sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adam Griffith, Dawid Malan, Graeme Souness, Jordan Petaia, Juan Bernat, Leandro Paredes

Sport

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 BarcaB not among Champions League ffavourites, says copach Koeman When you’re at Barcelona you always want to be there fightingf for trophies, be it in or Europe. We aren’t the favourites,f but we can go far.

Barcelona coach Sport | 11

MLB - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: (GAME 7) Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta Braves 4 - 3 (Dodgers advance to World Series) World No. 1 Farag leads star cast at

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Diego Elias (World No. 6), World No. Syed Azlan Amjad (a wildcard 7 Marwa El Shorbagy and the Qatar’s most successful player entrant). Qatar is getting set to host the eighth-ranked Simon Rosner, the and World No. 27 Abdullah Tamimi stunned the world with world’s best men players 2018 finalist. The 2005 champion Mohammed Al Tamimi to join a his superb performance at last again at the 2020 Qatar Classic, the James Willstrop will also be star cast which includes year’s PSA Men’s World Squash 19th edition of the annual interna- strutting his stuff along with Championship where he reached tional squash tournament, which Grégory Gaultier, the 2011 three-time champion and the the Round of 16, narrowly losing to takes place at the Khalifa Interna- champion who has been given a World No.2 Mohammed El eventual champion Tarek Momen. tional and Squash Complex wildcard. Shorbagy, 2016 champion and Tournament Director Tareq from November 1 to 7. The event, being held against World No. 3 Karim Adbel Gawad, Zainal said, “We are happy to be Forty six players including the the backdrop of the global COVID Tarek Momen, the 2017 finalist hosting the tournament again after world’s top-eight are featuring at 19 pandemic, is doubtlessly a testi- the break occasioned by the the prestigious tournament, one of monial to the undaunted spirit and and the World No.5 at hosting of last year’s World Cham- the signature events on the Profes- passion of all the stakeholders for the19th edition of the annual pionship. Without any doubt, Qatar sional Squash Association (PSA) the sport, as well as the unwavering international squash is passionate about squash, and we Tour, which carries a total prize commitment of the organisers to tournament. are committed once more to purse of $175.000 cash prize. the tournament. hosting an eventful event - a tour- Players expected in Doha All eyes will be on the top- nament will linger for a long time include defending champion and ranked Mohammed El Shorbagy, 22 after 192 days of recess due to in the memories of all participants. World No.1 , three-time who holds the enviable record of the COVID-19 pandemic. His Man- We are leaving no stone unturned champion and the World No.2 the only person to win three times chester title was the 42nd PSA title to ensure the safety of all partici- Mohammed El Shorbagy, 2016 at the tournament, as he embarks of his career, moving him to fifth pants, given the current global champion and World No. 3 Karim on the journey of making it four on the all-time squash win list. coronavirus pandemic, and eve- Adbel Gawad, Tarek Momen, the conquests. Qatar’s most successful player ryone is assured of a safe and 2017 finalist and the World No.5 The 28-year-old Egyptian has and World No. 27 Abdullah hitch-free tournament besides our Paul Coll. been in fine form this year, winning Mohammed Al Tamimi will be well acknowledged world-class World No.1 Ali Farag Other stars on the card include the Manchester open on September leading the home charge alongside hospitality.” United Champions League: PSG kicks without Cavani and off campaign with eye on title Maguire for

AFP – contract, said earlier this month as he trip to PSG indicated PSG could not win the Cham- Paris Saint-Germain came so close to pions League without major winning the prize they crave more than strengthening. REUTERS – anything in last season’s Champions “We didn’t like what he said. The club League and are hoping to go one better didn’t like it and I didn’t like it either,” Edinson Cavani’s hopes of this time, but there are concerns that the said Leonardo. making his Manchester United Qatar-owned club might actually have “If you decide to stay, you have to debut against former club Paris gone backwards in recent months. respect the club’s sporting policy, the St Germain in the Champions Bayern Munich’s greater experience internal rules and the situation at the League were dashed after the told in Lisbon in August, and there were club.” Uruguayan striker was left out tears at the end for as the French But if there was no love lost just a of the travelling squad champions agonisingly lost 1-0 in their few weeks ago, Tuchel would have been yesterday. first ever Champions League final. pleased to see several new signings United manager Ole Two months on, ’s arrive just before the transfer window Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed side begin their latest bid for European closed on October 5. Cavani as well as Harry success at home to Manchester United PSG signed two new , Maguire, Mason Greenwood, Paris Saint-Germain today, in a rematch of the last-16 tie in with Portuguese international Danilo Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard players in action 2019 which PSG lost to a controversial Pereira arriving on loan from Porto and have missed the trip to the late penalty. during a pre- Rafinha joining on a three-year deal French capital for today’s It therefore brings back memories match practice from Barcelona. opening group stage match. of just one of several painful defeats in session yesterday, striker was also Solskjaer confirmed Cavani the Champions League in recent years, on the eve of captured on loan from Everton to still needs to work on his fitness but the reality is that Paris should be con- their Champions strengthen the attack. levels, while Maguire has sus- sidered favourites against the Old League match Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are still tained a minor knock. Trafford side and to win a group also against Manchester there of course, and so is Angel di Maria, Cavani, who joined United containing RB Leipzig and Istanbul United. INSET: PSG's but they still look light in defence. on a free transfer after his PSG Basaksehir. Neymar during the Friday’s 4-0 win over Nimes was contract expired last season, Yet whether this will be the season practice session. their fifth in a row in after starting had to self-isolate for 14 days that they do go all the way remains to the campaign with two straight defeats, on arrival in the United be seen. the Champions League in August -- in PSG’s history. I am saying this so that yet question marks remain about their Kingdom. The 33-year-old fin- Tuchel has been the first to complain Cavani is now at United and so could the club progresses and doesn’t make longer-term prospects this season. ished his spell in Paris as the that his squad is weaker than it was last come back to haunt his old side this the same mistakes in future.” Tuchel Meanwhile in the short term PSG are French club’s most prolific season as PSG -- having already seen week. would appear to agree with that view, still missing a host of players for the start scorer with 200 goals but has several key players depart over the Skipper did stay for the with his apparently difficult relationship of their European campaign. not played since March. summer -- have started the new cam- ‘Final Eight’ in Lisbon but has since with the man who makes the signings Influential left-back is In Maguire’s absence, paign hamstrung by injuries, suspensions joined Chelsea and complained that producing regular headlines in France. out with a knee injury, while midfield United Bruno Fern- and coronavirus cases. Leonardo had been “We will do everything we possibly duo and andes will captain the side for Right-back Thomas Meunier and all- “clumsy and rushed” in refusing to offer can and we will never accept excuses are expected to miss Tuesday’s game and the first time, which he dis- time record goal-scorer Edinson Cavani him a deal to stay. but we have to face up to the reality and is absent too. covered while sitting alongside left when their contracts ended, not even “Not only with me,” the Brazilian told that is that we have lost players,” the Di Maria, at least, can play here while his manager for the news sticking around for the latter stages of . “Cavani is the top scorer German, who is in the final year of his he serves a ban domestically. conference. Boli strikes as Al Rayyan beat Al Wakrah; Al Arabi clinch first win of QSL season

