FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 2 GOLF | Page 3 Soft er tyres Koepka aims for throw up a rare three-peat fresh challenge on the PGA’s for Hamilton big stage

Thursday, August 6, 2020 TENNIS Dhul-Qa’da 16, 1441 AH Nadal preparing to play GULF TIMES Roland Garros despite US Open withdrawal SPORT Page 6 HORSE RACING New winners for Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Mohamed in France

Agencies La Teste-De-Buch, France Emberator wins Prix Dahman for Al Shaqab Racing ing Shalaa, owned by Agencies colours of His Highness Sheikh His Highness Sheikh Dax, France Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, Abdullah bin Khalifa al- who also bred both colts. Thani, made a thunder- Emberator was ridden here by Kous and a winning debut in the mberator broke his Ioritz Mendizabal. It was his Prix du Château de Portets, rac- maiden for Al Shaqab Rac- first attempt at this distance of ing against experienced horses at Eing winning Prix Dahman 2,300m, having run twice before La Teste in France yesterday. at Dax in France on Tuesday over shorter trips finishing 4th on A little more than an hour later, evening. This three-year-old his previous start over 1,900m. it was the turn of Kabeer, owned Purebred Arabian, trained Emberator was bred by Mathieu by His Highness Sheikh Moham- in Pau by Charles Gourdain, de Watrigant and comes from ed bin Khalifa al-Thani, to shed won by a short head in front the most successful bloodline his maiden status at the same of Nafe’eh with Sarhan just of French Purebred Arabian track in the Prix Arca — Wathba over a length further back in breeders Haras de Mandore. His Stallions Cup. third. Both the second- and third dam is none other than The four-year-old Purebred third-place finishers ran in the French Champion mare Cherifa. Arabian landed his fi rst victory by a nose. His fi rst attempt over a Olivier Peslier (left) rides King Shalaa to Prix du Château de Portets Clement Cadel (left) rides Kabeer to Prix Arca – Wathba Stallions Cup mile was also his seasonal come- victory at La Teste in France yesterday. PICTURES: Robert Polin (maiden) victory yesterday. back. Last time out, in Septem- ber, Julian Smart-trained Kabeer Shaqab Racing-owned colt Zalej one-and-a-half lengths ahead of ed to give him a good education. the fi rst winners of Shalaa, who I had fi nished third over 10 fur- Al Cham fi nished in second. Normandy Beech. He snatched He pulled a little at the start and really like.” longs. Earlier in the afternoon, a little second by a neck just on the line then struggled to fi nd his way in King Shalaa is now the fi fth Yesterday, Miss Boum Al keen at fi rst, King Shalaa gradually from Trust On Him. the straight, but it’s a great lesson winner of the young Al Shaqab Maury led the race with a very relaxed towards the rear. Entering After the race, François Ro- and it confi rms what we think of Racing sire Shalaa, who stands steady pace while Kabeer, ridden the straight, the eventual winner haut, King Shalaa’s trainer and him. We’re not going to be in a at Haras du Bouquetot. His dam by Clement Cadel, sat in fourth did not have an easy passage. breeder, said: “He’s a colt that hurry this year because he’s still a Baki won two races in Vichy over position. Wearing blinkers, he Jockey Olivier Peslier had to we have always really liked since big baby. I would like to thank His 2,000m and in Deauville over showed a nice turn of foot in the send him into middle of the track the day he arrived. In the morn- Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin 2,500m. Besides King Shalaa, she straight. He had to battle with to get the opening and once he ing, he shows us the same talent Khalifa al-Thani who trusted me is also the dam of Waltham, win- Ioritz Mendizabal (left) rides Emberator to Prix Dahman victory at Nayar Athbah and Zalej Al Cham found a gap, the colt stormed as he did here and, although he is when I told him that I had a very ner of three races including the Dax in France on Tuesday evening. (Robert Polin) before taking the lead. The Al to the lead. King Shalaa won by very green, this race was intend- nice foal to sell. He is also one of Prix Maurice Caillault.

CRICKET Azam stars as Pakistan make solid start in England opener ‘They keep going on about the ‘Fab Four (Kohli, Smith, Wiliamson, Root) — it’s the ‘Fab Five’ and Babar Azam is in that’

AFP Manchester, United Kingdom Scorecard

PAKISTAN 1st innings akistan’s Babar Azam underlined his status as S. Masood not out 46 one of the world’s lead- Abid Ali b Archer 16 ing batsmen with a fi ne Azhar Ali lbw b Woakes 0 Punbeaten fi fty against England B. Azam not out 69 on an interrupted opening day of the fi rst Test at Old Traff ord yes- Extras (b1, lb6, nb1) 8 terday. Total (2 wkts, 49 overs) 139 When bad light forced an Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Abid Ali), early close, Pakistan were 139-2, 2-43 (Azhar Ali) with Babar 69 not out and Shan Masood unbeaten on 46. Bowling: Anderson 8-2-32-0 But left-handed opener (1nb); Broad 11-4-24-0; Woakes Masood was twice missed on 8-2-14-1; Archer 10-3-23-1; Bess 45 by England wicketkeeper Jos 9-1-30-0; Root 3-0-9-0 Buttler either side of a lengthy rain break, with off -spinner Dom The conditions favoured Eng- Bess the unlucky bowler on both land’s four-man pace attack, who occasions. had been involved in last month’s The prolifi c Babar has now 2-1 series win over the West In- reached a half-century in fi ve dies, completed at Old Traff ord. successive Test innings, with his In contrast, Pakistan’s prepa- previous fi ve matches yielding rations for the three-match se- four hundreds. ries amounted to just two intra- Former England captain Nass- squad warm-up games. er Hussain, commentating for Masood and fellow opener Sky Sports, said Babar could be Abid Ali did well to survive the considered alongside players fi rst hour before Archer struck. such as India captain Virat Kohli. Having tested Abid with sev- “If this lad was Virat Kohli, eral short-pitched deliveries, the everyone would be talking about paceman bowled him with a full- it but because it is Babar Azam, length ball for 16 before Azhar no one is talking about it,” said was lbw to a Woakes nip-backer Hussain. for a six-ball duck. “He’s young, he’s elegant, he’s England have not won a Test got all the swagger,” he added. series against Pakistan since 2010 “They keep going on about Pakistan’s Babar Azam (left) plays a shot as England’s Jos Buttler (second from left), Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes (right) look on during the first day of the first Test at Old Traff ord in and they came into this match the ‘Fab Four (Kohli, Australia’s Manchester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) having lost the series opener in Steve Smith, New Zealand’s Kane each of their past fi ve campaigns Wiliamson and England captain going under grey skies after Jofra Azhar Ali, who had won the He struck express paceman but Buttler dropped the chance. arguably a superior gloveman, against all opponents. Joe Root) — it’s the ‘Fab Five’ and Archer had pitched short to Babar. toss, fell lbw for a duck to Chris Archer down the ground for four Then, following the rain de- waiting in the wings. As was the case during the Babar Azam is in that.” But even with two spinners Woakes. before driving Bess for another lay, Buttler missed a chance to Babar drew level on 45 not out West Indies series, the three- When play resumed in the early bowling and the fl oodlights on, boundary to bring up Pakistan’s stump Masood after the batsman with Masood, who was on 22 match campaign is taking place evening after a long rain delay, the umpires still called a halt at STYLISH BABAR hundred. charged down the pitch. when the right-hander came into behind closed doors on health Root was soon bowling his occa- 6:12pm (1712 GMT). Babar started cautiously but after Bess, however, should have re- The mistakes will revive dis- bat, going on to complete an im- grounds, with Pakistan denied sional off -breaks in tandem with Pakistan were 43-2 when Ba- the lunch interval he unfurled an moved Masood for 45 when he cussion about the wicketkeeper’s pressive 70-ball fi fty, including the vibrant and vocal support Bess to try and keep the match bar came in to bat after captain array of stylish attacking shots. took the left-hander’s outside edge place in the side with Ben Foakes, nine boundaries. they usually enjoy in England. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, August 6, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET England skipper Soft er tyres throw Morgan lauds ‘dangerous’ Stirling aft er Ireland upset

Reuters know when you do, you need to up a fresh challenge Southampton, United Kingdom take those opportunities because they will hurt you. “Ireland played really well and Briton and teammate ngland skipper Eoin thoroughly deserved to win.” Morgan said Paul Stirling Morgan briefl y overlapped Bottas suff ered punctures is as dangerous an open- with Stirling in the Ireland set- er as there is in cricket up before switching allegiance during the British GP afterE the Irishman smashed 142 but knows him better from their for Hamilton off 128 balls to help his team to time as team mates at English a remarkable upset of the world county Middlesex. champions in the third one-day- “He’s as dangerous an opening er on Tuesday. batsman as there is around the Ireland-born Morgan scored a world,” he said of the 29-year- century of his own as England set old. the visitors an imposing victory “I know guys do not like bowl- target of 329 at the Rose Bowl but ing at him, he hits good balls for he sat out the second innings be- four or six and, on his day, he can cause of a minor groin injury. take a game away from you.” He watched on from the Morgan, who was having a boundary as Stirling, who was scan on the groin “tweak” but did dropped on 95 and 139, and Ire- not anticipate a long-term issue, land captain Andy Balbirnie (113) said despite the seven-wicket put on 214 for the second wicket loss, England would take plenty to help the Irish overhaul the of positives out of a series they target for a second victory over won 2-1. England in 12 attempts. “We don’t take winning se- “Paul Stirling had a day out ries for granted,” he added. “I and he’s the ability to do that,” think today was a kind reminder Morgan told reporters. of how easily you can lose games “But we play against world when you have an average day or class players all the time and you an off day.”

