Sport

SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020 HistoryH maker Iga Swiatek downs American SSofiao Kenin to seal maiden title MaybeMa it just had to be like that, another underdog had to win a GrandG Slam. In women’s right now it’s crazy. I don’t knknow what’s going on. It’s overwhelming for me, it’s crazy.

French Open winner Iga Swiatek Sport | 11

NBA FINALS: (Game 4) Miami Heat 111, Los Angeles Lakers 108 (LeBron James 40 pts, Anthony Davis 28) * Lakers lead series 3-2 Nasser clinches Andalucia Rally title THE PENINSULA – VILLAMARTIN 2020 ANDALUCIA RALLY FINAL STANDINGS (TOP 10): until he suffered a broken rear 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/MatthieuBaumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux 8hrs 59min 09sec suspension arm on the third stage Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah 2. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz (ESP) MINI John Cooper Works Buggy 9hrs 02min 23sec and slipped out of contention for and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi 3. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Dirk von Zizewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 9hrs 09min 40sec the top five. The Dutchman was finished first and third overall in classified seventh on the last the inaugural Andalucia Rally in 4. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI John Cooper Works Rally 9hrs 24min 35sec stage. southern Spain yesterday. 5. Yasir Saeidan (SAU)/Omar Al Lahim (SAU) MINI All4 Racing 9hrs 41min 12sec American Mitch Guthrie and Driving a pair of Toyota 6. Cristina Gutierrez (ESP)/Ignacio Garcia (ESP) MINI All4 Racing 9hrs 41min 17sec Norwegian co-driver Ole Floene Hiluxes for Toyota Gazoo Racing 7. Felix Dieguez (ESP)/José Luis Lamela (ESP) Toyota Hilux 9hrs 42min 13sec claimed victory for the Red Bull and Overdrive Racing, the duo 8. Isidre Esteve (ESP)/José Maria Valcarcel (ESP) Toyota Hilux 9hrs 51min 22sec Off-Road Junior Team in the T3 were the class of the field for 9. Paulo Ferreira (PRT)/Jorge Monteiro (PRT) Toyota Hilux 9hrs 51min 45sec category. At the wheel of the first much of the four-day off-road of three OT3 by Overdrive Pro- 10. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton (POL) Can-Am Maverick X3 (1st - T4) 9hrs 53min 17sec event that ran for the first time in totypes, Guthrie reached the the remote rural region between finish 6min 25sec ahead of Malaga, Seville and Jerez. preparations for the forthcoming Castera and the organising team Swedish rally cross supremo and A 10-minute penalty for a Dakar Rally. for bringing us all together. It’s team-mate Kevin Hansen and his speeding violation cost the Saudi Al Attiyah and French co- like a mini-Dakar!” French co-driver François a potential victory after the third driver Matthieu Baumel won the Dutchman Bernhard Ten Cazelet. stage and he reached the finish super special and the second and Brinke and his Belgian navigator Al Attiyah shared the spoils 7min 17sec behind runner-up third stages on their way to Tom Colsoul were in contention with Peterhansel in the nine-kil- Carlos Sainz, with Al Attiyah victory. Al Rajhi was fastest on for a podium finish until their ometre super special stage that securing victory over the Spaniard the first selective section and the Toyota sustained a broken drive preceded the opening varied by the margin of 3min 14sec. time penalty cost him the win on shaft on the third stage. Ten selective section of 258km that Organised in a short period of stage three. Brinke clocked the second fastest looped through the Andalucian time to replace the Rally of “This is a great victory for time on the final day but the countryside around Villamartin Morocco - that was cancelled as Matthieu, myself and all the team damage had been done the pre- and included some sandy and a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and a very useful event before the vious day. open tracks and narrower and – the Andalucia Rally utilised all Dakar,” said Al Attiyah. Fellow countryman Erik Van more technical sections. Ten Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Frenchman Matthieu the necessary safety protocols and “It was the first time I came Loon had been holding seventh Brinke came home in third place, Baumel of Toyota Gazoo Racing celebrate after winning became a superb shakedown here to Andalucia. The scenery overall with French co-driver 10 seconds adrift, and Al Rajhi the inaugural Andalucia Rally in southern Spain yesterday. arena for teams making was magnificent. I thank David Sébastien Delaunay was fourth.

Al Sadd's players and officials celebrate withe the trophy after winning the Ooredoo Cup final against Al Arabi at Al Duhail Stadium, yesterday. Brilliant Al Sadd lift Ooredoo Cup

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Spaniard Cazorla then got on the scoresheet after picking up a Team Qatar reaches A brilliant team effort by Al Sadd loose ball inside the box from You- sealed a 4-0 win over Al Arabi as suf to add the third goal for Al Sadd. Turkey for Xavi Hernandez-coached Wolves Tabata then sealed the 4-0 were crowned Ooredoo Cup cham- win in style in the stoppage time pions at the Abdullah bin Khalifa as he struck a powerful shot from Ghana friendly Stadium yesterday. distance that left the Al Arabi Yousuf Abdurisag (17), Nam Tae- keeper and the rest of their hee (53), Santi Cazorla (77) and Rodrgio players stunned. Tabata (91) scored for the winners who Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, sealed the title in dominant passion. who stepped into the shoes of In the absence of a number of Saad Al Sheeb, who is on national key Qatari players, who have joined duty, savoured the win. the national team which left for Tur- “I congratulate the players and key ahead of their friendly match the fans for this victory, as the against Ghana, coach Xavi decided triumph came after a great effort Qatari players and officials arriving in Antalya, Turkey, yesterday, ahead to field four foreign stars in yester- on the part of all the players. We of their one-off international friendly against Ghana which will be day's title clash. were successful in the match and played tomorrow. PIC: TWITTER/@ALSADDSC, @QFA South Koreans Jung Wooyoung we were able to do what was and Tae-hee, Brazilian Guilherme required. Winning the title is a and Spaniard Cazorla were given the great boost for the morale of the task of strengthening the Wolves as players after the defeat in the Al Sadd excelled against Al Arabi . Champions League and the dif- Tae-Hee made his presence felt ficult stage the team went through right from the start. He almost scored, after the coronavirus crisis. We only to see his effort thwarted by Al have the spirit to give our best in Arabi keeper Mahmoud Abunada. Al the upcoming tournaments as Arabi striker Hamdi Harbaoui then well,” Meshaal said after the hit the crossbar with a shot from out- Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez posing for a photograph match. side the box. with the winner's trophy. The title victory took Al Sadd's In the 17th minute, Al Sadd opened trophy tally to 72 and this is the the account to take lead. Tae-hee deliv- second time in the history that the ered a clever pass to Abdurisag and the Tae-hee received a through pass from club has won this title, after previously young Qatari got past the Al Arabi keeper Cazorla and the 2017 QFA Player of the triumphing in the 2010-11 season, under to open account. Year doubled their lead with a curling shot the tournament’s old name, the Qatar After the break, in the 53rd minute, into the bottom corner. Stars Cup. SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 11

