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Friday, September 25, 2020 TENNIS Safar 8, 1442 AH Nadal’s Parisian GULF TIMES procession threatened by long lay-off SPORT Page 7 ATHLETICS / DIAMOND LEAGUE Duplantis, Kendricks set for fi nal rematch of the season ‘It’s tougher, but I jumped 6.15m last week in an empty stadium’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

lmost a year ago, at the Khalifa International Stadium, Anzhelika Sidorova of Russia and ASandi Morris of the US were locked in a thrilling battle of who-blinks-fi rst in the women’s pole vault fi nals at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships. The two had cleared fi ve heights right up to 4.90m on their fi rst attempts. As the drama unfolded on Sep- tember 29, 2019, the men’s world champion Sam Kendricks sat in the audience with 19-year-old Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis by his side. “Sandi and Sidorova were go- ing toe-to-toe, and they both struggled when they hit 4.95m,” Kendricks reminisced yester- day ahead of the Doha Diamond League event, which will be held at the Qatar Sports Club today. World champion pole vaulter Sam Kendricks of the US speaks to the “I turned to Mondo, with Nick media at a press conference yesterday. Hysong, former Olympic cham- pion sitting in front of me and With Diamond League cur- against each other, we can make Renaud Lavillenie, former Olym- tailed down to four events, with special things happen,” he said. pic champion sitting behind me. the Doha leg the fi nal round, Talking about his duel with ‘Hey Mondo, we will never be as Kendricks referred to it as the “de Kendricks at last year’s Worlds, even as we are now in this com- facto Diamond League champi- Duplantis said, “This is a special petition. What would you do if onship”. feeling, it was just a crazy cham- we tied?’ And he got this pinched Lavillenie too will line up today pionship overall last year. It was look on his face of revilement, in the competition, where the my fi rst time in Doha, looking almost saying ‘how could we do meet record of 5.82m from 2013 back at it, I would have loved to that?’ by Greek Konstantinos Filippidis get the gold of course but at the “What if we got to a jump off , looks very threatened. time I did everything I could. It we are at the end of our ropes, the “In the past, every year has had was just one of those exhilarat- bar is at 6.02, and we couldn’t a looming championship or two, ing competitions that you don’t do anymore. What if we shared or maybe three. In 2016, there get to see all the time. So yeah, it a gold medal? I love competition were the World Indoors, Olym- is nice to get that rematch back, but wouldn’t it be a memorable pics and the Diamond League fi - since we had such a crazy battle championship in history — two nal. So I had that in mind, I can’t last year. guys go all the way to the dis- go with reckless abandon here, “We have a lot of great jumpers tance, they do as much as they because I have to be there. Not so tomorrow. You can’t underesti- can, and they share the gold this year,” Kendricks said. mate those guys. Those guys can medal, and share the top of the Later yesterday, in a virtual jump great any given day. podium. Sweden Armand Duplantis clears 6.15m to win the Diamond League competition at the Olympic stadium in Rome on September 17, 2020. (AFP) press point, you almost missed “I have never jumped at this “He didn’t go for it. Last night, the crumbs of his confi dent state venue, so I don’t really know sitting in my hotel room, I was men’s gold ahead of Duplantis other hand, has set a new world went 6.15m. Kendricks said yesterday. of mind as Duplantis smiled what to expect. That’s been the reminded we are not as even as (5.97m) on a countback. record twice indoors, in Torun “There is no stopping the youth “And it’s sometimes scary to when asked about performing in case for a lot of the meets this we were last year, and so now I am Since then, Kendricks has (6.17m), Poland, and Glasgow from getting better. The very fact accept that I might have to be front of an empty stadium. “It’s year in new scenarios, new scen- going to be the guy that doesn’t breached 6m twice, once indoors (6.18m), Scotland, and has fl own is a new expectation has been better than all of my forebearers tougher, but I jumped 6.15m last ery for me.” want let it lie, if it comes to a tie.” in February this year, and then past 6m 10 times this year. set. If you want to play this game just to get some play in this game. week in an empty stadium,” he Asked how would he like to Two days after Sidorova won earlier this month outdoors in Sergey Bubka’s outdoor mark against Mondo, you have got to If you are not ready for that, you grinned. end the season, words worthy of the world title as a neutral ath- Lausanne. of 6.14m stood for 26 years till, come ready to play harder than are not going to fi nd yourself on “We are competitors, and if at least a drumroll simply slipped lete, Kendricks (5.97m) won the His Swedish opponent on the last week in Rome, Duplantis anybody in history,” 28-year-old the track in Doha, that’s for sure.” all the guys out there compete out: “with a bang”.

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Taawoun confi rm last 16 ticket with win over Al Duhail AFC Cedric Amissi for the Saudi side. The Burundi man got the exact Taawoun after breaking free from Doha Deep into stoppage time in the same chance again from the left his marker in the area to meet fi rst half, Cassio expertly denied fl ank, this time forcing al-Bakri Sultan Mandash’s corner and put Almoez Ali who struck from the into a save that resulted in a cor- the ball past al-Bakri. l Taawoun FC snatched left. ner; the one which saw a clashing The result sees Al Duhail crash a ticket to the 2020 AFC Junior threatened 55 min- of heads between Ali and Aus- out of the competition, while Al Champions League utes in, and after a break by his tralian striker Mitchell Duke that Taawoun qualify to the Round of Round-of-16 after de- side, the Belgian cut inside from took a few minutes of stoppage to 16 for the fi rst time in their his- Afeating Al Duhail 1-0 in Group C the left fl ank beating two play- treat. tory. yesterday. ers before curling an eff ort in The match exploded into life in Persepolis’ 4-0 win over Shar- The two sides had met on from range that Cassio gratefully the fi nal 10 minutes, with Al Du- jah in the other Group C fi xture Matchday Two, when Al Taa- clutched into his arms. hail missing a golden chance to means Al Taawoun will face fel- woun scored a 2-0 home win Amissi got another chance open the scoring through Ismail low Saudi side Al Nassr in the courtesy of goals from Mohamed to make his mark on proceed- Mohamed, who was through on next round while Persepolis play al-Sahlawi and Abdulmajeed al- ings when he attempted a free- goal with just the keeper to beat Al Sadd. Swat. kick on goal, after teammate and chipped, but substitute Saad The fi rst half was cagey and al-Sahlawi was fouled down the Yaslam managed to reach the ball Action from the match between featured missed chances by Mo- fl ank. Amissi’s shot was timid, and clear off the line. Al Duhail (in red) and Al Taawoun hamed Musa, Edmilson Junior and keeper Mohamed al-Bakri A bandaged Duke then dra- (in black) yesterday. PICTURE: and Dudu for Al Duhail as well as punched away with ease. matically sealed the tie for Al Noushad Thekkayil Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 25, 2020 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Sepahan stun Sadd, Al-Soma urges Ahli bow out on a high to forget AL SADD HAD ALREADY QUALIFIED FOR THE LAST-16 OF THE TOURNAMENT defeat by Esteghlal

