RRUGBYUGBY | Page 6 MOTOGP | Page 7 Wales’ Jones Lose the battles, to equal Test win the war? record against Joan Mir eyes France world title

Friday, October 23, 2020 TENNIS Rabia I 6, 1442 AH I regret US Open GULF TIMES and Roland Garros failures: Djokovic SPORT Page 4 FOCUS Belgian ambassador praises Qatar’s ‘impressive’ World Cup preparations

he Belgian ambassador to Qa- are huge landmarks. I think all the sta- were carried out, with a positive rate of ever, he would like to return to Qatar to tar congratulated the 2022 diums are really beautiful and I must just 1.7%. sample the fi rst FIFA World Cup in the FIFA World Cup hosts on their congratulate the SC and Qatar with As for the Belgian national team – Middle East and Arab world. “impressive and integrated” the speed of development. Everything which is currently ranked number one “I hope I get an invitation to come tournamentT preparations during a visit is on schedule – not only the stadiums by FIFA – De Groof is hoping his coun- back,” said De Groof. to the Supreme Committee for Deliv- but all the infrastructure, including the trymen can improve on their show- “We are optimistic about qualifying ery & Legacy (SC). roads and metro. The whole process is ing during Russia 2018, where they and of course I would like to return to Bart De Groof received a project up- very integrated and it’s really impres- reached the semi-fi nals. Qatar for the tournament and see the date from Nasser al-Khater, CEO, FIFA sive to see.” He said: “We have an amazing team crowning glory. It will be wonderful to World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, after visit- In addition to hearing the latest at the moment – a golden generation. see the achievements realised, to see ing the SC’s Legacy Pavilion. tournament progress, De Groof was They have been doing extremely well the players and fans enjoying the tour- De Groof, who took up his post in also informed about the recent AFC and winning most of their matches. nament after all these years of prepara- Doha in 2017, said he is hugely im- Champions League West Zone tourna- Our players are active in Europe’s most tion.” pressed with Qatar’s infrastructure ment, which took place in Qatar fol- competitive leagues and many of them (Qatar2022.qa) progress. lowing the implementation of strict have been playing for the national team “The progress is very, very impres- Covid-19 regulations. for many years now. They have done sive,” said De Groof. “When I arrived Bubble-to-bubble protocol and well in recent tournaments and are Belgian ambassador to Qatar Bart here, Khalifa Stadium was being rede- regular testing for the players, offi cials growing together.” De Groof (right) and FIFA World Cup veloped and Al Janoub was being built. and staff meant potential Covid-19 By the time Qatar 2022 comes Qatar 2022 LLC CEO Nasser al-Khater Now, all the other stadiums are coming outbreaks were minimised. During the around, De Groof will have been re- during a visit to the SC’s Legacy up and it’s exciting to see them as they tournament, more than 7,900 tests placed as Belgian Ambassador. How- Pavilion.

HORSE RACING Al Naama pips Gtnah in Umm Bab Cup thriller The mares lead a one-two for Al Shaqab Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle in the turf feature for Purebred Arabians

By Sports Reporter (Soufiane Saadi). Won by: ¼, 7 ½, Doha 1. Time: 1:34.22. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Rashid al-Ali. Race 3: THOROUGHBRED l Shaqab Racing and NOVICE PLATE (Class 5) trainer Alban de Mieulle 1. Damon Runyon (Alberto celebrated a fantastic Sanna), 2. Moheet (Faleh Bugha- lockout of the fi rst two naim), 3. Al Mujahaz (Ronan Tho- Aspots in the Umm Bab Cup at mas), 4. Veranda (Luca Maniezzi). the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Won by: 6, ¼, Shd. Time: 1:34.09. Club’s Al Rayyan Park yester- Owner: Al Murtages Racing Syn- day. The turf feature for Pure- dicate. Trainer: Mohamed Hamad bred Arabians saw Al Naama win al-Attiyah. ahead of stablemate Gtnah in Race 4: THOROUGHBRED thrilling fashion. HANDICAP (Class 4) (90 & Al Naama stayed on the rails below) under Soufiane Saadi coming 1. Jabalaly (Soufiane Saadi), 2. out of Gate 2 behind early lead- Hessdalen (Francois Herholdt), 3. er Evolution Du Croate while On The Line (JP Guillambert), 4. Ronan Thomas and his mount Saint Roch (Tomas Lukasek). Won Gtnah were further back on the by: 1, ¾, 2. Time: 1:34.85. Owner: outside after starting widest in Al Bida Racing. Trainer: Ibrahim 10. al-Malki. Coming off the fi nal bend, the Race 5: LOCAL PUREBRED pace quickened and Saadi took ARABIAN HANDICAP the advantage inside the fi nal 1. Dalilak (Alberto Sanna), furlong, while Thomas egged Gt- 2. Haddaj Dukhan (Meteb Ali nah on and she responded to go al-Marri), 3. Ghazi Al Jeryan past the rest of the fi eld on the (Killian Leonard), 4. Rajab (Luca outside, running out of real es- Maniezzi). Won by: ¾, 1 ¼, 3 ½. tate at the post. Time: 1:47.98. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Alberto Sanna was astride Os- Trainer: Mohamed Riyaz ama Omer al-Dafea’s Ginkeau in Race 6: THOROUGHBRED third. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racing manager Mohamed Khalid al-Khalifa (right) with the winners of the Umm Bab Cup after Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama won the feature at Al PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Class 2) Trainer Stefano Ibido’s fi rst Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim 1. Think Big (Tomas Lukasek), winner of the season was Domi- 2. Taxiwala (Eduardo Pedroza), nus, who has shown promise Sanna rode two winners on the Soufi ane Saadi’s partnership old fi llies. Leonard was astride 3. Fuwayrit (Soufiane Saadi), 4. since his arrival from the UK late day. with Al Bida Racing’s Jabalaly another debutante AJS Berline Franklin Street (Alberto Sanna). last year. Mohamed Hamad al-Attiyah- shone yet again as the two raced who fi nished a promising second Won by: 3 ¾, 1, 2 ½. Time: 1:22.53. The four-year-old had fi n- trained Damon Runyon was in to their second straight victory, in the seven-furlong run. Owner: Al Wasmiyah Farm. ished in the money thrice out a league of his own in the Thor- this time in a handicap for Thor- Trainer: Georges Mikhalides. of his four runs in Qatar com- oughbred Novice event as a fan- oughbreds rated 90 and below. RESULTS Race 7: THOROUGHBRED ing into yesterday’s conditions tastic ride by Sanna in the colours The result also meant that Qa- Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS (Class 2) event for Thoroughbreds, and of Al Murtages Racing Syndicate tari trainer Ibrahim al-Malki’s MAIDEN PLATE 1. Dominus (Luca Maniezzi), 2. with Luca Maniezzi in the sad- saw the gelding win the miler by wards locked out the top two 1. Veverka Py (Killian Leonard), Extremis (Alberto Sanna), 3. Re- dle, the Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri a whopping six lengths. spots in the mile-long run, with 2. Fahd De Faust (Saleh Salem al- ceding Waves (Faleh Bughanaim), owned colt picked up yet another The Italian jockey’s second Hessdalen fi nishing a length be- Marri), 3. Mister General (Eduardo 4. Crafted (Francois Herholdt). comfortable win, topping the winner was Injaaz Stud’s Dalilak, hind the winner under Francois Pedroza), 4. Eau De Feu (Ronan Won by: 1 ½, Nk, ¾. Time: 1:22.07. seven-furlong run on turf with who made a successful handicap Herholdt. Thomas). Won by: Shd, 5 ½, 3. Owner: Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri. one-and-a-half lengths to spare debut to shed his maiden status. Earlier in the day, Killian Leon- Time: 1:43.89. Owner: Mohamed Trainer: Stefano Ibido. on the competition. Largely unexposed, Mohamed ard raced his fi rst winner in Qatar Nasser al-Naimi. Trainer: Mo- Race 8: UMM BAB CUP Tomas Lukasek bagged his Riyaz’s ward had a runner up guiding Mohamed Nasser al- hamed Nasser al-Naimi. (PUREBRED ARABIANS) fi rst win of the season yester- fi nish over course and distance Naimi’s Veverka Py to a Purebred Race 2: LOCAL PUREBRED 1. Al Naama (Soufiane Saadi), day astride Al Wasmiyah Farm’s last December. Yesterday, in the Arabian Maiden Plate event win ARABIANS (3-Year-Old Fillies 2. Gtnah (Ronan Thomas), 3. Think Big in comfortable fash- mile-long Local Purebred Ara- before helping complete a one- Only) Ginkeau (Alberto Sanna), 4. Evolu- ion. The duo had combined for Soufiane Saadi rides Al Naama to Umm Bab Cup victory yesterday. bian Handicap for horses rated 85 two sweep for Al Jeryan Stud, be- 1. AJS Beirut (Alexander tion Du Croate (JP Guillambert). a course and distance victory and below, Dalilak edged out Me- hind Alexander Reznikov-ridden Reznikov), 2. AJS Berline (Killian Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ½, Shd. Time: back in February, winning the Thani Trophy. des’ ward went past the post with teb Ali al-Marri-ridden Haddaj AJS Beirut in the Local Purebred Leonard), 3. Sabhat Al Ammar 1:43.08. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Yesterday, Georges Mikhali- almost four lengths to spare. Dukhan by almost a length. Arabians event for three-year- (Carlos Henrique), 4. Bushaara Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 23, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS UEFA preliminary draw for 2022 World Man Utd buoyant Cup on Dec. 7 ith FIFA World Cup vember 2021. The 10 group win- 2022 preliminary- ners will qualify directly for Qa- competition action tar 2022, with the ten runners-up already under way in advancing to the play-off s. WAfrica, Asia and South America, Besides the 10 runners-up from ahead of Chelsea tie UEFA’s 55 member associations the group stage, the play-off s will are eagerly looking ahead to the also include the two best group The Blues have not won in the league at Old Traff ord for seven years start of their own race to reach winners from the UEFA Nations Qatar 2022, with 13 berths avail- League 2020-2021 overall ranking Agencies able. The draw for the same will that did not qualify directly for the London, United Kingdom be held as a virtual event due to FIFA World Cup 2022 and did not the Covid-19 pandemic and re- enter the play-off s as runners-up. lated restrictions in Zurich on The 12 teams will be split into three anchester United December 7. play-off paths, which will feature will approach to- Europe’s road to the FIFA single-leg knockout matches in morrow’s home Pre- World Cup 2022 will feature March 2022 to determine the last mier League clash a group stage comprising fi ve three European nations to book a Mwith Chelsea in buoyant mood groups of six teams and fi ve place in Qatar. rather than in trepidation after a groups of fi ve teams. All teams Fans around the world will be week which has gone some way within a group will play each able to follow the draw live on to banishing the gloom that was other twice in a home-and-away FIFA.com and through FIFA’s descending on Old Traff ord. format between March and No- broadcast partners. After going into this month’s international break with a 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hot- spur, they have emerged from it Ronaldo still positive for with a couple of victories that have kick-started their cam- coronavirus: reports paign. Last weekend’s 4-1 win at Cristiano Ronaldo has again tested positive for coronavirus Newcastle United was followed as Juventus prepare for next week’s Champions League clash by a 2-1 victory away to Paris against Barcelona, according to reports in Italy yesterday. Saint-Germain in the Champi- Ronaldo is currently isolating at his home in Turin after testing ons League and, for now at least, positive for Covid-19 on October 13 while with the Portuguese na- the critics have been silenced. tional team for Nations League matches. The 35-year-old again Chelsea’s visit, however, received a positive result after a test carried out on Wednesday, presents a test of United’s up- Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta Dello Sport reported. The Portu- swing as they seek their fi rst guese forward could still be available for Sunday’s Serie A game home league points of the sea- against Hellas Verona, and the clash against great rival Lionel son following defeats by Crystal Messi’s Barcelona on October 28. Under UEFA rules the five-time Palace and Spurs in which they Ballon d’Or winner needs to test negative 24 hours before the have leaked a combined nine Barcelona game in Turin to be included in the squad. Ronaldo, goals, scoring only two. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (right) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka celebrate a goal during the English Premier League match against who has no symptoms of the virus, has continued training at Chelsea have had their own Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, on Saturday. (AFP) home posting a video on social media of himself training in his issues, notably in defence, al- high-tech gym, sporting a new shaved head look. though a 0-0 home draw with out after an unpredictable start ton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford “If you’re off it at any stage Fulham by the same scoreline. Sevilla on Tuesday in which vet- to the season, both clubs need last weekend, is a huge blow. in the league, you can get a But they have found the net New signing Ziyech targets eran defender Thiago Silva was to start showing the consist- However, Juergen Klopp’s side bloody nose very quickly,” Smith just twice in their three league silverware at Chelsea magnifi cent hinted at a big im- ency required to be title con- showed they can defend without warned. games since then and have provement. tenders. him in a 1-0 win at Ajax Amster- dropped to 10th in the table. Chelsea’s new signing Hakim Ziyech said the desire to play The Blues have not won in Liverpool host Sheffi eld Unit- dam on Wednesday. LEEDS MUST SHARPEN UP IN “In a team like us that attacks, attractive football and win trophies prompted him to move to the league at Old Traff ord for ed tomorrow and will be wary Action begins today as sur- ATTACK, SAYS BIELSA it is not good when our attacks the London club. Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax Amsterdam in seven years and Frank Lamp- of the threat their former for- prise high-fl yers Aston Villa, the Marcelo Bielsa has warned his don’t create danger,” said the the close-season for a reported 40mn euros ($47.29mn) but the ard’s reign as manager began ward Rhian Brewster will pose, only club in the top fl ight with a Leeds players it is crucial they Argentine. winger missed the start of the campaign through injury. The Mo- last season with a 4-0 hammer- especially with the champions 100 percent record, host Leeds retain their attacking threat as “When this happens the op- rocco international, who made his debut in Chelsea’s draw with ing by United. They also lost 2-0 starting a Premier League game United whose early season form they seek to re-establish them- ponent feels that we are not able Southampton last weekend, said manager Frank Lampard’s style at home, although they did win without Virgil van Dijk at the has dipped somewhat. selves in the Premier League. to cause them much danger, and of play was a key factor in making the switch from Ajax, where the FA Cup semi-fi nal between heart of defence for the fi rst time With four consecutive wins Newly-promoted Leeds made this makes the game more even. won the league and cup double in the 2018-19 season. “We spoke the two. in more than two seasons. Villa have enjoyed their best a splash on their return to the “The conclusion is that we on the phone and the way he (Lampard) was talking about the Chelsea are eighth in the The Dutchman’s absence, start to a season for 90 years and English top fl ight after a 16- understand why we lost the game of football was the most important thing for me at that standings with United 15th, possibly for the whole season can go top of the table with a year gap, scoring three goals in a game even though we shouldn’t time,” Ziyech told a news conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip having played a game less, and after his knee was damaged point, but manager Dean Smith 4-3 defeat by Liverpool in their have, and we dominated the to rivals Manchester United. “For the things to achieve, I think it while the table is still shaking by a reckless tackle by Ever- is not getting carried away. opening match before beating large majority of it.” is clear that for everybody in the club it is winning trophies, to perform well and play beautiful football.”