The punctured tyre of Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton is pictured as he goes on to win the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit on Sunday. (AFP)

Reuters trian opener last month, and Ireland’s Paul Stirling celebrates his century during the third ODI Silverstone, United Kingdom Hulkenberg expects decision today on Perez return rivals recognise the champions against England at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, United Kingdom, are in a league of their own. on Tuesday. (Reuters) DPA broadcasters RTL in an inter- soon,” he said. They would have had a one- ofter tyres and hotter Munich, Germany view on their website yesterday Hulkenberg, who got no two on Sunday had Bottas not temperatures will pose that “the final decision” will contract at a team this season suff ered a tyre failure a lap be- CHANGE a fresh test for Lewis come today whether Perez can and was at Racing Point in the fore Hamilton and plunged from Hamilton at Silverstone ico Hulkenberg expects race again. past when the team was named second to 11th. onS Sunday after the Formula to find out today wheth- “We have to be patient until Force India, admitted he would “Maybe you fi nd a tenth, or One championship leader won Ner or not he will take then. I think the team believes relish a second chance. one-and-a-half, OK and we are England-Pakistan last weekend’s British Grand the place of Sergio Perez at the it (that Perez can return) but we “Of course I have tasted blood at a bit closer — but it’s not close Prix on three wheels and a fl at. weekend’s second Silverstone won’t get a proper confirmation the weekend and I’m fired up to enough,” said Red Bull’s Max Tyre supplier Pirelli had al- Formula One race. until Thursday,” Hulkenberg get back in the car. No question Verstappen. series to trial no-ball ways planned a change of com- Racing Point driver Perez said. at all. But I’m a temporary guest, “You have to be realistic. I pounds for the 70th Anniversary tested positive for the corona- Perez meanwhile late Tuesday that’s the situation,” he said. mean you can dream, and you Grand Prix, second of two at the virus last week and Hulkenberg posted a video on social media “At the moment I am preparing can hope, but I think it’s way technology in Tests circuit where the championship stepped in on short notice. showing him training. for the mission to come. If not, more important to be realistic began in 1950, but there will be However, he was never able to “I’m fine thank God. I have not it will of course be a little disap- because that’s how you move AFP bowlers given that, with on-fi eld more scrutiny now. race on Sunday because the had any symptoms. This is how pointing — especially with the forward,” added the Dutch driv- Manchester, United Kingdom offi cials encouraged to concen- Hamilton’s win after a last lap car didn’t start, with a broken I spend my days: Training, iPad, story of Sunday. But if I’m going er, who fi nished second on Sun- trate on the batsman’s end, they tyre failure will go down as one bolt later identified as the TV, telephone and kitchen. Yes, to drive then of course I will day. may not realise they are over- of his most dramatic and came reason. it’s been long days... looking be fired up and really looking Ferrari will be hoping young ront-foot no-ball tech- stepping and rectify their deliv- after he completed more than Huelkenberg told German forward to coming back very forward to it.” Monegasque Charles Leclerc nology that will see the ery stride until it costs them a three quarters of the race on a can again get more out of the car TV umpire alone decid- wicket. single set. than seemed possible after fi n- ing whether a bowler has Under the new system, how- “One step softer is going to the same tyres as last year, they week and the softer tyres will the Briton will equal the Formu- ishing third last weekend. over-steppedF will be used for ever, the TV umpire will monitor be a challenge for us all and no (Pirelli) weren’t able to develop mean more pit stops and more la One record of 155 set by Ferrari Nico Hulkenberg looks set for the fi rst time on a trial basis in the front foot after each ball and doubt will move us all to at least a better tyre to deal with the variability with strategy, so we great Michael Schumacher. a second chance to start for Rac- Test cricket during the England- tell his on-fi eld colleagues if an a two-stop,” the six-times world forces for this season, so it’s can expect a good fi ght.” Another win would leave him ing Point as stand-in for Mexi- Pakistan series starting later on illegal delivery has been bowled. champion, now 30 points clear going to be a serious challenge Hamilton has won the last just three short of Schumacher’s can Sergio Perez, in quarantine Wednesday, the International The ICC have already tri- of teammate Valtteri Bottas, said I think.” three races, out of four so far in record 91. after testing positive for the new Cricket Council has said. alled the technology during the last Sunday. Team boss Toto Wolff agreed: this Covid-19 aff ected season, Mercedes have won all four coronavirus. The German was Currently, the responsibility women’s Twenty20 World Cup “Obviously our cars are a lot “The hotter conditions brought and will start as favourite again. races in dominant fashion, with sidelined by a power unit prob- for calling no-balls lies with the in Australia earlier this year and quicker this year, we’re using the fi eld closer together last If he fi nishes on the podium Bottas triumphant in the Aus- lem last time. on-fi eld umpires. it has also been used in men’s 50- They can, however, call on over international matches. their colleague in the replay But the ICC now want to see FOCUS booth for assistance if they feel a what benefi ts it brings to crick- wicket may have been taken with et’s longest format before decid- an illegal delivery. ing whether it becomes a per- But many observers have ar- manent feature across all of the Drawing Ashes in England was ‘disappointing’: Smith gued this procedure is unfair to international game.

Reuters of the fi fth Test (feeling) more Melbourne, Australia disappointed than a sense of SPOTLIGHT achievement.” Smith was awarded the aster batsman Steve Compton-Miller Medal as play- Smith says Aus- er of the series after scoring 774 Looking forward to new tralia have “unfi n- runs at an average of 110.57 from ished business” in four Tests. MEngland, with the achievement He was forced to miss the third beginnings in IPL: Rahane of retaining the Ashes last year Test with concussion after being IANS @ipl this year. Looking forward tempered by defeat in the fi nal struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer Mumbai, India to the season,” Rahane said in Test that levelled the series 2-2. at Lord’s which sent a shudder an Instagram post along with a Tim Paine’s Australia retained through the Australian camp. photo of him batting. the urn in England for the fi rst Smith, who scored 211 in the ndia’s Test vice-captain Rahane has been with the Roy- time since 2001, earning a hero’s fourth Test at Old Traff ord to Ajinkya Rahane took to so- als since 2011 and was the fran- reception back home, but the ensure Australia retained the cial media yesterday to share chise’s most capped player hav- loss at The Oval left a sour taste urn, said he had no problem his excitement at the pros- ing played 106 matches, six of for Smith. watching the replay of the Arch- Ipect of playing for Delhi Capitals which were Champions League “To know that we’d got the er delivery that felled him. this season in the Indian Premier games. Ashes back was pretty special,” “I’ve seen it a few times. It’s League (IPL). Recently, Rahane said play- he said in comments published not hard to watch,” he said. Rahane was traded by Rajas- ers will get used to the Covid-19 on Cricket Australia’s website. Australia will look to retain than Royals to Delhi Capitals in protocols in 2-3 days once they “Unfortunately, we couldn’t the Ashes at home in 2021/22 November last year. touchdown in the UAE for the win them which is something I’d and the 31-year-old Smith must The BCCI will be organis- IPL. still like to do. From my personal wait until 2023 for another ing the 13th edition of the IPL at “We will definitely miss our perspective, I think it’s unfi n- chance to beat England away. three venues — Dubai, Abu Dhabi fans. Fans are everything to us. ished business. It’s great to re- “Hopefully I get another crack and Sharjah — from September When they come out and sup- tain the Ashes but it just doesn’t at it, we’ll see how we go,” he 19 to November 10 after it was port us in the stadiums, it feels In this September 14, 2019, picture, Australia’s Steve Smith (second from left) celebrates taking the catch sit right with me when you don’t said. “I’m getting a bit old now. postponed from March due to really good, inspires us to do to dismiss England’s Chris Woakes (not pictured) off the bowling of Mitchell Marsh (not pictured) during win it. “But it’s certainly something the Covid-19 pandemic. well,” Rahane said during a TV the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval in London, United Kingdom. (Reuters) “So I probably left at the end to strive for, that’s for sure.” “New beginnings for me in the show. Gulf Times Thursday, August 6, 2020 3 SPORT

