FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 4 A life of excess: Ackermann Maradona wins stage 9 turns 60 in aft er Bennett self-isolation relegated

Friday, October 30, 2020 MOTOR RACING Rabia I 13, 1442 AH Mercedes set for GULF TIMES seventh team title and F1 fi rst at Imola SPORT Page 6

AMIR CUP Injury-hit Al Arabi still confi dent of reaching fi nal Hallgrimsson wary of Markhiya, who beat fancied Al Gharafa in the last 16 and Al Rayyan in the quarter-final

By Sports Reporter Doha

he uncertainty over the avail- ability of key players has cast a shadow over Al Arabi’s Amir Cup semi-fi nal against Al MarkhiyaT today. As many as fi ve play- ers were absent from Arabi’s draw with Al Wakrah in the QNB Stars League last week, with coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admitting yesterday, “We’re in a race against time.” While key forward Mohamed El Neel is ruled out for a month, Hallgrimsson is hoping Sebastian Soria, Hamdi Har- baoui, Mehdi Torabi and Marc Martinez will be ready to face the second division side Al Markhiya at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium today. Al Arabi have had a diffi cult couple of months since the resumption of football following the coronavirus disruption. While they managed to fi nish seventh last season in the league, they are a lowly ninth in the current campaign, having only won once in fi ve matches so far. They were also beaten comprehen- sively by Al Sadd in the Ooredoo Cup fi nal, extending Arabi’s wait for a title, which last came in 2011 when they won the Sheikh Jassim Cup. While heavyweights Al Sadd or Al Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson (centre) speaks to his players during a training session yesterday. Al Markhiya players train yesterday. Duhail will wait for them in the fi nal, Al Arabi fi rst need to get past Markhiya, ed and it’s very diffi cult to get videos of fancied Al Gharafa in the last 16 and Al Omar Najhi is in charge of Markhiya strength to win against them.” the journey,” he said. who have punched above their weight them,” the Icelandic coach said. Rayyan in the quarter-fi nal. now. Hallgrimsson said Najhi’s side are Najhi, meanwhile said it was an The Markhiya coach said Al Arabi in the Amir Cup. While the readiness “I am satisfi ed with the level of the “We are trying to put an end to the Al always diffi cult to score against as they historic opportunity for Markhiya’ to will be the fancied today, but was confi - of his key players concerned Hall- players and what they did, especially in Markhiya adventure. But their results are well drilled defensively. “We know reach the Amir Cup fi nal and praised dent his team’s chances. grimsson, he also admitted to know- the last match in the league. We played so far are not a stroke of luck. They have coach Najhi and his organised defen- his predecessor Yunus Ali for his work “I have a good group of players, who ing nothing of Markhiya. “We deal with against Al Wakrah without fi ve players performed well,” he said. sive style. Markhiya team also has good at the club. “We have great ambition have experience and ambition and they this match like any other match and the but I hope they’ll be fi t to play against Markhiya, who missed promotion to attacking players and can punish us with Markhiya having an historic op- have a professional mentality, which preparations are not diff erent, but the Markhiya,” he added. the QNB Stars League after losing to Al if we underestimate them, which will portunity after some great work done has made it easy for me to work with only diff erence is that we do not know Hallgrimsson conceded Arabi will Khor in the play-off , have a new coach. not happen,” he said. “We will be un- by former coach Yunus Ali and leading them. Playing in the Amir Cup semi- much about Al Markhiya, which is diffi - go into the match as favourites but With Yunus Ali taking over at Qatar der pressure against Markhiya, who are the team to the semi-fi nals. We have fi nal is a golden opportunity for us and cult. The second division has just start- was wary of Markhiya, who had beaten Sports Club, former Al Khor coach a good team, but we will throw all our great confi dence and strive to complete we hope to take advantage of it.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT 2027 AFC Asian Cup bid: QFA QMMF to conduct fourth round of submits legal requirements fi le Qatar National Baja championship By Sports Reporter Doha By Sports Reporter Doha he Qatar Football Association (QFA) yes- terday submitted the legal requirements atar Motor & Motorcycle Federation fi le to the Asian Football Confederation (QMMF) will conduct the fourth (AFC) for hosting the 2027 AFC Asian round of the Qatar National Baja Cup.T Qatar, the reigning champions of the AFC today and tomorrow. A high and en- Asian Cup after clinching their maiden crown in Qcouraging response has been received from the the United Arab Emirates in 2019, are aiming to participants for the event which will be held be the fi rst Asian country to stage the Continent’s with all the preventive measures put in place premier national team competition for the third by the QMMF, and all safety protocols as per time having hosted previously in 1988 and 2011. the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) will be QFA said in a statement it is committed to ful- strictly followed. fi lling all hosting requirements in line with its as- of its kind in the Middle East. Yesterday, QMMF held a theory session for pirations to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as per Qatar’s bid to host the 2027 edition of the Asian navigational training for the motorcycle cat- the highest international standards. QFA also said Cup comes as the natural progression of the egory participants of the fourth round of the it is determined to provide a football experience country’s sports ambitions, following its success Qatar National Baja to be held near Al Khor Competitors prepare their bikes on the eve of the fourth round of the Qatar National Baja. that not only meets the ambitions of the Asian in hosting international and continental sports and Dukhan areas. The race distance will be audience but also fosters social change and rap- tournaments. over 141.42km in 2 laps. As many as 52 entries prochement between societies. Four other AFC Member Associations have also in the motorcycle category were confi rmed for Digital navigation QFA, represented by HE Fahad bin Mohamed indicated their intentions to host Asia’s crown the start. systems were installed Kafood, the ambassador of the State of Qatar to jewel including the All India Football Federation, The administrative checks, scrutineering on bikes yesterday. Malaysia, had previously handed over the fi rst Football Federation of Iran, Saudi Arabian Foot- and briefi ng of riders was also done. The bike part of the fi le on August 26th earlier this year ball Federation and Uzbekistan Football Associa- competition has been re-introduced this year to AFC in Kuala Lumpur. The submitted fi le ful- tion – all of whom submitted their expressions of after a long break as they will take part in the fi lled the necessities of hosting requirements in interest by the June 30, 2020 deadline. fourth and fi fth rounds. However, there would addition to highlighting Qatar’s rich history and The AFC Executive Committee had earlier be championship title for bike competitors. legacy in organising continental and international agreed to provide future hosts for the AFC Asian Today, the installation of navigation kits tournaments and sporting events. Cup, beginning with the 2027 edition, with more will be done and trouble-shooting guide is- The dossier presented by Kafood also included preparation time ahead of the event as part of the sues besides start details for the car category the QFA’s vision for the country’s sports facilities AFC’s continued commitment towards strength- being announced. and associated infrastructure that will be ready ening its competitions. Tomorrow, the 4th round of Qatar National to host events of any scale such as the 2022 FIFA The host nation for the 19th edition of the AFC Baja will kick off at 8am with motorcycle cat- World Cup Qatar, the fi rst mega-sporting event Asian Cup will be announced in 2021. egory event, followed by the cars 11am. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 30, 2020 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Rashford stars for Man Utd as Barcelona beat Juventus ‘We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward’

AFP Paris

arcus Rashford was again the star for Manchester United in the Champions League with a hat-trick Min a 5-0 thumping of RB Leipzig on Wednesday night as Barcelona put their off -fi eld troubles to one side to win 2-0 away to a Juventus side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo. Rashford’s late goal earned United a 2-1 victory away to Paris Saint-Ger- main last week and at Old Traff ord the England striker came on as a second- half substitute and scored three times from the 74th minute on in what was a fi ne win against last season’s semi- fi nalists. Paul Pogba released Mason Greenwood to open the scoring in the fi rst half, before the youngster made way for Rashford after the break and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side ran away with the game to make it two wins from two in Group H. Anthony Martial also netted from the penalty spot as United ruthlessly exposed the side who cur- rently top the German Bundesliga and went clear at the top of the section. “We looked dangerous throughout and that we could score every time we went forward,” said Rashford. “It was a real team performance.” In Italy Barcelona bounced back from their weekend defeat in the Clasico against Real Madrid and shut out the boardroom crisis which led to presi- dent Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning on Tuesday. Ronald Koeman’s side had luck on their side as they took the lead through a defl ected Ousmane Dembele strike and then saw Alvaro Morata have three goals disallowed for off side for the hosts. The absence of Ronaldo because of a positive coronavirus test meant no Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford scores against RB Leipzig during the Champions League Group H match at Old Traff ord in Manchester, on Wednesday night. (AFP) chance to see him renew his on-fi eld ri- valry with Lionel Messi, but the Argen- 10-man Dynamo Kiev in Budapest. on-loan Everton striker heading in bit because we signed him in January securing a draw for the hosts. Lazio had Germany: Borussia Dortmund (GER) tine got his name on the scoresheet late Viktor Tsygankov’s penalty and a Kylian Mbappe’s corner in the 64th and he missed the start of the season, travelled without a host of players due 2 (Sancho 78-pen, Haaland 90+1) Zenit on, netting a stoppage-time penalty to Carlos de Pena eff ort had the Ukraini- minute and then turning to fi re in the but tonight he showed he is here,” said to coronavirus, including star striker Saint Petersburg (RUS) 0 seal Barca’s second victory in as many ans in control but they then had captain second late on. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Ziyech, Ciro Immobile, but had gone in front Group G: At Budapest: Ferencvaros Group G outings. “This was our best Sergiy Sydorchuk sent off and the hosts In Group E Chelsea were comprehen- who has struggled with injury. early on through Joaquin Correa. 2 (Nguen 59, Boli 90) Dynamo Kiev 2 game all season,” said Koeman. “The — with a sizeable crowd behind them sive 4-0 winners away to Krasnodar in Sevilla beat Rennes 1-0 in the same (Tsygankov 28-pen, De Pena 41); At Tu- team reacted well, despite the resigna- — took full advantage. Tokmac Nguen Russia, with Jorginho missing a penalty section with Luuk de Jong scoring the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS rin, Italy: Juventus (ITA) 0 Barcelona pulled one back and Ivorian Franck Boli before Callum Hudson-Odoi opened only goal. Borussia Dortmund claimed tion of the president. We were focused Group E: At Krasnodar, Russia: Krasn- (ESP) 2 (Dembele 14, Messi 90-pen) on the football because all the other scrambled in a stoppage-time leveller the scoring. Timo Werner smashed in their fi rst points in Group F with Jadon odar (RUS) 0 Chelsea (ENG) 4 (Hudson- stuff is not our responsibility.” for the Hungarians. a spot-kick on 76 minutes to double Sancho’s 78th-minute penalty and Er- Group H: At Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul Odoi 37, Werner 76-pen, Ziyech 79, Juve had Turkish defender Merih Meanwhile PSG got their campaign Chelsea’s lead, with Hakim Ziyech and ling Braut Haaland’s stoppage-time Basaksehir (TUR) 0 Paris Saint-Ger- Demirel sent off late on as their un- up and running by beating Istanbul Ba- Christian Pulisic adding late goals. strike securing a 2-0 win over Zenit Pulisic 90); At Seville, Spain: Sevilla main (FRA) 2 (Kean 64, 79); At derwhelming start to the season under saksehir 2-0 in Turkey, although they For Ziyech it was a fi rst Chelsea goal Saint-Petersburg. (ESP) 1 (De Jong 55) Rennes (FRA) 0 Manchester, England: Manchester novice coach Andrea Pirlo continued. lost Neymar to an adductor injury in the on his fi rst start since signing from Ajax The Germans are a point behind Group F: At Bruges, Belgium: Club United (ENG) 5 (Greenwood 21, rash- Their next game is away at Ferencvaros, fi rst half. Both PSG’s goals were scored for £37mn. “We brought him in to do Lazio and Club Brugge, who drew 1-1 in Brugge (BEL) 1 (Vanaken 42-pen) Lazio ford 74, 78, 90+2, Martial 87-pen) RB who came from behind to draw 2-2 with in the second half by Moise Kean, the a job, maybe people have forgotten a Belgium with a Hans Vanaken penalty (ITA) 1 (Correa 14); At Dortmund, Leipzig (GER) 0