SPOTLIGHT Werder players in quarantine aft er Amendment to protocol teammate tests positive regarding QSL match tickets Werder Bremen players and staff have gone into a two-day vol- n line with the continu- be sold at the stadiums. City squad being pushed to the untary quarantine after a teammate tested positive for Covid-19, ous reviews of coronavi- The QSL also wishes to the club said yesterday. Werder, who host Hoff enheim in the Irus (Covid-19) pandemic- emphasise the continua- Bundesliga on Sunday, will retest everyone again today. “In order related protocols which the tion of basic precaution- limit, says Guendogan to have more security for the rest of the team and entire staff , Qatar Stars League (QSL) ary measures previously all players, coaches and staff will go into a voluntary quarantine follows in co-operation followed to attend the Reuters weeks after suff ering a leg injury KEEN TO EXTEND GARCIA’S at their homes,” the club said. “The planned training session with the Ministry of Public matches, which include London, United Kingdom late in the game. CONTRACT: GUARDIOLA for Thursday is cancelled.” While Germany’s infection rates are Health, it has been decided green status of the Ehteraz “I think we’re struggling at the Guardiola said he hopes to con- lower than in much of Europe, they have been accelerating. to increase the number of App, commitment to wear- moment,” Guendogan told BT vince defender Eric Garcia to Many Bundesliga clubs, including champions Bayern Munich this tickets allowed to be pur- ing mask during the match election problems for Sport. “Fernandinho went off in extend his contract after handing week, have recorded positive cases among players. Germany’s chased through the off icial and maintaining a safe Manchester City manag- the last minute. We have a few the 19-year-old a rare start in the RKI public health institute said the country must prepare for an website (tickets.qsl.qa) to distance in addition to ban er Pep Guardiola usually injured players. We have players win over Porto. uncontrolled spread of the virus. four tickets per person on all kinds of food inside take the form of who to in diff erent conditions. Even me, Spain international Garcia is leaveS out, but with the squad hit I’m not 100% yet because I was in the fi nal year of his contract at starting from Week 5 of the the stadium. Fans can get African Champions League 2020-21 season QNB Stars water and refreshments by an injury crisis and Covid-19 out with Covid. City and was linked with a switch semi-fi nal postponed due to Covid-19 League and Round 4 of the from the stalls located issues it may be the last men “We’re all in diff erent mo- back to his boyhood club Barce- Ooredoo Cup. around the stadium. standing who make the team, ments. It’s the challenge this sea- lona during the close season but The second leg of the African Champions League semi-final An individual can buy The QSL wishes to thank said midfi elder Ilkay Guendogan. son and it’s not going to end for a Guardiola is keen to keep him in between Egypt’s Zamalek and Raja Casablanca has been tickets for himself or for all fans for their commit- Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, while. It’s not going to be diffi cult Manchester. postponed by a week after eight players in the Moroccan club’s others provided that each ment towards adhering to forward Gabriel Jesus and de- for Pep to choose the 11 because “I know he wanted to leave but squad tested positive for Covid-19, the Confederation of African beneficiary’s data are en- the precautionary meas- fenders Aymeric Laporte and some players will be tired, they he’s going to stay and maybe we Football said yesterday. The club has been placed into quar- tered through his account ures and full co-operation Nathan Ake all missed Wednes- can’t play every game, others can seduce him in this year to ex- antine for a week by Moroccan health authorities and denied on the website for tickets. with the protocol regard- day’s 3-1 Champions League win need to play,” Guendogan added. tend the contract with us,” Guar- permission to travel to Cairo for the second leg, which had been Tickets will only be avail- ing their safe return to the over Porto. “Obviously, we’re glad we have diola told reporters. scheduled to take place tomorrow. Raja have been told to isolate able online through the stadiums during the last City then received another a big squad but not everyone is “He’s a guy who is so stable their entire squad for a week and will only be authorised to off icial website and will not period. blow when midfi elder Fernand- there yet and not everyone is at in many things and we’re so leave Morocco after another series of tests. The other semi-final inho was ruled out for up to six 100%.” happy.” between Raja’s neighbours Wydad Casablanca and Al Ahly will be held as scheduled in Cairo today. The final will still be played on November 6. SERIE A Qarabag players, offi cials reprimanded over military salute Enterprising Sassuolo could spend weekend on top Players and off icials from Azeri club Qarabag have been repri- manded by UEFA for performing a military salute during their Reuters happen. If we want to play from Europa League qualifying match away to Legia Warsaw on Milan, Italy the back and take the initiative, October 1. The European soccer body said that the gesture was we will be repaid in the long “considered as inappropriate given the specific political context run,” he said. at the time of the match”. The club was also reprimanded, UEFA odest Sassuolo, a Midfi elder Filip Djuricic even said in its statement. Armenia and Azerbaijan are involved in a team that have spent turned down a chance to move conflict over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which most of their history to AC Milan because he felt Sas- has killed hundreds of people since fighting flared on September in the lower and am- suolo were a better run-club. 27. UEFA listed 13 players and 14 off icials who gave the salute, Mateur levels of Italian football, “Everything works, starting which it described as an incident of a non-sporting nature. On will spend at least 72 hours top with a serious and organised Tuesday, UEFA banned any club or national team matches in its of Serie A if they can beat Torino club who always follow an idea,” competitions from taking place in either country until further today. he said. “It’s a type of football notice. Seen by some as the ‘new Ata- that everyone might not under- lanta’ thanks to their relentless stand, but it’s the future.” Socceroos scrap plans for London attacking football and habit of De Zerbi led Sassuolo to eighth friendlies against England, USA surpassing expectations, Sas- last season and his biggest fear suolo have scored four goals in was that the team could be bro- Australia abandoned plans yesterday for two friendlies in Lon- each of their last three games In this July 15, 2020, picture, Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against ken up in the transfer window as don next month against England and the United States due to and are second with 10 points. Juventus during their Serie A match in Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy. (Reuters) bigger clubs swooped, but they the worsening coronavirus pandemic in Britain. Graham Arnold’s A win over pointless Torino survived largely intact and are Socceroos were in advanced talks to assemble the national today would take Roberto De home to Sampdoria tomorrow tive season in the top fl ight. keeping the ball runs so deep aiming even higher this time. team in Europe for a training camp ahead of the two games. No Zerbi’s side one point ahead of while Napoli (8) visit promoted De Zerbi is an admirer of that he even praised Manuel Lo- “Our best deal was keeping fixtures had been announced but off icials told AFP one game current leaders AC Milan, who Benevento on Sunday and title- coaches such as Manchester catelli last week after the mid- hold of our key players and it would have been against England, replacing New Zealand, who do not play until Monday when holders Juventus (8) entertain City’s Pep Guardiola and Leeds fi elder gave away possession on wasn’t easy because there was pulled out earlier this month for similar reasons. Ireland will now they host AS Roma, and with no Verona. United’s Marcelo Bielsa and his the edge of the area and allowed a lot of interest,” said general play that match on November 12. The other clash pencilled in for other team able to catch them Sassuolo have established team’s style of play would be in- their opponents to score in the manager Giovanni Carnevale. Australia was against the USA. The cancellation means the Soc- over the course of the weekend. a fi rm foothold since reaching stantly recognisable to followers 4-3 win over Bologna. “But these lads wanted to stay ceroos will not have played a match or taken part in a training In other matches, third- Serie A for the fi rst time in 2013 of those clubs. “We must not be afraid of los- with us because they believe in camp at all in 2020. placed Atalanta (9 points) are at and are in their eighth consecu- The 41-year-old’s belief in ing the ball, because that can the Sasuolo project.” Gulf Times Friday, October 23, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Arsenal, Rangers win as Europa group Bayern begin title stage kicks off defence in style It was Bayern Munich’s 12th consecutive Champions League win