Messi History maker Swiatek downs could be convinced Kenin to seal maiden Slam title to stay: AFP – period -- who finished runner-up at Swiatek served an untimely double fault Roland Garros in 1939. allowing the American to level at 3-all. Suarez Polish teenager Iga Swiatek won her Swiatek was only the second Polish Swiatek, who bludgeoned her way Recent women's country’s first ever Grand Slam singles woman to reach a Grand Slam final in through to the championship match, champions title yesterday as she defeated American the Open era after Agnieszka Rad- conceding just 23 games in six rounds, 2020 - Iga Swiatek (POL) REUTERS – MADRID fourth seed 6-4, 6-1 to wanska at Wimbledon in 2012. She had secured a precious hold before Kenin 2019 - (AUS) become the youngest women’s Frenchnch never previously been beyond the laslastt lost her serve for the second time. 2018 - (ROM) Lionel Messi could be Open champion since 1992. 16.16. SServingerving foforr ththee fifirstrst set at 5-35-3,, convinced to stay at Barcelona The 19-year-old Swiatek, at 54 thethe AustralianAustralian OOpenpen chchampionampion SwiatekSwiatek dudumpedmped a ttameame 2017 - Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) beyond this season, despite lowest-ranked woman to capture thethe KeKenin,ninn, 221,11, wwasas aattemptingttemptp iing to backhandbackhand iintonto ththee nenett on 2016 - Garbine Muguruza (ESP) interest from Manchester City, Roland Garros title in the modern eera,ra, bebecomecome tthehe ffirstirst womanwoman ttoo setset popointint anandd KeniKeninn 2015 - (USA) according to his former team is the ninth first-time major championion capturecapture twotwo SlamsSllams in thethe samesama e immediatelyimmmedid ately brokebroke 2014 - (RUS) mate Luis Suarez. in the past 14 Grand Slams. yearyear sincesini ce AAngeliquengeliqque KerberKerber back,back, ririppingpping a blblis-is- 2013 - Serena Williams (USA) The Barca captain tried to “Maybe it just had to be like that,hat, in 2016.2010 6. teringtet ring bbackhandackhannd force his way out of the club in another underdog had to win a Grandand SwSwiatek,iatek, whosewhosee onlyonly prpre-e- return.return. 2012 - Maria Sharapova (RUS) the close season but agreed to Slam. In women’s tennis right now itit’s’s viousvious tour-leveltotourur-levvel finalfinnal camecame att Kenin’sKenin’n s reresil-sis l- 2011 - (CHN) stay until his contract ends in crazy,” said Swiatek, who will risee to LuganoLuuganoo llastasa t year,year, dispelleddiispeelleed ienceience hashah s bebeeneen a June 2021. 17th in the world after her victory. anyany ininitialitiaal fefearear ooff nenerveservr es aass shshehe staplestaple ofof herher successsuucccess Argentina forward Messi, “I don’t know what’s going on. It’sIt’s wonwoon 12 ofof thethe firstfirst 15 pointspoints too butbut sheshe crackedcrackeed againagaiain 33, revealed his frustrations overwhelming for me, it’s crazy.” surgesurgge 3-03-0 ahead.ahead. to ppresentreses nt SSwiatekwiattek wwithitth promptlyprp ompttly draggingdrar gginng a backhandb wide to with the club’s board and a lack “Two years ago I won a junior Grandand However,However, KeninKenin hashas mademadde twotwo momorere ssetete handhand thethe PolePole the openingoppene set. of planning but said he would Slam (at Wimbledon) and now I’I’mm a habithhabib t of fightingfigighth ing throughthroouggh toughtoougugh pointspoints atat ThThee sisixth-rankedxth-h rar nked Kenin, trying to give his all this season. here,” she added. situationssisituattionns inin ParisParis andand 4-5,4-5, becomebeb come tthehee ffirstirsts wwomanomma to capture two Messi, Barcelona’s all-time “It feels like such a short time.” brokebrbroko e backbackck whenwhen SlamsSlS ams in thethe samesamme season since top goalscorer, is free to nego- Swiatek is the youngest women’sen’n s AngeliqueAnA gelique KeKKerbererbere iinn 202016, broke to begin tiate with other clubs from French Open winner since Monica Seleseles thetht e secondsecondd set.seet. January, including Pep Guar- 28 years ago. BuBButt ann uundeterredndete Swiatek diola’s City, who are interested She eclipsed the run of compatriotrioto respondedrer sponded thethhe followingfo game, in luring him to Manchester. Jadwiga Jedrzejowska -- the most oout-utut- smackingsmmaackingg a bbackhandackha down the line “Maybe there’s the possi- standing Polish player of the interwarwarar toto breakbreaak ooncennce momorer before holding bility of him playing for another withwiw th easeease too gogo 2-12 up. club, but if he feels comfortable KeninKeenin n susubsbsequently called and happy, and a new board fofforr a memedicaldi timeout to come in, he will want to stay at Polish teenager Iga Swiatek won receivereceivve trtreatmentr on her the club,” Atletico Madrid her country’s first ever Grand tattapedpeed leftlee thigh, but she striker Suarez told ESPN tele- cocouldouuld not slow the vision’s 90 Minutes. Slam singles title momomentumm of her “As a friend I will be happy opponentoppppo as Swiatek if thingsg ggo well for him (at( The 19-year-old beats American brokebrok for a fifth time. Barca),Barca), but also if he ggoesoes to fourth seed Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1 Swiatek won the anotheranother to become the youngest nextnex eight points to club.” stormstor to the cusp off women’s French Open champion thethhe titlettitl at 5-1, securing since 1992. a historichistoric triumphtriuumph withw a powerful Poland’s Iga Swiatek with the trophy as she cross-courtcross-court forehandforehand ono her first match celebrates after winning the French Open. point.point.