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS New era to bring hope but no quick Nagelsmann demands Leipzig fi x for Barcelona and captain Messi learn from Man United rout AFP AFP Berlin Madrid ulian Nagelsmann says onald Koeman threw his arms Bundesliga leaders RB around Lionel Messi and in that Leipzig must learn from moment all seemed well again, their humbling at Man- Barcelona toasting the resignation chesterJ United as a Marcus Rush- ofR Josep Maria Bartomeu as president on ford hat-trick poured cold water Tuesday by beating Juventus 24 hours later. on the German side’s Champions “This was our best performance of the League aspirations. season,” said Koeman shortly after, hav- Rushford scored three second- ing just seen Messi score a penalty to cap half goals at Old Traff ord on a 2-0 win in Turin, which sent his side top Wednesday to seal a 5-0 rout of of their Champions League group after two Nagelsmann’s Leipzig in Group games played. By the end, Bartomeu’s divi- H. The German league lead- sive regime had soured everything at Barca, ers host Paris Saint Germain his relationship with key players shot. It was next Wednesday in a repeat of possible even to detect a sense of liberation last season’s Champions League in their performance, a team suddenly given semi-fi nal, which the Germans a point to prove. lost 3-0 in Lisbon, and Nagels- Yet while few will lament his departure, mann demands they heed their the initial uplift will be more diffi cult to sus- Old Traff ord lesson. tain, as deep-rooted problems take longer to Lionel Messi gestures during the Champions League match against Juventus. (AFP) “We were sent packing, but it’s fi x. Among the fans, the biggest hope will be not a drama — it’s happened to change at the top brings a change of heart for him to stay, how does he reject a new Bar- for him is likely to be high. Uncertainty over other teams before,” Nagelsmann Messi. When asked why he wanted to leave celona, that makes it possible for him not Koeman’s future raises questions about the insisted after the match. “We’ve in August, Messi said: “The truth is there to leave? In an interview last week, Gerard players’ commitment to him over the next learnt a bit of a lesson and can has been no project or anything for a long Pique said the only thing he told Messi in few months and the commitment of the new play much better. We only have time”. He said there were “many things” be- the summer was: “Leo, it’s a year. Then new board to backing him with the signings he ourselves to blame for the size hind his unhappiness. The fi rst he referred people will come.” wants, like Memphis Depay, in January. of the defeat, which could have to was “wanting a winning project”. But that They will come within three months now Although if there is no money to spend, been avoided.” winning project that Messi wants, namely in and that off ers more time than expected. there will be little choice. Bartomeu left a Nagelsmann says his players forward Rushford came off the ing a bad mood after defeat. “I’m the Champions League, may not come for a There is the bulk of a season to get a sense of club that just posted losses of 97mn euros were found wanting physically bench in the second-half and a football coach, not a model,” while, even without Bartomeu. what the new leadership feels like, including ($113.5mn) for last season. He said he had against a robust United team. ripped through the German de- he tersely replied when a report- And at least with him, Messi had a reason a transfer window in January. agreed for Barcelona to join a European “The physicality of Man U is fence with three goals in just er ask about the eye-catching to leave that even Barca fans could under- As the season goes on, there will be more Super League “to guarantee the club’s fu- quite impressive, we have ground under 20 minutes while Anthony chequered jacket he wore on the stand. In fact, a large section of support- speculation about the possibility of a new ture”. It means the spending spree that usu- to make up,” he admitted. “Just Martial also scored. sidelines. He has been tipped as ers seemed to be on Messi’s side, even if it coach. Asked on Wednesday night if Bar- ally heralds a new era is impossible, even if the sheer size of the opponents, “We could have defended the a potential future coach of both meant their captain ending up in the shirt of tomeu’s resignation had changed his situ- selling expensive players should be easier who were superior to us in the air, fi rst goal. After that, we didn’t United and arch rivals Manches- Manchester City. ation, Koeman said: “I don’t think so. If to sanction for a board that had no stake in but also on the ground. The Pre- do so badly, were still in the ter City. “Today is completely the Instead, a new president will promise in- something changes they have to tell me.” buying them. mier League is obviously tougher game and won a lot of ball,” said wrong time to comment — it’s novation and bring hope. They will pledge But Koeman’s credit as the coach hired in Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele than the Bundesliga when it Nagelsmann. “Then we went 2-0 relatively normal that names are to do everything to persuade Messi to re- the depths of a crisis, by an unpopular presi- and Philippe Coutinho, signed for around comes to challenges — we had to behind and the way we played in circulated and traded in football,” main. Some candidates might hang their dent, when other, more desirable candidates 350mn euros combined, could all be sold for get used to that.” the 15 minutes after that were the he said. “What counts in the campaigns on it. Against this new backdrop, were either not available or not willing, re- lower fees, with less embarrassment. But Leipzig were only 1-0 down at worst in a long time.” coming weeks is the success of Messi could fi nd his exit harder to justify, mains low. Koeman has said he will not be without a new contract signed, Messi can half time due to a goal by Unit- Nagelsmann, 33, is one of the my team, the work with my play- the momentum of change pulling him in. replaced if this season is a success but who still leave for free. The one thing that stays ed’s 19-year-old striker Mason rising star coaches of German ers, the success of RB Leipzig. If the old Barcelona made it impossible for defi nes what that success looks like? The bar the same at a club now fully in fl ux. Greenwood. However, England football, but is notorious for hav- That is what I am focused on.” Gulf Times Friday, October 30, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT A life of excess: Maradona turns 60 in self-isolation 'At 18 he couldn’t walk around in Africa. A plane was stuck because the runaway was full of people'

AFP Back in his homeland he was idolised His coaching career has been regu- Buenos Aires Argentine legend Diego Maradona like a god, to the point that a group of larly interrupted by bouts of ill-health, scored 346 goals in 679 matches fans created the Church of Maradona mostly self-infl icted. In 2001, four over a 21-year career. (AFP) in devotion to him. The next year he years after his retirement, Maradona otorious for his wild lifestyle, would lead ambitious Italians Napoli to addressed a packed Bombonera — the Argentina great Diego Ma- their fi rst Serie A title; a feat he would home ground of his beloved Boca Jun- radona turns 60 today in far repeat three years later. iors — and alluded to his addictions: more sober circumstances “I would like to always watch Diego, “I’ve made mistakes and paid for it but Nsheltered in self-isolation to protect dribbling for all eternity,” sand the rock the ball was never soiled.” him from the coronavirus pandemic. band Ratones Paranoicos in one of doz- That was a year after he suff ered his Having suff ered two heart attacks in ens of songs dedicated to Maradona. fi rst heart-attack while on holiday in the last 20 years and contracted hepa- But his demise had already begun. the Uruguayan seaside resort Punta titis, Maradona’s precaution after a Maradona broke down in fl oods of del Este. In 2004, weighing well over bodyguard started displaying corona- tears in 1990 after he failed to inspire an 100-kilograms (220 pounds) despite virus symptoms earlier this week is un- ill-disciplined Argentina to retain the standing only 1.65-meters (5ft 5in), he derstandable. World Cup, losing 1-0 to West Germa- suff ered another that almost killed him. A life of excesses with cocaine and ny in the fi nal. The next year his Napoli It sparked a radical decision to un- alcohol have taken their toll on the career ended in disgrace after he was dergo gastric bypass surgery to lose mercurial talent’s health. “It was im- handed a 15-month ban for taking co- 50kg. It wasn’t the end of his trou- possible that this lad would turn out caine — something he’d been rumoured bles as alcohol abuse saw him taken to well,” said former international and to have done since his Barcelona days. hospital twice in 2007 suff ering from Boca Juniors teammate Hugo Perotti The 1994 World Cup in the United hepatitis, after which he was treated in said earlier this year. States was supposed to be something a psychiatric institution. Perotti was referring to Maradona’s of a resurrection for Maradona, but in- But he never stayed down for long, early fame that set him on a path to stead he was sent home in disgrace after nor out of the headlines, particularly brilliance, glory but also excess and failing another dope test. “They cut off due to his friendships with various almost tragedy. Born in a poor Bue- my legs,” Maradona complained. Re- prominent left-wing leaders in Latin nos Aires neighbourhood on October alistically, although he played on for a America, such as the late Cuban revo- 30, 1960, Diego Armando Maradona couple of years back at Boca, his playing lutionary leader Fidel Castro, or Ven- quickly marked himself out as special career was as good as over. He’d scored ezuela’s Hugo Chavez. talent. Since then this charismatic and 346 goals in 679 matches over a 21-year For 25 years he insisted he had only contradictory man has fallen many career. two daughters, Dalma and Giannina, times only to rise again from the abyss, As a coach he never enjoyed the same born in 1987 and 1988 to Claudia Vil- and always in his unique and inimitable success, and certainly did not have the lafane, his childhood sweetheart who way. Defi ant and ingenious, macho, a same fl air. Put in charge of the national was his wife for 24 years. Since their loyal friend and spiteful enemy, Mara- team with a Lionel Messi in his pomp, divorce, Maradona has admitted to fa- dona has always been magnetic. Maradona’s charges slumped out of the thering at least fi ve children in Italy, “At 18 he couldn’t walk around in 2010 World Cup in South Africa with Cuba and Argentina through extra- Africa. A plane was stuck because the a 4-0 quarter-fi nal drubbing by Ger- marital aff airs. runaway was full of people,” said Per- many. He also had a child, Diego Fernando, otti. “It was in 1981, when there was First came the highs. Having made Argentina to World Cup glory at Mexico his hand — which he later dubbed the But his name ensured he was rarely in 2013 with his now ex-girlfriend Ve- no internet, mobile phones, nothing. his name helping Boca win the Argen- 86. “Hand of God” — and then embarked short of off ers, whether from clubs in ronica Ojeda. “Three more and you’ll He surpassed every human and normal tine title, he earned a move to Catalan In the quarter-fi nal against England on a mazy run, bamboozling the Eng- the United Arab Emirates, Mexico or have an team of 11. You can do it!” Gi- barrier. And I think he paid the conse- giants Barcelona at just 21. At 25, he — he displayed both the devil in him, and land defence to score one of the greatest his homeland, where he is currently the annina goaded him sarcastically on In- quences of all this.” practically singlehandedly — dragged his genius, fi rst scoring a goal with goals in World Cup history. coach at Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. stagram.

