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MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2020 ManM United suffer double injury blow ItI is unfortunate... sometimes you get muscle injuries. We lost AnthonyA and Edinson. There’s a game already on Tuesday. But It’llI probably be (like this) this season. Some games we have to do withoutw players and I’m glad we’ve got the substitutions we have.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Sport | 11 QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE: Al Wakrah 98-59 Qatar SC, AL Ahli 99-94 Al Rayyan, Al Arabi 93-92 Al Sadd, Al Gharafa 104-64 Al Khor Former champions in desperate push to recover lost ground in points race Al Rayyan eye win in ‘difficult’ Al Arabi clash FAWAD HUSSAIN “What is important for THE PENINSULA During my life in the Qatari league, us is to get the three points there has been no easy match. All because we need these A tie between Al Rayyan and confrontations are difficult, especially points. Yes, we can win. All Al Arabi always grabs the ones against Al Arabi. We must players will have to give attention of the fans. It is not 100 per cent or more to win just a match between the two focus and present our best during the so we will play with our teams but also considered as 90 minutes. Al Arabi will certainly TOMORROW best side,” the Cam- a battle between die-hard seek a win too and such types of Al Duhail VS Al Sailiya eroonian star, accompa- supporters of the two Qatari matches do not depend on prior At Al Duhail Stadium (5.30pm) nying coach Aguirre, clubs with largest fan base. expectations but are decided Al Wakrah VS Al Sadd said yesterday. Both sides will lock horns At Al Duhail Stadium (7.45pm) “(Yacine) Brahimi’s tomorrow in a marquee by effort and work all the time: absence in the last two Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre Al Arabi VS Al Rayyan Week 8 clash at the QNB Stars At Al Ahli Stadium (7.45pm) matches was felt League, needing win to put WEDNESDAY although we played their campaigns back on well. All Umm Salal VS Al Kharaitiyat track after shaky starts to the QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS players At Al Ahli Stadium (5.30pm) new season. Rk Club Matches Wins Loses Draws GF GA GD Pts offer Al Rayyan, who finished 1 Al Sadd 7 6 0 1 27 6 21 19 Al Ahli VS Al Gharafa what runners-up in the last season, 2 Al Ahli 7 5 1 1 11 9 2 16 At Al Ahli Stadium (7.45pm) they have in are placed fifth after earning 3 Al Gharafa 7 5 2 0 18 11 7 15 Qatar SC VS Al Khor team game, but he is an 11 points from three victories, 4 Al Duhail 7 4 3 0 12 10 2 12 At Al Duhail Stadium (7.45pm) addition to the team,” he two draws and as many 5 Al Rayyan 7 3 2 2 9 6 3 11 added. defeats. Al Arabi are strug- 6 Al Wakrah 7 3 3 1 9 7 2 10 Al Sadd are leading the Meanwhile, Algerian gling on 10th position in the 7 Qatar SC 7 3 4 0 7 7 0 9 QSL standings 8 points clear international Ayoub Ezzi standings with five points, 8 Al Sailiya 7 2 3 2 9 13 -4 8 of Al Rayyan, followed by Al attended the Al Arabi team which they have earned from 9 Al Kharaitiyat 7 2 5 0 6 17 -11 6 Ahli (16), Al Gharafa (15) and training for the first time on one victory and two draws. 10 Al Arabi 7 1 4 2 8 16 -8 5 reigning champions Al Saturday while awaiting Ahead of a crucial fixture, 11 Al Khor 7 0 3 4 6 11 -5 4 Duhail, who are one points official registration in the Al Rayyan coach Diego 12 Umm Salal 7 1 5 1 3 12 -9 4 ahead of the Lions. team’s list as a professional Aguirre - who is on his way Aguirre was hopeful of his instead of the Tunisian Hamdi out - said his team must tomorrow’s clash at Al Ahli difficult, especially the ones team’s turnaround in the El Harbawi, it was reported defeat Al Arabi to join the race Stadium will be a tough chal- against Al Arabi,” said Aguirre standings after tomorrow’s yesterday. of title contenders. lenge for his side. before adding Amir Cup match. Al Arabi are hoping to “We will play Al Arabi “The match will be very finalists Al Arabi will give a “We are ready to play to bolster the defense line with our best side. We will difficult, especially since it has strong performance in tomor- get three points like we do alongside Spaniard Marc treat this as a final, given the a historical significance for row’s match. when we come to the ground Monesa. team’s need to win and return the fans of two sides. This “We must focus and for any other match. We want The Al Arabi team, to compete for the top match will have a special present our best during the to continue to fight to get to coached by Icelandic Heimir position in the league,” rhythm and we will strive to 90 minutes. Al Arabi will cer- the top of the table,” he said. Hallgrimsson, continued pre- Al Rayyan's Aguirre told a pre-match achieve victory. tainly seek a win too and such Meanwhile, Al Rayyan paring for the key Yacine Brahimi press conference yesterday. "We must give everything types of matches do not midfielder Franck Kom said clash against Al during a practice Despite his team’s better we have in order to win. depend on prior expectations his team has the potential to Rayyan. session following position against Al Arabi in During my life in the Qatari but are decided by effort and collect full points against Al The his return to the current standings, the Al league, there has been no easy work all the time,” Aguirre Arabi provided all players match kicks action. Rayyan coach admitted match. All confrontations are said yesterday. give their best. off at 7:45pm. Horse racing: $1.37m up for grabs at Qatar International Derby Festival THE PENINSULA – DOHA  Thoroughbred Qatar Derby GR1 QA: $500,000 SCHEDULE: 20TH RACE MEETING Last year's winner: Pedro Cara (Trained by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez - Ridden by Tony Piccone) QATAR DERBY FESTIVAL (DEC 20, 2020) A whopping $1.37m prize  Qatar Purebred Arabian Derby GR2 PA (2,000m): $150,000 QATAR DERBY (QA Gr1) (Far Bend) money will be on offer at Last year's winner: Shalaa (Trained by Thomas Fourcy - Ridden by Julien Augé) Distance: 2,000m Total Prize Money: $500,000 Qatar International Derby QATAR DERBY (Gr2 PA) (Far Bend)  Thoroughbred Al Rayyan Stakes (1,400m): $100,000 Festival at the iconic Al Distance: 2,000m Total Prize Money: $150,000 Last year's winner: Maystar (Trained by Archie Watson - Ridden by Hollie Doyle) Rayyan Racecourse later this QATAR DERBY (Gr3 PA) (Far Bend) month.  Qatar Purebred Arabian Derby GR3 PA (1,600m): $100,000 The 19th and 20th week Distance: 1,600m Total Prize Money: $100,000 Last year's winner: Jabalah (Trained by Alban Elie Marie de Mieulle - Ridden by Soufiane Saadi) of racing of the 2021-20 cal- QATAR DERBY (Far Bend) endar will see a total of 18 Distance: 1,850m, Total Prize Money: $70,000 races spread over two days LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Olds) with Qatar Derby (QA Gr10) (Far Bend) the feature event on Distance: 1,600m Total Prize Money: $20,000 December 20, 2022. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) Qatar Derby, a 2000 marathon on turf, will only Distance: 1,400m, Total Prize Money: $20,000 feature three-year-old LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Bend) entries with the winner Distance: 1,600m Total Prize Money: $20,000 taking home a staggering THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) (Far Bend) $285,000 in a race with an Distance: 1,850m, Total Prize Money: $15,000 overall prize bag of LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) $500,000. Distance: 1,850m, Total Prize Money: QAR 45,000 The second-placed rider will go home $110,000 richer with the third-placed 19TH RACE MEETING - QATAR OAKS jockey receiving $55,000, QATAR OAKS (F) (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) according to details posted Distance: 2,000m, Total Prize Money: $100,000 on the Qatar Racing and AL RAYYAN STAKES (Far Bend) Equestrian Club (QREC) Distance: 1,400m, Total Prize Money: $100,000 website. QATAR OAKS (F) (Far Bend) Last year, the $500,000 race was won by Pedro Cara, Distance: 2,000m, Total Prize Money: $55,000 trained by Mauricio Delcher QATAR OAKS (F) (Far Bend) Sanchez and ridden by Tony Distance: 1,600m, Total Prize Money: $75,000 Piccone. SAWDA NATHEEL STAKES (Fillies & Mares)(Class Qatar Derby (Gr2 PA), to 2) (Far Bend) be run minutes before the Distance: 1,200m, Total Prize Money: $45,000 feature race on Sunday, will LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Old offer $85,500 to the winner Riders contesting for Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle entries will get $22,000 and Last year, the Al Rayyan of the 2000m race. Qatar Derby (Gr3 PA) and ridden by Soufiane $11,000. Stakes was won by Maystar, Fillies) (Far Bend) The turf race for 4-year- honours will cover a dis- Saadi. The same day, Al Rayyan trained by Archie Watson Distance: 1,600m, Total Prize Money: $20,000 olds will offer $33,000 to the tance of 1600m with the A day earlier, a field of 16 Stakes - for 2-year-old colts and ridden by Hollie Doyle. PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (3 Year Old Fillies) second-best rider and winner taking home riders will aim for Qatar and geldings - will offer Following the 2020 (Far Bend) $16,500 to the third-fastest $57,000. The second and Oaks title (F, QA Gr 3). The $100,000 as overall prize Qatar International Derby Distance: 1,600m, Total Prize Money: $20,000 entry. third best entries will get feature race - for 3-year- money. The winner of the Festival, the next big horse PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) Last year, the race was richer by $22,000 and olds fillies - will be run over 1400m race will get $57,000 racing event will be the Distance: 1,200m, Total Prize Money: QAR 50,000 won by Shalaa, who was $11,000 respectively. 2000m with winner with the second and third- Amir’s Sword Festival trained by Thomas Fourcy Last year, the race was receiving $57,000. The placed entries getting scheduled for late LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Far Bend) and ridden by Julien Auge. won by Jabalah, trained by second and third-placed $22,000 and $11,000. February. Distance: 1,400m, Total Prize Money: $15,000 MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 Holders France to learn path to Man United suffer double injury blow Qatar 2022 in qualifying draw against West Ham REUTERS – LONDON AFP – PARIS Playing with the dates of football’s biggest placed in qualifying groups of five teams by virtue events has become commonplace due to the coro- of having qualified for the final four of the Nations Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar European nations led by reigning champions navirus pandemic, and qualifying is scheduled to League in Italy next October. Solskjaer said both Edinson Cavani and France will today learn their opponents in qual- start with three rounds of matches next March, It all points to a continuing pile-up of matches. Anthony Martial were substituted during ifying as they begin the long and congested road before the delayed Euro 2020 tournament goes For example, a team that reaches the final of Saturday’s 3-1 win over West Ham United towards the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. ahead in June and July. Euro 2020 can expect to play 17 competitive because of muscle injuries. The draw for the qualifying stage will take France will be joined in the first pot of seeds games between March and November next year. Uruguayan striker Cavani, who scored place in a virtual ceremony at FIFA’s headquarters for Monday’s draw by the world’s top-ranked side Club managers like Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp twice as a substitute against Southampton in Zurich, allowing France and leading lights like Belgium, reigning European champions Portugal have bitterly criticised the number of games their last weekend, was operating as the central Kylian Mbappe to start tracing out their route to and Croatia, the team they defeated in the 2018 players are being asked to play for club and striker against West Ham, but did not come a successful defence of the trophy in Doha. final in Moscow. country, and that issue is likely to come to the out for the second half at London Stadium. Two years since their triumph in Moscow, the England, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Germany and fore again over the course of 2021. French forward Martial was forced off French look the strongest side around, and the Netherlands will also be top seeds, with only The continent’s more modest nations have the pitch after 62 minutes and was replaced recently qualified for the finals of the Nations the winners of each of the 10 groups qualifying had their access to the European Championship by Juan Mata. League that take place next October. automatically for the finals. opened up by that competition’s expansion to 24 Solskjaer confirmed both strikers will “We mustn’t start believing we are better than The 10 runners-up will go into play-offs teams, but reaching the World Cup promises to undergo scans ahead of Tuesday’s Cham- we are but we do have the feeling that we can alongside the two best Nations League group be a far more arduous task. pions League encounter with RB Leipzig, still do some great thingsthings,”, France coach Didier winners who miss out on qualifying via the tratra- For example,example, after qualifying for Euro 2020 with United needing a draw to qualify for DeschampsDeschamps saidsaid thisthis weekweek as hhee lookedlooked aaheadhead to dditionalitional ppath.ath. to reachreach theirtheir ffirstirst major tournament since thethe the last-16. a packed 2021. ThoseThose play-offs will 1998 World Cup, Scotland will face an uphill “It is unfortunate... sometimes you get QatarQatar anandd FIFA recentrecentlyly cecelebratedlebrated marmarkingking produceproduce threethree strugglestruggle to makemake it to QatarQatar.. muscle injuries. We lost Anthony and two years to go until the start of the controversial moremore qualifiers in TheirTheir woworldrld rankingranking of 48 means Edinson,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. tournament,tournament, wwhichhich wiwillll start on NovemNovemberber 21,21, total,total, with EuropeEurope theythey are in thethe thirdthird potpot ooff seeseeds,ds, “There’s a game already on Tuesday. But 2022 and conclude with the final on having 13 spots out ofof soso could go into a group with, It’ll probably be (like this) this season. DecemberDecember 18 afterafter bbeingeing movemovedd to thethe 32 at tthehe ffinals.inals. forfor example,example, “Some games we have to do without the northern hemi-hemi- France, Belgium, France and players and I’m glad we’ve got the substi- spheresphere winter. IItalytaly and Switzerland.Switzerland. tutions we have.” After Tomas Soucek put Spain wiwillll West Ham ahead, goals from Paul Pogba, allall be Mason Greenwood and substitute Marcus Rashford helped United clinch a fifth con- secutive away victory in the league this season.seaso .