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Khater from the right side of the that they earned from their goalless penalty area. draw with Al Khor in Week 2. The Ivorian Yohan Boli was the star of the The victory raised Al Rayyan's Orange Fortress had lost 0-3 to Al day for Al Rayyan who defeated Al points total to seven, while Al Wakrah Duhail in their opener and then 0-2 Wakrah while Al Arabi clinched their remained six points. to Al Wakrah in Week 3. maiden win of the season as the fourth Earlier, Al Arabi defeated Umm Al Ansari’s goal, a header, resulted round of QNB Stars League concluded Salal 2-1 at the Al Arabi Stadium with from Mehrdad’s free-kick. yesterday. a last-gasp goal by Mehrdad Al Arabi continued their attacking At Al Gharafa Stadium, both Al Mohammadi (90+4). ways in the second session, but Umm Rayyan and Al Wakrah were involving Abdulaziz Al Ansari (45+1) had Salal managed to draw level through in a tough battle right from the kick earlier put Al Arabi on top before Belhocini’s penalty awarded when Al off with both teams being missing out Abdennour Belhocini pulled one back Arabi’s Khalaf Saad ‘handled the ball’ several chances to score. Following a for Umm Salal in the 68th minute on the edge of the penalty box. goalless first half, the eight-time through a penalty. When the game headed towards champions, Al Rayyan started to apply After being held 2-2 by Al Khor in a draw came a brilliantly-executed more pressure on their opponents and Week 1, Al Arabi had lost 0-2 to Al Ahli bicycle kick by Mehrdad that beat Al Rayyan's Yacine Brahimi (centre) vies for the ball the Ivorian forward succeeded in the and 1-2 to Al Gharafa. Umm Salal goalkeeper Baba Malick with Al Wakrah players during yesterday's match. 49th minute with a powerful strike to The win lifted their points tally to hands down after Abdullah Al Marafi beat Al Wakrah goalkeeper Saud Al four. Umm Salal have only the point crossed the ball from the right. TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 11 CL group stage kicks off: What’s on the cards today

AP – PARIS each make their debuts in the Cham- GROUP G They met in the last 16 two seasons pions League. Juventus are without Cristiano ago, when United advanced in dramatic A look at what’s happening around the GROUP F Ronaldo and without its top form fashion thanks to a stoppage-time Champions League today: pushed Paris entering its opener at Dynamo Kyiv. penalty winner in the second leg in GROUP E Saint-Germain hard in the first Ronaldo tested positive for the corona- Paris. Chelsea start their group stage cam- knockout round last season as Erling virus last week while on international A big subplot could be the presence paign as something of an unknown Haaland scored both goals in a 2-1 first- duty with and is still quaran- of Edinson Cavani in United’s squad for quantity. Spending nearly $300m on leg win, before the German team lost tined at home in Turin. what could be his debut for the English transfers this summer has given the second leg 2-0. Without Ronaldo, Juventus team. He joined as a free agent this manager a squad Haaland and his strike partner struggled to draw at promoted Crotone month following his departure from swelling in domestic and foreign talent, Jadon Sancho return for Dortmund with Paris Saint-Germain host Manchester United in 1-1 in on Saturday. As new PSG, where he scored 200 goals in 301 but there’s still the feeling the rookie more experience, but the team can be opening round blockbuster. Juventus coach has games. coach doesn’t know his best lineup. defensively fragile and will miss the sus- acknowledged, his team is still a work Neymar should be feeling fresh for There are also concerns about his pended Emre Can against Lazio. Lazio in progress. PSG, last season’s beaten finalist, having defense, which has already conceded is back in the group stage for the first Juventus are without and Barcelona begin their campaign been left out of the win over Nimes on three goals twice in five English Premier time in 13 years with European Golden without its top form entering its opener at Dynamo against Ferencváros with new coach Friday. PSG coach Thomas Tuchel has League games and will be without Shoe winner Ciro Immobile facing his Kyiv. Ronald Koeman saying he doesn’t see fitness concerns over center back Mar- injured goalkeeper Edouard Mendy - former club. the Catalan club as the top favourite to quinhos and midfielders Marco Verratti one of the new recruits - against Sevilla. Belgian champion Club Brugge has win the European title this season. and Leandro Paredes. Leipzig, a semi- The Spanish team is a serial winner been hit by a wave of coronavirus cases Barcelona begin their campaign against Ukrainian club Dynamo is back in finalist last season, is at home to Istanbul of the Europa League, including last and will travel to Zenit St. Petersburg Ferencváros the group stage for the first time since Basaksehir, the Turkish champion, in season, but has never gone beyond the without goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. 2016, and Hungarian champion Fer- the other game. quarterfinals in the Champions League. The Belgium international tested pos- placed in quarantine. Under the helm encváros was last there in 1995. Faced with a tricky draw in a group It is coming off its first loss this season, itive for COVID-19 alongside two other of striker Hans Vanaken, Brugge has GROUP H containing two European heavyweights, to Granada on Saturday. players - Michael Krmencik and Odilon been in great attacking form since the Paris Saint-Germain host Man- Leipzig will be keen to make home Rennes hosts Krasnodar in the other Kossounou. season resumed, scoring 22 goals in nine chester United for one of the standout advantage count against Champions game as the French and Russian clubs They all have been ruled out and games to lead the standings. games of the opening round. League first-timer Basaksehir. PSG without Barca not among Champions Verratti, Paredes for United clash

