CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 FOOTBALL | Page 3 We need to Aft er Neymar’s protect the tears, PSG will bio-secure hope CL fi nal bubble: Kohli was no one-off

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 GOLF Muharram 6, 1442 AH Johnson powers GULF TIMES to World No. 1 with Northern Trust win SPORT Page 7 Anderson waits for 600th as Pakistan dig in Pakistan, following on, were 100-2 — still 210 runs behind England’s first innings 583-8 declared — at stumps on Day 4

AFP Scorecard Southampton, United Kingdom ENGLAND 1st inn 583-8 dec ames Anderson was left PAKISTAN 1st inn 273 just one shy of becom- PAKISTAN 2nd inn (follow-on) ing only the fourth bowler S Masood lbw b Broad 18 to take 600 Test wick- etsJ as a combination of poor Abid Ali lbw b Anderson 42 catching, bad weather and some Azhar Ali not out 29 determined Pakistan B Azam not out 4 conspired against the England paceman at Southampton yes- Extras (lb7) 7 terday. Total (2 wkts, 56 overs) 100 Anderson, denied an early Fall of : 1-49 (Masood), breakthrough when Jos Buttler 2-88 (Abid) dropped a routine chance to re- prieve Shan Masood, returned Bowling: Anderson 12-3-18-1; for a third spell late on the fourth Broad 11-5-23-1; Woakes 8-2-14- day of the third Test to have 0; Archer 9-5-8-0; Bess 14-3-27- opener Abid Ali lbw. 0; Root 2-0-3-0 That took the 38-year-old to 599 Test wickets but even though And there was more frustra- the fl oodlights were on, the um- tion for Anderson when Masood, pires ruled the only way play on three, edged an intended drive could continue safely was with outside off -stump only for the spin from both ends. ball to hit Buttler on the thigh As a result Anderson, who had as he failed to get his gloves to a miserly fi gures of 1-18 from 12 chance far less diffi cult than sev- overs was replaced by England eral catches he held on Sunday. Joe Root, who bowled his England batsman Ollie Pope part-time off -breaks in partner- injured his shoulder chasing a ship with frontline spinner Dom ball to the boundary and was Bess. replaced by James Bracey, with But with the natural light fad- the substitute fi elder summing ing, the umpires decided condi- up the hosts’ morning when his tions were unsafe even under for needless shy at the stumps led to slow bowling. four overthrows. Rain then fell to end any hope Pakistan resumed yesterday of a resumption, with more a huge 310 runs behind a total showers forecast for today’s fi nal built on Zak Crawley’s 267 and day. Pakistan’s Abid Ali (right) and Azhar Ali (second from right) await a bowler change while England’s James Anderson and Joe Root (left) look on during the fourth day’s play in the third Buttler’s 152. The pair shared Pakistan, following on, were Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Reuters) an England fi fth-wicket record 100-2 — still 210 runs behind stand of 359. England’s fi rst innings 583-8 de- will win their fi rst Test campaign After an initial rain break of Anderson, switched to Gough’s wickets. The only bowlers ahead sight of the select group after Azhar’s superb 141 not out clared — at the close. against Pakistan in a decade. more than three-and-a-half end, had Abid lbw for a painstak- of the 38-year-old Anderson in taking 5-56 — his 29th fi ve- kept England at bay longer than Azhar Ali, the Pakistan cap- Root’s men are 1-0 up in a three- hours, Masood fell lbw playing no ing 42, with the batsman’s fruit- the all-time list are three retired wicket haul in 156 Tests — during looked likely after his side col- tain, was 29 not out following his match campaign. shot to Stuart Broad for 18. less review leaving Pakistan 88-2. spinners — Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Pakistan’s fi rst-innings 273. lapsed to 75-5 on Sunday. fi rst-innings century and Babar Anderson started the day with The left-hander reviewed the Muralitharan (800), Australia’s He might even have reached Azhar found an ally in Mo- Azam unbeaten on four. 598 wickets and then saw Buttler decision but once again tech- SELECT GROUP Shane Warne (708) and India’s the landmark late on Sunday had hamed Rizwan, with the wick- If England, as now seems drop a fourth catch in 37 balls off nology upheld Michael Gough’s No paceman has yet reached (619). not three catches been dropped etkeeper making 53 in a sixth- highly likely, avoid defeat they his bowling. original verdict. the landmark fi gure of 600 Test Anderson started the day in off his bowling with the new ball. wicket stand of 138.

Al Kharaitiyat crowned Second Division champions FOOTBALL VAR to debut in AFC Champions League

AFP Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

AR will make its debut in Asia’s Champions League next month, offi cials said yesterday, as the competition gears up to restart Vfollowing a six-month coronavirus hiatus. Video assistant referees have been intro- duced in competitions worldwide from the Premier League to the 2018 World Cup, but their decisions have often sparked contro- versy. The technology will be used from the quarter-fi nal stage of this year’s Cham- pions League, the top Asian club compe- tition, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement. The quarter-fi nals for West Zone teams take place on September 30 and for East Zone sides on November 25, with a single- leg fi nal on December 5. The AFC said the decision showed its Al Kharaitiyat players and team off icials celebrate with the Second Division trophy after playing out a 1-1 draw with Muaither “commitment to ensure Asian refereeing at the Grand Hamad Stadium on Sunday. Yousuf Adam Mahmoud-coached team finished the league with just one loss and continues to set new benchmarks”. 37 points to earn a promotion to the top flight. Al Markhiya finished second in the league with 31 points after beating Al Kharaitiyat players hoist coach Yousuf Adam Mahmoud after their VAR was used in Asian football for the Mesaimeer 3-2 in the final match of their campaign on Sunday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Second Division title victory. fi rst time in the quarter-fi nals of the 2019 Asian Cup. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, August 25, 2020 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT Wanted to play like Rohit does, We need to protect says Gavaskar