AFC there will no chance to recover. Doha “We went into the match against Esteghlal without any pressure and the coach rested aptain Omar al-Soma several players. He gave the Sepahan’s Reza Mirzaei gets said Al Ahli Saudi FC chance to new players to play past Al Sadd’s Yousef must quickly forget while some even played in new Abdurisag yesterday. CWednesday’s 3-0 defeat positions,” said al-Soma in ex- PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil to Esteghlal FC in the 2020 AFC plaining Al Ahli’s below par per- Champions League and focus on formance. AFC Al Sadd coach Xavi made 10 before fi ring with his left into keeper Seyedpayam Nizamand- of Sajjad Shabazzadeh who the Round of 16. “We hope to go as far as we can Doha changes to his starting XI that the bottom corner to open the ghader at the far post. applied the fi nish to double The Jeddah giants went into in the competition but the next played out a 1-1 draw against Al scoring in the 14th minute. Sepahan retook the initiative Sepahan’s lead. Eight minutes the match with their place in the match is in the knockout stage Nassr three days earlier, with Al Sadd regrouped and saw in the second half and within six before the fi nal whistle, Yusuf knockout stage already secured and if we lose, then we will be out ran’s Sepahan FC ended only centre-back Tarek Salman more of the ball in the following minutes of the restart Soroush Abdurisaq pounced on a light but were undone by goals from of the competition. their 2020 AFC Champi- retaining his place in the team, minutes with veteran Rodrigo Rafi ei had beaten goalkeeper back pass from Esmaeilifar to Mehdi Ghaedi, Ali Karimi and “There will be three matches ons League on a high after before being swapped for Ab- Tabata at the heart of their at- Meshaal Barsham with a header his goalkeeper and squared for Cheick Diabaté as the Islamic in the knockout stage and we defeating Al Sadd SC 2-1 in delkarim Hassan at half time. tacking play. With eight min- from close range but watched Hashim Ali who was left with a Republic of Iran club joined them must give all our best in order to IGroup D yesterday. After a lively start to the utes to go until the break, the his ball ricochet off the upright. simple tap in to make it 2-1. in advancing from Group A. reach the semi-fi nal,” concluded Sepahan had already been game, Sepahan found the back 39-year-old drove from mid- The Iranian pressure mount- The result means Al Sadd fi n- Despite the defeat, the Saudi al-Soma. eliminated, having collected of the net with their fi rst major fi eld and attempted an eff ort ed on Al Sadd defences, pro- ish in second place of Group D Arabia Pro League side fi nished Defender Saeed al-Mowallad just four points from their pre- chance. Daniel Esmaeilifar sent from range that grazed the side ducing a second goal in the 53rd with nine points and will face top of Group A and will play was disappointed with the de- vious fi ve games, while Al Sadd a long ball down the right fl ank netting. Four minutes later he minute. Mirzaei advanced into the Group C winners in the Group B runners-up Shabab Al feat, despite head coach Vladan had booked their place in the behind Al Sadd left-back Bahaa sent a cross from a left-sided the byline from the right wing Round of 16. Sepahan end their Ahli Dubai while Esteghlal will Milojevic having made several Round of 16 with a game to Mamdouh allowing Reza Mir- set-piece that evaded everyone and sent a across that was par- campaign in third place with face Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor. changes in a bid to keep the Al spare. zaei to control and lob Salman and needed a save from goal- ried by Barsham into the path seven points. “The defeat gives us a chance Ahli squad fresh for the knockout to look at the mistakes that we stage. “It was a heavy defeat as made,” said Syrian striker al-So- we didn’t play to our best. How- UPSET ma. “We will sit with the coach ever, the coach gave the chance who defi nitely has several points to new players and rested some to make from this match. for the next stage which is the “We didn’t play with our nor- most important for us,” said al- Laba strikes gives Al Ain consolation win in Group D mal capability and we must fi x Mowallad. this in the next match. We apolo- “Hopefully we can make AFC the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in the UAE get. of action less than 20 minutes from time gise for the fans and hopefully, things up in the next match. As Doha after a 2-1 win. Laba opened the scor- Al Nassr’s fi rst chance came through when Al Khalaf received a ball from we can recover in the next match players we always try to give our ing after 19 minutes, after Ali al-Ajami Mukhtar Ali, who had scored in the pre- Ayman Yahya, then tested the Emi- which is the most important best and we promise our fans that attempted to clear Bandar al-Ahbabi’s vious fi xture between the two sides, but rati keeper from outside the area but his match for us now.” things will be better.” Kodjo Laba strike was the dif- slightly defl ected corner but hit the his shot was high and wide from outside starting position put him in good stead The 31-year-old forward said Al Ahli face Shabab Al Ahli in ference as Al Ain FC emerged Togolese striker instead and the ball the area. as he comfortably parried away. while there was no pressure on tomorrow’s early Round of 16 tie 1-0 winners against Al Nassr bounced off him and into the net. The Saudi Pro league side came closer The result left Group D as it was be- Al Ahli against Esteghlal, it won’t with Esteghlal facing Pakhtakor A in a cagey aff air on Match- Just a little over half an hour, the UAE to scoring in the second half via a free- fore the fi nal round of games, with Al be the same in the Round of 16 as later in the day. day Six of the 2020 AFC Champions side almost doubled their lead when al- kick after Mohamed Shaker fouled Ab- Nassr fi nishing at the top followed by League’s Group D yesterday. Ahbabi played a cheeky pass to Laba, dulrahman al-Dawsari, which Osama Al Sadd SC in second while Al Ain and The previous match between the two who in turn cut back to Ahmed Barman, al-Khalaf curled from outside the area Sepahan FC were eliminated. APPOINTMENT sides took place on Matchday Two, and the midfi elder fi red away from range but grazed the side netting. Al Nassr will play the Group C run- when Al Nassr took the three points at but his shot marginally missed the tar- Al Ain’s Khaled Eissa was in the thick ners-up in the Round of 16. Miura named Vissel BOTTOMLINE Kobe coach

AFC Uzbek giants Pakhtakor make Kobe ormer Japan interna- tional Atsuhiro Miura has been named the new Fhead coach of 2020 AFC progress under Huistra Champions League participants AFC us, the tournament starts now. For Iran’s Shahr Khodro, the Vissel Kobe, the club announced Doha We consider the group stage as dream journey on their AFC yesterday. preparation, and now we have Champions League debut ends Miura replaces Thorsten Fink three fi nal matches ahead of us at the group stage, with no at the helm after the German Miura was previously Vissel’s akhtakor FC returned that we want to win and show points and no goals, but a string parted company with the club sporting director and had an il- to winning ways with a the real quality of our football. of respectable performances on Tuesday and the 46-year- lustrious career playing as ei- 1-0 victory over Shahr We are getting into gear after against more experienced sides. old will be charged with turning ther as a full-back or in midfi eld, PKhodro on Matchday starting slowly and we will only “I would like to thank my around Vissel’s poor form. winning the AFC Asian Cup title Six of the 2020 AFC Champions get better.” players, the staff and the club Kobe are currently 11th in the with Japan in 2000 and 2004. League Group B on Wednesday. Huistra took charge for Pa- president. The players have J.League standings having defeat- He spent two-and-a-half sea- Under the guidance of as- khtakor’s fi nal match of the worked really hard in this game ed Sagan Tosu 4-3 on Wednesday sons with Vissel during a career sistant coach Pieter Huistra, group stage after head coach despite being really tired in what under caretaker coach Marcos that also saw him play for Yoko- the Uzbek champions secured Shota Arveladze tested positive was a really hard tournament,” Vives, who will now work as one of hama Flugels, where he won the their fi rst win since Matchday for Covid-19. said Shahr Khodro coach Mo- Miura’s assistants. Asian Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 Two thanks to a second-half “Shota was watching from hamed Navazi. Vissel are due to recommence and the Emperor’s Cup in 1998 Jaloliddin Masharipov strike to his room and continues to be “We signed some new players their involvement in the AFC before the club was disbanded. progress as group leaders ahead very involved. We spoke after but they were unable to join us Champions League in Novem- Miura also had spells with of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC. decade. ing to give it our all. Even when the match about planning for on time for the AFC Champions ber, where they will face Malay- Yokohama F Marinos, Tokyo Pakhtakor play Iran’s Es- “I am happy with the way the we found out we had qualifi ed the next game. Now that we are League, so that had an impact on sia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, Suwon Verdy and Yokohama FC and teghlal FC in the Round of 16 game went. Beforehand we did already, we kept going,” said through to the Round of 16, the us. This tournament has been a Samsung Bluewings from Korea was part of the Japan squad that tomorrow, in what will be their not know what would happen Huistra. pressure is really on. Our quali- good experience for us and we Republic and Chinese champi- reached the fi nal of the FIFA fi rst AFC Champions League in the other game, so we were “The players are very disci- fi cation is good for Uzbek foot- promise we will be back in the ons Guangzhou Evergrande in Confederations Cup in 2001, knockout stage appearance in a prepared and fi red up and will- plined, and they know that for ball and for us.” coming years.” Group G. where they lost to France. Gulf Times Friday, September 25, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP SPOTLIGHT UEFA to continue with fi ve substitutions Havertz hat-trick this season

AFP id-19 shutdown in the European Budapest spring. European football’s gov- erning body also permitted fi ve substitutions to be made during EFA will allow up to games in the latter stages of last helps Chelsea hit fi ve substitutions to season’s Champions League and be made by teams in Europa League, played in Au- all European club and gust. internationalU matches this sea- It has been maintained in son, it announced yesterday, al- many European leagues, al- though a decision has yet to be though the English Premier reached for next year’s European League has notably opted to lim- Championship. it substitutions to three per team six, Arsenal win The decision, announced fol- per game. lowing UEFA’s Executive Com- The announcement was hailed mittee meeting in Budapest, by global players’ union FIFPro, ‘I am delighted with Kai, it was everything I wanted from him’ applies to this season’s Champi- which said it would “help to bet- ons League, Europa League and ter manage the unprecedented women’s Champions League, workload which players face in as well as the remainder of the the coming months because of Nations League, the qualify- calendar disruption caused by ing play-off s for Euro 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic.” qualifi ers for the next women’s “This is the right decision and European Championship. a good fi rst step to ease pressure “Another decision” will be on elite-level players. We will made for the fi nals of Euro 2020, continue to push for further in- which were postponed to June novative ways to reduce their and July next year because of the mounting workload and protect coronavirus pandemic. their health and performance,” The change comes after sev- said FIFPro’s general secretary, eral national team coaches called Jonas Baer-Hoff mann. on UEFA to allow fi ve substi- Meanwhile, UEFA also an- tutions in the Nations League, nounced that the fi nals of this which started earlier this month edition of the Nations League with only three replacements will be played from October permitted to come on during 6-10, 2021 and revealed that games. Italy, the Netherlands and Po- The fi ve substitutes regula- land had all expressed interest in tion was brought in earlier this hosting the matches. year to help teams cope with The inaugural Nations League the extra demands caused by a fi nals in 2019 were held in Por- packed match calendar as foot- tugal, with the hosts beating the ball returned after a long Cov- Netherlands in the fi nal.