League favourites: Koeman AFP – PARIS

REUTERS – BARCELONA Paris Saint-Germain will have to do without midfield duo Marco Verratti and Leandro Paredes Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman for their Champions League group-stage opener believes his side are not among the at home to Manchester United today, coach favourites to win this season’s Thomas Tuchel has confirmed, but captain Champions League with the could return. Catalans having made a stuttering Verratti suffered a leg muscle injury on inter- start to the new season. national duty with Italy and could be sidelined Speaking ahead of today’s visit for up to three weeks, sports daily L’Equipe of Hungarians Ferencvaros in their reported. Champions league Group G opener, Paredes injury a thigh muscle playing in Fri- Koeman played down media talk day’s 4-0 win at Nimes in Ligue 1. that the Catalans could be European In addition, striker Mauro Icardi champions. is absent with a knee problem, while the “When you’re at Barcelona you defensive pair of and Juan Bernat always want to be there fighting for are also on the sidelines. trophies, be it in La Liga or Europe. However, speaking to reporters yesterday, We aren’t the favourites, but we can Tuchel said Brazil centre-back Marquinhos and go far,” he told a news conference. Germany’s had been back in Barca’s recent Champions training. League failings - they have just one “I hope that they will be able to play for us semi-final appearance since last tomorrow,” said Tuchel, who also has Portugal winning the competition in 2015 - Danilo Pereira available for the first were cited by many as talisman Barcelona players in action time after arriving on loan from Porto. ’s main reason for during a training session. attempting to leave the Nou Camp Pic: Twitter / @FCBarcelona in the transfer window. The Argentina forward has fre- Leipzig to launch quently voiced his desire to lift the unfancied Getafe in la Liga on season at home to Real Madrid but opponent nowadays,” added the trophy again and this season could Saturday. Koeman said his side are only focusing Dutchman. European campaign be a final chance to do it with Barca “But when you see him on a on the Champions League for now. “It’s always important to win the as his current contract expires next day-to-day basis, he’s happy and “We know it won’t be an easy first Champions League group game, year. wants to play and be the team’s game. We’ll put out a strong team. especially at home.” in front of 999 fans “Right now, you could maybe captain. I don’t have any complaints Saturday’s game isn’t important right He will be without goalkeeper say his performances could be or doubts about his effort.” now - the important one is tomor- Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Alba AFP – BERLIN better,” Koeman said of his 33-year- The Ferencvaros game comes four row’s game. It will be a tough match plus long-term injury absentee old captain after Barca lost 1-0 at days before the first Clasico of the as there’s no such thing as an easy Samuel Umtiti. RB Leipzig will be allowed to welcome 999 fans to the Red Bull Arena for their Champions League opener against Istanbul Basaksehir today. Despite rising numbers of coronavirus cases across Germany, the local health authority in Cavani swaps life on farm for United spotlight Leipzig has granted permission for up to 999 spectators to attend, down from the usual AFP – LONDON number of 8,500 fans allowed for home Bun- desliga games. Marcus Rashford insists Edinson I had a lot of different The seven-day rate of infection for corona- Cavani will prove a valuable addition opportunities, I was excited to play virus in Leipzig on Monday was close to 20 per for Manchester United after the in the and even 100,000 inhabitants, far lower than Berlin with veteran Uruguay striker swapped life 87 and Munich with 70. o n the farm for the Old more so for Manchester United. Champions League holders Bayern Munich Trafford spotlight. I am very motivated because I will face Atletico Madrid behind closed doors on Cavani signed a two- always want to play as much as Wednesday at the Allianz Arena. year contract worth possible, work, train and give leaders Leipzig are eager to get £210,000-per-week ($271,000) an opening win before heading to Manchester on transfer deadline day. the best of myself. United, then hosting Paris Saint Germain -- who The 33-year-old missed Saturday’s 4-1 beat them in last season’s semi-finals -- in con- victory at Newcastle -- United’s first secutive weeks. match since his signing -- after going into in Ibiza, but he is recovered and ready to Leipzig reached the last four earlier this year quarantine for 14 days following his arrival add his experience and predatory instincts by beating Tottenham and Atletico Madrid, having in . to a young United team in need of reached the knock-out stage for the first time. Cavani scored 200 goals in seven years guidance. While their free-scoring victory Leipzig warmed up with an impressive 2-0 with PSG, but he left the Ligue 1 cham- at Newcastle suggested United already win over in-form side Augsburg on Saturday to pions in June, missing their run to the have enough attacking talent, the truth is stay top of the Bundesliga, with on-loan Man- Champions League final. Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Daniel chester City left-back Angelino and Denmark His age and lack of recent action James are all still relatively raw, capable striker Yussuf Poulsen providing the goals. prompted some United fans to label of excellence and head-scratching incon- Cavani a panic buy after their failure to sistency in equal measure. land Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Rashford hopes Cavani can emulate Sancho. the impact made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Atletico's Costa set Cavani spent the last few months who joined the club in 2016 having left shearing sheep on his farm back home in PSG as a free agent. Ibrahimovic, who was to miss Bayern trip Uruguay and indulging his unlikely also in his 30s during his time at Old passion for ballet -- even featuring in an Trafford, bagged four goals in his first five REUTERS – MADRID advert for a Montevideo dance school. United appearances and finished with 28 But, while he relishes his quiet life in his debut season as his talismanic Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa is being treated away from football and could easily have presence took the pressure off his for a thigh injury sustained against Centa Vigo slipped into retirement, Cavani’s love team-mates. at the weekend, the club confirmed yesterday, affair with the game was strong enough “As a forward line it is something to potentially ruling out the striker for tomorrow's to persuade him to accept a new chal- look forward to,” Rashford told . Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. lenge with United, regardless of what the “Hopefully he comes in and scores The club have not put a timescale on Costa’s critics say. goals, because he can definitely help us return to action, but local media reports suggest “I had a lot of different opportunities, win games and points. He can be a massive he will miss the next three weeks, starting with I was excited to play in the Premier League player for us this season. To win two or the visit to face the European champions in and even more so for Manchester United,” three trophies in a season you need a Munich. Cavani said. squad, it’s not possible if you don’t have “Diego Costa had to be replaced in the second “I am very motivated because I always people who can score goals one week and half of our side’s game against Celta Vigo. Costa want to play as much as possible, work, the next week. Growing up, United always underwent tests at the Clinica Universidad de train and give the best of myself.” had four or five forwards who could score Navarra that confirmed he has suffered a muscle Manchester United's Edinson Cavani in action during Cavani and his girlfriend contracted goals at any time. The closer we get to injury in the left thigh,” an Atletico Madrid a training session. PIC: Twitter / @ManUtd Covid-19 over a month ago after a holiday that, the more strength we’ll have.” statement said, adding that they are awaiting his response to treatment. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 Pirlo faces mentor Lucescu in CL opener