France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates upon their arrival in Paris after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup final in this July Anthony 16, 2018 file photo. Edinson Cavani Martial Spurs go top as Vardy strikes for Leicester

AFP – LONDON Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry The late winner was just reward Kane celebrates scoring for Leicester’s domination of the Son Heung-min and Harry Kane their second goal with Son game. They hit the woodwork twice fired Tottenham back to the top of Heung-min. in the first half through Vardy and the Premier League yesterday after James Maddison. Jamie Vardy struck in the final But it was Ayoze Perez who put minute to lift Leicester to third in the Brendan Rodgers’s men in front table. when he pounced on Marc Jose Mourinho’s men beat fal- Albrighton’s deflected shot. tering Arsenal 2-0 in front of 2,000 However, Chris Wilder’s men vocal fans at Tottenham Hotspur hit back immediately for only their Stadium to leapfrog Chelsea. fifth league goal of the season Earlier, Leicester beat rock- when Oli McBurnie showed good bottom Sheffield United 2-1 while strength to head home from a Crystal Palace hammered struggling corner. West Brom 5-1. The hosts then held out more Spurs took the lead in the north comfortably in the second period London derby in the 13th minute with until they lost possession inside a Son wonder goal. The South Korean their own half and Maddison Cadiz’s players was set free down the left by Kane, picked out a perfect pass to release celebrate as cut inside and curled a brilliant Vardy for the winner. Barcelona’s 25-yard effort into the top corner. Tottenham who have not lost a restrictions, still have to play behind In the first match of the day, Wil- Lionel Messi looks The home side doubled their lead league match since the opening day closed doors, while tier-two zones fried Zaha and Christian Benteke dejected during on the stroke of half-time as they of the season, now have 24 points such as London and Liverpool can both scored twice as Crystal Palace their La Liga match took apart their local rivals on the after 11 matches, two clear of Chelsea have crowds of up to 2,000. made West Brom pay for Matheus in Cadiz, Spain, on break. Giovani Lo Celso played in and three in front of Leicester and Sheffield United have just one Pereira’s first-half red card in a 5-1 Saturday. Son, who returned the earlier favour Liverpool. point from 11 games and were pun- rout at the Hawthorns. to tee up Kane to smash in from close Leicester ended a four-game ished for a lack of ruthlessness as The Eagles had struggled for range. winless run in all competitions at an John Egan let Vardy run through goals in recent weeks, but with Zaha Barcelona crash Son and Kane have now com- empty Bramall Lane to push the rather than bringing down the striker restored after missing defeats to bined for 31 Premier League goals, Blades closer to a return to the outside the box and taking a red card, Burnley and Newcastle due to coro- the second most of any pair after Championship. before the former England interna- navirus, Palace were a team trans- to fourth Liga Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Frank Clubs in tier-three areas of tional kept his cool to beat Aaron formed as they moved to 11th in the defeat of season Lampard (36). England, with tougher coronavirus Ramsdale. table. Chelsea’s US midfielder Christian Pulisic (second right) shoots to score their third goal past Leeds Lille beat AFP – MADRID United’s French goalkeeper Illan Meslier during their English Premier League match on Saturday.

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona suffered a fourth Liga Monaco to cut defeat of the season as they went down 2-1 to Cadiz on Saturday, while Real Madrid eased the PSG’s lead to pressure on Zinedine Zidane with their first league win since October. two points Barca are now a distant seventh, 12 points off leaders Atletico Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid REUTERS – PARIS 2-0. “It’s a gigantic step backwards for our chances Lille cut Paris Saint-Germain’s to fight for La Liga, you have to see it like that,” Ligue 1 lead to two points the Catalans’ coach Ronald Koeman said. yesterday after second-half “A points difference of 12 points with a team goals from Jonathan David and as strong as Atletico is enormous,” he added. Yusuf Yazici gave the north- Koeman made three changes from the erners a 2-1 home victory over midweek Champions League win at Ferencvaros Monaco. with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen coming Klopp singles out Chelsea as title favourites Christophe Galtier’s side in for Neto. have now lost only one com- But Ter Stegen made a first costly error in REUTERS – LONDON Chelsea up to the top of the league While Liverpool were six points petitive game this season, and Andalusia after eight minutes as Alvaro Gimenez table with 22 points. clear at the top this stage last season, they have already qualified for claimed his second goal in as many games. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has “If I watch football games at the this term they have had to cope with the Europa League last 32. The Barca defence failed to clear a corner claimed Chelsea are favourites to lift moment then Chelsea, for me, look a congested fixture list and several They now have 26 points which fell to Ter Stegen, but his weak parry onto the Premier League title this season like favourites,” Klopp told reporters injury setbacks. from 13 games in Ligue 1, two his own line was tapped in by Gimenez. because of the strength and depth of ahead of Liverpool’s home game Klopp said this season’s title race ahead of Olympique de Mar- Koeman’s men were all-square after 56 the squad that coach Frank Lampard against Wolverhampton would be more open than in previous seille who have two games in minutes as Jordi Alba’s low cross was deflected has at his disposal. Wanderers. campaigns but stressed Liverpool hand in a table where the top into his own goal by defender Pedro Alcala. Lampard has overseen a squad “They have the biggest squad, must remain focused only on their six teams are within five points But Ter Stegen’s second costly error came rebuild at Chelsea that cost about great players playing well together own performances. of each other. eight minutes later. £220m ($295.64m) in the summer after a rusty start - and they are full “I don’t feel we are chasing Monaco, who had won Clement Lenglet made a hash of Alba’s throw transfer window, and after a difficult on. anyone at the moment - or that their last four games, reduced in before Ter Stegen failed to clear under pressure start, the team are on a 16-game “They have unbelievable oppor- anyone is chasing us,” the German the arrears in the last minute from Negredo and the former Manchester City unbeaten run in all competitions. tunities to change in games and make coach said. “Pressure is there for us, through Pietro Pellegri but striker claimed his third goal league goal of the Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Leeds changes from one game to the other but it’s about how much you think drop to fifth in the table on 23 campaign. United at Stamford Bridge pushed - so that is it.” about that pressure, to be honest.” points. 10 SPORT MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2020 Perez goes from last to first in Sakhir GP