FOCUS European Super League would destroy Premier League: Wenger Burnley’s Dyche keeps focus on pitch amid takeover speculation Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Reuters will make the big decisions. I do not know has said the main reason clubs on the London of any ownership, as far as I know they are continent are keen to establish a new all stories in the papers but they seem to European Super League is because they be getting more detailed over the last few cannot compete financially with their urnley manager Sean Dyche weeks. Unless (the takeover) becomes a rivals in the Premier League. Manches- said yesterday that he could reality, I focus on the team.” ter United and Liverpool are reported shine no light on reports that the Burnley are currently owned by British to be in talks over the creation of a new Premier League club are the sub- businessmen Mike Garlick, who is club jectB of takeover interest from rival con- chairman with a 49.24% stake, and John $6bn breakaway tournament that would feature up to 18 clubs from Europe’s top sortiums and was focused solely on how Banaszkiewicz, who owns 28.2% of the five leagues. The founding members are his team were performing on the pitch. shares. Dyche added that fans should wait aiming to get the tournament underway Burnley are third-bottom after a poor for the facts to emerge. “The fi rst thing is in 2022 and Josep Maria Bartomeu, who start to the season in which they have lost fi rst is to fi nd out if it is factually true. Just resigned as Barcelona president on Tuesday, has said the La Liga four and drawn one of their fi ve games. because it is in the papers doesn’t make it club had already accepted a proposal to join. Sources said last month that the club’s factually true in my experience,” he said. But Wenger, now FIFA’s head of global development, said the hierarchy were in talks with American “I can understand (fans) reading the plans were aimed at eroding the Premier League’s “superiority”. sports investment company ALK Capital papers and trying to fathom out what is “The other leagues tried to destroy the advantage the Premier LLC over a possible sale. going on, but without any facts... the feel League has. For them, the best way to tame that is to create a Eu- British media, including the BBC, re- of the fans I am sure is only looking at ropean League,” he told the Guardian. “That means to destroy the ported on Wednesday that Burnley were whatever happens to safeguard the club. Premier League basically.” also the subject of a 200mn pounds based sports lawyer Chris Farnell. against Chelsea. “It’s not my domain. The chairman and the board are in con- A Super League would see the top sides in Europe face off more ($260.66mn) bid by Egyptian business- “I know what you know,” Dyche told I focus on the team and we have had a trol of that. I don’t have any opinion on regularly but Wenger said the real beneficiaries would be the club man Mohamed El Kashashy and UK- reporters before tomorrow’s home game tough start. The chairman and the board that or get involved in it.” owners. “We’re in a period of owners who are investors,” Wenger added. “Their first target is to make more money. And the Euro- pean Super League is one way, maybe, to make more money.” PREMIER LEAGUE BOTTOMLINE 'You are not Zlatan', says Ibrahimovic in pro-mask video Chelsea’s Thiago CAF postpones CL semi-fi nal, fi nal

Football superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has leant his weight to a AFP Many of the Raja squad have uled for an Egyptian venue on campaign promoting respect for distancing rules and wearing a ready for Burnley Johannesburg tested positive for the corona- November 6, has been post- mask, telling fans not to “challenge the virus” in a video released by virus, leaving only 10 fi t play- poned indefi nitely. Covid-19 the Lombardy region. ers, an offi cial of the Casa- has wreaked havoc with the The former Sweden striker, who plays for AC Milan, tested positive trip, says Lampard he CAF Champions blanca club said. Zamalek lead two-leg semi-fi nals and single- for Covid-19 a few weeks ago but has now recovered and is back League semi-fi nal re- 1-0 from the fi rst leg in Casa- match fi nal of the elite African playing in Serie A where he is the top goalscorer. “The virus chal- Reuters turn match between blanca with Moroccan Achraf club competition, originally set lenged me and I defeated it,” he says in Italian. “But you are not London Zamalek of Egypt and Bencharki scoring the only goal for last May. TRaja Casablanca of Morocco midway through the fi rst half. The matches were resched- Zlatan. Do not challenge the virus. Use your head, respect the rules. Social distancing and masks, always. We will win.” has been postponed from No- CAF also announced that the uled for September, then put The video, filmed on a terrace overlooking Milan, closes with helsea’s new central vember 1 to a date to be decided, fi nal between Zamalek or Raja back again to October and No- Ibrahimovic donning a mask. Lombardy president Attilio Fontana defender Thiago Silva CAF said yesterday. and Al Ahly of Egypt, sched- vember. said he had the idea to enlist Ibrahimovic on the night of the derby will return to the side between the two Milan clubs when the 39-year-old scored both for tomorrow’s Pre- Cmier League visit to Burnley goals in a 2-1 win over Inter. Like its European neighbours, Italy, one of the countries most af- having been rested in their Longines Hathab Tour dressage tomorrow fected by the pandemic, has suff ered a sharp increase in cases in Champions League win over recent weeks. The country has recorded nearly 38,000 deaths with FK Krasnodar in midweek, The dressage event of more than 550,000 cases since the end of February. manager Frank Lampard the 2nd Longines Hathab said yesterday. Brazilian Silva to Russia, Lampard added. Qatar Equestrian Tour joined Chelsea on a free trans- The 42-year-old coach also 2020-21 will be held at Coach Mancini disappointed fer from Paris St Germain in praised winger Hakim Ziyech Qatar Equestrian Fed- the close season, and Lampard after the Moroccan bagged his eration’s Indoor Arena Balotelli has no club wants to carefully manage the fi rst goal for the London club tomorrow. Italy coach Roberto Mancini expressed his regret yesterday that amount of time the 36-year- and Lampard said he would The events to be held striker Mario Balotelli hadn’t found himself a club during the trans- old plays each week. “Thiago keep rotating his squad to bal- from 2pm will see nine fer window, arguing the striker would have been “very useful” for is fi t. Taking him out of Rus- ance the workload and help his riders in the Medium the national team. sia was a maintenance issue,” new signings settle. Level 1 dressage includ- “I am very sorry to see him in these conditions. At 30, he would still Lampard said. “Hakim was very good last ing Qatari rider Jassim Al be at full technical maturity and would have been very useful to “He could have played if he night, a big plus,” he said. “The Jaham al-Kuwari on his the Italy team,” said Mancini, his former coach at Inter Milan and had to but we had to put it in other players, particularly bay gelding Monopoly, Manchester City. “I wish him the best and I hope good things can context of what is ahead of us. those in Europe, are fi nding the and eleven riders in the still come his way,” the Italy coach said in an online interview with “I’m making sure we get the schedule heavy. We need op- Prelim Level 2 dressage. the le Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport newspapers. best out of him towards the end tions. We’re also searching for Dressage, an Olympic Balotelli has scored 14 goals in his 36 international appearances, of the season.” relationships as newer players discipline, is a part of his last run-out for the Azzurri coming in September 2018. After Foalkeeper Kepa Arrizaba- are learning about each other the Qatar Equestrian time spent with Nice and Marseille in the French Ligue 1, Balotelli laga is progressing in his recov- and how we play. There will Tour which also includes pitched up last season at Brescia, but was unable to prevent the ery from a shoulder injury and, be rotation at times. We need showjumping and is held club being relegated to Serie B. The relegation of his home town while there are no new injuries everybody.” Chelsea are 10th in annually since 2017 as a club activated a clause in his contract that made him a free agent. in the squad, the players are the Premier League with nine twelve-leg series. slightly fatigued after their trip points from six games. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 30, 2020 SPORT

NHL Stars remove interim tag, name Bowness coach AFP “His ability to connect with in the 2003-04 season). “My points (eight goals, 16 assists) in Dallas our players and our staff is re- wife Judy and I are thrilled to 59 games last season with the markable.” have this opportunity to con- Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Bowness, 65, led Dallas to a tinue our work here in Dallas,” Penguins. He collected seven he Dallas Stars named 20-13-5 record in his 38 games Bowness said. points (three goals, four assists) Rick Bowness as their at the helm. The Stars topped “This team is very special for in 14 games after he was traded head coach yesterday, the Calgary Flames in six games me. That time in Edmonton was to the Wild on Feb. 10 in a pack- rewarding the interim in the fi rst round of the playoff s, unlike any experience I have ever age for fellow forward Jason Tcoach who guided them to the beat the Colorado Avalanche in had in hockey, Zucker. Stanley Cup Final. seven games in the second round and it brought us together as “Alex’s signing represents an- He had been the interim head and defeated the Vegas Golden a staff and as a team. We had a other good addition for us at for- coach since Dec 10, when the Knights in fi ve games in the great run to the Stanley Cup Fi- ward,” Senators general manager team fi red Jim Montgomery for Western Conference fi nal in the nal, but we have some unfi nished Pierre Dorion said. “He’s versa- “unprofessional conduct.” NHL bubble in Edmonton. business left and we’re looking tile in that he can play both left “The Stars are very excited The Tampa Bay Lightning forward to the opportunity to wing and center. He’s gifted of- to offi cially announce Rick as won the Stanley Cup Final in six build on what we started.” fensively, has been a solid power- the team’s head coach,” general games. It was the Stars’ fi rst ap- Bowness has been on a bench play contributor and is a proven manager Jim Nill said. pearance in the fi nal since 2000. as a head or assistant for an goal scorer in this league.” “After being called upon in a Bowness had been an assistant NHL-record 2,425 regular-sea- Galchenyuk was selected by diffi cult situation, Rick stepped coach with the Stars since 2018, son games. He has a 143-302- Montreal with the third over- into the interim head coaching but he has served as a head coach 48-8 record in 501 career games all pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. role seamlessly and used his un- in parts of fi ve diff erent decades. in his head coaching career. He has accumulated 320 points matched experience to lead the He coached 28 games with the Meanwhile Unrestricted free (135 goals, 185 assists) in 549 ca- team to a successful second half Winnipeg Jets in 1988-89, spent agent forward Alex Galchenyuk reer games with the Canadiens, of the season and a spot in the one season as coach of the Bos- signed a one-year, $1.05 million Arizona Coyotes, Penguins and Stanley Cup Final. Watching the ton Bruins (1991-92), then led contract with the Ottawa Sena- Wild. team throughout our playoff ex- the Ottawa Senators (1992-96), tors, the team announced on He has 13 points (four goals, perience, you really saw the team New York Islanders (1996-98) Wednesday. nine assists) in 32 career playoff become his. and Phoenix Coyotes (20 games Galchenyuk, 26, recorded 24 games.