AFP – MILAN “I was always convinced he “It’s a competition that I’m would become a coach,” said accustomed to. I’ve been Andrea Pirlo takes his first Lucescu. Pirlo had a different involved in more than 130 managerial steps in the Cham- “I thought it about Andrea, personality than ‘Cholo’ games. pions League at Dynamo Kiev and also , who (Simeone) but he was just as “The Champions League today, a game which pits the was one of my players at Pisa. charismatic and with a lot of anthem is like your national fledgling Juventus coach against “Pirlo had a different per- anthem.” Lucescu’s Dynamo are his vastly experienced former sonality than ‘Cholo’ (Simeone) character. Above all, he never also “a very young squad”. mentor . but he was just as charismatic came on the pitch to do “My aim is to build this Lucescu, 75, and 41-year-old and with a lot of character. nothing, he was decisive. As team,” he said. Pirlo have both taken over their Above all, he never came on the well as being a creative “It’s not possible in football respective clubs this season. pitch to do nothing, he was player, he was someone who to start and get results straight But while Italy footballing decisive. As well as being a cre- away. There are no miracles in legend Pirlo never coached ative player, he was someone organised everything, which football.” Over his 40-year before stepping up at his former who organised everything, is yet another skill: Dynamo career, Lucescu has coached the club, Lucescu has over four which is yet another skill.” Kiev coach Mircea Lucescu Romanian and Turkish national Juventus’ Italian coach Dynamo Kiev’s Romanian decades experience throughout Whether he can follow teams as well as clubs in Andrea Pirlo coach Mircea Lucescu Europe. former players , Italy, , Ukraine And it was the former and ’s mana- and Russia. Romanian international who gave gerial success remains to be Juve hope Pirlo, who won a A season-opening 3-0 win Gaal’s Ajax, ’s AC “I find motivation in my a 16-year-old Pirlo his first Serie seen. World Cup, two Champions over Sampdoria was followed Milan and ’s passion for football,” he told A start in the Italian’s hometown “It’s possible, I hope he Leagues and six Italian league by draws at AS Roma (2-2) and Juventus. UEFA.com. club Brescia 25 years ago. does,” the Romanian told Turin titles as a player, can transmit promoted Crotone (1-1), with two But first up are Lucescu’s “I tried to stop last year, The much-travelled Lucescu daily Tuttosport. his vision of the game. red cards in as many games. Ukrainian league runners-up. because I’ve worked for 50 years also later coached Pirlo at Inter “But a coach needs at least The team are chasing a third To complicate the task, Cris- “It’s a competition that I’m without a break, but it was Milan in 1998. six months to stamp his mark on Champions League title after tiano Ronaldo is quarantined accustomed to,” said Lucescu impossible. For Lucescu, who won six a team.” Pirlo took over the 1985 and 1996, with seven because of coronavirus, and will whose appointment as Kiev boss “I wanted to come back, league titles as a player with reigning nine-time Serie A runners-up finishing including miss the Kiev trip and possibly had sparked an uproar after his there was so much I could still Dinamo in the 1960s champions after Maurizo Sarri in 2015 and 2017. But for Pirlo, the game against Barcelona in successful 12-year spell in give to football, especially to and 1970s, seeing Pirlo on the was sacked following Juventus’ his Juventus are “under con- Turin. As models Pirlo cites the charge of bitter rivals Shakhtar young players. opposition bench comes as no Champions League last 16 exit struction, a young team who Barcelona teams of Guardiola , where he won the “So, I came back and I feel surprise. to Lyon. need to gain experience”. and , Louis van 2009 UEFA Cup. good being back at work.”

Everton’s English Man City’s Aguero must show he goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (centre) tackles deserves new contract: Guardiola Liverpool’s Dutch defender REUTERS – LONDON “Sergio now has to show, like every one of Virgil van Dijk us, that he deserves to continue here -- keep during their Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says playing well, scoring goals and winning games English Premier Sergio Aguero can still play an important role for -- and after that the club and I will decide,” Guar- League match at the club after returning from a serious knee injury diola told British media. Goodison Park in but the Argentine striker has to show he can “But if he’s playing in his level we don’t have Liverpool, in this deliver on the pitch if he is to earn a new contract. any doubts that he’s a player to stay until he file photo taken Aguero, who joined City in 2011 and is their decides because he’s unique. He’s important for on October 17. all-time leading scorer with 254 goals, is out of us, our fans and everyone.” contract at the end of the season and can speak “But he was out four months and he has to to overseas clubs from start training regularly and start to score goals. January. Having Aguero on the pitch, we’re better, safer. TheThe 32-year-32-year- WeWe missedmissed hihimm iinn ttheh old sustained thethe important moments at injuryinjury in June aandnd thethe enendd ppartart ooff lalast mademade hhisis rreturneturn in season.”season.” Saturday’sSaturday’s 1-0 City, who are 110th0 Van Dijk to undergo knee surgery homehome win ooverver inin tthehe Premier LeaLeaguegu Arsenal.Arsenal. withwith seven points ffromro REUTERS – LONDON fourfour matches, begin theirthe Liverpool must sign defender ChampionsChampions LeagueLeague cam-cam Liverpool have been a dealt a paignpaign on WeWednesdaydnesd huge blow with news that centre Sergio againstagainst PortoPor back Virgil van Dijk needs to replace Van Dijk: Carragher Aguero beforebefore a lleagueeag surgery on damaged knee liga- meetingmeeting wwithi ments sustained in Saturday’s REUTERS – LONDON West HamHa derby draw against UnitedUnited at Everton. Liverpool centre back Virgil van Dijk’s lengthy absence through theth The Premier League cham- a knee injury has opened up the Premier League title race and Pep Guardiola weekend.weeken pions confirmed on Sunday that the champions must look to sign a replacement in the January the Dutchman, ever-present in transfer window, former defender said. the league for the last two Dutchman Van Dijk will have surgery for damaged liga- seasons, would need an oper- ments sustained in Saturday’s draw against ation, although they did not say Everton after a challenge by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. how long he would likely be “TheThe big question youyou’re re looking at now is, can Liverpool missing. wwinin tthehe lleagueeague witwithouthout Van Dijk there? I think Van Dijk was substituted it blows the title racerace wide open,” Carragher early in the game when told SSkyky SSportsports. Everton goalkeeper Jordan “I“I stillstill feltfelt at thet start of this season Pickford made a reckless chal- LLiverpooliverpool were thethe team to beat. With Van lenge in the box, which left Liv- DDijkijk out forfor whatwhat looks like the whole erpool manager Juergen Klopp season, it’s goigoingn to be all on for fuming. LLiverpool.iverpool. “Liverpool can confirm “Liverpool“Liverpool havehave to go into the market Virgil van Dijk will undergo in JanuaJanuaryry and nnoto just because of Van surgery on the knee injury he Dijk’s injury.inj They were weak in sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 that area anyway. They lost draw at Everton,” the club said (D(Dejan)e Lovren before the in a statement. ststart of the season... “The centre back damaged oothers in those positions knee ligaments following an are injury prone.” incident involving Blues goal- keeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.” midfielder told central defence with Joe Gomez Van Dijk has reportedly Sky Sports. and Joel Matip the only fit senior damaged cruciate ligaments, an “He is the catalyst for eve- centre backs available ahead of injury that normally requires rything they do. It’s a major blow a congested schedule where months of recovery, potentially and the last thing they needed.” they play six times in 18 days ruling him out for the rest of the Reigning league champions before next month’s interna- season while also dealing a blow Liverpool are third in the tional break. to the Netherlands ahead of the standings after five games, three Liverpool begin their Cham- Euros next year. points behind Everton. pions League group stage cam- “If you asked me at the start Van Dijk was bought for 75m paign at Ajax Amsterdam on of the season who is the one pounds ($96.85m) -- a club- Wednesday and Van Dijk’s player Liverpool don’t want to record signing -- and has played absence leaves another hole at be missing for a chunk of the 50 games in each of the last two the back with goalkeeper season, for me it would be Van seasons for Liverpool. Becker also sidelined Dijk,” former Liverpool Liverpool are also short in with injury. Rooney to miss games despite negative test