IANS his illustrious career. Rohit on New Delhi the other hand is known for his tendency to decimate bowling attacks and is often rated as ndian batting great Sunil the best limited overs batsman the bio-secure Gavaskar has said that he in the world. would have loved to bat He has scored 9115 in ODI like current with 27 centuries while Ivice-captain . his career tally of 2773 runs in Gavaskar, who was the fi rst T20Is makes him the highest batsman to reach 10,000 ca- scorer in the format. reer runs in Test cricket, said He hasn’t had the same that circumstances and a “lack success in Test cricket but he bubble, says Kohli of confi dence” in his ability smashed 529 runs in the last stopped him from doing that series that he played against in his playing days. South Africa at home. ‘I can’t wait to get to our first practice session, something that we all are going to cherish’ “The way you see a Rohit It was also the fi rst time he Sharma opening the batting in had opened the innings in the one-day cricket, Test cricket, longest form of the game. IANS smashing from the fi rst over,” Gavaskar also said he can’t Dubai Gavaskar told India Today’s e- think of a better team than the Conclave Inspiration series. current Indian side. “That is what I wanted to “I believe this team is the oyal Challengers Ban- play. Circumstances and of best ever Indian Test team in galore (RCB) captain course lack of confi dence in terms of balance, in terms of Virat Kohli said yes- my ability did not allow me ability, in terms of skills, in terday that one mistake to do that. But when I see the terms of temperament. Can’t couldR spoil their Indian Premier next generation doing it, I am think of a better Indian Test League (IPL) season during the absolutely over the moon, I team,” Gavaskar said. team’s fi rst virtual team meeting love watching the next gen- “This team has the attack to here. eration because there you see win on any surface. It doesn’t The 13th edition of the IPL will progress. You see how they are need any help in conditions... start in the UAE from September setting the bar higher for the they can win on any surface. 19. India captain Kohli-led RCB next generation.” Batting-wise there were teams are yet to win an IPL title. Gavaskar was known to put in 1980s that were pretty simi- “We have followed what’s a price on his wicket, playing lar. But they didn’t have the been told to us and I would long innings and anchoring the bowlers that Virat has,” the expect everyone to be on the Indian batting lineup during former captain said. same page in terms of securing the bubble at all times and making sure that nothing is compromised,” Kohli said in a video shared on RCB’s Twitter handle. “Because I think one mistake by any one of us could liter- ally spoil the whole tournament. And none of us want to do that,” he said. RCB’s director of cricket op- erations Mike Hesson, who was present in the meeting along with head coach Simon Katich, shed light on the consequences of violating the rules. “It (violation) will be dealt with very seriously. For acci- dental breach, players will be removed and sent to isolation for seven days and then come Sunil Gavaskar (left) and Rohit Sharma back only after he tests nega- tive. “There will be strong conse- COMMITMENT quences if the players choose to do that (violate protocols). They will sign a document which ex- plains the consequences,” Hes- Dream of again playing son said. Kohli added, “We have to un- derstand that we need to protect for India very much the bubble.” Kohli also stressed on the need to develop a good team culture alive, says Uthappa from the fi rst day. “I can’t wait to get to our IANS “It was lovely to play first practice session, some- New Delhi with him. I’ve shared some thing that we all are going to Ashwin suggests the ‘mankad’ alternative ness, which is the most impor- great moments with MS. We cherish. An opportunity to tant thing to be able to achieve achieved some fantastic feats create a good team culture Veteran off -spinner Ravichan- for a batter, let’s give a chance greats of the game lambast- that feat,” he added. eteran batsman under his captaincy. from Day 1. For me it’s all dran Ashwin has come out with to the bowlers too,” Ashwin said ing the Indian off -spinner for Kohli, 31, has so far hit 70 Robin Uthappa has Obviously, winning the about what can I do to create an alternative for the much- in a tweet. “As of now everyone breaching the ‘spirit of the international hundreds (43 in stated that his dream 2007 World T20 was a mo- an environment where eve- debated and heavily criticised watches the game hoping that game’. Recently, 248 ODIs and 27 in 86 Tests). of again playing for ment we all cherish. It’s not ryone feels a part of the team Tendulkar, who retired from in- VTeam India is “very much every day that you win a World ‘mankading’ mode of dismissal. ‘the bowlers will get smacked head coach Ricky Ponting once equally and everyone feels re- According to Ashwin, if a bats- today’,” he added. again raised the issue by saying ternational cricket in 2013, had alive”, adding that a good sea- Cup for your country. So I’d sponsible for where we want man at the non-striker’s end is England batsman Buttler was that he will have a conversation scored 51 Test centuries and 49 son in the upcoming edition say that is the moment I abso- to go equally,” he said. found getting out of the crease ‘mankaded’ by Ashwin at a with Ashwin – who will be play- ODI hundreds. of the lutely cherish,” Uthappa said. Meanwhile Former all-round- before the ball is delivered, the crucial moment in last year’s ing for the Delhi-based franchise “I think he (Kohli) is 30 short (IPL) could pave way for his The batsman er believes current umpire can make it a free ball season of the Indian Premier this season – about ‘mankading’. of that 100 hundreds, I think return to the national team. recalled the moment when the Team India skipper Virat Kohli for the bowler. League during a match between Ashwin had earlier defended his he will be able to achieve it be- Uthappa, who last played for duo shared the room and ate has the ability and the fi tness “Make it a free ball for the Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan decision to Buttler, say- fore he retires and I hope so and India in an ODI against Zimba- sitting on the fl oor. to break Master Blaster Sachin bowler. If the batsmen (bats- Royals. The manner of the ing his “conscience was clear”. that’s the target he will have in bwe in 2015, will be playing for “Outside the pitch, I re- Tendulkar’s record of 100 inter- man) gets out of that ball, the dismissal had created ripples The IPL 2020 is slated to be his mind,” Pathan said. the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 13 ally enjoyed the moments we national centuries. batting team will be docked 5 across the cricketing fraternity played from September 19 to India’s next international as- slated to be played across three shared in the hotels, both MS “I am sure 100 hundreds, he runs. Free hit adds to the drama and beyond, with many former November 10 in the UAE. signment is the tour to Aus- venues in the UAE from Sep- and I would love to sit togeth- (Kohli) might not be talking about tralia towards the end of the year tember 19. er and eat on the fl oor in the it but you know if anyone could where the two teams are slated “I certainly believe that if room... they were really sim- achieve that feat after Sachin show Cricket Connected show ing in the next few years. anyone breaks the records of 100 to contest in three one-day in- we have a great season in the ple moments and the fondest Tendulkar, he is the one,” said while talking about the records “He has achieved so much in hundreds, he has to be an Indian ternationals, four Test matches IPL, wonderful things could memories I have of us being Pathan speaking on Star Sports Kohli would be thinking of break- such a little time and I hope if and Virat has the ability and fi t- and three T20Is. happen to me and even bring together in the Indian team,” me back into the reckoning for Uthappa said. the Indian team,” Uthappa said Uthappa moved from Kolk- FOCUS while answering a question ata Knight Riders to Rajasthan from a fan in a video upload- when he was signed by the ed on the franchise’s offi cial Jaipur franchise this year. He Twitter handle. has already reached the UAE “I am someone who is al- with his new team and feels the ways positive as a human be- team is full of energy. Bulk no burden for spinner Cornwall “It’s been a fantastic expe- ing and I look for silver linings Reuters Reuters from Trinidad. comes easy to me. I can fi eld in even in negative situations. So rience with the Royals so far. New Delhi “I just stick to my strength diff erent positions but I just pre- my conviction is really strong There has been good energy and do what I know I can do and fer to be in the slip because I can that God willing, that I will be among the players and the staff perform.” catch.” able to represent my country ever since we fi rst got together t 6’6” and 140kg, Rah- With his height, Antigua- Cornwall went wicketless in again and bring laurels to it. I for our camp in March,” said keem Cornwall would born Cornwall generates more the Manchester test, where Eng- hope that happens. 34-year-old Uthappa. struggle to fi t into bounce than most off -spinners land triumphed by 269 runs to “Anyone who plays compet- Uthappa was full of praise anyone’s perception and combines it with his accu- complete a 2-1 series victory, but itive cricket hopes to play for for the Rajasthan Royals for ofA what a modern day cricketer racy to trouble batsmen. he said it was a learning experi- the country and bring laurels making him feel at home from should look like but the West In- “I think my height has played ence. to the country. So the dream is the word go. dies off -spinner says he knows a big part... I also have to put the “Patience and adapting to dif- very much alive,” he added. “Everyone has been really exactly how to get the best out of ball in the right areas to get the ferent conditions is key,” said The 34-year-old had made welcoming and has helped his big frame on the pitch. ball to spin,” said Cornwall, who Cornwall, who currently plays his India debut in 2006 against me settle down with ease. While his talent was recog- is considered the heaviest player for St Lucia Zouks in the Carib- England and has till now There is a family-like atmos- nised early on, the 27-year-old to have played test cricket. bean Premier League. played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is. phere here, one which lets only made his test debut against Blessed with soft hands and “I think England is one of the In IPL, he has so far played 177 you express, be yourself and India in August last year. sharp refl exes, Cornwall has also toughest place to play cricket. matches, scoring in excess of speak your mind, share your Three months later, he grown into a safe slip-catcher, I learned a lot from the Test se- 4,000 runs. thoughts which as a cricketer claimed his fi rst 10-wicket illustrated by his stunning one- ries.” Uthappa, while speaking to you always want. We have a match haul against Afghanistan handed grab to dismiss England IANS, said that he too has had fantastic team with some and also played in the third and opener Rory Burns in Manches- some great moments on and genuine match-winners and fi nal Test against England last ter last month. West Indies’ Rahkeem Cornwall off the fi eld with the icon and we’re all raring to go and give month. “I think my hands are good. I in action in the third Test against winning the 2007 World T20 our best this year, hoping to “Everybody’s not going to be think I’m a good catcher of the England in Manchester on July was the moment he cherished do something special for Ra- small,” the towering spinner told cricket ball, so fi elding in the slip 25, 2020. (Reuters) the most. jasthan Royals,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 25, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Aft er Neymar’s tears, PSG will hope CL fi nal was no one-off ‘We are going to work hard to win next season because that is our objective and now we believe in it more than before’

AFP Lisbon, Portugal

aris Saint-Germain will look back at their narrow defeat by Bayern Munich in Sunday’s Champions PLeague fi nal in Lisbon and won- der what might have been, while also steeling themselves to come back stronger in Europe’s elite club competition in a new season which is already starting. ’s second-half goal decided the fi nal at the Esta- dio da Luz in Bayern’s favour, al- lowing them to become European champions for the sixth time and denying PSG victory in their fi rst appearance in club football’s big- Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel with Neymar (right, also gest game. left) after the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich in The French champions were Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday. (Reuters) left to pay the price for failing to convert the opportunities that came their way — Neymar was notably denied by a fi ne save early on, but Kylian Mbappe really should have done better than shoot straight at the goalkeeper just before half-time. The two most expensive play- ers in football history were signed, ultimately, to win this game. It was not their night, and Neymar was in tears at the end. “Inconsolable” was the head- line on the front page of sports daily L’Equipe yesterday, under- neath a photo of the Brazilian Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi leaves the crying. team’s hotel in Lisbon yesterday. (AFP) But PSG have muscled their way into the very elite of Euro- pean clubs in the years since Qa- Messi would be ‘welcome’ at PSG, says Tuchel Final without fans was horrible, says PSG’s Herrera tar Sports Investments took over in the French capital in 2011 and Reuters Reports in the Spanish media demands of the new season. Reuters empty Estadio da Luz to end me fans are the key in this sport, they will be hopeful of getting to Lisbon, Portugal have cast doubts about his “We lost lots of players for this Lisbon, Portugal a European season defined by the most important thing in another Champions League fi nal future at the club after a disap- campaign and we lose now the pandemic, which caused all football,” Herrera told Nordic while Neymar and Mbappe are pointing season that culminated Thiago Silva and Eric Maxim major leagues to be either sus- network Viaplay after the final. still there. aris Saint-Germain man- in an 8-2 Champions League Choupo-Moting,” he added. aris Saint-Germain mid- pended or postponed and then The Spaniard recognised the “Nobody thought we would ager Thomas Tuchel says humiliation by Bayern Munich in “We need to use the transfer fielder Ander Herrera did completed without spectators. commercial and entertainment make it to the fi nal. We were very PLionel Messi would be the quarter-finals this month. window now to make the squad Pnot mince his words when As organisers hailed the success benefits of the competition going close to winning it, but that’s welcome at the club if he ever “He’s very welcome. What coach wider. The campaign will be very describing playing in Sunday’s of the Champions League ‘Final ahead but said organisers needed football,” said PSG’s Qatari presi- decided to leave Barcelona but says no to Messi?” Tuchel told demanding without any breaks. Champions League final without Eight’ tournament in Portugal to be aware of how important dent, Nasser al-Khelaifi . he does not expect the Argen- BT Sport after his side lost 1-0 “We need to build a strong squad. supporters and urged people and its Europa League equiva- fans were to the spectacle. “We are going to work hard to tine forward to do so. to Bayern in the Champions We decided not to talk about around the world to be responsi- lent in Germany, Herrera bluntly “I hope all the people making win the Champions League next Messi, who joined Barcelona League final on Sunday. transfers in this period. We’ll sit ble so fans can return to stadi- emphasised the need for specta- statements realise that football season because that is our objec- aged 13, has scored a record 634 “I think Messi finishes his career together in the next days.” ums as soon as possible. tors to return to matches. is for fans and without them we tive and now we believe in it more goals for the club in 730 games in Barcelona. He’s Mr Barcelona. The 2019-20 French Bayern beat PSG 1-0 in an “It’s s***, horrible, horrible, for are nothing,” he added. than before.” and is also their most decorated Tuchel said the club would talk season was cancelled in March player with 33 trophies but the over their potential signing amid the Covid-19 pandemic NOVICES NO MORE 33-year-old is into the final year targets and that they needed a and the new campaign kicked questions remain and Tuchel has fensive prospect of contract too. Meanwhile Mauro On Sunday they became the of his contract at the club. deeper squad to cope with the off over the weekend. much work to do, and little time Kouassi all left the club under Icardi, whose loan move from In- seventh consecutive side to lose to refl ect on what might have freedom of contract before the ter Milan was made permanent when appearing in the Champi- been — PSG play their fi rst game ‘Final Eight’. in May for a reported fee of 55mn ons League fi nal for the fi rst time. “The players are right behind PSG showed fantastic spirit to in France they won every trophy of the new Ligue 1 season, away The latter has joined Bayern, euros, played no part at all in the At least next time, if there is one, the coach. I have heard things come from a goal down and beat going last season. in Lens, on Saturday. becoming the latest in a long line fi nal, raising further questions. they will not be novices. about how he supposedly can’t Atalanta in the quarter-fi nals and Their improved European per- The Champions League group of exciting youngsters to walk “I think we have created a spe- Coach Thomas Tuchel, who handle the dressing room and the then outclassed RB Leipzig in the formances represent enormous stage begins again in October and away from PSG. They can only cial atmosphere in the squad over put the defeat down to “bad star players but the truth is that semi-fi nals. progress after often humiliating between now and then Paris may hope he does not come back to the last two years,” Tuchel insist- luck”, has been widely praised he is overseeing the best season They had overturned a fi rst- defeats in previous campaigns. need to get busy in the transfer haunt them in the way Coman — ed. “We must create a strong new for getting a team dominated by in the history of the club,” said leg defi cit to oust Borussia Dort- market. another Paris-born ex-PSG star- team which is capable of doing a couple of superstars to all pull Mbappe of Tuchel ahead of the mund in the last 16, just before LITTLE TIME TO REFLECT Edinson Cavani, right-back let — did in Lisbon. this again. That will be the chal- together in the same direction. fi nal. the coronavirus shutdown, while Yet while there are positives, Thomas Meunier and young de- Skipper Thiago Silva is now out lenge for us.”