GOLF / PGA CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT Russian anti-doping chief defi ant over Koepka aims for move to fi re him rare three-peat on the PGA’s big stage American is seeking to be the second player to win the major for a third straight year Head of Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) Yuri Ganus. (Reuters) AFP San Francisco, United States AFP sion investigating allegations of Moscow, Russia Russian doping during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi said rooks Koepka will be it had found evidence of a vast chasing history at the he outspoken head of state-sponsored system stretch- PGA Championship Russia’s anti-dop- ing back years. today as the two-time ing agency yesterday Russian President Vladimir defendingB champion attempts a slammed a recommen- Putin has called the ban on com- rare major championship three- Tdation for his dismissal over ac- peting politically motivated and peat in San Francisco. cusations of fi nancial wrongdo- the country is currently appeal- The 30-year-old American ing. ing at the Court of Arbitration for is seeking to join Walter Hagen Yury Ganus, the director-gen- Sport (CAS), though Ganus has as just the second player to win eral of the RUSADA anti-doping said it has no chance of winning. the major for a third consecutive agency, has sharply criticised the Ganus warned that his dis- year. actions of Russia’s sports leader- missal would lead to stronger After winning the 2018 PGA ship and described a ban on its international measures against Championship, Koepka suc- athletes competing worldwide Russia. cessfully defended his title as justifi ed by Moscow’s failure “If they remove (me)... the last year at Bethpage Black and to acknowledge wrongdoing and sanctions will be even harsher,” is now aiming to become the implement real reforms. he said. fi rst to win three straight since Yesterday, the supervisory His appointment as head of Hagen captured four in a row, board of RUSADA recommended RUSADA in 2017 was supposed beginning in 1924. that the country’s Olympic and to help Russia clean up its image. “My game feels like it’s in Paralympic Committees con- The anti-doping agency su- really, really good shape right sider dismissing Ganus, Russian pervisory board includes pole- now,” said Koepka. “I like the news agencies reported, citing vault star Yelena Isinbayeva, a way I’m hitting it, and it feels board members. strong supporter of Putin. like I am putting it really well. This came after Russia’s Ol- Another board member, Ser- “Every day is a lot more com- ympic Committee last month gei Khrychikov, told TASS state fortable. I’m excited. published an audit of RUSADA news agency that he was the only “This is a big-boy golf course. that exposed alleged violations. one to vote against the recom- I think it kind of plays into my “I don’t understand this deci- mendation to fi re Ganus. hands.” sion,” Ganus told AFP, claiming The Olympic Committee and Golf’s fi rst major champion- his opponents want him out be- the Paralympic Committee are ship of 2020 will be contested cause of his principled stand. RUSADA’s founders. without spectators after the “Yes it is (revenge), a strug- The Olympic Committee season was placed on hold due gle... They don’t like what we’re president Stanislav Pozdnyakov to the Covid-19 pandemic. saying, even though we’re fi ght- said they would agree a meeting Prior to its postponement on ing for clean sport,” he said. time shortly to discuss the rec- March 17, the PGA Champion- than anything. Get my energy Championships, but his last one The World Anti-Doping Agen- ommendation. ship was originally scheduled back so we’re ready to go come in 2014 also accounts for his last cy (WADA) in December banned In a statement he backed the for play May 14-17. Thursday.” major title. Russia for four years from major recommendation to fi re Ganus. This week was also the time Thomas will tee off in a group Rahm, Phil Mickelson and global sporting events including “To our deep regret, our fears set aside for the men’s Summer with Tiger Woods and Rory Sergio Garcia make up another the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and were realised,” he said, adding Olympic golf tournament in Ja- McIlroy. Woods and McIlroy marquee opening round group- the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. that the audit of RUSADA un- pan. have already hoisted trophies at ing. Russian authorities were ac- covered “violations that are very The US PGA Tour has been Harding Park. Rahm is coming off a recent cused of tampering with drug serious.” back, minus spectators, since Woods won the 2005 WGC- victory at the Memorial Tourna- test data they handed to WADA. Ganus said he had submitted early June but will really kick American Express Champion- ment and is trying to deliver on This was the latest chapter of an appeal over the “incomplete” into high gear over the next cou- ship here, while McIlroy claimed the big stage by claiming his fi rst a saga that began in 2015 when and “unsubstantiated” audit re- ple of weeks. the 2015 WGC-Dell Technolo- major championship. an independent WADA commis- port on RUSADA. More than a half dozen players gies Match Play. Thomas is “Hopefully I have it in me,” and several caddies have tested playing here for the fi rst time. Rahm said Tuesday. “Hopefully positive in the eight weeks since Four-time PGA Tour winner I’ve done the right things. Phys- FOCUS the PGA Tour resumed. Woods is shooting for a record- ically I feel great and mentally I Players, caddies and offi cials setting 83rd PGA Tour victory. feel like I’m great. I’m ready.” are tested for the coronavirus He can also become the fi rst Three-time major cham- before entering the grounds. Brooks Koepka (also above) of the United States looks on during a player in history to win majors in pion Jordan Spieth needs to win German athletics body Players also undergo daily tem- practice round prior to the 2020 PGA Championship yesterday. (AFP) four diff erent decades. the PGA to complete a career perature screenings and their If Woods wants to capture his Grand Slam. With that he would clubhouse has been redesigned The PGA Championship of star power in San Francisco fi fth career PGA Championship join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, avoids big losses by to allow for three metres (10 launches the busiest phase of this week, including last week’s title and 16th major overall, he’ll Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and feet) of space between lockers. the disrupted season. Memphis tournament winner need his best game to show up, Woods as the only players who “Some sports are struggling Following the PGA Champi- and new world number one Jus- and for his aching back to hold have won each of the four ma- staging championships to get their seasons going and onship are three weeks of FedEx tin Thomas. up under the pressure. jors. DPA letes the chance to compete at a things going and fi gure it out. Cup playoff events with the US “Last week is over with. This Northern Ireland’s McIlroy “It’s something that I re- Frankfurt, Germany high level and to present them- Luckily the PGA Tour and the Open on September 17-20 at is a new week,” Thomas said. is one of several players who ally want,” said Spieth, 27. “It’s selves after the postponement of entities have been able to pro- Winged Foot near New York. “We have a new fi eld, new guys have held the world number one probably the No. 1 goal in the the Tokyo Olympics to next year. vide a safe environment with Lately when it comes to ma- that are out here, all trying to ranking at some point this sea- game of golf for me right now. he German athletics fed- Participants include long jump testing,” said Spanish golfer Jon jors, the smart money has been win a major. son. I’d love to be able to hold all four eration DLV has avoided world champion Malaika Mi- Rahm. on Koepka. But there is plenty “I’m trying to get rested more He has already won two PGA trophies.” big losses by staging its hambo who welcomed the deci- national championships sion to hold the championships Tat the upcoming weekend, DLV because “it allows us to do what BOTTOMLINE president Juergen Kessing said we love”. yesterday. Almost 500 athletes have reg- Kessing told a video news istered for the competition be- conference that “losses would hind closed doors and under a Overcoming elements key in San Francisco: Woods have amassed to a high six-digit strict safety and health protocol. fi gure” if the championships in Competition has been di- Reuters “It’s going to be playing long- Braunschweig would not take vided into four blocks, athletes San Francisco, United States er. It’s heavy air whether the place, naming them very impor- have strict time slots to enter the wind blows or not, but it’s still tant for sponsors. warm-up area and the stadium, going to be heavy,” he said. The two-day championships and no more than 999 people are iger Woods competes “I’ve known that from all Saturday and Sunday off er ath- allowed into the stadium at a time. for his 16th major title the years and times I’ve had to at the PGA Champion- qualify up in this area... I think ship this week on a TPC the weather forecast is sup- THarding Park course he knows posed to be like this all week — South African Impey to join Froome well but will have to cope with marine layer, cool, windy -and next season August temperatures he is un- we are all going to have to deal accustomed to when cool San with it.” AFP Francisco fog blankets the area. The course, which underwent Paris, France The Florida resident, who got a massive renovation in 2002- to know the course on the shores 2003, is famous for its over- of Lake Merced when he played hanging Cypress trees, narrow outh African cyclist Daryl at nearby Stanford University fairways and nasty rough, which Impey will join four-time in the mid-1990s, has said his rewards accuracy off the tee. STour de France champion surgically-repaired back can “They have pinched in the Chris Froome at Israel Start-Up tighten up in colder weather. fairways a little bit and the rough Nation next season after sign- “I think that for me when it’s is thick, it’s lush,” said Woods. ing a two-year deal with the cooler like this, I need to make “With this marine layer here team. on the team’s website. sure that my core stays warm, and the way it’s going to be the The 35-year-old Impey, the “I decided to make a fresh start,” layering up properly,” a bun- rest of the week, the rough is first African cyclist to wear the he added. “I feel like I need to dled up Woods told reporters on only going to get thicker, so it’s Tour’s yellow jersey in 2013, step out of the comfort zone. Tuesday. going to put a premium on get- has ridden for Mitchelton-Scott “I will have the opportunity to “I know I won’t have the same ting the ball in play.” since 2012. play a leadership role, and as range of motion as I would back Despite the challenging con- “It’s not often you get to race a team captain I will be given home in Florida where it’s 95 de- ditions, the 44-year-old Woods, with one of the greats in our more responsibility and a huge grees every day. That’s just the a four-time PGA Championship sport, so when Chris called challenge at the same time.” way it is.” winner, beamed with confi dence me and said he trusts me and A two-time winner of the Tour The famous San Francisco fog, when asked whether he can win would like to have me by his Down Under in 2018 and 2019, which pours in from the Pacifi c ing groups and Woods is sched- of it may have burned off . fl ying as far at the course, which this week. side I appreciated that and Impey also won a stage on last Ocean in the summer, will likely uled to tee off on Thursday at The fog, also called marine is a challenging 7,251 yard par- “Of course,” he said with a knew he meant it,” Impey said year’s Tour de France. be a bigger factor for the morn- 1:58 p.m. local time, when some layer, also keeps the ball from 70 municipal layout. smile. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, August 6, 2020 SPORT

GOLF BASKETBALL New Zealand Breakers looking at Australian Thomas yearns for base for new season

Reuetrs we load up with all our home Wellington games at the beginning or end of the season.” Walsh said Basket- ball offi cials had been hopeful a he New Zealand Break- ‘trans-Tasman bubble’ would be second major title ers may have to follow set up by the time the season be- the lead of the Wel- gan, allowing people to move be- lington Phoenix foot- tween New Zealand and Australia ‘My game is in a good place, obviously. I feel really good about everything’ Tball team and rugby league’s NZ without quarantine restrictions. Warriors by basing themselves But a spike in infections in in Australia for the next National Victoria, which has seen both AFP Basketball League (NBL) season. of the NBL’s Melbourne-based San Francisco The four-time NBL champi- teams placed in isolation, and ons are based in Auckland and border closures between states regularly commute across the made that unlikely. ewly-crowned world Tasman Sea for away games in Walsh added there was also number one Justin the Australia-based compe- the possibility Australian teams Thomas is playing at tition. Breakers’ owner Matt could relocate to New Zea- the top of his game at Walsh said yesterday it was land and operate in a ‘hub’ type Njust the right time. a “50-50” prospect his team competition, similar to that Thomas is coming off a rous- would relocate for the new sea- employed by the NBA to restart ing performance at the WGC- son, which starts on December 3, their season in the United States. FedEx St. Jude in Memphis, with Australia imposing another While there was no risk, at where he outduelled four-time round of Covid-19 restrictions. this stage, to the season being major winner Brooks Koepka, “I’d love to say I anticipate cancelled one option could be to to become the third-youngest having home games this season,” delay its start, he said. player to win 13 times on the Walsh told reporters in Auckland “We do have the ability to PGA Tour, behind only Tiger yesterday. “But I think its 50-50 push the season back all the way Woods and Jack Nicklaus. whether we’re calling a city in to a February start and still get a The 27-year old’s third win of Australia our home, or whether full season in.” the season propelled him to the top of the world rankings. “My game is in a good place, obviously. I feel really good Lions remove Staff ord from Covid-19 about everything,” Thomas list after ‘false positive’ said during a practice round on Tuesday. Thomas says he can’t The Detroit Lions removed trade was made. According to aff ord to make too many mis- quarterback Matthew Staff ord the NFL transaction wire, the takes at this week’s PGA Cham- from the Covid-19 reserve Raiders did release Hall after pionship if he is to stay in con- list and placed him on the the trade was nullified Tuesday. tention in the fi rst major of the active roster on Tuesday after The Raiders drafted Hall, 25, 2020 season. confirming his test result was a with the 57th overall pick in “My good driving days are false positive. The 32-year-old 2018. He had 48 tackles (eight good, but it’s about getting had been placed on the list last for loss), 1.5 sacks and seven those bad driving days better,” week, implying he had either QB hits in 30 games (18 starts) he said. “Same with the bad tested positive for Covid-19 over his first two seasons. In rounds of golf. I’ve gotten bet- or been in close contact with other Vikings moves, safety ter at managing my bad rounds, someone who had contracted Brian Cole II and wide receiver and managing my emotions, the virus. The Lions said Staf- Justin Jeff erson were removed and especially during a major ford never had Covid-19 and from the reserve/Covid-19 list, championship.” had returned two negative while defensive tackle Armon Thomas is the most recent coronavirus tests before the Watts was placed on reserve/ player, not named Koepka, to false positive. His following Covid-19. Jeff erson was the lift the Wanamaker trophy hav- three tests were all negative. team’s first-round selection ing won the PGA Championship “To be clear, Matthew does not (No. 22 overall) out of LSU in at Quail Hollow Country Club have Covid-19 and never has this year’s draft, while Cole was in 2017. Koepka did it last year had Covid-19 and the test in a seventh-round selection out and in 2018. question was a False-Positive,” of Mississippi State. Watts, a But other than his victory in the Lions said in a statement. sixth-round selection in 2019, 2017, Thomas has struggled to “All of Matthew’s family have played in seven games (one contend in majors. The Ameri- Justin Thomas of the United States hits a tee shot as his caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay looks on during a practice round prior to the 2020 been tested and everyone is start) last season and had 13 can’s only other top 10 showing PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, California, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) negative.” Staff ord had his tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced was a tie for ninth at the 2017 US streak of 136 straight regular- fumble. Open. season starts snapped last He said getting a major win Rahm expects back-and-forth battle for No. 1 spot season due to a back injury. Cardinals OT Gilbert opts out early in his career was both a The NFL’s 2020 campaign kicks for health concerns blessing and a curse. Jon Rahm’s reign as world number one “When you have so many great players plays better that year. “It’s going to be off on Sept. 10 with enhanced Arizona Cardinals off ensive “I could argue I could have lasted just two weeks but the Spaniard playing who go out at the same time, at hard to have a Tiger-esque case right now measures in place to mitigate tackle Marcus Gilbert has opt- gotten it sooner, or I should have said he expected turnover at the top to any given point for two or three months because there’s so many players with so the spread of the novel coro- ed out of the 2020 NFL season gotten it sooner,” he said. “But be the norm going forward with nobody one of us can get hot and take the number much talent and (they) are really, really navirus, but numerous players due to medical concerns, he at the same time I would defi - dominating the sport right now. one spot. I think we might be entering an good,” he said, referring to the 44-year-old, have already chosen to opt out announced Tuesday on social nitely say I’ve underachieved, Rahm rose to the top with a win at the Me- era where we bounce back and forth.” 15-time major champion Tiger Woods. citing safety concerns. media. “While this decision was saying I’ve only had one so far morial Tournament on July 19 but quickly The 25-year-old, who has never won a “It could be a situation where we are going not easy for me, I felt it was the in my career. I’ve felt almost lost the crown when Justin Thomas won major but has been knocking on the door back and forth, and hopefully I’m the one Hall fails Vikings physical, best decision due to my stand- getting the second one has been the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational on in recent years including being tied for that stays up there for awhile, but it’s go- released by Raiders ing as a high-risk player with harder than the fi rst one. Sunday. third at last year’s U.S. Open, said it was ing to take a lot of good play.” Monday’s trade between the high-risk family members,” “To kind of get into that level, “I think we are in an era right now where an exciting time for golf and likened it to Rahm will be grouped with fellow Spaniard Minnesota Vikings and Las Gilbert wrote on Twitter. “I am that other level – and to be up it’s going to be hard to have somebody the battle at the top of men’s tennis. “You Sergio Garcia and veteran Phil Mickelson Vegas Raiders was called off grateful for the opportunities into the double digits in majors distance themselves,” Rahm told report- have Rafa (Nadal), (Novak) Djokovic and for the first two rounds of the tourna- Tuesday when defensive tackle that have been aff orded to me for a career – you need to start ers at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco (Roger) Federer who are competing at the ment, which is being held without fans in P.J. Hall failed his physical over many years in the NFL winning some. where the first major of the year, the PGA same time. Who is (going to be) number attendance to slow the spread of the novel with the Vikings. Minnesota and I am looking forward to “When you’re stuck on one, Championship, kicks off today. one? You don’t know, it depends on who coronavirus. (Reuters) was set to receive the former returning stronger than ever it’s pretty hard to get there.” second-round draft pick in for the 2021 NFL Season. Thomas is enjoying his point now where I do have it No. 1. I’m out here for one rea- be the fi rst major championship coming off of a tournament or exchange for a conditional Furthermore, I am sending out time as the world No. 1. But he back, which is an awesome feel- son, it’s to try to win a golf tour- to take place with no fans as a coming off a win. But this is a seventh-round selection in my thoughts and prayers for doesn’t know how long it will ing,” he said. “But now it’s just nament.” result of the global pandemic. little bit diff erent because usu- the 2021 draft. Hall will now the safety and success of my last because no one has been about trying to see how long you Thomas has won back-to- He is playing the TPC Hard- ally the week after winning if revert back to the Raiders. Las teammates and all those play- able to hold onto the spot for can hold it. back tournaments before in his ing Park course for the fi rst I’ve gone to a tournament and Vegas had informed Hall he ing across the league this year.” very long. “But it’s not like I’m out here career but says this week feels time. I’ve known the course or I’ve was being released before the (Reuters) “I’ve gotten myself to the playing this week to prove my odd and not just because it will “I’ve played well in the past played it efore.”

