South African rookie Binder wins Czech Moto GP page 15

MONday, AUGUST 10, 2020

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Final venue Lusail Stadium’s contruction making steady progress

Venue for the final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium is making steady progress and is taking shape. It will also become the centerpiece of Lusail City, Qatar’s city of the future. Its futuristic design takes inspiration from the bowls and vessels used in Qatar and the region for centuries. An impression (on right) of how the stadium will eventually appear when completed. (SC) Verstappen claims 70th Anniversary GP win as ‘sleeping’ Mercedes wilt Engineers move Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton’s car with AFP blisters on the tyres after the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone Silverstone in Northampton, England, on Sunday. (AFP)

Max Verstappen delivered Red Bull’s first victory at Silverstone since 2012 on Sunday when he Hamilton compares made the most of a superior strategy in sizzling conditions to beat both Mercedes and claim tyres to balloons, victory in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. feared explosion It was the Dutchman’s first victory of the season and the ninth of his career and the first AFP time a race had been won by a Silverstone driver who did not start on pole position in seven races since last Lewis Hamilton compared year’s Mexican Grand Prix. his Pirelli tyres to balloons on Verstappen owed his vic- Sunday after he and his Mer- tory to a team decision to start cedes team-mate Valtteri Bot- the race on hard compound tas suffered serious blistering tyres while his main rivals all problems at the 70th Anniver- launched from the grid on me- sary Grand Prix. diums, the two Mercedes men Just a week after his dra- Lewis Hamilton struggling to manage tyre-wear matic victory on three wheels, throughout the race. with a punctured fourth, at so they’re like balloons, you During the race, Red Bull Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen (R) leads Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas (top) through a corner during the F1 70th Anniversary the British Grand Prix, Ham- know? asked him to ease off, but he Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 9, 2020 in Northampton. The race commemorates the 70th anniversary of the inaugural world championship ilton admitted he was afraid “I’m not sure anyone else replied saying “I don’t want to race, held at Silverstone in 1950. (AFP) one of his tyres might explode. struggled with blistering like drive like a grand-ma” before Three cars had suffered we did so we’ll look into it.” the team relented. eighth for Renault ahead of Results hard compounds and Hamil- tyre failures at Silverstone Hamilton said he was Verstappen won by 11.326 Lando Norris of McLaren and 2020 Formula One world championship round five : ton, with blisters, took the lead last weekend, but Pirelli nervous in the car as he man- seconds ahead of championship Daniil Kvyat of Alpha Tauri. 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1 h 19:41.993, 2. Lewis Hamilton with 19 laps to go. pressed ahead with a decision aged his tyres. leader and six-time champion On a hot day, the track tem- (GBR/Mercedes) at 11.326, 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 19.231, 4. “Something’s wrong with to introduce softer tyres run- “That middle stint, even Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 29.289, 5. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Lewis Hamilton who passed perature was 43 degrees when Bull-Honda) 39.146, 6. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) 42.538, the car to make the left rear do ning at higher pressures than in the first one, I started Mercedes team-mate Valtteri the lights went out, Bottas cling- 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Racing Point-Mercedes) 55.951, 8. Esteban that, said Hamilton, who had previously, much to the con- to fall back to Max. I was Bottas in the closing stages. ing to the lead from his 13th ca- Ocon (FRA/Renault) 1:04.773, 9. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) an advantage of 11 seconds. cern of many teams. managing the tyres like you The Finn finished third. reer pole position. 1:05.b544, 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:09.669, 11. Pierre After his punctured win last The two Mercedes driv- couldn’t below. “I didn’t see that com- Unsurprisingly, Verstappen Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:10.642, 12. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) week, Hamilton was worried. ers finished second and “In the middle stint, one ing, but after the first stint it out-started Hulkenberg to take 1:13.370, 13. Carlos Sainz (ESP/McLaren-Renault) 1:14.070, 14. Daniel “The tyres aren’t going to third in an unexpected upset half was bald and the other seemed we were really good on third, the German making his Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) one lap, 15. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Alfa Romeo blow, right?” he asked. result that saw Red Bull’s half was ok. At the end, I tyres. I didn’t have any tyre is- first start since last year after his Racing-Ferrari) one lap, 16. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) one lap, For Hamil- Max Verstappen storm to his was driving with half a tyre! 17. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) one lap, 18. George sues at all - a great day for us,” call-up to replace Covid-19 vic- Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) one lap 19. Nicholas Latifi (CAN/ ton, a stop first win of the season and I was afraid it was going to said Verstappen. tim Sergio Perez. Williams-Mercedes) one lap was inevi- ninth of his career. explode.” Hamilton said: “That was At the front, Hamilton piled Fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.451 table and Hamilton said Mercedes Bottas was frustrated by a massive challenge, but con- pressure on his team-mate DNF: Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) it came on had struggled with their tyres both his tyre problems and gratulations to Red Bull. It was while at the back, after an un- lap 42 when and had no immediate answer his Mercedes team’s strategy definitely unexpected to have forced spin, Vettel slipped to World championship standings he locked up as to the problem. decisions. the blistering (on tyres) as hard 20th and last for Ferrari. Drivers: 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 107 pts, 2. Max Verstappen he entered the pit “It was a massive challenge “It was frustrating for us,” core as that.” He was back up to 14th by (NED) 77, 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 73, 4. Charles Leclerc (MON) lane. today,” he said. “But congratu- he said. Bottas, who started from lap nine as the pit-stops began 45, 5. Lando Norris (GBR) 38, 6. Alexander Albon (THA) 36 7. Back on hards, he lations to Red Bull, and to “My strategy was far from Lance Stroll (CAN) 28 8. Sergio Pérez (MEX) 22, 9. Daniel pole, said: “Very frustrating for and Verstappen, like Vettel on Ricciardo (AUS) 20, 10. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 16 11. reeled off fastest laps in Max. They did a great job. ideal and there are lots to me, to start from pole and fin- hard tyres, began to close in on Carlos Sainz (ESP) 15, 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 12, 13. pursuit before regaining “They didn’t have the learn from today. It was an ish third. the two Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 10, 14. Nico Hulkenberg third on lap 46 and problems that we had and it opportunity to win, from pole, “It’s not ideal and I think Almost immediately, (GER) 6, 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) 2 16. Daniil Kvyat then second on was unexpected for us to have and I had an opportunity to that as a team we were sleeping Hamilton admitted “my rears (RUS) 2 17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 1 lap 50. the blistering as hard-core as keep up with Max, but as soon at some points in the race. My are finished” shortly before Constructors: 1. Mercedes 180 pts 2. Red Bull- we experienced.” as I started to push the tyres strategy was far from ideal.” Bottas pitted, leaving Hamil- Honda 113, 3. Racing Point-Mercedes 56, 4. Ferrari 55, 5. He said he was glad to just fell apart. Hamilton’s podium fin- ton to fend off Verstappen be- McLaren-Renault 53, 6. Renault 36, 7. AlphaTauri-Honda 14, have survived the race with- “Blistering was an issue 8. Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2, 9. Haas-Ferrari 1. ish meant he equalled Michael fore he stopped to take a new out a puncture and to have for us and it seemed that Red Schumacher’s career record set of hards. found some pace to claim sec- Bull had none, so they had an of 155 podium finishes. It was This gave Verstappen the er wait than expected. By lap 25, blistering. ond at the finish. edge. Tyres just over-heat. also his record-extending 38th initiative ahead of Hulkenberg he led Bottas by 17 seconds and As if in response, Red “I’m grateful to have pro- It’s basically boiling. You get points scoring finish in a row. and Stroll with Bottas fourth, Hamilton by 20 with both bat- Bull matched Mercedes’ gressed like I did. I was push- holes in the tyres and then Charles Leclerc came home after re-joining, and Hamilton tling rapid tyre-wear. tactics on lap 33 when both ing pretty heavily. you just lose grip.” fourth after a sterling drive for fifth, adrift by 3.6 seconds. Finally, on lap 27, the Bottas and the leader pitted for “The team will work hard Verstappen’s first win of Ferrari ahead of Alex Albon The ‘Hulk’ soon pitted and Dutchman came in for medi- now identify our tyre prob- 2020, and ninth of his career, in the second Red Bull, Lance returned in seventh as the race ums allowing Bottas to pass him Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen lems. Pirelli had tyre fail- enabled him to leap-frog Bot- Stroll and his Racing Point settled to await Verstappen’s before he re-joined and swiftly lifts the trophy on the podium after ures last week - and then the tas and take second, 30 points team-mate Nico Hulkenberg. need for new rubber. re-passed the Finn. winnning the F1 70th Anniversary Grand pressure (tyre pressure) on behind Hamilton in the driv- Esteban Ocon finished For Mercedes, it was a long- In third, Hamilton reported Prix at Silverstone on Sunday. (AFP) them goes up and up and up ers’ championship. Sports Monday, August 10, 2020 13 S Korean star Jung wants to lead Al Sadd to continental glory

TNN/FIFA.COM go all the way and lift the tro- termined to follow their path,” Doha phy. I think our chances im- said Jung. proved when it was confirmed And although the current Al Sadd’s South Korea mid- that we’ll play our remaining Taegeuk Warrior star fondly fielder Jung Woo-young has games in Doha and won’t have Jung Woo-yung speak recalls those great World Cup said that his ultimate goal to travel. We’re determined to moments, he never thought is to lead Al Sadd to AFC get back to winning things.” On being in Qatar he’d be experiencing the tour- Champions League glory. Having shared a dressing “I never thought I’d love life here (in Qatar). Everyone is friend- nament for himself 16 years The combative midfielder, room at Al Sadd with Span- ly. I was delighted to find some Korean restaurants in Qatar. later at Russia 2018. who can also play in cen- ish legend Xavi Hernandez, That said, I still share traditional Qatari meals with “I never imagined I’d play tral defence , in a chat with who is now the team’s head (Al Sadd) club-mates when we have our training camps.” in the World Cup that early in FIFA.com also hailed Qa- coach, Jung considers himself my career, but with persistence tar’s amazing stadiums for lucky. “I remember I used to On winning the AFC Champions League and hard work I was able to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. watch him when he played at “We (Al Sadd) aim to go all the way and lift the AFC improve my game and secure a Jung started his profes- the 2002 World Cup. I contin- Champions League trophy. I think our chances improved when spot among the 23 players who sional experience overseas, ued to watch him as one of the it was confirmed that we’ll play our remaining games in Doha. went to Russia. It’s certainly playing for clubs in Japan stars of Barcelona and Spain. We’re determined to get back to winning things.” something I’m proud of.” and China PR from 2011 to He had a fantastic career. It After coming on as a sub- 2018. He then joined Al Sadd, was great playing alongside On FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stitute in the first two games, where he is in his second sea- him at Al Sadd, where we “It’s wonderful to drive by the stadiums. Right away you feel the defensive midfielder start- son. Having spent two years learned a lot from him. He is a a desire to play in them. We had several games at the Khalifa ed his side’s final group fixture in the country that will host great person and has a bright International Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. It’s against Germany. “After we’d the next edition of the global future as a coach.” amazing. I can imagine how the players who will be coming to lost to Sweden and Mexico, no showpiece, he is already well With two of the eight Qa- the World Cup in two years’ time are going to feel.” one expected us to even draw adapted to life in the Gulf. tar 2022 stadiums already with Germany. It was a diffi- “I never thought I’d love life opened, Jung has had the cult game against a team that here,” he said. chance to play in both of them. attacked non-stop, but we “Everyone is friendly and “It’s wonderful to drive by the were determined to win and that has helped me adapt to stadiums. Right away you our hard work ultimately paid this new lifestyle. In fact, I was feel a desire to play in them. tar 2022 qualifiers. He hopes the advantage to finish top of World Cup Korea/Japan. The finals, thousands of people off,” Jung explained. delighted to find some Korean We had several games at the his side continue their proud the group and make the final tournament, at which the Tae- would gather at the city’s sta- “We were very happy to restaurants in Qatar. That said, Khalifa International Stadium qualification record, which qualifying round.” geuk Warriors finished a very dium, which was used as a fan beat the defending world I still share traditional Qatari and Al Janoub Stadium