AFP Paris, France

ayern Munich began their defence of the Champions League title in ominous fashion by crushingB Atletico Madrid 4-0 Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his goal during the on Wednesday, while Liverpool Europa League match against Rapid Vienna yesterday. (Reuters) and Manchester City also won. Two months after scoring the AFP the pitch tonight, I will support winner in the fi nal against Paris Paris, France in front of the TV in London.” Saint-Germain in Lisbon, Kings- tweeted Ozil. ley Coman put Bayern ahead The other Group B game was against Atletico in Group A and rsenal came from be- being played out in Dublin where later scored a stunning individual hind to down Rapid Dundalk, only Ireland’s third eff ort to wrap up the victory at an Vienna 2-1 and Rangers ever representative in the group empty Allianz Arena. beat Standard Liege 2-0 stage, were beaten 2-1 by Norwe- In between Leon Goretzka inA the opening round of Europa gians Molde. and Corentin Tolisso were also League group stage matches yes- In Belgium, Steven Gerrard’s on target for the German cham- terday. Rangers took on Standard Liege pions, with the latter’s strike a Arsenal, the 2019 fi nalists un- fresh from their Old Firm derby stunner from long-range. der Unai Emery, were struggling win over Celtic which moved “The winning goal in last to make an impact in Austria. them four points clear in the season’s fi nal is a good motiva- After a goalless fi rst half they Scottish Premiership last week- tor, but it’s in the past now and went behind when keeper Bernd end. we have fresh goals this season,” Leno fl uff ed a clearance on a With the rain coming down, Coman told Sky Sports. night he will want to forget. James Tavernier scored from the It was Bayern’s 12th con- Taxiarchis Fountas capital- spot after Noe Dussenne handled secutive Champions League ised on Leno’s clanger, much to in the area to put them into a 19th win while the result for Atletico the joy of the 3,000 home fans minute lead. equalled their worst defeat un- allowed in to watch under coro- Then three minutes into stop- der Diego Simeone. navirus safety protocol, but the page time Kemar Roofe produced Bayern next go to Russia to Gunners then turned the game a wonder goal from the halfway play Lokomotiv Moscow, who around in four second half min- line, the ball fl ying over the head battled back to draw 2-2 at Red utes. of bewildered keeper Arnaud Bo- Bull Salzburg on Wednesday. Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman (right) scores a goal past Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak during the UEFA Champions League David Luiz put them level with dart. Eder put Lokomotiv ahead in Group A match in Munich, Germany, on Wednesday. (AFP) a deft glancing header off Nico- Benfi ca had claimed the fi rst Austria, only for Dominik Szo- las Pepe’s free-kick, with Pierre- goal of the night and they went boszlai to crash in a brilliant sure of the win. Emerick Aubameyang then tap- on to beat Lech Poznan in Poland equaliser. Zidane worried by Madrid’s drop in confi dence Also in Group C, Egyptian sub- ping home to bag the three Group 4-2 in the other Group D game. A defl ected Zlatko Junuzovic stitute Ahmed Hassan headed in a B points. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen goal put the hosts in front, but aft er Shakhtar shocker stoppage-time winner as Olym- It was an eventful night for ran riot 6-2 against French side Vitali Lisakovich headed in to Reuters due to a combination of Covid-19 rything today but worst of all piakos downed Marseille 1-0. Mikel Arteta’s side with along- Nice and Spanish side Granada, earn the Russian side a point. Madrid, Spain positives and injuries but blew we were lacking confidence,” side eight yellow cards an eye in their fi rst ever European cam- Rivals Inter Milan and Borus- the 13-times European champions Zidane told a news conference. RESULTS catching display from Thomas paign, beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1. sia Moenchengladbach can- away in the first half, taking a 3-0 “It’s diff icult to think of what to Group A Partey on his fi rst start since his Later, Tottenham host Aus- celled each other out in a 2-2 eal Madrid coach lead and missing more chances say when you concede three „Bayern Munich (GER) 4 transfer deadline day move from trian side LASK with Gareth draw at San Siro. Zinedine Zidane said to add to the scoreline. goals in the first half. We made a (Coman 28, 72, Goretzka 41, Atletico Madrid. Bale making his fi rst start since Romelu Lukaku scored twice Rhis side looked short on Real responded with goals from mistake with their first goal and Tolisso 66) Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0 A frustrated follower of the returning to Spurs on a season- for Inter, opening the scoring confidence in their shock 3-2 Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr after from then on it was very diff icult. Group B game from his London sofa was long loan. early in the second half and then defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the break and had a last-gasp “I’m left with a very bad feeling „Inter Milan (ITA) 2 (Lukaku Mesut Ozil, who has been left out Seven-time European Cup turning in a late equaliser. their Champions League group- goal ruled out for off side but because of everything that 49, 90) Borussia Moenchenglad- of both Arsenal’s Europa League winners AC Milan are at Celtic, In between Ramy Bensebaini stage opener on Wednesday Zidane did not hide from the fact happened tonight. It’s a bad bach (GER) 2 (Bensebaini 63-pen, and Premier League squad. and Leicester host Zorya Lu- netted a penalty for Gladbach but shouldered the blame for his side had been outplayed by game, a bad night but I’m the Hofmann 84) “When I can’t support on hansk of Ukraine. and Jonas Hofmann scored what his side’s slide in form. their depleted opponents. coach and I’m the one who has Group C he thought was a late winner. Shakhtar were without 10 players “We were lacking a bit of eve- to find solutions.” „Manchester City (ENG) 3 (Agüuero 20-pen, Gundogan FOCUS LIVERPOOL WIN WITHOUT points after Nicolas Tagliafi co next week. midweek as they came from be- 65, Torres 73) v FC Porto (POR) 1 VAN DIJK turned a wayward Sadio Mane The Danes were outclassed at hind at home to beat Porto 3-1. (Diaz 14) Liverpool shook off the absence shot into his own net on 35 min- home by Atalanta on Wednes- Luis Diaz gave Porto the lead „Olympiakos (GRE) 1 (Hassan of Virgil van Dijk to edge Ajax utes. day, losing 4-0 with Duvan Za- with a superb individual goal but 90+1) Marseille (FRA) 0 Liverpool manager 1-0 behind closed doors in Am- “It was not sunshine football pata, Alejandro “Papu” Gomez Sergio Aguero’s penalty soon Group D sterdam in Group D. but we wanted three points and and Luis Muriel scoring in the brought City level and Ilkay „Ajax (NED) 0 Liverpool Van Dijk is set to miss the rest we got it,” said Klopp. fi rst half and debutant Aleksei Gundogan’s free-kick put them (ENG) 1 (Tagliafico 35-og) Klopp pleased with of the season with a knee injury The 2019 European champi- Miranchuk adding a late fourth. ahead on 65 minutes. „Midtjylland (DEN) 0 Atalanta but Jurgen Klopp’s side kept a ons will hope to build on this re- Pep Guardiola’s City made it Substitute Ferran Torres then (ITA) 4 (Zapata 26, Gomez 36, clean sheet and took all three sult when they host Midtjylland three wins for English clubs this scored a superb goal to make Muriel 42, Miranchuk 88) Fabinho’s display

Reuters LA LIGA REACTION London, United Kingdom

uergen Klopp pressed Empty Clasico Pickford criticism for Van midfi elder Fabinho into action as an emergency centre back in the absence refl ects current state Dijk injury is over the top, ofJ Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip on Wednesday and the Liverpool manager was not in the least sur- of both Barcelona says Everton’s Ancelotti prised that the Brazilian slotted in seamlessly. Reuters Fabinho coped with every- and Real Madrid London, United Kingdom thing the Dutch side could throw at him, making a superb clear- Reuters be the most fragile-looking Real ance off the line before halftime Madrid, Spain side of his career for a less than verton manager Carlo to deny Dusan Tadic and helping vintage Barca. Ancelotti said goal- Liverpool to a 1-0 Champions That, however, appears the re- keeper Jordan Pick- League victory. n Spain, the words ‘El Cla- ality and the bigger question for ford’s challenge on Vir- “Was there pressure on the sico’ are usually a synonym Barca is perhaps what will they gilE van Dijk was mistimed rather situation? Yes, it’s clear for the for greatness. The game be- do when their captain fi nally than malicious and that reac- two in the back, 100%... Fabinho tween Barcelona and Real leaves? tion to the incident, which left can play the position, he likes IMadrid, which has been moved It is a refl ection of where both the Dutchman facing a lengthy playing it,” Klopp told reporters. to an unfamiliar 1600 (1400 clubs have allowed themselves to spell out, was over the top. “I’m not surprised he plays GMT) kickoff slot tomorrow to slip to. It is a far cry from the Pep Premier League champions well in the position otherwise we appease global television mar- Guardiola versus Jose Mourinho Liverpool confi rmed Van Dijk would have thought about a dif- kets, is still probably the most- heyday of this fi xture a decade will undergo surgery on dam- In this October 17, 2020, picture, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (left) ferent solution, even when that watched match in club football. ago. aged knee ligaments following collides with Everton’s Jordan Pickford (centre) during the EPL would have been properly tricky. However, a look at the two The Barca board are currently a challenge by Pickford during match at Goodison Park in Liverpool. (Reuters) I’m really pleased for him... it sides now leaves one wondering facing a vote of no-confi dence, Saturday’s Merseyside derby, gave him confi dence, for sure what comes next for both. thanks in no small part to Messi’s which fi nished in a 2-2 draw. cial media, which Ancelotti was a strong contact, maybe helped us. Neither have been particularly actions in the close season. The England goalkeeper, said had gone too far. mistimed, but sometimes in “If I would have asked him to Liverpool’s Fabinho (left) jumps impressive of late. Both lost their Real, meanwhile, did not however, escaped retrospec- “To be clear, we are really football, it can happen.” play right back I don’t think he’d for the ball with Ajax’s Ryan last La Liga games to lowly oppo- make their habitual splash in the tive action over his challenge sorry for the injury of Virgil The Italian manager said that enjoy it as much as he’s enjoy- Gravenberch during the UEFA nents, and some are questioning transfer market this summer as after the Football Association van Dijk,” Ancelotti told Ever- new signing James Rodriguez, ing the centre half position. In Champions League Group D if this will be the lowest-quality they opted for a stadium refur- determined the incident was ton’s website ahead of Sun- who has scored three league our situation... we have to keep match at the Johan Cruijff Arena Clasico seen for a long time. bishment instead. seen at the time by the match day’s trip to Southampton. goals so far, will miss the game those boys fi t and then they can in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Barca’s talisman Lionel Messi Their humiliating defeats by offi cials, including the video “There was this contact against the Saints after the Co- of course help us a lot.” (AFP) spent the entire close season try- Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk assistant referee (VAR). with Jordan Pickford: it was lombian sustained an injury Liverpool will have to get used ing to wriggle out of his contract mean that not even three-time Liverpool midfi elder mistimed contact. Jordan ar- during a challenge from Van to playing with centre back Van “I think both teams can play at the Nou Camp, to no avail. Champions League winning Georginio Wijnaldum said the rived a little bit later but his Dijk at Goodison Park. Dijk, who suff ered a serious knee better football, it was pretty wild However, it seems increasingly coach Zinedine Zidane is exempt way Pickford went into the intention was to try to reach Captain Seamus Coleman injury following a wild tackle at moments,” Klopp told BT Sport. likely that this will be the Argen- from criticism, and calls for him challenge was “completely the ball. It was not to hurt Vir- will be out for two to three from Everton goalkeeper Jordan “The pitch was tricky, deep, mud- tine forward’s fi nal home game to be replaced have already start- stupid” and while the keeper gil van Dijk. weeks with a hamstring injury, Pickford on Saturday. dy a little bit, both teams looked against Real in La Liga unless ed from a minority of fans. had not set out deliberately “And after that the reac- while the Toff ees, who are top Klopp looked to avoid poten- exhausted pretty early. there is a major change of heart. At the best of times it is a game to injure the centre back, he tion is too much. To say it was of the Premier League with 13 tial injury problems to his high- “Three days ago it looked It does seem unfair that a that neither side dare lose. How- “didn’t care about what hap- premeditated, in my opin- points, will also miss forward scoring front three, substituting completely diff erent... in train- player who has given so much joy ever, with both clubs teetering pened after the tackle”. ion, is too much. Virgil van Richarlison who will serve the Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and ing too but it was the same for to the club over the years would on the brink of a crisis, avoiding The Everton keeper has also Dijk knows this. Jordan is re- fi rst game of a three-match Roberto Firmino with an hour Ajax.” play out his fi nal Clasico behind defeat becomes more imperative faced a barrage of criticism ally sad, really disappointed ban for his red card tackle on gone at a sodden Amsterdam Liverpool face Sheffi eld United closed doors, against what might than ever. from pundits as well as on so- (about Van Dijk’s injury). It Thiago Alcantara last week. Arena. in the Premier League tomorrow. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 23, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS CYCLING Kelderman takes lead as Stelvio climb I regret US Open blows Giro apart