DJOKOVIC VS NADAL

1- Nadal looks to topple Djokovic in Age: 33 ATP ranking: 1 (Highest: 1) Grand Slam titles: 17 ( 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, final to match Federer's record 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020; French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, REUTERS – PARIS belt by winning last month’s US displayed incredible mental 2015, 2018, 2019; US Open 2011, Open in New York, which Nadal strength and determination to 2015, 2018) Novak Djokovic faces claycourt skipped due to concerns over For me, it’s the dream win the Rome Masters fol- Career ATP titles: 81 king in a dream the COVID-19 pandemic. final. ... whoever wins it lowing his US Open debacle. performance: French Open final today with But the 33-year-old was will be interesting for Another win on Sunday will Cavani Semi-final more at stake for the world’s disqualified in his fourth-round make Djokovic the first man in Best French Open performance: two top-ranked players than match at Flushing Meadows tennis. No matter what the Open era to win every Winner (2016) another Grand Slam title. when he inadvertently hit a line happens on Sunday, Grand Slam tournament at hoping to ROAD TO FINAL In one of the sport’s greatest judge with the ball. tennis is going to win least twice. First round: (Sweden) rivalries, Djokovic and Nadal Nadal is one behind Roger with Novak and Rafa “Both of them know it’s an do justice 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 have clashed 55 times with the Federer’s haul of 20 majors and playing in the final. I think unbelievable moment to make Second round: Ricardas Berankis Serbian leading 29-26. a 13th French Open title on history,” Corretja added. (Lithuania) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 But when it comes to clay, Sunday would therefore bring this is the perfect “I think we’re going to see to iconic Third round: Daniel Elahi Galan there has never been anybody him level with the Swiss, scenario for this Roland a lot of nerves because they Riveros (Colombia) 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 better than 12-times Roland leaving Djokovic three adrift. Garros final - after this know they’re playing for some- No. 7 shirt Fourth round: 15- Garros champion Nadal, who “For me, it’s the dream year, we needed this kind thing really special.” Eurosport (Russia) 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 has defeated Djokovic in six of final,” said tennis of match. I am Greek , their seven clashes at the expert and Spain’s twice who lost in five sets to REUTERS – LONDON Quarter-finals: 17-Pablo Carreno enthusiastic about the Busta (Spain) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 French major, including the Roland-Garros finalist Alex Djokovic in the semi-finals, Semi-finals: 5-Stefanos Tsitsipas 2012 and 2014 finals. Corretja. final. said the Serbian’s game is Manchester United’s new (Greece) 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 Djokovic, however, won “... whoever wins it will be Eurosport tennis expert almost perfect. recruit Edinson Cavani says their last meeting at the French interesting for tennis. No matter and Spain’s twice , winner of 18 he is relishing the challenge 2-RAFA NADAL Open in 2015 when he beat the what happens on Sunday, Roland-Garros finalist Grand Slams titles, agreed with of playing in the Premier Age: 34 Spaniard in the quarter-finals, tennis is going to win with Alex Corretja Tsitsipas. League and is confident he ATP ranking: 2 (Highest ranking: 1) something he said gives him Novak and Rafa playing in the “Novak is at times, not can handle the pressure of Grand Slam titles: 19 (Australian hope for today’s showdown. final. human,” Eurosport expert wearing the club’s iconic No. Open 2009; French Open 2005, The winner in Paris will also “I think this is the perfect Evert said. 7 jersey. 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, nudge ahead in their duel in scenario for this Roland Garros “I look at Nadal and see a Cavani, who left Ligue 1 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, Grand Slam finals contested final - after this year, we needed unusual conditions have had warrior, fighting for every- champions PSG after his con- 2019; Wimbledon 2008, 2010; US between the pair, with Djokovic this kind of match. I am enthu- little impact on his perform- thing, he’s going to leave blood tract expired last season, Open 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) and Nadal having each won siastic about the final.” ances since the Spaniard has on the court. joined United on a free Career ATP titles: 85 four times. Nadal, 34, complained not dropped a set in his six vic- “I look at Djokovic and I see transfer, penning a one-year 2019 French Open performance: Also on the line about the cold weather tories at this year’s more of a robot but in a good deal with an option to extend Winner will be the at the rescheduled edition. sense. The mental part of his for a further 12 months. Best French Open performance: battle to be French Open, No player game is a level ahead of He will sport the No. 7 Winner (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, considered as which is usually has beaten everyone else, it’s jersey previously worn by 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, the ‘Greatest held in May- Djokovic awesome. His United greats George Best, 2018, 2019) of All Time’. June, the new this year, game is Eric Cantona, David Beckham ROAD TO FINAL Djokovic balls being used with the flawless... and Cristiano Ronaldo. First round: was expected to for this edition default loss in he’s like a “I know that once you’re (Belarus) 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 arrive in Paris and the late New York his wall, it’s hard to out on the pitch, the number Second round: Mackenzie with 18 Grand finishes. only blemish, get through a you have on your shirt has no McDonald (US) 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 Slams under his But the but the Serb wall.” influence,” Cavani said. Third round: “But when you get the (Italy) 6-1, 6-4, 6-0 chance to pull on the No. 7 Fourth round: Sebastian Korda shirt at United... it really is a (US) 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 nice responsibility to have. I Quarter-finals: Jannik Sinner hope that I can do it great (Italy) 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1 justice and leave it in as high Semi-finals: 12-Diego regard as the many great Schwartzman (Argentina) players who have worn it 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(0) before me.” Cavani scored 200 goals HEAD-TO-HEAD: in 301 appearances for PSG and departed the French Djokovic leads 29-26 champions as their all-time (3-2 in their last five leading goal scorer. meetings) The Uruguayan hopes to 2020 Djokovic bt Nadal have similar success in 6-2, 7-6(4) (ATP Cup, hard) England. 2019 Nadal bt Djokovic 6-0, “I’ve been lucky enough 4-6, 6-1 (Rome, clay) to have played against a lot of 2019 Djokovic bt Nadal 6-3, English sides, but now it’s my 6-2, 6-3 (Australian Open, hard) turn to experience playing 2018 Djokovic bt Nadal 6-4, 3-6, and competing every 7-6(9), 3-6, 10-8 (Wimbledon, grass) weekend and in every 2018 Nadal bt Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-3 match in the Premier Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal (Rome, clay) League.” 10 SPORT SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020