AFP – MANAMA Racing Point’s Sergio Perez celebrates FINAL STANDINGS after winning the Formula One Sakhir 1: Sergio Pérez - Racing Point Sergio Perez took full advantage of his Grand Prix at the Bahrain International 1h 31' 15.114 rivals' misfortunes yesterday as he Circuit yesterday. 2: Esteban Ocon - Renault + 10.518 battled from last position to claim his 3: Lance Stroll - Racing Point first Formula One victory in a chaotic + 11.869 Sakhir Grand Prix. 4: Carlos Sainz Jr - McLaren Racing Point's Perez could be out + 12.580 of work next season but recovered 5: Daniel Ricciardo - Renault from a first-lap crash in Bahrain that + 13.330 dropped him to the back of the field to 6: Alexander Albon - Red Bull earn his maiden win in his 190th race. the 30-year-old was helped by a + 13.842 shock Mercedes pit-stop tyres bungle 7: Daniil Kvyat - AlphaTauri + 14.534 and then a late puncture for stand-in 8: Valtteri Bottas - Mercedes star George Russell, who dazzled as + 15.389 substitute for world champion Lewis 9: George Russell - Mercedes + 18.556 Hamilton. 10: Lando Norris - McLaren + 19.541 Perez became the first Mexican 11: Pierre Gasly - AlphaTauri victor in F1 since Pedro Rodriguez in + 20.527 1970, ending a series of races domi- 12: Sebastian Vettel - Ferrari nated by Mercedes for whom Valtteri + 22.611 Bottas finished eighth and Russell 13: Antonio Giovinazzi - Alfa Romeo ninth. + 24.111 Perez is being released by Racing 14: Kimi Räikkönen - Alfa Romeo Point at the end of this season to be replaced by four-time world champion + 26.153 Sebastian Vettel, with the team to be 15: Kevin Magnussen - Haas rebranded as Aston Martin. + 32.370 He is currently without a 2021 race seat, but he is in contention to replace consecutive victories by Hamilton, who words. I cried on the line, that's how you, you have to believe in yourself." Tauri ahead of the two 'black arrows', Alexander Albon at Red Bull alongside was absent after contracting corona- much emotion there was inside," said Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz was Russell at least claiming his first two Max Verstappen, who crashed out on virus. He came home ahead of Esteban Ocon. fourth for McLaren ahead of Daniel points in F1 after leading for most of the the opening lap of a dramatic race Ocon of Renault, who claimed his first "It's been a tough season, but we Ricciardo in the second Renault and race before their pit-stop downfall. along with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. podium finish, and his Racing Point never stopped pushing. When there Albon. Lando Norris, who started at the back Perez's win came after four teammate Lance Stroll. I have no are less and less people believing in Daniil Kvyat was seventh for Alpha of the grid, finished 10th for McLaren. QMMF to unveil new version of Qatar Sprint Championship in January

French driver THE PENINSULA – DOHA Sebastien Ogier QMMF stages final round of National Sprint (right) and his The 2020 Qatar National co-driver Julien Sprint Championship, Ingrassia celebrate organised by Qatar Motor and after winning the Motorcycle Federation FIA World Rally (QMMF), concluded with the Championship in fifth and final round held at Monza, yesterday. Losail on Saturday. The hugely popular series, which had begun in January, was extended over the year following the forced ‘corona- Ogier wins seventh world virus pandemic’ break. Amro Al Hamad, QMMF Executive Director, expressed rally title in eight years his happiness with the great participation of 44 compet- AFP – MONZA, ITALY the dust as both winner and cham- itors despite the exceptional pionship leader. coronavirus pandemic France’s Sebastien Ogier secured his Ogier’s seventh title in eight (COVID-19) circumstances. seventh world rally championship seasons puts him on a par with Lewis “We did not expect this Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Mannai and yesterday after winning the closing Hamilton, who equalled Michael great participation, especially Executive Director Amro Al Hamad are seen with the overall winners of the Qatar National chapter of the coronavirus-disrupted Schumacher’s record seven Formula since some of the contestants Sprint Championship. The fifth and final round of the season was held yesterday in Losail. season in Monza. One titles last month. were unable to participate The event held with all precautionary measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) as per The Toyota driver went into the But he is still two shy of the nine from outside Qatar due to the the Ministry of Public health protocols. The hugely popular championship, which saw 42 final rally looking set to be denied by rally titles captured by his compa- current coronavirus situ- drivers participating in the round, was staged near the iconic Losail International Circuit. his teammate and standings leader triot and former mentor Sebastien ation,” Al Hamad said. Elfyn Evans. Loeb. Ogier was lagging 14 points “When some countries But the Welsh driver’s title hopes behind Evans before Monza, cancelled their sports activ- ended when he crashed in icy con- announcing before Thursday’s’ first ities, we worked during the ditions on Saturday, leaving the path stage that “I’ve got nothing to lose, I’m period. We thank the FIA for clear for Ogier and co-driver Julian going to throw everything at it”. their efforts throughout the Ingrassia to add to their previous rally This seventh leg of a season that past period and all con- crowns with Volkswagen and Ford. went into lockdown for five months testants for adhering to the On the 2019 calendar there were combined stages at the iconic precautionary measures and 14 rallies with only seven on the 2020 Formula One circuit with treacherous Ministry of Public Health pro- roster, with 12 of them scheduled for specials in the snowy hills of tocols,” Al Hamad said. next season. Bergamo. “The 2020 Qatar National Ogier won his first at Mexico, It was on one of these stages on Sprint was very strong until which went ahead controversially in Saturday that Evans’s title challenge the end, especially in some mid-March, he would also win at ended prematurely when his car categories where the results Monza and take two second places slithered off the road. were decided by a point’s dif- FIFTH ROUND RESULTS as consistency saw him through. Hyundai retained their con- ference. It also reflects the OPEN CLASS 1: 1. Abdullah Al Khelaifi (Westfield Sport) 52.358; 2. Abdul Aziz Al Jabri Turkey’s dirt roads nearly did for structors title thanks to deposed strong competition (Westfield Sport) 54.472; 3. Ayad Al Okar (Subaru BRZ) 54.655 When some countries OPEN CLASS 2: 1. Mohammed Al Khayarin (Mitsubishi Evo 10) 52.892; 2. Mohammed him in September as Ogier plled out champion Ott Tanak and Dani Sordo throughout an entire season. cancelled their sports Al Basti (Subaru STI WRX) 53.290; 3. Ibrahim Al Mannai (Mitsubishi Evo 10) 54.035 and had to watch Evans emerge from making the podium. In the final round we activities, we worked amended the speed and OPEN CLASS 3: 1. Abdullah Al Khelaifi (Supra) 52.333; 2. Abdulla Al Abbassi (Lotus Exige) changed the course