Reuters tightening Covid-19 restrictions. Milan While Kelderman hung on grimly, up the road his Austral- ian team mate Hindley powered utchman Wilco Kelder- to the stage win just ahead of and Roland Garros man took over as leader Geoghegan Hart, both of whom of the Giro d’Italia as fi nished two minutes and 18 the fearsome Stelvio seconds ahead of Kelderman to climbD blew the race apart during launch themselves fi rmly into a brutal and mesmerising stage contention for the overall victory 18 battle yesterday. in Milan. Kelderman (Sunweb) be- Kelderman will take a 12-sec- gan the day 17 seconds behind ond lead into stage 19 with Ge- failures: Djokovic long-time race leader Joao Al- oghegan Hart 15 seconds behind. meida (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) “It was a crazy day, super hard, whose hopes of wearing the the hardest day of my life. It was Djokovic dismisses suggestions he is under intense pressure to overhaul Nadal and maglia rosa all the way to Milan a super fi ght,” the 29-year-old were shattered. Portuguese Al- Kelderman said. Federer in their three-way race to become the greatest male player of all time meida cracked halfway up the “It couldn’t be any better for steep and twisty 24km Stelvio us with Jai getting the stage win Reuters and although he dug deep he and me in pink. We dropped Al- Belgrade had lost three minutes before the meida quite early on the Stelvio summit as Kelderman took over and then it was a race — Ineos as virtual leader with a 20km de- was super strong with two guys ovak Djokovic has played some scent and another tough climb and I couldn’t hold them.” of the best tennis of his life in still to come. The sight of Hindley leaving 2020 but he regrets the failure Kelderman was also distanced teammate Kelderman to fend for to win either the US Open or as he picked his way around the himself was odd, but it paid off . Nthe French Open in his bid to become the 48 hairpins, leaking 47 seconds “I saw the opportunity to take a world’s most trophy-laden player, the to eventual stage winner Jai stage and I took it. It wasn’t our world number one said yesterday. Hindley (Sunweb) and Briton Tao tactic to go solo. I followed the Having won the Australian Open in Geoghegan Hart, led brilliantly plan, got the stage and I’m happy January, Djokovic was disqualifi ed at the up the climb by Ineos Grenadiers with that.” US Open after inadvertently hitting a line team mate Rohan Dennis. Spain’s Pello Bilbao (Bahrain judge in the neck with a petulant swipe After a freezing descent McLaren) fi nished strongly to of the ball during his fourth-round clash through the snowfi elds and move into fourth place overall, with Pablo Carreno Busta. ahead of the day’s fi nal climb to one minute and 19 seconds back, He was then blown away by Carreno the fi nish of the 207km Queen’s with Almeida, race leader since Busta’s Spanish compatriot and world stage, Kelderman looked to be stage three, now in fi fth spot, number two Rafael Nadal in straight sets going backwards as he desper- having lost almost fi ve minutes at Roland Garros. Djokovic has 17 Grand ately snacked on gel bars to re- yesterday. Slam titles while Nadal and Federer are cover some energy. But he had “I’m proud of what I did,” an on 20 each after the Spaniard clinched a just enough left in the tank up the emotional Almeida said. “I’m record 13th French Open title. fi nal 9km Torrri di Fraele to take happy. On the other hand, I lost “There is a lingering regret that I didn’t over the maglia rosa. the pink jersey. They were just win either the US Open or the Roland His lead looks fragile, though, super strong. I’m not at their Garros this year,” a bearded Djokovic told with tomorrow’s 20th stage to level.” reporters in drenching sun at his ten- Sestriere still looking tough, de- He was in good company as nis academy in downtown Belgrade by spite the Colle dell’Agnello and former champion Vincenzo Ni- the Danube river. “I was in outstanding the Col de l’Izoard climbs being bali also cracked on the Stelvio form at both events but having reached scrapped because of the French to end hopes of an Italian winner the French Open fi nal, I was beaten by a authorities barring the race from when the race concludes in Milan player who was much better on the day. crossing the border because of on Sunday. I was below par and that’s it. As far as the US Open is concerned, I got myself into an unfortunate situation and was disqualifi ed, but I won several other big tournaments. The US Open disqualifi ca- tion notwithstanding, I have only lost one match all season and I’ve played some of the best tennis of my life.” Djokovic dismissed suggestions he was Novak Djokovic speaks during a news conference in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. (Reuters) under intense pressure to overhaul Nadal and Federer in their three-way race to be- gives me so much motivation and joy.” a 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the 31-year- Cecchinato 6-3, 6-1 in the fi rst round. come the greatest male player of all time. old Millman. “In the fi rst set I thought I Cologne’s Lanxess Arena is hosting back- “Pressure has been a part of my life for ZVEREV STAYS ON COURSE played fl awlessly, but then I wasn’t fo- to-back ATP events. a long time and I’ve learned how to deal FOR COLOGNE DOUBLE cused at the beginning of the second,” Zverev defeated Canada’s Felix Auger- with it,” he said. Fresh from winning the ATP tournament Zverev admitted. “John is someone who Aliassime last weekend in the fi nal of “It comes with the territory if you are a in Cologne last weekend, Germany’s Al- has beaten top players before, I thought the fi rst event. The 20-year-old Cana- top-level athlete and it can also galvanise exander Zverev reached the quarter-fi - I did a poor job serving, but got the win dian, whose defeat to Zverev was his sixth you. You take physical and mental knocks nals of the second week on the Rhine with somehow.” straight defeat in an ATP fi nal, recovered along the way but it’s all part of the learn- a tough, three-set triumph over John The German top seed will meet from losing the fi rst set to seal a 4-6, 7-6 ing curve. If I retired now I’d be happy with Millman of Australia on Wednesday. France’s Adrian Mannarino in tiday’s (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) second-round win over everything I have achieved but I still enjoy Zverev, 23, ranked seventh in the quarter-fi nals. Germany’s seventh-seed Egor Gerasimov of Belarus late Wednes- Team Sunweb rider Netherlands’ Wilco Kelderman crosses the 18th competing and every tournament I enter world, needed nearly two hours to post Jan-Lennard Struff beat Italy’s Marco day. stage finish line during the Giro d’Italia cycling race. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Martin wins Vuelta mountain Becker accused of Race for acceptance: why Japan’s stage, Roglic stays in red failing to hand over Paralympics mean more than medals Vinuesa, Spain: Dan Martin claimed victory on stage three AFP disabled people — with broadcasters hiring of the Vuelta a Espana as early Wimbledon trophies Tokyo reporters with disabilities, and events such race leader Primoz Roglic as a fashion show featuring models with of Jumbo-Visma also put in AFP prosthetic limbs, some of them athletes. a strong showing to remain London ong-jumper Sayaka Murakami is Among those participating in the fash- in red yesterday. The 166km hoping not just for a medal at the ion show was Kaeda Maegawa, who com- Lodosa to Vinuesa route fea- postponed Tokyo Paralympics, but petes in the 100m and long jump and tured two categorised climbs oris Becker has been ac- also for lasting acceptance in a Jap- sashayed down the runway in a lacy white which ultimately decided the cused of failing to hand Lanese society where disabled people can skirt that showcased her metal prosthetic. outcome of the stage. over trophies — includ- feel pressured to stay out of the public eye. She said she could understand that some Israel Start-Up Nation’s rider ing the 1985 Wimbledon Like many Japanese para-athletes, Mu- people were reluctant to reveal their dis- Martin attacked in the last men’sB cup that catapulted him rakami believes the Games are a unique ability, and worry about being seen as a 200 metres of the final climb to sporting stardom — so they Boris Becker arrives at a court chance to fi ght discrimination and change burden in Japan. “But personally I don’t to Laguna Negra’s summit could be sold to settle his debts. for a preliminary hearing in the way her country treats people with feel that I want to hide my prosthetic leg... finish, holding off 2019 Vuelta The 52-year-old German, who his insolvency case in London disabilities. “It’s a window of opportu- I want to send a message that prosthetic winner Roglic of Slovenia and was declared bankrupt in June yesterday. (AFP) nity,” the 37-year-old said as she trained at legs are cool,” the 22-year-old said. Ineos’s Ecuadorean Richard 2017, is accused of not comply- a facility in Chiba, south-east of Tokyo. “I She is hoping to score a medal at next Carapaz in the battle to the ing with obligations to disclose ries of charges that took more hope that the Paralympics will be a chance year’s Games, but also sees them as off er- line. On another unseasonably information. than 15 minutes to read to the for people to realise that people (with dis- ing a bigger opportunity. “Since the Tokyo rainy day, which started with Trophies listed on a new court. They included concealing abilities) live among them” and are part of Paralympics was awarded, media cover- the news that French rider 28-count indictment include his more than £1mn held in bank ac- society, she added. age of para-athletes has increased, and Thibaut Pinot had pulled out maiden Wimbledon trophy, his counts, as well as property. Beck- The decision to delay the Paralympics, because of that more and more people are due to injury, there were mul- 1989 silverware from the same er is also accused of removing now set to open in August 2021 following becoming aware,” she said. “If you want tiple break attempts. However, tournament, and his Austral- hundreds of thousands of pounds on from the rescheduled Olympics, was to change something, knowledge is what’s hopes of a surprise win were ian Open trophies in 1991 and by transferring it to other ac- devastating at fi rst, said Murakami, who most important.” extinguished as the peloton 1996. He pleaded not guilty to counts, including to former wife lost her right leg in a train accident when Despite the hopes pinned on the Games, reeled them in on the opening all counts when he appeared in a Barbara Becker, and estranged she was 25 and competes with a prosthetic there are still plenty of unresolved ques- slopes of the final climb. London court yesterday. wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker. blade. “I’d worked so hard, and was plan- tions about how the event will be staged, Colombian GC contender Becker, wearing a dark-grey It is also alleged he hid his ning to retire after the 2020 Paralympics... In this picture taken on August 31, 2020, with complex discussions on coronavirus Esteban Chaves, part of the suit, blue tie and a black face holding of shares in a fi rm called I felt so down and I couldn’t get back to be- Japanese athlete Sayaka Murakami countermeasures currently under way. lead group, suff ered a me- mask, spoke to confi rm his name, Breaking Data Corp. Becker was ing positive,” she said. practising in Chiba, Japan. (AFP) The virus issue is particularly serious for chanical with just over four km to enter his pleas, and that he un- released on bail ahead of his But gradually she said she felt her mo- some Paralympians, including Tomoya Ito, remaining and his rivals made derstood a warrant would be is- trial, which is due to last up to tivation returning, and she decided to “Japan has not so far been used to ac- a two-time Paralympic wheelchair medal- him pay as they pulled clear sued for his arrest if he abscond- four weeks. The German took resume training with the goal of qualifying cepting diversity,” said Motoaki Fujita, list in 400m and 800m, who suff ers an im- while he waited to change ed on bail. He was told his trial the tennis world by storm as a for the postponed Games. “If I can win a a professor of sports sociology at Nihon mune disorder. bikes and he has slipped to would be listed to take place in 17-year-old as he became the ticket, I will do my best to jump for a med- Fukushi University and an expert on disa- “For me, there is no way to live with it eighth in the overall standings, September 2021. Earlier, Becker, then youngest-ever men’s Grand al,” she said. bled sports. “In Japan, the way people are (the virus),” he warned in a recent inter- one minute 29 seconds adrift who has worked in TV since he Slam champion at Wimbledon Ahead of the Games, Tokyo has worked evaluated often depends on whether they view with local media. Murakami, whose of race leader Roglic. In a retired, appeared to take a selfi e in 1985, defending his trophy to improve access for disabled people and are seen as being productive or producing husband is a bobsledder aiming for the nip-tuck end to the climb, with as he entered the court building, the following year. Nicknamed promoted para-sports, but disability ac- economic value,” he said. 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, remains gradients hitting double fig- in front of scores of assembled “Boom Boom”, he went on to win tivists and experts warn there is a long way There have been improvements since hopeful Tokyo can pull off the event next ures, several riders attempted international journalists and a further four majors and 49 sin- to go. Even Japanese citizens feel their so- Tokyo won the bid to host the Games, he year and build a positive legacy for people to launch attacks but Martin’s photographers. Prosecutor Re- gles titles in all, amassing $25mn ciety has room for improvement: 84% of said, but those could be undone. “The re- with disabilities. “The space for disabled well-timed move paid off as he becca Chalkley said Becker, who in prize money. Becker also en- respondents in a 2017 government survey sults will be totally diff erent if the Games people has been gradually expanding in Ja- claimed the stage win and cut lives in London, may face further joyed a successful spell from said they believed there is discrimination are cancelled.” pan,” she said. “I really hope this won’t just Roglic’s overall lead to just five charges at a later date. 2014 until 2016 as coach of world or prejudice against people with disabili- In the run-up to the Games, there have be a one-time boom but something that seconds. Becker was arraigned on a se- number one Novak Djokovic. ties. been eff orts to increase the visibility of continues to grow.” Gulf Times Friday, October 23, 2020 5 SPORT

