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Saturday, October 3, 2020 FOOTBALL Safar 16, 1442 AH Al Nassr, Persepolis GULF TIMES equally determined to book fi nal ticket SPORT Page 2 HORSE RACING Qatari-owned Alawsj, Hadi Al Shaqab’s Alawsj and Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari’s Hadi De Carrere De Carrere win big open Arc weekend with Gr1 victories

Look forward to continue Qatari success at ParisLongchamp: Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi QREC CEO al-Kaabi was de- des Pouliches for Al Shaqab Rac- “We look forward to continue lighted with the excellence of ing while Hadi De Carrere won such success in the races of the Qatari-owned Purebred Arabian the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe horses at Saint-Cloud just be- Trophy des Poulains for Sheail weekend at ParisLongchamp, fore the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de bin Khalifa al-Kuwari. It was very especially in the Group 1 PA Qa- Triomphe weekend. clear in the two races that Qatari- tar Arabian World Cup,” al-Kaabi “First, I’d like to congratulate the owned horses are able to win concluded. winners,” he said, “especially as such type of tough challenge. In The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triom- the Qatari-owned horses showed addition, excellence in Purebred phe weekend races will kick off at an excellent level of performance Arabian races enhances the ParisLongchamp today with an and secured the top places in chances of achieving the QREC’s eight-race card, including two Gr1 the two events. Alawsj won the vision of promoting Arabian rac- races and three Gr2 races. The Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy ing in general. races will start at 2:30pm (Qatar).

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club CEO Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi (third from left) with the winners of Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches (Group 1 PA) after Al Shaqab Racing’s Alawsj won the race for three-year-old fillies at Saint-Cloud, near Paris, yesterday. (Scoopdyga)

Agencies tar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains into second. Alawsj fought for come into the colts’ race off an Paris, France (Group 1 PA) for three-year-old the victory, winning by just un- impressive win in the Al Rayyan colts with Hadi De Carrere to der a length in front of Jalela, also Cup (Group 1 PA), stamped his confi rm Qatar’s leadership in for Al Shaqab. Teema fi nished a authority as the top three-year- Julien Auge (left) rode Al Shaqab Racing’s Alawsj and Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari’s Hadi De Carrere (below) l Shaqab Racing’s Purebred Arabian racing. close third. old colt with a win in the Qatar to victories at Saint-Cloud yesterday. (Scoopdyga) homebred Alawsj and QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida “Both fi llies will stay in France Arabian Trophy des Poulains Sheail bin Khalifa al- al-Kaabi was present at Saint- to prepare for their four-year- (Group 1 PA). Kuwari’s Hadi De Car- Cloud and presented the trophies old season,” said Fourcy after the Alsaher was quickly into the Arere emerged victorious in two to the winners. win. “The winner is a fi lly who lead, with Hadi de Carrere be- Qatar Racing and Equestrian In the race for fi llies, that will defi nitely improve with age. hind. As Alsaher weakened on Club (QREC)-sponsored Group crowns the best three-year- We looked after her this year with the straight, Hadi De Carrere 1 PA races at Saint-Cloud near old fi lly of her generation, eight this race in mind. I am a bit emo- took the advantage, and even- Paris yesterday. The two races set contenders lined up on heavy tional, it’s a great relief. To see tually won by a neck, as Abbes the ball rolling for the Qatar Prix ground, and Alawsj registered her win on the big day, this is the came up with a strong run to steal de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend her fi rst Group 1 victory. There magic of racing.” second place. each year. was drama at the start with the Alawsj also provided her sire, The winning trainer comment- Julien Auge rode Thomas withdrawal of the favourite Alke- Dahor de Brugere, with a fi rst ed after the race, “ They (Hadi De Fourcy-trained Alawsj to victory dri after the jockey, Jean-Bernard Group 1 win in this race. He Carrere and Abbes) were the best in the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Eyquem, fell when cantering to stands in Morocco for Al Shaqab two colts in the race. Abbes may Pouliches (Group 1 PA) for three- the start. Racing at SOREC. Alawsj is the beat Hadi de Carrere in the future. year-old fi llies to continue Qatari Auge had Alawsj travel in third fi rst foal out of Bint Jakarta, win- I don’t know yet whether Hadi de dominance in the event for the in a race led at a consistent pace ner of the Al Rayyan Cup (Group Carrere will go to Qatar this win- fi fth straight year. The trainer- by Elaf. She began making up 1 PA) at Deauville. ter. He will make into a good older jockey duo then landed the Qa- ground in the fi nal turn, moving Hadi De Carrere, who had horse with an easy winter.”

Al Duhail win Qatar Handball Cup

Al Duhail (in red) were crowned the Qatar Handball Cup champions after they won the final with a 32-29 victory over Al Wakrah (in blue and black) at Al Duhail Sports Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 3, 2020 SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Nassr, Persepolis equally determined to book fi nal ticket ‘Our proves we always have a lot to say in this competition. It shows good planning at the club... mental strength’

