FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 MOTOGP | Page 6 Kean, Mbappe Morbidelli wins send PSG top Teruel Grand of table aft er Prix as Mir win over Dijon extends lead

Monday, October 26, 2020 CYCLING Rabia I 9, 1442 AH Geoghegan Hart GULF TIMES wins Giro as Ineos bounce back SPORT Page 4 FORMULA 1 Hamilton overtakes Schumi with record 92nd victory

‘‘NotNot badbad forfor a boyboy fromfrom a ccouncilouncil estate’estate’ AFP somewhat mercurial and oc- Portimao, Portugal casionally tempestuous and this combination led to a fierce rivalry with teammate and two-time Reuters great people, but here I am and what I can ewis Hamilton cemented his champion Fernando Alonso at Portimao, Portugal tell you is I’m trying to make the most of position as one of Formula McLaren. it every single day. It’s going to take some LOne’s true greats when the He also showed frustration as time to sink in. I was still pushing fl at out six-time world champion claimed McLaren failed to deliver the ix-times world champion Lewis coming across the line.” a record 92nd race win yesterday, speed to beat Sebastian Vettel Hamilton became the most suc- Bottas said he just had no pace. “I was another staggering achievement and Red Bull, who reeled off four cessful Formula One driver of all pushing hard but couldn’t go faster,” “for a boy from a council house”. straight title triumphs from 2010 time in terms of race wins yester- complained the Finn. His victory at the Algarve Inter- to 2013, by when Hamilton had dayS with a dominant 92nd career victory Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fi nished national Circuit allowed him to departed for Mercedes. at the Portuguese Grand Prix. fourth with AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly pass the previous best mark set Escaping the management The Mercedes driver, who took the fi fth. Sainz was sixth with Renault’s Es- by seven-time world champion regime of Dennis and his father, chequered fl ag a huge 25.592 seconds teban Ocon and eighth Michael Schumacher. Hamilton found freedom at ahead of second-placed teammate Valt- and ninth. The son of a black father and a Mercedes alongside teammate teri Bottas, had equalled Ferrari great Four-times world champion Sebastian white mother, who survived a , his teenage karting Michael Schumacher’s record 91 wins at Vettel took the fi nal point for Ferrari. broken home in his youth, Ham- friend and rival. the previous race at the Nuerburgring. Lance Stroll, who missed the last race ilton, 35, grew up on a municipal This enabled Hamilton to express Victory, along with a bonus point for and then tested positive for COVID-19, housing estate where his father himself with a headline-grabbing fastest lap, stretched the Briton’s cham- was the only retirement of the afternoon Anthony at one time held down trans-Atlantic lifestyle, mixing pionship lead over Bottas to 77 points with the team reporting fl oor damage. three jobs to fund his son’s em- with musicians and ‘fashionistas’. with fi ve races remaining. The Canadian had already collected mul- bryonic racing career in karts. For many observers, it was a “You are re-writing the history books,” tiple penalties by then. In 1995, aged 10, and wearing welcome injection of freshness Mercedes told Hamilton over the team a jacket and shoes borrowed and diversity as champion again radio, with team boss Toto Wolff adding: RESULTS (top 10) from his predecessor as British in 2014 and 2015. “Lewis, 92. 92.” 1. (Mercedes) 1:29:56.828 Formula Cadet karting champion, Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff “I owe it all to these guys here and back 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) +25.592sec he went to a glittering awards cer- once summed up: “He is never at the factory,” said Hamilton. 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +34.508 emony in London where he met satisfied. He never settles.” “It’s just been such a privilege working Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (also above) celebrates after winning the Portuguese Grand 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +1:05.312 McLaren’s then-boss Ron Dennis. Last season, he posted his con- with them,” added the Briton, who was Prix in Portimao yesterday. (AFP) 5. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1 lap He asked for an autograph and cerns for the environment. That joined on the podium by race engineer 6. Carlos Sainz Jr (McLaren) 1 lap told him “one day I want to race for commentary, including revelations Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington. Bottas, who had gone ahead, was then up to second, and stayed ahead until his 7. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) 1 lap you”. Dennis replied: “Phone me in about his vegan lifestyle, led to him “Today was tough but it was all about passed on lap two by McLaren’s Spaniard teammate overtook him on lap 20 to lead 8. Esteban Ocon (Renault) 1 lap nine years and I’ll sort you a deal.” being accused of hypocrisy. This temperatures.” Carlos Sainz, who had started seventh for the fi rst time since the opening lap. 9. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) 1 lap year has seen him press for greater Dutch youngster Max Verstappen fi n- on the soft tyres, with the Mercedes pair Hamilton, whose father was at the cir- 10. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 1 lap ‘MERCURIAL, TEMPESTUOUS’ diversity in the paddock, a push ished third for Red Bull at the Algarve cir- struggling to get heat into the medium cuit to see his triumph, reported cramp Bold, determined and individual, sparked by his vocal support for cuit near Portimao that was hosting the rubber. with seven laps to go but then proceeded Drivers’ standings (top 3) he almost won the title in his first the Black Lives Matter movement. country’s fi rst grand prix in 24 years. Verstappen had meanwhile dropped to set a series of fastest laps. 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 256 pts record-breaking season as he When Hamilton wrapped up his Hamilton lapped all but the three driv- to fi fth after tangling with Racing Point’s “I could never have dreamed of being 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 179 reeled off nine successive podiums sixth world title in Texas last year, ers behind him but it had not looked so Mexican Sergio Perez, who pitted and where I am today,” he said after his eighth 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 162 from his debut in Melbourne, rock- his father Anthony summed up his simple at the start when he dropped to dropped to last but recovered to fi nish win of the season and 71st since he joined Constructors’ standings (top 3) ing the establishment along the son’s achievement: “It’s absolutely third from pole position on a lively open- seventh. Mercedes. 1. Mercedes 435 pts way with his speed and his style. amazing and not bad for a boy ing lap with occasional rain complicating Bottas retook the lead on lap six as the “I didn’t have a magic ball when I chose 2. Red Bull 226 On and off the track, he was fast, from a Stevenage council house.” matters. tyres fi red up, with Hamilton moving to come to this team and partner with 3. Racing Point 126 Gulf Times 2 Monday, October 26, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA ‘Our vision is for the 2022 World Cup to be acknowledged Atletico as the most transformative sporting event in modern history’ see off wo FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 delivered by Hassan al-Thawadi, Secre- impact on people in Qatar and further legacy programmes teamed up tary General of the Supreme Committee afi eld. Betis with Unesco to host a webinar for & Legacy, the organisation “Our vision is for the 2022 World Cup about the soft power of sports responsible for delivering the infra- to be acknowledged as the most trans- Tdiplomacy. structure and legacy for Qatar 2022. formative sporting event in modern aft er Titled ‘Introduction to Sports Di- “The overarching and ultimate legacy history,” said al-Thawadi. plomacy: From Concept to Practice’, of Qatar 2022 is people-to-people di- Gabriela Ramos, Unesco’s Assistant the webinar was organised by Josoor plomacy,” said al-Thawadi. “Fostering Director General for Social and Human tactical Institute and Generation Amazing, in dialogue on utilising sport’s power to do Sciences, said: “There is a responsibil- collaboration with the Unesco Offi ce good is an important part of delivering ity to put sport higher on the agenda for the Gulf States and Yemen, to pro- Qatar’s wider vision. We want to deep- and invest in sport not only as a tool for switch vide a platform for sharing a global per- en understanding and share knowledge bringing societies closer but also as a spective on using the power of sport to and best practices while using global tool for recovery. Massive fi scal packag- advance national goals. The event fea- collaboration to maximise the power of es should also invest in sports facilities, tured contributions from politicians, sport to improve lives.” the athletes, coaches and the systems diplomats and football legends. Al-Thawadi said legacy programmes for the promotion of sport and diplo- During a keynote address, HE Ha- such as Generation Amazing, which macy. At the same time, sport should be mad al-Kawari, Minister of State and utilises the power of football to deliver an antidote for the current pandemic of President of Qatar National Library, sustainable change in communities hate speech and discrimination.” said: “Qatar presents a unique model of around the world, and Josoor Insti- The webinar also included messages cultural diplomacy, one that has trans- tute, which aims to share the knowl- from people across the football world, formed sport into an ideal means for edge gained from Qatar’s hosting of the including SC ambassador Tim Cahill, rapprochement between nations. Our country’s image and role as advocates supports and adds value to this mis- World Cup with the next generation of who appeared in four FIFA World Cups strides in big sporting events coincide of peace and respect for other cultures sion.” sports and events professionals, will with Australia. with achievements in strengthening the and their creative diversity – sport truly Opening remarks at the event were ensure the tournament has a lasting

LIGUE 1

Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez celebrates scoring against Betis Kean, Mbappe send on Saturday night. Reuters Madrid