CYCLING FOCUS Boston Marathon moved from April slot Ackermann wins over virus concerns

AFP “By shifting our focus to a New York fall date, we can continue to work with stakeholders to ad- just the in-person experience he 2021 Boston Mara- for runners and supporters Vuelta stage 9 aft er thon will be moved alike. Prioritizing the safety of from its traditional slot participants, volunteers, spec- in April until later next tators, and community mem- Tyear because of concerns over bers, we continue to assess all the coronavirus pandemic, or- elements of the race including ganisers said on Wednesday. a potential reduced fi eld size or The prestigious event - weekend date.” which was cancelled this year The BAA said it hoped to an- Bennett relegated for the fi rst time in the race’s nounce a new date by the end 124-year history - is usually of 2020. held on the third Monday in “We are optimistic that the ‘I feel sorry for Sam, but now we have to ride more fair. I’m really happy about this April, attracting thousands of Boston Marathon will continue runners from across the globe. its tradition of celebrating the victory and also for my team, they did an awesome job today’ However, in a statement on spirit of community and ath- Wednesday, the Boston Ath- letic excellence next fall,” Grilk letic Association said next said. “We know there will be year’s event would now be many questions and we will postponed “until at least the look to address them in the fall of 2021.” No date for the re- coming months ahead.” arranged race was given. The announcement comes The BAA said it would con- with Covid-19 cases spiking tinue meeting with public across the United States, which health, city and state offi cials has registered more than 8.8 to determine how the Boston million cases and 227,000 Marathon could be held again. deaths from coronavirus. “With fewer than six Covid-19 decimated this months (to go) and with road year’s major marathon sched- races prohibited until phase ule, with races in Boston, Ber- 4 of the Massachusetts reo- lin, Chicago and New York all pening plan, we are unable to cancelled. The London Mara- host the Boston Marathon this thon took place in October but coming April,” BAA chief ex- limited the fi eld to elite run- ecutive Tom Grilk said. ners only.

MLB NY Mets decline options on Ramos, Frazier, Chirinos

AFP hitter has 218 homers, 636 New York RBIs and a .242 career batting average over 10 big league sea- sons with the Cincinnati Reds, he New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and New expected to be a po- York Yankees along with the tential major player Rangers and Mets. during free agency Chirinos, 36, also came to thisT off season, declined team the Mets in a separate Aug 31 options for three players on trade with Texas in hopes of Wednesday, offi cially ending helping a position of weak- the tenures of catchers Wilson ness as New York tried for a fi - Ramos and Robinson Chiri- nal playoff run. The nine-year nos along with infi elder Todd veteran, also a Venezuela na- Team Deceuninck’s Irish rider Sam Bennett (second from left) on the finish-line of the 9th stage of the 2020 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, a 157.7km race from Castrillo del Val to Frazier. tive, batted just .219 after the Aguilar de Campoo, yesterday. (AFP) None of the departures came deal (7-for-32) with one homer as surprises, with all three and fi ve RBIs in 12 games down AFP mitted it had been a “big fi ght” RESULTS AND STANDINGS it. But we know already a long- 30-something veterans age- the stretch. Chirinos, who Madrid to secure what he thought was time the incompetence of the @ ing further from their career owns a .231 career batting av- his 50th career victory. STAGE Uci var safety fi rst”. primes on a team that fi nished erage, has reached double fi g- “We had some guys nearly 1. Pascal Ackermann (GER/Bora-Hansgrohe) at 3hrs 39min 55sec., At the halfway point in this tied for last place in the Nation- ures in home runs fi ve times in ermany’s Pascal Ack- put us into the barriers trying to 2. Gerben Thijssen., (BEL/Lotto-Soudal) same time., 3. Max Kanter year’s reduced 18-stage event, al League East, missing MLB’s his nine seasons. ermann was declared take the wheel which was a bit (GER/Sunweb)s.t., 4. Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE Emirates)s.t., 5. riders were presented with per- expanded 2020 playoff fi eld. The moves were announced winner of the ninth sketchy but we stayed upright,” Jakub Mareczko (ITA/CCC)s.t., 6. Alexis Renard (FRA/Israel Start-Up haps the fl attest stage between Ramos, an off ensive-mind- by the team as the organisation stage of the Vuelta a Bennett added. Nation)s.t., 7. Jon Aberasturi (ESP/CAJA RURAL-RGA)s.t., 8. Lorrenzo Castrillo del Val and Aguilar de ed catcher originally from awaits a league decision on GEspana yesterday after Sam Ben- But replays then showed what Campo. Venezuela, suff ered through the approved franchise sale to Manzin (FRA/Total-Direct Energie)s.t., 9. Robert Stannard (AUS/ nett was dramatically demoted organisers decided amounted Mitchelton-Scott)s.t., 10. Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (RSA/NTT) s.t. Bora and Quickstep made the the worst season of his career. billionaire Steve Cohen, with for shoulder barging in the fi nal to be “irregular sprinting” after Overall biggest moves, with Bennett In 45 games the 33-year-old a vote expected possibly by kilometre. Bennett twice barged into Emils 1. Richard Carapaz (ECU/Ineos) 36hrs 11min 1sec., 2. Primoz Roglic and Ackermann pulling away hit .239 with fi ve home runs Friday, per the New York Daily Bennett thought he had Liepins, who had tried to slip (SLO/Jumbo-Visma) a 0:13., 3. Daniel Martin (IRL/Israel Start-Up together and Jasper Philipsen in and 15 RBIs after hitting.260 News. clinched his second stage win in into the Deceuninck-Quickstep Nation) at 28sec., 4. Hugh Carthy (GBR/Education First) 44., 5. Enric pursuit. or better in nine of his prior 10 The city of New York is also Spain but replays revealed the train. Ackermann believed the Mas (ESP/Movistar) 1:54., 6. Felix Grobschartner (AUT/Bora-Hansgro- Bennett appeared to have seasons, notching 10 or more believed to reveal whether or infraction, leaving Ackermann right decision was made. he) 3:28., 7. Esteban Chaves (COL/Mitchelton-Scott) 3:28., 8. Alejan- timed his fi nal surge to perfec- homers eight times. not it approves of the sale “at to claim victory. “It wasn’t a fair action from dro Valverde (ESP/Movistar) 3:35., 9. Marc Soler (ESP/Movistar) 3:40., tion, only for the replays to cut The 34-year-old Frazier, some point in the next few Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz re- him,” said Ackermann. 10. Wouter Poels (NED/Bahrain-McLaren) 3:47. him short. who returned to the Mets in days” according to mayor Bill tained the overall lead. “I think, after all the crashes Gerben Thijssen of Lotto a trade from Texas on Aug. 31 de Blasio, per reports. Carapaz of Ineos is still 13 in the last week, we have to take Soudal came third to seal his after posting 39 homers over The Mets have been men- seconds ahead of Slovenian care of the other guys. If there victory and also for my team, team boss Patrick Lefevere vent- second consecutive podium two seasons (2018-19) with the tioned as a possible suitor for Primoz Roglic, with Ireland’s is no gap, we have to stop. I feel they did an awesome job today, ed his frustration on social me- place in sprint stages of this club, hit just .224 (11-for-49) catcher J T Realmuto, a two- Dan Martin 28 seconds back in sorry for Sam, but they took me they did it all from the front and dia. year’s event. with a pair of longballs and fi ve time All-Star who will be a free third. out in Scheldeprijs and now we I’m happy to give something “What bullshit,” he tweeted. Today the 10th stage, lasting RBIs in 14 games after return- agent after spending the past After crossing the line with his have to ride more fairly. back to them.” “He was in his lead out and the @ 185km, will take place between ing to New York. two seasons with the division- arms outstretched, Bennett ad- “I’m really happy about this But Deceuninck-QuickStep’s trek rider want to pull him out of Castro Urdiales and Suances. The former 40-home run rival Philadelphia Phillies. Gulf Times Friday, October 30, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Mayfi eld, Browns try to move on post-OBJ against Raiders ‘GREAT INDIVIDUAL AWARD AND HAPPY FOR BAKER, BUT I THINK IT’S ALSO A TESTAMENT TO THE ENTIRE GROUP’