MLB Lowe homers twice as Rays level series against Dodgers ‘I don’t think anyone in our clubhouse thought this series was over. We had to show up and take care of business’

AFP World Series appearance against Phila- Arlington, United States delphia in 2008. Back in the World Se- ries for the third time in four years, the Dodgers are in pursuit of their fi rst title randon Lowe hit two home since 1988. runs and the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays’ Brandon Lowe Snell was rolling against the poten- showed their resiliency in a hits a two-run home run against the tially explosive Dodgers off ence, using 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Los Angeles Dodgers during the a devastating slider to good eff ect until DodgersB that knotted the World Series Taylor tagged him for a two-out homer game two of the World Series on at one game apiece on Wednesday. Wednesday: (USA TODAY Sports) in the bottom of the fi fth inning that Joey Wendle drove in three runs for cut the defi cit to 5-2. the Rays, who will try to maintain mo- Taylor’s blast also scored Enrique mentum in game three of Major League Hernandez who had walked, and Snell Baseball’s championship showcase on then walked Mookie Betts and gave up Friday Blake Snell was outstanding on a single to Corey Seager, prompting the mound, holding the Dodgers with- manager Kevin Cash to pull him in fa- out a hit over more than four innings vour of reliever Nick Anderson — who before giving up a walk and a home run struck out Justin Turner to end the in- in the fi fth. ning. Snell had nine strikeouts in 4 2/3 But homers for Chris Taylor, Will innings, giving up two hits and two runs Smith and Corey Seager weren’t with four walks. enough for the Dodgers, who were “We’re good and we’re here to play,” coming off a dominant 8-3 victory in Snell said. “It’s not going to be an easy game one on Tuesday at the neutral site World Series, but we’ve got a really of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. good team here. They’re going to have “I don’t think anyone in our club- to bring it every night just like we’re go- house thought this series was over,” ing to have to.” Lowe said. “We had to show up and take Joe Kelly took over on the mound for care of business, and we came out there the Dodgers in the sixth, which Tampa and played our game.” Bay’s Choi Ji-man led off with a sin- Lowe, a stalwart of the Rays off ence gle up the middle. Choi, the fi rst non- as they built the best regular-season pitcher from South Korea to play in a record in the American League, was World Series, hoofed it around to third 6-for-52 through the fi rst three rounds on a single from Margot and scored on a of the playoff s, and was 0-for-4 at the sacrifi ce fl y by Wendle. plate in game one. He gave the Rays an The Dodgers pulled a run back in the early lead when he belted a fastball from bottom of the sixth with Smith’s solo Dodgers rookie starter Tony Gonsolin homer off Anderson, and Seager led over the left centrefi eld wall for a solo off the bottom of the eighth with a solo homer with one out in the fi rst inning. shot off Rays relief pitcher Pete Fair- “Pure joy,” Lowe said of the reaction banks that pulled the Dodgers within in the dugout. Gonsolin, making his two. third career post-season appearance, Turner followed with a double, but lasted just 1 1/3 innings, but he wasn’t the Rays escaped the inning without the only one of the Dodgers’ seven further damage. After Rays reliever pitchers to be victimized by Lowe, who Aaron Loup retired the fi rst two Dodg- lined a two-run blast over the left fi eld ers batters in the ninth, Diego Castillo wall off the Dodgers’ fourth pitcher of double off May to drive in two runs in it out of the park. “I just go up there, try his slump in a big way, but he thought “It was a complete team win, every- came in to face Taylor and struck him the night, Dustin May, in the fi fth in- the fourth. Lowe became the fi rst play- to hit the ball solid and see how hard the it was a characteristic team eff ort that body contributing in diff erent parts of out on three called strikes. “We did a ning to give the Rays a 5-0 lead. er to hit two opposite-fi eld home runs ball comes off the bat,” he said. put Tampa Bay back in the win column. the game.” pretty good job of fi ghting to the end,” That was after Tampa Bay third base- in one World Series game, but he said Wendle said no one on the Rays team “Today was a better indicator of the The Rays are seeking a fi rst champi- Taylor said. “We just weren’t able to man Joey Wendle smacked a line drive he didn’t go to the plate seeking to hit was surprised to see Lowe break out of kind of team that we are,” Wendle said. onship, having fallen in their only prior come up with that big hit we needed.”

NBA NFL Pelicans’ new coach Gundy can unlock Dalton and Cowboys hope to Williamson just like he did Howard rebound against Washington By Kristian Winfield Reuters like that, then you’re playing QB Dwayne Haskins, who went New York Daily News Washington catch-up and you’re going up- 1-3 in the team’s fi rst four games. hill,” owner and general manager Slow starts have doomed Wash- Jerry Jones said. ington, which has been outscored ou may know Dwight Howard as he only time Andy Dalton “We can’t play and win any 108-44 in the fi rst half — includ- the comical, blonde dread-headed, played at Washington, games and create that kind of ing 47-14 in the fi rst quarter. role-playing championship big he tossed three touch- edge for a team giving us that “We are making progress,” man for the Los Angeles Lakers. down passes and guided much adversity and giving them Rivera said Monday. “I don’t ButY once upon a time he was a perennial TCincinnati to 478 yards of of- that kind of encouragement early know if we have all the pieces. I Most Valuable Player of the Year candidate, fence in a 38-31 victory. With the in the ballgames. That’s a death do think we have some guys that a three-time Defensive Player of the Year way Dallas is playing defence this sentence in the NFL.” are more than capable of win- award recipient who tripled as an unstoppa- season, those numbers from Sep- In Monday night’s 38-10 home ning, and it’s a matter of having ble lob threat and a ferocious low post mon- tember 2012 might not be enough loss to the Arizona Cardinals, enough of those guys. It’s also ster for the Orlando Magic. when his Cowboys (2-4) face the Dalton threw two interceptions a matter of having the mental- Howard was the best big man in the league Washington Football Team (1-5) in his fi rst start for the injured ity, of understanding what it during his heyday, a vaunted two-way cen- on Sunday. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott takes to win, what do you have tre rattling rims on one side and protecting The Cowboys have allowed 218 lost two fumbles for the fi rst time to do to win, how do you have to the rim on the other. Stan Van Gundy was points, the most by any team in in his fi ve-year career. play to win. “... The thing I like the head coach who unlocked Howard’s the Super Bowl era (since 1966) Arizona turned the turnovers is just the fact that we have a lot full potential. He knew what he had on his through six games. They are just into 24 points. Still, Dallas heads of young guys playing right now roster: a demon in the paint, and marksmen the fi fth team in NFL history to the nation’s capital as the NFC and this is their opportunity to lurking on the perimeter. to allow 34-plus points in fi ve East leader and will face a Wash- learn and grow together.” Nearly a decade after his time in Orlando straight games. If Washington ington team that has dropped fi ve Rivera lost two rookies to in- — a circus act of a fi nal season that ended hits that mark on Sunday, Dallas straight games, the longest active juries against the Giants, with with Howard’s arm around his coach, de- will set a dubious record. losing streak in the NFC. wideout Antonio Gandy-Golden nying accusations of an attempted coup — The Cowboys’ mistake-prone Washington is coming off a (hamstring) and off ensive line- Van Gundy has accepted his next challenge: off ence has exacerbated the 20-19 road loss on Sunday to the man Saahdiq Charles (knee) both Leading the young-and-fun New Orleans problem with 15 turnovers. A New York Giants, when its two- missing practice on Wednesday. Pelicans into the future. minus-12 turnover margin not point conversion attempt failed Also out were cornerback Ron- Van Gundy accepted the role as Pelicans only ranks last in the NFL, but with 36 seconds remaining. Kyle ald Darby (illness), defensive end head coach on Wednesday, his fi rst gig since it’s nearly twice as terrible as the Allen completed 31 of 42 passes James Smith-Williams (concus- 2018 after four years with the Detroit Pis- Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. next-worst teams (Minnesota, for 280 yards and two touch- sion), tight end Logan Thomas tons. He has inherited the second-greatest Philadelphia at minus-7). downs, but also lost a fumble and (neck) and wideout Isaiah Wright singular talent he’s ever had in his coaching deployed Howard at the fi ve and shooters Williamson also has potential to become “We’re putting ourself at a threw a pick. Coach Ron Rivera (shoulder). Rookie DE Chase career, behind only Dwyane Wade. all around: Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, a monster rim protector. Despite his phys- disadvantage.... When you put has declared him the team’s cur- Young (groin) was a limited par- This time, instead of Howard, Van Gundy Courtney Lee and Jameer Nelson, with JJ ics-defying vertical, he averaged less than yourself in the hole in the NFL rent starter ahead of second-year ticipant. will mould Zion Williamson, the Duke sen- Redick coming off the bench. a half-block per game as a rookie with op- sation who made a run at Rookie of the Year Redick now plays for the Pelicans, as do ponents shooting seven% better inside six last season despite playing in only 24 games. sharpshooters Jrue Holiday and Josh Hart. feet against Williamson than they do against With Van Gundy at the helm, Williamson The Pelicans will likely re-sign Brandon other defenders. Dallas Cowboys’ Andy Dalton in could be far greater than Howard ever was — Ingram, as well, and Ingram is coming off Howard, too, grew under Van Gundy. He action against Arizona Cardinals a tall order given Howard’s status as a likely the best three-point shooting season of his never averaged more than two blocks in his last Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Hall of Famer. career, hitting more than 39% of his treys fi rst three seasons, but when Van Gundy Williamson and Howard have similari- on the year. Van Gundy was ahead of the took over, Howard rattled off three consecu- ties. Both are incredible athletes. William- curve in Orlando, beating the league to the tive Defensive Player of the Year awards, son’s claim to fame his 45-inch vertical leap three-point frenzy by necessity. The best never averaging fewer than two blocks in dumbfoundingly accompanying his 6-foot- way to build around a paint demon is to give those fi ve seasons. 6, 260-pound frame. Howard, at nearly him space to dominate. Space is created by The Magic aren’t Van Gundy’s only sam- seven feet, registered a 39.5-inch vertical shooters on the perimeter. ple size. He wasn’t able to turn water into at the Draft Combine. Both are dominant “We never talked about a certain amount wine in Detroit, where the Pistons never around the rim. Williamson scored a total of of 3s or even to take a lot of 3s,” Van Gundy realized their potential. Van Gundy coached 540 points in his 24 rookie-season games — said in a 2019 interview with The Ringer. Detroit to a 44-38 record in the 2015-16 sea- 390 of those points were scored within fi ve “What we talked about was attacking the son, led again by another dominant paint feet of the rim, and another 114 points were basket and attacking the paint, but maintain presence in Andre Drummond. The Pistons scored at the foul line. Howard rarely scored space, so if people came to help on Dwight, never made it back to the playoff s after, and outside the restricted area, but regularly we could throw the ball out for the 3, and their coach was out the door in 2018. bullied defenders down low in Orlando. certainly from there everyone had the green “Our guys probably weren’t the best fi t The Pelicans have part of the roster light. for him,” Drummond said in June of 2019. makeup for Van Gundy to unlock William- “You either had to give Dwight room to “I think if he had an older team, he’d be very son’s dominance down low. In the season he operate in the paint, or we were going to good. His style of play is more for like the led the Magic to the NBA Finals, Van Gundy have opportunities for open 3s.” Spurs, an older team that’s more advanced.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 23, 2020 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT In-form Wasps stand between Exeter and Wales’ Jones to glorious double