SPOTLIGHT Neuer leads old guard while young guns fi re up Bayern DPA for us,” said PSG coach Thomas “If a goalkeeper gets older he Lisbon, Portugal Tuchel, who engaged in a long does not get worse. Manuel Neu- conversation with the keeper at er is 34 now — and Gianluigi Buf- full time. fon almost 50,” Kahn joked. “He uch has been made “He’s taken goalkeeping to can still play many years at a high of Bayern Munich’s a new level, that’s for sure. He level.” young stars who played at his very highest level — Thomas Mueller, who along could go on to domi- unfortunately for us.” with , Javi Martinez Mnate Europe — but the old guard, Neuer was part of Bayern’s and Jerome Boateng was also part led by captain Manuel Neuer, fi rst treble side in 2013 and seven of the 2013 side, said of the victo- were just as crucial in Sunday’s years later, as captain, had the ry: “The mentality is brutal, the 1-0 Champions League fi nal win honour of collecting the trophy quality is superb — and we have over Paris Saint-Germain. at Benfi ca’s Stadium of Light. Manu in goal.” “Manuel Neuer made two The 34-year-old Neuer has Mueller, expectedly joyous crucial saves,” said board mem- now played two Champions at full time, will no doubt fi nd a ber Oliver Kahn — himself a League fi nals and a World Cup quiet moment to refl ect on his goalkeeping great who lifted the fi nal which went to extra-time. change of fortune in the last 10 Champions League in 2001. He won all three and in fi ve months under coach . “That’s what a Bayern goal- hours play at the biggest possible The forward had already keeper must be able to do, he isn’t games, has been beaten only by been dropped by national coach busy all the time but he must be an Ilkay Guendogan penalty. Joachim Loew and seemed on the on hand in these moments.” “It’s hard to compute everything way out at Bayern too under Niko Neuer’s fi rst stop kept the so soon after the game,” said Neu- Kovac at the start of the season. game goalless in Lisbon when er. “The joy at the fi nal whistle was Instead Kovac paid the price he somehow adjusted his leg to of course huge, it was a relief. for poor results, Flick reinstat- block Neymar’s goalbound shot. “There were another fi ve min- ed Mueller as a regular and the And he reacted immediately to utes of stoppage time. We were 30-year-old responded with his stop the Brazilian setting up An- all waiting for the referee to blow best form in years. gel di Maria for a tap-in. the whistle. We worked hard for “Of course I’m happy that I Then, after Kingsley Coman it and we deserved it. It’s a dream could show again that I don’t be- gave Bayern the lead, Neuer for all of us.” long in the recycling container produced a point-blank save on Neuer struggled with injury in but rather still have a little in the Marquinhos after Di Maria split advance of the 2018 World Cup, tank,” he said. the defence with sublime pass. which holders Germany exited at The future may belong to There was even one more for the group stage. 25-year-olds , the highlight reel, a late one- But he is now back to his best. , on-one block on Kylian Mbappe A new contract with Bayern, to along with Coman, Niklas Suele — the forward was off side but 2023, suggests Alexander Nuebel and new signing Leroy Sane who Neuer just refused to be beaten. — who joins from Schalke this are all a year younger. But the “Manuel Neuer has been in top Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (centre) and teammates celebrate with the trophy after Bayern win the UEFA Champions League final summer — will at best fi ght with 30-something Neuer and Mueller form for weeks at the wrong time against Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday. (AFP) to be back-up. are very much part of the present. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, August 25, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Leicester’s Maddison signs new four-year deal