AFC Doha

fter 19 days of high quality action in the Qatari capital Doha, the 2020 AFC Champions LeagueA (West) culminates with the semi-fi nal clash between Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and Iran’s Persepolis FC at Jassim bin Ha- mad Stadium today. Both sides fi nished top of their respective groups, with Al Nassr collecting 11 points to pip Al Sadd to the summit of Group D, while Persepolis mounted a come- back from one point in their fi rst two games to qualify as Group C leaders with nine points, a point ahead of second-placed Al Taa- woun FC. Similarities in the two teams’ paths to the semi-fi nal contin- ued in the Round of 16, with both (From left) Persepolis players Kamal Kamyabinia, Isa al-Kasir and Bashar Resan celebrate after al-Kasir needing late goals from their pro- scored a goal during the AFC Champions League quarter-final against Pakhtakor at Jassim Bin Hamad lifi c strikers. Abderrazzak Ham- Stadium on Wednesday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Al Nassr’s Abderazak Hamdallah (centre) in action during the quarter-final against Al Ahli on Wednesday. dallah’s calmly-taken eff ort with 15 minutes to go was enough to want to win,” said Al Nassr head lis have been at this stage of the time, but they just need to go and Persepolis head coach. “Persepolis fans and the peo- at the group stage. guide Al Nassr past countrymen coach Rui Vitoria. competition twice in the past play well against a good team. “Our record proves we always ple of IR Iran have gone through Golmohammadi has history Al Taawoun, while Isa al-Kasir “Since the beginning we have three years. In 2017, they were History does not have an impact have a lot to say in this compe- diffi cult times recently, and we in this match that predates the left it until two minutes from been confi dent. We respect the beaten by Al Hilal SFC 6-2 on ag- on the game.” tition. It shows good planning hope winning here can give them AFC Champions League, having time to send Al Sadd crashing in diff erent problems each oppo- gregate, and the following year, Vitoria’s opposite number at the club and togetherness be- something to celebrate and be been a Persepolis defender when a 1-0 win. nent poses to us. All teams have they learned their lesson and beat Yahya Golmohammadi took tween the players as well as men- happy about.” they faced Al Nassr in Doha in the In the quarter-fi nals, both Al areas where they are good and Al Sadd 2-1 to reach the fi nal, a different view of his side’s tal strength. This year the diff er- Despite 14 AFC Champi- 1996-97 Asian Club Champion- Nassr and Persepolis won with a others where they are not so which they lost to Kashima Ant- record in the competition in re- ence is that we do not have the ons League campaigns between ship, a match Persepolis lost 3-2, 2-0 scoreline. Abdulfattah Asiri good. lers but Vitoria remains unfazed cent years, while acknowledg- advantage of playing in front of them, Al Nassr and Persepolis but went on to top the group at and Pity Martinez scored either “We know Persepolis have by his opponents’ richer recent ing the 2020 AFC Champions our fans in Azadi. have only met in the competition the expense of Al Nassr and reach side of the break to help Al Nassr some very good players, but con- history. League throws Persepolis a dif- “It is not easy for us, but they twice, both coming in the group the semi-fi nals before losing overcome Al Ahli Saudi FC, while fi dence is something that comes “Yes, this is the history, but if I ferent challenge. still give us their positive en- stage of the 2015 edition. Al Nassr to eventual champions Pohang it was al-Kasir again with a brace from inside for us. We have to think only about the history, then “Any team that comes this ergy through social media and emerged 3-0 winners in Riya- Steelers of Korea Republic. to down Pakhtakor. enjoy our play but also have the we have not been here before. But far in the competition is here on that gives us a lot of motiva- dh, while Persepolis won 1-0 at “This is a fi nal match. We responsibility; this balance is my no, I will think about it as one merit; Al Nassr played very well tion and we are hopeful of going Azadi Stadium. On the occasion, TODAY’S FIXTURE wanted to arrive at this game, and message for the players ahead of game; two good teams playing and earned their place at this back to Iran with a good result. Persepolis progressed as group 6pm: Al Nassr (KSA) v Persepolis we are happy to be here but now this fi nal.” against each other. My players stage and we overcame many Our ambition is to be champi- runners-up, while Al Nassr fi n- FC (IRN) we have a game that both teams Unlike Al Nassr, Persepo- are in the semi-fi nal for the fi rst hurdles to come this far,” said the ons of Asia. ished third and were eliminated Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Clamour grows Nadal eases into French Open for HawkEye at last 16 as Halep, Thiem impress Roland Garros Reuters Paris, France AFP Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 27th Paris, France seed. Ukrainian Svitolina is full of he sight of chair umpires confi dence after capturing her ambling down to decide afael Nadal charged 15th career WTA at Strasbourg on close line calls at Ro- into the French Open last weekend and will next land Garros could be a last 16 yesterday and square off against Caroline Gar- Tthing of the past from the next took another confi dent cia. edition with growing clamour strideR towards equalling Roger Home hope Garcia dumped among players for the introduc- Federer’s record of 20 major ti- out 16th seed Elise Mertens 1-6, tion of electronic line-calling on tles while Simona Halep and 6-4, 7-5, closing out the upset clay courts. Denis Shapovalov. Dominic Thiem made surpris- win over the Belgian on her sixth The French Open is the only ingly short work of tricky op- match point. one among the four tennis Grand not the umpire’s mistake, be- ponents. Swiatek dismissed former Slams that does not use Hawk- cause sometimes you just cannot The 12-time Roland Gar- Wimbledon fi nalist Eugenie Eye ball-tracking system, instead see the mark. It’s too diffi cult, ros champion dispatched Ital- Bouchard 6-3, 6-2 to seal a re- leaving the umpires to take fi nal especially after the set break, be- ian world number 74 Stefano turn to the last 16. decisions based on marks left by cause they clean the court, they Travaglia 6-1, 6-4, 6-0 in just Sixth seed Alexander Zverev the ball on the red clay. brush the lines. 95 minutes, notching his 96th tackles Italian qualifi er Marco The issue has dominated news “I think it would be fair for victory at the tournament. Cecchinato, who famously beat conferences and discussions everybody if Hawk-Eye would Nadal next faces 213th-ranked Novak Djokovic on his way to a on social media platforms after also exist on clay. We should American qualifi er Sebastian semi-fi nal appearance at Roland Denis Shapovalov found himself make it happen... I hope that Korda, the son of 1998 Austral- Garros in 2018. on the receiving end of a seem- next year we will have it in every ian Open champion and 1992 Zverev, last month’s US Open ingly wrong call by the umpire clay court tournament.” French Open runner-up Petr runner-up, will face Italian on a crucial point during his sec- Brad Gilbert, a former world Korda, for a quarter-fi nal spot. teenager Jannik Sinner should ond-round loss on Thursday. number four and currently an “I think today I played the he advance. The French Open organisers acclaimed coach, also felt “mod- best match this year at Roland Sinner beat Federico Coria did not respond to request from ern technology works on clay Garros,” said Nadal, now 96-2 at in straight sets to join country- comment from Reuters. better than umpire’s interpreta- the French Open in his 16th ap- man Lorenzo Sonego in the last Serving for victory at 5-4 in tions of marks”. pearance. 16. Sonego is enjoying his best the fi fth set against Spaniard Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas “I’m very happy with this vic- Grand Slam run and edged a Roberto Carballes Baena, the agreed that he would rather de- tory and I hope to continue like 36-point tiebreak against Taylor Canadian ninth seed was up 30- pend on technology. this. I’m playing quite well and Fritz to complete a 7-6 (5), 6-3, 15, when a ball, which seemed to “I think it’s time for HawkEye I played more aggressive than in 7-6 (17) victory. have landed outside the line, was on clay. I don’t understand why previous days.” ruled to be in by the umpire. they haven’t proceeded,” said the Nadal has yet to drop a set RESULTS It could have been two match- world number six. in Paris this week although the Men (Round III) points for Shapovalov if the call “But if technology allows us to combined ranking of his op- Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) bt 27-Tay- went in his favour but he ended do far beyond more things that ponents so far is 606, including lor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-6 up losing the match 7-5, 6-7 (5), current knowledge allows us, I do that of Korda who admitted to Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his win over Italy’s Stefano Travaglia (not pictured) in their French Open (17); Hugo Gaston (FRA) bt 16- 6-3, 3-6, 8-6 after fi ve hours. believe they should implement naming his cat after the Span- third round match at Roland Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. (AFP) Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, Shapovalov vented his frustra- that into tennis. Doesn’t really iard. 4-6, 6-0; Dominic Thiem (AUT tion in a Twitter post, accompa- matter the surface. The 20-year-old Korda beat down early resistance from Nor- 17 matches. sence of world number one and x3) bt 28-Casper Ruud (NOR) nied with a screengrab showing “That’s innovation, and we Pedro Martinez in straight sets way’s Casper Ruud to secure an “I think I played a really good defending champion Ashleigh 6-4, 6-3, 6-1; Sebastian Korda the ball had landed outside the have to keep growing and keep to become the fi rst man outside impressive 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 victory. match. I was very aggressive and Barty, as well as US Open winner (USA) bt Pedro Martínez (ESP) line, asking: “When will we have adding new things to the sport the top 200 to make the last 16 “In general I was super happy I knew from last year I had to Naomi Osaka. 6-4, 6-3, 6-1; 2-Rafael Nadal (ESP Hawkeye on clay?”. that will help make the sport in Paris since France’s Arnaud di with my performance. I think change something and I did that x2) bt Stefano Travaglia (ITA) 6-1, He found support from his better and more fair.” Pasquale in 2002. was one of the best ones this today,” said Halep. ‘NO PRESSURE’ FOR HALEP 6-4, 6-0 fellow players, including US Ruud’s points against Thiem Hugo Gaston, the lone year,” said US Open champion “I took the game in my hands. “I don’t feel the pressure. Of Open champion Dominic Thiem, were not as crucial as Shapovalov Frenchman left in the draw, Thiem. I think I did a great job changing course I expect from myself to Women (Round III) whose match against Casper but the Norwegian could relate to quickly became the second such Women’s top seed and title a little bit the tactics.” play good tennis but that doesn’t 1-Simona Halep (ROU) bt Ruud was also blighted by couple the Canadian’s frustrations. lowly-ranked man in the fourth favourite Halep, the 2018 cham- Halep meets another 19-year- mean I have to win every match,” 25-Amanda Anisimova (USA) of uncertain calls. “I think it’s a bit strange that round when the world number pion, avenged last year’s Roland old opponent, Poland’s Iga said Halep. 6-0, 6-1; Iga Swiatek (POL) bt “I would support 100% Hawk- they have the HawkEye available 239 shocked 2015 champion Garros loss to Amanda Anisi- Swiatek, for a place in the quar- “I just want to try to take my Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-3, Eye on clay, because at the match here but they only show it for TV Stan Wawrinka 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, mova by thrashing the Ameri- ter-fi nals. She dropped just one chance every time I step on the 6-2; 3-Elina Svitolina (UKR) bt from Denis against Roberto yes- and I don’t understand why we 4-6, 6-0 in a rain-interrupted can teenager 6-0, 6-1 in only 54 game when the pair met here in court, and I’m not thinking 27-Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS) terday there was a mistake, and can’t use it,” Ruud said. tie. minutes. the last 16 a year ago. about title. It’s very far (off ).” 6-4, 7-5; Caroline Garcia (FRA) then today in my match there was “I think defi nitely... we should Gaston, 20, next faces Aus- The reigning Wimbledon Halep’s status as the women’s Two-time quarter-fi nalist bt 16-Elise Mertens (BEL) 1-6, a mistake in my favour actually,” start using HawkEye for the clay trian third seed Dominic Thiem, champion made only seven un- frontrunner was reinforced fol- Elina Svitolina ensured she will 6-4, 7-5; Nadia Podoroska (ARG) world number three Thiem said. court tournaments as well be- the runner-up to Nadal in Paris forced errors as she stretched lowing the withdrawal of Ser- stick around for the second week bt Anna Karolina Schmiedlova “Casper showed me the mark cause then we don’t need to have the past two years, who broke her career-best winning run to ena Williams, on top of the ab- with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Russia’s (SVK) 6-3, 6-2 on his phone after the match. It’s all these arguments with umpires.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 3, 2020 3 SPORT

MOTORSPORT Honda to withdraw from Formula 1 at end of 2021

AFP Paris, France Honda’s exit is bad news for all motorsport: Agag

Reuters Formula E. John Malone, whose Liberty onda said yesterday London, United Kingdom “I see it as bad news for motor- Media owns the commercial it will withdraw from sport in general. I don’t see this rights to the former series while Formula One at the end as good news for Formula E and Liberty Global is a significant of the 2021 season as onda’s exit from Formula bad news for Formula One,” the shareholder in the latter. Hpart of the car industry’s move One at the end of next Spaniard, who is also launching Agag, who also recently away from internal combustion Hyear is bad news for all an Extreme E off -road series unveiled plans for an electric engines. motorsport, the founder of the next year, told Reuters. powerboating series, said elec- The Red Bull and Alpha Tauri electric Formula E series Alejan- “We in Formula E also need trification was an unstoppable teams use power units made by dro Agag said yesterday. Formula One to be success- trend but that did not mean the Japanese manufacturer. The Japanese carmaker, which ful because we don’t see each there was no space for Formula Honda said its industry was quit as an F1 constructor in other as competitors. We see One in future. undergoing a “once-in-one- 2008 but returned as an engine each other as on the same boat He compared the situation hundred-years period of great Max Verstappen drives the Honda-powered Red Bull in Sochi during practice for the Russian Grand Prix last manufacturer in 2015, said it and competing against tennis, to horse racing continuing to transformation” and it was Saturday. (Reuters) wanted to focus on zero-emis- football and other sports. thrive long after horses ceased pursuing “carbon neutrality by sion technology such as fuel “If one manufacturer leaves to be a regular form of trans- 2050” using “future power-unit tian Horner said: “The shifting looking for a new engine supplier, largely in failure as it recorded a cells and batteries. motorsport, it doesn’t mean it’s port. and energy technologies, includ- focus within the automotive in- a situation it will need to resolve single victory, with Jenson But- Agag, whose city-based series going to come through another “There will always be a space ing fuel-cell vehicle and battery dustry has led to Honda’s deci- quickly to prevent its in-demand ton at the wheel at the 2006 has attracted strong manufac- door to us. It may stay out of for combustion motorsport technologies”. sion to re-deploy their resources Dutch driver Max Verstappen Hungarian Grand Prix. turer interest and enjoys full motorsport altogether so that’s but it won’t be related to the “To fulfi l the expectations of and we understand and respect seeking a new challenge at an- Honda later left the sport, re- FIA world championship status, not good news.” industry. I think the industry will its fans, Honda will work to- the reasoning behind this. other team. turning in 2015 but struggled played down a suggestion that Formula One and Formula E are eventually only focus on electric gether with Red Bull Racing and “Their decision presents ob- Honda’s glory years in For- for three years working with Honda’s move strengthened linked through US media mogul motorsport,” said the Spaniard. Scuderia AlphaTauri to continue vious challenges for us as a team mula One came in the 1980s with McLaren. competing with its utmost ef- but we have been here before and McLaren and the defi ning rivalry The company transferred its fort and strive for more victories with our strength in depth we are of that era time between Alain attention to Red Bull’s junior But they have been unable to mula One reliant on three engine underlines the dilemma faced by all the way to the end of the 2021 well prepared and equipped to Prost and Ayrton Senna, who team Toro Rosso for 2018 and sustain a challenge to Mercedes companies — Renault, Mercedes the sport as it seeks to deal with season,” said the Honda state- respond eff ectively, as we have each spent fi ve years at the team. then Red Bull for 2019, and have who have increased their stran- and Ferrari. the challenge of the evolution of ment. proven in the past.” Its move into team ownership won a total of fi ve races over the glehold on the sport this season. The Japanese giant’s com- the wider auto industry towards Red Bull Team Principal Chris- The decision leaves Red Bull between 2006 and 2008 ended last two years. Honda’s decision leaves For- mitment to new technology also greener solutions.