Reuters than we did (against Racing), and London we will need to.” Exeter scored three of their four tries against Racing through or the second week in a their customary pick and go for- equal Test record row Exeter Chiefs head ward assault. into a big fi nal in great They were, however, less shape against a team controlled in other areas of the whoseF preparations have been pitch — allowing Racing to score badly disrupted and, in the case four tries of their own and move of Wasps, who began the week within a point before the Chiefs’ not knowing if they were even heroic goalline defence and a late going to play penalty secured the 31-27 win. against France Wasps were eventually cleared While that was happening, to take the fi eld at Twickenham Wasps were scrambling to fi nd for Saturday’s Premiership fi - out if they would be able to play The 35-year-old will make his 148th international appearance in Paris tomorrow nal despite recording 11 positive in the light of the Covid tests, be- Covid-19 tests. fore fi nally getting the green light to draw level with New Zealand’s World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw However, Exeter will be on red on Wednesday. alert having seen Racing Metro They will try to ignore that blip overcome their own ragged build and instead focus on the incred- up to come perilously close to ible run of form that turned what toppling them in last week’s Eu- was looking like a season battling ropean Champions Cup fi nal. against relegation into one pos- Last week’s European triumph sibly ending with a fi rst trophy marked the high point of Exeter’s for 12 years. 10-year rise since climbing out When Director of Rugby Dai of the championship but they are Young was sacked in February not exactly new to the big occa- they were third-last in the ta- sion as this will be their fi fth suc- ble having lost six of their nine cessive appearance in the English games. Since Lee Blackett took club fi nal. over they have won 12 of 14, in- This one is a repeat of 2017 cluding the 47-24 semi-fi nal when a late Gareth Steenson thrashing of Bristol. penalty snatched an extra-time Wasps’ shining star has been victory over Wasps — their sole fl anker Jack Willis, named the success alongside three fi nal de- Premiership players’ player of feats at the hands of Saracens. the year after his astonishing tal- Director of Rugby Rob Baxter ly of 44 turnovers — 25 more than said that although he told his the next best. players to enjoy their European But it has been a change of celebrations last week, his mind approach throughout the squad had been shifting on to the next that has paid dividends. challenge while the champagne “Beforehand there was so corks were popping. much pressure in the environ- “It would be just reward, I feel, ment,” Blackett said. “We try to for this group of players, for what make it fun — our number one they have committed to over the thing is to enjoy it.” last fi ve years, if we can do the Tomorrow’s fi nal, played double,” he said. “I am hoping without fans, comes 56 weeks that will be enough of a driver after the season began and four for us. I think we can play better before the new campaign begins.

Baxter: Virus poses challenge to game’s viability

London: Exeter Chiefs Direc- for rugby at the moment is not tor of Rugby Rob Baxter says who wins trophies, it’s going the sport’s authorities must to be staying around as a pro- bring in regulations that will fessional viable sport over the allow games to be forfeited next 12 months,” Baxter told in the event of Covid-19 out- British media. breaks at clubs. “There’s no room to fit (rear- European champions Exeter ranged) fixtures in again next head into tomorrow’s Premier- season. Every single weekend ship final after their oppo- is a Heineken Cup or a Pre- Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is set for a “fabulous achievement” when he takes the field against France tomorrow. nents Wasps were eventually miership game until you get to cleared to take the field at the knockout stages later on. AFP rugby player is all about. Pivac added: “The players are in the second-row and Aaron six-game campaign after the Twickenham despite recording “You’re not going to be able to London “He is a true professional on excited. It has been a long time Wainwright starting at blindside French Rugby Federation and the 11 positive tests. Their Champi- cancel games. You’re going to and off the fi eld and a gentleman and we can’t wait for Saturday. fl anker in a back-row featuring French league came to an agree- ons Cup final opponents Rac- have to have some regulation of the game. On the fi eld he leads “We have six matches this Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Fa- ment last week over player avail- ing 92 also endured a tough that games can be forfeited ales captain Alun by example and you can’t ask autumn, and the game against letau. ability away from club duty. build-up to that game last based on the Covid scenario.” Wyn Jones is set to more of your captain and we are France helps us get back into Wales are currently fi fth in the Penaud is suff ering from an week with a series of cases. Baxter also said players equal the Test ap- very privileged here in Wales to our stride, international rugby- Six Nations table, with one win ankle problem, Vincent Rat- “As everyone’s going to be cannot remain in bio-secure pearance world have him.” wise.” This match will serve as a from four games. tez comes in for Arthur Vincent aware, the biggest challenge bubbles for long periods. recordW after being named yes- Wales’ fi rst game for seven warm-up for both sides’ delayed Meanwhile, Winger Teddy as Gael Fickou reverts to centre terday to lead his side against months sees a Test recall for Six Nations fi nales, with Wales Thomas replaced the injured and Jean-Baptiste Gros takes the France this weekend. centre Jonathan Davies, who last welcoming Scotland to Llanelli Damian Penaud as one of three place of the retired Jeff erson Poi- BADMINTON The 35-year-old lock will played an international match next weekend and France facing changes in the side named by rot at loosehead prop from the make his 148th international ap- in November after suff ering a Ireland in fi xtures postponed by France coach Fabien Galthie yes- loss at Scotland in March. pearance (including nine for the knee injury at the 2019 Rugby several months due to the coro- terday. Galthie’s men welcome Tighthead Mohamed Haouas British and Irish Lions) in Paris World Cup. Meanwhile Pivac navirus pandemic. Wayne Pivac’s team to Paris on keeps his place after serving his New Zealand tomorrow to draw level with has selected uncapped Glouces- Pivac’s team includes plenty Saturday in a Test match, a week suspension for punching Jamie New Zealand’s World Cup-win- ter wing Louis Rees-Zammit of experienced internationals, before a potential tournament Ritchie at Murrayfi eld. ning captain Richie McCaw. and Ospreys hooker Sam Parry with winger George North set to decider against Ireland which France will face Fiji, Italy and cancels world “It is a fabulous achieve- among the replacements. win his 96th cap. was rescheduled due to the coro- Scotland in a newly-created Au- ment,” said Wales coach Wayne The 19-year-old Rees-Zam- In the pack, Ryan Elias takes navirus pandemic. tumn Nations Cup in November Pivac of Jones’ landmark after mit scored 10 tries during the over Ken Owens following his Les Bleus’ players will only be which has replaced the interna- juniors as Covid lays announcing his team yesterday. 2019/20 English Premiership fellow hooker’s shoulder injury, allowed to play a maximum of tional matches originally sched- “He epitomises what a great season. with Cory Hill partnering Jones three matches each during the uled for next month. waste to plans BOTTOMLINE Reuters Wellington been met by organisers. “There is just another whole level of complexity there,” England hope Ford ‘back soon’ as Barbarians await he cancellation of the Hitchcock said, adding that 2020 badminton junior upcoming cricket tours of New world championships Zealand and the recent rugby AFP trio of Kyle Sinckler, Ben Earl and in Auckland highlighted Tests against Australia were on a Max Malins to their group after Tthe complexities of trying to or- smaller scale. London the Bears were ruled out of partic- ganise sporting events during Another factor complicating ipating in the Premiership fi nal on the Covid-19 pandemic, Bad- the issue was the limited number eorge Ford is set to be Saturday when Wasps were given minton New Zealand’s chief ex- of fl ights to New Zealand, with back in England action the all-clear following several ecutive said yesterday. the country closing its borders “pretty soon”, assistant positive tests for the coronavirus. The World Badminton Fed- to all but returning citizens and coach John Mitchell said Mitchell, however, suggested it eration (BWF) and Badminton permanent residents. yesterday.G may be too soon to ask the Bristol New Zealand (BNZ) announced Hitchcock said it was likely Doubts, however, remain over contingent to play this weekend. the cancellation of the Jan 11-24 the teams would have received whether he will be fi t to face Italy “We’ve got a group here now event, which had originally been exemptions, although they still in the Six Nations at the end of three weeks in advance in terms scheduled for Sept 28-Oct 11 needed government approval. the month. of high-speed running and the before being moved to early next “The government has been The fl y-half withdrew from the way we go about our training and year due to the pandemic. fantastic,” Hitchcock said. “But squad that plays the Barbarians methodology,” the New Zealand- They were unable to be de- in the end we wanted to run an at Twickenham on Sunday, with er said. layed further with the 2021 event to the scale that we know what the Rugby Football Union Meanwhile, Bath centre event scheduled for Sept-Oct it had the potential to be and we said was a “pre-existing Achilles Jonathan Joseph is looking in China. “We had to make the couldn’t do that.” issue”. forward to facing the Barbar- decision around the health of The pandemic would also That left the experienced Owen ians, as England play their first the players coming into New have created issues for teams Farrell and Piers Francis as the match since the coronavirus Zealand and also of the staff and when they fl ew home with many only capped stand-off s available lockdown halted the Six Na- volunteers,” BNZ Chief Execu- entering another isolation pe- to England coach Eddie Jones this tions in March. tive Joe Hitchcock told Reuters. riod, while foreign-born coaches weekend. “It will be great to pull on the Around 400 players had been might not be allowed to return, Tomorrow’s match is a non- England head coach Eddie Jones red rose again, it feels like it’s been expected to arrive for the tour- he said. The BWF said New Zea- cap international but of greater throws a frisbee during training in forever,” said Joseph. “A lot of the nament with that number ris- land would now host the 2024 concern is whether Ford will be Teddington, Britain, yesterday. boys are very excited to be back ing by at least another 200-300 event. “To press pause and un- ready to return for next weekend’s in the camp and as usual there’s a people with coaches, support derstand we still have the oppor- Six Nations fi xture in Italy. “Fordy has got a slight ankle but it’s important to manage ment he’s in a position of rehab- massive buzz around it. staff and BWF offi cials fl ying in, tunity in 2024 is great,” Hitch- Mitchell was guarded about problem that’s obviously being these guys so we get them back at bing and reconditioning and we’ll “Every time you’ve got this he said. cock said. the Leicester back’s progress but managed,” said Mitchell. 100%. take the next step post getting shirt on you’re a representation of All would have had to spend “We’re a small sport (in New did not rule him out of the trip to “Clearly we expect him back “We’re aware of the injury and through that period.” yourself and you always want to 14-days in isolation upon arriv- Zealand), so to know we still get Rome on October 31. and in preparation pretty soon, we’re managing it. At the mo- England have added the Bristol put your best foot forward.” al, the cost of which would have that opportunity is really cool.” Gulf Times Friday, October 23, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING SPOTLIGHT Rosberg to follow Hamilton into Lose the battles, Extreme E