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has signed a new con- tract to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium until at least 2024, the Premier League club said yesterday. The 23-year-old playmaker has made a huge impression since joining Leicester Cruyff inspiration from Norwich City in 2018, scoring 16 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions. England international Maddison was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United by the British media but he has committed his long-term future to Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season. “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a Leicester City player with so many positive things happening on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be part of that,” Maddison told the for new Barca boss club’s website. “What we’ve achieved as a club this season is a huge step forward for us and I know there’s so much more to Koeman, who was named as replacement come from this team.” Paraguayan hearing into for Setien last week, played under Dutch Ronaldinho’s fake passport opens legend Cruyff for six years at Camp Nou Koeman After six months under arrest in Paraguay, former Brazil football star Ronaldinho was set for a hearing yesterday on charges of AFP travelling with false documents, according to judicial sources. Madrid, Spain Judge Gustavo Amarilla is due to start the hearing in Asuncion at 14:00 local time (1800 GMT). Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto has also been charged. The public prosecutor’s off ice has recom- ewly-appointed Bar- mended Ronaldinho pay a $90,000 fine for “damage to society” celona coach Ronald and is freed to return to Brazil where the former Barcelona and Koeman said yesterday Paris Saint-Germain player would also be expected to appear he plans to take inspi- before a judge every three months for a year. “There is no Nration from former boss Johan indication that he has any personal characteristics or criminal Cruyff . behaviour that...would put society at risk,” the prosecutor said. Koeman, who was named Prosecutors have recommended that Roberto pay a $110,000 as replacement for the sacked fine and appear before a judge every three months for two years. Quique Setien last week, played Prosecutors do not believe Ronaldinho took part in the plan under club and Netherlands leg- to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports. They do think end Cruyff for six years at the Roberto was aware that the passports were false. Camp Nou as the Catalans won four La Liga titles and the Euro- Defenders Mari and Soares sign pean Cup once. “Cruyff was one of the coach- permanent deals with Arsenal es who taught me the most, es- pecially during our time with Arsenal have agreed permanent deals with defenders Pablo Mari the Dream Team. I didn’t only and Cedric Soares after their loan spells in the second half of learn to be a better player but a the 2019-20 campaign, the club said on their website yesterday. better coach too,” Koeman told Mari, 26, moved to the Premier League side in January from Barca TV. Flamengo, who he helped win the Brazilian Serie A title and Copa “We had the best combina- Libertadores last year. The Spanish centre back played three tion. We played attacking foot- times for Arsenal before his season was ended prematurely by ball and won titles. That is al- an ankle injury. The 28-year-old Portugal full back Soares, who ways the philosophy we have initially joined on a short-term loan deal from Southampton, pursued at Barca,” the 57-year- made five league appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side last season. old Dutchman added. Arsenal have been linked with Lille centre back Gabriel Magal- Despite Koeman’s trophy- haes by British media as Arteta looks for more defensive cover laden spell with the outfi t, where ahead of the league campaign, which begins on September 12. he showed his quality with his set-piece ability, he said he was Swiss lift immunity on ex-legal chief in the shadow of captain Lionel Messi who is set to begin his 17th probing FIFA corruption senior campaign with the side. The pair met last week amid Switzerland’s Parliament yesterday lifted immunity on the coun- media reports linking Messi try’s former top prosecutor who had been in charge of the probe with a departure. into the towering corruption scandal within FIFA, opening the “It is a pleasure to have a door for criminal proceedings. Michael Lauber, who last month player like Messi in the team. resigned from his job, is suspected of collusion with the govern- We can’t be compared for our ing body’s president Gianni Infantino after a series of alleged free kick taking because he has informal meetings between the pair in 2016 and 2017. Lauber scored so many more than me,” Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman poses with a team shirt during his unveiling at Camp Nou on Wednesday. (Reuters) denies the claim but resigned in July and will off icially leave his Koeman said. position on August 31. The immunity committee of Switzerland’s “I was only at Barca for six lona of the future,” he said. champions Juventus this sum- Barca had announced earlier on August 31 under new coach lower house made the decision by underlining that the facts seasons. But it is important to Later, Catalan radio station mer, said on Sunday that he is on Sunday that Pjanic had tested Koeman. against Lauber have “a direct relationship with his duties and have someone who is good at RAC1 claimed Koeman has told “fi ne” after his new club re- positive after feeling “a little The 2020-21 La Liga campaign off icial activity”. There was deemed to be an “abuse of authority, free kicks and corners in your Uruguay forward Luis Suarez vealed he had tested positive for unwell”, adding that he was in is due to begin September 12. the violation of off icial secrecy, the blocking of criminal action”. team,” he added. “he doesn’t count on him for coronavirus. “good health” and self-isolating Pjanic, 30, was signed in June Since July 30 Infantino has been the subject of criminal proceed- Koeman worked with next season”. “Fortunately, I am fi ne and at home. by Barca for 60 mn euros ($70.7 ings and holds no immunity. 23-year-old Barca midfi elder On Friday the 33-year-old asymptomatic,” Pjanic wrote on Pjanic will “not be travelling mn) as part of an arrangement Frenkie De Jong at the Dutch told newspaper El Pais he wished Instagram. to Barcelona for 15 days, when which saw Brazilian midfi elder Elche win playoff to return to La Liga national team before he was se- to remain at the Camp Nou with “But if there’s something I’ve he will be expected to report Arthur move in the opposite di- lected as Setien’s successor. one year left on his contract. learned, it’s that we must never for duty with the FC Barcelona rection for 72 mn euros. aft er long saga “He is a very young player. He take anything for granted, not team,” Barca’s statement said. He is the third Barca player to has been performing very well PJANIC ‘FINE’ AFTER even the things we think of as The Bosnia international, test positive for Covid-19 fol- Elche were promoted to La Liga by beating 10-man Girona 1-0 until now. It isn’t easy for such POSITIVE VIRUS TEST being the most normal. who is reported to be on holi- lowing French defensive pair away thanks to a goal deep in stoppage time from Pere Milla in a young player to come to Barca. Barcelona midfi elder Miralem “The lives we are living now day in Italy, will therefore miss Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair the Segunda Division playoff final, return leg on Sunday after He’s a player for the FC Barce- Pjanic, who joined from Italian teach us that.” the start of pre-season training Todibo. the first leg had ended goalless. Milla’s header, which came after Girona’s talismanic striker Cristhian Stuani was sent off in the 61st minute for a rash challenge, was the final twist of an COMMENT enthralling and surreal season finale in Spain’s second-tier. Elche had only sneaked into the playoff positions on the last day of the season, finishing sixth as nearest challengers Fuenlabrada had their match with Deportivo La Coruna called off due to several players testing positive for Covid-19. After a series of disputes be- tween clubs and the league’s organising bodies, that game was rescheduled over two weeks later, with Fuenlabrada needing UEFA boss Ceferin relaxed about just a point against already-relegated Deportivo to finish sixth at Elche’s expense. But Fuenlabrada conceded a last-gasp penalty and lost 2-1, allowing Elche a shot at returning to the top flight five years after they were relegated due to financial irregulari- state-linked investments in clubs ties. They survived having a player sent off after half an hour in their semi-final first leg with Real Zaragoza to draw 0-0, reaching Reuters the final by winning the second leg away from home 1-0 thanks Lisbon, Portugal Man City chairman says ‘life too to a late strike from 40-year-old striker Nino. short’ for UEFA grudge Pogba set for Man Utd contract talks, EFA president Ale- AFP “It is a competition we want ksander Ceferin has London, United Kingdom to win and it is a competition says agent Raiola no issue with sover- we have to respect in order to eign wealth funds and win. This was a challenge. It’s Ustate-linked money coming into anchester City behind us, end of story as far football as long as the game’s chairman Khaldoon as I am concerned. fi nancial regulations are ob- Mal-Mubarak said “I am focused on one thing, how served. yesterday his club hold no I can help this club compete Asked in a Reuters interview grudges against UEFA after in this competition and win it, if he had any concerns about the bitter battle to overturn and how to have a constructive sovereign wealth or state-linked their Champions League ban. relationship with UEFA. I think funds coming into the game, European football’s govern- it’s the only way to go.” Ceferin said: “If it is within the ing body hit City with a City’s latest attempt to win regulation, I am not concerned. two-season suspension from the Champions League for the “Since we distribute almost continental competitions in first time ended with a shock 90 percent of all the money back February for alleged breaches quarter-final defeat against to the national associations and investment in the game in order ways for owners to pump cash of Financial Fair Play rules Lyon in Lisbon earlier this clubs, I would love to have even to redistribute funds across the into a club to get around the but the ban was quashed last month. more revenues because it is good continent. rules. month by the Court of Arbitra- Guardiola’s men also finished for the development of football.” “You have to know that with- The UEFA president said dis- tion for Sport. 18 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain, owned out UEFA distributing the funds, cussions would continue about City had already endured a Liverpool in the Premier Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will soon begin talks by Qatari Sports Investments, out of 55 national associations reforming the FFP system, in- diff icult relationship with UEFA League, ending their two-year with the club over a new contract and will not be leaving in the were runners-up in the Cham- close to 50 would be bankrupt troducing some form of a ‘luxu- even before the punishment reign at the top of English current transfer window, his agent Mino Raiola has said. France pions League this season, losing and then children couldn’t play ry tax’ on big spending clubs and and their coach Pep Guardiola football. international Pogba has frequently been linked with a move 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Sun- in those countries. the broader issue of ‘competi- said the Premier League side City have responded to a away from Old Traff ord since rejoining United from Juventus day’s fi nal. “So for us it is very important tive balance’ in the game. deserved an apology after the frustrating season — in which in 2016, but formed a potent midfield partnership with January Manchester City, backed by that we allow investments to “FFP is not enough any more, CAS verdict. their only silverware was the signing Bruno Fernandes in the closing months of the campaign. the Abu Dhabi United Group, come, but within the regulation we have to do something to take But Khaldoon wants to consign League Cup — by signing “We’re going to speak about a new contract soon,” Raiola told reached the last eight of the (and) bearing in mind Financial care that, if you spend too much, the row to history and build a Netherlands defender Nathan Sky Sports on Sunday. “Paul Pogba will stay at Manchester competition after a season in Fair Play and competitive bal- by our regulations you have to stronger bond with UEFA. Ake from Bournemouth and United. He is a key player. They have an important project and which they prevailed against ance,” he said. give something back to the oth- “Life is too short to carry Spanish winger Ferran Torres he’s 100% included. United will not accept any bid this summer UEFA in court in a dispute over The FFP regulations aim to ers,” he said. grudges,” he told City’s from Valencia. to sell Pogba.” Pogba, who has less than a year left on his United the European soccer governing stop clubs running up big losses “Why is competitive balance website. “It is an important While the City chairman did contract, spent a large part of last season out injured, making body’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) buying players. They also ensure so important? Because otherwise competition. It is one of the not name any targets, he just eight appearances in all competitions before English soc- regulations and whether they sponsorship deals are based on competition is not interesting an- most prestigious competitions made it clear Guardiola’s over- cer was suspended in mid-March due to the new coronavirus complied with them. market value and are genuine ymore, it becomes boring and we in the world of sports. haul is not finished yet. pandemic. Ceferin said UEFA relied on commercial agreements and not don’t want that to happen.” Gulf Times Tuesday, August 25, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Pastrnak, Halak power Bruins past Doncic nails epic Lightning, Knights crush Canucks