FOCUS Chelsea sign Mendy from Rennes

Reuters London

helsea have signed Sen- egal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from French club Stade Rennes on a fi ve- Cyear deal, the Premier League side said yesterday. Financial details of the trans- fer were not disclosed but Brit- ish media reported Chelsea there was only one player we paid around 22 million pounds wanted to bring in,” Chelsea di- Chelsea’s Kai Havertz (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fifth goal to complete his hat-trick against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup match in London. (Reuters) ($28.01 million) for the 28-year- rector Marina Granovskaia said. old who had three years left on “Edouard arrives following AFP senior hat-trick. “I am delight- from time but just completed champions progress past Lin- Goals from Bernard and Moi- his Rennes contract. a season of real success with London ed with Kai, it was everything I his hat-trick in time by round- coln on Thursday. se Kean fi nally ended the tie as “I am so excited to be joining Rennes, he is ambitious for wanted from him,” said Lamp- ing Brad Collins before tapping “It’s the toughest place to go a contest, but Pickford’s place Chelsea. It’s a dream for me to more, and we welcome him to ard. “He had no pre-season so into an empty net before Olivier in Europe and the world,” said for both Ancelotti and Gareth be a part of this exciting squad our club.” rank Lampard said Kai I wanted to give him more time Giroud completed the scoring. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Southgate will come under in- and to work with Frank Lamp- Mendy’s signing follows the Havertz is just getting on the pitch with his team- “I am very happy to score “Let’s prepare well and see how creased scrutiny in the coming ard and all of his coaching staff . arrivals of full back Ben Chilwell, started after opening his mates, learning how we play three goals, but this is just my it goes.” weeks. I look forward to meeting my striker Timo Werner and wing- Chelsea account with and press. It was a great night beginning at the club and I want Everton continued their fi ne “When we concede a goal, team mates and can’t wait to get ers Hakim Ziyech and Kai aF hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing for Kai and it is the fi rst of many to score more and more goals,” start to the season with a 5-2 we are always frustrated,” said started,” Mendy told the club’s Havertz, with the overall outlay of Barnsley, while Arsenal also for him.” said Havertz. win at League One Fleetwood Ancelotti on Pickford’s per- website. totalling more than 200 million booked their place in the League Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell Chelsea will face either Tot- despite two howlers from Eng- formance. Newcastle thrashed Mendy played 33 games in all pounds. Cup fourth round with a 2-0 also made their Chelsea debuts, tenham or Leyton Orient in the land number one goalkeeper League Two Morecombe 7-0 competitions for Rennes last The London club also signed win at Leicester. while Tammy Abraham and last 16 with the outcome of that Jordan Pickford. with Joelinton scoring twice. season as they fi nished third in defenders Thiago Silva and Ma- Havertz had struggled to Ross Barkley made the most of tie yet to be decided after the Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked Miguel Almiron, Jacob Mur- Ligue 1 to qualify for the Cham- lang Sarr on free transfers. make an impact in his fi rst two rare starts to get their names on match was postponed on Tues- to be cruising into the last 16 phy, Isaac Hayden and Jamaal pions League. Chelsea’s decision to boost Premier League games since the scoresheet. day due to a number of corona- when Richarlison’s double gave Lascelles were also on the France-born Mendy chose to their goalkeeping options fol- sealing a reported £71 million Abraham pounced on loose virus cases among the Orient them a deserved 2-0 half-time scoresheet for Steve Bruce’s represent Senegal – the country lows Spaniard Kepa Arrizaba- ($94 million) move from Bayer pass deep in the Barnsley half players. lead. men. where his mother was born – at laga’s dip in form since last sea- Leverkusen as the most expen- to slam home the opener before Arsenal won the only all- However, Pickford’s attempt- Fulham, Brighton and international level and has eight son, with his latest error coming sive signing of Chelsea’s £200 Havertz’s calm fi nish opened Premier League tie of the night ed clearance was charged down Burnley progressed 2-0 over caps. in their 2-0 defeat by champions million spending spree in the his Chelsea account. as Christian Fuchs’s own goal for Mark Duff y to pull a goal Championship opposition in He becomes the second goal- Liverpool last Sunday. transfer market. A brilliant unselfi sh fl ick broke the deadlock at the King back. Sheffi eld Wednesday, Preston keeper to make the switch from Chelsea, who fi nished fourth But the 21-year-old German from Abraham teed Havertz up Power. Alex Iwobi restored Everton’s and Millwall respectively. Rennes to Chelsea following Petr last term to qualify for the was one of just three players perfectly to convert his second Eddie Nketiah added a late two-goal advantage before an- Stoke were the only non-Pre- Cech’s move in 2004. Champions League in manager to retain his place from Sun- after Barkley drove home on his second for the Gunners, who other Pickford mistake gave mier League side to go through “As soon as Cech and our tech- Frank Lampard’s fi rst campaign day’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool weaker left foot. could face Liverpool at Anfi eld Joey Barton’s men life again as on the night as they also beat nical team identifi ed Edouard as in charge, face West Bromwich and Lampard’s decision reaped Havertz was due to be re- twice in three days next week he fl apped Callum Camps’s shot lower league opposition in Gill- the most suitable goalkeeper to Albion in the Premier League on its reward as he scored his fi rst placed by Chilwell 25 minutes should the Premier League into his own goal. ingham 1-0. complement our existing group, Saturday.

EPL Aft er false start Man Utd seek lift -off at Brighton Reuters ing the gap on Liverpool and Man- Palace and Everton, two of the early London chester City, although victory at pace-setters, clash at Selhurst Park Brighton would at least quieten the looking to make it three wins from chorus of disapproval. three. Two teams who struggled to anchester United are al- “They need a centre back, and score goals last season have been reju- ready off the pace in the probably further recruitment also to venated in attack with Palace bringing Premier League so tomor- be competitive,” former striker Dimi- in Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chel- row’s trip to Brighton & tar Berbatov said. “At the end of the sea and exciting winger Eberechi Eze. MHove Albion off ers a chance for Ole day, if Crystal Palace can score three Everton’s young striker Dominic Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to get their past you, you are in trouble. Calvert-Lewin has scored four goals challenge up to speed. “If they don’t strengthen, it will be in two league games while James Rod- United began their season a week late a long season for them.” riguez opened his account in a 5-2 win after being given extra time to recover United did beat Luton Town 3-0 over West Bromwich Albion. from their exertions in the Europa away in the League Cup this week, al- Arsenal’s encouraging start to the League, then suff ered a 3-1 home de- though the scoreline was given a fl at- new campaign will be put to the test feat by Crystal Palace that poured cold tering look by late goals from Marcus on Monday at Liverpool when both Manchester United’s water over any pre-season optimism. Rashford and Mason Greenwood. sides will be protecting 100% records Norwegian manager Ole That performance attracted wide- But Brighton, who won impressive- as will Leicester City when they host Gunnar Solskjaer looks on spread criticism and shone the spot- ly 3-0 at Newcastle United last week- Manchester City on Sunday. before the English League light fi rmly on United’s lack of business end, will be a far tougher proposition. Several clubs are still to get off the Cup third round match in the transfer window, although their After an unfortunate 3-1 defeat by mark, one of whom, Sheffi eld United, against Luton Town in one new signing Donny van de Beek did Chelsea on the opening day Brighton host a goal-hungry Leeds United in Luton, Bedfordshire. (AFP) score on his debut at Palace. have scored nine goals without reply a Yorkshire derby on Sunday. Shef- Lacking creativity in midfi eld and in three games in all competitions and fi eld are yet to score while Leeds have clumsy in central defence, United will relish United’s visit. While United banged in seven goals, and conceded looked way off a side capable of clos- seek their fi rst league points, Crystal seven, in two games. Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 25, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT All hail the King! Praise for Japan Emotional Suarez footballer Kazu, 53, aft er new record