tletico Madrid beat Real Betis 2-0 at home on Saturday in La Liga PSG top of table aft er thanks to goals from MarcosA Llorente and Luis Sua- rez after coach Diego Simeone sprung a double change at halft- ime. Llorente put Atletico in front at the start of the second half, tearing into the box from the left wing and tucking the ball inside Lens game called off the near post from a tight angle. Betis had played well in the fi rst half and dominated the ball. The reigning champions were missing nine players due to injury or suspension, including Angel di Maria and Marco However, Atletico took control of the game after Simeone hauled Verratti, while Mbappe was rested at kick-off ahead of a trip to Turkey to play Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday off Lucas Torreira and Thomas Lemar for Yannick Carrasco and AFP league (LFP) said that “noting the Hector Herrera for the second certain absence of 11 Lens players period, instantly giving the team from a list of 30 because of posi- more pace and purpose in mid- tive RT-PCR tests...it has decided fi eld. oise Kean and Kylian to postpone the game between The visitors were reduced to 10 Mbappe both scored Lens and Nantes scheduled for men with 20 minutes remaining twice as Paris Saint- Sunday to a later date”. when Martin Montoya was sent Germain beat Dijon Lens did not confi rm the iden- off for hauling down Carrasco. M4-0 on Saturday to go top of Ligue tity of the players concerned, but The referee initially gave the de- 1, while the match between Lens local newspaper La Voix du Nord fender a booking but changed it and Nantes was postponed after reported that two staff members, to a straight red card after a VAR 11 members of the home squad including coach Franck Haise, review. Suarez then struck in tested positive for coronavirus. were also positive. stoppage time after combining Kean started at the Parc des “The health situation takes well with left back Renan Lodi to Princes and scored a fi rst-half priority but this changes a lot clinch a therapeutic victory for brace, his fi rst goals since moving of things for the league itself,” Atletico after Wednesday’s 4-0 to PSG on loan from Everton. said the Nantes coach, Christian thrashing by Bayern Munich in Mbappe then replaced the Italy Gourcuff , whose squad had al- the Champions League. international in the latter stages ready travelled to Lens. “Betis made things very diffi - and added a late double of his own “I think that what we have cult for us and we struggled in the as Thomas Tuchel’s team — for experienced is going to happen fi rst half but we went out in the whom Neymar was outstanding again.” It is not the fi rst time this second half with the same men- — bounced back from their mid- season a Ligue 1 game has been tality and were lucky to score very week Champions League loss to postponed due to Covid-19. Mar- quickly and that gave us oxygen,” Manchester United and made it seille’s meeting with Bordeaux said Llorente. six consecutive victories in Ligue on the opening night of the cam- “Simeone believes in us and we 1. paign in August was rescheduled believe in him. We also believe in The result allowed PSG to go for the same reason. ourselves and together we make a top of the table, a point clear of After that, and fearing an ava- very strong union. We made that Lille, although the northerners lanche of postponements, the clear today and we’ve got a vic- can reclaim fi rst place by beating LFP relaxed its health protocol to tory we really needed.” Nice yesterday. ensure games could go ahead as The win took Atletico into sec- The reigning champions were long as at least 20 players from ond in the standings on 11 points missing nine players due to injury a list of 30 on each team tested after fi ve games, two behind Real or suspension, including Angel di negative. Madrid who beat Barcelona 3-1 Maria and Marco Verratti, while The Ligue 2 game between earlier on Saturday in the ‘Clasi- Mbappe was rested at kick-off Paris Saint-Germain’s Italian forward Moise Kean (2nd-L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Dijon at the Parc de Princes Grenoble and Nancy scheduled co’. Elsewhere, Sevilla succumbed ahead of a trip to Turkey to play stadium in Paris on Saturday. for Saturday was also postponed to a second consecutive league Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednes- after 13 Grenoble players tested defeat as they went down 1-0 at day. the post before setting up Kean’s the second half before Mbappe Marseille won 1-0 at Lorient Manchester City in the Champi- positive along with fi ve staff home to Eibar. In a game played behind closed second goal midway through the replaced Kean and ran onto a earlier with a second-half goal ons League tomorrow. members. Julen Lopetegui’s side have doors in the French capital be- fi rst half. Released on the coun- Neymar pass to make it 3-0 eight from Argentine defender Leon- Lens’ home clash with Nantes Lens and its surrounding re- now failed to score in their last cause of the health crisis, Kean ter-attack by Julian Draxler, Ney- minutes from time. ardo Balerdi moving them up to scheduled for yesterday was gion, in far northern France, are three matches in all competitions came in and converted a Mitchel mar ran half the length of the fi eld In the 88th minute Neymar fourth just behind Rennes, who called off after they lost the equiv- currently under a nighttime cur- and looked stale and tired after Bakker cross to open the scoring with the ball before leaving Kean produced a lovely pass to pick lost 2-1 at home to Angers on Fri- alent of a whole team to positive few along with much of the coun- drawing 0-0 away to Chelsea in in the third minute. with an easy fi nish. out Pablo Sarabia, who teed up day. coronavirus tests. try as part of eff orts to reduce the the Champions League on Tues- Neymar then headed against PSG lost Draxler to injury in Mbappe to seal the win. Andre Villas-Boas’s side host In a statement, the French spread of the virus. day.

BOTTOMLINE CAF signs partnership agreement with ICSS

partnership agree- Both CAF and ICSS will organisation connecting a fruitful collaboration with players. As an international ment has been collaborate on several dif- players and communities ICSS,” said Ahmad Ahmad, organisation working to pro- signed on between ferent projects. Among the across Africa. Good gov- CAF President. tect sport, ICSS is commit- the Confederation projects set to be undertaken ernance and safety are key ICSS Chairman Mohamed ted to protecting young play- ofA African Football (CAF) and by the two organisations are pillars of the CAF Transfor- Hanzab said: “On behalf ers and raising awareness the International Center for training programmes aimed mation plan. Security and of the ICSS, I would like to about the growing issue of Sport Security (ICSS), aimed at educating security offi c- integrity are top priorities for thank President Ahmad and child traffi cking in football. at enhancing safety, security, ers, supporting the growth us, and a basic requirement CAF for its commitment to With CAF, we believe that integrity, and youth empow- of a professional network for any football match to safeguarding football in Af- members and Governments erment programmes within of security personnel in Af- take place. I particularly take rica (the fastest growing and could be doing more to pro- African football. rica, and continuing to de- to heart the issue of young most diverse football regions tect potential stars of the fu- The agreement signed in velop the security operations players. Young athletes are in the world) and can’t wait ture.” ICSS CEO Massimil- Morocco will see the two through joint programmes not commodities. They are to advance eff orts with them iano Montanari concluded: organisations work together within Football Federations, human beings and must be to address the very real chal- “We are keen to initiate this to develop training pro- Leagues, Clubs, Academies, treated as such. We are proud lenges football now faces to cooperation with CAF and grammes and to ensure the and other stakeholders in- to be a leading voice in the its security and credibility. work together to protect the highest level of safety and cluding those operating at drive to protect, promote, For instance, not enough African football and its ca- Massimiliano Montanari, CEO, ICSS and Ahmad Ahmad, President, CAF during the agreement security within the CAF the grass-roots levels. and safeguard football and being done to stop the traf- pacity to promote economic signing ceremony. Member Associations. “CAF is a values-driven its fans. We look forward to fi cking of young African growth and shared values.” Gulf Times Monday, October 26, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Defoe scores 300th club goal as Rangers Ancelotti slams extend Scottish lead ‘joke’ red card as Saints stun Everton ‘IT’S NOT RIGHT, IT’S NOT FAIR. WE WILL APPEAL, FOR SURE’