in Al has seen them appear at every With eight points, Korea commendable fourth, was a zone to watch the national champions and prove we meals with club-mates when we Wakrah. It’s amazing. I can edition since Mexico 1986. Republic lie second behind turning point for thousands team in action. Jung Wooy- could compete with big teams. have our training camps. I love imagine how the players who “Yes, we have a long tradi- pacesetters Turkmenistan, of Koreans, who drew inspira- oung, only 13 at the time, at- We wanted to progress to the eating lamb.” will be coming to the World tion at the World Cup and we who are on nine, and level on tion from their team’s perfor- tended with his family and last 16, but luck wasn’t on our Jung has helped Al Sadd Cup in two years’ time are go- want to maintain this legacy. points with Lebanon. Howev- mance and used it to help set watched as his national he- side in the first two fixtures. to win the Qatar Stars League, ing to feel. I hope I’ll be in top The qualifiers have been very er, Korea Republic have a bet- their future goals. The World roes went all the way to semi- We certainly weren’t happy the Sheikh Jassim (Super) form then so that I can keep difficult, and opponents want ter goal difference (ten goals Cup’s impact, however, might finals. with our group-stage exit and Cup and the Qatar Cup. The my spot in the national team to deny us a place in the final scored and none conceded), have been greatest on the na- “I still recall those unfor- expected a lukewarm recep- AFC Champions League, how- and take part in this big tour- round. It’s true we’re in sec- which strengthens their tion’s young footballers, who gettable moments,” Jung told tion at home, but the moment ever, remains the team’s ul- nament.” ond position in our group, but chances of reaching the final were more motivated than FIFA.com. “We played very we came out of the airport, we timate goal. “Unfortunately, Now with another two we’ve played one game less. qualifying round and making ever to replicate the heroics well, beating one great side af- found thousands of fans wait- luck hasn’t been on our side at years’ international experi- Moreover, we’ll be playing Qatar 2022. of Ahn Junghwan and Lee ter the other. It felt wonderful ing for us. They thanked us for continental level. We exited at ence under his belt, Jung is three games [Turkmenistan, Jung also noted the fairy Woonjae, to name but two. watching them win games and our good performance. It was the semi-final stage in the last part of the Korea Republic Lebanon and Korea DPR] tale summer when South Ko- In Ulsan, a city that host- progress to the last four. What great to feel that appreciation two editions, but we aim to squad competing in the Qa- on home soil, which gives us rea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA ed three fixtures at the 2002 I saw first-hand made me de- from them,” he added. Messi inspires but Barca will Europa League need more against Bayern

AFP clubs this summer, endured Barcelona a particularly disappointing night. Yet Barcelona will have to Lionel Messi scored a bril- improve significantly to match liant solo goal as Barcelona Bayern, who advanced after put- saw off Napoli on Saturday but ting seven past Chelsea over two they are likely to need some- legs and are arguably favourites thing even more special from to win the tournament. their captain to beat Bayern “It’s going to be very com- Munich in the quarter-finals. plicated,” admitted Setien Manchester United’s players including Portuguese midfielder Bruno Messi’s weaving run and ahead of the quarter-final on Fernandes (centre) take part in a training session on the eve of the finish came between an early Friday. UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Copenhagen at Cologne Clement Lenglet header and a Messi now has four goals Stadium in Germany on Sunday. (AFP) Luis Suarez penalty, also won in his last three games and in by Messi, as Barca stormed a one-off match in Lisbon, the into a 3-0 lead in the first Argentinian is capable of any- Man United, Inter half at Camp Nou. But Lor- thing. enzo Insigne gave Napoli hope But Bayern have their own just before the interval and trump card in Robert Lewan- favourites in unique an unconvincing second pe- dowski and a more complete riod from Barcelona left them team that makes them heavy hanging on for a 3-1 win on the favourites to reach the semis. German finale night, 4-2 on aggregate. Napoli began an eventful “A second goal would have first half by hitting the post as AFP general public, strongly rec- given them a feeling of eupho- Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (right) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions Dries Mertens went close with Paris ommending the use of exclu- ria that can hurt you,” said League match against Napoli at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) a miskicked half-volley, only sive hotels – to which players Barca coach Quique Setien. for Lenglet to head in for Bar- Manchester United, Inter will largely be confined – in “It’s normal to get a little is a problem.” but failure in Europe, after a three weeks rest. ca from Ivan Rakitic’s corner Milan and Sevilla headline order to avoid potential cross- nervous.” After finishing five points turbulent domestic campaign, Napoli, whose own league after nine minutes. a quintet of former champi- contamination. In winning the penalty, behind Real Madrid in La Liga, would likely take the decision season only finished last week- Messi made it two after a ons travelling to Germany Masks will not be required Messi took a heavy kick from Barca resumed in the Champi- out of his hands. end, should have had the ad- barnstorming run in which for a remodelled eight-team for substitutes and coaching Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly ons League with doubts hang- Victory against Napoli vantage of rhythm but a disas- he fell to the ground only to straight knockout tourna- staff but they must maintain and needed treatment. ing over the form of the team eases the pressure but the trous opening half an hour left dart back up and bundle his ment that will crown the win- social distancing when seated, “It was a heavy knock,” and the future of their coach. performance will not inspire them with too much to do. way through three Napoli de- ner of a Europa League cam- with players instructed to limit said Setien. “It will have to be Setien said on Friday he confidence, even with Messi Koulibaly, linked with a fenders before curling into paign heavily disrupted by contact as much as possible treated but I don’t think there had not considered resigning seemingly rejuvenated after move to several elite European the far corner. the coronavirus pandemic. when warming up. Match balls All games from the quarter- will be disinfected before kick- finals onwards in this season’s off and at half-time. competition will be played be- United, the 2017 winners, hind closed doors as one-off face FC Copenhagen in Mon- UEFA Europa, Champions League big action on beIN SPORTS ties across four venues -- Co- day’s quarter-final in Cologne logne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf while Serie A runners-up Inter beIN SPORTS will continue to but Thomas Tuchel’s men are con- and