AFP to play outstandingly,” the Tokyo 61-year-old said. Miura, who proud to have thrived has been with Yokohama FC since 2005, was subbed after apan’s 53-year-old 56 minutes in a match which footballing golden oldie saw his side lose 3-2. Kazuyoshi Miura, bet- He received a standing ova- ter known as King Kazu, tion as he left the pitch, but wonJ plaudits yesterday for his said afterwards he was disap- latest record-setting appear- pointed by his performance. alongside Messi ance, but said he was disap- “I was able to receive the pointed he didn’t score. ball in the middle of the pitch Miura made history on but couldn’t work a lot around ‘It has been a crazy month, many things have been said and leaked that were invented, many Wednesday night in Yokohama the penalty area, which made FC’s game against Kawasaki me feel that I left something things that made me angry. But everyone knows how good a relationship I have with Leo’ Frontale, when he became the to be desired,” he said after the oldest J-League fi rst division game. “I want to make use of starter in history. today’s experience for the next “King Kazu once again competitions in the league.” wrote a new chapter in the Kazu has been setting age history of Japanese football,” records for some time, and he the Nikkan Sports daily trium- became the oldest man to play phantly declared. in Japan’s league cup competi- Sports Nippon said spec- tion earlier this year. In 2017, tators were hard pressed to he became the oldest player to believe the “valiant perform- score in a professional match. ance” was by a 53-year-old. He has insisted he won’t “Kazu is our pride,” J- hang up his boots until he League chairman Mitsuru turns 60, and he continues to Murai said. “This great record be a massive draw for fans in that will go down in history both Japan and abroad. will be a bright light... for all His latest record even active players as well as chil- earned attention from FIFA’s dren dreaming of being future offi cial Twitter account. “All players,” he added. hail King Kazu,” it tweeted, “We hope we’ll continue complete with crown emojis.

Yokohama forward Kazuyoshi Miura (right) is tackled by Kawasaki Frontale forward Leandro Damiao during the J-League match at Todoroki Athletics Stadium in Kawasaki. (AFP)

In this file photo taken on February 27, 2019, Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates his second goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) semi-final second PSG’s Di Maria gets four-match spitting ban leg match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. (AFP) Paris Saint-Germain winger on the back of the head, ac- Reuters said at a news conference at- Suarez joined Barca from “I came here to fulfi l a dream, legend, the third top scorer in Angel Di Maria received a cusing the Spaniard of calling Barcelona tended by Messi and fellow Bar- Liverpool in 2014 after mak- to play for the best club in the our history, the best in his posi- four-match ban on Wednes- him a “monkey”. Gonzalez de- ca teammates Gerard Pique and ing global headlines for biting world and I should be very proud tion. day for spitting during this nies the charge. The world’s Jordi Alba. Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in the of everything I did. “I want to highlight his char- month’s fiery Marseille game most expensive player was uis Suarez highlighted “But in our time together we World Cup, which meant he “I suff ered a lot but I’ll re- acter, his fi ghting spirit and his which saw five players red- served with a two-match ban his close friendship with always tried to perform as well was banned for the fi rst four member the good times, the will to win which has helped us carded and claims by Neymar last week for that incident in Lionel Messi as he bid a as we could and I can leave here months. goals I scored alongside the best achieve so much in the last six of racial abuse. Di Maria’s sus- the September 13 fixture at teary farewell to Barce- feeling very proud.” But he soon formed a deadly player of all time.” years.” pension meted out by Ligue the Parc des Princes. Also last Llona yesterday ahead of his move Messi also looked set to be partnership with Messi and “I feel I’m capable of continu- Koeman told Suarez in Au- 1’s disciplinary commission week PSG defender Layvin to La Liga title rivals Atletico leaving Barca before walking Neymar, winning a treble of La ing to compete in this league,” gust he was not part of the club’s was for spitting at Marseille Kurzawa incurred a six-match Madrid. back on his threat to end his Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Suarez said. plans. defender Alvaro Gonzalez. It ban for kicking out at Mar- Messi had failed to dovetail contract unilaterally, and Sua- Champions League in his fi rst “I feel very eager and even “I expected it because it had takes eff ect from September seille left-back Jordan Amavi, with other top strikers such as rez lashed out at the stories that season. more after the last year we had, been said already before the 29, meaning he can play who was hit with a suspen- Samuel Eto’o, Zlatan Ibrahi- appeared in the media about the He leaves after lifting 13 tro- when I had my injury, which also coach told me but I can accept against Reims on Sunday, sion of three games after movic and David Villa but took two players’ infl uence on the phies and hitting 198 goals to leaves you with a bittersweet it,” he said. returning the weekend of he too was dismissed. And no time at all to gel with Sua- club. become the club’s third all-time feeling. “When Barca told me they November 8. Leandro Paredes was banned rez, who became his best friend “It has been a crazy month, top scorer. “I am going the way I’m go- weren’t counting on me, there Neymar’s accusation that for two games after he was at the club as well as a prolifi c many things have been said and “I’m grateful to the club for ing to keep playing, with fresh were many calls, many off ers, Gonzalez racially abused sent off for a clash with fellow strike partner. leaked that were invented, many trusting in me in 2014 after I motivation, with the objective but I was able to go to a team him will be investigated on Argentine Dario Benedetto, “When I got to Barcelona eve- things that made me angry. But made an error, it wasn’t easy to to show I can continue compet- that can compete as equals with September 30, the commis- who was also red-carded and ryone said be careful with Leo, everyone knows how good a re- accept that and they treated me ing.” two great teams like Barce- sion announced. Neymar was suspended. Marseille won the that he was the main striker at lationship I have with Leo,” the marvellously since I arrived,” Club president Josep Maria lona and Real Madrid. I had no sent off for slapping Gonzalez game 1-0. the club,” an emotional Suarez Uruguayan added. Suarez said. Bartomeu added: “He is a club doubts.”

SERIE A Inter braced for another roller-coaster ride with Conte Reuters Rome ‘No symptoms’, says Ibrahimovic aft er positive coronavirus test AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic said following a second round of swab tests season. The former Manchester United, Paris nter Milan supporters are yesterday he had no symptoms after testing ahead of tonight’s game against Bodo/Glimt,” Saint-Germain and Barcelona player had a braced for another roller- positive for coronavirus before his team’s Milan said earlier. big impact, scoring 11 goals in 20 games. coaster season, with good Europa League qualifying round match. “I “The club has informed the relevant authori- Last month he reached an agreement on reason to believe that their tested negative to Covid yesterday and posi- ties and the player has been promptly placed a new deal for another season reportedly Iside can wrest the Serie A ti- tive today,” said Ibrahimovic, who turns 39 in in quarantine at home. All other team mem- worth 7 million euros ($8.3m). tle from Juventus and yet never a week’s time, on Twitter. bers and staff have tested negative.” “I think that we can all see that Ibra has certain what is around the cor- “No symptoms what so ever. Covid had the The second round of tests were carried out played an important part in our season and ner with volatile coach Antonio courage to challenge me. Bad idea.” after Milan’s Brazilian defender Leo Duarte our growth,” AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis said Conte. The Swede is now self-isolating and will miss returned a positive swab for Covid-19 on of last season. Inter kick off at home to the team’s Europa League third qualifying Wednesday. The seven-time European champions moved Fiorentina tomorrow, Serie A round tie against Norwegian club Bodo-Glimt Ibrahimovic will also miss any potential Eu- up from 11th on his arrival to sixth, finishing having agreed to push back in the San Siro later Thursday. ropa League play-off s and the next two Serie the league season on a 12-game unbeaten their debut by a week after they The positive test is a blow for Ibrahimovic A games against Crotone and Spezia. run. reached the Europa League fi nal who has been in stunning form despite his The Swede will most likely be available again Ibrahimovic is in his second spell at Milan which was played on August 21. advancing years. after the international break for the Milan after also helping them to the most recent of Atalanta, third last season, He scored a double in Milan’s Serie A opener derby against city rivals Inter on October 17. their 18 Serie A titles in 2011. also enter the fray when they against Bologna on Monday having also net- Milan recruited the forward in January on a He also won three league titles with Inter and visit Torino on Saturday, as do ted against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the six-month contract after leaving Los Angeles two with Juventus which were both revoked Lazio who are away to Cagliari. Europa League. Galaxy, on a deal worth 3.5 million euros ($3.9 because of the ‘Calciopoli’ match-fixing Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte Titleholders Juventus, who beat “Ibrahimovic has tested positive for Covid-19 million) with the option for an additional scandal. Sampdoria 3-0 last Sunday on Arturo Vidal from Barcelona, Last year some mistakes were coach Andrea Pirlo’s debut, visit plus wing-back Aleksandar made that we have now cor- AS Roma on Sunday. the outspoken Conte against losing the Europa League fi nal to He eventually agreed to stay there will be no room for excuses Kolarov from Roma. rected,” said midfi elder Stefano Conte’s fi rst season at In- the club leadership, where he Sevilla. following a meeting with club this time. In all, they have now spent Sensi. ter produced some memorable variously accused them of poor He also blamed a thin squad president Steven Zhang “in the Having signed Victor Moses, around 270 million euros ($199.7 “Ambition is the word we re- moments and ended with them planning and lack of support. for some poor results and even name of continuity and shared Ashley Young and Christian million) on new signings since peat ourselves most often. It is a runners-up to Juventus, their In one, he unfavourably com- claimed after one match, a 1-1 strategy”. But it remains to be Eriksen, all from English Pre- Conte took over just over one word that helps you to improve highest place in the league for pared Inter’s infrastructure to draw at home to Slavia Prague seen whether the Chinese- mier League clubs, in the Janu- year ago and there could be more and avoid the mistakes made in nine years. arch rivals Juventus, and also in the Champions League, that owned club will continue to tol- ary transfer window, Inter have additions before the current the past,” he said. “If each of us But it was punctuated by some hinted that he could walk away the opponents had played “the erate his outbursts this season. since added midfi elders Achraf window ends. has ambition, then we can do remarkable public outbursts by after they ended the season by wrong kind of football”. Conte must also know that Hakimi from Real Madrid and “Inter must always aim high. great things”. Gulf Times Friday, September 25, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA LOSS Legendary running Herro scores 37 back Sayers dies AFP Los Angeles