AFP 5-0 rout of the Vancouver Ca- Los Angeles nucks. game winner, Celtics When the NHL shutdown in March because of the glo- avid Pastrnak and bal pandemic, the Bruins were Jaroslav Halak came atop the NHL standings – the late to the dance but lone 100-point team – and the are now major con- Lightning were second in the tributorsD in the postseason for East. Both clubs are coming off the Boston Bruins, who beat the fi ve-game series wins in the and Raptors advance Tampa Bay Lighting 3-2 Sun- opening round of the posts- day to win the opening game of eason. Boston knocked out the their second round series. Hurricanes, while the Light- ‘I CAN’T EXPLAIN THE EMOTIONS I HAD WHEN I SAW THE BALL GO IN’ Czech Pastrnak had a goal ning eliminated the Columbus and an assist and Slovak Ha- Blue Jackets. lak made 35 saves as the Bru- Tampa Bay defeated Boston AFP ins took a 1-0 lead in the clash 3-2 in their only round-robin Miami between the two top Eastern meeting during the pre-play- Conference teams during the off qualifying round. Tampa regular season. also won three of the four uka Doncic wasn’t about Pastrnak was playing in just meetings in the regular season. to let a sprained ankle his second game back after Brad Marchand also had a slow him down, nailing missing three games in the fi rst goal and an assist, while Coyle a game-winning three round of the playoff s, and Ha- opened the scoring late in the Lpointer at the buzzer to lift the lak won his fourth consecutive fi rst period on Sunday. Dallas Mavericks to a 135-133 game since fi rst-choice goal- Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped overtime playoff win over the tender Tuukka Rask opted out 28 shots for the Lightning, Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. of the NHL’s quarantine bub- who were without star forward The 21-year old Slovenian ble just over a week ago. Steven Stamkos, who has been phenom, who was playing with “He’s a great goalie. He’s sidelined with an injury. a tender ankle and missing his been huge for us. When they Canada’s Stamkos hasn’t off ensive sidekick Kristaps Por- slip in there and we break played since February due to zingis, fi nished with 43 points, down a little bit, he’s there to a core muscle injury that re- 17 rebounds and 13 assists to lev- shut the door,” Boston forward quired surgery. Stamkos had el the fi rst round NBA Western Charlie Coyle said of Halak. 29 goals and 66 points in the Conference playoff series at two Game two is Tuesday in To- regular season. games each. ronto. In the late game, Robin Tampa was also without “This game was from another Lehner stopped 26 shots for Ryan McDonagh for the fi nal 11 planet,” said Mavericks coach the shutout and fi ve diff erent minutes, after he left the team Rick Carlisle of Doncic’s heroics. Vegas players scored goals as bench and went to the dressing Doncic made a basket with 50 the top seeded Golden Knights room. Swedish defenceman won the fi rst game of their Victor Hedman scored twice RESULTS second round series with a for Tampa. Boston 110-106 Philadelphi Toronto 150-122 Brooklyn Dallas 135-133 Clippers Utah 129-127 Denver seconds left to tie the score 130- 130 then gave Dallas a two-point lead with a spinning move to the basket with 19 seconds remain- ing. He capped his triple-double with a 27-foot step back jumper from the left side as time ticked down, sparking a wild celebra- tion on the fl oor in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida. “I can’t explain the emotions I had when I saw the ball go in,” Doncic said. Luka Doncic (centre) of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a game winning three point basket with teammates against the LA Clippers in Game “When I saw the whole team Four of the Western Conference NBA Playoff s at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) coming towards me that was one of the best feelings I have ever ankle in the second half of game who blew a 21-point fi rst-half Harris was able to leave the series with a dominating 150-122 had as a player.” three and had an MRI on Satur- lead. court under his own steam, victory in Orlando. While Dallas levelled their day to determine the extent of Game fi ve is today. holding a towel to his left eye and Serge Ibaka came off the series, Boston became the fi rst the damage. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ Walk- temple, and returned after treat- bench to score a playoff career team to reach the second round “This morning I wasn’t feeling er, who arrived in Boston af- ment for what the team said was high 27 points and grabbed with a 110-106 victory over the good but as soon as I stepped on ter eight seasons of frustration a cut over the eye. 15 rebounds for Toronto, who Philadelphia 76ers. the court I knew I could go,” said with the Charlotte Hornets, was But the Celtics closed the third swept a best-of-seven series Kemba Walker scored 32 Doncic, who recorded his second basking in his fi rst win in a NBA quarter on a 12-0 run that eff ec- for the first time in their fran- points and Jayson Tatum added straight triple-double. playoff series. tively ended the 76ers’ hopes. chise history. 28 and 15 rebounds for the Celt- Said Carlisle, “He sees the “It feels good,” Walker said but “I feel like the game fl ipped The Raptors, who set a fran- ics, who swept the Eastern Con- game in 6G, not 5G. He is a very added: “The work’s not done. when Tobias went out,” Sixers chise record for points in a play- ference fi rst-round series four special player.” We won a series, but we’re still coach Brett Brown said. off game with 150, will play the games to none. Trey Burke added 25 points, looking forward to some more The Celtics will face the de- Boston Celtics in the Eastern Doncic, who is playing in his Tim Hardaway scored 21 and tough ones.” fending NBA champion Toronto Conference semi-fi nals, begin- fi rst NBA playoff s, carried the Seth Curry chipped in 15 points With their backs against the Raptors who moved onto the ning Thursday. Mavericks Sunday without Por- for Dallas, who led by 12 with wall, Joel Embiid and the 76ers next round after sweeping the Toronto played most of Sun- zingis, who was a late scratch be- nine minutes remaining in the kept it close and trailed by just two Brooklyn Nets in four straight day’s contest without guard Kyle cause of a knee injury. fourth quarter. points late in the third quarter be- games. Lowry. Late in the fi rst quarter, David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins is defended by Anthony But the pre-game buzz was all Lou Williams had 36 points fore forward Tobias Harris took a Reserve Norman Powell Lowry headed to the dressing Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in about Doncic’s health, not Por- and Kawhi Leonard fi nished hard fall under the basket, his head scored a career playoff high 29 room after twisting his ankle. He Game One of the Eastern Conference NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at zingis. Doncic sprained his left with 32 points for the Clippers, slamming the hardwood. points and the Raptors won their did not return. Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Machado’s homer lift s Padres past Astros the series, jumped out to a 3-0 hole was patched, Greinke sat in Reuetrs RESULTS San Diego lead against left-handed Padres the dugout. Shortly after return- Padres 5-3 Astros starter Adrian Morejon in the ing to the mound, Greinke gave fi rst. up a ground ball to fi rst to Jurick- Phillies 5-4 Braves anny Machado hit Springer drew a lead-off walk, son Profar, with Myers scoring to a two-run home Athletics 5-4 Angels moved to second on Jose Altuve’s tie the game. run in the eighth Cubs 2-1 White Sox ground out in front of the plate Greinke allowed three runs on MSunday afternoon Cardinals 6-2 Reds and scored on Carlos Correa’s four hits and two walks with four to break a 3-3 tie and lead the single. Kyle Tucker followed strikeouts in six innings. Parades streaking San Diego Padres to a Dodgers 11-3 Rockies with a two-run homer. (1-1) took the loss. 5-3 win over the visiting Hou- Twins 5-4 Royals After Greinke held the Pa- Meanwhile Philadelphia hit ston Astros at Petco Park. Nationals 9-3 Marlins dres hitless for the fi rst three three home runs and its belea- The Padres’ seventh straight innings – and threw a 54-mph guered bullpen was able to hang win completed a three-game Rays 5-4 Blue Jays Eephus pitch to Trent Grisham on – with the potential tying run sweep of the Astros. It is the Orioles 5-4 Red Sox for a strike – San Diego tied the thrown out at home to end the Padres’ longest winning streak Mariners 4-1 Rangers game in an unusual bottom of game – to beat host Atlanta and since 2013. Shortstop Fernando the fourth. snap a fi ve-game losing streak. Pirates 5-4 Brewers Tatis Jr., who had made a sensa- Tatis opened the inning with Alec Bohm hit his fi rst major tional catch of a George Springer Tigers 7-4 Indians a single to center. With one out, league homer in the second in- pop fl y in left in the top of the in- Giants 6-1 D’Backs Tatis scored from fi rst on Eric ning, with Rhys Hoskins deliv- ning, hit a bloop single to open Hosmer’s double into the right- ering a two-run shot and Didi the bottom of the eighth off he faced to earn the win. Emilio fi eld corner. Gregorius hitting a solo homer, Enoli Paredes. Pagan picked up his second save After Wil Myers drew a walk, both in the third for the Phillies. Machado then drove his eighth of the season – and his second of Jake Cronenworth singled, driv- Freddie Freeman hit two dou- homer of the season – and his the series – with a perfect ninth. ing home Hosmer with Myers bles and drove in three runs, one second in two games – over the Padres relievers retired the going to third. on the game’s last play before fence in right-center. San Diego last 14 Astros they faced. Luis At that point, on an unusually the second runner was thrown used the equivalent of a bullpen Patino, Cal Quantrill, Tim Hill, warm (85 degrees) and humid out. start to out-duel Padres nemesis Stammen and Pagan allowed no afternoon in San Diego, Greinke Philadelphia starter Zach Efl in Zack Greinke. runs on two hits over 7 1/3 in- walked off the mound and head- (1-1) threw 5 1/3 innings and al- Right-hander Craig Stam- nings. ed for the dugout after com- lowed three runs on six hits with men (3-1), the fi fth of six Padres Houston, which had won plaining to the umpires about a three walks and six strikeouts to Manny Machado (left) of the San Diego Padres celebrates hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning pitchers, retired all four Astros eight straight games coming into hole on the mound. While the pick up the win. with Fernando Tatis Jr. against the Houston Astros at Petco Park in San Diego. (The San Diego Union-Tribune) Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, August 25, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS Aspetar experts to share insights on illness and injury prevention spetar experts will be illness prevention. the knowledge with our partners The attending experts will of- spot with Prof. Sébastien Raci- playing key roles in the Aspetar’s participation in the around the world”. fer insights, obtained through nais on how to prepare for the world’s premier sports upcoming conference as partner Like previous editions, the real-life case interactions, on challenging climate awaiting medicine event, the of the conference, and is con- conference will present evi- topics including load manage- participants in Tokyo for the Ol- IOCA World Conference on Pre- sidering its partnership with the dence-based information on the ment in elite football, cardiac ympic Games in July. Few, if any, vention of Injury and Illness in IOC as being one of its accred- prevention of injuries, illness screening of the elite paediat- other institutions world-wide Sport. ited research centres and part and other health problems as- ric athlete, preventing overuse can match the wide-ranging The event is intended for in- of Aspetar fundamental role to sociated with sports participa- injuries in team sports, how spectre of expertise provided by dividuals and organisations with protect the health of athletes and tion, using a multidisciplinary to prevent hamstring injuries Aspetar”. an interest in the clinical aspects prevent injuries and illnesses. approach. and one of the most interesting It is noteworthy that Aspetar of sports and exercise medicine, Commenting on Aspetar’s The programme will consist topics ahead of the Games, pre- in November 2012 created a sus- only a few months before the participation, Chief Executive of guest speakers, panel discus- sented by Prof. Sebastien Raci- tainable long-term programme largest sporting event, the 2020 Offi cer of Aspetar, Dr Abdulaziz sions, symposia, workshops, free nais, Head of Research entitled on injury and illness prevention, Tokyo Olympic Games. Jaham al-Kuwari, said; “this communications and posters. ‘Tropical paradise or danger the Aspetar Sports Injury and The 5th IOC World Confer- conference is an ideal opportu- Aspetar experts including zone? Beat the heat to protect Illness Prevention Programme ence on Prevention of Injury nity for Aspetar’s experts and several recognised professionals athletes in a sweltering 2020 (ASPREV), which is based on the and Illness in Sport was ini- researchers to join hands with in the area of injury and illness Tokyo’. two main conjoined elements of tially scheduled to be on March healthcare professionals, shar- prevention have been invited as Prof. Roald Bahr, IOCs Chair research and implementation. 2020 but had to be moved un- ing insights on illness and inju- members of the scientifi c com- of the Scientifi c Committee of The objectives and activi- til February 2021 caused by the ries prevention in sports. We are mittee. the conference and Head of the ties within ASPREV are closely Covid-19 outbreak. The event proud to be partners in such a Thor Einar Andersen, Chief Aspetar Sports Injury and Ill- aligned with those of the IOC; will take place in Monaco from prestigious event. of Sports medicine in Aspetar, ness Prevention Programme, Aspetar has been recognised as February 11 to 13, 2021 and will “As an IOC Research Centre and fi fteen high-level experts said: “I am grateful to Aspetar an IOC Research Centre for the bring together a diverse faculty for the Prevention of Injury and from Aspetar will present their for contributing no less than 15 Prevention of Injury and Protec- representing the foremost inter- Protection of Athlete Health, case studies, informative panel staff members as speakers, in- tion of Athlete Health since No- national expertise on injury and Aspetar is committed to sharing discussions and workshops. cluding the prestigious keynote vember 2014. Aspetar CEO Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham al-Kuwari