Reuters LoS Angeles Brown makes good

fter garnering AFC Of- impression fensive Player of the Week honors following in fi rst Bucs’ workout a record-setting per- Antonio Brown made a good Covid-19 protocols. formanceA against in-state rival first impression on Tampa “He wants to play. If you want Cincinnati, Cleveland quarter- Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce to play, you’ve got to do it,” Ar- back Baker Mayfi eld now gets to Arians, who gushed over the ians said. “In our conversation face a Las Vegas Raiders defense wideout’s first workout with today, it’s ‘Go to football prac- that was just carved up by Tom the team on Wednesday. tice, go to work, come home Brady for 369 passing yards and “He looks fantastic. I think we and go back to work.’ He’s all four touchdowns last week. had really good conversations in. I don’t think we’ll have any Mayfi eld set a franchise record today, he and I,” Arians said problems with those things.” by completing 21 passes in a row Wednesday, the initial day Buccaneers quarterback Tom and tied the Browns’ single- Brown could enter the facility BRady was teammates with game record for touchdown after going through Covid-19 Brown in New England for passes with fi ve, including a 24- protocols. “He was in the meet- less than two weeks in 2019 yard game-winner to Donovan ings and everything. And he’s and has pledged his support. Peoples-Jones with 11 seconds working with Anthony Piroli He said he has tried to leave a remaining, in the 37-34 victory and the strength staff . He looks positive impact on Brown. over the Bengals. in great shape. Yeah, ready to “I had a lot of people support Only a spike with 16 seconds go next week.” me over the years, realizing left snapped the completion Next week would mean the that I was far from where I streak which came following an November 8 contest against needed to be and they would 0-for-5 start and after Pro Bowl the New Orleans Saints. Brown, guide me and provide me with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. who off icially became a mem- the help that I needed as a departed with a season-ending ber of the team on Monday, player to reach my potential,” knee injury. is finishing up an eight-game BRady said. “... “You just try Rashard Higgins had six re- suspension this week due to your best every day, realizing ceptions for a career-best 110 multiple violations of the NFL’s that a lot of people weren’t yards and Peoples-Jones added personal conduct policy and born with the same advan- three catches for 56 yards and he isn’t yet allowed to practice tages that I’ve had growing a TD to help fi ll the void left by with the team until the discipli- up, they weren’t born with the the injury to Beckham. Mayfi eld, nary action is over. same background or support who wasn’t sacked, fi nished But Arians liked what he heard systems that I had. I think that 22 of 28 (78.6 percent) for 297 in his chat with Brown and when you recognize that and yards, fi ve touchdowns and one expects to see him on the field bring that to relationships, interception. with his teammates soon. all you can do is the best you “Anytime you get recognised “He and I had a good conversa- can do. like that, I think it’s great for the tion this morning,” Arians said. “For me, I think that’s some- guys,” said Browns coach Kevin “He’ll be ready to go next week thing I really enjoy still about Stefanski. “Great individual and in good shape.” playing football, is that I prob- award and happy for Baker, but I Brown is trying to revive his ably have more perspective think it’s also a testament to the career after being a seven-time than just about every player entire group.” Pro Bowl selection and four- in the league right now, based During a Wednesday Zoom time All-Pro choice during nine on my years of experience call with reporters, Mayfi eld seasons with the Pittsburgh and what I’ve seen. I want to bristled at the suggestion that Steelers. After an acrimonious see other guys succeed. And I Cleveland (5-2) might be better split with the Steelers, he had think a lot of joy in my experi- off without Beckham, who suf- brief flings with the then-Oak- ence comes from seeing other fered a torn ACL trying to chase land Raiders and New England people be their best and seeing down cornerback Darius Phillips Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of their NFL game at Heinz Patriots in 2019. people succeed in ways that to make a tackle after Mayfi eld Field in Pittsburgh. He played in one game with can set their family up. I think was picked off . New England before being that’s a really important aspect “I think it’s just completely Brown missing on the practice to be back at practice later in the hands are always up in the air. to play until Sunday morning released due to allegations of football for me.” insensitive to a guy who just tore fi eld on Wednesday. week. He’s a got a factor about him. I after self-isolating for fi ve days of sexual assault and sending Brown’s arrival comes as his ACL,” Mayfi eld said. “So, I’m Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Las Vegas coach Jon Gru- wish we had Garrett.” following a positive Covid-19 intimidating text messages to receiver Chris Godwin will not even going to comment on Garrett, who had two sacks in den, whose defense ranks 28th Las Vegas (3-3) only had one test by starting right tackle Trent an accuser. Those allegations miss Monday’s game against it. You never want to lose guys. the win over the Bengals and against the pass allowing an av- hit and zero sacks on Brady dur- Brown. led to an NFL investigation. the New York Giants due to That’s where I’m going to leave leads the NFL with nine, sat out erage of 283.8 yards per game ing its 45-20 home loss to Tampa Gruden is hopeful that Brown Brown ranks third among ac- a broken left index finger. It that one.” with an ankle injury that Stefan- and has two fewer total sacks Bay on Sunday. could be back to practice by tive players in receptions (841) currently is unknown if Godwin Stefanski also rejected the ski said was more precautionary (seven) than Garrett, went out of The Raiders managed to stay Friday. Hudson (non-injury re- and is fourth in receiving yards will be available against New notion that Mayfi eld spread while guard Wyatt Teller (calf), his way to praise the fourth-year in the game for three quarters lated) and defensive end Arden (11,263) and touchdown catch- Orleans. the ball around better without linebacker Jacob Phillips (knee), defensive end from Texas A&M. despite the fact that four of their Key (foot) both missed practice es (75). Brown’s production has Godwin, 24, has 25 catches for Beckham on the fi eld. “Odell is tight end Austin Hooper (ab- “Everybody talks about the fi ve starting off ensive linemen on Wednesday while running never been questioned but 279 yards and two touchdowns a great, great player,” Stefanski domen) and centre J C Tretter sacks, but this guy forces fum- – left tackle Kolton Miller, left back Josh Jacobs (knee), held to a his attitude has been an issue. in four games this season. He said. “We’re going to miss him. I (knee) also didn’t practice. bles (four, tied for most in the guard Denzelle Good (replacing career-low 17 yards on 10 carries Arians, though, isn’t expecting has missed three others due to feel sick, still, without him in the Stefanski said Teller, who has NFL), he causes sacks for other injured Richie Incognito), centre by the Bucs, and wide receiver any problems and believes the a concussion and a hamstring building.” missed two games, could return people,” Gruden said. Rodney Hudson and right guard Bryan Edwards (foot/ankle) were 32-year-old will follow all the injury. Beckham wasn’t the only Sunday while he expects Garrett “He bats down passes, his Gabe Jackson – weren’t cleared both limited.

NBA Report: Union ‘negative’ on NBA’s Dec. start proposal

Reuters Miller family selling Jazz to local entrepreneur New York The Utah Jazz are being sold to Ryan Smith, the co- three years ago. founder of a Provo, Utah, technology company. The deal is subject to approval by the NBA Board n response to the NBA’s proposed 72- The move was announced Wednesday by Gail of Governors, which is expected to take place by game schedule the league is considering Miller, who with her late husband, Larry, bought the end of the year. Upon closing of the transac- for the 2020-21 regular season, which the team in the mid-1980s. A purchase price was tion, Smith become the NBA governor for the team includes a December 22 tipoff , NBPA not disclosed, but Sportico pegged it at $1.6 billion. and will have the final say on all business and Iexecutive director Michele Roberts says that The sale includes the majority interest in the NBA basketball operations decisions. players are currently mostly against the plan. club, Vivint Arena, the Salt Lake City Stars of the He also plans to acquire The Zone Sports Network With a Friday deadline for owners or players G-League and management of the Triple-A base- from the Miller family in a separate transaction. to choose to nix the NBA’s collective bargain- ball Salt Lake Bees. The Miller family is retaining “The Miller family has had an unbelievable impact ing agreement, Roberts told The Athletic ownership of the Bees. on countless people through the Utah Jazz and Wednesday that the proposal is being re- “Because of our friendship and several high-level the other organizations they run,” Smith said. “We viewed extensively. She was adamant that no conversations over the years, Ryan recently ap- all owe a great debt to the Miller family for the players’ decision would be reached this week. proached our organization to inquire about the amazing stewardship they have had over this asset “We have requested and are receiving data possibility of purchasing the Utah Jazz and some for the past 35 years. My wife and I are absolutely from the parties involved and will work on a of our other sports and entertainment proper- humbled and excited about the opportunity to counterproposal as expeditiously as possi- ties,” Gail Miller said. “After much soul searching, take the team forward far into the future - especial- ble,” Roberts said. “I have absolutely no rea- lengthy discussions and extensive evaluations of ly with the greatest fans in the NBA. The Utah Jazz, son to believe that we will have a decision by our long-term goals, my family and I decided this the state of Utah, and its capital city are the benefi- Friday. I cannot and will not view Friday as a was the right time to pass our responsibility and ciaries of the Millers’ tremendous love, generosity drop-dead date.” cherished stewardship of 35 years to Ryan and and investment. We look forward to building upon Members of the NBA Board of Governors Ashley, who share our values and are committed their lifelong work.” are mulling the feasibility of a short free to keeping the team in Utah. The Jazz were founded in New Orleans in 1974 and agency period following the November 18 “We have every confidence they will continue the moved to Salt Lake City five years later. Larry and draft with training camps starting December work we have undertaken and move the team to Gail Miller bought 50 percent of the team in May 1. the next level. Our family remains invested in the 1985 to prevent it from leaving Utah, then bought The proposal, in part, is a response to success of the Utah Jazz and these businesses, the remaining half the following year. the league’s reported $1.5 billion fi nancial and we will retain a minority interest.” Larry Miller passed away in 2009 at age 64. He shortfall caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Smith started Qualtrics in 2002 with his father earned his wealth through car dealerships and oth- including loss of in-stadium revenue, the and brother, then sold it last year but remains er businesses. Under coaches Frank Layden and costs of staging the NBA restart near Orlando Los Angeles Lakers being crowned champi- talked fi rmly about the players’ desire to pro- CEO. Qualtrics is the sponsor of the team’s jersey Jerry Sloan, the Jazz reached the NBA playoff s in and diminished additional revenue streams. ons earlier this month. ceed with caution. patch, which reads 5 For The Fight instead of the 20 consecutive seasons between 1983 and 2003, Roberts cited the personal sacrifi ces made While Roberts did not portray any opposi- “Our players deserve the right to have company name. Smith co-founded 5 For The Fight, losing in the finals in back-to-back seasons to the by players during this pandemic-laced cam- tion to the league’s initial proposal as a sign some runway so that they can plan for a start which crowdfunds for cancer research by inviting Chicago Bulls in 1997 and ‘98. They have made the paign, which composed of 22 teams restart- of serious labour strife – she shared that that soon,” Roberts said. “The overwhelming everyone to donate $5. The cause has raised more playoff s the past four seasons, twice losing in the ing and fi nishing a shortened regular season players and owners are not far apart on is- response from the players that I have received than $25 million since the patch partnership began Western Conference semifinals. before a normal postseason format, with the sues like the salary cap and tax concerns, she to this proposal has been negative.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 30, 2020 SPORT

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT Japanese gymnast Uchimura tests Mercedes set for positive for Covid-19 ahead of key meet

Reuters the next six days. He will be Tokyo re-tested on Nov. 4 and 5 and seventh team title could still take part if both tests are negative. apanese gymnast Kohei Watanabe added that all the Uchimura has tested other members of the Japanese positive for Covid-19 team have so far tested nega- ten days before he was tive but would be tested again dueJ to take part in an inter- on Friday, along with other national meet seen as a major staff members, adding that it and F1 fi rst at Imola test of Tokyo’s capacity to hold was unknown if Uchimura had events ahead of next year’s Ol- become infected in the centre ympics, organisers announced or prior to entering. ‘It was an amazing track, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like in a Formula One car’ yesterday. He also said that the event, The meet is set to be the the Friendship and Solidar- fi rst international event to be ity Competition at the Yoyogi held at a Tokyo Olympic venue National Gymnasium, would since the Games were post- go ahead even if the Japanese poned in March due to the new team had to withdraw and that coronavirus pandemic. all the international athletes Organisers said it was un- had so far tested negative. clear whether Uchimura, who “At this point it’s just Uch- is a three-time Olympic gold imura. If we fi nd out it’s spread medallist, will be pulling out through the rest of the team, at of the Nov. 8 meet that will that point they might pull out,” also feature athletes from he said. China, Russia and the United “All the other teams have States. However, the event is been isolated in their countries still scheduled to be held as – don’t put these two issues planned. together,” he added, in ex- Despite a lengthy recent in- plaining how the meet might jury record, 31-year-old Uch- still go ahead. imura was set to be the main The other athletes are set to attraction for the 2,000 fans arrive on Nov. 4 and 5 under allowed to watch the event at strict rules including moving Yoyogi National Gymnasium. only between practices, the The president of the Fed- event venue and their hotel, eration Internationale de which they are forbidden to Gymnastique (FIG), Morinari leave otherwise. In an inter- Watanabe, told reporters dur- view with Reuters earlier this ing an online news conference week, Watanabe said he hoped yesterday that Uchimura was this meet would open the door asymptomatic. towards holding a successful “He is in a very stable con- Olympics next year. dition,” Watanabe said, add- Japan has not suff ered the ing that Uchimura was rest- same sort of surge in Covid-19 ing in his room at the national cases being marked in Europe training centre where the team and the United States, with has been staying for a week only 221 new cases reported in and would be monitored for Tokyo yesterday.