ale Sayers, the leg- endary Chicago Bears running back who be- came the youngest as Heat hold off Gplayer ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after injury cut short his career, has died at six receiving, one kickoff return the age of 77 after years of de- and one punt return. That stun- clining health, the Hall of Fame ning rookie campaign was high- said Wednesday. lighted by a historic performance “All those who love the game against the San Francisco 49ers of football mourn the loss of one at Wrigley Field on December Celtics for 3-1 lead of the greatest to ever play this 12, 1965 – when Sayers scored game with the passing of Chica- six touchdowns – equalling the go Bears legend Gale Sayers,” Hall league’s single-game record. He ‘It is a good win for us. I feel good we are up 3-1 but we still have a lot of work to do’ of Fame president David Baker carried the ball nine times from said in a statement. scrimmage, scoring on four of “He was the very essence of a those carries. “He looked like team player – quiet, unassuming he was gliding,” teammate Mike and always ready to compliment Ditka recalled at the Bears100 a teammate for a key block. Gale Celebration last year. “Every- was an extraordinary man who body was slipping and sliding overcame a great deal of adversi- except him. It was the most un- ty during his NFL career and life.” believable exhibition I’ve ever The dynamic ball carrier seen in the history of the game.” dubbed the “Kansas Comet” Gale Eugene Sayers was born earned All-Pro recognition in May 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kan- each of his fi rst fi ve full seasons sas. He was raised in Omaha, in the NFL. Knee injuries ended Nebraska, and excelled in foot- his dazzling career in 1971 after ball and track and fi eld in high just seven seasons. school. The Bears made him the “If you wish to see perfec- fourth overall selection in the tion as a running back, you had 1965 NFL draft. best get a hold of a fi lm of Gale Sayers won the NFL rushing Sayers,” Bears founder George title in 1966 with 1,231 yards in Halas said in 1977 when he pre- the 14-game season. Nine games sented Sayers for Hall of Fame into his fourth season, in 1968, enshrinement. “He was poetry Sayers suff ered his first serious in motion. His like will never be knee injury when 49ers corner- seen again.” back Kermit Alexander hit Say- Sayers rushed for 4,956 yards ers’ right leg with his helmet. and scored 56 touchdowns in “Gale was one of the fi nest his 68-game career. He set the men in NFL history and one of Bears’ single-season touchdown the game’s most exciting play- record with 22 as a rookie in ers,” NFL commissioner Roger 1965, recording 14 rushing TDs, Goodell said in a statement.

NHL Lightning blast Stars, take 2-1 lead

AFP til Wednesday night and scored Edmonton in just his third shift of the game but seemed to re-aggravate the injury and did not play much ictor Hedman had a after his fi rst period goal. Jason goal and two assists Dickinson and Miro Heiskanen and Steven Stamkos scored goals and Anton Khudo- scored in his season bin and Jake Oettinger combined Vdebut as the Tampa Bay Light- to make 27 saves for the Stars. Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat looks to pass against Jayson Tatum (right) and Marcus Smart (left) of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern ning routed the Dallas Stars 5-2 Palat played one of his best Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoff s at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 23, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Getty in game three of the Stanley Cup games of the playoff s, contribut- Images/AFP) fi nals on Wednesday. ing on both off ence and defence. Ondrej Palat, Nikita Kucherov On the opening goal, just 5:33 AFP good we are up 3-1 but we still Herro. “He’s just going to keep Gordon Hayward 14 and Marcus Herro nailed a three pointer and Brayden Point all had a goal into the game, Palat forced Stars Orlando have a lot of work to do,” Herro playing basketball the right Smart had 10 points and 11 as- with just over four minutes left and an assist for the Lightning defenceman Heiskanen to turn said. “We put a lot of eff ort into way.” sists. The Celtics turned the ball in the fourth quarter to give Mi- who took a 2-1 series lead de- the puck over at the Dallas blue- preparing for game four and we Goran Dragic had 22 points, over 19 times in the game. ami a 98-90 lead. spite Stamkos not being able to line and Kucherov stole the puck ising star Tyler Herro got it done.” and Bam Adebayo added 20 “We’ve got to do a better job Brown made a three pointer play the whole game because of and scored on a breakaway. scored a career high 37 Herro’s point total is the sec- points and 12 rebounds for Mi- of handling the ball and taking and Smart dropped in a layup to a nagging injury. Just over a minute later, Stam- points and Jimmy But- ond most in a playoff game for ami, who rebounded from just care of it,” said coach Brad Ste- get the Celtics within three, but The heavily-favoured Light- kos made it 2-0 scoring in just ler chipped in 24 as the a player 20 or younger, behind their second loss of the posts- vens. Dragic and Butler each made ning dominated Wednesday’s his third shift. Stamkos took a MiamiR Heat seized command only Magic Johnson who had eason in game three. Miami went on a 10-4 run baskets to pad Miami’s lead. contest and can now take a com- pass from Hedman in full fl ight, of their Eastern Conference fi - 42. Jayson Tatum scored a team at the end of the fi rst half af- Dragic responded from be- manding 3-1 lead with a vic- then slipped a check from Esa nal series with a 112-109 win on The win moved them to with- high 28 points, all coming in ter Hayward hit a pair of free yond the arc and Herro added tory in game four on Friday in Lindell near the blueline. The Wednesday. in one victory of an NBA fi nals the second half, and Jaylen throws to tie the score 40-40 a layup to put Miami up by nine the NHL’s quarantine bubble in Canadian forward raced down The 20-year-old rookie Her- berth which they will try to se- Brown had 21 for Boston, who with 3:38 left in the second. with 56 seconds left in regula- Edmonton, Alberta. Lightning the wing before cutting to the ro made fi ve of 10 threes as Mi- cure in game fi ve on Friday. were looking to win consecutive “Just trying to get a rhythm tion. captain Stamkos had surgery to net and beating Khudobin with a ami took a 3-1 lead in the best- “Not too many people get an playoff games for the fi rst time going early,” said Herro. “Once Boston got within three again repair a core muscle on March 2 high wrist shot to the top corner. of-seven series in the NBA’s opportunity to make it this far since the start of their second- you see a couple shots go down, on a Brown three-pointer with and was supposed to miss six to Dickinson scored a short- quarantine bubble in Orlando, in the playoff s and be in a game round series against the Toronto the rest of the game is easier for 16 seconds to go, but free throws eight weeks but incurred multi- handed goal to cut the Lightning Florida. like this, but for him it’s another Raptors. you. Tonight was defi nitely a by Herro and Butler sealed the ple setbacks in his recovery. lead to 2-1 halfway through the “It is a good win for us. I feel day in the offi ce,” said Butler of Kemba Walker scored 20, good night.” victory. He didn’t make his return un- fi rst.