which 52.848; 3. Yousef Al Jabri (Supra) 54.001 during the period. We made the competition PRODUCTION CARS thank the FIA for their Mick Schumacher bags Formula tougher,” he added. CLASS 1: 1. Saad Fahad (Mazda) 55.419; 2. Henry Kahy (Renault Clio) 55.632; 3. Nadim efforts throughout the Al Hamad also revealed Ziade (Renault Clio) 55.640 past period and all Two title before graduation to F1 CLASS 2: 1. Dean Ball (Porsche Boxster 718) 54.083; 2. Ali Emadadhi (Audi) 55.093; 3. that a new version of the contestants for adhering championship will be Jad Alawar (Ford Focus) 55.278 REUTERS – MANAMA launched in the new year in CLASS 3: 1. Francesco Fornaciari (Lotus Exige) 51.434; 2. Ayad Al Okar (Supra) 54.047; to the precautionary January, and therefore the 3. Mahmud Al Mahmoud (Porsche GT3) 54.905 measures and Ministry of An ‘overwhelmed’ Mick Schumacher competition will return FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS Public Health protocols: graduated to Formula One as the quickly and will be held in the OPEN CLASS 1: 1. Abdul Aziz Al Jabri 104 points; 2. Abdulla Al Khelaifi 93; 3. Fakhreddine Amro Al Hamad 2020 Formula Two champion same categories. Bejaoui 53 yesterday despite failing to score in The QMMF will be OPEN CLASS 2: 1. Mohammed Al Khayarin 105 points; 2. Mohammed Al Basti 104; 3. his last race before joining the meeting the contestants soon Ibrahim Al Mannai 69 US-owned Haas F1 team. to find out if some ruled could OPEN CLASS 3: 1. Abdullah Al Khelaifi 98 points; 2. Abdulla Al Abbassi 94; 3. Mohammed The 21-year-old son of seven- be changed in order to attract Al Khayarin 82 time world champion and Ferrari Mick more competitors, Al Hamad PRODUCTION CARS great Michael was 18th in a sprint Schumacher said. CLASS 1: 1. Henry Kahy 104 points; 2. Mansour Chebi 70; 3. Saad Fahad 69 race won by Indian driver Jehan In the final round on Sat- CLASS 2: 1. Mohammed Al Jaber (83) points; 2. Dennis Nikitopoulos (72); 3. Dean Ball (68) Daruvala while his sole title rival, urday, 44 participants in six CLASS 3: 1. Francesco Fornaciari (110) points: 2. Mahmoud Al Mahmoud (85); 3. Ayad Callum Ilott, finished 10th with only 2012 after a three-season comeback different categories of Open Al Okar (72) the top eight scoring. with Mercedes and has not been and Production Cars made Schumacher signed off with 215 seen in public since suffering severe attempts before their best title for a second year in a row In the O2 category, com- time of 52.333secs, a dif- points, 14 clear of Briton Ilott, with head injuries in a skiing accident in results were taken into collecting 104 points -- a dif- petition was exciting until ference of 0.515secs from Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda, now expected the French Alps in 2013. account in crowning the sea- ference of 11 points over his the final round. Mohammed Abdullah Al Abbasi, to move up to Formula One with Red Mick was European F3 champion son’s champions. closest competitor Abdullah Al Khayarin snatched the second-placed. Bull’s Honda-powered AlphaTauri in 2018 and joins Charles Leclerc and Abdulaziz Al Jabri Al Khelaifi. title managing to win the Yousef Al Jabri finished team, a further point behind. George Russell, now with Ferrari and emerged best in the O1 cat- Khelaifi recorded the fifth round with a time of third in 54.001secs. Tyre damage forced the German Williams respectively, as recent F2 egory, Mohammed Al fastest lap of 52.358secs 52.982secs, 0.308secs ahead In the P1 category, Leb- to pit after 15 laps, sending him to champions who have stepped up to Khayarin in O2, and Abdullah during his second attempt, of his closest rival Mohamed anon’s Henry Kahy emerged the back of the field. F1. The series was previously known Al Khelaifi in O3. especially since Al Jabri main- Al Basti. as the overall winner with a “It would feel or sound a lot as GP2. Henry Kahy topped the tained his pace and finished In the O3 category, tally of 104 points. His com- better if I had a good race today,” A Ferrari Academy driver, Schu- overall P1 category, followed second in 54.472secs in his Abdullah Al Khelaifi com- patriot Mansour Shibli was Schumacher said of the title, macher was announced by Ferrari- by Al Jaber (P2), and third attempt, while Iyad Al pensated for his failure in second with 70 points, and achieved with two wins and no poles powered Haas last Wednesday as Francesco Fornaciari (P3). Aker came third with a time the O1 category to claim the Qatari Saad Fahd, who won but plenty of consistency. one of their 2021 race drivers along In the Open 1 class, of 54.655secs in his first overall title finishing on top the fifth round, finished Michael Schumacher retired in with Russian Nikita Mazepin. Abdulaziz Al Jaber won the attempt. in the final round with a overall third (69pts). MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Men’s Basketball League: Al Wakrah, Al Ahli notch up victories World Athletics to allow ‘development shoes’ if they meet technical specifications

REUTERS — LONDON

Athletes will be allowed to wear shoes still under devel- opment in international competitions and events where World Athletics rules apply, upon approval of the shoes’ specifications, after a rule change by the sport’s governing body. The shoes will have to meet the same technical specifications as other approved shoes, World Ath- letics said. The amendment - rubber-stamped by the An Al Rayyan player controls the ball during Men’s Basketball League match against Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Sports World Athletics Council on Club Hall, yesterday. Al Ahli won the match 99-94 after a thrilling battle that went down to the wire. RIGHT: An Al Friday - applies to competi- Wakrah player attempts to score against Qatar SC in yesterday's other match. Al Wakrah won the match 98-59. tions sanctioned by World Athletics, area associations or member federations at which its rules apply. Nsubuga clinches But such “development Bezuidenhout wins shoes” will not be permitted in the World Athletics Series or at the Olympics. title at Education A debate over runners’ shoes has been raging since City Golf Club 2nd trophy in a row high-tech footwear developed by Nike played a starring role in two of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA SUN CITY Division A AFP — biggest distance-running achievements of 2019. 