Gelsenkirchen -- following take on Bayer Leverkusen in broadcast thrilling UEFA Europa fident that they can overcome Atal- a five-month interruption. a clash of former UEFA Cup League and UEFA Champions anta and qualify for the semi-finals. While a Champions League champions at Dusseldorf Arena. League matches live and exclu- Atalanta vs. PSG will be played at berth still awaits the victor of England forward Jesse sively in the Middle East and Benfica’sE stadio da Luz. the final in Cologne on August Lingard, who played in Unit- North Africa (MENA) with a host On Thursday (August 13), RB 21, much has changed since ed’s 2-0 win over Ajax in the of much-anticipated games for Leipzig will take on Diego Sime- the COVID-19 outbreak that final three years ago, is confi- viewers and subscribers to wit- one’s Atletico Madrid. The Ger- brought European football to dent the team can capture the ness heavyweights Manchester man side will want to qualify for a standstill in March. title for a second time. City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich their first vere UEFA Champions “There are rules and regu- “We can’t wait to get there and Paris Saint Germain in action League semi-finals and will push lations on the bubble that’s go- and play this game now. 100 competing for the coveted trophy. hard to get that win. The game ing to travel. We’ve got to stick per cent I want to win it again,” A total of seven thrilling UEFA Eu- will be played at Sporting Lisbon’s together, stay together in and Lingard told MUTV. ropa League matches and seven Estadio Jose Alvalade. around the hotel and the train- “Lifting a trophy is a spe- UEFA Champions League match- On Friday (August 14), the two ing ground,” United manager cial feeling and winning it be- es will be played in just 13 days giants Bayern Munich and Barce- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said fore you take that confidence (10 August to 23 August) – as lona go head to head in a thrilling of the strict health protocols forward. We have got a mix- the quarter-finals, semi-finals and matchup between Robert Lewan- clubs must respect. ture of youth and experience final will all be played in Germany dowski and Lionel Messi. The Players and staff will un- in the squad and for the young and Portugal respectively and in quarter final match. The game will Basel of Switzerland at the Arena Mecca Time. game will be played at Benfica’s dergo virus testing before de- lads to win their first trophy, it single-leg fixtures. be played at the Esprit Arena in AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. On The 2019/20 UEFA Champions Estadio da Luz. parting for Germany and again will be perfect for them.” The 2019/20 UEFA Europa Dusseldorf. England’s Manches- the same day, Wolverhampton League quarterfinals will be In the final last eight clash of on the eve of a match once ar- Should United advance to League quarterfinals will be ter United take on Copenhagen Wanderers will take on Sevilla played in Portugal and will also be UEFA Champions League, Pep riving, a process repeated for the last four they would face ei- played in Germany and in single of Denmark in a heated matchup. in an exciting match-up between single leg fixtures. Guardiola’s Manchester City will each subsequent game in the ther Sevilla -- who have won the leg fixtures. The game will be played at the the two teams. The game will On Wednesday (August 12), Italy’s take on France’s Lyon. final tournament. Europa League and its precur- On Monday (August 11), Italian RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. be played at the MSV-Arena in Atalanta take on French giants All UEFA Champions League quar- UEFA has advised teams sor, the UEFA Cup, a record five club Inter Milan will face Germa- On Tuesday (August 11), Duisburg. All UEFA Europa League Paris Saint Germain. PSG’s Kylian terfinal fixtures will be played at to travel on charter flights times – or Premier League rivals ny’s Bayer Leverkusen in the first Shakhtar Donetsk will face FC games will be played at 22:00 Mbappe will be doubtful to feature 22:00 Mecca Time (GMT +3). and minimise contact with the Wolves in Cologne on August 16. 14 Monday, August 10, 2020 Sports Four Al Sadd Players in ACL2018 ‘Dream Team’

QNA the public polls on the-AFC.com, Al Sadd’s centre-back Pedro ing the Qatari star as the left-back in Kuala Lumpur while an XI by OPTA, the official sta- Miguel clinched the fans’ vote for our XI. His 45% share of the vote saw tistics provider for the AFC, is also centre-back and he partners Perse- him hold off Kim Jin-su of Jeonbuk After more than 250,000 votes, included as a comparison. polis’ defender Shojae Khalilzadeh in Hyundai Motors (26%), Shuto Yama- the fans’ Best XI from the 2018 AFC Collecting a huge 89% of the our rearguard. moto of Kashma Antlers (19%) and Champions League has been decided votes, the popular Persepolis custo- Khalilzadeh edged out his club Guangzhou Evergrande’s Li Xuepeng with the final line-up featuring a host dian and 2018 runner-up was out in captain Jalal Hosseini, while Gen (9%). of standout performers from the front by some distance, with Kashima Shoji of Kashima Antlers, Tianjin’s Siamak Nemati more than played competition. Antlers’ three-time AFC Champions Kwon Kyung-won and Jeonbuk his part in what was Persepolis’ best The 2018 AFC Champions League winner Kwoun Sun-tae (10%) Hyundai Motors’ Choi Bo-kyung AFC Champions League perfor- League was filled with classic match- coming second. were also in the running. mance to date and the fans have re- and third most votes respectively, Persepolis’ fierce rivals Esteghlal. es, nail-biting moments and fabulous Esteghlal’s attacking full-back Abdelkarim Hassan’s perfor- warded him with a whopping 68% of taking up the other two spots. Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah, individual performances and, after Khosro Heydari (92%) was way out mances in Al Sadd’s 2018 campaign the votes. There were plenty of super strik- who was the tournament’s top scorer, reviewing the competition’s key play- in front ahead of Jeonbuk Hyundai were so impressive that they helped Nemati takes the right side of our ers to choose from to lead our front- rounds out our three-man attack in ers, we present the ‘Dream Team’ as Motors Lee Yong (4%), Kashima Ant- him win the AFC Player of the Year three-man midfield with countryman line but, ultimately, it was Persepo- this exciting-looking all-star team voted by you, the fans. lers’ Koki Anzai (3%) and Guangzhou award at the end of the campaign and Farshid Esmaeili and Barcelona leg- lis targetman Ali Alipour who came from the 16th edition of the AFC 11 players who made the cut on Evergrande’s Zhang Linpeng (2%). the fans have reflected this too, nam- end Xavi, who received the second out on top ahead of Mame Thiam of Champions League.

Al Rayyan’s Boli out for four weeks Al Rayyan striker Johan Boli has been ruled out for four weeks Johnson and Koepka set for with a second degree tear, the club announced on Sunday. Boli picked up the injury last week- end ahead of the club’s match against Al Sailiya. The French- another PGA final showdown born Ivorian has been a major boost to Al Rayyan’s attack with AFP seven goals so far since joining San Francisco the club in January.