Kohei Uchimura of Japan competes on the parallel bars during the 2016 Rio Olympics Artistic Gymnastics men’s individual all-around final on August 10, 2016. (Reuters)

New Zealand Open cancelled Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in action during the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, on October 25, 2020. (Reuters) because of Covid-19 Reuters Italian team when seven times wrap up his own championship weekend,” said team boss Toto history, was around last time Organisers of next year’s New Zealand Open golf tournament Bologna champion Michael Schumacher battle if things go his way on Wolff . Imola was on the F1 calendar but have had to cancel the event because of the uncertainty over was at his peak. Mercedes are a Sunday. The third race this year in It- others have raced there in junior the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was scheduled to be hefty 209 points clear of second- The Briton is 77 points clear of aly, another fi rst, will be behind series. held on two courses in the South Island town of Queenstown in ewis Hamilton is closing placed Red Bull in the standings Bottas going to a circuit, named closed doors after the Covid-19 McLaren’s Lando Norris, who February. “We are extremely disappointed to have had to come in on a seventh Formula and after Sunday’s 13th round after Ferrari founder Enzo and pandemic forced promoters was only six years old when to this decision,” organising committee chairman John Hart said One championship but of the season there will be four his son Dino, where neither have to scrap plans to allow 13,000 Raikkonen fi nished fi fth for the in a statement yesterday. his dominant Mercedes races, and a total of 176 points, raced previously in F1. spectators a day. The race week- same team in 2006, raced at Im- “But the eff ects of the pandemic, borders being closed, and the Lteam should get there fi rst at remaining to be won. end will run to a two-day for- ola in Italian Formula Four. financial risk associated with a potential later cancellation due to Imola on Sunday. That means Hamilton, winner DARK WEEKEND mat, with no Friday practice but “It was an amazing track, so any further Covid-19 outbreaks means we have no other alterna- No team has ever won seven of a record 92 races with eight Imola will also always be re- an extended session on Saturday I’m looking forward to seeing tive other than to cancel this event now.” constructors’ titles in a row but victories so far this season, or membered for the dark weekend before qualifying. what it’s like in a Formula One Hart said they had expected up to 300 people from overseas to Mercedes may not need another team mate Valtteri Bottas need of 1994 when Brazilian triple The novelty of that was slight- car,” said the Briton. attend the tournament. New Zealand has closed its borders to point to make history at an Ital- fi nish only fourth for Mercedes champion Ayrton Senna and ly diminished by this month’s “With it only being a two- anyone but returning citizens or permanent residents and while ian circuit making its return to to add another title to the se- Austrian Roland Ratzenberger Eifel Grand Prix at the Nuerbur- day race weekend, it’ll defi nitely overseas visitors can apply for an exemption, they must meet the calendar for the fi rst time quence even if Red Bull fi nish died after crashes. gring also eff ectively becoming a make things interesting by miss- stringent conditions and are rarely granted. All arrivals must also since 2006. one-two. “It’s a track with lots of his- two-day event when bad weath- ing out on two free practice ses- still undergo 14-days isolation with short-term visitors charged Mercedes currently share the Red Bull must score 34 points tory but one that the Mercedes er ruled out any running on the sions. Hopefully my previous for their stay in government-run facilities. The cancellation of record streak with Ferrari, who more than Mercedes to spin works team has never raced on Friday. experience there will give me a the New Zealand Open follows that of Australia’s four major golf won six in a row between 1999 things out to the following race before, so there are quite a few Kimi Raikkonen, the most ex- helping hand on Saturday and tournaments, all of which were also scheduled for February. and 2004 in a golden era for the in Turkey, where Hamilton could unknowns heading into the race perienced driver in Formula One Sunday.”

TENNIS Djokovic marks Italian teenager Sinner as a potential No. 1 AFP defi nitely possesses a game that is power- Vienna ful and is with a lot of quality, and you can Paris Masters behind closed doors say he has the potential to be a top player of the world. confi rmed by organisers ovak Djokovic feels Italian teen- “Sinner is defi nitely, I would say, the ager Jannik Sinner leads the pack leader of the guys younger than (Alexan- The Paris Masters will go ahead at Roland Garros in Paris just of ‘Next Gen’ players with the der) Zverev and (Stefanos) Tsitsipas, who as scheduled starting next week over two weeks ago, is the top potential of becoming a future I think by many experts’ opinions the next but behind closed doors to seed at the tournament. The Nworld number one, the Serbian said after ‘top’ top player.” comply with a second nationwide federation said that ever since all but securing his year-end top ranking German Zverev, aged 23, reached the US coronavirus lockdown, organis- the start of the pandemic they with a win in Vienna on Wednesday. Open fi nal in New York and is a year older ers confirmed yesterday. had worked “in constant liaison Djokovic saved four set points in the than Greek Tsitsipas and they have won the “Following the latest announce- with the French government” to opener against Croatia’s Borna Coric to previous two editions of the season-ending ments by the French government determine how best to stage the win 7-6(11) 6-3 to reach the third round of ATP Finals, the biggest event in men’s ten- and the introduction of another event. the Erste Bank Open in the Austrian capi- nis outside the Slams. Djokovic felt the duo national lockdown in France as of “Consequently, the FFT has made tal. The win meant that the 17-times Grand are already established players and would October 30, the Rolex Paris Mas- the responsible decision to hold Slam winner could only be stopped from need to sustain their performances over a ters, which will be played at the the Rolex Paris Masters tourna- tying Pete Sampras’ record of fi nishing as period to wrest the top ranking. Accord Arena from October 31 to ment behind closed doors,” it year end No.1 for the sixth time if Rafael “Many things have to come together in a November 8, will be closed to the said. Nadal accepts a wild card in competing in career and life of a tennis player in order for public,” read the statement from “The FFT is aware of the disap- Sofi a next month. him to be able to fi nd his best and maxim- the French Tennis Federation. pointment people will feel at not The 19-year-old Sinner won the Next ise his potential and to thrive every single The Paris Masters at the being able to attend the tourna- Gen ATP Finals in 2019 and is currently at a year,” Djokovic said. 20,000-seater Bercy Arena car- ment but would like to thank career-high ranking of 43, having reached “And to endure, because I think you have ries a total prize money purse of everyone for their understanding his maiden Grand Slam quarter fi nal at this a much better chance to have a great Grand 4.3 million euros. and reassure them that their month’s French Open. Slam or a great season. But can you en- World number two Rafael Nadal, tickets will be refunded as soon “I defi nitely see a lot of quality in the dure for three, four, fi ve, 10 years? Fifteen Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Croatia’s Borna Coric during the Erste who won a 13th French Open as possible.” young players,” said Djokovic. “(Sinner) years?” Bank Open ATP in Vienna on Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 30, 2020 7 SPORT

CRICKET RUGBY Bledisloe or bust for Wallabies in Gaikwad shines in Tri-Nations opener Chennai’s thrilling win over Kolkata JADEJA ALSO EXCELS FOR THE WINNERS BUT DHONI’S MEN STILL AT THE BOTTOM

IANS/GloFans tale. However, Jadeja ensured Dubai the night remains with CSK as he smacked Kamlesh Nagarkoti (0/34) for two consecutive sixes uturaj Gaikwad’s scin- off the fi nal two balls to fi nish tillating 53-ball 72 and things off in style. Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. Ravindra Jadeja’s un- Jadeja’s unbeaten 31 was laced Rbeaten 31 off 11 handed with two fours and three massive Reuters moon period but injury has ended Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a hits into the stands. For KKR, Sydney any question of his phasing in the six-wicket win over Kolkata Chakravarthy and Cummins transition to a new generation of Knight Riders (KKR) in a nail- bagged two wickets each. playmakers. biting fi nish in the Indian Pre- Earlier, opener Nitish Rana’s he Tri-Nations kicks off Matt Toomua and James mier League (IPL) yesterday. valiant 87 off 61powered KKR to tomorrow when an inex- O’Connor have both been ruled The win helped CSK take their a decent 172/5 wickets. perienced Australia host out for Saturday and so fl yhalf points tally to 10, but the Ma- Put into bat, KKR were off to TNew Zealand in front of a Noah Lolesio and inside centre hendra Singh Dhoni-led side re- a fi ne start as openers Shubman 40,000 crowd at Sydney’s Olym- Irae Simone will make their test main at the bottom of the eight- Gill (26) and Rana added 53 runs pic Stadium but all eyes at will be debuts. Rennie will clearly be team competition. KKR, despite for the opening wicket. on a much older prize — the Bl- hoping his forwards can give them the loss, hold the fi fth spot with However, once Gill departed, edisloe Cup. the platform they provided to slim chances of making to the the two-time champions kept The withdrawal from the Rug- Toomua and O’Connor with their playoff s. on losing wickets at regular in- by Championship of world cham- aggressive display in Wellington. Chasing the 173-run target, tervals and it was solely Rana, pions South Africa over player “We’ve seen where we think CSK, who suff ered a mini mid- who kept the scoreboard ticking. welfare concerns has left a rump we’ve created opportunities for dle-order collapse, were 143/4 Apart from Rana, Rinku Singh competition to be played out over ourselves,” the New Zealander wickets at the end of the 18th and Eoin Morgan chipped in the next six weeks between the said yesterday. over. However, Jadeja’s heroics with 11 and 15 runs respectively trans-Tasman Sea rivals and Ar- “There are little areas that we ensured his side a morale boost- CSK’s Ruturaj while Dinesh Karthik remained gentina. think we can get some joy.” ing win. Gaikwad in action unbeaten on 21 runs off 10 balls The All Blacks and Wallabies Rennie will also be looking for CSK started the proceed- against the Kolkata as KKR managed a respectable got a head start on the Pumas a much lower missed tackle count ings cautiously with opener Knight Riders in total on board. with two tests played in front of than at Eden Park and a strat- Shane Watson (14) and Ruturaj Dubai yesterday. For CSK, Lungi Ngidi picked big crowds in New Zealand over egy that avoids kicking the ball Gaikwad, adding 44 runs in the two wickets conceding 34 runs the last month and the competi- to New Zealand’s back three, es- initial six overs. Just when they while Mitchell Santner, Karn tiveness of those matches has pecially young left winger Caleb touched the 50-run mark, Varun Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja whetted the appetite for Satur- Clarke. Chakravarthy (2/20) dismissed bagged one each. day’s contest. Foster, also taking charge of Watson. Brief scores: Chennai Super A 16-16 draw in Wellington his third test on Saturday, clearly Ambati Rayudu (38) and Ru- side as the Aussie quick sent to help KKR make a comeback the second last over, thanks to Kings 178/4 in 20 overs (Ruturaj followed by a 27-7 All Blacks win believes he got his selection right turaj steadied the ship with a back a good looking Rayudu in in the contest. Ruturaj’s knock the former who scored bulk of Gaikwad 72, Ambati Rayudu 38; in Auckland means the Bledis- at Eden Park and has made only 68-run partnership, helping the 14th over. contained six boundaries and the runs. Varun Chakravarthy 2/20) beats loe Cup series remains alive even three changes, one expected and CSK cross the three-digit mark Chakravarthy further jolted couple of sixes. With 10 needed of the fi nal Kolkata Knight riders172/5 in 20 if the Wallabies need to win the two enforced, to his team. Despite in 12 overs. CSK when he castled Dhoni (1) in KKRs joy, however, didn’t last over, the duo managed only three overs (Nitish Rana 87, Shubman last two matches if they are to end having dominated the Bledisloe Pat Cummins (2/31) fi nally the next over before Cummins’s long as Jadeja and Sam Curran runs in the fi rst four deliver- Gill 26; Lungi Ngidi 2/34) by 6 New Zealand’s 17-year grip on the Cup exchanges since 2003, the came with some relief for his sent back a well-settled Ruturaj (13 not out) amassed 20 runs of ies, putting another twist in the wickets trophy. usual match scheduling means “We know it will be a massive New Zealand have not actually eff ort from the Wallabies this secured the trophy on Australian week,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster soil since 2009. Aussie talent Pucovski eyes India Tests aft er mental health issues said yesterday. “I think that will be a special “It’s a do or die for them and achievement,” Foster added. AFP country’s best prospects, was parachut- against Western Australia in 2018. for this summer’s four-Test tour by India, that’s the way they will see it. The “We have to make sure that we Sydney ed into the national set-up last summer “I didn’t feel like I was quite ready at the which starts in Adelaide on December key thing for us is that we have show our colours playing away for Tests against Sri Lanka. time, but I’ve done a mountain of work 17. His first chance to press a case comes to make it a do or die thing for us from home and that we can lift But after being overlooked for the first in the last year to try to get myself a little today when Victoria get their Sheff ield too.” New Wallabies coach Dave our performance regardless of oung Australian batting prod- one and again missing out on selec- further down the line,” he told reporters. Shield campaign underway against Rennie is still enjoying his honey- which country we’re in.” igy Will Pucovski says he’s in tion for the second he was released to “I just feel like I’m in a really good space South Australia. “a really good space” and ready return home and focus on his mental now, which is awesome, just in everyday Mental health has been thrust into the Yto fi ght for a Test spot against well-being. life and with my cricket. spotlight in recent times, with batting FOCUS India after mental health issues twice It was not the first time Pucovski had “I don’t have much control over whether superstar Glenn Maxwell and fellow forced him to step away from the game. struggled, taking a long break after they pick me or not, but I’m definitely international Nic Maddinson also taking The 22-year-old, regarded as one of the hitting a breakthrough 243 for Victoria very keen,” he added of his aspirations breaks last year. Wales rugby great