REUTERS – LONDON self-isolate and miss vital games for @dcfcofficial (Derby).” Derby confirmed Rooney must self- Derby County forward Wayne Rooney said isolate until Oct. 29, in line with UK government yesterday he had tested negative for COVID-19 and English Football League guidelines. but must self-isolate for 10 days after coming It means the 34-year-old will miss Derby’s into contact with a friend who tested positive. next three league games at Huddersfield Town Former England captain Rooney, player- on Tuesday and Nottingham Forest on Friday coach at Championship (second-teir) side Derby, plus the home game with Cardiff City on Oct 28. added that he was “angry and disappointed” with “We are positive that Wayne will be available the friend who had visited him despite being told for selection for the club’s Championship fixture to take a COVID-19 test and later testing at AFC Bournemouth on October 31,” the club positive. said in a statement. “Just received the news that my COVID-19 Rooney played in Derby’s 1-0 home defeat test has shown I do not have the virus,” Rooney by Watford on Friday, a day after the friend wrote on Twitter. visited him at his home. “Delighted for myself and family but obviously Derby are 21st in the standings after five angry and disappointed that I now have to games. TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 09 Roglic looks to retain title Wallabies leave with hope despite at virus-threatened Vuelta Eden Park mauling REUTERS — PARIS REUTERS — Primoz Roglic will be looking for more redemption after his The Wallabies leave New The good thing is we get Tour de France heartbreak as Zealand after a traditional Eden to play them in two he prepares for a COVID-19- Park spanking but showed weeks’ time and I can threatened Vuelta a Espana as enough on the two-test tour to guarantee it will be a Chris Froome bids farewell to give fans hope of a genuine Ineos-Grenadiers after 11 years contest in the remainder of the better outcome. Yes, with the British outfit. Bledisloe Cup and the we’ve got a lot of work to Slovenian Roglic, who lost upcoming Rugby Champi- do, but we don’t feel like the Tour on the last competitive onship. we’re too far away, as stage to his compatriot Tadej Australia predicted a well. Pogacar, won the Liege-Bas- backlash in Auckland after the togne-Liege ‘Monument’ classic Wellington draw, and the All and is in prime position to Blacks duly delivered in a 27-7 Wallabies prop retain his title in Spain when the victory that extended a 34-year race begins today. winning streak over the Wal- Backed by a strong Jumbo- labies at the Auckland venue. pressure on the home side. Visma team featuring top The Wallabies now trail 1-0 Wallabies teams of recent climbers Sepp Kuss and George Team Jumbo-Visma rider Primoz Roglic of in the four-test Bledisloe, the years might have capitulated Bennett, Roglic is well armed Slovenia, wearing the overall leader’s yellow annual series contested by the after falling 20 points behind for one of the toughest first jersey, finishes Stage 20 of Tour De France in trans-Tasman nations, ahead early in the second half but weeks in a grand tour, featuring this September 19, 2020 file photo. of the third clash in in Rennie’s side buckled down to three mountain-top finishes two weeks’ time. stave off a confidence-sapping after the planned Grand Depart However, the Australians humiliation. from the Netherlands was with Roglic co-leading the team Briton will be eager to leave done many stage races are buoyed that the series Still, Rennie and his staff scrapped amid the COVID-19 alongside former Giro d’Italia Ineos-Grenadiers at the end of recently,” Froome was quoted remains alive -- a novelty after may be worried about how to crisis. champion Dutchman Tom the season in style. as saying by Velonews. two tests in New Zealand -- and replace inside centre Matt Spain has been hit hard by Dumoulin. But the 35-year-old, who “Signs in training have got expect to be stronger on home Toomua, who came off in the the novel coronavirus and “During the Vuelta it will will ride for Israel-Start Up better and better and I am soil. first half after aggravating a organisers have ruled teams become clear who will be our Nation next year, has not made feeling more like myself again, “The good thing is we get to recurring groin problem. will be ejected from the race main man. Our team is at the it into the top 10 of any race which is fantastic. It’s hard to play them in two weeks’ time The team lost shape and a should two riders test positive start with two favourites for the since taking third place overall quantify that when I haven’t and I can guarantee it will be a defensive bulwark without for COVID-19 within a one- final victory, one of them is last in the 2018 Tour and seeing him been able to race against rivals. better outcome,” Wallabies second playmaker Toomua, week period. year’s winner”,” said sports among the top contenders “After the first few stages, I prop James Slipper told and his absence put more No rider tested positive on director Grisha NiermannNiermann wouldwould bebe a hhugeuge surprise.surprise. will be able to have a more clear reporters yesterday. pressure on flyhalf James the Tour de France in Sep- ahead of the first stagege in Irun. “I tthinkhink iit’st’s planplan for the rest of the race, and “Yes, we’ve got a lot of work O’Connor, who was unable to tember, but this month’s Giro FROOME QUESTIONTION quitequite hard knowkno what kind of job I can to do, but we don’t feel like repeat his standout per- d’Italia has seen two teams, and Their main rival is expected to ssayay fulfilfulfi at that point.” we’re too far away, as well.” formance in Wellington. some top riders, leave the race to be 2019 Giro championampion wwherehere I Other contenders include The 20-point loss might Toomua’s injury did allow after being infected by the virus. Richard Carapaz of Ecuador,Ecuador, amam at the France’sFran Thibaut Pinot, a stage suggest otherwise but despite Jordan Petaia to come on for a Jumbo-Visma was one of whose target this seasonson was momentmoment winnerwin on all three grands tours handling errors and some 40 livewire cameo at centre, with them but they are expected to the Italian race beforee he wwasas gigivenven andand a former Tour de France missed tackles there were some Hunter Paisami shifting be at full strength for the Vuelta, included at the last mmomentoment in that I podiumpod finisher whose chances good signs from the Wallabies forward to 12. the Ineos-Grenadiers squad for haven’t in hish home race were ruined in just their second match But persisting with such a the Tour after Froomeome andand afterafte he sustained a back injury under Dave Rennie. raw midfield could prove risky Geraint Thomas wwereere inin a first-stage crash. The set piece was steady, in a potentially decisive third Spain has been hit hard by the omitted because of ppooroor The top guns have already with hooker Brandon Paenga- Bledisloe match, which doubles novel coronavirus and organisers form. markedmar two stages where the Amosa helping to straighten the as the opener of the depleted have ruled teams will be ejected Four-time Tourur racerac could be won or lost - the lineout after Folau Fainga’a’s Rugby Championship. from the race should two riders test champion Froome,, Chris Froome sixthsi ending on top of the Col throwing troubles in Rennie mentioned the also twice a Vuelta dud Tourmalet in France, Wellington. uncapped Irae Simone as positive for COVID-19 within a winner, has yet to wherew Pinot won on the Their attack also showed another option at centre but one-week period. recover his top form TourT last year, and the 12th, plenty of variation, only for may prefer the experience of after a freak crash finishing atop the brutal poor finishing to cost two tries utility back if last year and the ascent to the Angliru. in the second half, easing the Toomua loses the race to be fit. Buttler stars as Rajasthan Pakistan rest Amir, Malik and Royals seal comfortable win Sarfaraz for Zimbabwe series