Dustin Johnson shot a 65 Saturday to put himself on course for another mouth-wa- tering final round showdown at a PGA Championship with two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka. Johnson and Koepka are no strangers at the PGA Cham- pionship as Johnson nearly chased down Koepka in the final round last year at New York’s Bethpage Black before Stokes to miss rest of losing by two shots. “I’ve been in the hunt a bunch of times in a major. I’ve Pakistan Test series got one major, so having that experience is definitely going to be beneficial tomorrow,” for family reasons said 2016 US Open champion Dustin Johnson of the United States watches a shot from the 15th tee Johnson. during the third round of the 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Brooks Koepka of the United States chips to the 13th green as Ricky AFP Johnson’s five-under 65 on Park in San Francisco, California, on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) Elliott looks on during the third round. (Getty Images/AFP) Manchester Saturday got him to nine under (USA) 69-69-65, Paul Casey (ENG) 68-67-68 for the tournament and a one- down the stretch on the back but also a few poor ones.” in Memphis. 204 - Justin Rose (ENG) 66-68-70, Tommy Fleetwood England star Ben Stokes shot lead over fellow Americans nine.” Johnson’s 65 was his eighth Johnson said the key to win- (ENG) 70-64-70, Daniel Berger (USA) 67-67-70, Bryson will miss the concluding two Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Like rugged Bethpage Black, straight round in the 60s at a ning his second career major is DeChambeau (USA) 68-70-66, Tony Finau (USA) 67-70- Tests against Pakistan for 67, Jason Day (AUS) 65-69-70 Champ at TPC Harding Park in TPC Harding Park is a munici- PGA Championship. His eight to stay focused and not worry 205 - Li Haotong (CHN) 67-65-73, Kim Si-Woo (KOR) family reasons, the England San Francisco. History-chasing pal layout that is playing like birdies are the most he has about the leaderboard. 69-68-68, Joel Dahmen (USA) 69-68-68, Xander and Wales Cricket Board an- American Koepka is tied for a major championship course made in any round of a major, “I’m going to just try and Schauffele (USA) 66-70-69, Matthew Wolff (USA) nounced on Sunday. fourth with two others, just two with narrow fairways and deep, bettering the seven birdies he go out and shoot as low as I can 69-68-68 Stokes’s father Ged was 206 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70-67-69, Michaël strokes back of the long-hitting patchy rough that swallows er- made at the 2017 PGA Cham- tomorrow,” he said. “Just take Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 66-68-72, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) admitted to hospital in Jo- Johnson. rant tee shots. pionship and the 2014 British what the golf course gives me. It 68-68-70 hannesburg two days before “I’ve been in contention a “I definitely need to hit some Open. doesn’t really matter what other 207 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-69-68, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) Christmas last year with a seri- lot, and I’ve got it done a lot of more fairways, because it’s real- But his results have been guys are doing. All I can control 70-67-70, Webb Simpson (USA) 71-68-68, Brendon Todd ous illness while following his times,” said the 36-year-old ly tough playing this golf course mixed in 2020 as he missed the is myself.” (USA) 65-70-72, Patrick Reed (USA) 68-70-69, Patrick son’s progress with the Eng- Cantlay (USA) 73-68-66, Lanto Griffin (USA) 68-68-71, Johnson. “I’ve got to hit fair- from the rough,” said Johnson. cut at the Memorial, withdrew Leading scores after Saturday’s third round land cricket team during their 201 - Dustin Johnson (USA) 69-67-65 Harold Varner III (USA) 72-66-69, Ian Poulter (ENG) ways and a lot of greens. If I can “Obviously the bunkers, too, are from the 3M Open with a bad 202 - Scottie Scheffler (USA) 66-71-65, Cameron Champ 73-68-66. 208 - Kevin Kisner (USA) 67-73-68, Keith tour of South Africa. do that tomorrow, I’m going very tough. I had a few nice up- back after an opening 78 and (USA) 71-64-67 Mitchell (USA) 68-72-68, Victor Perez (FRA) 70-69-69, Ged Stokes, a former New to have a good chance coming and-downs out of the bunkers, finished 12th at the WGC event 203 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 66-68-69, Collin Morikawa Adam Scott (AUS) 68-70-70. Zealand rugby league inter- national, underwent three op- erations and spent 37 days in hospital, with his conditions initially described as “critical” Lydia Ko surges clear at before it stabilised. Tiger Woods suffers He has since continued his recovery in New Zealand. LPGA Marathon Classic Despite his father’s health problems, Stokes was named AFP more putting woes player of the series in Eng- Washington land’s 3-1 Test series win over AFP der par for the tournament,” didn’t come until the 16th hole South Africa. A late flurry of birdies left Lydia San Francisco he said. when he drained a 14 footer to Ko in pole position at the LPGA Woods had four bogeys get to three over for the tour- ‘Strong and stubborn’ Marathon Classic on Saturday An out of sorts Tiger Woods on Saturday, including one nament. Stokes, however, spent time as the former world number struggled on the greens for stretch of three straight on the Wood’s best shot of the at Ged’s beside when Eng- surged into a four-shot lead the second straight day as his back nine, beginning at the day was his approach on 18. land returned to Johannes- Ben Stokes. heading into the final round. PGA Championship hopes par-three 11. He hammered an iron shot burg for the fourth Test at The 23-year-old New Zea- evaporated on Saturday. That came after he made 209 yards from the fairway to the Wanderers. ing the Workington rugby land star rattled off two birdies Woods, who barely made par on No. 10, a hole he had just five feet of the flag stick to He later posted a picture league club and grew up in the in her final three holes to card a the cut on Friday afternoon, birdied the first two days. set up the birdie. of his father leaving hospital, nearby West Cumbrian town of three-under-par 68 and move shot a two-over 72 for the sec- Woods salvaged some Heading into Saturday’s praising him as “strong and Cockermouth. to 16-under at Highland Mead- ond straight round at the TPC pride by making birdie on round, Woods needed to vault stubborn”. Ged and his wife Deb, ows in Sylvania, Ohio. Harding Park in San Francisco. two of his final three holes, past 42 other golfers to get “Stokes will leave the UK Stokes’s mother, have since re- It was the second straight It means the 44-year-old’s clos- ing his round with a to the top of the leaderboard later this week and travel to turned to New Zealand. day that Ko finished strongly. hopes of a 16th major title are five-foot at an event he has won four New Zealand,” said an ECB After impressing in youth On Friday, Ko had birdied the all but extinguished. birdie times previously. statement issued Sunday. cricket, Ben Stokes, now aged 17th and 18th holes to