the neutral zone before the start and lost touch with the main pack ahead of the final ascent to Mount Etna, an 18.8km effort at an average gra- dient of 6.6%. Thomas ended the 150km stage some 12 minutes behind Team Education stage winner Jonathan Caceido First rider of Ecuador, who crossed the Ecuador’s line 51 seconds ahead of overall Jonathan contenders Jakob Fuglsang and Caicedo twice winner Vincenzo Nibali celebrates as he and 39 seconds before Dutch crosses the finish challenger Wilco line to win the Keldermann. third stage of On a bad day for British the Giro d’Italia riders, Simon Yates of the 2020, yesterday. Mitchelton-Scott team was dropped about nine km from the finish, losing 3:31 to the other leading overall contenders. “It was about limiting our regret celebrating his stage win to the rescheduled grand tour losses,” said Mitchelton-Scott before crossing the line. after Fuglsang’s Astana team sports director Matt White. “I cannot describe this were hit when key climber “It’s a long race, everyone feeling,” said Deceuninck- Miguel Angel Lopez crashed out has a bad day. Unfortunately for Quick Step rider Almeida, who in the opening time trial and co- us it’s early in the race.” will have to be closely moni- leader Alksandr Vlasov aban- “We’re looking at the race tored by the top contenders in doned with a stomach bug on from a different angle. Now the coming days. Sunday. we’re coming from behind,” he “It’s a dream come true. I Bad memories resurfaced said. tried to do my best on the climb for Welshman Thomas as he Portugal’s Joao Almeida and stay with the main pulled out of the 2017 Giro took the overall leader’s Maglia favourites for the general injured five days after hitting Rosa a fraction of a second classification.” the ground in a crash involving ahead of Caceido, who might It has been an eventful start a race motorbike.