AFP London Everton’s French defender Lucas Digne (3R) receives a red card from English referee Kevin Friend (C) for a foul on Southampton’s English defender Kyle Jermain Defoe of Glasgow Rangers. verton coach Carlo An- Walker-Peters (down) during their English Premier celotti slammed referee League match in Southampton yesterday. AFP lum had had a “very poor game” Kevin Friend’s “joke” Glasgow after his side were denied victory Edecision to send off Lu- by Lewis Ferguson’s late penalty. cas Digne as the Premier League Celtic, who came into the leaders’ unbeaten start to the ermain Defoe scored his match on the back of successive season ended in a 2-0 defeat 300th goal in club foot- defeats after a 2-0 loss to Rang- against Southampton, while ball as Rangers moved six ers was followed by a 3-1 Europa Newcastle rescued a 1-1 raw at points clear at the top of League reverse against Wolves yesterday. theJ Scottish Premiership with a leaders AC Milan, twice came Everton had gone eight games 2-0 win at home to Livingston from behind only to be denied. without defeat in all competi- yesterday. Ferguson opened the scoring tions this term, but they paid the Victory saw Steven Gerrard’s with his fi rst penalty two min- price for a lethargic display at St men capitalise on the fact that utes before half-time but Callum Mary’s. reigning champions Celtic, the McGregor equalised in the 52nd Ancelotti’s side fell behind to Gers’ bitter Glasgow rivals, could minute. James Ward-Prowse’s fi rst-half not hold on to a lead earlier yes- Ryan Hedges restored Aber- goal and Che Adams doubled terday when Aberdeen snatched deen’s lead in the 64th minute their lead before the interval. an injury-time equaliser in a 3-3 but Celtic substitute Leigh Grif- Toff ees left-back Digne was draw at Pittodrie. fi ths equalised in the 75th minute sent off for a dangerous chal- Rangers have now established and the Dons were reeling when lenge on Kyle Walker-Peters a clear gap between themselves the Hoops’ Ryan Christie scored in the second half despite his and second-placed Celtic, who with a penalty two minutes later. claims he tripped when he stood are bidding to become the fi rst There was more spot-kick on the Southampton defender’s side to win 10 successive Scottish drama, however, when McGregor heel. titles — both the Hoops (also in tripped Connor McLennan and “The red card was a joke, it 1965-74) and Rangers (1988-97) Ferguson struck another precise was not intentional, for sure it have previously managed nine in penalty to give fourth-placed was not violent. Maybe it was a a row. After Joe Aribo put Rang- Aberdeen a point. yellow,” Ancelotti said. ers in front at Ibrox, Defoe struck “I’m disappointed we haven’t “It’s not right, it’s not fair. We in the 16th minute with his land- won it,” Lennon told the BBC. will appeal, for sure.” mark goal — also the much-trav- “We showed the character to Without the suspended Ri- elled 38-year-old’s fi rst in league come back twice and we then charlison and injured Seamus of fi rst place. went close with a blistering 20- to vicious abuse on social media, put Southampton ahead in the football this season. lose that late goal. Defensively, Coleman after last weekend’s An entertaining encounter got yard drive that cannoned off the but Ancelotti refused to take the 27th minute. The former England striker, we were poor but attacking it was stormy Merseyside derby draw off to a fast start when Danny crossbar. Jordan Pickford was in error-prone keeper out of the Ward-Prowse passed into who scored his fi rst goal in senior good, particularly in the second with Liverpool, Everton lacked Ings picked out Ryan Bertrand action for the fi rst time since his spotlight. Ings, who returned the ball to football with West Ham 20 years half. It’s too sloppy defensively the drive and quality that had and his pass found Nathan Red- ugly tackle on Virgil van Dijk left Pickford made a good save to the midfi elder, who took one ago last month, received a ball though.” been the hallmark of their strong mond for a shot that whistled the Liverpool defender with a deny Oriol Romeu’s blast, but touch before fi ring into the far over the top from James Tavern- Turning to Collum, the Hoops start to the campaign. past the post. serious knee injury. the England international had corner for his fi rst goal of the ier, got in between Livingston’s boss added: “I thought the ref- They remain above the cham- Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson Pickford had been subjected no chance when Ward-Prowse season. centre-backs and did not break eree had a very poor game today, pions and their local rivals on stride with a left-foot fi nish. decision making, being infl u- goal diff erence after a result that Earlier, Celtic manager Neil enced by his assistants and some should serve as a reality check. Lampard annoyed Chelsea were denied penalty Lennon said referee Willie Col- of his decisions were baffl ing.” “We didn’t play well, South- ampton were better than us and Reuters counterpart Harry Maguire when challeng- taken time and advised the referee to look at they deserved to win. It came af- London ing for a header in the first half but the Video the monitor. If he watches the monitor, he has LA LIGA ter a really good run for us, now Assistant Referee (VAR) dismissed the Lon- to give the penalty, so it’s confusing. There’s we have to look forward with the don club’s penalty claims after reviewing the a frustration because the rules seemed to be same spirit and belief,” Ancelotti helsea boss Frank Lampard said he incident. “I thought it was a clear penalty. I moving in the right direction. said. “I told the players winter is was frustrated and confused that couldn’t see it at the time from where I was “The referees were looking at the monitor Villarreal draw at coming and we will have to re- his team were denied a penalty standing and those ones are hard calls for a bit more at the start of the season. The act.” in Saturday’s 0-0 Premier League the referee. It’s why we brought VAR into the person on the pitch should always take first Southampton have now only C draw at Manchester United. Chelsea game, but VAR was very quick to dismiss it,” responsibility and that was given back to Cadiz and miss lost twice in 13 league matches Cesar Azpilicueta was grabbed by his United Lampard told reporters. “They should have them with the monitor.” and climbed within three points chance to go top REACTION SERIE A Reuters gio Asenjo as they fi nished the Madrid match without registering a shot on target, with Villarreal Klopp praises Insigne brothers score for only mustering two on target. illarreal missed the Villarreal are second on 12 chance to top La Liga as points from seven games still Liverpool’s heart opposing sides in Napoli win they were held to a 0-0 without an away win, while draw at Cadiz in a game Cadiz are fi fth on 11 and await- ofV few chances yesterday. ing their fi rst home win since aft er comeback win Alvaro Negredo looked to returning to the top fl ight. have put Cadiz in front when Real Madrid are top with 13 Reuters but we defended well with a big Napoli’s Italian forward Lorenzo he found the net following a points from six matches after London heart. And so I liked it.” Insigne celebrates after scoring free kick but the goal was ruled beating Barcelona 3-1 away on Jota has now scored in his fi rst against Benevento at the Ciro out after a VAR review, which Saturday but Real Sociedad can two home league games since Vigorito stadium in Benevento ruled that Anthony Lozano, the return to the summit by beating iverpool were far from joining from Wolverhampton yesterday. match-winner in last week’s Huesca later on Sunday. their best as they la- Wanderers. victory over Real Madrid, was Elsewhere, Alaves beat 10- boured to a 2-1 victory Incredibly, since netting off side. man Real Valladolid 2-0 away Lover Sheffi eld United in against Arsenal on Sept 28, the Otherwise Cadiz failed to with the home side now bottom the Premier League on Saturday Portuguese has played in eight bother Villarreal keeper Ser- of the standings. but Juergen Klopp praised his games for club and country. side’s resilience as they again Klopp said there was more to showed a knack for overcoming come from the 23-year-old. LIGUE 1 adversity at Anfi eld. “He is still adapting. In the Diogo Jota’s second-half moment, a lot of things we do header sealed the points after are not natural to him but that’s Roberto Firmino had cancelled only because Wolves play diff er- Lille fail to re-take out Sander Berge’s penalty as ent — but a lot of things he did for Liverpool extended their un- Wolves are exactly what we want beaten league run at home to 62 him to do,” Klopp said. top spot aft er draw matches. “That he is that close already Liverpool are undefeated in is just a sign of how good a player their last 13 home league games he is. As I said, if he stays fi t, he’s Reuters both making their profession- Roberto Insigne fi red into the AFP chester United player Morgan in which they have conceded the 23 and the future is bright. We Rome al debuts with Napoli. roof of the net on the half hour. Paris Schneiderlin, but the Nice mid- fi rst goal, winning the last nine. will need his quality and I am re- has gone Napoli twice hit the wood- fi elder’s header was brilliantly They had to do it this time ally happy that he’s settled nicely on to make over 350 appear- work before halftime and saved by Lille goalkeeper Mike without injured defensive talis- so far.” orenzo Insigne and his ances for them and become Lorenzo Insigne had a goal ille missed the chance to Maignan. man Virgil van Dijk and at the While Liverpool moved joint younger brother Rob- one of their key players. Rob- disallowed after the interval retake top spot in Ligue Kasper Dolberg put the hosts end of a demanding week in top with Everton, Sheffi eld Unit- erto scored for oppos- erto made only two appear- before equalising with a fe- 1 from Paris Saint-Ger- ahead less than fi ve minutes into which they drew 2-2 at Everton ed have managed only one point Ling sides yesterday as ances and was then loaned out rocious shot which bounced main as Christophe Gal- the second half, getting in front and ground out a 1-0 win over from six games. Napoli came from behind to to six diff erent clubs, spending down off the underside of the Ltier’s men were held to a 1-1 draw of Lille defender Domagoj Bra- Ajax Amsterdam in the Champi- Yet they pushed the cham- win 2-1 away to promoted Be- most of his career in , crossbar and over the line. at Nice yesterday. daric before dinking a cool fi nish ons League. pions all the way and manager nevento in Serie A. before Benevento signed him Seven minutes later, Matteo They remain unbeaten af- into the net to score his third goal “A tough week obviously — a Chris Wilder saw many posi- Roberto Insigne, the young- last year. Politano broke down the right ter eight matches this season of the season. lot of games, a lot of minutes, tives. er of the two, stunned Napoli The match also featured a and Petagna scored from close though and are only behind The away side levelled in the tough opponents, hard-fi ghting “There are a lot of disappoint- by scoring his fi rst Serie A goal touchline duel between Napoli range. reigning champions PSG on goal 58th minute as Luiz Araujo’s ex- opponents,” Klopp said. ed people in the changing room,” at the age of 26 before Lorenzo coach Gennaro Gattuso and Napoli still had to endure diff erence. cellent pass freed Burak Yilmaz, “(We) won the two matches Wilder said. “It was a tight game levelled on the hour and sub- his counterpart Filippo Inza- some late pressure and goal- Patrick Vieira’s Nice sit fi fth, who hammered home a fi erce after the Merseyside derby, so re- and it wasn’t one-way traffi c. A stitute Andrea Petagna won ghi who were team mates for keeper Alex Meret punched four points off the early pace af- volley. ally pleased with that, obviously. lot of good things tonight but it the game for the visitors who AC Milan and Italy. ’s free kick from ter PSG’s 4-0 thrashing of Dijon The veteran Turkish striker “We didn’t score (the third feels a bit Groundhog Day but moved into second place. Benevento went ahead when under his crossbar with the on Saturday. has netted four Ligue 1 goals goal) so the game stayed open we will get better and learn a lot The two brothers have had pulled the last touch of the game. The best chance of the fi rst since signing from Besiktas in and they had their moments, from today’s game.” very diff erent careers despite ball back from the byline and Napoli have 11 points from 45 minutes fell to former Man- the close season. Gulf Times 4 Monday, October 26, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Carapaz takes ‘luxury’ Vuelta lead aft er Ion Geoghegan Hart Izagirre stage victory