MLB Rays beat Mets to clinch AL East Division title Reuters York is 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee (27-28) New York RESULTS and Philadelphia (28-29). Tyler Glasnow (5-1) allowed two runs on Rays 8-5 Mets three hits in six sharp innings to win his fi fth andy Arozarena hit a tiebreak- Royals 12-3 Cardinals straight decision. He struck out eight, walked ing two-run homer with one out in Indians 3-2 White Sox one, and retired the last eight hitters. the sixth inning and added another Rookie Andres Gimenez and Dominic homer in the ninth and the Tampa Angels 5-2 Padres Smith homered for the Mets, who lost for the BayR Rays clinched the American League East Phillies 12-3 Nationals seventh time in 11 games. Division title with an 8-5 victory over the Reds 6-1 Brewers Todd Frazier hit a two-run homer off Ol- host New York Mets Wednesday night. iver Drake in the ninth and the game ended The Rays (37-20) won their third division Pirates 2-1 Cubs when Nick Anderson struck out Gimenez. title and fi rst since 2010. Giants 7-2 Rockies Wacha allowed four runs on six hits in a sea- They took over fi rst place in the division A’s 6-4 Dodgers son-high six innings. He struck out four and for good on August 22 and are closing in walked two. D’Bbacks 7-3 Rangers on clinching the top seed in the American Salvador Perez and Franchy Cordero each League playoff s. Braves 9-4 Marlins hit two homers and drove in fi ve runs as Kan- The Rays celebrated on the fi eld with con- Mariners 3-2 Astros sas City clobbered visiting St. Louis. Perez fetti near their dugout on the third base side. tied his career high in RBIs on his fi rst two Blue Jays 14-1 Yankees Arozarena snapped a 2-2 tie when he ham- swings and Cordero never previously had mered a fi rst-pitch fastball from Michael Red Sox 9-1 Orioles more than three RBIs in a game. Wacha (1-4) over the wall in right-center Twins 7-6 Tiger The Cardinals fell into a tie with the fi eld. Arozarena’s homer occurred after Bran- Cincinnati Reds for second place in the Na- don Lowe lined a single just over the reach of fi rst base when he got his hand in just before tional League Central. second baseman Robinson Cano’s glove. catcher Wilson Ramos could apply the tag. In the NL wild-card race, St. Louis, Arozarena added his second homer when Lowe padded the lead with a two-run Cincinnati and San Francisco ended the day he drove a fastball from Steven Matz down homer in the eighth off Chasen Shreve. Willy tied, with Philadelphia and Milwaukee each the left-fi eld line and inside the foul pole. It Adames made it 7-2 with an RBI single later one game back. was his seventh homer in 54 at-bats this sea- in the eighth off Jeurys Familia and that end- Danny Duff y (4-4) earned the win for the son. ed Tampa Bay’s 0-for-27 skid with runners in Royals. He allowed one run on six hits with Joey Wendle also homered as the Rays scoring position. fi ve strikeouts and one walk in 5 2/3 innings. won for the ninth time in 13 games. Manuel The Mets (25-31) clinched a losing season Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez (0-3) al- Margot created a run in the third with a bunt for the third time in four seasons and their lowed eight runs on nine hits with two walks The Tampa Bay Rays celebrate clinching the American League East division title with confetti cannons single and then scored on a ground ball to playoff hopes grew even more unlikely. New and three strikeouts in fi ve-plus innings. after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 25, 2020 SPORT

TRAGEDY Former Australia batsman Jones dies of heart attack Jones played 52 Tests, scoring 3,631 runs, and 164 one-day internationals in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the WCup in 1987 Cricket world reacts with shock, disbelief Aaron Finch, Australia captain world will miss him.” “Still in shock hearing the Steve Smith, Australia batsman Anil Kumble, former India news of Deano’s passing. “Awful to hear the news of cricketer Thoughts are with Jane and Dean Jones passing away in “Shocking news... This year the family at this incredibly Mumbai. He was a wonderful gets even worse. Was joking tough time. A great man with player for Australia and he will with Deano last week about an amazing passion for the be missed... RIP Deano,” he carrying a red book with me game,” he wrote on Twitter. wrote on Instagram. to the match. Terrible,” he wrote on Twitter. Justin Langer, Australia coach Glenn Maxwell, Australia “Deano was a true legend of all-rounder Ramiz Raja, commentator Australian sport and world “Incredibly shocked by the and former Pakistan cricketer cricket, one of the great news that Dean Jones has “In complete shock to hear players and personalities in a passed away. Had a poster of about Dean Jones sad pass- golden time for the game,” he the great man in my room as a ing,” he wrote on Twitter. said in a statement. kid,” he wrote on Twitter. “One of a kind you were “His role in the team’s World “And was lucky to have him Deano and how lonely and Cup win in 1987 and the 1989 as a batting coach first year helpless you must have felt on Ashes under AB (Allan Border) of BBL (Big Bash League). your own in that hotel room were a huge turning point for Thoughts are with his family at — a death we commentators Australian cricket.” this extremely tough time.” fear the most, and likely to meet, helpless and gone in Sachin Tendulkar, Indian David Warner, Australia bats- that hotel room... RIP my batting great man friend.” “Absolutely heartbreaking “I can’t believe this news. So news about Dean Jones pass- very sad to hear about this. Jacques Kallis, former South ing away,” he wrote on Twitter. Rip Deano, you will be missed,” Africa batsman and coach “A wonderful soul taken away he wrote on Twitter. “Sad to learn of the passing too soon. Had the opportunity of Dean Jones. Thoughts and to play against him during my Jason Gillespie, former Aus- prayers to family and friends. first tour of Australia.” tralia fast bowler RIP,” he wrote on Twitter. “Simply awful news. Rest in Scott Morrison, Australian peace Deano,” he wrote on Jimmy Neesham, New Zea- Prime Minister Twitter. “Grew up idolising you land all-rounder “An absolute cricketing leg- and it was a pleasure to know “Very sad to hear of the pass- end. A true entertainer at the you. Heartbreaking.” ing of Dean Jones. He was al- crease, whose flair with the bat ways a fantastic bloke to have and electric running between Virat Kohli, India captain a yarn with around a cricket In this file photo taken on July 18, 2004, former Australian cricketer Dean Jones does a piece to camera commenting on the Asia Cup cricket the wickets changed the game “Shocked to hear about the field,” he wrote on Twitter. match between India and Sri Lanka at The Rangri Stadium in Dambulla. forever,” he wrote on Twitter. tragic loss of Dean Jones,” he “I remember in Canada one of “A genuine good guy and a wrote on Twitter. “Praying for his stories was so funny I actu- AFP The attacking player was re- Australia chairman Earl Eddings Deano” on news network NDTV. huge loss. Our hearts go out strength and courage to his ally forgot to warm up to bowl Mumbai nowned for his exploits in the 50- said in a statement. “Shocked to hear about the to Dean’s family, friends, the family and friends.” pre-game. RIP.” over game, where he scored 6,068 “This is a truly sad day. Deano’s tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying Australian cricket family & his runs. loss will be felt not just at home in for strength and courage to his many fans.” Ravi Shastri, India head Indian Premier League ormer Australia batsman But the Victorian’s most mem- Australia, but across the globe.” family and friends,” said India’s coach and ex-commentator statement and cricket commentator orable innings was in 1986, when Jones’ former Australian cap- skipper Virat Kohli on Twitter. Darren Lehmann, former “Really shocking to lose a “We are extremely shocked Dean Jones, who had been he struck 210 in the blistering heat tain, Allan Border, said he was Indian cricket legend Sachin Australia batsman and coach colleague and a dear friend — and sad to learn of the untime- covering the Indian Pre- of Chennai during cricket’s sec- “genuinely shattered” by the Tendulkar said the news was “ab- “Dean Jones will be missed, he Dean Jones. Gone so young. ly demise of Mr. Dean Jones,” it mierF League from Mumbai, has ond-ever tied Test. news. solutely heartbreaking”. taught me so much on and off Condolences to the fam- said on Twitter. “His energy and died after a heart attack aged 59, “One hour into day two I knew “He was simply just a good “A wonderful soul taken away the ground,” he wrote on Twit- ily and may his soul rest in enthusiasm for the game will broadcaster Star India said yes- I was in trouble,” he had told ES- mate that always had my back. too soon. Had the opportunity to ter. “I and all of the cricketing peace,” he wrote on Twitter. be truly missed.” terday. PNcricinfo. “I didn’t drink any- “We’d stayed close post crick- play against him during my fi rst “It is with great sadness that thing apart from a cup of tea or et and only talked this morning tour of Australia,” he said. we share the news of the passing coff ee. about a fun project that we were “Gone so young. Condolences away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones,” “We didn’t know anything going to get involved in,” Border to the family and may his soul SPOTLIGHT CYCLING the company said in a statement. about dehydration and rehydra- told The Sydney Morning Herald. rest in peace,” added India’s head “He died of a sudden cardiac tion back then. Then I just batted The Indian Premier League, coach Ravi Shastri. arrest. We express our deep con- from memory basically. I can’t re- where Jones was part of the of- Jones attracted controversy in dolences to his family and stand member much from 120 on.” fi cial broadcasting team, added 2006 during a series in Sri Lanka Tokyo Olympics Worlds ready to support them in this dif- Later he coached in the Paki- that his “energy and enthusiasm when he described South African fi cult time.” One of Australia’s stan Super League and was also a for the game will be truly missed”. batsman Hashim Amla, a Muslim, most popular cricketers, Jones widely travelled commentator. The father-of-two was a col- as looking “like a terrorist” due to could take place ‘new played 52 Tests, scoring 3,631 “Dean Jones was a hero to a ourful character known for his his long beard. runs, and 164 one-day interna- generation of cricketers and will outspoken views. He was sacked by Ten Sports as tionals in the 1980s and 1990s, forever be remembered as a leg- A popular fi gure in Indian me- a commentator for the remark, for without vaccine, goal’ for winning the World Cup in 1987. end of this great game,” Cricket dia, he had his own show “Prof which he later apologised. says IOC chief Pogacar BOTTOMLINE AFP Imola, Italy