1st Place – Simon Nsubuga – 38pts Christian The third hotel golf series at Christian Bezuidenhout became Eliud Kipchoge’s sub- Bezuidenhout Education City Golf Club took 2nd Place – Lyonel Schmit – 37pts the first back-to-back winner two-hour marathon in place recently at the 3rd Place – Paul Kelly (C/B) – 36pts on the European Tour since kisses the Vienna and Brigid Kosgei’s Education City Golf Club, Division B Justin Rose from England in SA Open record-breaking run at the trophy. supported by Crowne Plaza 1st Place – Arshad Dar (C/B) – 39pts 2017 when he lifted the South Chicago Marathon brought Doha – The Business Park. 2nd Place – Wiktor Bak (C/B) – 39pts. African Open trophy at Sun City Nike’s Vaporfly shoes into Over 70 golfers partici- 3rd Place – Zubair Jalal (C/B) – 38pts yesterday. the spotlight, sparking debate pated in the tournament that The 26-year-old South over whether the advanced features a different hotel in African carded a final round 69 footwear gave runners an Qatar each month. for a total of 270 and a five-shot unfair advantage. Crowne Plaza Doha – in Division B with 39 points. victory over Wales’ Jamie Don- World Athletics banned The Business Park was the The winners received aldson, who also finished with the shoes from professional sponsor of the monthly golf some attractive prizes from a 69 at the Gary Player Country sport earlier this year, fol- tournament, which aims to Crowne Plaza Doha – The Club. lowing which Nike launched encourage local tourism and Business Park, including Bezuidenhout won the a new version of its Alphafly hotel staycations as well as overnight stays for the Alfred Dunhill Championship shoe that complies with new introduce Doha’s dining division winners. in South Africa last weekend now I have joined so many for par. At Sun City this week, rules introduced by the gov- outlets and exciting offerings. The next hotel series will with four sub-70 rounds and illustrious names that are he birdied 21 holes and bogeyed erning body. Simon Nsubuga clinched be taking place later this repeated the feat in the second engraved on it. only three, with two of those Manufacturers use devel- top spot in Division A after month and interested partic- oldest national golf champi- “I did not have a good front coming at the par-three third. opment shoes to conduct accumulating 38 points while ipants can register via ecgolf. onship in the world after the nine, bogeyed eight, turned one Donaldson, seeking a first tests with sponsored athletes Arshad Dar emerged winner com. British Open. over and had my five-shot European Tour win since the before making them It was the third consecutive overnight lead trimmed to just 2014 Czech Masters, fought available in the market. victory by a South African in the two. bravely and claimed six birdies, Division A winner event with Bezuidenhout emu- “But three birdies from 10 but he also bogeyed three holes, Simon Nsubuga lating Branden Grace and major did the trick, gave me some with three putts at 17 ending winner Louis Oosthuizen. breathing space and I heeded any faint hope of a miracle win. Kandie The final leaderboard this the advice of my caddie to be Frittelli, joint fifth at the year was dominated by South patient and not take unnec- Masters last month, parred 15 smashes half Africans with Dylan Frittelli (71) essary risks.” holes, birdied two and bogeyed third, Dean Burmester (71) Bezuidenhout took what his one when he needed a round marathon fourth and JC Ritchie (72) fifth. caddie said to heart by parring in the mid-60s to pose a serious “It is an unbelievable feeling five of the remaining six holes threat. world record to win the South African Open,” and picking up a birdie at 16. The South African Open was said Bezuidenhout after three The recipe for success of the the last of three European Tour in Valencia rounds of 67 and a closing 69 South African includes straight events in the country and the in northwestern South Africa. driving, reaching greens in reg- season concludes with the REUTERS — VALENCIA “Every South African golfer ulation and if birdie putts do not World Tour Championship in dreams of lifting this trophy and drop, they are generally tap-ins Dubai, starting on Thursday. Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie smashed the half marathon world record by 29 seconds yesterday, becoming the South Koreans Ryu first person to break 58 ‘Voice of golf’, veteran minutes at the Valencia Half Marathon. Kandie, who finished commentator Alliss dies and Park, US teen second at the world half marathon championships in Gdynia in October, fin- AFP — LONDON mark on everything he did in Noh share lead ished the Spanish annual our game, but especially as a race in 57 minutes and 32 Veteran golf commentator player and a broadcaster, and AFP — WASHINGTON LPGA SCORES seconds, breaking the pre- Peter Alliss (pictured), who he leaves a remarkable legacy.” vious record of 58:01 set by became known as the ‘voice of Aliss’s television career South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon 209 - Ryu So-yeon (KOR) 72-72-65, Park compatriot Geoffrey Kam- golf’ to fans in Britain, has died began in 1961, and he became fired a six-under par 65 to grab In-bee 72-68-69, Yealimi Noh 72-66-71 woror in September 2019. at the age of 89, the BBC lead commentator in 1978 after a share of the lead with compa- 210 - Kristen Gillman 73-71-66, Charley Hull “I can’t believe it, I have announced yesterday. retiring. triot Park In-bee and US teen (ENG) 68-74-68, Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 72-69- beaten Kamworor’s world Alliss had covered the sport “Peter was the voice of golf, said Yealimi Noh after Saturday’s 69, Angela Stanford 71-69-70, Ko Jin-young record by half a minute,” for the BBC for over half a Barbara Slater, director of BBC third round of the LPGA Volun- (KOR) 71-69-70, Pornanong Phatlum (THA) Kandie said. century after retiring from a Sport. teers of America Champi- 69-71-70, Jessica Korda 69-69-72 “Today is a great day

successful playing career. “He was an absolute master onship. 211 - Madelene Sagstrom (SWE) 71-69-71, for me and also for Kenya.” In a statement, the Aliss of his craft with a unique ability World number 15 Ryu’s Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 70-68-73 The top four men all ran family described his death as to capture a moment with a bogey-free round featured five under the previous world “unexpected but peaceful”. magical turn of phrase that no birdies in the first eight holes best, with Jacob Kiplimo of The Englishman had one else could match,” she and another at the par-5 13th fired a 69, making a birdie at Uganda finishing second in covered Dustin Johnson’s win added. to leave her level with Noh and the sixth as well as back-to- 57:37, Kenyan Rhonex at the Masters just last month. husband, father and grand- Alliss’ first experience as a Park on four-under 209 after back birdies at the eighth and Kipruto third in 57:49 and “It is with great sadness we father and his family ask for commentator came at the 1961 54 holes at The Colony in sub- ninth before her lone bogey at Kenyan Alexander Mutiso announce the passing of golfing privacy at this difficult time.” Open Championship as he com- urban Dallas. the par-3 11th. taking fourth place in 57:59. and broadcast legend Peter The Englishman won 31 bined his role with finishing Ryu, a two-time major Park, a seven-time major Kandie, 24, led the Alliss,” the statement added. tournaments during his career eighth at Royal Birkdale. champion who captured this winner, seeks her second title chasing pack, which included “Peter was a devoted and played on eight Ryder Cup That helped raise his profile year’s Korean Women’s Open, of 2020 after taking her 20th reigning world champion teams when the biennial event to such an extent that he was seeks her seventh career LPGA career LPGA victory at the Kiplimo, through the 15-kil- was a contest just between chosen to give Sean Connery victory and her first since the Women’s Australian Open in ometre mark in 41:10. Alliss had covered the sport for the Great Britain and Ireland and golf lessons before the actor 2018 Meijer Classic. February just before the season The pair traded the lead