over Chennai Super Kings KARACHI AFP — Misbah-ul-Haq IANS — ABU DHABI remaining four matches and pray to Pakistan yesterday opted to rest qualify for the playoffs. senior players , Former champions Rajasthan Royals Chasing CSK’s 125/5, RR finished Mohammad Amir and Sarfaraz (RR) gave themselves a new lease of at 126/3 in 17.3 overs. Ahmed for their limited over series at life yesterday with a convincing Smith remained unbeaten (26 off home against lowly ranked Zimbabwe seven- win over three-time 34 balls) while speedster Jofra Archer starting later this month. winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), bowled a miserly spell of four overs, Head coach and chief selector a result that lifted them from the picking up the wicket of in-form Faf Misbah-ul-Haq said it was a “strategic bottom of the du Plessis and conceding just 20 runs. decision” to allow younger players a (IPL) points table to the fifth spot. Earlier, CSK won the toss and chance to feature in upcoming Before the game started yes- batted in a match that was captain matches. terday, RR were lying at the bottom Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s 200th in the Tho two sides will play three of the eight-team points table. After IPL; he thus became the first player one-day internationals and three they won with 2.3 overs to spare, to play 200 IPL matches. games, with the 22-man thanks to ’s 48-ball 70 not Ravindra Jadeja top scored with squad also allowing for new players out, they climbed to the fifth spot with 35 (off 30 balls) while Dhoni to try out in the shortest format. eight points from 10 matches. Steve made 28 off 28 before being run out “We are trying some new players Smith’s team is very much in the race due to his own fault. in but not in the ODIs to qualify for the play-offs. Jadeja and Dhoni added 53 runs because they lead towards automatic The top four teams qualify for the in 7.4 overs as they struggled to get qualification for the ICC World playoffs after each team has played going. The two had joined hands at Cup 2023 and are more important,” 14 matches each in the league phase. the fall of Ambati Rayudu’s wicket. Misbah said in a press conference in The ODIs -- starting in Rawalpindi The three Twenty20 interna- CSK, on the other hand, have CSK were struggling at 56/4 in 10 Lahore. on October 30 -- are part of the ODI tionals are in Lahore on November 7, looked completely off-colour this overs at the time. League from where the top seven out 8 and 10. Rookie batsman Abdullah season and the defeat at the Sheikh Spinners Shreyas Gopal and Rahul PAKISTAN SQUAD of 13 teams will qualify for the 2023 Shafique, who turns 21 next month, Zayed Stadium has pushed them to Tewatia conceded just 32 runs in eight World Cup to be hosted by India. has earned a maiden call after scoring the bottom of the points table. CSK overs combined, picking up a wicket Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Abid Ali, Zimbabwe, who rank as low as 14 358 runs with a hundred in ten will now have to win all their each. Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, in ODIs and 11 in Twenty20s, will matches in the National Twenty20 Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, arrive in Islamabad today and quar- which concluded on Sunday. Jos Buttler in action yesterday. Mohammad Rizwan, Rohail Nazir, Imad Wasim, antine for a week before they start Nineteen-year-old wicketkeeper , Usman Qadir, , Faheem practising. batsman Rohail Nazir who is a former Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan, The remaining one-day matches Pakistan’s Under-19 team skipper also Shaheen Shah, Wahab Riaz. will also be played in Rawalpindi on earned a call. Babar Azam will lead November 1 and 3. the team in both ODIs and T20s. Malan joins Hobart for BBL 10