oad cycling’s world championships start Rahul hits highest-ever this week with Tour de France champion Tadej PogacarR eyeing the crown days after crossing the fi nishing line on the Champs-Elysees. score by an Indian in IPL This year’s worlds have been shortened to four races and AFP moved from Switzerland to Imola Dubai in Italy because of local Covid-19 restrictions. UAE Team Emirates’ Pogacar, aptain KL Rahul yes- President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee Yoshiro Mori who became the Tour’s young- terday recorded the (L) and Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike (R) listen as International est champion since 1904 aged highest-ever score by an Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach (on screen) 21, will be joined by the man he CIndian batsman in IPL speaks during a video meeting of the IOC Coordination Commis- pipped to the yellow jersey Pri- history as he took Kings XI Pun- sion for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo yesterday. moz Roglic in Slovenia colours jab to a comfortable victory over for Sunday’s 258.2km race which Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers AFP without a vaccine.” starts and ends on the Enzo e Bangalore. Rahul, in his second Tokyo But a vaccine and progress in Dino Ferrari automobile circuit. outing as skipper, was dropped rapid testing “would of course “Now that I won Tour de twice by Kohli before going on to greatly facilitate” holding the France, for sure I need to fi nd smash an unbeaten 132 off just 69 lympic boss Thomas event, said Bach, head of the In- new goals,” Pogacar said after deliveries – the fi rst century of the Bach said yester- ternational Olympic Commit- last weekend’s win in the French 2020 season – to help Punjab post day that the Tokyo tee (IOC). capital. a massive 206 for three and a 97- OGames could take The 2020 Games were post- “I will try to defend my Tour run win. India captain Kohli had place next year even without a poned earlier this year as the de France title but next is the a night to forget when he dropped coronavirus vaccine, pointing deadly new illness spread World Championships, so this is Rahul on 83 and again on 89 one to the success of the Tour de around the globe. my goal in the coming days. over later in the match in Dubai. France. They are now set to open on “In the future, I just want to be Rahul also recorded the high- Striking an optimistic note July 23, 2021, and organisers are at my best and try to win again,” est score ever by a captain in the at a meeting with Tokyo 2020 insisting they will go ahead in he added. IPL, and broke Sachin Tendulkar’s organisers, he vowed to make some form – and be safe for all Two members of the Arkea- record to become the fastest In- the postponed event a triumph involved. Drugs companies are Samic team have been targeted in dian to 2,000 IPL runs, achieving despite the uncertainties of the racing to produce an eff ective a doping investigation since the the feat in 60 innings compared to pandemic. jab to counter a virus that has end of the Grand Boucle but rider the legendary player’s 63 innings. “We can see that sport is now killed more than 970,000 Nairo Quintana is set to feature “It was good to be in the middle KL Rahul, captain of Kings XI Punjab, celebrates his century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dubai coming back slowly but surely, people around the world and for Colombia this weekend. and see the team through whatev- yesterday. PICTURE: Sportzpics for BCCI and that a number of big sport infected almost 32 million. Sev- Friday’s men’s time trial pits er we’d planned before the game,” events have been successfully eral leading vaccine candidates 2018 Giro d’Italia champion Tom Rahul said. under pressure...from ball one to Australian batsman and cricket Australian Brett Lee praised the organised recently, including are currently in late-stage trials. Dumoulin against former Tour “I think it’s as complete a team chase close to 210,” he said. commentator Dean Jones, who 59-year-old as an “absolute leg- matches in diff erent Japanese Bach said it was impossi- winner Geraint Thomas. performance as it can get, really “So we know exactly where we had been covering the Indian Pre- end”. The much-delayed IPL, leagues,” he said via videolink. ble to make a contingency plan Thomas will be making his fi rst happy.” Kohli acknowledged that went wrong and it’s time to put my mier League from Mumbai, from which was originally scheduled to “Also very complex events for every scenario, and said appearances at the event and ex- he did not have the “best day of hand up and say a couple of im- a heart attack. Players from both start in March, moved out of India like the Tour de France and oth- organisers would not be pres- pects plenty of competition over the offi ce”. portant chances went down.” teams wore black armbands to due to the coronavirus pandemic ers, which showed to us and sured into making premature the relatively fl at 31.7km run. “Maybe if we restricted them to The game took on a sombre honour Jones and in a pre-match and is being played behind closed showed to the world that we can announcements on how the “I’d like to think I’ll be fi ghting under 180, we wouldn’t have been note after the sudden death of show, fellow commentator and doors. organise safe sport events even Games would take place. for a medal.” Gulf Times Friday, September 25, 2020 7 TENNISSPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Rafa’s Parisian procession Djokovic braces threatened by long lay-off

Reuters for Nadal, Roland Paris afa Nadal has the per- fect chance to equal Roger Federer’s record 20 Grand Slam titles at theR French Open he has made his own, but for once the conditions Garros demons are stacked against the King of Clay heading into the resched- Djokovic’s 2016 triumph at Roland Garros allowed him to become only the third uled tournament. A record 12-time winner at man after Don Budge and Rod Laver to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time Roland Garros, Nadal usually lands in Paris in May fresh from time. romping through the claycourt season from Monte Carlo to Rome, before pummelling the pretenders to his crown at Ro- land Garros. Three of his French Open crowns have been achieved without even dropping a set. But this time he heads for the prepared. French capital after playing only Federer is missing the tour- three matches in the last six nament due to recovering from months because of the Covid-19 knee surgery. pandemic that prompted his Thiem, beaten by Nadal in the decision to sit out the US Open last two Roland Garros fi nals, over concerns about the virus. will be feeling confi dent after He resumed with a couple winning the US Open to fi nally of wins against Dusan Lajovic land a fi rst career grand slam, and Pablo Carreno Busta in the while world number one Djoko- Italian Open last week but the vic went on to beat Schwartz- rustiness of the long lay-off was man in the Italian Open fi nal. evident during his shock quar- Nadal has had the better off ter-fi nal defeat to Argentina’s Djokovic on clay in recent years Diego Schwartzman. but he will have to cope with Nadal made 30 unforced er- diff erent conditions this time rors against Schwartzman and due to a cooler climate than the surrendered his serve fi ve times usual warmth and the addition in the straight sets defeat, ex- of night games. plaining the loss as due to a “Defi nitely Diego showed that “completely special and unpre- Rafael is beatable on clay,” Djok- dictable year”. ovic said after the Rome fi nal. For six-time Grand Slam “The conditions that they champion Boris Becker, Nadal’s played on, obviously heavy clay, scant preparation could prove not much bounce, humid, night costly. sessions, we are going to have “Even a Rafael Nadal needs that as well in Paris. match practice, and that’s miss- “I’m pretty sure that he does ing this year,” Becker said.”He not prefer that to a high bounce. remains my number one for I know he likes the high bounce. the title, but I think the others’ “He likes the hot and warm chances are much better this and fast conditions, where he year. This year is diff erent.” can use his spin a lot. Let’s see. While there are doubts about It’s going to be interesting. Nadal’s form, his two closest Even though he’s the favour- competitors Dominic Thiem and ite, I think there are players that Novak Djokovic will be better can win against him there.”