RALLYING TENNIS Retirement few years away: South Al-Attiyah to lead Africa’s Anderson

AFP Paris, France

evin Anderson may be Toyota contingent in the twilight of a ca- reer which has seen him reach two Grand Slam fiK nals and fi ght a lengthy battle with a succession of injuries but the big South African has no in- tention of calling it quits. The 34-year-old, who tack- in Andalucia Rally les Russia’s Andrey Rublev for a place in the Roland Garros last 16 today, underwent surgery on his though he made fi rst round exits ‘...will give us a good opportunity to set up the last changes for the next Dakar’ right knee in September last year on clay in Rome and in and again in February. the build-up to this year’s Roland By Our Correspondent His absence from the tour Garros. Villers-Le-Bouillet, Belgium from Wimbledon in 2019 until His determination to fi ght his January saw his ranking slump to way back was demonstrated in 147 from a career high of fi ve just the second round with a 6-2, fter a season of FIA two years ago. 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 win over Serb cross-country events However, having won matches 22nd seed Dusan Lajovic. decimated by the on- on clay for the fi rst time since The challenge against 22-year- going Covid-19 pan- Roland Garros in 2018, Anderson old Rublev will be tougher with demic,A Overdrive Racing and has been rejuvenated in Paris. the Russian having arrived in Toyota Gazoo Racing have en- “There’s still a Grand Slam that Paris on the back of a title run at tered fi ve Toyota Hiluxes in the I have not won. I’ve been in a cou- Hamburg, his third trophy of a new Andalucia Rally, which ple fi nals. That’s probably my big- truncated season. takes place October 6-10, in gest motivating factor,” he said. But win or lose Anderson, run- southern Spain. “We have Masters Series, ner-up at the US Open in 2017 Devised in a short space of there’s a lot I can do there, as and Wimbledon in 2018, says re- time, following the cancellation well. In terms of goal setting and tirement is a long way off . of the Rally of Morocco, event of- achievements, there’s no shortage. “Even though I’ve had all this fi cials have managed to come up “It’s what I love doing. It’s not time, you think maybe this would with a challenging fi ve day off - always easy, but I think that’s one have been a time to sort of assess road rally, which will take place of the big motivating factors for some options. But I think part of on rural tracks, open plains and me as well, just this opportunity it is just my mind is not there yet. gravel trails in the expansive An- to keep pushing myself, fi guring “It’s fully focused on my dalucia region, situated between things out, improving.” career. That day will eventu- Seville, Malaga and Jerez. Anderson has reached the last ally come, but hopefully it’s still There have been no rounds of 16 in Paris on four occasions al- quite a few years away.” the FIA World Cup for Cross- Country Rallies since Qatar in February and this non-cham- SPOTLIGHT pionship event will be the only competitive opportunity for teams like Toyota to carry out shakedown tests in Europe be- Polish teenager fore the Dakar heads to Saudi Arabia in January. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- Swiatek sweeps past yah drives the sole Toyota Gazoo Racing entry and is joined by a quartet of Overdrive Racing-en- Bouchard into last 16 tered Toyotas for Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi, the Dutch duo Reuters start of the second set. Canadian of Erik van Loon and Bernhard Paris, France Bouchard did claw back to 2-2 Ten Brinke and Frenchman Ro- but the last four games were one- nan Chabot. way traffi c. With his sporting calendar nseeded Polish teenager Next up for Swiatek could be decimated by the pandemic, Iga Swiatek continued a re-match with Halep who she al-Attiyah has been busy in the her impressive progress managed only one game against last couple of weeks since Baja at the French Open as last year. Poland tackling a couple of tra- sheU swept aside former semi-fi - “If I play Simona again I just ditional special stage rallies in nalist Eugenie Bouchard 6-3 6-2 hope that it lasts longer than a saloon-type competition car. to reach the last 16 for the second last year because it was only 40 Along with French navigator year running yesterday. minutes,” Swiatek said. “I was so Matthieu Baumel, he took part The 19-year-old, one of four stressed. My next goal is to make in Terre de Castine in France and teenagers to reach the third sure I play my best tennis on a big Rally Terra de Auga in Spain, the round, simply had too much fi re- stadium here.” latter fi nishing prematurely af- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (also inset) in action with a Toyota Hilux. power for wildcard Bouchard as Swiatek, ranked 54, has been ter an in-car fi re. she struck 30 winners on a damp incredibly consistent in Grand “Now we are fully focused on his country hosts the Dakar for tion for the Toyotas, most notably up with Frenchman François Action then heads on to the and heavy Court Simonne- Slams so far, reaching the third Andalucia,” said Baumel. “The a second time. He teams up with from two-time WRC champion Cazelet and American youngster remote plains and dusty trails of Mathieu. round in four of the seven she has recent experience we got in France Germany’s Dirk von Zitzewitz and triple Dakar winner Car- Mitch Guthrie is partnered by southern Spain for four selec- Swiatek, whose run last year contested, including a fourth- and Spain with only one pass dur- again after fi nishing second in los Sainz and French Dakar leg- the experienced WRC naviga- tive sections on October 7-10 was ended by Simona Halep, round run at this year’s Austral- ing the recce will help us for the the Qatar event in February with end and current FIA World Cup tor and 2020 Ha’il Rally winning before the awards’ ceremony in has dropped only 13 games so far ian Open and reaching the third Prologue in Andalucia. Then, we Michael Orr. champion Stéphane Peterhansel. co-driver Ole Floene. Fellow the evening. and spent little over three hours round at the US Open. have the four days of racing that Ten Brinke and Belgian navi- Overdrive Racing teamed up American Seth Quintero teams Each of the sections of ap- on court to race into the fourth Bouchard, 26, will take some will give us a good opportunity gator Tom Colsoul fi nished sec- with Red Bull to develop a pro- up with Germany’s Dennis Zenz proximately 240km (split into round. heart from her run but said she to set up the last changes on the ond in September’s Baja Poland totype OT3 by Overdrive in 2019 in the third OT3. two), 270km (split into two), Bouchard, ranked 168th, was beaten by a better player on Toyota for the next Dakar. We will and are joined by Ten Brinke’s and the cars ran well at the Qatar There will be time for shake- 300km and 210km start and fi n- reached the third round at a ma- the day. see what happens. It should be in- fellow countryman Van Loon Cross-Country Rally. Three of down tests tomorrow and Mon- ish at the rally’s hub at Hacienda jor for the fi rst time since 2017, “I felt the pressure from her, teresting.” and his French co-driver Sé- the new machines are entered day (October 4-5), before the El Rosalejo, a large event venue and battled hard against Swiatek and that’s what good players are Al-Rajhi has been out of ac- bastien Delaunay. Chabot and in the T3 category in Andalucia timed action gets underway on that is hosting the entire event but never really looked like turn- going to do,” she said. “That’s tion since the early spring and Gilles Pillot crew the fourth of under the banner of the Red Bull the FIA-sanctioned event with at Villamartin. In a compact ing it into a contest. what I try to do on the court as is relishing the chance to hit the the Overdrive entries. Off -Road Junior Team. a 10km super special stage on route of 1,354km, 1,030km are Swiatek broke three times in well but today she did that better selective sections again before There will be strong competi- Sweden’s Kevin Hansen teams Tuesday afternoon (October 6). set to be competitive. the opening set and again at the than me.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 3, 2020 SPORT

REPORT NBA Jealousy-free Lakers thriving Kershaw shines as with James-Davis double act

AFP Orlando “I believe jealousy creeps in a Dodgers advance lot. And that is the absolute con- trary of what we are. We know eBron James believes an who we are. We know what we’re absence of locker-room about. jealousy is the key to “We want the best, seriously, Lhis successful partner- every single day, both on and off ship with Anthony Davis as the the fl oor, for one another.” Los Angeles Lakers bear down Davis, 27, agreed, saying he in MLB playoff s on a record-equalling 17th NBA had never once considered the championship. possibility that locker room Davis joined the Lakers last envy could destabilise the Lakers San Diego Padres stage late rally for an 11-9 win to force a decisive game three year from the New Orleans Peli- locker room. cans, and has played a crucial “The thought never crossed role in guiding the team back to my mind when the trade hap- the NBA Finals for the fi rst time pened,” Davis said. “I’m not jeal- in 10 years after missing the ous of him. He’s not jealous of playoff s in 2018-2019. me. On Wednesday, Davis excelled I think it shows on the court. with 34 points, nine rebounds “When you’ve got two guys and fi ve assists as the Lakers de- who are very selfl ess and want to molished the Miami Heat 116-98 win as bad as both of us want to, in a game-one blowout. the rest of it goes away and just James, meanwhile, added 25 takes care of itself.” points, 13 rebounds and nine as- Davis said a free fl ow of ideas sists in a dominant performance and opinions characterized his against his former team to open partnership with James. the best-of-seven series. “We hold each other account- The James-Davis double act able,” Davis said. “When we has provided the Lakers with watch fi lm or even during the the team’s most potent axis course of a game, if I did some- since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille thing wrong, he tells me. O’Neal were leading the team to “If he does something wrong, three consecutive NBA titles be- I tell him. I think that’s what tween 2000 and 2002. makes it work, knowing that we But while Bryant and O’Neal’s trust one another to make reads, relationship was undercut with to make calls. tension, James says his partner- “We’re able to talk to one an- ship with Davis couldn’t be more other. Some guys on some teams diff erent. are afraid to jump on the star “We’re not jealous of each player. Our team, a guy can tell a other,” James said on Thursday. guy something, and we know it’s “I think that’s the best thing. In coming from a great place and we professional sports, you have know it’s coming from a guy who guys that join forces to become wants to win. alpha males. That’s what they Davis, however, does admit call them. to envying James’s three NBA “Two guys that have been championship rings. dominant in a specifi c sport on “I want a ring, and he has their own respective teams, and three of them,” Davis said. “That they get together and they talk would be the one thing for sure about how dominant they can be that I would be jealous about... and they talk about this is going Hopefully I don’t have to be to be this and that. envious of that much longer.”