Reuters Extreme E for his formal return London to motorsport as Founder and CEO of his own racing team,” said Spaniard Agag. win the war? Mir ormula One champions Hamilton will not be driving or and former Mercedes operationally involved in his team teammates Nico Rosberg while Kimmo Liimatainen will be Fand Lewis Hamilton are team principal of RXR with Ros- set to lock horns again as owners berg overseeing development as of rival outfi ts in the new Extreme founder and chief executive. E electric off -road series starting “The series represents an next year. amazing opportunity to not only eyes world title Rosberg, who retired from For- drive awareness but also inspire mula One after beating Hamilton action in the fi ght against cli- to the 2016 title, announced yes- mate change — the single biggest The Suzuki rider has proved the master of consistency in this truncated season terday that his Rosberg Xtreme threat to our planet today,” said Racing (RXR) had become the Rosberg in a statement. ninth team confi rmed for the in- “Since retiring from F1 I have augural season. dedicated my career to sustain- Extreme E said in Septem- able technologies so to be able to ber that Hamilton, heading for combine these endeavours with a record-equalling seventh F1 my passion for racing is incredi- championship this year, will en- bly fulfi lling,” added the German. ter his own X44 team to compete Extreme E’s fi ve races, without in remote and harsh environ- spectators but to be broadcast live ments. on TV and social media, will be Rosberg, like the Briton, is an in West Africa, the Brazilian rain outspoken campaigner for the forest, Greenland, the deserts of environment and sustainability. Saudi Arabia and mountains of The German is also a share- Nepal. holder in electric city-based All locations are either already Formula E, founded by Extreme damaged or severely under threat E boss Alejandro Agag and now from a range of issues such as ris- starting its seventh season. ing sea levels or deforestation. “We have been talking about The teams will race identi- this project for many months cal SUVs, with each one having a and we are thrilled he has chosen male and female driver.

FOCUS Formula One revises testing protocols aft er Stroll positive case

AFP Yet he had been unwell Portimao, Portugal throughout that weekend with- out taking a test that resulted in Suzuki Ecstar’s Spanish rider Joan Mir speaks at the off icial press conference ahead of the Grand Prix of eruelT at the Motorland circuit in Alcaniz, Spain, yesterday. proving he had the coronavirus. ormula One has revised Until now, all Formula One AFP failing to make the podium and to lead the world championship. both also won races in 2020. id-19 at home in Italy. its protocols for manag- members have been required to Alcañiz, Spain fi nished in 12th place in the “I will not change the way The premier class has never The 41-year-old also sat ing Covid-19 testing af- return a negative test prior to standings. to approach the races, this is had a world champion who out last weekend’s MotoGP of ter Racing Point driver travel and take further tests every The previous season, he went for sure. I will continue work- hasn’t won a race and it has only Aragon. LanceF Stroll fell ill at the Eifel fi ve days. espite not having won a winless in Moto2 leaving his last ing race by race, trying to get as been achieved twice before in Rossi came under fi re on Grand Prix, but was not tested The new in weekend test is race since 2017, Spain’s victorious season as his world many points as possible, trying other classes. Wednesday from 2007 and 2011 until he returned home, team designed to identify anyone who Joan Mir is edging championship campaign in to get the victory every GP,” he The variety of winners in world champion Casey Stoner boss Otmar Szafnauer said yes- develops the virus while attend- closer to the MotoGP Moto3 in 2017. said ahead of this weekend’s 2020 has been partly caused by who said he was saddened to see terday. ing an event. worldD title as the championship Last weekend, Mir was third race at the same Motorland of the absence of six-time MotoGP the Italian’s level of perform- Szafnauer, who claimed Stroll Szafnauer said he was confi - enters its 2020 end-game this in the MotoGP of Aragon with Aragon circuit. world champion Marc Marquez. ance this year. was suff ering from a severe dent the new protocol, coupled weekend. Suzuki teammate Alex Rins “Then in the last race we will Marquez broke his arm in the “For me, when I was compet- stomach upset that led to him with Stroll’s negative test results The 23-year-old Mir has a winning the race. look at the championship and season-opener at Jerez and has ing against Valentino, he was missing the race at the Nurbur- ahead of the Portuguese race, wafer-thin advantage of just “It was really positive be- see where we are.” not raced since. a winner, a killer,” Stoner told gring, where he was replaced by ensured the Canadian would re- six points over France’s Fabio cause we took important points With four races left, just 15 So far this season, there have autosport.com. Nico Hulkenberg, said new rules turn. Quartararo ahead of the Teruel for the championship,” Mir told points cover Mir, Yamaha’s been eight diff erent winners “He did everything possible were being introduced after an “He had a negative test coming Grand Prix on Sunday. motogp.com after seeing Rins Quartararo, who has three race in 10 races — the joint second- to win races. Now, however, a examination of that case. into this weekend. The probabil- However, the Suzuki rider has become the eighth diff erent wins from the Spanish, Anda- highest during a single season. top fi ve or a podium is like a vic- Speaking ahead of this week- ity of now giving a positive is low. proved the master of consisten- winner in 2020. lucian and Catalunya events, The record is nine, set in 2016. tory for him and this is sad for end’s Portuguese Grand Prix, Is it zero? I don’t know, I don’t cy in this truncated season with The two Suzukis were split by and Maverick Vinales as well as Also missing this weekend me.” where Hulkenberg is on stand- know that much about it, but it’s three second places and two the Honda of Alex Marquez. Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso. is seven-time world champion Rossi’s best result this season by in case Stroll is unfi t to drive, low,” he said. thirds from the 10 races held. Mir is the fi rst Suzuki rider Vinales, at Emilio Romagna, Valentino Rossi as the Yamaha was a third-place fi nish in July’s Szafnauer said: “The world is “Nico is here as a precaution, In 2019, Mir raced 17 events, since Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000 and Dovizioso, in Austria, have veteran recovers from Cov- Andalusian Grand Prix. learning and the FIA (the sport’s but I’m confi dent Lance will be ruling body, the International in the car.” Motoring Federation) are learn- Szafnauer said he tests em- GOLF ing, we’re learning. ployees twice at the week and has “The FIA now, I understand, returned six positives in more have introduced a test you have than 15,000 tests. to take 24 hours from (after) en- “We take this virus more seri- tering the paddock — that’s new ously than anybody. We test all for everybody in the paddock. of our staff upon arrival from a “It’s something they have Grand Prix so they have peace McIlroy cool with return of changed. It’s a good idea to add of mind when they go home that another test.” they didn’t pick anything up.” Canadian Stroll, 21, left the He also revealed that Stroll’s Eifel event early on Sunday, fl y- father team owner Lawrence ing home to Switzerland, where Stroll had tested positive, despite fans, Mickelson concerned he returned a positive test result not attending the Russian or Eifel mographic and communities in on Monday. races. Pioneering men’s and women’s Vic Open falls victim to pandemic which they play. Several golfers have test- Money could infl uence Haas F1 driver lineup Melbourne: Australia’s innovative Vic Open, since the mixed concept was put together, and ed positive, including world the only event on the world’s professional golf we’re more than aware of how popular this event number one Dustin Johnson London: US-owned Haas will them so we are looking at all tours where men and women tee off in alternate has become,” said Golf Australia chief James who continues to self-isolate have a new Formula One driver the options out there as well,” groups on the same course, fell victim to the Sutherland. and will miss the Zozo after an lineup for 2021 after announc- he added. coronavirus pandemic yesterday. “We’ve tried to make it happen, but the call had earlier positive test, but have not ing the departure of Romain Russian Formula Two driver Jointly sanctioned by the men’s European Tour to be made.” suff ered serious illness. Grosjean and Kevin Magnus- Nikita Mazepin is the son of a and the US-based elite women’s LPGA Tour, it The tournament is unique in having male and “It’s hard because the demo- sen, and money could play a billionaire who tried to buy the was due to be played in February at a course female fields sharing the same 72 holes over the graphic that is a Tour player and part in deciding their replace- Force India team, now Racing south of Melbourne. four tournament days playing for equal prize the people that are out on site, if ments. Point, in 2018 before the even- But diff iculties around providing a safe envi- money. It has been running as a dual event since they get Covid, more than likely Team boss Guenther Steiner tual sale of assets to Canadian ronment for players and a lack of certainty 2012 and took on added significance in 2019 nothing is going to happen,” said told reporters in a video Lawrence Stroll. on quarantine and border issues proved too when the European Tour and the LPGA Tour McIlroy. “They might get symp- conference at the Portuguese Mexican Sergio Perez, who is complicated. jointly sanctioned it for the first time, increasing toms for a couple of days but Grand Prix that the team had leaving Racing Point at the end Its cancellation follows Australia’s three biggest the tournament’s cash purse. they’ll bounce back and they’ll plenty of options but he did of the year, also has strong tournaments – the men’s and women’s Austral- One of Australia’s most exciting young talents, be fi ne.” Since the PGA Tour re- not want to talk about any sponsorship and plenty of ian Open and the PGA Championship – all being Min Woo Lee, won the men’s event this year started in mid-June following names or numbers on the experience. called off last week for similar reasons. with South Korea’s Park Hee-young claiming the a Covid-forced shutdown offi - short list. Ferrari are meanwhile look- “We’re very proud of how far the Vic Open came women’s title. cials have made several attempts Frenchman Grosjean, 34, has ing to place some of their to bring back fans but each time been at Haas since 2016 with young drivers, with Michael Reuters they aborted eff orts over health Danish driver Magnussen, Schumacher’s 21-year-old son Los Angeles not see any spectators at this expressed deep concern, saying and what it does, maybe not and safety concerns. 28, joining in 2017 but both Mick leading the Formula Two week’s Zozo Championship the presence of fans in Houston long-term wise but at least in With the United States again are now looking likely to quit championship and a strong being played at the Sherwood might keep him from playing the short term, what it maybe seeing a spike in cases Mickel- the scene with few openings candidate for Haas or Alfa ory McIlroy has Country Club in Thousand what has traditionally been his does to the body and what the son, who turned 50 in June, said elsewhere on the grid. Romeo. missed the fans and, Oaks, California, but the next Masters warm-up event. symptoms are and treatment playing in front of spectators Asked whether the Ferrari- Britain’s Callum Ilott, another hours after Austral- two events on the PGA Tour “I think I’m more comfortable protocols and therapeutics.” presented an unnecessary risk powered team, ninth in the Ferrari Academy driver and Rian Adam Scott was schedule — the Bermuda Cham- with it now than I was, say, back With most of the players on with the rescheduled Masters standings, might look for a second in the F2 standings, forced to withdraw from the pionship and Houston Open when we were going to play the the PGA Tour being fi t, healthy set from Nov. 12-15. driver with financial backing, had been due to take part in Zozo Championship because — both plan to allow a limited Memorial in July with fans,” said athletes, McIlroy noted they “I think that they will do a Steiner said talent was more Friday practice with Haas at of a positive Covid-19 test on number of fans. McIlroy. “I think everyone was were in the low-risk category. very good, safe job in having important. the Nuerburgring two weeks Wednesday, said he was ready to While McIlroy views the re- still a little sceptical about that. But the new father was also 2,000 people at the Houston “But some people have got ago but that was prevented by see them back out on the course. turn of spectators with cau- “But I think right now we just mindful of the need to take into Open,” said Mickelson, a three- sponsorship they bring with bad weather. The Northern Irishman will tious optimism, Phil Mickelson know a little more about Covid account others outside the de- time Masters champion. Friday, October 23, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