move into “I am frustrated I didn’t putt on Woods said there is much “He will miss England’s two 29, made his name in the first- a one-stroke second round lead get anything going early,” No. 18. more parity among the top Test matches against Pakistan class game with Durham. with a six-under-par 65. Lydia Ko of New Zealand at the said Woods, who finished But his players on the Tour than when at the Ageas Bowl (starting) on At international level, he Ko later revealed that she second hole during the third three rounds at two-over first birdie he went through his dominat- Thursday 13 August and Friday established himself as a lead- had been bothered by a sore round of the Marathon LPGA 212. “I got a couple of bad of the ing run. 21 August. ing all-rounder, starring against back during her round. Classic at Highland Meadows angles and miss shots in day “It is getting tighter and “The England and Wales his native New Zealand during “It started hurting a little Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, US, spots I can’t play from and I harder to win events,” he said. Cricket Board, along with the England’s dramatic Super Over bit,” Ko said. “I think the key on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) made bogeys. “When I look at leaderboard I Stokes family, requests that all win in last year’s World Cup fi- for me tomorrow is even if it “I am happy with the see the same handful of guys. media respects the family’s pri- nal at Lord’s. doesn’t feel 100%, just to go out one-under-par 70 after a round way I finished. It was just “They understand how to vacy at this time.” A quad injury has seen pace- there and hit it confidently and that included three birdies and a fight all day and I didn’t win the majors and how to Outstanding all-rounder man Stokes largely deployed as aggressively. two bogeys. get anything going.” plod along. Stokes played in the England a specialist batsman in recent “Even though the pain is Kang was unhappy with Woods is 10 strokes “The guys who understand side that beat Pakistan by three matches. there I feel like when I hit it her failure to make the most back of second round how to play tough golf courses wickets at Old Trafford on Sat- He did not bowl at all dur- hard, my body is not flinching of several birdie chances that leader Li Haotong with will be up there, crowds or no urday to go 1-0 up in three- ing England’s series-clinching over that area. I just have to not presented themselves during a host of former ma- crowds.” match series. win over the West Indies at Old worry about it.” her round. jor champions near The Harding Park tourna- The England vice-captain Trafford last month and sent After a day of low scoring “Frustrating, annoying and the top of the leader- ment is being played without has been an ever present in down just four overs, albeit for in the second round, the field irritating,” Kang said when board, including two- spectators due to the corona- the side this season and led the a return of 2-11, in the Paki- found the going tougher on Sat- asked to summarize her display. time defending cham- virus restrictions. team in Joe Root’s absence dur- stan opener at the Manchester urday with pin positions making LPGA Marathon Classic leading pion Brooks Koepka. Woods, who usually plays ing the series opener against ground. for a more challenging set-up. scores after s third round: Woods hopes to re- in front of packed galleries the West Indies last month – a His absence from the re- After two birdies and a bo- 197 - Lydia Ko (NZL) 64-65-68 bound Sunday with a solid cheering him on, isn’t using match regular skipper Root mainder of the three-match gey in her first six holes, Ko 201 - Danielle Kang 64-67-70 round to take some momen- the lack of crowds as an excuse. missed to attend the birth of his Pakistan series could lead to a went on a run of nine consecu- 203 - Minjee Lee (AUS) 68-67- tum into a very busy stage of second child. Test recall for top-order bats- tive pars before she began to 68, Jodi Ewart Shadoff (ENG) the PGA Tour season. Tiger Woods plays his shot from Although born in Christch- man Zak Crawley, who was left pull away down the stretch with 67-63-73 “I still have the last round the 12th tee during the final round urch on the South Island of out to balance the side when her late birdies. 204 - Lindsey Weaver 68-69-67 of a major to play. Hopefully of the 2020 PGA Championship at New Zealand, Stokes came to England felt they needed to That left her four clear of 205 - Maria Fernanda Torres tomorrow I will shoot some- TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, England as a 12-year-old when play another bowler because of Danielle Kang, who battled to a (PUR) 70-68-67. thing in red and get it to un- California, US, on Saturday. (AFP) his father Ged got a job coach- Stokes’s fitness problems. Sports Monday, August 10, 2020 15 South African rookie Binder wins Czech MotoGP on ‘insane’ bike AFP Brno (Czech Republic) Czech Grand Prix Results Brad Binder created a series 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 41min 38.764sec, of firsts as he won the Czech 2. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) at MotoGP on Sunday to make 5.266sec, 3. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati- A file photo of Badr Al Darwish, Secretary-General of the Qatar and come true “a day I dreamed Avintia) 6.470, 4. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) Asian Equestrian Federations, with Salman Mohammed Al Emadi, 6.609, 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi and Nasser Al Ghazali podium finishers about since I was a little boy”. 7.517, 6. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM-Tech3) It was the 24-year-old 7.969, 7. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha- of the Hathab Big Tour showjumping Round 6 of the Longines Qatar Binder’s first MotoGP win in SRT) 11.827, 8. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ Equestrian Tour 2019-20 earlier this year. (Pic: Mohamed Tinakicht) only his third race in the elite Honda-LCR) 12.862,9. Jack Miller (AUS/ division, it was also a first vic- Ducati-Pramac) 15.013, 10. Aleix Espargaro tory at this level by a South (ESP/Aprilia) 15.087 Organising committee’s efforts African and for the KTM team. Moto2: 1. Enea Bastianini (ITA/Kalex) 39min Binder opened his MotoGP 13.926sec, 2. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex)at applauded as showjumping 0.423sec, 3. Joe Roberts (USA/Kalex) 5.948, account at the main expense 4. Luca Marini (ITA/Kalex) 8.797, 5. Augusto of Italian Franco Morbidelli on Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 9.392 series Hathab returns Yamaha’s satellite SRT bike and Moto3: 1. Dennis Foggia (ITA/Honda) 39min Frenchman Johan Zarco on a 06.370sec, 2. Albert Arenas (ESP/KTM) at Tribune News Network adopted by the authorities in Ducati-Avintia who came third. 