NFL Dolphins fans should be optimistic but avoid becoming delusional By Omar Kelly to this in life and sports, espe- experience, a play-calling wiz- straight season, and to see the Sun Sentinel cially football. The 2020 Dol- ard? And the pair has never 2018 version of Albert Wilson. phins haven’t earned anybody’s qualifi ed for the playoff s. Maybe Blessed enough for an off en- respect yet, and this franchise it’s the respect that Brian Flores sive line – which was historically here is a fi ne line be- certainly doesn’t deserve the earned in his fi rst season coach- bad in 2019 – to be transformed tween optimism and benefi t of doubt considering ing a batch of rookies, journey- into a respectable unit because delusion, and that tight- how the past few restarts have men and NFL long shots? of the addition of two free agents rope is what Miami turned out the past two decades. Calling one jaw-dropping and three draftees. TDolphins fans have struggled to But I’ll admit it. Last year was trick play on special teams, and Fortunate that the two vet- balance on for quite a few NFL cute. beating two teams that produced eran tailbacks – Jordan Howard seasons over the past two dec- The Dolphins started to heat a winning record in 2019 doesn’t and Matt Breida – other teams ades. up in the second half of the sea- make Flores the second coming discarded have something to Every team gets doused with son, and ultimately won fi ve of of Bill Belichick. prove and can help Miami build hope and optimism this time the season’s fi nal nine games. Flores still has plenty to learn a forceful rushing attack in their of year, because training camp But let’s stop pretending the ma- and prove, and that journey pursuit of reception. blooms hope, and Dolphins fans jority of those victories weren’t starts with building on the fi ve Hopeful that a secondary led have every right to be excited. a byproduct of Ryan Fitzpatrick wins Miami delivered last year, by Xavien Howard and Jones can Team owner Steve Ross spent putting the franchise on his especially now that he has a bet- serve as the foundation of a good nearly $250 million giving last back, and fi guratively carrying ter arsenal of players from this defense. The Dolphins have a year’s 5-11 team a massive make- them to the fi ve wins many tank- off season’s makeover. long way to go before they earn over, adding 13 free agents and 11 centric folks (my hand is raised) Cross your fi ngers general the nation’s respect, and that draft picks. feared he would deliver because manager Chris Grier spent Ross’ journey starts with kickoff on The sacrifi ces made last year of his experience and veteran money and Miami’s 11 draft pick Sept 13 against the New England ensured that nearly half the team savvy. wisely, and that Flores’ coaches Patriots. will be made up of newcom- And as talented a start as Fit- - which include eight newcom- Plenty of roles must be es- ers, and newcomers bring that zpatrick has had in past seasons, ers - know how to reach the tablished, and a ton of progress new car smell we all love and especially early in his tenure players in this pandemic-short- must be made to build a off ense crave. Players such as Kyle Van with a new franchise – see his Head coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins exits the field after a win over the New England Patriots at ened off season. and defense that can deliver Noy, Byron Jones, Shaq Lawson stint with the Bills and Jets for Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/TNS) Otherwise, we’ll be seeing wins. and Tua Tagovailoa represent a example – we have all seen how more of the same-old, same-old Whatever gives Dolphins fans fresh start, a rebirth. However, this movie ends. 15-year veteran’s career is he’ll disappoints. He eventually gets between him and Chan Gailey, from the forever 7-9 Dolphins, hope in 2020 better be what pro- newness does not automatically Some call it the “Ryan Fitz- start out strong, get the fan base replaced.What will make this who served as his play-caller in unless Miami gets lucky some- duces respect, because that’s the mean respect. patrick Cycle,” but I feel the “Fit- excited after leading the team Dolphins’ ride any diff erent than Buff alo and New York? how. easiest way to turn optimism The adage is that respect is zpatrick Fizzle” is more fi tting. to a few wins, but then when Fitzpatrick’s Bills and Jets ex- Since when was Gailey, a griz- Lucky enough for DeVante into optimal performance in this earned, and there is much truth The Cliff s Notes version of this expectations rise, Fitzpatrick perience? Will it be the reunion zled assistant with head coach Parker to be healthy for a second unprecedented season. Gulf Times Thursday, August 6, 2020 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL NHL Hurricanes complete 3-game Doncic triple gets sweep of Rangers