Ali Al Rumaihi, the Event Director & Organizing Committee Member of the Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab, after he gave away the prizes to the top three riders in the Big Tour competition at QEF's Indoor Arena. RIGHT: Bader Al Darwish, Organizing Committee Member of the Hathab series, after he gave away the prizes at the Open Class awards ceremony.

RESULTS AT QEF INDOOR ARENA Haidan storms to Big Tour win as Comp. (5) Open Class| Table A, One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 | 115/125cm | Prize Money QR25,000 Carport dazzles in season opener 1: Best Of Des Forets, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, 0, 53.85, QR6,250 THE PENINSULA - DOHA 2: Bleu Boy, Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi, 0, Mohammed Saeed Haidan 54.52, QR5,000 yesterday produced a flawless 3: Brennus Villelongue, routine with Carport to claim Cyrine Cherif, 0, 54.61, the Big Tour victory in the first QR3,750 round of the Longines Qatar 4: What A Pleasure, Equestrian Tour Hathab series. Nasser Al Ghazali, 0, 54.65, Haidan looked in total QR2,500 control astride his 14-year-old 5; Happy Tina, Ghanim gelding as he raced to win in the Nasser Al Qadi, 0, 55.05, 130/145cm competition at the QR1,750 Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Indoor Arena for the sea- Comp. (6) Bigtour | Table son’s first show jumping round A, Special Two Phases, of the hugely popular series Art. 274.2.5 | 130/145Cm | now into its fourth season. Prize Money QR45,000 Haidan won the two-phased 1: Carport, Mohammed Saeed Haidan, 0, 28.14, 0, competition in a time of 42.98 Officials are seen with winners in the Futures Riders Competition at QEF's Indoor Arena yesterday. seconds as the Qatari rider won 42.98, 0, QR12,375 the top prize of QR12,375. 2: Aslan 69, Hamad Ali Al Seasoned rider Hamad Ali Committee Member of the The third place was sealed Attiyah, 0, 26.37, 4, 34.58, 4 Al Attiyah, astride Aslan 69, Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour by Cyrine Cherif (Brennus Vil- QR10,125 sealed the second spot in a time Hathab, gave away the prizes lelongue) in a time of 54.61 3: Quel Homme, Nasser Al of 34.58 seconds (4 faults). to the top three riders. seconds. Ghazali, 4, 27.59, 0, 34.78, A Attiyah won QR10,125 for Earlier in the day at QEF's Cherif won QR3,750 in the 4, QR6,750 his efforts. Indoor Arena, Saeed Al Qadi round against the clock after 4: Andreas SBP Z, Saeed The third spot went to clinched the Open Class with finishing in third spot.. Nasser Al Qadi, 4, 27.58, 0, Nasser Al Ghazali (Quel Best Of Des Forets to win the The top five was completed 35.31, 4, QR4,500 Homme, 34.78 seconds, 4 top prize of QR6,250. by Nasser Al Ghazali (What A 5: Casal Des Forets, faults). Al Ghazali won QR6,750. Best Of Des Forets clocked Pleasure, 54.65 seconds, Mubarak Yousuf Al The top five was wrapped a time of 53.85 seconds as the QR2,500) and Ghanim Nasser Rumaihi, 0, 27.69, 4, 36.70, up by Saeed Nasser Al Qadi Qatari rider stamped his Al Qadi (Happy Tina, 55.05 4, QR3,150 (Andreas SPB Z, 35.31 seconds, authority in the 115/125cm. seconds, QR1,750). 4 faults, QR4,500) and Mubarak The second spot was Bader Al Darwish, Organ- LEFT: Saeed Nasser Al Qadi Yousuf Al Rumaihi (Casal Des secured by Khalid Mohammed izing Committee Member of astride Best Of Des Forets Forets, 36.70 seconds, 4 faults, Al Emadi who also produced a Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour on way to winning the Open QR3,150). flawless routine with Bleu Boy. Hathab, gave away the prizes Class at QEF'S Indoor Arena Ali Al Rumaihi, the Event Al Emadi won QR5,000 as Blue at the Open Class awards in Doha yesterday. Director and Organizing Boy clocked 54.52 seconds. ceremony. Stokes joins Amir Cup Table Tennis: Qatar SC Rajasthan set up final date with Al Sadd final