SELECTION RIPOSTE Williams dead at 72

AFP Green, ‘best since Ponting’, Yadav responds London J Williams was lauded gets nod for India ODIs, T20s to India snub with as one of the “greatest wings” to have played for AFP Wales and the British and IrishJ Lions after his death at the Sydney winning knock age of 72 was announced yester- Reuters day. ighly rated young all-rounder Cameron New Delhi A lethal fi nisher who became Green was included in Australia’s squad an emblematic fi gure of the for their white-ball series against India, golden era of Welsh rugby in the while Moises Henriques earned a recall. umbai Indians 1970s, Williams scored 12 tries in HGreen, 21, was a surprise inclusion for three batsman Surya- 30 Tests for Wales. ODIs and three Twenty20s starting next month, kumar Yadav Williams also helped Wales with his call-up following a classy 197 in the do- produced another win four titles in the then-Five mestic Sheffi eld Shield last week. Mmatch-winning knock in the Nations, including two Grand The knock saw Greg Chappell describe him as Indian Premier League (IPL) Slams, in 1976 and 1978. the best he had seen since Ricky Ponting. yesterday, prompting many to “JJ Williams, one of the great- “Cameron’s domestic form has been outstand- question his absence from In- selectors are watching him estLIGUE wings 1to play for Llanelli, ing and he has carried it through for Western Aus- dia’s limited-overs squads for play...” Wales and the British and Irish tralia this summer,” said national selector Trevor the upcoming tour of Australia. Mumbai captain Kieron Pol- Lions, has died at the age of 72,” also scored one against New Zea- Hohns. Yadav is among the 12 bats- lard said Yadav just needed to said the Welsh Rugby Union. land in 1977 — is second only to “As a potential player of the future this is an men who have scored 350-plus be patient for his India call-up. A former sprinter who com- Ireland great Tony O’Reilly’s to- opportunity for him to be part of the squad and runs in this year’s IPL and his “Deep down inside, he must peted for Wales at the 1970 Com- tal of six during the tours of 1955 build on his experience.” 155-plus strike rate is second be very disappointed not get- monwealth Games, Williams, and 1959. Henriques was also a head-turner, brought in only to Mayank Agarwal in that ting to don the blue for In- born John James but known as Tomorrow marks the 48th an- as an all-rounder to replace Mitchell Marsh, who group. dia but I’m sure he’s very, JJ to distinguish him from Wales niversary of Llanelli’s celebrated picked up an ankle injury in the Indian Premier said Hohns. Two days after the Indian very close,” Pollard said after full-back team-mate John Peter 9-3 win over the All Blacks, a League. “We look forward to a blockbuster summer squads for Australia were an- Wednesday’s win. Rhys (JPR) Williams, also scored game in which Williams played, He played his last one-dayer and T20 for Aus- against one of our greatest rivals.” nounced, the 30-year-old “He’s done some amazing fi ve tries in seven Tests for the when the town also plays host tralia in 2017, but was prolifi c last season for the Coronavirus pandemic permitting, India’s smashed an unbeaten 79 in things for us as a franchise, and British and Irish Lions across two to the coronavirus-delayed Six Sydney Sixers as they won the Big Bash League. squad will arrive in Sydney on November 12 and Mumbai Indians’ fi ve-wicket the most he can do is continue tours. Nations international between “Moises is a tremendous cricketer with loads complete quarantine and Covid-19 protocols. victory against Royal Chal- to let the bat talk and score Four of those scores came Wales and Scotland. of experience and is a great person to have around Their tour opens on November 27 with an ODI lengers Bangalore led by India more runs for us and take us all during a 3-0 series win over the “We are deeply saddened to the group,” said Hohns. in Sydney followed by another two days later. The captain Virat Kohli. the way. Springboks in the centrepiece of hear that our former player JJ “His form was extremely impressive in leading third and fi nal game is played in Canberra, which Former India spinner Har- “If he continues to be this the 1974 Lions unbeaten tour of Williams has passed away,” said a the Sixers to the BBL title last summer and he has also hosts the opening T20 before the series bhajan Singh was among those consistent then at some point South Africa. Llanelli statement. “JJ played 223 played well at the start of this season.” moves back to Sydney. who had questioned Yadav’s in time, you are going to get “We have lost a true legend of games for Llanelli RFC in nine Spinner Nathan Lyon is a high-profi le omission Wrangling over quarantine requirements and omission from Australia tour. rewarded. Nothing happens the game — RIP JJ Williams,” said seasons at Stradey Park. from the big touring party Australia took to Eng- an outbreak of the virus in Melbourne delayed “Don’t know what else @ before its time, and long may it the Lions. “A man who inspired “Our thoughts are with JJ’s land in September. confi rmation of the tour, which was only locked surya_14kumar needs to do continue for us as a franchise.” a generation with his incredible family, many friends and former Adam Zampa was preferred, with Lyon being in on Wednesday. get picked in the team India... At least Yadav’s latest eff ort running and fi nishing abilities. team-mates at this sad time. A saved for Australia’s four Test series against India Australia squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean diff erent people diff erent rules did not go unnoticed. “The Welsh winger was a key true great of Welsh rugby.” that follows the white-ball games. The Test squad Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, I guess. I request all the selec- While Kohli was at the re- member of our famous 1974 and Williams is survived by his is yet to be announced. Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Hen- tors to see his records,” Singh ceiving end of it, India head 1977 tours, delivering command- wife and children, including son “The entire squad performed exceptionally riques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, tweeted on Tuesday. coach Ravi Shastri hailed the ing performances across seven Rhys who followed in his father’s well in the UK in beating the current one-day Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, After Yadav’s “class” in- performance on Twitter and Tests.” athletic footsteps by becoming world champions at home and retaining the world Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, nings against Bangalore, the advised Yadav to “Stay strong Williams’ tally of fi ve tries in the 2012 European 400 metres number one ranking in T20 international cricket,” David Warner, Adam Zampa 40-year-old tweeted “hope and patient”. seven Tests for the Lions — he hurdles champion.

Friday, October 30, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Pakistan’s cricket rehabilitation RB Kindle treble gathers pace with for Sanna, Ghazali Zimbabwe series Al Shahania Stud horse wins Losail Cup to steal the show at Al Rayyan Park

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam attends a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium yesterday.