Reuters Toronto

arren Foegele scored the go-ahead goal in the third Mavs off the mark; period, and goalie James Reimer made 38 saves in his series debut as the Carolina Hurricanes swept their best-of-fi ve qualifying series against the New York WRangers by winning 4-1 in Game 3 on Tuesday night in Toronto. The Hurricanes advance to the Eastern Conference’s fi rst round against an undetermined opponent, beginning that best-of-seven series next week. The Rangers had won at least one game in each of their past 21 playoff series. New York managed a total of four goals Clippers, Bucks fall in the just-concluded series. Teuvo Teravainen provided Carolina’s ‘It wasn’t our best game – far from that. We fought, we hung in there, we helped each fi rst goal, and Sebas- RESULTS tian Aho’s two goals – Islanders 4-2 Florida other, we never gave up. We needed that win and you can never count us out for sure’ the latter into an empty net – padded the lead Nashville 4-2 Arizona across the fi nal 10 Toronto 3-0 Columbus AFP minutes. Chris Kreider Calgary 6-2 Winnipeg Orlando scored for the Rangers, who swept four regu- Carolina 4-1 Rangers lar-season games from Vancouver 4-3 Minnesota uka Doncic delivered a monster the Hurricanes. triple-double performance as the Foegele tallied the Dallas Mavericks bagged their tiebreaking goal with 14:53 left by tipping in a delivery from former fi rst win of the NBA’s relaunched Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei. A February trade with New York Lseason in an overtime thriller against the had sent Skjei to the Hurricanes. Both teams went with diff erent Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. goalies in Game 3, which came about 29 hours after the conclu- The 21-year-old Slovenian scored 34 sion of Game 2. Reimer had a few stretches when he made ster- points, with 20 rebounds and 12 assists as ling saves to thwart potential New York momentum. Rookie Igor the Mavericks completed a 114-110 vic- Shesterkin made 27 stops for the Rangers in his postseason debut. tory to get their campaign back on track in Reimer was peppered with 14 shots during a scoreless fi rst pe- the Western Conference. riod, when Carolina produced just six shots. Kreider burst through Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Por- the neutral zone and ended up with a breakaway, scoring 12 sec- zingis also came up big with 22 points onds into the second period for the Rangers, who took their only apiece as the Mavericks overturned an lead in the series. Slightly more than three minutes after the New 11-point defi cit to seal victory at the HP York goal, Teravainen scored for the Hurricanes. Teravainen took a Field House on the NBA’s Orlando cam- pass from Game 2 star Andrei Svechnikov, and Aho also was cred- pus. Doncic’s masterclass made him the ited with an assist on the play. Rangers defenseman Marc Staal had youngest player in NBA history to score lost his stick, providing an opening for Carolina. 30-point, 20-rebound triple-double. “It wasn’t our best game – far from PREDATORS JUMP ON COYOTES, EVEN SERIES AT 1-1 that,” Doncic said. “We fought, we hung in Ryan Johansen had a goal and an assist, and the Nashville Preda- there, we helped each other, we never gave tors evened the best-of-fi ve Western Conference qualifying series up. We needed that win and you can never with a 4-2 win against the Arizona Coyotes in Game 2 on Tuesday count us out for sure.” afternoon in Edmonton. Juuse Saros made 24 saves in his second “Nothing came easy in this game at all,” NHL playoff start, and Nick Bonino, Calle Jarnkrok and Viktor Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle added. “It Arvidsson also scored for the Predators. Clayton Keller and Law- was a struggle, and everybody kept eve- son Crouse scored 10 seconds apart in the fi nal minute to prevent rybody together, and we just kept saying, the shutout, and Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves for the Coyotes, ‘Hey, we’re going to fi nd a way,’ and guys who were coming off a 4-3 win in Game 1 on Sunday. were encouraging each other. “Really a Nashville scored on two of its fi rst three shots for a 2-0 lead. well-deserved win for our guys.” Bonino gave the Predators their fi rst lead of the series when he The win saw the Mavericks, who have scored at 7:50 of the fi rst period. Rocco Grimaldi retrieved the already guaranteed a playoff place, im- puck behind the Arizona net and backhanded a pass to Bonino prove to 41-29 in the Western Conference. in the right circle. He quickly swept the puck through traffi c and Sacramento’s chances of sneaking into past Kuemper. Nashville moved ahead 2-0 on a goal by Johansen the postseason remain slim however. The at 10:27 of the fi rst period. Arvidsson dropped the puck for Filip Kings have lost all three of their games Forsberg at the top of the left circle. since the league restarted and are 13th in Forsberg lost the puck as he tried to split two defenders. Kuem- the West, on the brink of elimination. per poked it away, but the puck went to Johansen at the bottom of Elsewhere on Tuesday, the Phoenix the right circle, and he squeezed it into the net on the short side. Suns continued their hot streak in Orlan- Jarnkrok made it 3-0 at 6:02 of the second period. Roman Josi do with a third straight victory to stun the passed to Colton Sissons below the goal line, and he fed Jarnkrok Los Angeles Clippers 117-115. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (second from left)) shoots against the Sacramento Kings in the second half of a NBA basketball coming through the left circle. Jarnkrok’s fi rst shot was blocked Devin Booker was the hero for Phoenix, game in the HP Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports by Jakob Chychrun, but his second went through Chychrun’s legs scoring on the buzzer to cap a 35-point and into the net. display and a dramatic win over the highly three-pointers in the closing stages to and then a second three-pointer with rated Clipper. RESULTS set up a come-from-behind win over the 2min 31sec remaining gave Brooklyn a Booker, who was mobbed by teammates Bucks, who could have sealed fi rst place fi ve-point cushion at 115-110. as he fell backwards on the court, also had Brooklyn 119-116 Milwaukee in the East with a victory. It was a second A Kyle Korver jump shot took the Bucks four rebounds and eight assists. Dallas 114-110 Sacramento straight loss for the Bucks, who were also to back within one point at 115-114 with Phoenix 117-115 Clippers beaten by the Houston Rockets in Orlando just under two minutes remaining, but ‘UNDER-THE-RADAR’ on Sunday. Tyler Johnson’s layup put Brooklyn three Indiana 120-109 Orlando The 23-year-old was one of fi ve Phoenix Milwaukee, the runaway leaders of the points clear soon afterwards. players to fi nish in double fi gures, with Miami 112-106 Boston Eastern Conference with 54 wins against Donte DiVincenzo narrowed the defi - Deandre Ayton (19 points) and Ricky Ru- Portland 110-102 Houston 14 defeats, will get another chance to lock cit to one point with a running layup but bio (18) the pick of the other Suns scorers. up top spot against the Miami Heat on Garrett Temple then hit back for Brooklyn The win keeps Phoenix’s hopes of forc- “Coming into the bubble overall, we said Thursday. to complete the scoring at 119-116. ing their way into the postseason alive. we want to make some noise,” Booker said. Injury-depleted Brooklyn, meanwhile, Luwawu-Cabarrot led the scoring for The Suns are within a game of ninth place “We want to be that under-the-radar remain on track to clinch the eighth and Brooklyn with backing from Temple (19 and fi rmly in the hunt to earn a place in the team that just comes in and works hard and fi nal playoff place from the Eastern Con- points) and Johnson (11). play-in tournament. plays hard. That’s what we did tonight.” ference. The Nets were without Jarrett Al- “Our guys just grew up tonight to play In the Eastern Conference on Tues- Luwawu-Cabarrot’s late intervention len, Joe Harris, or Caris LeVert, as well against a team that possibly could win a day, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored in the fourth quarter eventually tipped the as long-term absentees Kyrie Irving and championship,” Phoenix coach Monty a career-high 26 points as the Brooklyn game in Brooklyn’s favour with just under Kevin Durant. Meanwhile Giannis An- Warren Foegele of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with his Williams said. Booker said Phoenix could Nets delayed Milwaukee’s coronation three minutes left. tetokounmpo led the Bucks scoring with teammates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers be the surprise package of the postsea- as top seeds with an upset 119-116 win. A three-pointer from the 25-year-old 16 points from his 15 minutes on court be- during the third period in their NHL game at Scotiabank Arena in son. Luwawu-Cabarrot nailed consecutive Frenchman put the Nets ahead at 112-110, fore sitting out the second half. Toronto on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Dodgers overcome sluggish start to beat Padres By Jack Harris do Tatis Jr.’s head and into left-center fi eld. Los Angeles Times RESULTS Turner scored easily and Bellinger was waved around third after center fi elder Trent Grish- Marlins 4-0 Orioles man bobbled the ball. A relay throw arrived he Los Angeles Dodgers entered the Indians 4-2 Reds home in time, but catcher Francisco Mejia sixth inning Tuesday without a hit. Rockies 5-2 Giants dropped the ball on the tag, tying the game. By the end of the seventh, they had Pollock, pinch-hitting for Joc Pederson overturned a two-run defi cit. Twins 7-3 Pirates with a runner on second and two outs in the TBehind a two-run single from Corey Seager Rays 5-1 Red Sox seventh, engaged Padres reliever Tim Hill in a and two RBI from AJ Pollock – the team’s two Braves 10-1 Blue Jays similar battle. After a pair of generous strikes hottest hitters in 2020 coming through in on the outside corner, Hill missed with one the clutch again – the Dodgers evened their Dodgers 5-2 Padres two-strike fastball and watched Pollock foul series against the upstart San Diego Padres Nationals 5-3 Mets off another. with a 5-2 win at Petco Park to force a rubber Cubs 5-4 Royals With the count full, the left-hander tried match in the fi nale on Wednesday. dropping another sinker over the outside of For a while, it looked like the Dodgers Astros 8-2 D’backs the plate. This time, Pollock was on it, poking might waste Dustin May’s best start of the Angels 5-3 Mariners it the other way into the right-fi eld corner to year. With an electric sinker-cutter mix, the White Sox 3-2 Brewers put the Dodgers in front. rookie right-hander allowed only two runs Chris Taylor, who subbed into the game Athletics 5-1 Rangers and three hits over six innings while striking earlier in the night after Edwin Rios was hit out eight, a new career-high. inger broke up the no-no after that, squib- by a pitch in the foot, added to the lead in However, the Padres’ own hard-throwing bing a single through the middle of the in- the eighth with an RBI single. Then Pollock right-hander, Dinelson Lamet, was a notch fi eld. extended the Dodgers’ advantage again with better early in the night. Even without per- That brought the streaking Seager, serv- a solo blast to lead off the ninth, lifting his fect slider command, the 28-year-old need- ing as the designated hitter for the second- third homer to center to up his impressive ed just 46 pitches to record his fi rst 14 outs straight night with a sore left quad, to the early-season batting average to a team-best and had a no-hitter intact with two outs in plate for a nine-pitch at-bat. In a one-and- .364. Seager is right behind him, hitting .356. the sixth. two hole, he fouled off a slider. On two-and- On the mound, Dodgers relievers Pedro But then Lamet gave the Dodgers an open- two, he laid off another breaking ball to work Baez, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen made ing, plunking Justin Turner on the arm with the count full. sure the lead stood up. May earned credit for a fi rst-pitch sinker to make Turner the club’s After one more foul, Seager squared up a his fi rst win of the season. Jansen picked up AJ Pollock of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI double during the seventh inning of their game against all-time leader in hit-by-pitches. Cody Bell- low sinker, lifting it over shortstop Fernan- his third save. the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, August 6, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Pavlyuchenkova opts Nadal preparing for out of US Open due to Covid-19 ‘insecurity’

Reuters Roland Garros despite Bengaluru ussia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova said yesterday that she will not travel to New York toR take part in the US Open later US Open withdrawal this month as organisers could not guarantee her health and safety amid the Covid-19 pan- demic. The US Open is set to ‘My decision is to stay at home in Mallorca where the situation is good’ be played from Aug. 31-Sept. 12 even as the country leads the AFP world with over 4.7 mn con- Madrid fi rmed Covid-19 cases and more than 157,000 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. afael Nadal yesterday said he Pavlyuchenkova, 29, joins the still intends to play at the French likes of men’s defending cham- Open next month and remains pion Rafa Nadal and women’s hopeful it will go ahead, despite world number one Ash Barty who withdrawingR from the US Open due to pulled out of the Grand Slam out coronavirus concerns. Nadal also insisted of fear of contracting the novel the US Open will not carry an asterisk coronavirus during their stay in without its defending men’s champion, the country. even if he admitted it will take place un- “I’ve been thinking a lot and der “special circumstances”, with several decided not to play (the) US top players expected to sit out. Open this year,” Pavlyuchenkova, The 34-year-old Spaniard’s withdraw- ranked 30 in the world, said on al was confi rmed shortly after the Madrid Instagram. “It wasn’t easy be- nis Association said yesterday, Open was cancelled on Tuesday, with a cause I hadn’t missed any Grand with fi rst-round prize money rise in coronavirus cases in Europe rais- Slam in my entire career. increasing. ing doubts around other events, includ- Tennis is almost everything The tennis Grand Slam, which ing the French Open, which is due to start for me. The main reason is in- begins on Aug. 31 in New York, in Paris on September 27. security, (the) US Open doesn’t will take place without fans Nadal, who would be going for a provide any guarantees. I don’t and some of the sports’ biggest record-extending 13th title at Roland feel comfortable to travel to USA stars, amid the ongoing corona- Garros, was asked if he thinks the tourna- in such circumstances. From this virus outbreak across the United ment will go ahead. “I trust it will yes, it is moment, every player is on his States. The $53.4mn total prize in my mind and I am preparing for it,” said own. My team and I have decided pool is down from last year’s the 34-year-old in a briefi ng with inter- it would be for the best not to $57mn pot, the richest in the national media yesterday. participate.” tournament’s history, with 2020 “But we have to wait for events, to see Although Barty has pulled fi rst-round prize money jumping how everything evolves because it is true out, nine of the women’s top 10 5% to $61,000 from $58,000. that in recent weeks the situation seems were named in the women’s fi eld Singles winners will receive to have worsened a little. But my hope while world number one Novak $3mn, down from $3.85mn in and my intention would be to be there if Djokovic headlines the men’s 2019. Runners up will receive conditions allow.” fi eld after organisers released the $1.5mn, down from $1.9mn the Nadal also explained his decision to entry list on Tuesday. While the year before. Semi- and quarter- pull out of the US Open. “My heart says Spain’s Rafael Nadal. (Reuters) men’s ATP Tour is yet to resume fi nalists will also see their win- today is not the moment to take long since it was suspended in March, nings dip slightly. “The prize travels without knowing exactly what can the women’s WTA Tour returned money distribution for the 2020 and cannot happen. My decision is to stay not big because I am not playing. There States Tennis Association) to try to come “I think most of the players want the this week with a tournament at US Open is the result of close at home in Mallorca where the situation is will be important players. Of course it’s a back to the tour. I have taken my decision best for the world and for people. Of Palermo where strict guidelines collaboration between the USTA, good, it looks under control here, and to tournament under special circumstances so you know my thoughts but I respect course there was a mistake in the tour are in place to curb the spread WTA and ATP, and represents a wait for future opportunities.” but still a Grand Slam and the winner there are other players in diff erent situa- organised in Serbia and Croatia but mis- of the virus. Players are also commitment to supporting play- Women’s world number one Ashleigh will feel like the winner of a Grand Slam. tions and they need to play because they takes are normal when you face a situ- scheduled to play at the Aug. ers and their fi nancial well-being Barty has also chosen not to compete in It’s true it will be under special circum- have fi nancial problems and need to earn ation you haven’t faced before,” Nadal 20-28 Western & Southern Open during an unprecedented time,” New York, where a depleted entry list in stances with a lot of important players money after a few months without in- said. in New York, which serves as a USTA CEO Mike Dowse said in a both the men’s and women’s draws looks not travelling there.” come.” “The players need to make decisions warm-up event for the US Open. written statement. Additionally, inevitable. Serena Williams, Novak Djok- Nadal added: “My words can have re- Nadal also said lessons need to be but I am not saying mine is the right one. USTA said it was donating an- ovic and Andy Murray are all still due to percussions so it is diffi cult to say if it is learned after the “mistake” of the ill-fat- Every decision can be right or wrong. US OPEN CUTS WINNERS’ other $6.6mn in monetary relief play. the right decision or not, for some players ed Adria Tour in June, which was organ- We are facing unpredictable situations. PRIZE MONEY for players who have seen their “The tournament is still big, it’s a it will be right for others not. I respect a ised by Djokovic and led to several play- I really hope people learn from the Adria US Open singles winners will re- earnings decline after the global Grand Slam,” Nadal said. “I am not ar- lot the amount of work and positive in- ers, including the Serb, testing positive Tour and we continue in the best way ceive $850,000 less prize money viral outbreak upended the pro- rogant enough to say the tournament is tentions of the ATP and USTA (United for coronavirus. possible.” this year, the United States Ten- fessional calendar.