AFP Sallent de Gállego, Spain

cuadorian Richard Cara- wins Giro as Ineos paz said it will be a “lux- ury” to defend the Vuelta a Espana’s red jersey af- ‘It was impossible for terE taking the race’s overall lead while Spaniard Ion Izagirre me to even think about won yesterday’s sixth stage. Former Giro d’Italia win- winning when we started’ ner Carapaz overtook defending bounce back champion Primoz Roglic who struggled in wet conditions in Pyrenees. Ineos’ Carapaz, 27, made the most of Roglic’s tough day in the mountains to take an 18-second lead as the Slovenian fell to 30 made his attack through thick seconds behind in fi fth. fog and heavy rain at more than “We have done very well, and 1,700m to add to his stage wins this is the reward for the whole at the in 2016 and team,” Carapaz said, on the day the Giro four years earlier. that another Ineos rider, Tao Roglic, covering his red jersey Geoghegan Hart won the Giro with a black jacket, struggled d’Italia. up the fi nal climb to the Aramon “There were many attacks. I Formigal ski resort and could had calculated the distance and not respond when Carapaz ac- I attacked at the right time,” celerated. Briton Carapaz said. “There is still a lot of Education First went with the of the Vuelta and we are going to Ecuadorian and moved to second defend it, it is a luxury to be able overall. to defend it.” Carapaz leads Carthy by 18 Canadian Michael Woods of seconds, Irishman Dan Martin of Education First fi nished second Israel Start-Up Nation is third a with Portuguese rider further two seconds back. Roglic of UAE Team Emirates third be- is fourth 30 seconds off the lead. hind 31-year-old Izagirre. Today is the fi rst rest day. To- The stage was rerouted be- morrow’s 159.7km hilly stage cause the scheduled fi nish at seven starting in Vitoria in the 2,115m on the Col de Tourmalet Basque Country. meant crossing into France and was moved south of the border STAGE RESULTS due to the coronavirus pandem- 1. Ion Izagirre (AST) 3:41:00 ic, ending instead at 1,790 metres 2. Michael Woods (EF1) +00:25 at the Formigal. 3. Rui Costa (UAE) After a series of attacks a 4. Robert Power (SUN) +00:27 break of more than 22, including 5. (DDT) brothers Ion and Gorka Izagirre 6. Guillaume Martin (COF) of Astana, had solidifi ed with 7. Mattia Cattaneo (DEC) +00:38 120km left. 8. Hugh Carthy (EF1) +00:48 Carapaz, Jumbo-Visma’s 9. Gorka Izagirre (AST) +00:53 Roglic, who had led since Tues- 10. Sergio Henao (UAE) +00:55 day’s opening stage, and the peloton gradually lost time Overall standings Team Ineos rider (centre) of Great Britain holds the Trofeo Senza Fine (Never ending trophy) as he celebrates on podium after winning the Giro d’Italia in through two category climbs 1. (INE) 24:34:39 Milan, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) and an intermediate sprint just 2. Hugh Carthy (EF1) +00:18 across the French border. 3. Daniel Martin (ICA) +00:20 Reuters won by Italian . Tao, it’s fantastic,” he said. It was however Geoghe- 4. Joao Almeida (DEC) +00:41 Temperatures dropped to 13 4. Primoz Roglic (JUM) +00:30 Milan, Italy The race had been resched- “I knew he could do it. Now I gan Hart and Hindley who 5. Miles Scotson (FDJ) +00:41 degrees Celsius and two-time 5. Enric Mas (MOV) +1:07 uled from May 9-31 amid the look forward to celebrating to- were the most impressive in 6. Josef Cerny (CCC) +00:44 Vuelta winner fer- 6. Felix Grossschartner (BOR) +1:30 Covid-19 crisis. day’s results with Tao.” the mountains, riding away 7. Chad Haga (SUN) +00:44 ried cold weather gear to his In- 7. Marc Soler (MOV) +1:42 riton Tao Geoghe- “It’s incredible. It was impos- Geoghegan Hart’s victory on the awe-inspiring climb 8. Brandon McNulty (UAE) +00:46 eos teammates, including Cara- 8. (MIT) +2:02 gan Hart won the Giro sible for me to even think about came on the back of a largely of the Passo dello Stelvio on 9. Kamil Gradek (CCC) +00:47 paz. 9. (UAE) +2:46 d’Italia after beating winning the Giro when we started disappointing Tour de France Thursday, and again in the as- 10. Jan Tratnik (BAH) +00:47 With 3km to go, Ion Izagirre 10. (MOV) +3:00 Maglia Rosa holder Jai in Sicily,” said Geoghegan Hart, from Ineos-Grenadiers after de- cent to Sestriere on Saturday, Selected HindleyB in the fi nal-stage time who was only his team’s plan B. fending champion setting the scene for a nail- 13. Tao Geoghegan Hart (INE) trial yesterday as Ineos-Gren- “All of my career I have pulled out injured in the fi nal biting finale. +00:58 adiers turned around a dismal dreamt of being top 10 or top week having previously dropped With both riders on the same 38. (SUN) +1:37 season in spectacular fashion. fi ve in a race like this. During the out of contention. time on the starting ramp yes- The 25-year-old started the ITT () my DS The Giro started in horrifi c terday, Geoghegan Hart was OVERALL CLASSIFICIATION day 0.86 seconds behind Hind- (sports director) told me I was fashion for the British outfi t as the favourite to become Brit- 1. Tao Geoghegan Hart (INE) Sabalenka beats ley but he beat the Australian faster than Jai Hindley. leader pulled out ain’s second Giro champion, but 85:40:21 to win the race by 39 seconds “When my DS told me not to after a crash early in the race, only fi nal time trials can 2. Jai Hindley (SUN) +00:39 and give Ineos-Grenadiers their take risks in the fi nal part I under- for the team to win seven stages often be unpredictable. 3. (SUN) +1:29 sick Azarenka for second Giro title after Chris stood I was close to the victory.” with Geoghegan Hart moving up There was no surprise, 4. Joao Almeida (DEC) +2:57 Froome’s 2018 triumph. Ganna, who won the race’s the ranks until he snatched the though, as GPS timings always 5. (BAH) +3:09 Dutchman Wilco Kelderman, three individual time trials and overall lead on the last stage. had the Scot ahead. 6. Jakob Fuglsang (AST) +7:02 Ostrava title Hindley’s teammate at Sunweb, a mountain stage, was in the hot France’s Arnaud Demare won 7. (TRE) +8:15 took third place overall, 1:29 off seat to see his team mate ride to the points classifi cation after win- STAGE RESULTS 8. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +8:42 AFP more aggressive of the two as she the pace after the 15.7km indi- victory in Milan. ning four sprint stages while Portu- 1. Filippo Ganna (INE) 17:16 9. (DEC) +9:57 Prague, Czech Republic then broke Azarenka’s serve to vidual time trial between Cer- “I have won this ITT but I am guese claimed the 2. Victor Campenaerts (LOT) +00:32 10. Hermann Pernsteiner (BAH) love before adding another break nusco sul Naviglio and Milan even happier for my team mate mountains classifi cation. 3. (INE) +00:32 +11:05 two games later to win the set. hird seed Aryna Playing her 40th WTA fi nal, Sabalenka of Belarus Azarenka won the fi rst game of FOCUS won the the second set before losing the WTA tournament after next two as she visibly started Tbeating her visibly indisposed grappling with a health problem, compatriot in fi nding it hard to move. straight sets yesterday. The former world number one ‘I promised my mother’: MMA champion World number 12 Sabalenka and this year’s US Open fi nalist took only an hour and eight min- took a medical timeout with a utes to ease past 14th-ranked therapist working on the nape of Azarenka 6-2, 6-2. her neck. Nurmagomedov in shock retirement It was Sabalenka’s second The 31-year-old Azarenka tournament victory this year then returned to the court, de- AFP Ireland, who lost to Nurmago- after a win at the Qatar Open in spite looking dizzy and strug- Paris, France medov in 2018, was amongst the February, before the coronavirus gling with her movement. fi rst to congratulate the 32-year- pandemic broke out. She lost another two games old Russian on his career. The fi rst-ever all-Belarusian before suddenly breaking MA world light- “I will carry on. Respect and fi nal on the circuit off ered a Sabalenka’s serve to go 2-4. weight champion condolences on your father fi erce battle from the start with But that turned out to be a mo- Khabib Nurmago- again also. To you and fam- both showing the best of their mentary lapse from the energetic medov announced ily. Yours sincerely, The McGre- off ensive style. The 22-year-old youngster who took the break Mhis shock retirement from the gors,” he tweeted. Sabalenka started on a high and back and then won the match sport on Saturday after revealing UFC president Dana White earned two break points in the with another game to love. he “promised his mother” that joined the tributes and revealed fi rst game, but Azarenka survived Sabalenka was due to play the his clash with Justin Gaethje at a news conference as Fight Is- the scare and they both held on to doubles fi nal with , would be his last fi ght. land ended that Nurmagomedov their serve until 2-2. facing and The Russian, who won by a had broken his foot in the build- But Sabalenka turned out the later yesterday. second-round technical knock- up to Saturday’s event. out, was fi ghting for the fi rst “What this guy’s been through, time since the death of his father we’re all lucky we got to see him Frenchman Humbert takes and coach Abdulmanap in July. fi ght tonight,” said White. “I’m the UFC undisputed, un- “Apparently he was in the second ATP title in Antwerp defeated champion with a 13-0 hospital. He broke his foot three record (in UFC), and 29-0 in all weeks ago. So he has two broken AFP break to win 6-1, 7-6 (4). of my pro MMA career,” he said toes and a bone in his foot that’s Antwerp, Belgium Eighth seed De Minaur, who after his win in Abu Dhabi. broken — that’s what his corner reached this year’s US Open “Today I want to say this is my was telling me. Never told any- quarter-finals, is without an last fi ght. No way am I coming here body. oung Frenchman Ugo ATP title since September without my father. When UFC “He is one of the toughest hu- Humbert claimed his 2019. comes to me about Justin I spoke man beings on the planet and Ysecond ATP title yester- Humbert is set to rise from with my mother for three days (sic). he’s the number-one pound- day with a straight-sets victory 38th in the world rankings “She didn’t want me to fi ght In this September 7, 2019, picture, Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts after winning his match against Dustin for-pound fi ghter in the world over Australian Alex de Minaur to number 32, boosting his without father and I said this is Poirier in Abu Dhabi. (Reuters) and, seriously, you have to start in the European Open final in chances of being seeded at my last fi ght — and I have given putting him up there with GOAT Antwerp. Grand Slam tournaments next her my word. your parents, because you never “It was my father’s dream. Abdulmanap Nurmago- (greatest of all time) status with The 22-year-old, who also won year. He added: “Thank you so know what is going to happen Justin and Conor (McGregor) medov, 57, passed away after whoever else you think is the the Auckland Open in January, His best eff ort at a Slam was much Justin. I know you are tomorrow. Thank you coach, will fi ght in January, I have suff ering complications from GOAT.” raced through the opening set a run to the 2019 Wimbledon great, I know how you take care thank you guys. Today is my last choked both out, I am not inter- Covid-19 in the summer. American Gaethje, 31, is now before taking a second-set tie- last 16. of your people. Be close with fi ght in the UFC. ested in this.” Long time rival McGregor of 22-3 in his career in UFC. Gulf Times Monday, October 26, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Bears, Rams take top defenses into today’s matchup Reuters to a 30-26 victory against the Atlan- per game (fi fth). The Rams also have sacks but had a hard time getting to Los Angeles ta Falcons in Week 3, and he has gone some questions to answer such as 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garop- 2-1 as the starter since. He guided the fact that all four of their victo- polo. The 49ers did use a quick- the Bears to 23-16 victory over the ries have come against teams in the drop-and-throw strategy to protect n top in the NFC North Carolina Panthers yesterday, when lowly NFC East. They went to work Garoppolo, who is on the mend from and with confi dence that he completed 23 of 39 passes for 198 this week to fi gure out why the of- a high ankle sprain. And it might is growing every week, the yards and a touchdown with one in- fense was so off track in a 24-16 road be something the Bears adopt this Chicago Bears head back terception. defeat to the San Francisco 49ers on week. underO the lights on today night for “I think we’ve made incremental Sunday night. “The thing that I do genuinely be- another test on the road against the changes, and it’s continued to im- Los Angeles had enough mis- lieve is when you look at, ‘OK, where Los Angeles Rams. prove a little bit every week,” Foles takes on both sides of the ball to fall did we fall short? Are these things Able to do just enough to win nu- said. “I’d like to see a bigger progres- against an injury-riddled defense. we’re capable of doing or are we merous times, the Bears (5-1) have sion this week, but you never know. However, what might have been the just physically outmatched?’” Rams just one victory against a team with The ultimate goal in this game is to most troubling was the inability of head coach Sean McVay said. “No, a winning record. win the game, it’s not to put up a quarterback Jared Goff to link up we’re capable of executing and play- In their two games against teams thousand fantasy points. It’s like, with his favourite target, wide re- ing better football, being a cleaner currently above.500, the Bears lost whatever it takes to win a game, ceiver Cooper Kupp. operation.” to the Indianapolis Colts 19-11 on that’s what you want to do.” Kupp was targeted nine times and The Rams reported fairly good October 4 and defeated the Tampa The twist for the Bears, in their made three receptions for 11 yards. health Thursday with only tight end Bay Buccaneers 20-19 on October 8. second prime-time game in three But it wasn’t all Goff ’s fault. Kupp Tyler Higbee (hand) and running If there is one thing the Bears are weeks, is that they will take on a has sure hands but dropped a quick back Darrell Henderson Jr. (thigh) skilled at over the years, and under team just as adept at defense. sideline post route in the end zone missing practice. multiple coaching staff s, it is build- While the Bears are seventh in on one second-half drive, and Goff The Bears had more issues. ing a defense that can give the of- the NFL in total defense, allowing threw an interception on the next Among those not practising Thurs- fense just enough wiggle room to get 337.2 yards per game, the Rams are play. day: defensive tackle Akiem Hicks the job done. fourth on that list at 318.5 yards per “We just didn’t play good as a (illness), safety Sherrick McManis That defense has allowed quarter- game. And while Chicago gives up team,” Rams All-Pro defensive tack- (hamstring) and cornerback Buster back Nick Foles to resurrect his ca- 19.3 points per game (seventh in the le Aaron Donald said. Skrine (ankle). Those limited: safety reer yet again. Foles rallied Chicago NFL), the Rams give up 19 points Donald leads the NFL with 7.5 Deon Bush Chicago Bears’ quarterback Nick Foles