THE PENINSULA - DOHA the players to Royals work harder in England star Ben Stokes during Qatar SC and Al Sadd yesterday the final and Rajasthan Royals training reached the final of the 2019-20 Amir complete a hat- session after he joined the Cup Table Tennis Championship. trick of titles. I am (IPL) Qatar SC, the defending cham- confident they side in the UAE. The England pions aiming to complete a hattrick can do it,” all-rounder, who missed of titles tomorrow, beat Al Arabi Abdulaziz said the first few games of the while Al Sadd eased past Al Khor in yesterday. tournament, last week flew the semi-finals played yesterday. Abdul Qader, from New Zealand to the UAE Playing on their home territory Director of table to join his RR team-mates, but at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium’s tennis team of because he had to undergo the Indoor Hall, Qatar SC have clearly Qatar SC, yes- mandatory six-day quarantine, looked the team to beat in what is terday said: “Our couldn’t play the last two last season’s Amir Cup championship ambition is to win games for the franchise. that was delayed because of the the Cup for the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the third time in a globe. row. This will be Yesterday’s matches were played history in the in front of a small crowd, the first for making as we Hassan smashes European the week-long have never done championship. this before. We will fight for that. The Qatar Table I want to thank His Excellency 10,000m record at Hengelo Tennis Association Sheikh Hamad bin Suhaim, (QTTA) President President of the Qatar SC, and AFP – THE HAGUE that has stood for so long by Khalil Al Mohannadi, his deputy, Sheikh Suhaim bin such a strong athlete as Muhammad Abdulaziz, for supporting the Ethiopian-born Dutch Paula,” said Hassan, who is Abdullah Saleh, Sec- table tennis team at Qatar runner Sifan Hassan the world record holder for retary General, Ali Sports Club. I would also like to (pictured) smashed Paula both the 5km road race and Sultan Al-Muftah, thank Faisal Al Shaabi, the club’s Ratcliffe’s long-standing the mile, both set in 2019, as Assistant Secretary, general manager, and Khaled European record for the well as the one hour run, set and Muhammad Al- Al Kuwari, head of the team, for women’s 10,000m in Brussels in September. Rumaihi, Executive their support.” yesterday. “It was a very difficult Director, were also Saeed Mahfouz, head of the Hassan, who won race today as it was so cold present to watch the table tennis team at Al Sadd, double gold in the 1,500m and wet. I was feeling really matches. yesterday said: “I thank the and 10,000m at last year’s strong today and wished for The final match players for the manner in which world championships in a bit better conditions, but of the tournament they have shown great team Doha, timed 29min this record gives me a lot of will be held spirit in this championship. 36:67sec after 25 laps in rainy condi- confidence.” Despite being aided by the tomorrow at Qatar They showed great fight against Qatar SC (top) and Al Sadd players are seen in action during their tions at Hengelo. new Wavelight technology built into SC Indoor Hall at a good side like Al Khor. We Amir Cup Table Tennis Championship matches in Doha yesterday. It obliterated by more than 24 the track, conditions proved too dif- 6:00pm while the have reached the final with a seconds the previous record of 30:01:09 ficult for Hassan, who was coached by match for the third gutsy show. I am confident that set by Britain’s Ratcliffe in 2002. Only the now-banned Alberto Salazar, to and fourth places will be held today between Al Khor and we can win the final also. It may look like a difficult task but seven other female runners have been really launch a world record attempt. Al Arabi, the losing semi-finalists. the players have enough skill to go all the way.” below the 30min mark, and Hassan That record belongs to Ethiopia’s Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdulaziz, Vice President of Qatar The championship has been staged with strict safety becomes the first European to do so. Almaz Ayana, who timed 29:17.45 when SC, was pleased after his team won the semi-final against and health protocols implemented by the Qatar Olympic “I am so happy to have run a new winning gold at the Rio Olympics in Al Arabi. Committee and QTTA under guidelines from the Ministry European record, especially a record 2016. “This is a great performance from the players. I want of Public Health. SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 09 IPL: KKR pip 'Spot on': Bottas edges Hamilton KXIP in thriller; RCB to take pole position for Eifel GP down CSK