IPL OPINION McCullum wants more Archer claims Warner, from Kolkata batsman but Hyderabad win Pandey (83) and Shankar (52) put on an unbeaten 140 for the third wicket to seal an emphatic win

AFP Dubai

ngland’s Jofra Archer claimed David Warner’s wicket for the sixth time this year yesterday AFP but the Australian still came out Dubai onE top when his Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Pre- mier League. olkata Knight Rid- Warner, who lost his wicket four ers coach Brendon times to Archer in Australia’s summer McCullum said his tour of England and again in the IPL batsmen will have to two weeks ago, lasted just four balls this Kaddress their lack of intent af- time against the fi ery fast bowler. He ter managing only 84 runs from managed to hit one four in the open- 20 overs in Wednesday’s eight- ing over before being brilliantly caught wicket Indian Premier League by England all-rounder Ben Stokes in (IPL) defeat by Royal Challengers the slips off Archer. Warner walked off Bangalore. cursing. Kolkata’s total in seam- “I was frustrated. You try hard to get friendly conditions in Abu Dhabi through the fi rst over, but with some- was the lowest score in the IPL one bowling at 150kph, you can’t do by a team playing its full quota of that much,” Warner said smiling after 20 overs, with Mumbai Indians’ the game. “You try to hit the ball with 94-8 against Rajasthan Royals in the middle of the bat or you send it to 2011 the previous record. third man. In my case I got caught,” he Bangalore’s Mohamed Siraj added, acknowledging that Archer is was the pick of the bowlers, giv- “world class”. ing away eight runs in his four Archer quickly claimed Jonny overs and picking up three wick- Bairstow too and Hyderabad seemed in ets. “RCB bowled really well. trouble at 16-2 in the third over as they Siraj bowled an excellent line chased Rajasthan’s 154-6. But Manish and length and I think he was Pandey (83) and Vijay Shankar (52) put able to present the seam and ask on an unbeaten 140 for the third wicket a few questions of us, questions to seal an overwhelming eight-wicket which in the past we have an- win. Victory put Hyderabad into fi fth swered better than we did,” Mc- — two points behind Kolkata Knight Cullum told reporters. Riders — and still with a hope of one of “Before the game we talked the four playoff places with four games about wanting to show strong to play. intent at the top of the order and Rajasthan dropped to seventh with we lacked intent. That’s some- a mathematical chance but Warner’s thing we’re going to have to ad- Australian teammate Steve Smith has Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Manish Pandey plays a shot as Rajasthan Royals’ wicketkeeper Sanju Samson (left) looks on during the IPL match in Dubai. (Sportzpics for BCCI) dress... you have to be creative only three games to go and knows he to get yourselves into the game. needs a miracle turnround now to “We started well. Jofra taking two big six and two fours in a 12-ball 20, Rajas- sixes and four fours — and Shankar nev- to see Archer off even if he had bowled You’re not going to win too many progress. Smith admitted that he made wickets early but we couldn’t keep the than’s 154-6 off 20 overs never seemed er gave the Rajasthan bowlers a look in a third.” games from 40-6... we’ve got to a mistake by not giving Archer a third foot on the pedal. Vijay played smart in- enough. and completed the target with 11 balls to bounce back. That could be the over at the start Hyderabad innings. “I nings and Manish took the game on and Brought in as replacement for the spare. Pandey said: “It was high time for BRIEF SCORES nature of this tournament with consulted a few other boys, it was talked played really nicely,” he added. injured Kane Williamson, Jason Holder us in middle order to perform. I didn’t Rajasthan Royals 154 for 6 in 20 the conditions being slightly about (giving Archer another over up Smith won the toss and chose to bat took the important wickets of Samson, wanted to have many thoughts, just challenging... fi nd a way to pick overs (Sanju Samson 36, Ben Stokes front) but opted against it and in hind- but Rajasthan again failed to fi re. Stokes Steve Smith (19) and Parag and ended held my shape and played shots. We lost yourselves up and get a result af- 30; Jason Holder 3/33) lost to Sunris- sight, after what happened, probably opened and hit 30 off 32 balls, and wick- the innings with fi gures of 3/33. two really good batsmen early, but this ter a poor one.” would’ve given him one more over. It etkeeper Sanju Samson made 36 off 26 After the early departure of Warner was an opportunity for me to win the ers Hyderabad beat 156 for 2 in 18.1 Twice champions Kolkata are was on my mind,” said Smith. balls. But even with Ryan Parag hitting a and Bairstow, Pandey — who hit eight game. And it was long due. Our plan was overs (Manish Pandey 83 not out, Vijay fourth in the table with 10 points Shankar 52 not out) by 8 wickets from as many games, while Ban- galore are second on 14 points, trailing leaders Delhi Capitals INDIA GIVEN ALL CLEAR TO QUARANTINE IN SYDNEY FOR AUSTRALIA TOUR: REPORT only on net run rate. Meanwhile, New Zealand Sydney: Cricket Australia have been tine there before playing six short-form Cricket Australia’s plans, however, the the short form matches there and in Indian Premier League (IPL) concludes wicketkeeper-batsman Tim given the all clear for the India squad internationals in Queensland and mov- governing body started exploring other Canberra. on Nov. 10. An agreement with the New Seifert has joined Kolkata to re- to quarantine in Sydney ahead of their ing on to Adelaide for the first test in options. Cricket Australia off ered no com- South Wales government would allow place injured bowler Ali Khan. blockbuster Test series around the early December. The Sydney Morning Herald said ment on the report when contacted by Cricket Australia to finally confirm the Seifert has played three one-day New Year, the Sydney Morning Herald With time running out before the the New South Wales government had Reuters. international schedule for the home internationals and 24 Twenty20 reported yesterday. arrival of the players next month, approved CA’s plans only 72 hours after The Indian and many of the top season, including the four tests against matches. Khan became the fi rst The tourists had been scheduled to and negotiations with Queensland they were lodged, clearing the way for Australian players will be arriving from India in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney US national to join the lucrative arrive in Brisbane and undergo quaran- health off icials stalling over aspects of the tourists to arrive in Sydney and play the United Arab Emirates where the and Brisbane. T20 league after being signed by Kolkata last month.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS No bowling this maiden over: Big Bash ready to roll as Australia Bangladesh star hits critics for six women’s sport weathers Covid impact AFP Reuters uct and attracted good crowds and TV au- ruary 6, with the Sydney Sixers defending Dhaka Sydney diences. That fed into the enthusiasm for their title. Khan, the world’s number one the Women’s World Cup, which attracted a T20 bowler, will be back for a Strikers side crowd of 86,174 to the Melbourne Cricket coached by Jason Gillespie. ne of Bangladesh’s top ears that the Covid-19 pandemic Ground to watch Australia beat India in the His return follows the signings this week women cricketers has might have a dire impact on wom- fi nal — just as the fi rst novel coronavirus of England’s top-ranked batsman Dawid hit critics for six after en’s sport in Australia have eased in outbreak hit the country. Malan for the Hobart Hurricanes and Af- being accused of dis- recent months and yesterday 120 of “There (are) high expectations for this ghan allrounder Mohamead Nabi by the respectingO national culture by theF world’s best cricketers were gathered season off the back of the biggest ever year Melbourne Renegades. Others on board posing for photos in full wedding in Sydney for the 2020 Women’s Big Bash for the women’s game,” said Cricket Aus- include English internationals Alex Hales attire... and a bat. Pictures of League. Sports bodies have been hit hard tralia’s Alistair Dobson. Any cricketers not (Sydney Thunder), Tom Banton (Brisbane Sanjida Islam wielding a cricket in the pocket by the global health crisis but in action on Sunday will be able to hear the Heat) and Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers). bat while dressed in an orange while international competition remains cheers of the crowd at the Olympic Stadium Football Federation Australia announced sari and wearing dozens of ban- problematic, women’s programmes and for the women’s rugby league fi nal between that the 13th season of the W-League would gles went viral after she posted tournaments have largely survived, altered the double defending champion Brisbane kick off on Dec. 27 as excitement begins to them on social media last week. but intact. The WBBL Twenty20 tourna- Broncos and the Sydney Roosters. build towards the 2023 Women’s World Cup, The International Cricket ment gets underway on Sunday and will Meanwhile, all three of the world’s top- which Australia will host with New Zealand. Council — the sport’s governing take place entirely in Sydney with the play- ranked Twenty20 players have signed on Rugby union also announced its women’s body — retweeted the pictures ers cloistered in a bio-secure bubble at the for men’s Big Bash League with Afghan spin domestic season yesterday with six teams to hundreds of thousands of vast sports complex built for the 2000 Ol- king Rashid Khan confi rming his return to taking part in seven matches in November, worldwide followers with a tick ympics Games. the Adelaide Strikers. The 10th season of the giving players from the Wallaroos national against a wedding-ceremony The 2019 edition of the eight-team tour- eight-franchise tournament is set to start on team vital playing time ahead of next year’s checklist reading: “Dress, jewel- nament was the fi rst as a standalone prod- December 3 and end with the fi nal on Feb- World Cup in New Zealand. lery, cricket bat.” But some in her home country said she had gone too far. Some called for “strict punishment”, while most people, however, loved the impromptu photoshoot. “I did not plan to pose with a bat,” said Sanjida, who went to the stadium with groom Mim Mosaddeak — who plays for Rangpur in the Bangladesh championship — the day before Bangladesh’s cricketer Sanjida Islam bats as she poses for a their formal vows. photograph with a traditional wedding dress after her marriage “I saw some kids playing; I just ceremony, in Rangpur Stadium. (AFP) could not resist... my teammates captured the moment beautiful- told AFP. als for Bangladesh, agreed with ly. I shared the photos casually on Fans of Sanjida, who has the star cricketer. “This photo Facebook and Instagram. I had played 16 one-day internationals refl ects true progressive Bangla- no idea they would go viral,” she and 54 Twenty20 internation- desh,” said one on social media. Melbourne Renegades’ players at a training session yesterday.