0.205, 3. Ai Ogura (JPN/Honda) 0.251, 4. Doha the country to limit the spread “My team put an absolutely Niccolo Antonelli (ITA/Honda) 0.381,5. John of Covid-19. There is great co- insane motorbike underneath McPhee (GBR/Honda) 0.509. The return of the national ordination between all the par- me this weekend,” said Binder. Championship standings equestrian series Hathab – ties, which has shown in the MotoGP (after 3 races): “I had no idea we were ca- 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA) 59 points, 2. Longines Qatar Equestrian smooth conduct of the event,” pable of winning but I had a Maverick Vinales (ESP) 42, 3. Franco Morbidelli Tour 2019-20 – with the 10th Al Darwish said. feeling it could be good.” Red Bull KTM Factory Racing´s South African Brad Binder rides his bike during the Moto GP Czech Grand (ITA) 31, 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) 31, 5. Brad leg of the annual 12-round “I take this opportunity to Behind closed doors on Prix at Masaryk circuit in Brno, Czech Republic, on Sunday. (AFP) Binder (RSA) 28, 6. Johann Zarco (FRA) 28, 7. competition at the Qatar thank all those who put in great a hot and sunny afternoon, Valentino Rossi (ITA) 27, 8. Takaaki Nakagami Equestrian Federation (QEF) efforts to get the season restart- Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (JPN) 27, 9. Jack Miller (AUS) 20, 10. Alex Rins after a four-month forced ed. The organising committee (Yamaha-SRT), winner of the (ESP) 19, 11. Pol Espargaro (ESP) 19, 12. break due to the coronavi- teams took exceptional care in first two rounds of the season Miguel Oliveira (POR) 18, 13. Alex Marquez rus pandemic highlighted the putting everything together. and world championship lead- My team put an (ESP) 13, 14. Joan Mir (ESP) 11, 15. Danilo efforts and hardwork put in by We are following the safety ad- Petrucci (ITA) 11, 16. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) er, finished seventh to increase absolutely insane 9, 17. Tito Rabat (ESP) 7, 18. Aleix Espargaro the organisers. visory issued by the Ministry of his lead in the riders’ stand- motorbike underneath me (ESP) 6, 19. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) 6, 20. The 10th round conclud- Public Health (MOPH). Offi- ings to 17 points over Spaniard Bradley Smith (GBR) 5. ed at the QEF showjumping cials of the Qatar Red Crescent Maverick Vinales (Yamaha) this weekend. I had no Moto2 (after 4 races): arena on Saturday and the re- Society are also present at the who was only 14th in the GP. idea we were capable of 1. Enea Bastianini (ITA) 73 points, 2. Luca maining two rounds are now venue,” Al Darwish added. With reigning champion winning but I had a Marini (ITA) 58, 3. Tetsuta Nagashima (JPN) scheduled for August 14 and Earlier, Omar Al Mannai, Marc Marquez still absent 55, 4. Sam Lowes (GBR) 46, 5. Aron Canet 15th, and the finale from Au- Vice-Chairman of the LOC for nursing a broken arm, Binder feeling it could be good. (ESP) 36 gust 27th to 29th. Longines Hathab, said that Moto3 (after 4 races): followed Quartararo in grab- – Brad Binder 1. Albert Arenas (ESP) 70 points, 2. Ai Ogura The Hathab series riders and members of the bing his chance. (JPN) 52, 3. John McPhee (GBR) 51, 4. Tatsuki launched in 2017 carries a total organising teams underwent Binder was the first rookie Suzuki (JPN) 44, 5. Raul Fernandez (ESP) 36. prize of QR1.5mn and is an ini- mandatory coronavirus tests MotoGP winner since Mar- While it was Zarco’s seventh tiative of HE Sheikh Joaan bin before the restart. quez in 2013 and he was fol- podium it was a first for Avin- Arenas extended his world Hamad Al Thani, President, “We conducted the tests lowed home by two more sur- tia the team he joined after he championship lead. Qatar Olympic Committee. following the advisory from the prising front-runners. Winner Red Bull KTM Factory Racing´s South African Brad Binder cel- struggled with KTM last season. A second Honda rider, Badr Al Darwish, Secre- Qatar Olympic Committee and For Morbidelli it was a first ebrates during the winner’s ceremony after the Moto GP Czech Grand In Moto2, Italian Enea the Japanese Ai Ogura, came tary-General of the Qatar and the MOPH. The health and safe- podium finish. “It was a nice Prix at Masaryk circuit in Brno, Czech Republic, on Sunday. (AFP) Bastianini of Kalex led from third for his second podium Asian Equestrian Federations ty of everyone involved with our race overall, I started well, I start to finish to claim a sec- of the season. on Saturday applauded the sport is very important to us,” did what was in my plan, to but dropped down the field he crashed.” ond straight victory and climb The motorcycling caravan efforts of the organising com- Al Mannai said. make my rhythm and don’t with a poor start. He held on The officials judged the to the top of the world cham- heads to Austria for two events mittee in resuming the 2019- Hathab means ‘Canter’ in overcook the tyres,” he said. to third despite disintegrating Frenchman was at fault and he pionships. at the Red Bull Ring in Spiel- 20 Longines Hathab Series Arabic, and the annual cham- Afer Binder overtook him tyres and a penalty imposed had to ride a ‘long lap’ which Britain’s Sam Lowes was berg on August 16 and 23. behind closed doors. pionship is aimed at improv- on lap 13 and pulled clear, Mor- for a collision with Pol Espara- meant following an outside second while Joe Roberts of The MotoGP field will “The resumption of Hathab ing the standard of horse rid- bidelli concentrated on pre- go which put the Spanish KTM lane on the big seventh turn. the United States third. again be without the recu- shows the commitment of ing among Qatari youths while serving his first podium finish. man out of the race. “When I did the long lap, I Another Italian, Den- perating Marquez as well as the organising committee to- encouraging the involvement of “I won’t do anything silly “He went wide. I was in, expected three riders to over- nis Foggia of Honda, won Italian Francesco Bagnaia wards the sponsors and rid- private stables and individual and try to bring the bike to the keeping the line and when take me. No one overtook and his first Grand Prix in the (Ducati-Pramac), who fell in ers to these competitions. The horse owners to grow aware- end and catch my first podium.” we touch,” said Zarco. “I did at that moment, I said, OK third tier Moto3 level earlier, practice at Brno on Friday and committee has adhered to ness of horsemanship as part Zarco started from pole not expect it and I think that that can be good,” Zarco said. while second placed Albert broke a leg. the precautionary measures of Qatar’s history and tradition. Warren and Pacers hand Lakers another loss AFP All games are being played in the extra period on the way land in the West playoff fight. Miami in a quarantine bubble at Walt to victory. Devin Booker led Phoenix Disney World in Orlando, Slovenian guard Luka Don- with 35 points while Bahamas T.J. Warren scored 39 points Florida, due to the coronavi- cic had an impressive triple big man Deandre Ayton added as the in-form Indiana Pacers rus pandemic that halted the double for Dallas with a game- 18 points and 12 rebounds. inflicted a 116-111 defeat on season in March. high 36 points, a career-high Paul George scored 21 LeBron James and his stutter- The Pacers improved to 