AP — NURBURG, GERMANY IANS — ABU DHABI

Valtteri Bottas ended Lewis Valtteri Bottas ends Lewis Two-time Indian Premier Hamilton’s run of five consec- Hamilton’s run of five League (IPL) champions utive Formula One pole posi- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) tions by claiming first place on consecutive Formula One pole yesterday pulled off another the grid at the Eifel Grand Prix positions. come-from-behind win as yesterday. they edged out Kings XI Punjab Hamilton briefly sat atop (KXIP) by two runs in a the time charts after toppling Bottas’ time beats Hamilton thrilling finish. Max Verstappen in the third by.256 seconds and The KL Rahul-led KXIP session, but his team-mate have to blame themselves for Bottas sped through seconds Verstappen by.293. Ferrari the narrow loss as they lost a later with an unbeatable time, recovered a little ground after contest which was completely fastest in all three sectors of the under their control for almost Nürburgring track. a miserable run of races, with 18 overs as they chased a “It’s such a nice feeling Charles Leclerc qualifying 165-run target at the Sheikh when you get it done the last Zayed Stadium. lap,” the Finnish driver said, fourth and Sebastian Vettel This was Punjab’s sixth adding his final run was “spot 11th. defeat from seven games while on.” it was KKR’s fourth win from Bottas’ time beat Hamilton six games. by.256 seconds and Verstappen Today’s race could be held in Opting to bat, KKR rode by.293. Ferrari recovered a little temperatures of just 8 degrees blistering half-centuries from ground after a miserable run of Shubhman Gill (57) and races, with Charles Leclerc Celsius (47 F), making it easily skipper Dinesh Karthik (58) qualifying fourth and Sebastian one of the coldest races in along with Eoin Morgan’s 24 Vettel 11th. recent years. Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas competes during the to put up a fighting 164/6 in the Teams went into qualifying qualifying session at the Nuerburgring circuit in Nuerburg, yesterday. allotted overs as the other with much less information batters failed to click. about the track conditions than In return, KXIP were off to usual after bad weather wiped a decent start as its in-form out both Friday practices, after the qualifying session yes- a bit further,” Hamilton said. yesterday expecting to be a again, find my rhythm, which openers Rahul (74) and leaving only one hour yesterday terday. . Hamilton will have to pundit on German TV for qual- is obviously in that short Mayank Agarwal (56) added to perfect the setups. The cold makes it hard to overtake his team-mate today ifying. He ended up driving for amount of time is very hard. So 47 runs in the initial six overs. It was especially hard for get heat into the tires, which can if he’s to match Michael Schu- Racing Point after Lance Stroll I’m happy with those four laps, With 14 needed of the final teams to get the most grip from cause understeer. Driving macher’s record of 91 wins in felt unwell.He was in the nearby even though it’s last.” over, Narine took charge of the their tires in chilly conditions in slowly behind the safety car if F1. Bottas is hoping he can stage city of Cologne and joked it was The German previously proceedings. western Germany. there’s an accident will cause a comeback in the title race like “a heart attack” when he stood in for Racing Point’s other Besides bagging the wicket Today’s race could be held the tires to cool down even after cutting Hamilton’s lead to got a call from the team. driver, Sergio Perez, in August of Mandeep Singh (0), the Car- in temperatures of just 8 more. However, the weather 44 points with a win two weeks Hülkenberg missed practice when Perez tested positive for ibbean all-rounder success- degrees Celsius (47 F), making could also allow drivers to use ago in Russia. and had just four laps in quali- the coronavirus. fully defended the total as it easily one of the coldest races the same set of tires for longer. Mercedes drivers have fying as he placed 20th and last. Today’s race will see the Maxwell tried to go for a in recent years. “We’re all in the same boat. taken pole for every race this “It was going to be super first F1 race since 2013 at the maximum off the final “If it’s any colder than this, I don’t really know how far the season, with eight for Hamilton difficult to get a really good Nürburgring and is named the delivery, which could have I’m going to have to race with tires will go, but when it gets a and three for Bottas. result out of this,” he said. Eifel Grand Prix after a nearby tied the contest, but the ball my scarf on,” Hamilton joked bit cooler, generally they can go Nico Hülkenberg woke up “I had to kind of find my feet mountain range. landed inside the boundary and it was declared a four. Also yesterday, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) coasted to a 37-run win against Last-gasp Quartararo claims (CSK) at the Dubai Interna- tional Stadium. Chasing a target of 170, CSK were restricted to 132/8, pole after thrilling final lap thus suffering their heaviest ever defeat against RCB. AFP — LE MANS, Miller also crashed during the CSK hardly ever got going morning session but the Aus- in their innings with the Championship leader Fabio Quar- tralian reached Q2 and seized an in-form (8) tararo (pictured) will start his unexpected spot on the front row. falling to Washington Sundar home French MotoGP from pole “I gave the maximum espe- in the fourth over. His opening position, after a thrilling final lap cially that last lap when the front partner (14) yesterday that put him ahead of was bouncing,” he said. departed in the sixth over after Jack Miller and Danilo Petrucci in “After the crash this morning which (42) and qualifying. I am happy to take second.” Narayan Jagadeesan (33) The Frenchman edged Miller American rider Joe Roberts looked to provide some sta- in the dying seconds of the qual- produced some late heroics to bility to the CSK innings. ifying session. claim pole in the Moto2 race, his “It feels special because the final lap of 1min 36.256 just Brief Scores conditions were really tricky, it outside the lap record. KKR 164/6 in 20 overs was really cold and it took me a It was 87 thousandths of a (Dinesh Karthik 58, Shubman while to warm up the front tyre,” It is the ninth pole of the young second quicker than British rider Gill 57; Ravi Bishnoi 1/25) beat said the 21-year-old Yamaha Frenchman’s MotoGP career and Sam Lowes with Aussie Remy KXIP 162/5 in 20 overs (KL rider, who leads Joan Mir by eight the first since the Andalusia GP at Gardner completing the front row. Rahul 74, Mayank Agarwal 56; points in the title race. the end of July. Jaume Masia on a Honda took Prasidh Krishna 3/29) by 2 “I was confident I knew where Mir crashed his Suzuki late in pole for the Moto3 race, edging runs we needed to take risks. the morning practice session and Albert Arenas by 0.20 seconds RCB 169/4 in 20 overs “I am so happy to exit from the missed out on an automatic pass with the Honda of John McPhee (Virat Kohli 90 not out, front row. We have two Ducatis to Q2. Instead he went into Q1, but completing the front row. Devdutt Padikkal 33; Shardul Fabio Quartararo competes in the qualifying rounds ahead there as well so we will struggle failed to grab one of the last two Championship leader Ai Ogura Thakur 2/40) vs CSK 132/8 in of the French MotoGP race in Le Mans, northwestern but we have the base to do well places in Q2, leaving him to start crashed on his opening lap and 20 overs (Ambati Rayudu 42, France, yesterday. tomorrow.” from 14th. faces a big fight back today. Jagadeesan 33; Chris Morris 3/19) NFL: New positives for Giro d’Italia: Britain’s Dowsett wins Chiefs and Bears, none for Pats or Titans Stage 8, Almeida retains race lead AFP — VIESTE, ITALY Yates became the first rider REUTERS — NEW YORK Alex Dowsett celebrates to test positive at a Grand Tour The Chiefs and Bears each British rider Alex Dowsett made his win in 8th stage of even if four cases were found The New England Patriots and a solo break from a long range the Giro d’Italia 2020, among the Belgian Lotto team reported one new positive yesterday. Tennessee Titans had no test. In Kansas City, it escape group to win the eighth support staff on the eve of the positive COVID-19 results from stage of the Giro d’Italia Tour de France. Friday’s testing, but the news belonged to a strength and yesterday as Portugal’s Joao Team leader Yates, who wasn’t all good, according to conditioning coach, and in Almeida retained the leader’s won the Vuelta in 2018, was 21st ESPN. Chicago, a practice squad pink jersey. in the overall standings ahead The Chiefs and Bears each player tested positive. Simon Yates withdrew of Saturday’s stage in Puglia reported one new positive test. before the start of the stage with overall victory still poten- In Kansas City, it belonged to a Contact tracing has begun. after becoming the first rider to tially within his grasp. strength and conditioning test positive for coronavirus at “Simon’s health remains our coach, and in Chicago, a a Grand Tour. main concern and, thankfully, practice squad player tested forward, albeit with an Dowsett also gave the Israel his symptoms remain very mild positive. Contact tracing has adjusted schedule. Start-Up Nation team their first and he is otherwise in good begun. The NFL has moved the win in a stage race or at a “I don’t have a contract yet peculiar tweet ahead of the race health,” team doctor Matteo Last week, Chiefs practice Titans against the Buffalo Bills WorldTour event. for next year and with a baby saying he hoped his day would Beltemacchi said in a statement. squad quarterback Jordan to Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (CBS), The 32-year-old crossed the coming in January, I really get better. Deceuninck’s Yates tested positive after Ta’amu tested positive. provided there are no new pos- line more than a minute ahead needed such a result so badly, Almeida finished 17th nearly 14 developing a slight fever on How this news will affect itive tests in the