CYCLING Tokyo fl ame to go on display to public next month The Olympic flame will go on display at the Japanese Olympic Museum from September 1, the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) announced yesterday. The flame was last seen in Fukushi- ma after the torch relay was cancelled following its arrival from Greece but before it could start on the planned tour of Japan after the decision to postpone the Games in March due to the new coronavirus pandemic. Tour de France With the Olympics postponed until 2021, organisers had been discussing how best to store and present the Olympic flame whilst in Japan. They have chosen to display the flame at the JOC museum which is near the National Stadium purpose-built for the Games. To limit crowds gathering to view the flame there will be a reservation system with a designated date and time. The flame will be on ready to roll in display from September 1 to November 1. (Reuters)

TENNIS time of Covid-19 Pliskova, Kenin ‘THE KEY THING IS THAT WE TARGET THE TOUR WIN’ sent spinning out of Western & Southern Open

AFP derson sailed a return of a sec- New York ond serve long. Tsitsipas was the fi rst of the top eight men’s seeds to see action as all en- op-seeded Karolina joyed fi rst-round byes. Pliskova and No. 2 World number one and Sofi a Kenin crashed top seed Novak Djokovic was out of the Western & scheduled to open his cam- TSouthern Open on Sunday, paign on Monday against qual- falling in their opening match- ifi er Ricardas Berankis. es at the National Tennis Cent- The Serbian star remained er in New York. on Monday’s slate despite Russia’s Veronika Kuderme- pulling out of doubles on Sun- tova, ranked 41st in the world, day citing pain in his neck. toppled world number three US star Serena Williams, Pliskova of Czech Republic seeded third, is also set to open 7-5, 6-4 in their second-round her campaign on Monday with clash. France’s Alize Cornet a second-round clash with notched her fi rst win over a Arantxa Rus — a 6-2, 6-3 win- top-fi ve player in two years ner over Alison Van Uytvanck. when she shocked Australian Tsitsipas, seeking his sixth Open champion Kenin 6-1, 7-6 ATP title, next faces either (9/7) to reach the round of 16. 16th seeded American John It was a stunning turn of Isner or Australian John Mill- events on a day that saw men’s man, both fi rst-round winners fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday. lead the way into the round of Isner beat his doubles part- 16 with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over ner Hubert Hurkacz of Poland two-time Grand Slam fi nalist 7-5, 6-4. Millman rallied to Kevin Anderson. beat France’s Adrian Manna- Greece’s Tsitsipas needed rino 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). just 69 minutes to subdue An- In other fi rst-round action, derson, pressuring the tow- Argentina’s Diego Schwartz- ering South African’s second man defeated Casper Ruud 7-6 serve as he broke four times. (7/2), 6-3 to advance. He didn’t face a break point While the tournament is himself until the fi fth game of being played without fans — the second set, when Tsitsipas as well as without line judges fell into a 0-40 hold but won with the electronic “hawkeye” fi ve straight points to escape line calling system making the jam. all the calls — Schwartzman He gained the lone break of still found himself waving out A man wearing a protective face mask installs a banner for the 2020 Tour de France on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice as France reinforces mask-wearing as part of eff orts to the second set when Ander- of habit to the non-existent curb a resurgence of the coronavirus disease across the country, France, August 24, 2020. (Reuters) son double-faulted on break crowd after the win. point in the eighth game, and “Obviously it’s a diff erent AFP this year. After marathon nego- The team’s owner, plastics mitting - the 2020 edition makes ishes and 29 classifi ed mountain fi nished off the match on his feeling, going on court without Paris tiations with political leaders, and chemicals magnate Jim it to Paris. climbs, although the camper second match point when An- people,” Schwartzman said. the ASO, which organises the Ratcliff e, who also owns Nice Brailsford has provided the vans and pop up villages that race, announced in a meticu- football club, has renamed the all-rounder Bernal with the straddle these summit fi nishes he Tour de France rolls lous 18-page protocol guide that cycling team ‘the Ineos Grena- platform for success to the de- will be reduced by the health out of the French Rivi- two positive Covid-19 cases in diers’ to promote the company’s gree of stripping his starting protocols this year. Bolt says he’s self-quarantining era next Saturday with any team will see them removed new four-wheel-drive off -road line-up of the cycling world’s With the two-month delay aft er Covid-19 test peaks, plains and rigid from the event. vehicle. two most marketable stars. the French plains will likely be Tcoronavirus protocols standing All the riders must undergo In another fi rst, the Israel Standing in the way of Bernal whipped by autumn winds, es- Sprint legend Usain Bolt be safe. “Also, I am having between the 176 riders and the two PCR nasal tests in the days Start-Up Nation team will be and Brailsford is up-and-com- pecially on runs along the coast said yesterday he is self- no symptoms, I will quaran- fi nal dash along the Champs- leading up to the start of the amongst the 22 teams at the ing Dutch outfi t Jumbo-Visma, such as stage 10 between the At- quarantining after undergoing tine myself and wait on the Elysees in Paris. Tour. Furthermore, the Tour has starting line on Saturday. who boast two of the peloton’s lantic islands of Oleron and Re. a Covid-19 test amid reports confirmation to see what is Delayed by over two months set up a Covid-19 testing unit The Tour will also do away most respected riders. Suspense will be cranked up he was positive for the deadly the protocol and to see how I because of the virus, political of around 15 people which will with having two podium girls Jumbo will be led by former throughout, however, as the pe- coronavirus. In a video posted go about quarantining myself will and organisational savvy be attached to the coordination to greet the winners each day - ski jumper and Vuelta a Espana nultimate day features a poten- on Twitter, the Jamaican said from the Ministry of Health. saw the Tour cling on as the To- centre. now it will be one woman and champion Primoz Roglic. tial shake-up with an individual he had experienced no symp- “Until then, I will call my kyo Olympics and football’s Eu- The Mediterranean city of one man. The Slovenian boasts an un- time trial on the fan-favourite toms, but he urged friends he friends and tell them once ros fell by the wayside. Nice plays host to the build-up Ineos are led by Dave Brails- answerable fi nal 500m accel- Planches des Belles Filles climb. had been in contact with to they came in contact with me A blueprint for sports in the known as ‘Le Grand Depart’ and ford, who masterminded seven eration, but can be wracked with Without a French winner take precautions. to be safe, quarantine and time of coronavirus may emerge the fi rst three stages either start victories from the past eight edi- uncertainty when isolated. since 1985, Thibaut Pinot of the “This weekend, like everybody take it easy,” said Bolt, who as global audiences from 190 or fi nish there. tions starting with Britain’s Bra- Jumbo also line up former Giro FDJ team is the best home hope, else, I checked social media turned 34 on Friday. countries will be able to feast on Colombia’s 23-year-old de- dley Wiggins in 2012. d’Italia and world champion and he grew up near the Planche and saw social media say that The eight-time Olympic cham- France’s prettiest vistas on the fending champion Egan Bernal Brailsford is an expansive Tom Dumoulin, a road savvy des Belles Filles. I’m confirmed of Covid-19,” pion, who holds the world gruelling three-week endurance will defend his title as sole cap- thinker who introduced the con- former medical student who is “I have the legs for it,” he said Bolt said. “I did a test on 100m and 200m records, last test. tain of Ineos, who ruthlessly cepts of ‘marginal gains’ and possibly more likely to survive this week. Saturday to leave (Jamaica) competed internationally at Race chief Christian Prud- axed both four-time winner ‘mission clarity’ to cycle racing. the 21 days in one piece. In a Tour de France like no because I have work,” he said, the 2017 World Champion- homme likes to say the Tour Chris Froome and 2018 cham- “There are many prizes on of- The route itself resembles the other, it will be a victory in itself although he did not confirm ships in London. He and part- de France is 3,000km of smiles pion Geraint Thomas from their fer at the Tour de France, our tar- thrilling 2019 itinerary, cross- whether it is Bernal, Dumoulin he had received the result. “I ner Kasi Bennet welcomed (3,470km for 2020), but he has roster last week. get is the yellow jersey,” Brails- ing all fi ve of France’s mountain or another who pulls on the yel- am trying to be responsible the birth of a daughter in May. appealed for the expected 10 “The key thing is that we tar- ford says of the overall victory ranges. low jersey in Paris on September so I am going to stay in and (AFP) million roadside fans to mask up get the Tour win,” Bernal said. his team chase if -- virus per- There will be fi ve summit fi n- 20. Gulf Times Tuesday, August 25, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT From stand-in caddy to golf star: Johnson powers Sophia Popov’s to World No. 1 with Cinderella story Northern Trust win Johnson’s 22-under third-round total had given him the largest 54-hole lead on tour this season — five strokes — and he was quick to build on it on Sunday