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game 2 of the National League Wild Card playoff s at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. PICTURE: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

AFP home runs in a postseason game get no closer. Adam Duvall each smashed the plate. Los Angeles since Yankees icons Babe Ruth At Dodger Stadium, Kershaw two-run home runs in the In American League action, and Lou Gehrig in 1932, and the matched his post-season high of eighth inning as the Atlanta the Oakland Athletics also end- Padres became the fi rst team 13 strikeouts over eight innings, Braves blanked Cincinnati 5-0 ed a playoff drought, rallying for ookie Betts hit a ever to hit fi ve home runs from allowing three singles and one to advance. a 6-4 victory over the Chicago two-run double the sixth inning on in a playoff walk and picking off Luis Urias The Braves defeated the Reds White Sox for a 2-1 series win. and Clayton Ker- game. at fi rst base in the eighth. two games to none in their It marked the A’s fi rst play- shaw dominated on Tatis and Manny Machado Brewers starting pitcher opening-round series to book a off series win since 2006, and theM mound as the Los Angeles hit back-to-back-homers in the Brandon Woodruff dueled Ker- second-round matchup against snapped their nine-game losing Dodgers beat the Milwaukee sixth inning to knot the score at shaw, holding the Dodgers to either the Chicago Cubs or Mi- streak in winner-take-all play- Brewers 3-0 Thursday to reach 6-6. one hit through four innings be- ami Marlins. off games. the second round of the Major Myers followed with a homer fore Los Angeles broke through It was the fi rst post-season After Chad Pinder’s tie- League Baseball playoff s. in the seventh that put San Di- in the fi fth. series the Braves have won since breaking two-run single with The Dodgers swept the Brew- ego ahead and Tatis added a Cody Bellinger and Chris defeating Houston in the fi rst two outs in the fi fth inning, the ers in two games in their best- two-run homer later in the in- Taylor hit back-to-back singles round of the 2001 playoff s. Oakland bullpen shut the door of-three National League wild ning that stretched the lead to with one out. Since then, Atlanta had on the White Sox and the A’s ad- card series to line up a meeting 9-6. AJ Pollock grounded into a dropped nine playoff series plus vanced to a Division Series clash with either the San Diego Pa- The Cardinals trimmed the fi elder’s choice to third base and a wildcard game in 2012. with the Houston Astros. dres or St. Louis Cardinals. defi cit to one before Myers belt- with two outs Austin Barnes The Braves, who have not won It could be a tense match-up. The Padres rallied late for ed a two-run home run in the singled to score Taylor and the World Series since 1995, Mike Fiers, Oakland’s game- an 11-9 win to force a decisive top of the ninth. bring up Betts, whose double opened the scoring on Ronald three starting pitcher, was the game three in that series. Paul Goldschmidt led off the down the third base line scored Acuna’s run-scoring double in whistleblower who exposed the San Diego’s Fernando Tatis bottom of the ninth with a home two more runs. the fi fth inning before Ozuna sign-stealing scheme that has Anthony Davis (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a basket with and Wil Myers became the fi rst run for St. Elsewhere in the National and Duvall added insurance tainted the Astros’ 2017 World LeBron James during the third quarter against the Miami Heat in pair of teammates to have two Louis but the Cardinals could league, Marcell Ozuna and runs in Atlanta’s fi nal time at Series title. Game One of the 2020 NBA Finals in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Rivers agrees to coach 76ers

Agencies series leads, and he now has a NBA Finals Game 1 draws third such failure on his resume. Philadelphia The 76ers fi red coach Brett Brown on Aug. 24 after seven oc Rivers reached an seasons following their fi rst- agreement on a fi ve- round playoff sweep by the Celt- lowest TV rating in history ics. year deal to become the Reuters As for the night’s big winner, Week 2 of sportsmanship on the court. next coach of the Phila- Brown fi nished his tenure in Fox’s The Masked Singer was up double- Now an analyst, Carter received 143 fi rst- Ddelphia 76ers, ESPN reported Philly with a 221-344 record, plus Miami digit percentage points from Week 1’s rat- place votes and 2,520 points in voting by yesterday. a 12-14 mark in the postseason. ings, both overall and among adults 18-49. NBA players. Rivers interviewed with 76ers Sixers star Joel Embiid reached espite featuring the duo of LeB- The raw audience number for The Masked Brooklyn’s Garrett Temple (1,746) and general manager Elton Brand on out to Rivers over social media on ron James and Anthony Davis, and Singer wasn’t too far behind the Finals, at Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams (1,632) fi n- Wednesday afternoon before Thursday night. having two major-market teams 6.93mn. ished second and third in the voting. meeting with the team’s owner- “Welcome to the city of Broth- Dplaying in the Los Angeles Lakers The numbers come two weeks after Mof- Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes (1,418), ship that night. erly Love Coach @DocRivers !!!! and Miami Heat, Game 1 of the NBA Finals fettNathanson Research found that overall Detroit’s Langston Galloway (1,244) and Rivers reportedly watched Excited for the future and what on Wednesday night drew record-low TV TV viewership was down 26% year over year Memphis’ Tyus Jones (1,016) were also fi - Wednesday night’s Game 1 of we’re building here #PhillyFor- ratings. The game — a 116-98 Lakers win — in August and down 27.1% through the fi rst nalists for the award. the NBA Finals between the Mi- ever,” Embiid wrote on Twitter. drew 7.41mn viewers to ABC, according to half of September. The six fi nalists were awarded 11 points ami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers seasons as an NBA coach. The Former Houston Rockets overnight ratings. The Stanley Cup Finals were down more for each fi rst-place vote, nine for each sec- with the Sixers’ brass. victories rank 11th all-time. coach Mike D’Antoni, 69, and The previous low was 8.06mn viewers for than 60%, as well, this year. ond-place vote, seven for each third-place It’s been a rapid turnaround He also won the 2008 NBA ti- former Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 of the 2003 NBA Finals between the vote, fi ve for each fourth-place vote, three for Rivers, who was dismissed tle with the Boston Celtics and coach Tyronn Lue, 43. New Jersey Nets and San Antonio Spurs. AWARD FOR CARTER for each fi fth-place vote and one for each as the coach of the Los Angeles was voted the NBA’s Coach of the were believed to be under con- The number is also a 45% drop com- Vince Carter is still collecting hardware sixth-place vote. Clippers on Monday. Year in 2000 while in charge of sideration for the head-coaching pared to the audience for last year’s Finals from the NBA, even after announcing his Memphis’ Mike Conley was last year’s That was 13 days after the the Orlando Magic. position in Philadelphia. opener between the Toronto Raptors and retirement in June. winner. Carter was the No. 5 overall pick in Denver Nuggets overcame a 3-1 Rivers also experienced some ESPN reported that one possi- Golden State Warriors. On the plus side, Carter, 43, was named as the recipient of the 1998 NBA Draft and played his fi rst six- series defi cit to eliminate the low moments on the way to a 91- bility to join Rivers’ staff is Alvin the ABC broadcast still led all shows in total the 2019-20 NBA Sportsmanship Award on plus seasons with the Toronto Raptors, win- Clippers from the NBA playoff s. 89 playoff coaching mark. Gentry, who was dismissed as viewers, and drew the same rating among Thursday. The award is designed to honour ning the Rookie of the Year award in 1999 Rivers, who turns 59 on Oct. He was already the only coach head coach of the New Orleans 18-49-year-olds that it drew for the Oscars. a player who best represents the ideals of and the NBA Dunk Contest in 2000. 13, has a 943-681 record in 21 in NBA history to blow two 3-1 Pelicans after fi ve seasons. Gulf Times Saturday, October 3, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL COMMENTGOLF US trio matches defending champ Rypien leads Munoz for PGA Sanderson lead