SPOTLIGHT Djokovic will decide whether to join US Open exodus in ‘next few days’ By Kevin Mitchell 30 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova the latest is whether or not they will be asked to surveillance of designated accom- The Guardian player to join the list of absentees. quarantine for two weeks when they modation for players and their sup- Meanwhile, Djokovic“still hasn’t return home. The United States Tennis port groups, with expulsion among the made a decision in regard to his partici- Association said yesterday that the is- penalties for those who break curfew. ovak Djokovic will decide pation at the US Open”, Sasa Ozmo of sue is not yet resolved. Djokovic, who travels with one of the “in the next few days” wheth- leading Serb sports website Djokovic, who would start a strong biggest retinues in tennis, has objected er or not to join the US Open Sportklub tweeted. “Decision in the favourite in New York, has won all 15 to such strict requirements. champion Rafael Nadal in next few days.” of his Tour matches in this disjointed Other absentees from New York in- Nwithdrawing from this month’s tour- Even though the 33-year-old Serb season, including the Australian Open clude the world No 1 Ashleigh Barty, nament. If the world No 1 pulls out, the trails Nadal by two career slams on 17, in February, and is said to have recov- Simona Halep and now Pavlyuchenk- tournament, due to start on 31 August, and is three behind Federer, who turns ered from coronavirus after he and his ova in the women’s draw, and Barty’s will be considerably weakened, given 39 on Saturday, he could yet forego the wife, Jelena, contracted it during his compatriot, Nick Kyrgios. Alexander fi ve-times champion Roger Federer chance of a fourth US Open title and doomed Balkans exhibition tour. But Zverev, the world No 7, is also doubt- is resting after a second knee opera- prepare instead for the French, where he shares Nadal’s concerns about trav- ful. If Djokovic stays away, other con- tion and several other leading players he completed his career slam of all the elling to such a volatile environment, tenders – including Andy Murray, Dan in both draws have withdrawn or ex- majors in 2016. despite stringent health precautions Evans and Kyle Edmund – will be torn pressed reservations about travelling The conundrum for Djokovic and announced this week by the USTA. between joining the exodus or trying to New York, with women’s world No other players outside the United States Fresh restrictions include 24-hour for a more attainable prize.