DPA ing for her friend Anne van Dam Berlin rather than striking shots herself. Having scrapped into the fi eld for the Open — in part due he tears were fl owing to cancellations because of the for Sophia Popov even coronavirus pandemic — Popov before she holed her last made the most of her chance. Tputt at Sunday’s British She led by three shots going Open — tears of joy at becoming into Sunday’s fi nal round and the fi rst German women’s golfer cruised home two clear, even to win a major title. with a potentially life-changing “I guess it is an incredible sto- victory on the line. ry and I think that’s why I broke “I was a lot calmer, honestly, down on the 18th hole, because than I thought I would be,” she it’s been something I couldn’t said. “I was very nervous the fi rst have dreamed of just a week ago, hole, but I said, all right, just try and it’s incredible that golf al- to not let people see that. lows for these things to happen,” If you’re calm to the outside the 27-year-old said after her you’re going to be calm to the in- triumph at Royal Troon on the side.” Scottish coast. Popov’s winning cheque for The United States-based Pop- her maiden major is a worth a ov had already considered hang- shade over 675,000 dollars — ing up her clubs after struggling more than six times her career to make the grade on the cut- prize money to date. throat professional circuit. “The British Open was actu- Dustin Johnson of the United States celebrates with the trophy She suff ered from a mysterious ally just a bonus for me,” she said after going 30-under par to win during the final round of The illness, she revealed, with around having won her fi rst professional Northern Trust at TPC Boston on Sunday. At bottom, 20 doctors unable to connect her event on the modest Cactus Tour second-placed Harris English. symptoms to a successful diag- in her home state of Arizona just nosis. a few months ago. Popov lost several kilograms in Popov is the fi rst German weight. woman to sample major success. Eventually Lyme disease was The men’s fi eld is not crowd- determined to be the cause of the ed with only Bernhard Langer AFP Friday — when he was 11-under health problems but on-course (Masters 1985, 1993) and Martin New York through 11 holes before parring issues took even longer to resolve Kaymer (PGA Championship his way to the clubhouse. than Popov’s three-year wait for 2010, US Open 2014) in the elite Told his 30-under total didn’t a diagnosis. club of major winners. ustin Johnson seized give him a record, Johnson “At that point it was so chron- “What a performance,” said the world number one wasn’t bothered. ic, though, that I had just been Kaymer on Instagram. “Con- ranking in emphatic “That’s all right,” he said, struggling a lot with fatigue, and gratulations on your fi rst major style Sunday, fi ring “next time.” honestly, I had like 10 diff erent win Sophia.” anD eight-under par fi nal-round Former US Open champion symptoms,” she said. “Today I woke up a major 63 to win the US PGA Northern Johnson toppled Spain’s Jon “It was a tough time to go champion,” Popov wrote on so- Trust by 11 strokes. Rahm from the top of the rank- through just because I didn’t cial media yesterday. “I still can’t Johnson fi nished with a ings, and will also lead the US know what it was, and it took so believe what happened yester- 30-under par total of 254 at TPC tour’s FedEx Cup standings long to pinpoint exactly what day. Boston, with Harris English a going into the second playoff was going on.” A single week that turned my distant second on 265 after a event, the BMW Championship. She lost her card on the high- life upside down.” closing 69. “Something that I’m very est level LPGA Tour and slumped Along with the trophy and Johnson’s 22-under third- proud of is to be number one in to 304th in the world. cheque, winning the Open also round total had given him the the world, and I’d like to stay As the Tour returned from its provides fi ve-year membership largest 54-hole lead on tour there for a little while,” Johnson coronavirus break three weeks of the LPGA Tour. Without a this season — fi ve strokes — and said. ago, she was there — but caddy- Cactus in sight. he was quick to build on it on “Obviously it’s been jumping Sunday. He set the tone with around a bunch here the last few an eight-foot eagle putt at the months, but you know, the last FOCUS second, set up by a magnifi cent time I was number one I think I seven-iron over the water. stayed there for quite some time, He tapped in for birdie at the and that’s another goal of mine fourth and rolled in a four-foot is just to see how long I can stay Woods fi nding birdie at the fi fth. at number one.” Birdie putts of 10 and 13 feet at South Africa’s Louis Oosthui- the seventh and eighth saw him zen grabbed the fi nal spot in the rhythm with 66 make the turn fi ve-under for darkness and steady rain. with a 30-under total. to shoot low. 70-man BMW fi eld with a birdie the day, and he rolled in another He matched the second-low- His margin of victory was the “So I was trying to get 30-un- at the fi nal hole on Sunday, com- four-foot birdie at the 12th. est score in relation to par in a largest on tour since 2006. der — holed a nice little putt on ing back after the rain delay and The only thing that slowed 72-hole US PGA Tour event. “It is a big margin, and I’m the last hole to get to 30.” capping a two-over 73. him was a weather delay, the Ernie Els holds the record defi nitely really proud of that,” After a tough putting round That put him in a tie for 13th, horn sounding just after he teed of 31-under shot at Kapalua in Johnson said. “I played really on Thursday, Johnson put him- and knocked Doc Redman out of off on 17. Johnson returned and 2003, and Jordan Spieth won the good. I knew I was playing well self on the path to victory with the top 70 in the playoff stand- birdied the par-fi ve 18th in near 2016 Tournament of Champions and I knew the guys were going an impressive 11-under 60 on ings.

BOTTOMLINE

iger Woods shot his low- year for all of us, and that’s one Golf Australia looks to former cricket chief Sutherland est round of the year with of the things that we’ve all had to a 66 at the Northern make adjustments, and for me, Reuters Pitt, who resigned in February Sutherland, chief the fi nest in the world, around now playing almost year-round TTrust Open on Sunday I’m just now starting to get into Sydney after 11 years in the job. executive at Cricket the nation and has produced seasons, however, Golf Australia and said he is starting to fi nd his the rhythm and fl ow of compet- James has a resume that is Australia for 17 years 11 men’s major winners over has increasingly struggled for “rhythm and fl ow” after some in- ing and playing again,” he added. long and distinguished and I’m until late 2018, replaces the years, from Peter Thomson profi le and to attract big names consistent displays since the PGA Woods, who is fi ghting for olf Australia appointed delighted that golf will be able to Stephen Pitt, who resigned through Greg Norman to, most to its marquee tournaments. Tour restarted in June. enough points to earn a spot in James Sutherland as its tap into his vast knowledge and in February aft er 11 years recently, Jason Day. “I’m genuinely excited to have Woods fi red four straight bird- the FedExCup fi nal in East Lake, new chief executive on resources as we push into a new in the job In the women’s game, Karrie the opportunity to work in golf, ies to open his fi nal round and Atlanta, said he was encouraged GMonday, looking to the era,” Golf Australia Chairman Webb won the last of her seven obviously for Golf Australia, but fi nished on six-under-par 278 for by the fi nish ahead of the BMW long-serving former national Andrew Newbold said in a state- switch and modernising of goals majors in 2006 while Hannah more importantly for the sport the tournament — 24 shots be- Championship this month. cricket head to revive a sport ment. “One of the things that and attitudes to have achieved Green is the country’s most re- around the nation,” Sutherland hind winner Dustin Johnson. “I wish I’d have played a bit long on pedigree but struggling stands out to me was when I saw that objective. “He knows what cent major champion, winning said. Woods, who has played three better this week to make it a little in an increasingly competitive the (Melbourne Cricket Ground) excellent and elite look like, and last year’s Women’s PGA Cham- “These are challenging times events since the Tour’s resump- bit easier on me next week to try environment. fi lled with almost 100,000 peo- I can’t wait for him to impart his pionship. for us all, but I know that An- tion amid the Covid-19 pandem- to get into East Lake, but this is Sutherland, chief executive ple to watch the fi nal of the vision on the broader golf indus- With the major US and Euro- drew and his board have posi- ic, told reporters he had not been going to be — if I played well, four at Cricket Australia for 17 years Women’s T20 World Cup this try.” Australia has some 1,500 pean Tours moving ever further tioned us well to cope now and at his best since the restart. out of fi ve weeks, so it’s going to until late 2018, replaces Stephen year, then contemplated the golf courses, including some of afi eld from their heartlands and thrive later.” “This has been a very diff erent be a busy stretch either way.” Tuesday, August 25, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