AFP Broncos to fi rst Washington efending champion Se- bastian Munoz of Co- lombia shared the lead Dwith Americans Jimmy Walker, Charley Hoff man and Kevin Chappell after Thursday’s win of the season opening round of the US PGA Sanderson Farms Championship. Rypien completed 19 of 31 passes for 242 yards and three interceptions while starting in place of Drew Lock All four fi red eight-under par 64s in the opening round at the Reuters Country Club of Jackson (Missis- New York sippi) to share the lead. Canada’s Michael Giligic and South African M J Daff ue were on 65. randon McManus Munoz won his fi rst PGA ti- kicked the go-ahead tle last year in Jackson with a par 53-yard fi eld goal, on the fi rst playoff hole to defeat Sebastian Munoz of Colombia BBrett Rypien passed for South Korea’s Im Sung-jae. plays his shot from the 18th tee two touchdowns in his fi rst NFL The South American, trying during the first round of the start and the Denver Broncos to become the event’s fi rst repeat Sanderson Farms Championship notched their fi rst victory of the winner, birdied four of his fi rst at The Country Club of Jackson season by beating the New York fi ve holes, made his lone bogey at on Thursday. Jets 37-28 on Thursday night at the ninth, then ran off four birdies East Rutherford, New Jersey. in a row starting at the par-3 13th. the 2016 PGA Championship for Rypien completed 19 of 31 “I just kind of tricked myself his sixth tour victory, having bat- passes for 242 yards and three into thinking I was not the de- tled Lyme disease since 2017 and interceptions while starting in fending champion, just thinking nagging elbow and shoulder pain place of Drew Lock (shoulder). it was another tournament at a this year, missing six of his past Melvin Gordon rushed for 107 course that I really like,” Munoz seven cuts. yards and two touchdowns, Jer- said. “It has been working so far, “I haven’t been playing very ry Jeudy (two catches, 61 yards) so I’ll keep doing that.” well, but I feel good. It just hasn’t and Tim Patrick (six catches, Hoff man, a four-time PGA clicked yet,” Walker said after a 113 yards) caught scoring passes winner but never after leading bogey-free day. “I’m seeing some and Bradley Chubb had 2.5 sacks or sharing the lead in any round, putts go in.” for the Broncos (1-3). reeled off four birdies in a row Chappell, whose only tour ti- Sam Darnold connected on starting at the par-5 third. tle came at the 2017 Texas Open, 23 of 42 passes for 230 yards Chasing a fi fth PGA title and started on the back nine and and also had a career-long 46- fi rst since 2016, Hoff man birdied birdied four of his fi rst six holes, yard touchdown run as part of the odd-numbered holes on the then fi nished with back-to-back a career-high 84 rushing yards back nine, including a 13-foot birdies. “I’m just out there trying for the Jets (0-4). Darnold, who birdie putt at the par-3 13th and a to play good golf. Good golf from was sacked six times, briefl y birdie putt from just inside 22 feet me is good enough to play at the left the game in the fi rst quarter at the par-4 17th. highest levels out here,” Chappell with a shoulder injury after be- “A few under par on this tract, said. “The focus is just on enjoy- ing slammed hard to the ground I’m happy,” Hoff man said. “To get ing it and playing good golf. The on a sack by Alexander Johnson 8-under is really good. I did eve- results will come.” India’s Anir- before returning three minutes rything well, I made some putts ban Lahiri and Australian Cam- into the second stanza. and that’s a really good formula.” eron Davis were in a pack sharing New York’s Pierre Desir in- Walker hasn’t won since taking seventh on 66. tercepted two passes, return- ing one for a score. Sam Ficken kicked a career-best fi ve fi eld New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams tackles Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien by the facemask with cornerback Stephenson, Lee shoot 63s goals for the Jets, who have lost Pierre Desir during the second half of their NFL game on Thursday. PICTURE: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports their fi rst four games for the to share LPGA ShopRite lead second straight season under 75-yard drive by hitting Patrick to give the Jets the ball at the the next 10 points, taking a 10-7 without exchanging any post- coach Adam Gase. McManus, for a 7-yard score that gave the Denver 44-yard line with 8:37 lead when Rypien teamed with game pleasantries with the Jets. New York: American Lauren the 2017 Scottish Open. who made three fi eld goals, Broncos a 24-16 lead with 4:31 left. That set up Ficken for a 36- Jeudy on a 48-yard touchdown “There was just a couple Stephenson fired an eight-under “I have experience tied for the lead delivered his 53-yarder to put left in the quarter. yard fi eld goal that gave the Jets pass with 13:09 left in the half. of personal fouls there at the par 63, the lowest round of her the first round before, but anyway Denver ahead by two with 3:08 McManus and Ficken traded a 28-27 lead with 6:23 remain- Ficken’s 26-yard fi eld goal with end and our sideline was get- LPGA career, to share the lead with just I have three more rounds left,” remaining. New York’s next 54-yard fi eld goals early in the ing. 6:21 remaining knotted the ting (ticked) off about it and South Korea’s Lee Mi-hyang after Lee said. “I have to just concentrate possession ended when Chubb fi nal stanza before Desir picked Earlier, New York struck score. Denver took a 17-10 lead I just wanted to avoid having Thursday’s opening round of the on my golf and then just keep going. sacked Darnold on fourth- off Rypien and returned it 35 fi rst on Darnold’s dazzling 46- on Gordon’s 1-yard plunge with any confrontation at the end of ShopRite Classic. “I don’t want to change anything and-3 from midfi eld at the two- yards for a touchdown with yard scoring run that included 1:37 left. Ficken booted a 38- the game and having it get ugly Stephenson, a 23-year-old former and I don’t want to think about any minute warning, and Gordon 10:45 left. The ensuing two- him escaping a sack attempt yard fi eld goal with 15 seconds there,” Fangio said. “So, I tried US college standout at Alabama, more bigger than just right now.” tacked on a 43-yard scoring run point conversion pass by Dar- by Johnson and also avoiding a to go before the break. to get our guys to leave quickly made an eagle, eight birdies and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and American on the next play. Denver led nold was incomplete, but Den- tackle attempt by Justin Sim- At the end of the game, Bron- just to avoid anything happen- two bogeys at Seaview in Galloway, Ryann O’Toole shared third on by one in the third quarter be- ver’s lead was down to 27-25. mons just behind the line of cos head coach Vic Fangio tried ing there. I thought it was the New Jersey. 64 with American Jennifer Song fore Rypien capped a 13-play, Brian Poole picked off Rypien scrimmage. The Broncos scored to hustle his players off the field prudent thing to do.” “I feel amazing,” Stephenson said. “It another stroke adrift. was a beautiful day out, the weather Stephenson shared eighth in last was amazing and the golf was really year’s Vic Open in Australia in her PREVIEW good on top of that. rookie season LPGA debut for her “I got some good lucky shots out only top-10 tour eff ort so far. there, but I also played some good She birdied four of the first five golf. It was really nice to see hard holes Thursday, took a bogey at the work paying off .” She was matched eighth, then bounced back by start- in the late afternoon by 53rd-ranked ing the back nine with back-to-back Lee, who closed a bogey-free round birdies. “I was really happy with how New England’s Belichick looks with back-to-back birdies to match I was hitting it,” Stephenson said. Stephenson for the lead. “Kind of died off in the middle be- “It was really good start for me the tween ending on nine, and so when first round,” Lee said. “Just want to I turned to 10 I was like, ‘All right, this keep doing my best. I didn’t get is my special day.” to solve Mahomes riddle any bad shots and bad putts, so On the par-4 14th, she found the everything was good. That’s why I rough off the tee but then blasted a AFP Brady. shot 8-under par.” pitching wedge from 137 yards and Los Angeles Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says Lee, a 27-year-old from Seoul, seeks the ball rolled into the cup for an Newton’s formidable rushing and solid her third career LPGA title after the eagle, although she didn’t learn that passing will cause problems for his de- 2014 Mizuno Classic in Japan and until later. he greatest tactical brain in the fense. NFL goes up against the league’s “Cam can do anything. Cam, he’s been hottest quarterback tomorrow the passer, he’s been the runner, he’s Twhen Bill Belichick’s New Eng- been the whole deal,” Reid said. “They land Patriots attempt to put the brakes have the run game that’s tremendous. Rugby World Cup 2023 on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas You also have a guy that can throw City Chiefs. the football. “I’ve played against Cam draw to use 2019 rankings Just three weeks into the NFL season, enough and seen him enough to know Mahomes and the Chiefs have already lit how explosive he is doing both.” London: The draw for the The remaining eight teams up the league, establishing themselves as Reid is also expecting Belichick to have 2023 Rugby World Cup in will come through the regional early favorites to successfully retain their devised a plan to stymie the Chiefs’ free- France will take place in qualification process. Super Bowl crown. scoring off ense. “Any Bill Belichick team Paris on Dec 14 using seedings The rankings for the draw In a 34-20 rout of the Baltimore is going to be well-coached in having an- based on the world rank- have South Africa, New Zea- Ravens on Monday that was more one- swers,” Reid said. ings taken after last year’s land, England and Wales in the sided than the fi nal scoreline suggests, In other games on Sunday, Russell tournament, organisers said top band. Mahomes was borderline unplayable as Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks take yesterday. Ireland, Australia, France, and he unleashed the full range of his talents their unbeaten 3-0 record on the road Off icials said it was the “least- Japan are in Band Two, with in a fi ve-touchdown performance. against the Miami Dolphins while an- worst option” following the Scotland, Argentina, Fiji and The prolifi c 25-year-old gunslinger is other surprise 3-0 team, the Buff alo Bills disruption of the international Italy in Band Three. on track to shatter a range of records if travel to Nevada to face the Las Vegas calendar in 2020. Bands Four and Five consist of he maintains the pace set during his fi rst Raiders. However, recognising the qualifiers. three full seasons in the NFL. On Monday, Aaron Rodgers will look to potential for major swings “While Covid-19 means that, In his fi rst three games of the 2020 extend Green Bay’s unbeaten start to the in form and personnel over in the interests of fairness for campaign, Mahomes has completed season when the Packers host the Atlanta such a long period, the Rugby all qualified teams, we have 67.8% of his passes, averaged just under The famously taciturn Patriots coach the backs are a big weapon for them, both Falcons (0-3) at Lambeau Field. World Cup Board has also needed to draw a line under 300 yards a game and accumulated nine was left impressed after studying the in the running game and in the passing Rodgers has enjoyed a blistering start recommended that the draw the rankings at the beginning touchdowns with no interceptions. Chiefs quarterback’s latest masterclass game. to the campaign so far, with 887 passing for future tournaments should of the year, everyone should In 34 regular season games since his against the Ravens. “So, yeah, there’s a lot to stop. We’re yards in three games where the Packers’ take place no earlier than one appreciate that this is a unique debut as a rookie in 2017, Mahomes has “All the superlatives that have been going to have to play well collectively as off ense has averaged just over 40 points year before the event. time. amassed 10,310 passing yards and 85 said about him, I’d just be repeating them a team.” per game. Twelve teams have auto- “We can’t delay and we must passing touchdowns, more than any all,” Belichick said this week when asked The Chiefs, one of seven teams re- Week four is taking place after the sea- matically qualified owing to a continue to accelerate plan- other quarterback in NFL history at the to assess Mahomes’ display. maining with a 100% record after three son’s fi rst outbreak of coronavirus, with top-three place in their 2019 ning for what is going to be a same stage. “I mean they’re really good,” Belichick rounds, are meanwhile focusing on the 11 members of the Tennessee Titans test- World Cup pools — champions truly spectacular and special It means that Belichick, the unparal- added. “It starts with an MVP quarter- dual threat posed by rejuvenated Patriots ing positive for Covid-19. South Africa, England, Wales, Rugby World Cup 2023 in leled master of designing gameplans ca- back and great off ensive coordinator and quarterback Cam Newton. The Titans game against the Pitts- New Zealand, Japan, France, France,” World Rugby chair- pable of containing potent off ences, will head coach. Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, has been burgh Steelers scheduled for Sunday has Australia, Ireland, Scotland, man Bill Beaumont said in a have his work cut out for him at Arrow- “They’ve got a lot of good skill play- a revelation in the opening weeks of the been postponed until later in the season Italy, Argentina and Fiji. statement. head Stadium tomorrow. ers, a lot of experienced players. I think season after replacing the departed Tom following the cluster of cases. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 3, 2020 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE Milan survive aft er late goal, marathon shootout AFP In Northern , Belgian at- extraordinary energy. “It’s diffi cult Paris tacker Alexis Saelemaekers put Milan to control emotions,” said Pioli. “We ahead with a low shot from the edge of went from winning to losing in a mo- the penalty area after 51 minutes. ment and vice versa.” C Milan avoided being elimi- Francisco Geraldes levelled after 71 Milan were without a host of expe- nated in a preliminary round minutes with a fi rst-time shot. rienced players including Zlatan Ibra- in Europe for the fi rst time In the fi rst minute of extra time, himovic. “We were strong, especially on Thursday by equalising Gelson put the home team ahead. mentally, with a very young team,” withA a penalty in the last seconds of Milan had 24 strikes on goal but said Pioli. extra time and then winning a 24-kick only levelled when Berokovic jumped In London, Harry Kane scored a shootout 9-8. to head a harmless lob, missed the ball hat-trick for the hosts. Giovani Lo The seven-times European cham- and was struck on the arm. Calhanog- Celso tripled his total of goals for the pions trailed going into added time in lu drilled the spot kick in off the base club with two in three minutes, Lucas extra time but Toni Borevkovic han- of the post. Moura and Dele Alli, with his fi rst goal dled in the penalty area, earning his Milan went fi rst in the shootout. since March, also scored. second yellow card and Hakan Calha- Both teams converted their fi rst six Celtic squeezed through 1-0 after noglu converted from the spot to give attempts. In the next four rounds, Rio Odsonne Edouard prodded home a Milan a 2-2 draw and set up an agonis- Ave spurned three chances to win; fol- rebound midway through the second ing shootout. lowing a Milan miss with one of their half away to FK in Sarajevo. “You can’t win without suff ering,” own. In Basel, the home team took the said Milan manager Stefano Pioli. In that sequence, Nelson Monte hit lead after 54 minutes when Arthur Elsewhere, former European cham- both posts before his shot rolled away Cabral converted a penalty but Por- pions Red Star Belgrade, Celtic and from goal, the two goalkeepers took tuguese midfi elder Tiago Rodrigues PSV Eindhoven all advanced with consecutive kicks and both blasted levelled after 72 minutes and then away victories. over and Geraldes also hit a post. put CSKA ahead in the 88th minute. Tottenham romped to a 7-2 victory Ahmed Ahmedov added a third deep over Maccabi Haifa, Granada, com- ‘WE WERE STRONG’ into added time. peting in Europe for the fi rst time, The sequence was broken when de- In Athens, Swiss striker Adir Meh- won 3-1 in Malmo but Basel let in fender Simon Kjaer converted for the medi gave Wolfsburg the lead in fi rst- three goals in the last 18 minutes and second time in the shootout and then half stoppage time but Portuguese lost 3-1 at home to CSKA Sofi a while Gianluigi Donnarumma hurled him- midfi elder Andre Simoes replied af- club Wolfsburg also blew self high to his right to push away ter 64 minutes and Iranian attacker a lead and went down 2-1 to AEK in Nuno Santos’ penalty. Karim Ansarifard hit the winner four Athens. The Milan players celebrated with minutes into added time. AC Milan’s players celebrate after winning the Europa League match in a penalty shootout against Rio Ave. (Reuters)