MLB NBA Does ‘The Next Thing’ for Riley Rays rally for two mean a shot at runs in 9th to level Giannis or Beal? series with Dodgers ‘I am having a hard time putting my emotions into words. Baseball is fun’

AFP Arlington, United States

rett Phillips’s single By Dave Hyde 2004-05 for Shaquille O’Neal. scored two runs and the Sun Sentinel Those three players guaran- Tampa Bay Rays walked teed a playoff trip. O’Neal off with a stunning 8-7 guaranteed a shot at a ring. Bvictory over the Los Angeles at Riley enjoyed the You can win the balanced Dodgers Saturday that knotted afterglow of the Mi- way the Heat did this year. the World Series at two games ami Heat season. He To have sustained winning, apiece. thanked everyone though, you always need big The Rays became the fi rst team fromP scouts to coaches Friday stars. Giannis Antetokounmpo in post-season history to homer for that storybook run into the is a year from free agency — in four straight innings, but they NBA Finals. He said any talk of unless Milwaukee trades him trailed 7-6 heading into the bot- his retiring is now gone. Dead. now. Washington’s Bradley tom of the ninth. With two out Off the table. Beal can be had in a trade — but and two on, Phillips – who en- “This is a dream for me, this at what price? tered the game in the eighth as a late,” he said of that Heat run. There are two untouchables pinch runner – was down to his There’s just one question on the Heat after their playoff last strike in the ninth when he now: Who’s traded to improve run: Bam Adebayo and Jimmy singled to right centre fi eld off this team? Butler. Adebayo for his age, Dodgers closing pitcher Kenley “If there’s a next thing that attitude and great talent that Jansen and Kevin Kiermaier can take us to another level, hasn’t tapped out. Butler be- scored from second base. I’m open to it,” Pat Riley said. cause he’s played around half Randy Arozarena racing from Surprised? Grow up. Which the league and knows this is his fi rst, rounded third after the ball of course is the central ques- best fi t. Tyler Herro is close af- bounced off the glove of Dodgers tion for the Heat this off sea- ter these playoff s. You love his outfi elder Chris Taylor. Aroza- son. Do you trust this roster game, his age, his verve. But rena tripped between third and enough that it can grow into a the most dangerous thing the home and looked done for, but sustainable contender? Heat could do is think they’re Dodgers catcher Will Smith bob- “Do you just run it back a fi nished product. And that bled the throw to the plate and without doing anything, if doesn’t mean fi lling an obvious Arozarena was able to scram- you got the cooperation (from hole with a role player — only ble forward and throw himself the team’s free agents to re- 6-foot-9 bodies and over need headfi rst across the plate in time. sign)?” Riley asked. “I think apply. “Golly, what a special mo- about that. We were in the Fi- This cuts to the deep truth ment,” said Phillips, who last got nals. Are we a Finalist? of this past season. It was a a hit in the Rays’ 58th game of the “Can we get through the storybook season for a reason, regular season on September 25. Eastern Conference next year and it’s not simply because it “I am having a hard time putting Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays slides into home plate during the ninth inning to score the game winning run to give his team the 8-7 with what’s happening in played out beside Disney. But my emotions into words,” Phil- victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Four of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (AFP) Philadelphia? Or what’s go- do storybook seasons get a lips said. “Baseball is fun.” ing to happen in Milwaukee second printing? Kiermaier called the ending – Record-breaker Arozarena savours unlikely Rays win outs in the inning Max Muncy or Brooklyn or Boston? We al- Maybe they do if they grow which sent the Rays into a frenzy reached fi rst on a sharp line drive ready know Boston’s got their up. But Riley made the mistake of celebration on Globe Life Field Randy Arozarena made on top, but the most important Kiermaier. But when Dodgers to right fi eld that scored Seager. team together and three fi rst- of over-believing before. He in Arlington, Texas, “truly in- post-season home run history thing is that we got the win, that outfielder Chris Taylor bobbled The Rays responded with a round picks. couldn’t get upgrades and then credible.” Saturday, but it’s his stumbling, we came out victorious in such the ball Arozarena, racing from home run from Renfroe to cut the “Toronto? There’s a lot of over-invested in a team that Arozarena notched a record- scrambling, sliding score that a tough game,” Arozarena said. first base, was given the green margin to one run in the bottom very good teams. That’s was went 30-11 over the second breaking ninth home run of the will be remembered from the Arozarena was 3-for-4 at the light to head for home. of the fi fth. The Dodgers pushed the question I kick around half of 2016-17 season. That post-season. Kiermaier, Hunter Tampa Bay Rays’ game-four plate on Saturday. His third hit of But he stumbled between third the lead back to two in the top of in my mind ... are we good team was all ignition and no Renfroe and Brandon Lowe also victory over the Los Angeles the night, a single to lead off the and home, first trying to go back the sixth when Enrique Hernan- enough? Or do we need to get lift-off the next year. homered for the Rays, who are Dodgers in the World Series. sixth, set the stage for Brandon to third before the Dodgers dez fi red a double down the left around to the next thing ear- This team isn’t that team. seeking the fi rst World Series ti- That’s OK with Arozarena, the Lowe’s three-run home run. muff ed the play at the plate and fi eld line that scored two. lier.” No chance of another Dion tle in franchise history. Rays’ rookie sensation who It gave Arozarena his 26th hit he was able to slide head first But Lowe – the two-homer That’s his theme for this Waiters eating spiked gummi The Dodgers, back in the scored the game winner in of the post-season, tying Pablo for the winning run. “All I was hero of the Rays’ game-two vic- off season: The Next Thing. It bears on a team fl ight. But are World Series for a third time in Tampa Bay’s incredible 8-7 vic- Sandoval’s overall record for a thinking about was just running tory – put the Rays in front for used to be “The Main Thing” you so sure this team is clearly four years after disappointments tory that leveled the 116th World single playoff s and breaking the hard,” he said. “I got to a certain the fi rst time with a three-run back when LeBron James and better than Boston by the next in 2017 and 2018, are seeking Series at two games apiece. mark for three-hit games with spot and I saw that the ball got blast off Dodgers reliever Pedro Chris Bosh arrived in 2010. playoff s? their seventh title - but a fi rst The 25-year-old from Cuba his fifth. In the ninth, he battled bobbled. I got sent home. Baez in the bottom of the sixth. The Main Thing was winning. These postseason Riley talks since 1988. “This is certainly entered Major League Baseball’s Dodgers closing pitcher Kenley “Obviously I tripped... Once the In the seventh, Dodgers pinch- The Next Thing is ... well, Riley are famous for lines like the a tough one,” Dodgers man- record books with his ninth Jansen through seven pitches ball got past him, I was able to hitter Joc Pederson came up with framed it as the next date was shot at LeBron of, “No more ager Dave Roberts said. “They home run of these playoff s in to draw a walk after teammate turn around and score.” the bases loaded and two out and the coming draft. smiley faces with hidden agen- were the best team all year in the fourth inning. The leadoff Kevin Kiermaier had singled - Rays manager Kevin Cash delivered a two-run single that Let’s not kid ourselves, das.” But there’s another line the American League. They are blast saw him break out of a tie setting the stage for the Rays’ quipped that his team’s home put Los Angeles back in front. All though. This is Pat Riley. He’s he posed after a feel-good sea- not going to give anything away. with Barry Bonds, Carlos Beltran dramatic last-inning rally. With run machine wasn’t used to seven Dodgers runs came with not just looking at the No. 20 son went nowhere. He wasn’t We’ve got to regroup and get and Nelson Cruz. “It feels really the Rays down to their last out, rounding the bases under such two outs – continuing a trend for pick in the draft. If there’s a all “goose-bumply and fuzzy- ready for tomorrow.” good to break the record and be Brett Phillips singled, scoring pressure. (AFP) them this series. next, big swing to be made, haired.” The spectacular ending, The Rays however, wouldn’t he’ll take it. He’s not going to The goose-bumps and capped a tense back-and-forth be denied, Kiermaier’s homer off sun himself on coming two fuzzy-hairs are fading from battle with a World Series record the single post-season record Seager added a solo shot in mph fastball from Julio Urias. Baez knotting the score at 6-6. games short of a title. this year already. Riley’s big eight straight half-innings with until Arozarena notched his the top of the third that put the Los Angeles stretched the lead “We have no quit,” Kiermaier Let’s not act surprised, ei- question is what to do now — a run scored. Justin Turner and ninth in the fourth frame. Dodgers up 2-0, but Arozarena to 3-1 in the fi fth when Seager said. “We have been doing that all ther, if a big trade comes like if anything. That depends in Corey Seager homered for the For the second game in a row pulled back a run in the bottom singled off Rays relief pitcher year. We’ve been the comeback Caron Butler, Lamar Odom part on if a Giannis or Beal are Dodgers. Seager’s was his eighth Turner got things rolling with a of the fourth with a lead-off Pete Fairbanks and reached sec- kids. To do it on the big stage and Brian Grant were when available. And who’s traded if of the playoff s, temporarily tying solo homer in the fi rst inning. blast to right centrefi eld off a 95 ond on a wild pitch. With two makes it that much sweeter.” traded off a fun and young they are? Gulf Times 6 Monday, October 26, 2020 SPORT