AFP dies, Ireland, Pakistan and Aus- Rawalpindi tralia, while Australia wrapped up a women’s series against visitors New Zealand earlier akistan take a further this month. Azam, who called step out of the wilder- it an “honour” to lead Pakistan, ness as international said Pakistan won’t underes- cricket hosts when they timate Zimbabwe despite the Pwelcome Zimbabwe for their apparent disparity between the fi rst ODI in a year today, with two teams. “We won’t be taking England and South Africa both Zimbabwe lightly at all,” he said. lining up tours. “For us, each and every point The three one-day interna- matters and a convincing victory tionals, when Babar Azam will against Zimbabwe will hold us in debut as ODI captain, are also good stead for future series.” Pakistan’s fi rst in the new World Pakistan have won 52 of their Cup Super League, the qualifi - 59 ODIs against Zimbabwe with cation process for the 50-over just four defeats, two no-results World Cup in 2023. and one match tied. The rehabilitation of Paki- Apart from Zimbabwe’s off - stan, largely shunned by foreign fi eld problems — the Interna- Alberto Sanna rides RB Kindle to victory in the Losail Cup yesterday. sides after a deadly attack on Sri tional Cricket Council sus- Lanka’s team bus in 2009, has pended them for three months By Sports Reporter HANDICAP (90 & below) (Dis- accelerated in recent months, last year over political interfer- Doha tance: 1400m) partly as a result of the corona- ence — the team are on an eight- 1. Maghamir Des Forges (Saleh virus pandemic. match losing streak in ODIs. Salem al-Marri), 2. Ennab After Pakistan toured England They have lost 2-0 to the l Shahania Stud’s RB (Alberto Sanna), 3. Al Junood and agreed to visit South Africa Netherlands, 3-0 against Ireland Kindle completed a (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. Gold — both hard-hit by Covid-19 and 3-0 to Bangladesh since treble of wins for jock- Amer (Ronan Thomas). Won by: — the two heavyweights were their last ODI victory, at home ey Alberto Sanna and Nk, 1 ½, 3. Time: 1:32.16. Owner: moved to show their gratitude by against UAE in April 2019. Atrainer Jassim Mohamed Ghazali Al Ghazali Stud. Trainer: Jassim studying reciprocal trips. “It’s very crucial for us to with a comfortable victory in the Mohamed Ghazali. Neither has visited in more play really well,” said new skip- Losail Cup at the Qatar Racing than a decade. Zimbabwe, West per Chamu Chibhabha, who has and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Race 6: PUREBRED ARABIAN Indies and Bangladesh have all captained Zimbabwe in just one Park yesterday. HANDICAP (90 & above) (Dis- toured Pakistan since the attack, match earlier this year. In the turf feature for Pure- tance: 2000m) and last year Sri Lanka ended “Super League games are very bred Arabians, Sanna kept 1. Ebraz (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Bin their decade-long absence with important because we have to Ghazali-trained mare up front General (Ronan Thomas), 3. Me- a limited-overs tour. Those qualify for the World Cup, which coming off Gate 3 and then held hdi (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Latam games turned out to be Paki- we missed in 2019.” on to the advantage through (Carlos Henrique). Won by: 2 ¾, stan’s last ODIs for a year and the six-furlongs for her third 3, 2 ¼. Time: 2:12.78. Owner: His they return in Rawalpindi under Squads: straight victory. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (fourth from right) with the Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin new captain Azam, also the T20 Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al winners of the Losail Cup after RB Kindle won the turf feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian skipper, hoping to take their fi rst Haider Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Hawa made it two victories for PICTURES: Juhaim Smart. step towards the 2023 World Cup Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Abid the colours yesterday with San- in India. Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Mohamed na guiding the chestnut son of when they topped the mile-long Ibrahim al-Malki-trained 1. Perfect Empire (Alberto Race 7: LOCAL THOROUGH- In the 13-team World Cup Hafeez, Khushdil Shah, Mo- Makfi to a fantastic victory in the Local Thoroughbreds event by Arandas started his new season Sanna), 2. Main Reef (Faleh BREDS (Distance: 1600m) Super League, seven sides plus hamed Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Class 2 Thoroughbreds event. half-a-length. right from where he had left the Bughanaim), 3. Amenable 1. Al Lusail (Ronan Thomas), 2. hosts India will qualify for the Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, After staying within striking Doha Triple Crown winner last term, registering his sec- (Luca Maniezzi), 4. Forneus Black Pearl (Soufiane Saadi), 3. World Cup. All teams will play Rohail Nazir, Shaheen Afridi, distance for the bulk of the race, Ebraz, owned by His Highness ond straight victory. Francois (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 3 ¾, Abha (Killian Leonard), 4. Sha- four home and four away se- Mohamed Hasnain, Haris Rauf, once Sanna gave the go-ahead, Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Herholdt, riding in the colours 1 ½, 3. Time: 1:36.63. Owner: Al man Bu Thaila (Tomas Lukasek). ries, with each match worth 10 Musa Khan, Wahab Riaz, Usman Noor Al Hawa breezed past the al-Thani was back at Al Rayyan of Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: Jassim Won by: ½, 2, 4 ½. Time: 1:36.65. points. Qadir, Zafar Gohar competition on the straight Park for the fi rst time since win- Jassim al-Thani, guided the colt Mohamed Ghazali. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Pakistan’s three ODIs and Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha to win by three-and-a-half ning his third His Highness The to a three-length win in the sev- Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. three T20s against Zimbabwe (capt), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, lengths. Amir’s Sword in February. Julian en-furlong Local Thoroughbred Race 3: LOCAL THOROUGH- will be played behind closed Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, The Italian jockey was earlier Smart’s ward, who missed out Plate for three-year-olds. BRED PLATE (3 Year Olds) Race 8: THOROUGHBREDS doors in Rawalpindi, and with Elton Chigumbura, Tendai astride maiden winner and an- on a Qatar Arabian World Cup Earlier yesterday, Khalid (Distance: 1400m) (Class 2) (Distance: 2000m) both teams in a bio-secure Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Tinashe other Ghazali ward, Perfect Em- victory owing to heavy ground Rashid Saif al-Khayarin’s Kuwa- 1. Arandas (Francois Herholdt), 1. Noor Al Hawa (Alberto Sanna), “bubble”. All players have tested Kamunhukamwe, Wessley Mad- pire, in the colours of Al Wasmi- at ParisLongchamp, had little ity shed his maiden status. 2. Equinoxe (Ronan Thomas), 2. Esteve (Ronan Thomas), 3. negative for the coronavirus. hevere, Wellington Masakadza, yah Farm. trouble yesterday going from the 3. Al Kharu (Randall Simons), Beachwalk (Luca Maniezzi), 4. The series makes Pakistan just Carl Mumba, Richmond Mu- A late charge by Al Ghazali back to the front on the home 4. Wukair (Soufiane Saadi). Baghdad (Soufiane Saadi). Won the third host of international tumbami, Blessing Muzarabani, Stud’s Maghamir Des Forges saw straight of the 2000m Purebred RESULTS Won by: 3, 4 ¾, 4. Time: 1:26.24. by: 3 ½, ¾, Shd. Time: 2:02.62. cricket since the coronavirus Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Qatari apprentice rider Saleh Arabian Handicap for horses Race 1: THOROUGHBRED MAID- Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Owner: Al Wasmiyah Farm. pandemic. Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Salem al-Marri notch his sev- rated 90 and above, winning by a EN PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 6) bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Trainer: Georges Mikhalides. England have hosted West In- Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams enth win of the season. In the little less than three lengths. (Distance: 1200m) Ibrahim al-Malki. Purebred Arabian Handicap for A fantastic ride by JP Guil- 1. Kuwaity (Eduardo Pedroza), Race 9: LOSAIL CUP (PURE- horses rated 90 and below, the lambert saw Zakhir Racing’s Al 2. In The Night (Francois Race 4: THOROUGHBRED BRED ARABIANS) (Distance: gelding came on the outside and Fayz race to victory in the Thor- Herholdt), 3. Superior Moment HANDICAP (65-75) (Distance: 1200m) CA braced for big revenue dip edged out Ennab, helmed by oughbred Handicap event for (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Cotai Again 1600m) Alberto Sanna, by a neck at the horses rated 65-75. The Zuhair (Marco Casamento). Won by: 1 1. Al Fayz (JP Guillambert), 1. RB Kindle (Alberto Sanna), Melbourne: Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday it posted post for his fi rst win in Qatar. Mohsen-schooled fi ve-year- ¾, Hd, ¾. Time: 1:11.24. Owner: 2. Izzer (Mickael Berto), 3. Al 2. Ateej (Marco Casamento), a A$45.9mn deficit in the last financial year and could see a The impressive Al Lusail was old made a slow start but Guil- Khalid Rashid Saif al-Khayarin. Mikdam (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 4. 3. Evolution Du Croate (Mick- A$120mn ($85.55mn) dip its projected revenue for the 2021 the only winner of the day for lambert had the gelding steadily Trainer: Mohamed Khaled Greyscape (Francois Herholdt). ael Berto), 4. Daloob (Ronan period due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. trainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. move up on the outside and then Elahmed. Won by: 2 ¼, No, 4. Time: 1:36.02. Thomas), 4. Methgal (Tomas CA, which saved around A$40mn during the pandemic through The Al Jeryan Stud horse had got him going almost 400m out. Owner: Zakhir Racing. Trainer: Lukasek). Won by: 2 ¼, 1 ½, 4 a range of cost-cutting measures including the axing of 40 jobs, Ronan Thomas in the saddle Al Fayz obeyed and he had soon Race 2: THOROUGHBRED Zuhair Mohsen. ¼, DH. Time: 1:16.75. Owner: Al said the deficit for the year ending June 30 was in line with once again, and the duo raced taken the advantage to win by a MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) (Dis- Shahania Stud. Trainer: Jassim budgetary expectations. to their sixth victory together, little more than two lengths. tance: 1600m) Race 5: PUREBRED ARABIAN Mohamed Ghazali. “There is no doubt this year has been diff icult on a number of fronts across Australian cricket and we have had to work to- gether to navigate our way forward,” CA Chairman Earl Eddings SQUASH said in a statement after the body’s annual general meeting. “The decisions at times have been diff icult however critical to ensuring our ongoing financial sustainability.” Australia was scheduled to host the Twenty20 World Cup this World No.1 Gawad withdraws from Qatar Classic year but the event was postponed to 2022 because of the pandemic. ormer world champion of the Platinum event. Auguste Dussourd (FRA) v [17/32] (bye) (EGY) (bye) The projected drop in revenue for the next financial year also and current World No.1 India’s Vikram Malhotra re- Cesar Salazar (MEX) [WC] Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) v [8] Joel Makin (WAL) (bye) factored in the bio-security costs and loss of revenue from Karim Abdel Gawad has places Lobban and will face [9/16] Omar Mosaad (EGY) (bye) [17/32] Mohamed El Sherbini (EGY) [6] Diego Elias (PER) (bye) crowd restrictions for the upcoming India series. withdrawn from the up- United States No.1 Shahjahan Benjamin Aubert (FRA) v [17/32] [17/32] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) v Patrick Rooney (ENG) v [17/32] Ab- “On current estimates, these factors could have a financial cost comingF Qatar Classic, which be- Khan, with Qatar’s Abdulrah- Borja Golan (ESP) Ramit Tandon (IND) dulla Mohamed al-Tamimi (QAT) to cricket of up to A$120mn in FY21,” CA Director Paul Green gins on November 1. man Al-Malki taking a place in [916] Fares Dessouky (EGY) (bye) [4] Paul Coll (NZL) (bye) [17/32] Vikram Malhotra (IND) v told the AGM. New Zealand’s Paul Coll the draw, replacing Malhotra. He [8] Simon Rösner (GER) (bye) [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) (bye) Shahjahan Khan (USA) India will arrive next month to play six short-form internation- moves up to take Gawad’s spot will face England’s Declan James [7] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) Mazen Gamal (EGY) v [17/32] [9/16] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) als followed by four tests in a blockbuster tour worth about in the 3/4 seeds, with British and in the fi rst round. (bye) Youssef Soliman (EGY) (bye) A$300mn to CA. Welsh No.1 Joel Makin then tak- Revised Men’s Draw [WC] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [9/16] James Willstrop (ENG) (bye) [17/32] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v Karim Interim chief executive Nick Hockley said cricket had overcome ing the subsequent space in the [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) [17/32] Iker Pajares Bernabeu [9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) (bye) El Hammamy (EGY) a series of setbacks over the last year and CA hoped for better 5/8 section of the draw. (bye) (ESP) [17/32] Tom Richards (ENG) v Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT) v times ahead. Scotland’s Greg Lobban re- George Parker (ENG) v [17/32] Vic- [9/6] Saurav Ghosal (IND) (bye) Nathan Lake (ENG) [17/32] Declan James (ENG) “Despite droughts, bushfires and the pandemic, we must re- places Makin and moves into the tor Crouin (FRA) Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v [17/32] Todd Harrity (USA) v [17/32] Lucas [17/32] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) v member that cricket in Australia has been extremely fortunate 9/16 seedings, and will receive a [17/32] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Raphael Kandra (GER) Serme (FRA) Richie Fallows (ENG) to largely complete the 2019-20 summer,” he said. bye through to the second round Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) [9/16] Gregoire Marche (FRA) [9/16] Mohamed Abouelghar [2] Ali Farag (EGY) (bye)