LEAGUE CUP ANNOUNCEMENT Germany coach Loew selects huge Arsenal edge past squad for Oct. ties

AFP dbach’s . Berlin Germany captain , as well as fellow Bayern stars , Serge ermany head coach Gnabry, Niklas Suele and Leon Reds on penalties Joachim Loew yes- Goretzka have been included. terday nominated a Loew has admitted to an 29-man squad - in- “uneasy feeling” about the Gcluding fi ve from European away game a week on Satur- champions Bayern Munich day in Kiev amid the coro- - for October internationals navirus pandemic. However, against Turkey, Switzerland the Germans intend to spend and Ukraine. The Germans 36-hours in the Ukraine, tak- to enter quarters twice threw away the lead last ing only the matchday squad month in 1-1 draws against to Kyiv. both Spain and Switzerland in ‘With the tempo we played at it was a lacklustre first half and an awful performance’ the Nations League. GERMANY SQUAD “We’ve selected an expand- Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer ed squad that gives us enough (Bayern Munich), AFP options for the three games,” (Arsenal/ENG), London explained Loew. () He said he intends to divide Defence: (Borussia his squad into two separate Dortmund), rsenal held their nerve groups, the fi rst for the home (Borussia Moenchenglad- to reach the League friendly against Turkey in Co- bach), (Atalanta/ Cup quarter-fi nals as logne next Wednesday. ITA), , Bernd Leno saved two The second, including many , Lukas penaltiesA in a 5-4 shootout win of his fi rst-choice stars, will be Klostermann (all RB ), over Liverpool after Thursday’s used for Nations League games (Leeds United/ 0-0 draw at Anfi eld. against Ukraine in Kiev, then ENG), Antonio Ruediger (Chel- Mikel Arteta’s side had already against Switzerland back in sea/ENG), (Borus- beaten Liverpool on penalties in . Real Madrid star Toni sia Dortmund), the Community Shield earlier Kroos has been selected even (Hertha Berlin), Niklas Suele this season and they repeated though he has a thigh injury. (Bayern Munich), Jonathan the trick in the fourth round tie. Manchester City midfi elder Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Joe Willock scored the winning Ilkay Gundogan has been left Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri penalty after Leno saved from out after testing positive for (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Divock Origi and Harry Wilson. Covid-19 two weeks ago. Brandt, Mahmoud Dahoud Adrian kept out Arsenal’s “The players will arrive in (both ), third spot-kick from Mohamed two stages and we basically (Paris St. Elneny, but Alexandre Lacazette, plan with two diff erent teams,” Germain), , Leon Cedric Soares, Ainsley Mait- Loew added. Goretzka (both Bayern Mu- land-Niles and Nicolas Pepe all “The players from Munich nich), (Chelsea), netted before Willock sent the and Leipzig as well as Toni Jonas Hofmann (Borussia Gunners through. Kroos, will only join us later Moenchengladbach), Joshua Arsenal, who haven’t lifted and start training on Wednes- Kimmich (Bayern Munich), the League Cup since 1993, day. “I am not planning to use (Real Madrid/ESP), have won three of their last four them for the game against (Borussia meetings with Liverpool in the Turkey.” Moenchengladbach), Suat space of just 11 weeks. Loew has included two new- Serdar (Schalke 04) Liverpool beat the Gunners 3-1 comers in midfi elders Mah- Strikers: Luca Waldschmidt in the at Anfi eld moud Dahoud from Borussia (Benfica/POR), on Monday, but Arsenal took the Dortmund and Moenchengla- (Chelsea/ENG) spoils against the champions in Arsenal players celebrate winning the League Cup penalty shootout against Liverpool. (Reuters) the league in July and the Com- munity Shield in August. have put Liverpool ahead when season, but boss Dean Smith it was a lacklustre fi rst half and the far post to fi nish off Ethan Arsenal’s disciplined display the Japanese forward volleyed made 11 changes for Stoke’s an awful performance.” Pinnock’s header. Traore named in Spain squad was another sign that the FA Cup against the bar from fi ve yards fourth round visit and his under- Brentford earned a measure of Making his fi rst start of the Wolverhampton Wanderers statement on the double call- winners are heading in the right after Diogo Jota’s header was studies were not up to the task. revenge for their Championship season, Benrahma fi nished off winger Adama Traore was up, although football analysts direction under Arteta’s astute pushed out by Leno. Stoke also fi elded an under- play-off fi nal defeat to Fulham west London rivals Fulham with named in the Spain squad by expect him to go with Spain. leadership. It was also revenge Leno underlined why Arteta strength team, but Michael last season as they swept aside a superb strike from long-range coach Luis Enrique yesterday, There have been several cas- for last season’s League Cup de- decided to restore him to the O’Neill’s Championship team their Premier League opponents. in the 77th minute. three days after also being es recently of African coun- feat on penalties against Liver- team and sell Emiliano Martinez won it in the 26th minute when Facing a struggling Fulham “We are where we are. This called up by Mali. Traore, tries calling up high profile pool, when the Gunners led 3-1 to Aston Villa, making a superb Sam Vokes headed in Jordan side who made a host of chang- is a team in transition, we came who was born in Barcelona European-based players, who and 4-2 in a thrilling 5-5 draw. stop from Van Dijk’s close-range Thompson’s corner. es, Thomas Frank’s team took fourth in the Championship last to Malian parents, has been have dual nationality, without There was less drama until eff ort and emerging as the hero After reaching the fi nal last the lead eight minutes before year,” Fulham boss Scott Parker at the centre of a tug-of-war prior consultation and then the shoot-out on this occasion in the shoot-out. season, when they lost to Man- half-time. Iran midfi elder Sa- said. “The players are learning. between the two federations being embarrassed when as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp In Thursday’s other fourth chester City at Wembley, this man Ghoddos found space down It’s new to them. When you go over the past 18 months. He they have failed to turn up. made nine changes, with only round action, Stoke claimed a was a more forgettable exit for the right and squared the ball up to the Premier League you can still represent either na- There was also a recall in the Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed shock 1-0 win at Aston Villa, Villa. “It’s a massive missed op- for Finnish youngster Marcus need to learn quickly.” tion as he has not yet played Spanish squad for Arsenal’s Salah retaining their places. while Brentford reached the last portunity and I said that to the Forss to slam home. Said Ben- Tottenham, Newcastle, senior international football. on-loan midfielder Dani Arsenal made eight changes eight for the fi rst time with a players. I don’t often get into rahma, linked with several Pre- Manchester City, Manchester The winger was selected for Ceballos, while under-fire as Bernd Leno, Rob Holding surprise 3-0 victory against Ful- them at half-time but I did to- mier League clubs, doubled the United and Everton reached the last month’s fixtures against Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa and Granit Xhaka retained their ham. Villa have won their fi rst day,” Smith said. Championship side’s lead when quarter-fi nals on Tuesday and Germany and Ukraine, but Arrizabalaga retains his spots. Takumi Minamino should two Premier League games this “With the tempo we played at the Algerian forward arrived at Wednesday. was forced to withdraw from spot in the squad. But there the squad following a positive was no room for Atletico Covid-19 test. “Touch wood Madrid’s Saul Niguez or Real Atletico’s Simeone backs Felix to show his best he can play this time as it’s Madrid midfielder Isco, while his third call-up,” Enrique said Liverpool new boy Thiago Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone anonymous display in the 0-0 draw at footballer who we really believe in.” mind. “Luis joined only recently and we when asked about Traore. Alcantara was absent after has backed forward Joao Felix to show Huesca last weekend. “Last pre-season he The Argentine coach refused to be drawn can’t wait to see what he brings us. We’ll “I really want to see him in testing positive for Covid-19. his best form this season after an up and showed the same desire and happiness on Spain manager Luis Enrique’s deci- follow the path I’ve discussed with those a Spain shirt. Regarding the Levante midfielder Jose Cam- down debut campaign in the Spanish in his game as he’s showing right now,” sion not to select any of his players for players individually.” call-up he’s received from pana was the only new name capital. Felix, who signed for a club-record Simeone told a news conference ahead of international duty, and also played down Atletico are likely to be without de- Mali, it’s up to him. As far as in the 25-man squad that also fee of about 120 million euros ($140.46 Saturday’s visit of Villarreal. “Until he got the likelihood of new signing Luis Suarez fender Jose Maria Gimenez, who tested I’m aware, he wants to play contains Barca wonder kid million) from Benfica last year, was impres- injured he started last season really well, being paired up front with Diego Costa. positive for Covid-19 last month. Villarreal for us, but it’s his decision and Ansu Fati, Tottenham Hotspur sive in Atleti’s 6-1 home demolition of and hopefully he can continue as he is “I spoke to Costa before the season could have up to seven injury-enforced we’ll always respect players’ new boy Sergio Reguilon and Granada in their Liga opener. However, and carry on growing with the team. We started and he knows what I want from absentees, including new arrivals Pervis decisions on these things.” Manchester City trio Eric Gar- he received some media criticism for his want to make use and take advantage of a him, what I need and what we have in Estupinan and Francis Coquelin. Traore has made no public cia, Ferran Torres and Rodri. Gulf Times Saturday, October 3, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA EPL Relentless Liverpool Messi, Fati inspire raise bar for title rivals AFP FIXTURES London (1400 GMT unless stated) TODAY iverpool are only three Chelsea v Crystal Palace games into their Pre- (1130), Everton v Brighton mier League title de- (1400), Leeds v Manchester fence but their stutter- City (1630), Newcastle v Ling rivals must get their acts 10-man Barca to Burnley (1900) together if they are going to TOMORROW prevent an Anfi eld procession. Leicester v West Ham (1100), Jurgen Klopp’s side have Southampton v West Brom answered any questions about (1100), Arsenal v Sheff ield their appetite for more success United (1300), Wolves v after winning the club’s fi rst Fulham (1300), Manchester English title for 30 years. United v Tottenham (1530), victory over Celta Following their chaotic Aston Villa v Liverpool (1815) opening win against Leeds, Liverpool have reeled off a pair ‘I’m very proud of this team, we worked hard, played with a lot of discipline with a man less’ of impressive victories against Benfi ca centre-back Ruben Chelsea and Arsenal to ex- Dias this week was a damning AFP tend their perfect start to the admission that the close-sea- Madrid season. A slightly below-par son signing of Bournemouth defensive eff ort against Leeds defender Nathan Ake alone seems to have sharpened Liv- was not enough to plug the arcelona’s new double- erpool’s focus. holes in his leaky defence. act delivered again as They were back to their A lack of cutting edge proved Lionel Messi and Ansu ruthless best as they dis- fatal in City’s shock Cham- Fati led them to a 3-0 patched big-spending Chel- pions League quarter-fi nal victoryB at Celta Vigo in La Liga sea at Stamford Bridge before loss to Lyon last season. With on Thursday, despite Clement brushing aside Arsenal after Sergio Aguero still recovering Lenglet being sent off in the fi rst the Gunners had the temerity from knee surgery, City again half. to take the lead at Anfi eld. failed to turn territorial domi- After scoring twice in Barca’s The additions of Thiago Al- nance into a knockout blow opening game of the season, Fati cantara and Diogo Jota have against Leicester. fi red struck early at a blustery given Liverpool even more If City, who face an intrigu- Balaidos, only for Lenglet to col- thrust and poise in mid- ing clash at Leeds on Saturday, lect a second yellow card in the fi eld and attack - an ominous look compromised, the same 42nd minute for pulling back thought given the Reds scored can be said for Manchester Denis Suarez. 85 goals in 38 league games last United after their erratic start. But even down to 10, Ronald season. Ahead of their trip to Beaten 3-1 by Crystal Pal- Koeman’s side were undeterred Aston Villa on Sunday, Klopp ace at Old Traff ord in a woe- and Messi made the lead more insisted he expects Liverpool ful opening game, Ole Gun- comfortable shortly after half- to be pushed all the way to the ner Solskjaer’s side needed a time, his weaving run and shot fi nish line. “It’s an open race, 100th-minute penalty to es- diverted in for an own-goal by Chelsea will be there, United cape Brighton with a 3-2 vic- Lucas Olaza. will be there, Arsenal, Totten- tory. Solskjaer relied on the Celta hit the crossbar but ham, these teams will always infl uence of Bruno Fernandes never really threatened a come- be there,” said Klopp. to revive United after the Por- back and when the ball spilled “There are tough moments tugal playmaker’s arrival from loose after another Messi dash in for us and other teams and it’s Sporting in January, injury-time, Sergi Roberto made about how you react and are but it is the defence that looks sure of the points. you doing it in the right way? most vulnerable at present. “We did a great job,” said Koe- “It’s a marathon, not a Chelsea’s spending spree man. “I’m very proud of this sprint, and you have to go of around £220 million ($283 team, we worked hard, played through a lot of moments. I million) was supposed to help with a lot of discipline with a have no idea who will win but ’s men close man less and even then we made I know a lot of teams will try.” the gap to Liverpool after they the best chances. I’m very, very But, in private, Klopp must fi nished 33 points adrift last happy.” be well aware that Liverpool’s season. Victory makes it two wins out bid to successfully defend the In the early stages of in- of two for Barcelona, who began title for the fi rst time since tegrating Timo Werner, Kai by thrashing Villarreal 4-0 on 1984 will be greatly enhanced Havertz, , Ben Sunday yet this was arguably a if their challengers cannot ad- Chilwell and Edouard Mendy, more impressive performance, dress their own shortcomings. Lampard’s Chelsea laboured to and not just because of the nu- Manchester City fi nished victory at Brighton before be- merical disadvantage. 18 points behind Liverpool in ing outclassed by Liverpool. Fati dazzled again. The second place last term and the Fighting back from three 17-year-old continued his bril- early signs suggest they have goals down to draw at West liant start to the season with an- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates not done enough to close the Bromwich Albion was encour- other smart fi nish and he off ered his goal against Celta during the La gap. aging for their team spirit but the kind of pace and penetration Liga match at the Balaidos Stadium While it was only one match, a worrying sign of their defen- that this team so often lacked in Vigo on Thursday. (AFP) last Sunday’s embarrassing 5-2 sive weakness. last term. home defeat against Leicester Arsenal are clearly im- Philippe Coutinho, mean- exposed several of the prob- proved, but it is too early for while, looked back to the lems that contributed to the Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup winners Coutinho of old. Deployed in a end of City’s two-year reign as to overhaul Liverpool, while more central attacking position champions. Tottenham’s squad look short in Koeman’s 4-2-3-1 system, the Pep Guardiola’s swoop for of quality and depth. Brazilian was aggressive without the ball and adventurous with it He was unlucky not to score in ing this week he wanted to put an who could easily have caved after it away from Joseph Aidoo and from three Celta defenders be- Qatar to meet Ghana in October 12 friendly the second half when his shot end to his “disagreements” with Lenglet’s red card. with the outside of his right foot, fore his shot took a cruel defl ec- cannoned back off the post. the club while good performanc- Lenglet will be suspended for steered inside the corner. tion off Olaza and crept inside Qatar will take on African giants Ghana in a friendly match in An- Perhaps most encouraging es like these are perhaps most the game against his former club Gerard Pique was lucky not to the post. talya on October 12. The match, which was originally slotted for for Koeman was seeing the likes likely to convince the Argentin- Sevilla on Sunday. be sent off , spared because Sua- He thought he had scored this year but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, of Fati and Coutinho shine on a ian the club is moving forward. Fati opened the scoring in rez was off side, but Lenglet paid again after Coutinho’s shot came will serve as preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup/2022 World Cup night when, in truth, Messi was Celta, who only just escaped the 11th minute after Coutinho the price for planting a hand on back to him off the woodwork joint qualifiers. not at his best, even if his display relegation last season, may not played a quick pass following Suarez’s shoulder as he looked to and in the 95th minute, it was For Ghana, the game is set to test the readiness of the Black included two superb runs, both have off ered the stiff est exami- a poor clearance from Jeison pull away. the 33-year-old’s run and shot Stars before a double-header against Sudan in the 2022 African of which led to goals. nation but they have an excellent Murillo. Allowing the ball to roll Messi helped to make it two that fell to the feet of Sergi, who Cup of Nations qualifiers in November. Koeman welcomed Messi say- record at home against Barca, across his body, Fati manoeuvred after half-time, darting away smashed in for a third.