BOXING Sheikh Fahad uses break to focus on agility, fi tness ‘THE PANDEMIC GAVE ME TIME TO STUDY FIGHTS, SOMETHING THAT I USED TO DO MANY YEARS AGO’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

t the start of 2020, Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani was high on anticipation, ex- Acited for the year ahead. He was moving up to six-round bouts, had planned on a number of bouts to extend his 13-0 streak and also a long training camp in the second half of the year. And then a certain virus kicked off a pandemic that brought the whole world to a standstill. Almost eight months into the year, some of the best-laid plans have been reduced to shreds for everyone. For athletes, including Sheikh Fahad, the pandemic has forced a re-think of plans, schedules and techniques. “From 2018 onwards, my main focus was pushing my technical abilities,” Qatar’s fi rst professional boxer told Gulf Times at his gym. ing, always something on those lines. “I was fi ghting consistently without Sometimes my family would join me, much breaks in between. I was utilising but I was never fully free. And I believe that to technically boost myself. Earlier that an active sportsperson is never this year, I was in peak form technically, fully free, because you have so many I was ready to fi ght. I wanted to fi nish things to do. But (during the pandem- my committed bouts earlier in the year. ic), I spent time with my family. I had a So this part of the year, I wanted to go son during the pandemic, and even that into a long training camp and build up gave me motivation in my life,” he said. physical fi tness and strength. However, He also joined forces with the Qatar the change happened, and it was out of Olympic Committee for their social our control. It was diffi cult.” media activities. Schedules with long-time trainer “As the fi rst Qatari pro boxer, I have Franck Bohec moved to video calls, to lead the way, and sometimes my training regimens focussed on main- mind might want to take a break, but I taining agility and fi tness. really can’t. There are so many aspir- “It was a very diffi cult type of train- ants from within Qatar and the region ing. It was challenging. Needed to just who are looking at my path, and my refocus, stay on form mentally. I had journey as an inspiration. And they may to maintain by physical shape, if not achieve more in the future. So I cannot improve,” the welterweight boxer said. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani take that break whenever I want. I don’t “Franck motivated me a lot, that was trains under the watchful eyes of think that’s a choice I have,” he said. really helpful.” Franck Bohec (right) at a Doha gym. “Every athlete who is representing The 32-year-old prides on being a Qatar has a responsibility. It is an ob- student of the sport and also utilised a competitive return to the ring for Away from the competition, the ligation, not a choice, according to me. this time to studying old fi ghts on tapes Sheikh Fahad in November in Spain. time away from the ring helped The country, the sports administration, and YouTube. “Not in mainland Spain, but on one him spend time with his family, and is doing so much, that now the athletes “The pandemic gave me time to of the Spanish islands where there are he also welcomed his son into the have to live up to this, and raise their study fi ghts, something that I used minimum cases of Covid-19. In the new world. levels of engagement to help raise the to do many years ago. I looked at old protocol for boxing bouts, there are no next generation of champions.” tapes, YouTube videos of boxers like fans, boxers and trainers have to go in Every athlete who is Sheikh Fahad himself is working with Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leon- a bubble, stay there, get tested, and if representing Qatar has a young Qatari boy, sharing his knowl- ard, Roberto Durran… my mind was everything is fi ne, then the bouts go a responsibility. It is an edge and experiences. “He came with occupied. I really believe I saw a lot of ahead. It is a diffi cult year, and life has obligation, not a choice, his father and the boy was excited when diff erent ideas, and then I would send it begun coming back to normal, but we ‘ he came to the gym, we did a session according to me. The country, the to Franck, and discuss, and he would do have a responsibility towards others, sports administration, is doing and it was heartening to see the interest the same,” he said. and safety is the most important thing. so much, that now the athletes and the drive in him. It was great that When the gyms were allowed to open It’s good that I have a target. It pushes have to live up to this, and raise I could share some of my knowledge as part of the easing measures by the me with high motivation,” he said. their levels of engagement to with him,” he said, adding that two State of Qatar, Sheikh Fahad and Bohec “It will be scheduled for six rounds. help raise the next generation of more teenagers have requested to work were quick to get back in to the boxing However, the way the pandemic is, we champions with him. ring at the gym. are negotiating a kind of back-to-back “They are about to start their jour- “We are at a stage where we know we bouts. Generally, there is a two-week Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani ney. They are eager. And I know how can use this time to rebuild my fi tness break between two professional bouts. it is, it is a really great journey. If you to the max possible. My strength, my But we are pushing for a one-week break, “The last few years have been really reach the level of representing your endurance, my cardio-vascular, and be because I will have anyway travelled from diffi cult in terms of family time. I would country, it is an honour you can’t com- ready for the next training camp and Qatar, and it might be a good idea to have be travelling, even if I am not boxing, I pare.” He has also done Instagram Live Belfor, Jessie Vargas and Israil Madri- their experiences, and also for the audi- the next fi ght,” Sheikh Fahad said. only a one-week break. Both six rounds, am in the UK and other places, dis- sessions with WBC president Mauricio mov from Uzbekistan. “It was great for ence in Qatar, getting them insights and There are unconfi rmed plans of and it will test my fi tness too.” cussing boxing, plans for Qatari box- Sulaimán, Brazilian MMA legend Victor me to speak to world champions, hear a diff erent view into the sport.”

FOOTBALL We overcame challenges of a diffi cult season

Hassan Rabiah With regard to the awards that Award, presented to entities or out according to previously- al-Kuwari, General are subject to voting, namely people who contribute to the mentioned criteria, including Secretary of the Board of (Best Under-23 Player, Best development and promotion of performance, results and par- Trustees of Qatar Football Coach and Best Player), the football, a number of names and ticipation. But in the end, one number of candidates has been entities were presented to the winner will be selected from each Association (QFA) Award, reduced and three names have Board of Trustees for selection. category according to the award gave his takes on the been approved in each category. mechanism. 2019-20 season in They are voted to choose the best What do you think of the general, nominees for as we send the forms to the par- candidates for voting in each How were the participants in this season’s Best Awards, ties authorised to participate in category and awards in gen- the voting process chosen? the voting process. A total of 54 eral? Since the inception of the selection mechanism, forms were sent on Sunday, 23rd With regard to the nominees award, one of the most impor- participants in the voting August, and the last day to re- for each award, the names put tant factors to select the best has process and cancellation turn the fi lled-up forms is 25th up for voting are considered as been the participation of various of the award ceremony, August, after which the forms the best according to the data of stakeholders directly related to among various other are sorted and presented to the numbers, statistics, general per- Qatar football. Board of Trustees for approval of formance and results. The choice On top of the list are coaches, topics. the fi nal results, and the winner is presented to all participants in team managers and national in each category is announced. the voting process to choose the team coaches, in addition to me- Tell us about your evaluation most distinguished in each cat- dia representatives who actively of the 2019-20 season? How about the other awards? egory, according to the names cover the matches. It was a strong and diffi cult Are there any new awards this specifi ed and announced. season, which witnessed some season? Do you feel that the corona- challenges that we overcame in As for the other awards that There’ve been discussions virus (Covid-19) pandemic, co-operation and co-ordination are not subject to voting, the that some other names too which led to the suspension of with the authorities concerned top-scorer award will be shared deserved to be included in football activity, has aff ected and all partners. In this regard, by Al Sadd’s Akram Afi f and Al each category. What’s your levels and performance this I extend my sincere thanks and Rayyan’s Yacine Brahimi (both 15 comment on the nomina- season after the resumption appreciation to all entities that goals). tions? of competitions? worked with us and supported us, Regarding award for the Best It’s good to put up a large It’s certain that there was some such as the Ministry of Interior, Referees, co-ordination is being number of names that some be- impact of the pandemic on the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar done with the Referees’ Com- lieve deserve to be included in levels and performance of some Red Crescent, Supreme Com- ticular as well as fans for their was cancelled under the cur- media platforms of QFA and Qatar mittee of QFA to nominate the list of nominees and this refl ects players and through what we saw mittee for and Legacy, commitment to the instructions rent circumstances to ensure the Stars League, as stated in the state- outstanding referees based on the high level of players and the in some games during the last fi ve QFA and Aspetar. We also thank and guidelines regarding the pre- safety and security of everyone ment by the Board of Trustees. their performances. It should be extent of technical quality of rounds of QNB Stars League. But the clubs and players for their cautionary measures. and as part of the country’s eff orts noted that a new award has been matches this season, as we wit- in general during the season, the commitment and professional- to combat the coronavirus (Cov- For the award nominees this added to this category under the nessed great competition at vari- technical levels in most of the ism throughout the season in Why was this season’s QFA id-19) pandemic. The award win- season, what’s the selection name of Best Video Assistant ous levels and positions, be it at games were high and a number general and during the outbreak Award ceremony cancelled? ners will be announced through mechanism and also the vot- Referee (VAR). the top, middle or the bottom. of players exhibited distinct and of coronavirus (Covid-19) in par- This season’s awards ceremony the offi cial websites and social ing process? In terms of Football for All The selection process is carried strong levels.