Tennessee of Italian Salvatore Puccio of I cannot believe it.” minutes behind Dowsett to hold Friday, Mitchelton-Scott said. the Chiefs is unclear. They are organisation. Ineos and Briton Matthew Dowsett left his five the leader’s pink jersey going A second test confirmed the scheduled to host the Las Vegas The Titans have had two Holmes of WorldTeam Lotto breakaway companions in his in Sunday’s mountainous ninth positive result. Raiders today. dozen positive tests for the after the 200km flat run from wake with 20km to go, finishing stage over 208km from San The 28-year-old was iso- The Bears played on virus, counting players and Giovinazzo to Vieste. as in a time trial, his speciality, Salvo to Roccaraso. lated in his room during the Thursday and defeated the staff, and they returned to their “I don’t know what to say, I where in 2015 he held the world “We are focussed on process and was being trans- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-19. practice facility on Saturday for can’t say how much I needed a Hour Record before it was keeping the Maglia Rosa but we ported by ambulance to begin The rest of Week 5 the first time since it closed on win like this in such a difficult broke by compatriot Bradley took it easy today,” said a period of quarantine, Mitch- appears to be moving September 29. year,” said Dowsett. Wiggins.The rider made a Almeida. elton-Scott added. Sport SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020 08 Heat edge Lakers in thriller to keep title dream alive AFP — ORLANDO Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (centre) shoots the ball against Los Jimmy Butler’s triple-double Angeles Lakers forward Anthony propelled Miami to a 111-108 Davis (left) during the fourth quarter victory over the Los Angeles in game five of the 2020 NBA Finals. Lakers that kept the Heat alive in the NBA Finals. Butler scored 35 points with Bryson DeChambeau 12 rebounds and 11 assists and hits from the fairway the Heat withstood a 40-point on the 4th hole during performance from Lakers round two of the superstar LeBron James to deny Shriners Hospitals For Los Angeles a title-clinching Children Open in Las win in the NBA’s quarantine Vegas, Nevada. bubble at Orlando. The Lakers still lead the best-of-seven series three games to two and can secure the title with a game-six victory today. Game seven, if needed, will be on Tuesday. “We’ve got two more to get,” said Butler, who played more than 47 minutes and delivered a stunning display of will and skill. “We just played hard, and DeChambeau defends just stayed with it,” said Butler, contusion. He stayed on the who has insisted the Heat can Butler scores 35 points with 12 rebounds and 11 assists and sideline, testing the injury as the ‘skill’ but loses lead become just the second NBA the Heat withstood a 40-point performance from Lakers game continued and returning team to rally from a 3-1 deficit superstar LeBron James to deny Los Angeles a title-clinching in the second quarter. to win the championship series. win in the NBA’s quarantine bubble at Orlando. The Heat twice pushed their despite eagles The only other team to do it lead to 11 points in the second was the James-led Cleveland period, Nunn’s putback layup Cavaliers against Golden State The Lakers still lead the best-of-seven series three games to making it 50-39 with 3:41 left AFP — LOS ANGELES when he’s on, there’s no point in 2016. two and can secure the title with a game-six victory today. in the first half. is there? There’s no point. It “We got where we wanted Butler poured in 22 points Bryson DeChambeau defended doesn’t matter if I play my best, to on offense, shared the ball in the first half on seven-of-10 the skill of his long-driving he’s going to be 50 yards in like we always do,” Butler said. 97-96 -- their first lead since The frantic finish was fore- shooting on the way to his attack style after firing two front of me off the tee. The only “This is a game of runs -- I the first quarter. But the Heat shadowed by a first quarter that second triple-double of the eagles but falling from the lead thing I can compete with him think we withstood theirs.” dug in, Duncan Robinson’s saw eight lead changes. The series. of the PGA Shriners Hospitals is putting and that’s just Butler drained two free three-pointer putting Miami tension was palpable when Los He’s just the sixth player in for Children Open. ridiculous.” throws with 16.8 seconds left to back up, 101-99 with 3:16 Angeles center Dwight Howard NBA Finals history to have mul- DeChambeau, who won his DeChambeau saw Fitz- put Miami up by one. remaining, and it was a heavy- tangled with Butler and the two tiple triple-doubles in the title first major title in last month’s patrick as trying to rally James, stymied under the weight slugfest the rest of the had to be separated less than series, and just the second, US Open at Winged Foot, fol- support for “a certain set of basket, found Danny Green for way, the lead changing hands five minutes into the contest, along with James, to have mul- lowed an opening 62 with a players” but emphasized, “This a wide-open three-pointer with seven more times. each receiving a technical foul. tiple 30-point triple-doubles in four-under par 67 in Friday’s game has given me the oppor- 7.1 seconds remaining but Duncan Robinson added 26 The Lakers got an early the same Finals. second round to stand one tunity to showcase something Green missed and Tyler Herro points for Miami. Kendrick injury scare when Davis, bat- James made sure the Lakers stroke back. pretty special. added two more free throws to Nunn had 14, Bam Adebayo 13, tling Andre Iguodala for a kept it close with 21 first-half Scotland’s Martin Laird and “I feel like I’ve started to go seal it. Herro 12 and Jae Crowder 11. rebound late in the first quarter, points while Davis had 13 before Americans Austin Cook, Brian down a path that has allowed On a night that saw the Heat James added 13 rebounds took an awkward hop and the break. Harman, Peter Malnati and me to have an advantage over lead much of the way, and seven assists for the Lakers. limped off the court. But the Lakers’ bid for a Patrick Cantlay shared the lead everyone. I think that is a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Anthony Davis added 28 The Lakers, trailing 25-24 record-equalling 17th NBA title on 14-under 128 after 36 holes skillset when you look at it. three-pointer with 6:18 points and Caldwell-Pope through one quarter, said Davis -- their first since 2010 -- was on TPC at Summerlin in sub- “I think it takes a little bit remaining put the Lakers up scored 16. had aggravated a right heel at least temporarily denied. urban Las Vegas. more skill to do what I’m doing Sixth-ranked DeChambeau and that’s why there are only a drove the green 373 yards at few people doing it out here. If the par-4 seventh and holed a anything, it’s more difficult to 26-foot eagle putt. The hit more fairways the way I’m You live with it, says James 27-year-old American eagled doing it with the rules today.” the par-5 16th after a 367-yard DeChambeau said he would drive and pitch to 10 feet. welcome a chance to convert after Danny Green’s miss Such long-distance blasting Fitzpatrick to his style. without regard to landing in - Cantlay seeks rare feat - REUTERS — ORLANDO James passed the ball to quarter, especially down fairway or rough had Matthew Meanwhile, Cantlay could Green who couldn’t catch the stretch with two guys Fitzpatrick questioning the skill become only the fourth player Danny Green’s three- it cleanly, forcing him to on me. of DeChambeau’s feats after the since 1960 with a top-two point attempt at the end dribble once before “Danny had a hell of Englishman’s second round on finish at the same PGA event of Game Five of the NBA taking the shot, which fell a look, it just didn’t go Friday at the BMW PGA Cham- over four consecutive years. Finals that would have short. The Lakers got the down. I know he wishes pionship at Wentworth. He can join Tiger Woods, given the Los Angeles rebound but turned the he could have it again. I “He’s in the rough and miles Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Lakers the lead and ball over on an errant wish I could make a up and he’s just hitting wedges Cantlay won in 2017 and has possibly the champi- pass and never better pass. But you just everywhere,” Fitzpatrick said. been second the past two years. onship was the right threatened again as the live with it.” “It just makes a bit of a mockery “That would be great,” play, LeBron James Heat went on to claim a The miss capped a of it I think. Cantlay said. “Every time I said. 111-108 victory and cut thrilling game that saw “Some of the places he hit come here I feel like I have a Trailing the Lakers lead to 3-2 in seven lead changes in the it, and he’s cutting corners, chance to win.” by one the best-of-seven series. final three minutes as “I was able to draw James (40 points, 13 US PGA SHRINERS OPEN SCORES two defenders below the rebounds) dueled with free throw line and find the Heat’s Jimmy Butler 128 - Martin Laird (SCO) 65-63, Patrick Cantlay 63-65, Brian Harman 65-63, Austin Cook 63-65, point one of our shooters at the (35 points, 12 rebounds, Peter Malnati 66-62 with 10 top of the key for a wide 11 assists). 129 - Bryson DeChambeau 62-67 seconds open three to win a cham- The Lakers will look 130 - James Hahn 64-66, Nate Lashley 63-67, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-64, Stewart Cink 67-63, remaining, pionship,” James said. to close out the series Wyndham Clark 67-63, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 67-63 James drove to “I trusted him and it today while the Heat will 131 - Sepp Straka (AUT) 65-66, Brice Garnett 65-66, Dylan Fritelli (RSA) 67-64, Harold Varner the basket and just didn’t go. You live try to force a Game Seven 63-68 Danny Green of the drew two Miami with it. It’s one of as they try to become 132 - Kevin Na 66-66, Chez Reavie 68-64, Bronson Burgoon 64-68, Cameron Tringale 66-66, Los Angeles Lakers Heat defenders. the best shots that only the second team to