FOCUS Arsenal still hope to seal late transfer deals: Arteta Reuters cisions in the next three days, I London think everything has been de- Rodgers thrilled with Leicester’s transfer activity layed so much, not just us but probably every team because of Leicester City manager praised start or from the bench,” he added. “He has quality rsenal are set to make the context that we’re in at the the club yesteday for bringing in quality players to in the final third of the pitch.” some key decisions be- moment. strengthen the side after complaining last month Rodgers said 19-year-old Fofana’s addition to the fore the transfer win- “We will try to make the best that he did not have the squad depth to fight on squad gives him the option of playing three at the dow shuts on October 5 possible decisions and at the both domestic and European fronts. back but did not confirm if the Frenchman would toA ensure the squad has the right end, whatever we have, we go for Leicester recruited right back Timothy Castagne slot straight into the side. “His natural profile as a balance for the rest of the sea- it fully convinced and prepared and winger Cengiz Under on loan last month while player will suit how we play,” Rodgers added. “The son, manager Mikel Arteta said to have a good season.” the signing of French central defender Wesley football aspect I think he will adapt quickly too. But yesterday. Arsenal, fi fth in the table, Fofana for around 30 million pounds ($38.78 mil- there’s a life adaption too... he will be straight onto British media reported that failed to beat Sheffi eld United lion) was announced earlier on Friday. his English lessons.” Arsenal have been in talks to in the league last season and the Premier League leaders Leicester City are in Meanwhile Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben sign highly-rated midfi elder Blades sit 19th after three games the Europa League this season and were drawn Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori may be sent out Houssem Aouar from Olym- following three defeats. alongside Braga, AEK Athens and Ukrainian side on loan as the Premier League club looks to trim pique Lyonnais while Uruguayan The Spaniard praised Blades Zorya Luhansk in Group G. “I’m absolutely thrilled the squad before the transfer window shuts on midfi elder Lucas Torreira is set boss Chris Wilder for the club’s with what we’ve done, (head of recruitment) Lee Monday, manager Frank Lampard has said. for a potential exit. playing style, saying he expects a Congerton and his team have been exceptional,” Chelsea have spent over 200 million pounds Arteta refused to comment diffi cult encounter at the Emir- Rodgers told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier ($258.54 million) on a major rebuild and although on individual transfers but said ates where Arsenal are unbeaten League match at home to West Ham United. Lampard did not want to discuss transfer specula- he was confi dent in the club’s in their last 10 league games. “Quality was going to be important. I had an idea tion he said the club had a “big squad”. plans and that he had “full sup- “I watched Sheffi eld United’s of what I wanted numerically, but quality was more “With every player in the squad, if the situation is a port from the owners” amid the games already and they deserved important. The signings will definitely improve us. loan you have to consider what is the best for the Covid-19 pandemic which has much more from those games. “There’s one or two other positions we’d like to player and best for the club first and foremost,” he also aff ected transfer business. The way they played is tricky, so have strengthened in. I wouldn’t anticipate any told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match at home “I think it’s a crucial moment I’m expecting a really diffi cult more deals coming in, but you never know. If we to Crystal Palace. “With those three players I would because in the end it defi nes game,” Arteta said. “The margins don’t bring anyone else, it’s still a terrific squad.” take those things into consideration, but I haven’t the people, the players, the bal- in the league of winning, draw- Rodgers said and were got an answer for you. I have a good relationship ance and the quality that you’re ing and losing are really small available after knocks last weekend while 23-year- with them all but that’s one we will approach going to have for the rest of the and the details are crucial, but old Turkey winger Under could make his debut for player-by-player in the coming days. “Once the season,” Arteta told reporters they have generated big chances the Midlands club. window shuts every player that is here will be used ahead of Sunday’s league match every game and they’ve been re- “(Under) will be in the squad for the weekend and because there is a long season and a lot of compe- against Sheffi eld United. ally unlucky not to get anything it will be what the game needs, whether that’s a titions coming up. We will know more on Monday.” “We need to make some de- out of those games.”