MOTOGP SPOTLIGHT England’s Nowell out of Six Nations fi nale Morbidelli wins as “Unfortunately, I am go- AFP Twickenham, United Kingdom ing to have to get it fi xed next week.” The 27-year-old Nowell, a ack Nowell ruled him- veteran of 36 Tests, admitted: self out of England’s Six “It might be a little while after Nations fi nale against speaking to the surgeon. Af- Italy next weekend as ter I’ve sobered up in the next Mir extends lead heJ contemplated surgery on couple of days I will catch up ruptured ligaments after play- with him.” ‘Another podium is a result from 12th on the grid. So for today, a podium is like a win’ ing through the pain barrier to He added: “It’s been hor- help Exeter complete a memo- rendous. It’s my big toe, so any rable English and European drive off that has been very, AFP double on Saturday. very sore. I’ve been fi ghting a Alcañiz, Spain Exeter edged out Wasps 19- battle since the Toulouse game 13 in atrocious conditions at a (on September 26) – I did it rainswept Twickenham to win in the last 10 minutes of that ranco Morbidelli the Premiership fi nal a week game. streaked home to win the after they were crowned kings What I have said to (Exeter Teruel Grand Prix yes- of Europe for he fi rst time with director of rugby) Rob (Baxter), terday as Joan Mir took a Champions Cup fi nal victory the physios and the doctors, it thirdF to extend his lead in the over Paris’s Racing 92. is that I would have never for- MotoGP world championship This was Exeter’s second given myself if I didn’t give with only three races to go. Premiership title following these two games a go.” Morbidelli started from sec- their 2017 success and saw Victory set the seal on Ex- ond on the grid behind pole sit- them join Leicester, Wasps and eter’s remarkable rise, 10 ter Takaaki Nakagami whose Saracens as the fourth English years on from their promotion dream weekend turned into a club to complete a domestic to English rugby union’s top nightmare when he parted com- and European double in the fl ight. pany with his LCR-Honda at same season. “Now we can have a couple turn fi ve on lap one. But England wing Nowell of days of trying to let it sink in With the Japanese rider cruel- ruled himself out of winning and making it feel real,” Baxter ly out of the picture, Morbidelli a third trophy in three weeks, said. was left with clear air in front of with Eddie Jones’s men in con- “It wasn’t easy out there and him, and the Yamaha-SRT rider tention for the Six Nations title we had to dig very deep against made the most of his good for- in their coronavirus-delayed Wasps - they made it a fi nal tune. fi nal round clash with Italy in worth winning.” Unchallenged, he crossed the Rome. And Nowell may not Both sides scored a fi rst- line well over two seconds up on feature again for club or coun- half try apiece, with England Alex Rins, last week’s winner at try until 2021 at the earliest. centre Henry Slade’s fi ne solo the Motorland Aragon circuit, “I have actually been play- eff ort cancelled out by Wasps with Mir taking third from 12th ing on a bit of a foot injury fl y-half Jacob Umaga’s excel- on the grid. which is going to need surgery, lent individual score. Mir, who unusually has nev- I’ve ruptured all the ligaments But Exeter captain Joe Sim- er won a MotoGP race, is now around my toe, which is not monds’ faultless kicking dis- emerging as the unexpected fa- ideal,” said Nowell after a fi nal play proved the diff erence. vourite to assume the crown left played behind closed doors at Wasps, without several vacant by Marc Marquez, the a Twickenham ground with a fi rst-choice players after a rash six-time champion sidelined capacity of 80,000 because of of positive virus tests, were by the fractured arm he suf- Covid-19 restrictions. just three points behind with fered in his fi rst race fall. Suzuki rider Mir leads the coronavirus- disrupted 2020 season on 137 points, 14 clear of Fabio Quar- tararo, who fi nished eighth. All Blacks baby boom rules Savea, “Another podium is a result Laulala out of Wallabies Test from 12th on the grid. So for today, a podium is like a win,” All Blacks number eight Ardie in Auckland. Hoskins Sotutu said the rider displaying a keen Savea and prop Nepo Laulala is the most obvious candidate memory as his last victory dates are on paternity leave and will to replace Savea for what back to 2017. miss the Rugby Champion- doubles as the Rugby Cham- “I couldn’t have given much ship opener against Australia pionship opener after coming more out there,” he added. “The next weekend, coach Ian off the bench in those tests. guys in front were a little bit too Foster said yesterday. But Foster said Akira Ioane far ahead at the start.” Both players were absent and uncapped 20-year-old Maverick Vinales is placed when the squad boarded their Cullen Grace were also in the third on 118 points, six clear of flight across the Tasman Sea frame. Morbidelli who, refl ecting on his yesterday but Joe Moody was Sotutu “has done the job that second win of the season, said: in the party and Foster was we’ve given him really, really “Amazing! upbeat about the experi- well,” Foster said. “So I guess “I knew I had to make an ag- Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Italian rider Franco Morbidelli celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP Grand Prix of Teruel at the Motorland enced prop being fit to play now we’ve just got to go back gressive race, when I saw clean circuit in Alcaniz yesterday. (AFP) at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium and have a look and say, ‘Well air in front of me I decided to next Sunday. do we keep him in that role give everything I could for every RUSULTS AND STANDINGS an impact on our situation,” said “Ardie’s baby boy has arrived, or do we change a few things lap.” Dorna’s managing director Car- so he’ll be joining us late this around?’” “The 23 laps went away like MotoGP KTM-Tech3) 12.953, 7. Maverick Fabio Quartararo (FRA) 123, 3. melo Ezpeleta. week,” Foster told reporters Tighthead Laulala also came this,” he smiled, clicking his fi n- 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/ Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 14.262, Maverick Vinales (ESP) 118, 4. In Moto3, Honda rider Jaume at Auckland Airport. off the bench at Eden Park, ger. The serenity surrounding Yamaha-SRT) 41mins 47.652sec, 8. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ Franco Morbidelli (ITA) 112, 5. Masia followed up last week- “Nep’s baby hasn’t been born but Foster’s main front row Morbidelli’s success was at odds 2. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) at Yamaha-SRT) 14.720, 9. Iker Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) 109, 6. end’s win, with fourth-placed yet, so we’ll let that happen concern will be at loosehead with the dramatic scenes fi lling 2.205sec, 3. Joan Mir (ESP/ Lecuona (ESP/KTM-Tech3) 17.177, Alex Rins (ESP) 105, 7. Takaaki Albert Arenas moving 19 points first and then we’ll plan ac- after the experienced starter his wing mirror. Before Nakaga- Suzuki) 5.376, 4. Pol Espargaro 10. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) Nakagami (JPN) 92, 8. Pol Es- clear in the championship from cordingly. But at this stage, Moody suff ered a concus- mi’s exit the race had already lost (ESP/KTM) 10.299, 5. Johann 19.519 pargaro (ESP) 90, 9. Jack Miller Ai Ogura. And the conclud- the plan is that they’re both sion last week. “We haven’t Jack Miller, who was tailgated by Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Avintia) Standings after 11 of 14 races (AUS) 82, 10. Miguel Oliveira ing Moto2 race saw Briton Sam ready and available for the actually been able to put him Brad Binder in turn two on the 12.915, 6. Miguel Oliveira (POR/ 1. Joan Mir (ESP) 137 pts, 2. (POR) 79. Lowes win for the third straight second (Bledisloe test) over through any rugby training opening lap, both riders sliding race to put him atop the champi- there.” yet, but the signs are really into the gravel. onship standings. New Zealand could secure positive,” Foster said. With around 11 laps left it was Spanish winner at the Aragon for two races in Valencia and the to battle Covid-19 with cases The Kalex rider holds a sev- the Bledisloe Cup for the “Today when we get over Alex Marquez’s turn to hit the circuit since Australian Casey season fi nale in Portugal. And rising sharply, MotoGP organis- en-point advantage over Italian 18th straight year if they can there and tomorrow he’ll go deck, the Honda rookie becom- Stoner in 2011. The most excit- one man happy to be leaving ers Dorna allayed fears the sea- Enea Bastianini, third on the day, avoid defeat in Sydney next through his normal return-to- ing another victim of turn two. ing MotoGP title run-in for years Aragon is Quartararo, who fore- son may have to end premature- with Luca Marini sitting third. weekend after a 16-16 draw play protocols but the signs Morbidelli’s ‘Motorland mas- with only 32 points covering the cast: “The next three races will ly. “For the moment nothing’s Lowes’s hat-trick was the fi rst in Wellington two weeks ago today are he’s looking pretty terclass’ earned him the distinc- top six riders takes a breather be great for us”. With Europe im- changed. The level of alert in by a British Moto2 rider since and last Sunday’s 27-7 victory good.” (Reuters) tion of becoming the fi rst non- next weekend before returning posing ever tighter restrictions Spain in particular doesn’t have Phil Read in 1971.