IANS - HOBART Australian sport, and really enjoy he added. general playing in front of Aussie crowds,” he manager Scott Barnes said that the BRIEF SCORES England batsman has added. big-name signing builds off a solid been signed by Hobart Hurricanes for Hobart Hurricanes head coach foundation. CSK: 125/5 wkts in 20 overs (R Jadeja 35 not out, the upcoming edition of the Big Bash said Malan will fit the “The Hurricanes team that’s been MS Dhoni 28, S Curran 22, S Gopal 1/14, R Tewatia League (BBL). group well. built under Adam’s leadership over 1/18, J Archer 1/20) lost to RR: 126/3 in 17.3 overs Malan took the ICC T20I “I’m very excited to have someone the last couple of seasons is strong”,

(J Buttler 70 not out, S Smith 26 not out, D Chahar top spot during England’s campaign of Dawid’s talent and experience join said Barnes. 2/18) by seven against Australia during September the team,” said Griffith. “We have a group that know each in Southampton. “He is a proven performer at T20 other well and play together well. “The Big Bash is recognised as one cricket on the international stage and “The Big Bash League is all about of the leading T20 leagues in the I’m looking forward to seeing him our fans, and with a name like Dawid world, and I’m excited to be joining hopefully replicate that for the Hur- Malan stepping up we’re sure that the Hurricanes”, said the England ricanes. I spent some time with him they will be thoroughly entertained batter. when he was playing at Middlesex and through the summer,” the general “I love the whole ethos of he will fit into our group very well,” manager added. Sport TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 08 Qatar Football ‘Roger Federer Arena’ plan fails to rally signatures Family e-Sports