Saturday, October 3, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Webinar discusses Qatar’s Covid-19 tournament model epresentatives from the Asian Football Confed- eration (AFC), Qatari medical authorities and theR AFC Champions League Lo- cal Organising Committee (LOC) have participated in a virtual webinar to discuss the measures taken by Qatar to safely host the continental tournament and ex- amine lessons learnt for future major sporting events during the Covid-19 era. From September 14 to Octo- ber 3, 2020, Qatar played host to 15 teams from Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan LOC Health and Safety Senior Manager Gordon Penney and Iraq, with the teams complet- Adviser to the Minister of Public Health of Qatar on Sports Aff airs AFC Deputy Director of Competitions and Football Events Division ing the remaining 36 AFC Cham- Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh Avazbek Berdikulov infrastructure. Everyone at the involved in the staging of these pions League matches as part of AFC thanks Qatar and the Qatar matches. Building a common the confederation’s remaining well as the provision of medical said: “From the beginning we pared to the national level of responding to positive cases in a Football Association for step- understanding of why these western region fi xtures. staff in stadiums throughout the have taken a very systematic ap- approximately of fi ve per cent, swift and safe manner, Qatar has ping up to stage this tournament measures were in place meant The matches were played competition. proach, which has meant that which is low in its own right. The shown the rest of the world that during such testing times and that arriving teams knew what within a robust bubble-to- The webinar – titled ‘Host- all participants were subject to tests were repeated every three there is a place for football to re- allowing us to give fans live con- to expect before they touched bubble bio framework that en- ing Mega Sporting Events in a testing prior to being allowed to six days which meant that turn. With the FIFA World Cup tinental football again.” down in Qatar, and had been giv- sured all participants remained Covid-19 World’ – convened in- into the rigid bio bubble. This any positive cases were detected 2022 qualifi ers about to resume, From a local organising per- en ample opportunity to adjust safely isolated from the outside ternational experts in the medi- means that they are only allowed very early on, thereby limiting we are now more confi dent that spective, Gordon Penney, LOC their behaviours for the safety of world in a manner that allowed cal, competitions and health and to go to stadiums and training the spread of Covid-19 amongst this can be done so safely, with Health and Safety Senior Man- everyone involved. for their safety and the ability to safety fi elds who discussed the sites through a dedicated trans- tournament participants.” the Qatari experience of host- ager, described the importance “We also made sure we exam- participate in all aspects of the measures that were put in place port system, where even the AFC Deputy Director of Com- ing the AFC Champions League of having clear lines of com- ined and assessed measures that tournament. in Qatar and what lessons can be drivers are part of the bubble.” petitions and Football Events playing a major part in that.” munication between diff erent had been applied by other sport- Other measures included learnt and applied in future sport- He added: “We administered Division, Avazbek Berdikulov, Berdikulov added: “This stakeholders and ensuring that ing organisations around the mandatory Covid-19 test- ing events in the Covid-19 era. more than 7,900 tests on all helped deliver the tournament tournament was also a fantas- measures were communicated world to take lessons and enable ing, safe transportation meth- Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh, players, and offi cials and across in Qatar and joined the webinar. tic opportunity for some of the well ahead of time: us to build our own unique ap- ods, regular disinfection of all Adviser to the Minister of Pub- the LOC workforce with and He said: “When it comes to region’s best clubs and players “A key component of the proach suitable for this tourna- tournament venues, including lic Health of Qatar on Sports witnessed a very low positiv- hosting a tournament of this to experience some of Qatar’s measures taken was our ability ment and a country like Qatar.” training and media facilities, as Aff airs, joined the webinar and ity rate of just 1.7 per cent, com- scale during a pandemic, and world-class FIFA World Cup to communicate with everyone —Qatar2022.qa

ATHLETICS IPL Dhoni heroics not enough as CSK Bekele ruled out of succumb to 7-run loss against SRH

IANS London Marathon Dubai visibly drained M S Dhoni’s (47*) best ef- forts were not enough in the end for Chen- naiA Super Kings (CSK), who succumbed to a seven-run loss with calf injury to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Priyam Garg of Sunrisers at the Dubai International Hyderabad celebrates his fifty Cricket Stadium yesterday. against Chennai Super Kings Ethiopian withdraws from tomorrow’s race, Kipchoge given clear run for fifth title In reply to SRH’s 164/5, CSK yesterday. (Sportzpics for BCCI) could only manage to reach 157/5. CSK lost their fi rst three youngsters,” said Warner in the Reuters wickets within the powerplay post-match presentation cer- London as SRH ensured that the chas- emony,” said Warner. ing side’s run rate remained “I said it in my press confer- alarmingly low. At the start ence - when these guys don’t thiopia’s Kenenisa of the 10th over, CSK found get opportunity to bat, it’s go- Bekele, the second-fast- themselves at 43/4. ing to be diffi cult for them. I est marathon runner in Ravindra Jadeja (50) and asked them what they thought history, has withdrawn Dhoni later steadied the ship was a good total, they said 150, fromE tomorrow’s London race for CSK with the former up- we got 160-170. These guys with a calf injury which has put ping the ante in the death assessed the conditions and paid to his showdown with Ken- overs. The pair put up 72 runs played well, so really really ya’s world record holder Eliud for the fi fth wicket before proud of them,” he added. Kipchoge. Jadeja holed out at deep back- Garg was adjudged player of Bekele said he picked up the ward square-leg just when he the match. “I felt very good in injury after “two fast train- started to look like taking CSK there, because it’s a big stage ing sessions too close together”, home. Sam Curran (15*) came with senior players. I wasn’t leaving Kipchoge as an even hot- in and hit a six off the very first thinking too much, just playing ter favourite to win his fi fth Lon- ball and the situation came my natural game,” said Garg. don Marathon title, with the race down to CSK needing 28 to win Garg only managed to score being run on a new, multi-lap off the last over. 12 the last time he got to bat in course at St James’s Park. The over started perfectly the tournament. “I think the “I was in good shape but then I for CSK with Abdul Samad’s best thing is the team manage- picked up a niggle in my left calf fi rst delivery running to the ment backed me after I failed in in the last weeks of preparation,” boundary down the leg side, as the fi rst game,” he said. Bekele said in a statement yester- wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow “The plan was to play day. failed to gather the wide ball. my shots and their bowling “I have been having treatment But Samad managed to keep helped. I’ve batted with Ab- every day since then and I truly things under control in the hishek throughout my child- believed I would be ready but to- subsequent deliveries to en- hood so it was easy. There’s day it is worse and I now know I sure that CSK fi nished seven a positive energy in the fi eld cannot race on it. runs short of the target. too after such an innings. My “This race was so important Earlier, Priyam Garg (51 not self-belief has grown after the to me. My time in Berlin last year out) and Abhishek Sharma’s knock,” the youngster said. gave me great confi dence and (38) 77-run stand for the fi fth motivation and I was looking for- wicket was crucial as SRH BRIEF SCORES ward to showing that again.” scored 164 for the loss of 5 SRH 164/5 in 20 overs (Priyam Bekele’s time of two hours one wickets. Garg 51 not out, Abhishek minute and 41 seconds in Ber- SRH captain David Warner Sharma 31; Deepak Chahar lin was two seconds shy of Kip- commended Garg and Sharma 2/31) beat CSK 157/5 in 20 choge’s world record set on the for their innings. “It was nice overs (Ravindra Jadeja 50, MS same course a year earlier. to see our guys back themselves Dhoni 47; T Natarajan 2/43) by “I know many people around - that was my message to these seven runs. the world have been looking for- ward to this race and I am sorry to disappoint my fans, the organis- Walsh named Windies women’s team coach ers and my fellow competitors.” added Bekele. Former West Indies pacer back in any way I can and “I will take time to recover and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele. (AFP) Courtney Walsh has been help with the development of become fi t again and I hope to be appointed head coach of the the game in the West Indies,” back in London next year.” means a world record attempt is West Indies women’s team, Walsh said in a statement. Kipchoge ran 1:59.40 in an unlikely, taking the edge off what the sport’s national governing “The experience I have, my unoffi cial race in Vienna last will be the only major marathon body said. knowledge of the game, and October but, as Covid-19 wiped to have been held since March. Walsh, 57, will take charge of my overall organisational out much of the year’s athletics “The world has been waiting the team until the end of 2022 skills will be key aspects as we programme, Sunday would have to see this head-to-head but it and oversee their run in the try to develop a winning team been both men’s fi rst race for a will now not happen this Sun- Women’s Cricket World Cup culture. year. day. We know how disappointed and the Women’s T20 World “We have some fantastic play- Bekele’s withdrawal is a huge he (Bekele) is and we wish him a Cup. ers in the West Indies, and it blow to organisers and the BBC speedy recovery,” said Brasher. Walsh, who is West Indies’ will be my duty and focus to who are screening the men’s, “This was never likely to be just leading wicket-taker in help the women to develop women’s and wheelchair races a two-man race as we had four of tests with 519 wickets in 132 their talents and achieve the live. the top 10 fastest marathon run- matches, had worked on a goals we are going to be set- Race director Hugh Brasher ners ever and six men in the fi eld short-term contract with the ting together.” has managed to organise an elite- who have broken 2:05, including women’s team at this year’s Walsh also served as an only event on a fenced-off route, (Ethiopians) Mosinet Geremew T20 World Cup in Australia. assistant coach with the with the fi nish line on The Mall, and Mule Wasihun, second and “It’s an exciting challenge and Bangladesh men’s team and the same as the normal course. third last year, and 2018 runner- I’ve always wanted to give as a West Indies selector. Wet, windy weather also up Shura Kitata.” Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge during a training session. (AFP)