BOTTOMLINE October 31 fi nale confi rmed for Six Nations Paris: Organisers announced yesterday the loggerheads with the country’s federation about Kearns wants 2027 WC to revive Aussie rugby schedule for the remaining fixtures in this year’s the decision. “We are currently finalising match coronavirus-disrupted Six Nations. Ireland host schedules, operational details including venues AFP we were a tier-one sport in this would use his extensive contacts Italy in Dublin on October 24 before the follow- as well as commercial arrangements. Further Sydney country. We can’t escape the fact throughout the game to boost ing Saturday includes all three round five games announcements relating to this competition are that we’ve gone backwards. This Australia’s bid. to decide the title winners. expected to be made later this month,” the Six gives us an opportunity to turn “As part of his role, Phil will Andy Farrell’s Irish side have an outside Nations statement said. ustralian rugby risks that around for the long term.” spend time overseas to be a key chance of lifting the crown but travel to a rejuve- The Women’s Six Nations will also be conclud- becoming a “third tier” Kearns has been an outspoken contact with the World Rugby nated France, who are also in with a opportunity. ed this autumn but the under-20 tournament sport if it fails to win critic of the game’s administra- member unions, to showcase Table-toppping England, who are ahead of les has been cancelled. Unbeaten holders England hosting rights for the tors in recent years and had con- our bid and to highlight why we Bleus on points diff erence, go to Italy and Wales can clinch the trophy with victory over Italy on 2027A World Cup, two-time tour- sidered applying for the position would be a tremendous host in face Scotland but a location for the meeting is the weekend of October 31. The Six Nations’ nament winner Phil Kearns said of Rugby Australia chief execu- 2027,” McLennan added. yet to confirmed as Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium chief executive, Ben Morel, remains determined yesterday after being appointed tive after New Zealander Raelene Australia jointly held the inau- is a standby Covid-19 hospital. to ensure the senior competition is played to a to lead the bid campaign. Castle quit the role in April. gural World Cup in 1987 along- “In rescheduling these matches, the health conclusion. “We are absolutely thrilled to make Kearns, who won the showcase But he said hosting the 2027 side New Zealand, and took sole and safety of players, associated staff and sup- this announcement today,” said Morel. “Whilst tournament in 1991 and 1999 tournament was so important hosting duties in 2003. It is con- porters has been at the forefront of our think- the past few months have been extremely chal- during a 67-Test career, said he for the code’s future in Australia sidered the front runner for 2027, ing,” a Six Nations statement said. “We remain lenging, we have always remained hopeful of was “enormously excited” to be that he shelved his leadership with World Rugby set to make a in close contact with all relevant authorities concluding this year’s tournament and we are named executive director of the ambitions to promote the bid. decision in May 2022. across the respective jurisdictions to ensure really looking forward to the final games in the bid by Rugby Australia. “There’s “The fi nancial windfall it would Argentina pulled out of the these matches take place in a safe environment men’s and women’s championships. There is still a couple of really big roles in Aus- He off ered an unfl inching as- bring would spark the Austral- running earlier this year and the and we will announce further details of health so much to play for, and we are hugely excited tralian rugby at the moment and sessment of rugby’s standing in ian economy as we rebuild from only other country to publicly and safety protocols and guidance on spectator for what lies ahead. this is certainly one of them,” the Australia, where it faces fi erce the impact of Covid-19 and then express interest is Russia, al- attendance in due course,” it added. Schedule for re-arranged men’s Six Nations former Wallabies skipper told re- competition from rival codes gives us the opportunity to invest though — with France hosting The tournament also announced plans for an matches which were postponed earlier this porters in a video conference. such as rugby league and Aussie back into the grassroots,” he said. in 2023 — there would probably eight-team competition to replace the can- year due to the coronavirus pandemic (Kick- Kearns said hosting the 2027 rules. “There was some talk that Kearns, 53, will work on the be resistance to holding back- celled traditional November Tests. According off s in GMT): October 24 Ireland v Italy (TBC) tournament could be “trans- we’re a second-tier sport head- bid with an advisory board that to-back tournaments in Europe. to reports, 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts Japan — Lansdowne Road, Dublin October 31 Wales v formational” for rugby in Aus- ing towards (becoming) a third- includes his ex-teammate John World Rugby chief executive as well as Fiji are set to join the Six Nations in Scotland (1415) — venue to be decided as Princi- tralia, which is currently strug- tier sport,” he said. Eales and former prime minister Brett Gosper has also canvassed two pools of four sides before a play-off round pality Stadium in Cardiff unavailable due to be- gling with fi nancial diffi culties, “By winning this, it gives us John Howard. Rugby Australia the prospect of the United States in December. The autumn international window ing standby coronavirus facility Italy v England the Wallabies’ slide to seventh the opportunity that we won’t go chairman Hamish McLennan launching a bid, despite USA has been extended from three weeks to more (1645)— Stadio Olimpico, Rome France v Ireland in the world rankings, and bitter to third-tier... if you go back to said Kearns had an “impeccable Rugby fi ling for bankruptcy ear- than a month but French Top 14 clubs are at (2000) — Stade de France, Paris infi ghting. the late 1990s and early 2000s, international reputation” and lier this year. Gulf Times Thursday, August 6, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EUROPA LEAGUE Shakhtar, Copenhagen seal last eight berths Guardiola seeks area. Wolfsburg defender John Reuters Kyiv Anthony Brooks followed in his footsteps only four minutes later for a second bookable foul and hakhtar Donetsk and FC Shakhtar then sealed their pas- Copenhagen became the sage with three quickfi re goals in fi rst two teams to reach the dying minutes. the Europa League quar- Junior Moraes broke the dead- to follow trail ter-fiS nals as the continent’s sec- lock in the 89th minute when he ond-tier competition resumed turned in a Dodo cross and net- yesterday after a fi ve-month ted the third in stoppage time break forced by the Covid-19 moments after substitute Manor pandemic. Solomon made it 2-0 with a clin- Shakhtar thumped German ical fi nish. side VfL Wolfsburg 5-1 on aggre- Two goals from towering for- gate after a 3-0 win in the return ward Jonas Wind and another blazed by Zidane leg in Kiev while Copenhagen by winger Rasmus Falk gave Co- beat Turkish champions Istanbul penhagen victory against Istan- Basakshehir 3-0 at home to wipe bul and set up a likely clash with Zidane led Madrid to Champions League glory three times in his first spell as coach out a 1-0 fi rst-leg defi cit. Manchester United in the fi nal In the day’s later, Manchester eight, to be played from Aug 10- AFP United were at home to Austrians 21 in four German cities. London LASK Linz after beating them Wind powered an unstoppa- 5-0 in March while Inter Milan ble fourth-minute header past entertain Spanish side Getafe goalkeeper Mert Gunok thanks inedine Zidane may never have in a one-off encounter after the to an inch-perfect cross by right been hired as Real Madrid coach fi rst leg was scrapped due to the back Guillermo Varela and then but for the success of Pep Guar- Covid-19 outbreak. converted a 53rd-minute penalty diola at Barcelona, but it is Guar- Shakhtar missed a hatful of after Mehmet Topal handled the Zdiola who now must follow the French- fi rst-half chances against Wolfs- ball in the area. man’s example to complete his mission at burg, with both sides reduced to Falk put the icing on the cake Manchester City. 10 men in the second half after for Copenhagen with a superb Zidane’s Madrid travel to Manches- visiting goalkeeper Koen Cas- individual eff ort in the 62nd, ter tomorrow looking to overturn a 2-1 teels had pulled off a string of su- beating Gunok with a fi ne shot fi rst-leg defi cit from February as the perb saves at the Olympic stadi- from the edge of the penalty area Champions League resumes after a fi ve- um. The home side had defender after a darting run through the month coronavirus shutdown. Much has Davit Klocholava sent off in the middle. changed since the sides last met. 66th minute for a professional The last eight, to be played in Then under pressure, Zidane, in his foul, although the resulting pen- Cologne, Duisburg, Gelsenkirch- second spell in charge at the Bernabeu, alty decision was overturned en and Duesseldorf, will feature has again interrupted Barca’s dominance after a VAR review showed he one-leg matches with the fi nal of La Liga with a run of 10 straight victo- tripped Joao Victor outside the set for Aug. 21 in Cologne. ries after Spanish football’s return in June to take the title. Even for the club where Champions League success matters more than anything else, the pressure is off Madrid as Zidane looks to protect his per- fect record in the competition as a coach. Three times he led Madrid to Champions League glory in his fi rst spell in charge between 2016 and 2018 and Zidane is yet to be eliminated from the competition as a coach. “When he has done what he has done, winning three Champions Leagues in a row, taking two La Liga titles from Barca when they — in this decade — have domi- nated this competition like no other club, it shows his ability,” Guardiola said. “Although people may not believe me because he is from Real Madrid, I am very happy that things are going well because Zinedine Zidane’s (right) Real Madrid travel to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City tomorrow looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit Shakhtar Donetsk’s Junior Moraes (right) scores during the Europa it is very good for football that things go from February as the Champions League resumes after a five-month coronavirus shutdown. League Round of 16 second leg match against VfL Wolfsburg at the well for people like him.” Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday. (Reuters) When Zidane was fi rst handed the Ma- since arriving in England, Guardiola ad- from the quarter-fi nals and all on a neu- Finishing the job against Madrid drid job, they were aiming to copy the mitted earlier this season his time at City tral site behind closed doors in Lisbon. would be a major milestone as City’s fi rst formula of their rivals in appointing a would be judged “a failure” if he did not The former Barca and Bayern boss has knockout victory against a former winner PREMIER LEAGUE former midfi eld great, who had only pre- win the Champions League. often lamented the lack of atmosphere in nine seasons in the Champions League. viously coached the club’s youth team. The pressure on City has reduced since generated by the City support on big Eu- Zidane has repeatedly stated his belief Guardiola won 14 trophies in four seasons the fi rst leg as their two-season ban from ropean nights compared with the caul- that Guardiola is “the best coach in the at the Camp Nou between 2008 and 2012, European competition was overturned by drons of some of the continent’s more world”. City sign Bournemouth including two Champions Leagues. the Court of Arbitration for Sport, mean- intimidating arenas. But after fi nishing 18 points behind League titles and cups have continued ing this month is not their fi nal chance “Of course, we have the chance to fi ght Liverpool in the Premier League this sea- to fl ow for Guardiola at Bayern Munich for three years to end their wait to win the (again next season) but the situation that son, it is the former Barca ball boy, player defender Nathan Ake and in Manchester, but he has not tasted Champions League. we have is not coming back again,” said and manager who needs to do what Ma- success in Europe’s elite club competition However, Guardiola has hinted they Guardiola. “I think the big clubs don’t drid have made a habit of — transforming Reuters through Chelsea’s youth system since 2011. Despite winning two Premier may never get a better chance, with the miss these chances to try until the last ef- miserable domestic seasons into memo- Manchester and was initially loaned out to League titles among six major trophies competition reduced to one-off matches fort they have in their bodies.” rable Champions League triumphs. Bournemouth before he signed permanently for the south coast anchester City have club in June 2017. signed defender Ake had loan spells at Watford Nathan Ake from and Reading before making 121 BALE LEFT OUT BY ZIDANE FOR MAN CITY TEST Bournemouth on appearances for Bournemouth Ma fi ve-year deal, the Premier across all competitions, scoring Madrid: Gareth Bale has been left out of year. Despite Madrid storming to the La interested clubs are likely to be put off by League club announced yes- 11 times and playing more min- Real Madrid’s squad for their Champions Liga title, Bale made only two appear- the finances involved while Bale and his terday. Financial details of the utes in the Premier League than League last 16 second leg against Man- ances during the 11 games after La Liga representatives insist he is happy to see transfer were not disclosed but any other player at the club. chester City tomorrow. resumed, one of them from the start. out his Madrid contract, which expires in British media reported City paid City, who fi nished runners-up Head coach Zinedine Zidane named He was pictured standing away from 2022. Bournemouth 40mn pounds in the Premier League to Liver- 24 players yesterday for the trip to the team’s celebrations with Zidane after Ramos will travel with the squad to ($52mn) to sign the 25-year-old pool, are looking to strengthen Manchester, where Madrid are aiming to their league success was confirmed and England, despite being banned for the with an additional 1mn pounds their central defence as Guar- overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to reach the had caused a stir by pretending to be match after he was sent off towards the to be paid in add-ons. diola aims to improve his squad quarter-finals. asleep during Madrid’s game against end of the first leg. Bournemouth were relegated for a title challenge next season. Sergio Ramos will travel with the Alaves. UEFA protocol will allow Madrid’s from the Premier League on the Ake is City’s second recruit in the squad, Madrid confirmed, despite being Zidane’s decision to omit Bale com- captain to enter the stadium and be in fi nal day of the season and Ake is off season after the club signed suspended for the fixture. Bale, 31, was pletely from the squad to face City is the dressing room with the players, but one of their players who was ex- Spanish winger Ferran Torres not on the list, adding another low-point another clear indication the Frenchman he cannot sit on the bench. Ramos will pected to leave to continue play- from Valencia on a fi ve-year con- to a turbulent season for the Welshman, would prefer to be rid of Bale and his also have to be tested along with the rest ing in the top fl ight. The Neth- tract on Tuesday in a deal report- who has hardly featured for Madrid this 18-million euro salary this summer. But of the squad. erlands international, who has ed by British media to be worth also played as a left back, came 23mn euros ($27mn).