19 assists and 14 rebounds. points despite being rested in ing Los Angeles Lakers, who 4-1 since the restart, closing the final minutes as the Los have lost three in a row as the with a 13-5 run to beat the ‘It’s make or miss’ Angeles Clippers beat Port- NBA playoffs approach. Western Conference top seed “We just keep improving,” land 122-117, hurting the Trail Deceuninck-Quick Step rider Remco Evenepoel. Indiana’s win ensured Lakers, who fell to 2-4 in the Doncic said. “We have to keep Blazers’ playoff bid. the NBA’s top regular-season bubble and 51-18 overall. playing like this.” The Clippers, already rest- record will belong to the Mil- That was despite 31 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo ing star Kawhi Leonard for Injured Jakobsen’s waukee, despite the Bucks eight rebounds and seven as- and Brooks Lopez each scored load management, improved losing 136-132 to Dallas in sists from three-time NBA 34 to lead Milwaukee. to 47-22, second in the West. over-time. champion James -- the only LA Indiana and Miami, likely C.J. McCollum scored 29 to teammate Evenepoel “I just feel like I’m in a starter in double figures. An- first-round playoff foes fight- lead Portland, which also had groove,” Warren said. “As a thony Davis went 3-of-14 from ing for the fourth seed, meet 22 points from Damian Lillard wins Tour of Poland team, we’re in a groove, good the floor for only eight points. Monday and Friday. and reserve Gary Trent Jr. and rhythm, high energy, we come “This stretch right here... The Lakers open the play- 21 from Carmelo Anthony. AFP the GC home - I think that we out with a lot of effort. it’s going to strengthen us,” offs against the winner of a Rodney McGruder, a 26 Krakow can only say that we have been “We’re just together. We’ve Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. six-team fightfor the last play- percent shooter from three- dominating this race,” he added. just got to keep the chemistry “We’re playing against off spot in the West. point range, connected from Fabio Jakobsen’s fellow Belgian Evenepoel, 20, was hot. We just have to keep it up great defenses. That’s the best Phoenix improved to 5-0 beyond the arc to put the Clip- Deceuninck-Quick Step rider 1 minutes 52 seconds ahead of heading to the playoffs.” way to prepare you. I’m opti- in the bubble, the team’s long- pers ahead 118-117 with 26 Remco Evenepoel won the Dane Jakob Fuglsang in sec- The Bucks (55-15) won’t mistic about our game overall.” est win streak since 2014, by seconds remaining. Lillard Tour of Poland on Sunday as ond with Briton Simon Yates have the home court advan- Dallas ended with a 7-0 beating Miami 119-112. The missed two free throws and LA team-mate Davide Ballerini in third after five days of racing tage that usually comes with run to force overtime at 119- Suns (31-39) moved a half- sank four free throws in the fi- clinched the fifth and final in the 77th edition of the event. the top mark. 119, then scored the first nine game behind ninth-place Port- nal seconds to seal the victory. T.J. Warren of the Indiana Pacers. stage in Krakow. Team Ineos’ Richard Cara- Jakobsen was injured in a paz pulled out after a crash horrifying crash on the race’s on Saturday despite leading opening day earlier in the week the overall standings before and awoke from a medically- Evenepoel grabbed the yellow Halep undecided on US Open, fears ‘tough conditions’ induced coma on Thursday. jersey with a 51km solo win on “For the team the hardest stage four. AFP video conference. and very safe so I feel safe,” but I feel ready,” added Halep, part of this race was the situ- Italian Ballerini powered Prague “I don’t want to put my- said Halep. who is facing Slovenian world ation with Fabio,” Evenepoel to victory in a bunched sprint self into that stress. As I said The organisers of the number 45 Polona Hercog in said after his ninth victory of by pipping Bora Hansgrohe’s Reigning Wimbledon I haven’t decided yet, but the Prague tournament put all the first round in the Czech the season. Pascal Ackermann in second champion Simona Halep said conditions are tough for me at players and staff in a single capital. “We’ve been through a lot of and Team Sunweb’s Alberto on Sunday she had not yet de- this moment.” eight-storey hotel booked for Untypically, Halep has emotions this week and if you Dainese after 188 kilometres cided whether to play at the World number one Ash- the occasion to reduce the risk also signed up for the doubles see how we finish it off - two which finished with three laps US Open but added she dread- leigh Barty has said she is of COVID-19 contagion. competition together with lo- stage wins in a row and we take in the southern city. ed “tough conditions” posed skipping the US Open amid Regular temperature cal veteran Barbora Strycova, by the journey. the virus spread, just like Kiki checks are a must, just like the world number two for Results “I haven’t made the final Bertens, Elina Svitolina or Ra- face masks which the players doubles. decision yet,” said the 28-year- fael Nadal. have to wear unless they are “I play with the Wimble- Stage results Overall results old Romanian, who will be Halep, who pulled out of playing, training or eating. don champion so I’m very 1. Davide Ballerini (ITA/DEC) at 4 hours 31 1. Remco Evenepoel (BEL/DEC) at 21 hours 29 playing a WTA tournament the first post-lockdown WTA Despite the tough meas- nervous about that,” said Ha- minutes 22 seconds, 2. Pascal Ackermann minutes 50 seconds, 2. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/ on a clay court in Prague next tournament in Palermo this ures, Halep relished the return lep, who is now 149th in dou- (GER/BOR) at same time, 3. Alberto Dainese AST) at 1min 52secs, 3. Simon Yates (GBR/MIT) week. week over virus concerns, is to tennis. bles, way below her all-time (ITA/SUN) s.t, 4. Ryan Gibbons (RSA/DDT) s.t, 5. 2:28, 4. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 2:32, 5. Diego “The travelling from Eu- now in Prague as the top seed. “I’m happy to be back, high of 71st in 2017. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE) s.t, 6. Rudy Barbier Ulissi (ITA/UAE) 3:09, 6. Kamil Malecki (POL/ (FRA/ISN) s.t, 7. Sebastian Molano (COL/UAD) CCC) 3:12, 7. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) rope is a little bit tough with This is her first trip abroad I’m happy to be healthy,” “But I’m sure we will s.t, 8. Phil Bauhaus (GER/BAH) s.t, 9. Szymon 3:15, 8. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN/TJV) 3:18. 9. changing flights -- we don’t since February as she spent said Halep. have fun. I’m sure that she Sajnok (POL/CCC) s.t, 10. Albert Torres (ESP/ Mikel Nieve (ESP/MIT) same time, 10. Rui Costa have straight flights -- so it’s the lockdown in her native Ro- “It’s a bit weird after so will understand if I miss easy MOV) s.t. (POR/UAE) 3:19. going to be tough for me per- mania. “I’m a bit nervous but many months to play a tour- balls at the net, and I hope Simona Halep of Romania. sonally, mentally,” she told a things are very controlled here nament, I’m a bit nervous... we’ll enjoy it.”