BBC for over half a century after the United States. played James Bond in the 1964 Noh, a 19-year-old rookie, was halted for the Covid-19 over the next six km before retiring from a successful playing He never won a major film ‘Goldfinger’. birdied all four par-5 holes -- pandemic. Kandie made the decisive career. The Englishman won 31 championship but had five Always relaxed behind the the second, sixth, 13th and 17th, A pack sharing fourth on move, to finish more than top-10 finishes at the British microphone he became one of but then closed with a double 210 included England’s a minute off his previous tournaments during his career and Open, finishing just four strokes the few broadcasters to become bogey to shoot 71 and fall back Charley Hull, Japan’s Nasa personal best of 58:37. played on eight Ryder Cup teams adrift in 1954. European Tour synonymous with his sport. into a share of the lead with Hataoka, Americans Angela Ethiopia’s Genzebe when the biennial event was a chief executive Keith Pelley Alliss became a household Ryu and Park. Stanford, Jessica Korda and Dibaba won the women’s contest just between Great Britain said: “We are deeply saddened voice and in 2012 was inducted Noh’s best LPGA finish was Kristen Gillman, world race in 1:05:18, setting the and Ireland and the United States. to hear of the passing of Peter into the World Golf Hall of a runner-up effort at last year’s number one Ko Jin-young of fastest time for a debut over Alliss, truly one of golf’s greats. Fame in the Lifetime Portland Classic. South Korea and Thailand’s the distance. “Peter made an indelible Achievement category. World number five Park Pornanong Phatlum. Sport MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 2020 08

New Zealand players in a huddle on Paarl ODI Pandya powers the fourth day of the first Test against West Indies in Hamilton, yesterday. abandoned India home in after positive thrilling finish COVID-19 tests AFP — SYDNEY Newcomer got the prized of Kohli. He REUTERS — CAPE TOWN Handik Pandya smashed two bowled a wide , and sixes in three balls in the final Kohli chased it -- getting a thin The One Day Interna- over to power India to a nick behind to Wade just when tional between South thrilling six-wicket series T20 the India skipper was looking Africa and England in victory over Australia in Sydney dangerous, with two fours and Paarl yesterday was aban- yesterday. two sixes off 24 balls. doned after two members Chasing 25 runs in the final Earlier, new skipper of the tourists’ party two overs in pursuit of Aus- Matthew Wade and Steve Smith returned unconfirmed tralia’s target of 195, Pandya hit half-centuries to lift Aus- positive tests for the novel was India’s hero with a series tralia to 194 for five. coronavirus, the England of powerful strikes -- including Wade -- who was pro- and Wales Board the winning six off debutant moted to the captaincy instead (ECB) said. Daniel Sams with two balls to of an injured -- A decision will be spare. Pandya finished with 42 smacked 58, while Smith made on whether the final off 22 balls after Shikhar chipped in with a breezy 46 two matches of the series Dhawan clubbed 52 from 36 after India won the toss and NZ crush WI to extend will be played as and skipper 40 off opted to bowl. scheduled once the results 24 in India’s 195 for four. Wade was run out in farcical of the tests have been The victory gave India the conditions when he was dropped ratified. T20 series with a game to play at the third attempt by Kohli, but unbeaten home streak The abandonment in Sydney tomorrow after they turned his back and failed to follows a fresh round of lost the preceding 50-over ODI make his ground from the throw testing after two hotel series 2-1. to wicketkeeper Rahul. AFP — HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND SCOREBOARD how it’s supposed to be done, workers in the bio-secure “I have been in these situ- It was a big wicket for India that was a proper Test innings, environment in which ations many times and I learnt after Wade had belted 10 fours New Zealand stretched their New Zealand 1st innings 519-7 dec being patient, buying time,” he both teams are staying from my mistakes in the past,” and a six off 32 balls. Smith was unbeaten run at home to 14 West Indies 1st innings 138 said. returned positive results. West Indies 2nd innings (overnight 196-6) Pandya said. caught at the third attempt by matches with a comprehensive K. Brathwaite c Blundell b Southee ...... 10 The West Indies lost 15 England had previ- “My game is always around Pandya at long-off from leg- win in the first Test against the J. Campbell c Latham b Boult ...... 2 on day three as Tim ously expressed concern the confidence which I carry; spinner off West Indies in Hamilton D. Bravo c Southee b Wagner ...... 12 Southee led a masterclass of over the strength of the it has that fine line where I back 38 balls with three fours and yesterday after ending a S. Brooks c sub (Conway) b Wagner ...... 2 New Zealand swing . bio-secure environment. myself.” two sixes. battling rearguard century by R. Chase lbw Jamieson ...... 6 It left the tourists going into “We regret that we are Kohli was proud of his India removed danger man Jermaine Blackwood. J. Blackwood c Southee b Wagner ...... 104 the fourth day on the ropes at unable to play in today’s team’s effort to take the series before too much The West Indies were all out J. Holder lbw Mitchell ...... 8 196 for six in their second ODI, but the welfare of the in such dynamic fashion. more damage was inflicted -- before lunch on day four for 247 A. Joseph c sub (Santner) b Jamieson ...... 86 innings. players and support staff K. Roach ...... 0 “The fact that two of our caught by after making only 138 in their S. Gabriel b Wagner ...... 0 Blackwood and Joseph is our primary concern established players are not at point off Shardul Thakur for first innings in reply to New S. Dowrich absent (injured) advanced the total to 244 and whilst we await the playing, and to win like this, 22 off 13 balls with two sixes. Zealand’s 519 for seven. Extras (lb7, w8, nb2) ...... 17 before Kyle Jamieson and Neil results of further tests the makes me very proud of this Thangarasu Natarajan was Blackwood was the penul- Total (all out, 58.5 overs) ...... 247 Wagner combined to take the medical advice from both team,” he said. the best of India’s bowlers with timate wicket to fall, for 104, Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Campbell), 2-25 (Bravo), final three wickets in the space teams was that this game Shikhar Dhawan and KL two for 20. Australia crucially after a 155-run stand with 3-27 (Brooks), 4-27 (Brathwaite), 5-53 (Chase), of 10 deliveries. should not take place,” Rahul gave India a flying start went into the game without Alzarri Joseph who made 86. 