RUGBY France beat Wales before Six Nations showdown AFP “We won the match with one ed international debuts from pass to cross for his opening try Paris training session in the week and the bench. Pivac’s men opened and Romain Ntamack’s conver- we scored fi ve tries against the the scoring in quick fashion as sion made it 14-13. Welsh. It’s not nothing,” Galthie Leigh Halfpenny crossed for his rance scrum-half Anto- told France Televisions. 15th Test try on 60 seconds after WASTEFUL BIGGAR ine Dupont scored twice “Before saying there are things Gregory Alldritt dropping Dan The lead was extended fi ve min- in his side’s 38-21 victory we can improve on I’m very hap- Biggar’s kick-off . utes before the break as Vakatawa over Wales on Saturday py to have managed to start like Biggar kicked his fi rst pen- again found space behind the de- aheadF of next weekend’s fi nal this after such a long time away,” alty goal fi ve minutes later before fensive line before drawing Half- round of the Six Nations. he added. Pivac said his players France prop Baille opened his in- penny to send Dupont over for Dupont crossed before the in- lacked match practice ahead of ternational account just before his maiden international double. terval thanks to superb play from the fi xture with some only play- the quarter of an hour mark. Ntamack and Biggar traded shots Virimi Vakatawa on both occa- ing three regional games. As the home side made ground at goal and Galthie’s men had a sions as Les Bleus prepared for “We were very rusty. We came into Wales’ half after 20 minutes, 24-16 advantage with a quarter Saturday’s potential title decider out of lockdown without a lot of back-rower Francois Cros car- of the match to play before Biggar with Ireland, which will also be big rugby played,” Pivac said. ried well and Bernard Le Roux failed with an eff ort. played behind closed doors at “We need to make sure we cleared Jones out at a ruck. Winger Louis Rees-Zammit the Stade de France due to the come out with less mistakes and As the pair fell to ground the made his Test bow with 17 min- coronavirus pandemic. we left a couple of tries out there Racing 92 lock’s right elbow utes to go before Biggar missed Wayne Pivac’s visitors lost a so we need to be a little bit more made contact with the second the chance to cut the gap to fi ve fourth straight international for clinical,” he added. row’s face but referee Karl Dick- points once again as his long- the fi rst time since the summer Galthie made three changes son missed the incident and it range penalty drifted to the left of of 2016. They will host Scotland from loss to Scotland in March was not picked up by the televi- the posts. The victory was sealed in the Six Nations, which had as Teddy Thomas, Vincent Rat- sion match offi cial. with a quarter of an hour left as been put on hold since March tez and Cyril Baille replaced the Biggar kicked another penalty the hosts captain Charles Ollivon due to the Covid-19 outbreak, in injured Damian Penaud, centre before the hosts took the lead charged over and a Ntamack con- seven days’ time. Arthur Vincent and the retired after Vakatawa’s fi rst display of version made it 31-16. The match had been at risk Jeff erson Poirot. class after half an hour. Replacement prop Nicky of not being played at all due to Pivac’s captain Alun Wyn The New Zealand-born centre Smith crossed from short range player release issues between the Jones equalled former New Zea- found space near the touchline but Biggar missed the extras French federation and the Top 14 land skipper Richie McCaw’s before off -loading with one hand leaving eight points in total on league with Fabien Galthie’s side record of 148 Test appearances to fi nd winger Teddy Thomas. the tee before Teddy Thomas only meeting up six days before as hooker Sam Parry and winger Dupont’s support line was im- crossed for les Bleus fi fth try Wales’ flanker Aaron Wainwright fights for the ball with France’s scrum-half Antoine Dupont (right) during the match. Louis Rees-Zammit were hand- peccable and picked off Thomas’ with fi ve minutes to play. the Autumn International Test in Saint-Denis on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, October 26, 2020 7 SPORT

AMIR CUP BASKETBALL Al Ahli, Arabi record convincing wins to reach semis

By Sports Reporter

l Ahli and Al Arabi stormed into the semi-fi nals of the Amir Cup with convincing victories at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. AWhile Al Ahli thrashed Al Shamal 85-56, Al Arabi accounted for Al Khor 73-59. Rohndell Goodwin was the top-scorer for Al Ahli with 23 while Jonathan Lee and Ndoye Seydou excelled with 20 and 19 respectively. Al Shamal put up a fi ght during the fi rst 20 minutes of play but they were stifl ed by the Al Ahli defence in the third quarter during which they could only score fi ve points. That proved the turning point as Al Ahli raced to a 63-44 lead going into the fi nal quarter, leaving Al Shamal with a mountain to climb. Al Ahli added a whopping 22 points to close out the match, winning by a huge margin of 29 points. In the other match, four players registered scores in the double digits as Al Arabi led for almost 35 minutes against Al Khor. Sammy Monroe scored 19 and Ater Majok 16 while Badr Belfaki and Kheled Abdelbaset came up with 13 and 10 respectively. Al Arabi had edged the fi rst quarter 16-13, but a stellar show over the next 10 minutes saw them scoring 30 points while restricting their rivals to just six. Leading by 25 points at the halfway mark, the match was well in Al Arabi’s control de- spite a 30-point surge by Al Khor in the fi nal quarter. Ahmed Yousif’s match-high 24 points Al Shamal’s Omar Abdelkader Salem (right) vies for the ball with an Al Ahli player during their Amir Cup quarter-final went in vain for Al Khor. at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. (Right) Action from Al Arabi-Al Khor match. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

GOLF QATAR HANDBALL LEAGUE: AL GHARAFA, No. 3 Thomas grabs AL SHAMAL SCORE WINS 1-stroke Zozo lead over No. 2 Rahm ‘I’VE GOT TO GO OUT AND BUILD IT. I NEED TO PLAY MY GAME’

AFP Los Angeles Leading scores aft er 3rd round (Par-72, USA unless noted) orld number three 197-Justin Thomas 65-65-67 Al Gharafa beat Al Khor (in blue) 29-22 in their Qatar Handball Justin Thomas 198-Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-67-63 League match at the Al Duhail Indoor Arena yesterday. birdied two of the 199-Lanto Griff in 66-65-68 PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil last three holes to 200-Sebastian Munoz (COL) 64-70- Wovertake second-ranked Jon 66, Ryan Palmer 69-65-66, Patrick Rahm for the lead after Satur- Cantlay 67-65-68 day’s third round of the US PGA 201-Webb Simpson 69-65-67, Zozo Championship. Brian Harman 66-68-67, Matthew Thomas fi red a fi ve-under Fitzpatrick (ENG) 69-65-67, Bubba par 67 to stand on 19-under Watson 70-63-68, Scottie Schef- 197 after 54 holes at Sherwood fler 67-65-69, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) Country Club, edging ahead 66-65-70 of Spain’s Rahm, who fi red a 202-Cameron Smith (AUS) 67-69-66, 63 to stand on 198, with fellow Tony Finau 69-64-69 American Lanto Griffi n third on 203-Cameron Champ 70-68-65, 199 after a 68. Joel Dahmen 68-70-65, Alex Noren “I can’t exactly go out and try (SWE) 67-68-68, Russell Henley 68- to protect a lead,” Thomas said. 72-63, Jason Kokrak 69-65-69 “I’ve got to go out and build it. I 204-Corey Conners (CAN) 69-67-68, need to play my game. I can’t do Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 70-66-68, anything about everyone else.” Kevin Na 70-65-69, Satoshi Kodaira ’s Sebastian Munoz (JPN) 68-66-70, Patrick Reed 70- and Americans Ryan Palmer 63-71 and Patrick Cantlay shared 205-Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 72-65-68, fourth on 200, with Cantlay Takumi Kanaya (JPN) 70-67-68, bogey-free through three days. Im Sung-jae (KOR) 68-68-69, Brad Thomas, the 2017 PGA Kennedy (AUS) 72-67-66, Richy Championship winner, is chas- Werenski 72-61-72, Harris English ing his 14th career tour title 66-67-72 and his third of the year after the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii in January and the WGC St. Jude Invitational in Al Shamal defeated Al Sadd 32-31 in their Qatar Handball August. League match. “I’ve been here a couple times and I have been successful,” Thomas said. “I’ll be able to draw on those past experiences McDonald clings to one-shot lead tomorrow.” Thomas opened with back- Ally McDonald, hoping to win recently at last year’s ShopRite to-back birdies, followed a Justin Thomas looks at the green on the 18th hole during the third round of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand her first LPGA title, fired a three- Classic. She hopes for a break- birdie at the par-4 seventh with Oaks, California. (USA TODAY Sports) under par 69 for a one-stroke through on her 28th birthday a bogey at the par-3 eighth. He lead after Saturday’s third Sunday at an event that was added birdies at the par-5 11th Rahm, who hit every fair- PGA title and third of the year MASTERS DINNER STILL ON Woods said the Masters round of the Drive On Champi- created to fill in a gap between and 16th holes and curled in a way, went six-under for his fi rst after the Memorial tournament Defending champion Tiger plans to stage its traditional onship. US events after the LPGA’s usu- birdie putt from just inside 28 seven holes, birdied to begin the in July and the BMW Champi- Woods, who won last year in Ja- Champions Dinner in an area The American stood on al Asian swing was wiped out feet at the par-3 17th to seize the back nine and again at the par-5 onship in August. He’s planning pan before the event was moved that allows for more social dis- 13-under 203 after 54 holes by the coronavirus pandemic. lead alone. 13th and par-3 17th in his siz- on a back-nine title shootout. to suburban Los Angeles due to tancing. at Reynolds Lake Oconee in No spectators are allowed on “It’s huge,” Thomas said. “A zling 63. “It simplifi es things. Some- the Covid-19 pandemic, fi red a “I think we’re not going to Greensboro, Georgia. Filipino Bi- the course but boaters on the day like today I felt like I was “The course is gettable and body is going to come out to- 71 to stand on 213. get a lot of the past champi- anca Pagdanganan shot 69, the lakeside layout honked horns far from my best stuff . To sal- lucky for me I started on fi re,” morrow and shoot low,” Rahm Woods, a 15-time major ons coming because obviously 22-year-old closing with back- for good shotmaking through- vage 5-under, which when it’s Rahm said. “I was able to make a said. champion set the defend the they’re at the at-risk age,” to-back birdies to stand second out the round. like this you need to do, is huge. few putts and I was able to keep “They have nothing to lose. Masters title next month, made Woods said. “The dinner is, as on 204 with American Danielle Pagdanganan, who turns 23 I need to go back to what I was it going.” I’m going to come out and try to 10-foot birdie putts at the par-5 of right now, planned to go off Kang third on 205, Spain’s next week, hopes for her first doing and get it done tomor- “Somebody is going to come do the same thing.” 11th and par-3 17th to highlight and still have it.” Carlota Ciganda fourth on 206 LPGA triumph in only her sixth row.” out tomorrow and shoot low,” World number 59 Griffi n his round. Tony Finau, playing his fi rst and Australian Katherine Kirk professional start. Fifth-ranked Standing in his way will be Rahm said. “They have noth- opened with four pars in a row, “It wasn’t very good,” Woods event after a Covid-19 positive fifth on 207. Kang, who turned 28 on Rahm, who will overtake ab- ing to lose. I’m going to come birdied the 10th and 14th as said. test, was sharing the lead when World number 62 McDonald’s Tuesday won the LPGA’s first sent Dustin Johnson for world out and try to do the same thing well, but stumbled with a bogey “I hit a lot of balls left and he made a triple bogey at the best LPGA finishes have been two Covid-19 return events in number one with a solo second- tomorrow.” at the par-3 15th and another at made the round a lot harder par-4 14th to fall back. He shot two third-place showings, most August. place fi nish or better. Rahm seeks his sixth career 18 to fall two off the pace. than it should have been.” 69 to stand on 202.