SPOTLIGHT Arsenal’s head of recruitment to leave amid 55 planned redundancies By Nick Ames and Jacob Steinberg American businessman Stan Kroenke, required 30-day consultation period on The Guardian have suff ered severe drops in commer- these proposals. “We know this is up- cial and matchday revenue because of setting and diffi cult for our dedicated Covid-19. Venkatesham and Sanllehí staff and our focus is on managing this rsenal’s head of recruitment, promised that the cost-cutting meas- as sensitively as possible. These pro- Francis Cagigao, is among ures would allow Arsenal to keep in- posed changes are ultimately about en- 55 staff members who will vesting in their squad. The club, who suring we take this great football club leave the club in a swathe of qualifi ed for the Europa League after forward, creating the right organisation redundanciesA that will hit several de- winning the FA Cup last weekend, are for a post-Covid world, and ensuring partments. Cagigao has forged a for- trying to convince Pierre-Emerick Au- we have the resources to return to com- midable reputation during a 24-year bameyang to sign a new contract and peting eff ectively at the top of the game spell at Arsenal, for whom he played as hope to sign Willian on a three-year here and in Europe.” a youngster, but the club have decided deal when his contract expires this In April Arsenal, who fi nished eighth his services are no longer required in a month. Mesut Özil, their best-paid in the Premier League, agreed a 12.5% signifi cant restructuring of the scout- player, earns £350,000 a week. pay cut over the next 12 months with ing department. He is expected to de- “Our main sources of income have all most of their men’s fi rst-team squad part when terms between the parties reduced signifi cantly,” Venkatesem and and all the coaching staff . have been fi nalised. Sanllehi said. “Revenue from broad- The cut is due to drop to 7.5% as a Brian McDermott and the head of casters, matchday and commercial ac- result of the club qualifying for the Eu- UK scouting, Pete Clark, have also been tivities have all been hit severely and ropa League. Arsenal’s wage bill in their told they are surplus to requirements, these impacts will continue into at least In April, Arsenal agreed a 12.5% pay cut over the next 12 months with most of their men’s first-team squad and all the most recently published accounts, for and more positions are understood the forthcoming 2020-21 season. coaching staff . The cut is due to drop to 7.5% as a result of the club qualifying for the Europa League. (AFP) 2018-19, was £232mn. to be under threat. A joint statement “We all hope there will be no ‘second The club continued to pay staff in from the club’s managing director, wave’ but we also need to accept that but with the expected reduction of in- continue to invest in the team. we are proposing 55 redundancies. We full during football’s lockdown instead Vinai Venkatesham, and their head of is one of the many uncertainties ahead come in mind, it is now clear that we “Our aim has been to protect the jobs do not make these proposals lightly of falling back on the government’s football, Raúl Sanllehí, argued the pro- of us and plan accordingly. Over recent must reduce our costs further to ensure and base salaries of our people for as and have looked at every aspect of the taxpayer-funded furlough scheme. The posal to cut jobs was necessary as Ar- years we have consistently invested in we are operating in a sustainable and long as we possibly can. Unfortunately, club and our expenditure before reach- club’s 14 executives agreed to a one- senal, whose largest shareholder is the additional staff to take the club forward responsible way, and to enable us to we have now come to the point where ing this point. We are now entering the third salary cut for the next year. Thursday, August 6, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE Rayyan face Sailiya in a must-win tie to keep their title hopes alive By Sports Reporter fi fth-placed Al Arabi, but are placed round, are fi fth with 25 points. The Doha behind on goal diff erence. Al Rayyan Dream Team, coached by Icelander had beaten Al Sailiya 2-0 in the fi rst leg. Heimir Hallgrimsson, need to get on a In another match today, Al Wakrah winning run if they want to keep their n under pressure Al Rayyan face Al Arabi at the Al Sadd Stadium. top four chances alive. Al Wakrah and will take on Al Sailiya today, Wakrah, coached by Marquez Lopez, Al Arabi had played out a 2-2 draw in knowing only a win will keep are seventh in the standings with 21 the fi rst leg. their QNB Stars League title points and were held to a 1-1 draw by Al The high-voltage encounter between hopesA alive. With leaders Duhail fac- Khor last week. holders Al Sadd and leaders Al Duhail ing defending champions Al Sadd on The Blue Wave may miss the services on Saturday is the highlight of this Saturday, the second placed Rayyan of their spearhead Mohamed Benyet- weekend’s fi xtures. It is sure to be one can cut the gap to one point if they beat tou, who got injured during the game humdinger of a game, given the high sixth-placed Sailiya at the Al Janoub against Al Khor, but they have options reputation, quality and importance Stadium. With only three matches re- upfront. Al Wakrah coach Marquez of the match as well as the star pres- maining, Rayyan are desperate for a Lopez said his team still has a math- ence in both sides. With three fi xtures victory. But they would need to put ematical chance of fi nishing fi fth. remaining in the league, Al Duhail (46 in a better performance than they did “The preparations for this round points) have an eight-point lead over against Al Arabi last week, where they were aff ected by the lack of time. We third-placed Al Sadd and are closer to barely managed a draw. played our last match on Sunday and we the title. Rayyan head coach Diego Aguirre ex- will go into this confrontation against a Meanwhile, Al Gharafa (31 points) are pected a tough encounter for his side. strong Al Arabi team on Thursday,” Al sure to go all out against Al Khor (11th “All the remaining matches are diffi - Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez said. with 15 points) tomorrow with the tar- cult. Sailiya are a good team and have “Of course, we are working towards get of retaining their fourth position, some good players and a good coach. winning the match, like other games, which will earn them a place in the Qa- We know that the task is not easy, but but it will be diffi cult. The fact is that I tar Cup and chance in next year’s AFC we are ready to play a good match and Al Rayyan head coach Diego Aguirre speaks during a video conference yesterday. am happy with my team because we are Champions League. achieve victory, which is what we are playing well of late and creating many The clashes between Al Shahania seeking as we chase league title,” he said but we have to be at our best and win nine points to play for and we need to win the league.” scoring opportunities in front of the (last with 14 points) vs Qatar SC (ninth Aguirre added Rayyan need to win all every match and then we will see what look at getting all those. In football any- Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coached by opponents’ goal. In the end, if you do with 18 points) as well as Umm Salal their remaining matches and hope that happens. But now we must win the next thing can be achieved, and therefore we Tunisian Sami Trabelsi, are sixth with not score, you must be prepared to re- (10th with 16 points) vs Al Ahli (eighth Duhail slip. “There is no doubt Rayyan match against Sailiya,” Uruguayan said. must win the remaining matches. But 25 points despite being held 2-2 by Al ceive goals,” he said. with 19 points) will also have much at faces a diffi cult task to win the league. On the four-points between Rayyan it could also be possible that winning Shahania last week. The Peregrines Al Arabi, who played out a goalless stake, in terms of relegation and im- However, the opportunity still exists and Duhail, Aguirre said: “We still have these matches would not be enough to have the same number of points as draw with Al Rayyan in the previous provement in the teams’ rankings.

SPOTLIGHT SHOWJUMPING Hathab season set to History will not resume from tomorrow By Sports Reporter al-Baker (177). Mohamed Hazim Doha Abara with 174 points is third at the moment. Small Tour is led by Mohamed ongines Hathab Eques- Nasser al-Qadi (170). Khalifa repeat itself: trian Tour will resume Abdulla al-Khaldi (168) is at the tomorrow after it was second spot, followed by Mo- forced to take long break hamed al-Ghazali who has accu- Ldue to the emergence of corona- mulated 166 points over the nine virus pandemic. Director, took stock of the pre- rounds so far. The third season of the annual cautionary measures as he met Longines, ExxonMobil, and series, which started in October with his organisational team. Salam International are the main Fulham boss 2019, was originally scheduled to He stressed the need to adhere partners of the series, which is conclude in April this year. It had to safety guidelines imposed by open to Qataris and residents of been suspended, after the com- the Ministry of Public Health and Qatar. Hathab, meaning “canter” Fulham beat Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final on pletion of the ninth Tour, in line said all riders and members of in Arabic, is an initiative of HE with national health guidelines the organising team will undergo Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Tha- Tuesday to earn an instant return to the Premier League aimed at preventing the spread of medical examinations to ensure ni, President of the Qatar Olym- the Covid-19 pandemic. safety of everyone. pic Committee. The competition The remaining three rounds Tomorrow, the competition series is organised and hosted will take place at the Qatar will kick off with Small Tour jointly by Qatar Equestrian Fed- Equestrian Federation Arena (100-115cm) at 4pm, followed eration (QEF) and Al Shaqab, and will feature only the show- by individual and team competi- member of Qatar Foundation. jumping (Individual and Teams) tions of the Medium Tour (120- It is aimed at improving the competitions. Dressage and Fu- 130cm) at 6.45pm. On Saturday, standard of horse riding among ture Riders competitions have Open Class (115-125cm) and Qatari youth, while encouraging been cancelled. The 10th leg of Big Tour (130-145cm) competi- the involvement of private sta- the Tour, which carries QR1mn tions will take place at 4pm and bles and individual horse owners in total prize money, will be held 6.45pm respectively. to spread awareness of horse- tomorrow and Saturday. The 11th There is a close fi ght for the Big manship as part of Qatar’s his- leg is scheduled to take place a Tour title, with Salman Moham- tory and tradition. week later, while there is a two- ed al-Emadi (172 points) current- The vision for Hathab is to be week gap for the fi nal and 12th ly having a slender six-point lead “a national series of equestrian leg, which will be held over three over Nasser al-Ghazali ((166). competitions to inspire Qatar’s days on August 27, 28, and 29. Mohammed Sultan al-Suwaidi next generation of international For the health and safety of is third with 164, just two points champions”. Hathab’s signifi - fans, the remaining three rounds behind al-Ghazali. cance is demonstrated by the will take place without specta- The contest is even tighter in results of the competition being tors, but the action will be broad- the Medium Tour as Ghanem used as a guide in the selection of cast live Al Kass TV. Nasser al-Qadi (178) has only one riders to represent Qatar in inter- Ali al-Rumaihi, Hathab Event point lead over Mohamed Khalifa national competitions.

Fulham players celebrate their team’s promotion to the Premier League after winning Championship play-off final against Brentford. (Reuters) Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour’s Event Director Ali al-Rumaihi (centre) during a meeting with AFP far in life. You can have as much talent as you organising team. London want but, if you’re not building your foot- ball club on concrete and you’re building it on sand, then in the end it will be the roller- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE cott Parker says newly-promoted coaster ride. I hope we can grow gradually. Fulham must avoid the mistakes It’s going to be tough but, if we can’t, we have they made when last in the Premier core foundations that we always fall back on.” League two seasons ago after securing Parker says key to these core foundations is PSG coach Tuchel pessimistic aS return to the top-fl ight with victory over family. “I front it on the side and the players Brentford in the Championship play-off fi nal. are the same and they go out and play, but un- Parker’s approach to tactics may not be derneath there is a support mechanism and over Mbappe for Atalanta tie crowd-pleasing but they could be the right who I am speaking about is family and close recipe to prevent the Cottagers going straight friends and it will be the same for the players,” AFP back down like they did last time. Huge in- said Parker. “I am probably proud and emo- Paris vestment in players was not rewarded with tional for them because at times this year it results on the pitch with many of the infl ux has been very tough and diffi cult.” looking hideously over-priced. Joe Bryan will be one of those players who aris Saint-Germain Parker was a fi rst-hand witness to the de- exorcised the ghosts of relegation with his coach Thomas Tuchel bacle having replaced Claudio Ranieri in Feb- brace of goals being the diff erence against fears Kylian Mbappe ruary 2019 when they were all but doomed. Brentford. Bryan, bought from Bristol City in will lose his battle to be However, one of owner Shahid Khan’s better Fulham manager Scott Parker. (Reuters) 2018 for £6mn, awoke to headlines like “Bry Pfi t for next week’s Champions investments was to hand Parker a two-year and Mighty”. League quarter-fi nal against contract despite just three wins in his nine the challenge ahead.” “It’s the best thing I’ve ever been a part Atalanta. The PSG star was left games in charge in the Premier League. The 18-times capped Parker — one of a of,” he said. “The manager gave a speech to with a sprained right ankle af- Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (left) and Neymar watch their Parker has rewarded that faith plentifully bright new generation of managers — says us in the dressing room after the game about ter a crunching challenge in the team’s friendly match against Sochaux in Paris yesterday. (AFP) and the Craven Cottage club will earn around that chief among the characteristics he is try- memories and how those are the things you French Cup fi nal win over Saint £135mn ($176mn) from being promoted. ing to embed in the club is a sense of pride. remember about your career.” Etienne on July 24. “I’ve seen The World Cup-winning su- but on a more positive note he is Parker, though, like the players who remain For many Fulham fans there seemed to be a Parker faces a tough challenge but at least Kylian every day at the training perstar’s absence would be a hopeful “key player” Juan Bernat from the relegated side is determined to not lack of commitment in several of the very with a huge fi nancial boost whereas Frank centre, he’s almost working 24 huge blow to the Qatari-owned may play some part in their fi rst relive the trauma that came with the battle for well-paid new arrivals for the 2018/19 cam- must hope he keeps his prized assets and try hours a day with the physios, but club who take on the Italians in Champions League quarter-fi nal survival. paign and Parker does not want that to be the again. “The sun will rise again tomorrow,” it’s really short,” said Tuchel yes- Lisbon next Wednesday after in four years. Tuchel was speak- “There were some clear errors made last case this time round. said the thoughtful Dane. terday. “We’ve decided to assess claiming a domestic treble. ing ahead of a warm-up friendly time,” he said. “We will learn from that. We “What we’re trying to build and what we’re “It is not the end of the world. If you want with the doctor on Saturday to In another setback Tuchel for next week’s one-off game be- need to learn from that. We’re going into the trying to engrain in these players, in this foot- to achieve something big you need to be able see if it’s possible he could be on could be without midfi elder hind closed doors in Lisbon with best league in the world, the best players, the ball club, is some core foundations,” he said. to bounce back from setbacks, and I know we the bench against Atalanta, but Marco Verratti, who has report- Neymar one of a cluster of head- best teams... it’s a brutal league and I realise “Sometimes those core foundations get you are coming back even stronger next season.” I’m not expecting too much.” edly injured his calf in training, line players given the night off .