Michael Gligic (CAN) 65-67, Andrew Landry 64-68, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 66-66, Henrik Nor- reacts during Game Instead of we could have overcome a 3-1 deficit in lander (SWE) 67-65, Will Zalatoris 68-64 Five. attempting a shot himself, gotten in that fourth NBA Finals history.

Tampa Bay NHL: Flames land MLB: Rays oust Yankees, to Rays first baseman Michael goalie Markstrom Brosseau face Astros in play-offs touches home on $36m deal AFP — LOS ANGELES American League Championship bullpen in the later innings as the plate after Series against the Houston Astros game, and two seasons, hung on a hitting a Mike Brosseau smashed a solo that begins today. knife’s edge. REUTERS — TORONTO home run home run in the eighth inning to It’s only the second time the Brosseau, unselected in the against the give Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory over Rays have reached the ALCS since MLB Draft in a snub by all clubs The Calgary Flames struck in a big way on New York the New York Yankees and their 1998 debut. They advanced before making the Rays roster last the first official day of the NHL free agency, advance the Rays in the Major to the 2008 World Series but lost year, entered as a pinch-hitter for Yankees. signing goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom away League Baseball play-offs. to Philadelphia. Tampa Bay’s Choi Ji-man in the from the Pacific Division-rival Vancouver Brosseau bashed a 100-mph The Los Angeles Dodgers and sixth inning and remained in the Canucks with a six-year contract, the fastball off Yankees closing Atlanta Braves will meet in the best- contest as the first baseman. Flames announced. reliever Aroldis Chapman -- the of-seven National League Champi- That set the stage for an emo- The team said the deal includes an same pitcher who struck Brosseau onship Series that begins tomorrow. tional rematch in the eighth against average annual value of $6m, meaning the in the head with a fastball last The NL and AL champions will meet Chapman, who struck Brosseau signing is a $36m investment in the 10-year month -- to deliver the decisive in the World Series starting October with a 101-mph fastball in a regular veteran netminder. blow. “No revenge,” Brosseau said. 20 in Arlington, Texas. season game last month. Markstrom, 30, is coming off arguably the “We put that in the past. We came Aaron Judge smacked a solo Then, Chapman went on to best season of his career, which included his here to do what we do and move homer in the fourth inning to put strike out the American to complete first All-Star berth. In his third season as the on.” the Yankees ahead but Austin a 5-3 win but both teams ran from top starter in Vancouver, after being primarily Tampa Bay captured the best- Meadows blasted his own solo the dugouts for a post-game con- a backup goalie in his first seven seasons, of-five second-round series 3-2 homer in the fifth to lift the Rays frontation before cooler heads Markstrom went 23-16-4 with a 2.75 goals- and moved on to the best-of-seven level at 1-1. Both teams dug into the prevailed. against average in 43 starts.