6-89 (Holder), 7-244 (Joseph), 8-247 (Black- Wicketkeeper Shane Ashley Giles, managing wood), 9-247 (Gabriel) and had 56 runs on the board their pace spearheads Mitchell The victory, set up over the Bowling: Southee 15-2-62-1 (1w), Boult 15-1- Dowrich, who injured a hand director, England Men’s in five overs before Rahul was Starc and Josh Hazlewood. first two days when New 63-1 (1w), Wagner 13.5-0-66-4 (1nb), Jamieson on the first day, did not bat in Cricket, said in a caught in the deep for 30 off 22. Starc was withdrawn on Zealand Kane Wil- 12-2-42-2 (6w), Mitchell 3-0-7-1 (1nb) either innings. statement yesterday. Swepson then took a safe compassionate grounds due to liamson crafted a majestic 251, Toss: West Indies Wagner, a renowned short- “We remain in con- skied catch off Dhawan who a family illness and will miss highlighted the difficulty Result: New Zealand won by an innings and ball exponent, also adapted to stant dialogue with tucked into leg-spinner Adam the final two matches of the overseas teams have on New 134 runs the conditions with five of the Cricket South Africa and Zampa on 52 in his 36-ball stint series, while Hazlewood has a Zealand wickets. Series: New Zealand lead 1-0 six wickets he took in the match will continue to work with four fours and two sixes. back injury. The latest victory extended Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (NZL), Wayne Knights coming from full-length closely with them to (NZL) New Zealand’s unbeaten home deliveries. determine how best to SCOREBOARD streak to an impressive 14 Tests, New Zealand had a chance move forward.” Australia S. Dhawan c Swepson b Zampa ...... 52 a statistic which took Wil- to both sides and the West for a key breakthrough early in South Africa’s director M. Wade run out (Kohli/Rahul) ...... 58 V. Kohli c Wade b Sams ...... 40 liamson by surprise. Indies had first advantage when the day when Blackwood, on of cricket Graeme Smith D. Short c Iyer b Natarajan ...... 9 S. Samson c Smith b Swepson ...... 15 “To be honest, I didn’t know they won the toss. 89, edged a ball straight to Ross said they hope the final S. Smith c Pabdya b Chahal ...... 46 H. Pandya not out ...... 42 that was the case, but it’s great. But their strike bowlers Taylor. two matches could be G. Maxwell c Sundar b Thakur ...... 22 S. Iyer not out ...... 12 It was a really good per- Kemar Roach and Shannon But the usually reliable first played. M. Henriques c Rahul b Natarajan ...... 26 Extras (lb1, nb1, w2) ...... 4 M. Stoinis not out ...... 16 Total (for 4 wickets, 19.4 overs) ...... 195 formance for us to put together Gabriel did not bowl full enough slip spilt the catch, one of six “We are deeply D. Sams not out ...... 8 Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Rahul), 2-95 (Dhawan), collectively,” said Williamson, to put pressure on the Black chances put down by New regretful of the situation Extras (lb1, w8) ...... 9 3-120 (Samson), 4-149 (Kohli) who deflected all credit away Caps, while the West Indies Zealand. we find ourselves in after Total (for 5 wickets; 20 overs) ...... 194 Did not bat: W. Sundar, D. Chahar, S. Thakur, Y. from himself. batsmen appeared uneasy After battling for 80 the amount of time and Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Short), 2-75 (Wade), Chahal, T. Natarajan “But we’re not getting ahead trying to reply to the home minutes on the fourth morning, energy that has been put 3-120 (Maxwell), 4-168 (Smith), 5-171 (Hen- Bowling: Sams 3.4-0-41-1, Abbott 2-0-17-0, of ourselves. It was nice we team’s colossal first innings. the end came quickly for the in place to host a suc- riques) Tye 4-0-47-1 (1w 1nb), Maxwell 1-0-19-0, Swep- were able to put in a strong per- “We obviously didn’t bat West Indies once Joseph was cessful tour,” he said. Did not bat: S. Abbott, M. Swepson, A. Tye, A. son 4-0-25-1 (1w), Henriques 1-0-9-0, Zampa formance and for us it’s about well,” captain Jason Holder caught at deep point off “We are in continuous Zampa 4-0-36-1 Bowling: Chahar 4-0-48-0 (2w), Sundar 4-0- Result: India won by 6 wickets trying to improve little bits at a said. Jamieson. talks with the ECB as we 35-0 (1w), Thakur 4-0-39-1 (1w), Natarajan 4-0- Series: India 2-0 time in each game.” Although “In the initial stages of our In the following over, navigate the situation 20-2, Chahal 4-0-51-1 (1w) Toss: India much has been made of New innings we just need a little bit Wagner cleaned up the last two under the guidance of our India Umpires: Sam Nogajski (AUS) Paul Wilson (AUS) Zealand’s green wickets, and in more fight in those tough wickets of Blackwood and combined medical K.L. Rahul c Swepson b Tye ...... 30 TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) Hamilton it was a lush emerald, periods and get through. Shannon Gabriel to finish with teams.” Williamson believed it was fair “Kane showed us exactly four for 66 in the innings. The unconfirmed pos- itive results take to seven the number of COVID-19 related incidents on the Misbah: Isolation has six-match white-ball tour, two of which occurred in the South Africa camp impacted Pakistan's before the series started. There have now been five in the bio-secure preparations in NZ environment. Roy Davies, general manager of the Vineyard AP — ISLAMABAD Hotel where the teams are staying, said the hotel is Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq still investigating how two claims the stringent COVID-19 staff members contracted protocols in New Zealand have affected the virus. his team’s preparations for this month’s “At this stage, it is not series against the Kiwis. clear how the staff Since arriving in New Zealand last members became month, six Pakistan players have tested infected as neither have positive. This has resulted in the entire left the bio-secure area 54-member squad and support staff since 16 November and forced into managed isolation and they do not work on the denied permission to train in groups. same team or in the same “I want to compliment my players area,” he said in a and the management team for their statement. patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of inter- Misbah-ul-Haq We regret that we are national cricket during the COVID-19 unable to play in pandemic since the series in England today’s ODI, but the but also try to give their best every time the team will move out of isolation “in they step on the field,” Misbah said in the next day or two” and will focus on welfare of the players a media statement, released by the the challenge of facing New Zealand in and support staff is our Pakistan Cricket Board yesterday. the upcoming Twenty20 and Test primary concern and “Top professional athletes require series. whilst we await the a certain environment to prepare so The Twenty20 series begins in results of further tests that they can perform at the minimum Auckland on Dec. 18 and Pakistan has expected levels every time they rep- made two changes in its 18-member the medical advice from resent their countries.” squad that whitewashed Zimbabwe 3-0 both teams was that Misbah said that the Pakistan con- at Rawalpindi last month, bringing in this game should not tingent respects and understands the all-rounder Talat Hussain and former take place. New Zealand government’s procedures, captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in place of but “there is no denying the fact that Zafar Gohar and Rohail Nazir. the implementation of certain regula- Pakistan has also named a 16-man Ashley Giles, tions has affected our athletes, both Shaheens squad for the four-day game Managing Director, England mentally and physically prior to an against New Zealand, starting in Men’s Cricket international series.” Whangarei on December 17. Nazir will However, Misbah that he’s hopeful lead the side.