AFP - GENEVA after public figures is typically Tournament final Murray pulls out from a posthumous honour. A push to rename Basel’s main Hampered by the The idea to change the to be played today sports arena after local tennis coronavirus pandemic, arena’s name has been ATP's Cologne event superstar Roger Federer Federer fans fell 1,800 floating around since 2012 but THE PENINSULA — DOHA (pictured) fell through signatures short of the all attempts have so far with pelvic problem yesterday after it failed to 3,000 required to flopped. The Qatar Football Family (QFF) garner enough signatures. The initiators believe the e-Sports Tournament, jointly Hampered by the corona- trigger a local public move would have a positive organised by the Qatar Football Asso- REUTERS — LONDON knocked out in the first virus pandemic, Federer fans vote on the proposal. impact on the city, tourism ciation, and round by Fernando Ver- fell 1,800 signatures short of and tennis. Supreme Committee for & has suffered dasco last week. the 3,000 required to trigger They nonetheless sub- Legacy, will conclude at the Mall of another injury setback and He said he was suffering a local public vote on the mitted their petition to the Qatar, today. has pulled out of this week’s from tendonitis in his left proposal. year. Basel-born Federer, 39, Basel City cantonal authorities The tournament, which started on ATP Tour event in Germany psoas, the muscle which But hopes that the St.St. used to live in the on Monday in the hope that October 6 with the participation of a due to a lingering pelvic connects the lower back to JJakobshalleakobshalle will bbee suburbsuburb wwhere the the request will be met. number of e-sports fans in the State problem, the former world the top of the leg. renamerenamedd hehe RogerRoger hall iiss located. The 12,400-capacity St. of Qatar only on PlayStation 4, is a new number one said, raising “It’s been kind of on and FedererFederer ArenaArena areare AAss a Jakobshalle opened in 1976. initiative aimed at raising awareness doubts over his partici- off since the US Open,” stillstill burning youngster,yo The arena completed a of the game of football and reaching pation for the remainder of Murray said in a video despitedespite ththee he spent three-year renovation in 2018 out to all sections of the community. the year. message on Facebook. setback,setback, Swiss two at a cost of around 100m The semi-finals and final will be The Briton returned “I’ve been trying to deal newsnews agencyagency years as Swiss francs ($110m). The last broadcast on the Oasis Stage Giant from a second hip surgery with it in training, and in the ATS reported.reported. a ball time Federer played the Swiss Screen at the Mall of Qatar, in addition in January 2019 to win the matches, and unfortunately St. JJakob-akob- boyb at the Indoors and failed to reach the to the tournament’s account via Antwerp title seven months after my match here this shalleshalle hosts thethe SwissS final was in 2003. Twitch, a social media specialised in later - his first since 2017 - week it’s flared up again. SwissSwiss Indoors IIndoors Currently the world electronic games. raising hopes of a return to “I’ve been practising the men’smen’s tennis anand now- number four, Federer has won The FIFA 20 winners and the top echelons of men’s last few days and trying to tournament,t ournament, adaysa 20 Grand Slam singles titles champion will be crowned at the end tennis. manage it, but after playing whichwhich reigning hholdso a -- a record now shared with of the competition. A number of val- But he again suffered some points today, I decided championchamp i on ppost-tour-os Rafael Nadal after the Span- uable prizes, offered by the tourna- complications with his hip that it was not going to be FedererFeder e r namentnam pizza iard’s 2020 French Open ment’s sponsors and partners, are up following the Davis Cup in good enough to play.” wonwon forfor thethe partyparty for the victory. for grabs for top 100 players according November and only The three-time Grand 10th10th timetime ballball boysb and He topped the 2020 to the final rankings. returned to the circuit after Slam champion also fell in lastl ast girlsgirls in hohomage to Forbes magazine list of the lengthy COVID break. the first round of the French hishis fformativeormativ years highest-paid global athletes, The FIFA 20 winners and Murray played the first Open after suffering a crouchingcrouching at tthe net. raking in pre-tax earnings of champion will be crowned at of back-to-back events in second-round defeat in the InIn Switzerland,Switz $106.3m -- with $100m the end of the competition. Cologne, where he was US Open. rrenamingenaming streets, coming from appearance fees squares and the like and endorsement deals. Brady outplays Rodgers; Titans LA Dodgers early and Steelers remain unbeaten favourites over AFP — LOS ANGELES Rays in Fall Classic Tom Brady (centre) takes a Tom Brady won the battle of the snap against the Green Bay REUTERS — LOS ANGELES Still, it’s just the fourth Super Bowl-winning quarter- Packers during their NFL game. time since the postseason backs, outduelling Aaron With Los Angeles’ 4-3 victory expanded to eight teams in Rodgers as the Tampa Bay over the Atlanta Braves on 1995 that the teams with the Buccaneers routed the previ- Sunday in Game 7 of the best record in each league ously unbeaten Green Bay National League Champi- meet in the World Series. Packers 38-10. onship Series, the match-up But it took seven games Brady completed 17 of 27 is finally set for the 2020 in the Championship Series passes for 166 yards and two World Series, with the for each to earn a coveted scores, and Ronald Jones rushed Dodgers taking on the Tampa spot in the Series. for 113 yards and two touch- Bay Rays in the best-of- The Dodgers came back downs as the Buccaneers seven series, beginning today from a 3-1 deficit against the handed the Packers their first in Arlington, Texas. Braves in the NLCS while the loss of the season. The games will be played Rays held off the surging Brady’s sidekick Rob at a neutral site, in front of Houston Astros, culminating Gronkowski also got into the act about 11,000 fans at Globe with Saturday’s 4-2 Game 7 as the dynamic duo connected Life Field, with Los Angeles, win to take the ALCS. for their 91st career touchdown thanks to its better regular- This will be Los Angeles’ pass, as the Bucs improved to season record, as the home third World Series 4-2 on the NFL season. team for Games 1 and 2, and appearance in four years and The 12-yard score with 62 then 6 and 7 if it goes that far. its 12th since moving to Los seconds left in the second Los Angeles is opening as Angeles in 1958. But the quarter capped a 28-point the betting favourite, with Dodgers haven’t won since second quarter that set the tone The Titans improved to 5-0, Minkah Fitzpatrick interception yards and four touchdowns to FanDuel listing the Dodgers 1988 after coming up short for the rest of the contest at matching their 2008 start for return touchdown, Roethlis- lead the Atlanta Falcons to their as -210 and the Rays +165. in seven games to the Astros Raymond James Stadium in the best in club history, while berger’s 28-yard touchdown first victory, 40-23 at Min- DraftKings also favors the in 2017 and five games to the Tampa, Florida. the Texans sunk to 1-5. pass to James Washington, Con- nesota, while Philip Rivers Dodgers (-200) over the Rays Boston Red Sox in 2018. “He played great today. We Houston’s Deshaun Watson ner’s three-yard touchdown run threw for 371 yards and three (+160). The Rays, on the other got to try and keep getting him completed 28 of 37 passes for and a 35-yard Chris Boswell touchdowns to power Indian- The Dodgers (43-17) and hand, are in the Fall Classic and the tight ends the ball,” said 335 yards and four touchdowns, field goal. apolis over visiting Cincinnati Rays (40-20) have been on for just the second time in Brady of Gronkowski. including a one-yarder to Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield 31-27. a crash course to meet in the their history after losing to Six-time-Super Bowl Brandin Cooks that gave the threw a 13-yard touchdown Nick Foles threw for one Fall Classic after finishing as the Philadelphia Phillies in champion Brady joined the Texans a 36-29 edge with 1:50 pass to Rashard Higgins in the touchdown and ran for another the only two teams to reach five games in 2008. They are Buccaneers this season after to play. second quarter, but Chase to lead Chicago over host 40 victories during the one of six franchises spending two decades with the Tannehill marched the Claypool scored on a three-yard Carolina 23-16, while Detroit’s regular season, topping the (Colorado, Milwaukee, Texas, New England Patriots. Titans 76 yards and hit AJ run in the third and Benny Snell D’Andre Swift ran for 116 yards National and American San Diego and Seattle) still Rodgers finished 16 of 35 for Brown with a 7-yard added a one-yard touchdown and two touchdowns to power leagues, respectively. seeking their first World 160 yards with two touchdown pass with four run in the fourth for the Steelers the Lions over Jacksonville “From the moment that Series title. interceptions. seconds remaining in regulation to seal the victory. 34-16. we were able to put a season The matchup pits the Elsewhere, Derrick Henry’s to lift Tennessee level. The NFL’s two other unde- The host New York Giants together, once they figured dominant pitching staff of the 5-yard overtime touchdown Tannehill drove the Titans feated teams, Seattle (5-0) has won their first game of the year out the COVID thing, eve- Rays, led by the ace trio of run kept the Tennessee Titans 82 yards in six plays in overtime a bye week. 20-19 over Washington after rybody was expecting us to Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow unbeaten, while the Pittsburgh to set up Henry’s winning run. No new positive Covid-19 the visitors went for a two- get to the World Series,” said and Charlie Morton, against Steelers routed Cleveland to Ben Roethlisberger com- tests were reported Sunday, point conversion instead of a Enrique Hernandez, who the quick-strike explosive join them at 5-0. pleted 14 of 22 passes for 162 allowing all games to be played tying kick and misfired on a belted a game-tying pinch- bats of the Dodgers, who led Ryan Tannehill threw for yards and a touchdown, and as scheduled after a week that throw. hit homer for the Dodgers in MLB with 118 homers during 364 yards and four touchdowns, James Conner ran 20 times for saw disrupted practices for Giants receiver CJ Board the sixth inning Sunday. the regular season and added and Henry ran 22 times for 212 101 yards and a touchdown to multiple teams with at least one was immobilized and carted off “We were expecting us to 18 more during the yards and two touchdowns to lead the Steelers, who are 5-0 positive test. the field with a neck injury after get to the World Series.” postseason. lead Tennessee over Houston for the first time since 1978. - Ryan powers Falcons being hit by Washington’s Des- 42-36, while the Steelers ripped Pittsburgh jumped ahead win - hazor Everett in the third Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Cleveland 38-7. 24-0 thanks to a 33-yard Matt Ryan threw for 371 quarter. Julio Urias (foreground) and catcher Will Smith celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game seven of Golf: Kokrak claims first-ever the 2020 NLCS. Tour title with CJ Cup victory

REUTERS — LAS VEGAS to the COVID-19 pandemic, and featured a crowded field of top American Jason Kokrak fired off talent warming up for the Masters eight birdies in a flawless final next month, including four-time round for his first-ever PGA Tour PGA Tour winner Xander victory at the CJ Cup in Las Vegas, Schauffele, who finished second. Nevada on Sunday, clinching his Schauffele carded a near- maiden title on the 233rd try. flawless 66 with a single bogey on The 35-year-old outclassed a 16, but it wasn’t enough to crowded field of elite performers, overcome a disappointing two- carding an eight-under-par 64 at over-par third-round performance, the Shadow Creek Golf Course, “a rookie move” that lost him the draining a 20-foot putt on 10, one lead. Jason Kokrak poses of 11 putts he made from further Elsewhere in the field, 29-year- with the winner’s than 10 feet away through 72 holes. old Briton Tyrrell Hatton (65) and trophy after the final The tournament, typically part three-time PGA Tour winner round of the CJ Cup. of the PGA Tour’s Asian swing, was Russell Henley (70) finished tied at moved to the Las Vegas venue due third.