Monday, October 26, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE Stokes ton keeps Al Sadd win big to Royals in hunt hand Al Ahli fi rst loss for IPL play-off s, Second half goals by Dudu and Rezaeian earn Al Duhail a 2-1 win over Al Rayyan Chennai out

Ben Stokes of Rajasthan Royals hits a shot during the IPL match against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (Sportzpics for BCCI)

AFP before this knock, put Hardik Dubai Pandya’s 21-ball 60 in the shade after Mumbai fi nished on 195 for fi ve. ngland’s Ben Stokes Mumbai though still stay top smashed an unbeaten 107 of the table, locked on 14 points to keep Rajasthan Royals with Delhi Capitals and RCB in Al Sadd players celebrate a goal during their QNB Stars League match against Al Ahli at Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. in the chase for the In- the fi ght for a place in the top dianE Premier League play-off s two. The qualifi ers begin on No- By Sports Reporter ing their postponed match from after their eight- win over vember 5. Doha Week 3 to Al Sadd in the mid- holders Mumbai Indians yester- week by a 1-3 margin. Dudu, day. ‘ENJOY THE GAME’ Yousef Msakni and The win for Steve Smith’s Roy- The top two will clash in the fi rst l Sadd had it easy led their charge. als knocked the Mahendra Singh qualifi er in Dubai, while the third against Al Ahli, win- Al Rayyan had an upper hand Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and fourth-placed teams meet in ning 7-1, in Week 5 of in the opening session and a out of the fi nal-four race despite the eliminator on November 6 in Athe 2020-21 season quick move towards the end of their win over Royal Challengers Abu Dhabi. QNB Stars League at the Al Ahli the half saw them surge ahead, Bangalore in the fi rst match of The winner of the eliminator Stadium yesterday. In the later with Brahimi applying the fi n- the day. will then play the loser of the fi rst game, Al Duhail prevailed 2-1 ishing touch to a pass from Yo- Stokes combined with Sanju qualifi er on November 8, with over Al Rayyan. han Boli, giving goalkeeper Mo- Samson, who made 54 , the fi nal slated for two days later Hashem Ali (fi fth and 36th hamed al-Bakri no chance. to put on 152 runs for the third in Dubai. minutes), Rodrigo Tabata (13th), Al Rayyan’s Abdulaziz Hatem wicket as Royals achieved their Earlier on Sunday, opener Ru- Akram Afi f (30th), Santi Cazorla sent his shot wide, Gabriel Mer- target of 196 in 18.2 overs in Abu turaj Gaikwad hit his maiden IPL (45th), Nam Tae-hee (58th) and cado headed the ball wide of the Dhabi. half- as CSK thrashed Ahmed Sayyar (90+1) scored target and Naif al-Hadhrami’s The left-handed batsman Virat Kohli’s Bangalore by eight for Al Sadd, who moved on to rising shot hit the underneath of came into his own, hitting 14 in Dubai. 13 points with their fourth win the horizontal and the ball came fours and three sixes in his 60- The 23-year-old Gaikwad to top the table by surpassing Al back to play. ball knock to help Royals rise smashed an unbeaten 65 to lead Ahli. Al Duhail players celebrate their win over Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Meanwhile, Dudu’s grounder to sixth in the eight-team table Chennai’s chase of 146 in 18.4 Nabil El Zhar gave Al Ahli’s was neatly collected by Al Rayy- with fi ve wins from 12 games. overs and give the bottom- lone reply in the 54th minute. der-23 player in Al Sadd’s start- session, forcing Al Ahli to play on seven after fi ve rounds of ac- an goalkeeper Fahad Younis and Stokes, who joined his team late placed team only their fourth The only time The Wolves ing XI, grabbed the opportunity the second fi ddle. tion. Abdulrahman Mohamed’s shot this season after spending time victory this season. dropped points was when they with both hands by netting a was un- The highlight match of Week crashed against the horizontal. with his ill father in New Zealand, “I felt this one was one of the were held goalless by Al Khor in brace. lucky not to get into the scoring 5 between last season’s cham- Changing ends, Brahimi con- hit a six to bring up his second IPL perfect games. Everything went Week 4. Cazorla was again the livewire act as he hit his shot against the pions and runners-up, both tinued to lead Al Rayyan’s chal- ton and surpassed his previous to plan, and the execution was The result also broke Al Ahli’s in Al Sadd ranks, pulling strings right upright. strong title contenders, lived lenge, but Al Duhail’s persistent best score of 103 — in 2017 — with there,” said Dhoni. all-win record that stretched to in the midfi eld with occasional Later at Al Gharafa Stadium, up to its billing. Possession was eff orts bore fruit as Dudu con- the winning boundary. “You have to enjoy the game four matches. The Brigadiers re- forays into the goal, as they con- Eduardo Rodriguez (Dudu) almost even and both sides cre- verted a penalty awarded when “It’s sort of bittersweet to be no matter where you are on the mained on 12 points. tinued to miss striker Baghdad and Ramin Rezaeian scored for ated opportunities galore. Dame Traore fouled substitute honest. Bit taken aback by why table. If you are not enjoying the Al Sadd thus built on their Bounedjah and goalkeeper Saad holders Al Duhail in the 68th Al Duhail produced an im- Mohamed Muntari. it’s taken me so long to get into cricket, it can become cruel and 3-1 victory over strong title ri- al-Dossari to injuries. And Me- (penalty) and 90+3 minutes re- proved performance in the sec- The free-kick that resulted in the tournament for the team,” painful. So I am glad with how vals Al Duhail in the midweek, shaal Barsham rose to the occa- spectively to beat Al Rayyan 2-1. ond half as they fought back Al Duhail’s winner came after said Stokes. the youngsters have responded.” in a match that was postponed sion below the bar, while his Al Al Rayyan had taken the lead from a fi rst-half defi cit to win by Ahmed Abdel Maqsoud tripped “To be honest the training I’ve Gaikwad, who hit three sixes from Week 3 due to both teams’ Ahli counterpart Ivanildo Rod- through in the a last-gasp goal, which came off Msakni and Ramin sent in a had yesterday was the best I had in his 51-ball knock, put on a key participation in the 2020 AFC riguez had a harrowing time. 42nd minute. a free-kick. measured one even though the throughout my time here, so I 67-run second-wicket stand Champions League. Akram too was in outstanding Al Duhail raised their points The Red Knights could not goalkeeper got his hand on to came into this with a bit of con- with Ambati Rayudu, who scored Young Hashim, the only Un- form as Al Sadd dominated pos- tally to nine and Al Rayyan stood have aff orded defeat after los- the ball. fi dence. It was coming on nicely.” 39, as Chennai bounced back af- The New Zealand-born ter three straight losses. Stokes, whose father is battling Earlier, Chennai restricted MOTORSPORT cancer, said: “Things are a bit Bangalore to 145 for six despite diffi cult right now, but hope this an attacking 82-run third-wick- has given a bit of happiness back et stand between Kohli, who home.” made 50, and AB de Villiers. The powerful show RCB still hold third spot in the from the star allrounder, who table and Kohli said they “are QMMF honours al-Meer with had scored 110 from fi ve games playing really good cricket”. Heat thump Scorchers, rain mars T2 World Championship award WBBL derbies on opening day By Sports Reporter cars and Qatari drivers’ success. Brisbane Heat began their title defence by beating a fancied Doha “We also hope that this coro- Perth Scorchers while off ered glimpses of her form nation will act as an incentive in an abandoned match on a rain-marred opening day of Austral- for Meer and the rest from Qatar ia’s Women’s Big Bash League competition yesterday. he Qatar Motor and to excel in the future,” he added. All-rounder Grace Harris smashed a 37-ball 53 to help Brisbane Motorcycle Federa- A delighted al-Meer ex- overwhelm their 133-run victory target with three overs to spare tion (QMMF) yesterday pressed great happiness on the at North Sydney Oval. Australia opener , who was awarded Cross Country honour. “I thank and congratu- signed to make up for Lanning’s departure to Melbourne Stars, TWorld Cup Desert Rally Cham- late the people of Qatar. I thank topscored for the new-look Scorchers with a breezy 37 but it pionship champion Mohamed God on this great achievement, was not enough. Adelaide Strikers had it even easier as they al-Meer with the FIA trophy he especially since my goal was to thumped Hobart Hurricanes by eight wickets with six overs to won as top driver in the T2 cat- participate for the fi rst time in spare at the Hurstville Oval. The match between Sydney Sixers egory. the world championship for Qa- and Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval was abandoned due QMMF celebrated al-Meer’s tar. to rain without a ball being bowled. big success with QMMF Presi- “It was not easy to get the title dent Abdulrahman bin Abdul- and now it has made me ambi- latif al-Mannai presenting him tious. I will compete next season Embattled South Africa chief resigns the trophy with QMMF Execu- in the higher category T1 and the along with four board members tive Director Amro al-Hamad. focus will be to excel and suc- The event was originally sup- ceed,” said al-Meer. Beleaguered Cricket South Africa (CSA) acting president Beres- posed to be hosted by the FIA Al-Hamad also applauded al- ford Williams has resigned along with four other board mem- but it was put off following the QMMF President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai (centre) poses with Cross Country World Cup Meer’s achievement. “Despite bers, the organisation said yesterday. The cricket board has been coronavirus pandemic. Desert Rally Championship champion Mohamed al-Meer (left) and QMMF Executive Director Amro al- the diffi culties faced, al-Meer plagued by claims of mismanagement with a damning internal Al-Mannai expressed his Hamad as they hold the T2 and QMMF’s recognition trophies respectively yesterday. made his way aggressively to report providing a long list of concerns about the actions of vari- happiness over the award of emerge as the world champion. ous staff members. Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa had told the the T2 World Championship to the precautionary measures and achievement. It was an oppor- onship where we have had a di- He’s our hero. I’m sure this suc- International Cricket Council (ICC) that he intended to intervene al-Meer, stressing that the Qa- preventive measures to preserve tunity for us at this time to hon- versity of champions. Mohamed cess will keep him motivated in the running of the board unless it committed to governance tari driver has achieved a great the safety of everyone. our our hero and congratulate al-Meer’s world title was pre- enough in future as well since reforms by October 27. Board members Angelo Carolissen, achievement for Qatari sports. He said: “We received two him on his achievement. ceded by Adel Hussein in 2016 reaching the top is easy but stay- Tebogo Siko, John Mogodi and Donavan May also resigned yes- Al-Mannai said the QMMF awards from FIA – one of Mo- “Praise be to God, there is and Sheikh Hamad bin Eid. This ing there is diffi cult and requires terday. Rihan Richards had been appointed acting president of waited for the right time to hamed al-Meer and the second Qatari supremacy in the T2 shows that this category is suit- great eff ort and hard work,” he the Members’ Council, the CSA subsequently said in a statement. award to al-Meer adhering to all for QMMF in recognition of this category in the world champi- able for Qatar, both in terms of said.