Becker pleads not guilty to charges over bankruptcy London: German tennis great Boris Becker pleaded not guilty Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with his trophy after winning the final match of the Italian Open against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman at Foro Italico on September 21. at a British court yesterday to a series of criminal charges AFP 20 Slams, can match that staggering with just a routine putaway required to Rome to Diego Schwartzman. relating to his bankruptcy as he Paris achievement. help give him a 5-3 fi nal set lead and a However, the last time he suff ered such was told he could face seven Federer will miss the French Open as he chance to serve for the match. an early departure from the Italian capital years in jail. rehabs his injured knee while Nadal has However, he chose a smash rather than was in 2017 — just weeks later he was lift- The six-time Grand Slam win- ovak Djokovic will renew his played just three matches since February, a soothing touch. ing a 10th French Open without dropping ner, who was declared bankrupt love-hate relationship with Ro- a ring-rustiness evident in his quarter- He tumbled into the net, losing the a set. in June 2017, is accused of not land Garros in the knowledge fi nal exit in Rome. point and Nadal pounced to eventually “It’s a completely special and unpre- complying with obligations to that it’s himself rather than 12- However, Djokovic refused to get car- take the tie after four hours and 37 min- dictable year,” admitted Nadal of a French disclose information. timeN champion Rafael Nadal who could ried away by his chances at Roland Garros utes. Open pushed back four months due to the Becker, who wore a black face pose the greatest barrier to winning a ahead of Sunday’s start. In 2018, he lost a quarter-fi nal to world pandemic. mask and cap, pleaded not second Paris title and 18th Grand Slam “It’s Nadal,” insisted the world number number 72 Marco Cecchinato while last The unusual sight of Roland Garros guilty to 19 charges of failing to crown. one when pushed on who heads to Paris year he was beaten in the semi-fi nals by being played in the autumn also means disclose money and property The only man to beat Djokovic in 2020 as the favourite. Dominic Thiem. radically diff erent conditions to those ex- between May 2017 and June is Djokovic after the Serb’s hair-trigger “The record that he has there, the his- That match took two days to complete, pected in its normal time slot of May and 2017. temper prompted a sensational disquali- tory of his results, you just can’t put any- featured numerous rain stoppages and June. That could suit newly-crowned US The 52-year-old, who lives in fi cation from the US Open. body in front of him.” winds so strong that a courtside umbrella Open winner Thiem who has lost the last London, is being prosecuted by youngest-ever men’s Grand The 33-year-old heads for the French Djokovic is right to be cautious after was sent fl ying across court. two fi nals to Nadal in Paris. the Insolvency Service. Slam champion at Wimbledon capital with a 31-1 record this year after experiencing numerous low points on the “Obviously when you’re playing in The world number three Austrian has Bankruptcy issues were con- in 1985, defending his trophy his New York brain-fade, which saw him red clay of Paris. In the 2012 fi nal against hurricane kind of conditions, it’s hard to 17 career titles with 10 of those on clay. sidered at hearings in the High the following year. accidentally hit a line judge with a ball, Nadal, having won eight games in a row, perform your best,” said Djokovic. Four of his fi ve wins over Nadal have Court in London. Nicknamed “Boom Boom”, he was followed by a record 36th Masters ti- he was up a break and pushing to level Nadal, who skipped the defence of his come on clay with three of four victories Becker, smartly dressed in a suit went on to win a further four tle in Rome. the match at two sets apiece when rain US Open title due to fears over coronavi- against Djokovic carved out on the sport’s and red tie, was conditionally majors and 49 singles titles in Djokovic’s 2016 triumph at Roland brought an overnight suspension. rus, eyes a 13th French Open. most testing surface. bailed to next appear in court all, amassing $25mn in prize Garros allowed him to become only the Play resumed the following day but Since his title-winning debut in 2005, World number fi ve Daniil Medvedev for a preliminary hearing on money. third man after Don Budge and Rod Laver Djokovic’s momentum was lost and a the Spaniard has only lost twice at Roland has yet to win a match at the tournament October 22. Becker also enjoyed a success- to hold all four Grand Slams at the same double-fault on championship point Garros in 95 matches — to Robin Soder- in three visits while sixth-ranked Ste- The German took the tennis ful spell from 2014 until 2016 as time. completed his misery. ling in 2009 and Djokovic in 2015. fanos Tsitsipas made the last 16 in 2019, world by storm as a 17-year-old coach of Serbia’s world number Not even Nadal, the holder of 19 ma- Twelve months later, Djokovic was The 34-year-old may appear to be losing a fi ve-set marathon to former as he became the then one Novak Djokovic. jors, or Roger Federer, with a record poised for a semi-fi nal win over Nadal under-cooked after his last-eight exit in champion Stan Wawrinka.

BOTTOMLINE Young guns aim to follow Thiem lead in Paris

Reuters of the so-called Next Gen will fancy reached his fi rst semi-fi nal. land Garros. Reuters.”Maybe the big strong guys Paris their chances in what will be an any- His big moment appeared to have Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, seeded that don’t slide as well. thing-but-normal French Open. arrived when he served for the ti- fourth, already has the mentality to “The younger generation play with Nadal will be gunning for a record- tle against Thiem in the fi fth set at win a Slam, as he showed in a toe- less variation on a claycourt, they he stars aligned perfectly for extending 13th title, Djokovic des- Flushing Meadows, but glory slipped to-toe 2019 US Open fi nal defeat to take it early and try and hit through Austria’s Dominic Thiem to perate to make amends for his hu- through his fi ngers. Nadal. the court. That might work this year.” become the fi rst new member miliation in New York and Thiem, The hangover of that defeat might Firepower and resilience from the The 19-year-old Sinner will surely of the Grand Slam winners’ runner-up to Nadal in 2018 and 2019, linger but if anything could be a tonic baseline, allied to a destructive serve, challenge for a Grand Slam soon but clubT for six years at the US Open that will be fuelled with confi dence after it is another Grand Slam starting ex- should mark the 24-year-old out as a the Italian challenge in Paris will be fi nished this month. his triumph. actly a fortnight after that showdown. title threat, although so far the French led by the powerful 24-year-old Mat- With defending champion Rafa But what of the rest? Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, 22, lost a Open has proved an unhappy hunting teo Berrettini. Nadal absent, Roger Federer injured Zverev, 23, has taken baby steps to- classic against former champion Stan ground with three fi rst-round defeats Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, 21, will and Novak Djokovic defaulted in wards claiming the fi rst Grand Slam Wawrinka in last year’s fourth round in a row. arrive having broken into the world’s the fourth round, Thiem seized his long-predicted since he was a teen- and has a powerful all-round game With the courts expected to be top 10 for the fi rst time and will bring chance to claim a fi rst major by beat- ager. suited to clay. damper and less skiddy than usual, his usual array of dazzling shot-mak- ing Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a It took the world number seven 12 The world number six showed by however, it might be the opportunity ing. rollercoaster fi nal. attempts to reach his fi rst Grand Slam winning the ATP Finals last Novem- for him to bring his hardcourt game to But compatriot Felix Auger Alias- The chances of another new name quarter-fi nal, at the 2018 French ber that he can deliver on the big the red dirt. sime, armed with a huge serve and a making a career-defi ning break- Open and another year to again reach stage, although a fi rst-round loss to “I think the conditions will favour forehand capable of leaving craters through at Roland Garros look far the last eight, also in Paris. rising Italian Jannik Sinner in Rome those that like playing on hardcourts,” in the clay, looks the better bet on his slimmer, although several members At this year’s Australian Open he was hardly ideal preparation for Ro- former winner Mats Wilander told Roland Garros main draw debut.

Friday, September 25, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS / DIAMOND LEAGUE CHAMPS SET TO THRILL The Qatari capital will play host to the final round of the Wanda AT DOHA FINALE Diamond League series today

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri celebrates winning gold in the women’s 5000m final at the Khalifa International Mehmed Zingal (right), General Manager for Turkish Airlines in Qatar, and Doha Diamond League Assistant Stadium at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships. Meeting Director Khalid al-Marri (second from right), pose after signing the sponsorship agreement yesterday. By Mikhil Bhat Doha outside his country. any doubts, she even wore a ‘Fast coming 2021,” she said yesterday. With the seventh fastest time Elaine’ face mask while address- Thompson-Herah will go in 1500m at 3:28.41, Cheruiyot ing the press conference yester- up against the likes of multiple ole vault world cham- is hoping that the switch to the day. world medallist Marie-Josee Ta pion Sam Kendricks and two-lap race will help him get In Rome last week, she ran the Lou of Ivory Coast in the wom- 5000m world champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of better in his core event. 100m in 10.85 seconds, something en’s 100m sprint. Hellen Obiri dubbed Jamaica had pulled out of the “I chose to do the 800m here that even surprised her a bit. In other races, Olympic bronze Ptoday’s Doha Diamond League because I wanted to test my speed “Honestly I was a little bit sur- medallist Christophe Lemaitre of Doha Worlds last year after meet at Qatar Sports Club a finishing fourth in the 100m finals endurance. All of my other races prised because I hadn’t raced for France will line up for the men’s “championship” event yesterday. due to an injury. at 800m have been in Kenya, so some time but I knew I was capa- 200m alongside Ta Lou’s com- The Qatari capital will host I’m excited to do an 800m in the ble of running fast, not 10.85, but patriot Arthur Cisse, who ran a the fourth and fi nal round of a in Doha mean Obiri is confi dent. Diamond League,” the 24-year- I was putting in the work, and I 10.04 in the 100m in Rome. truncated competitive Diamond “I’ve trained well, and when old, who ran 3:28.45 in 1500m in got the result. So I am really ex- In Rome, Kuwait’s Yousef Kar- League calendar that only began I train well I have no doubts in Monaco, said yesterday. cited,” Thompson-Herah said. am ran a 45.25 in the men’s 400m with Monaco on August 14, be- a race. Whenever I line up for a “I need to work on my speed Before heading to Rome, the and would aim to be the fastest fore heading to Stockholm (Au- race, I’m focused on doing my endurance because it’s an impor- 28-year-old had raced in her na- man this year in the event in Doha gust 23) and Rome (September best. I don’t feel the pressure. tant part of 1500m running. Last tive Jamaica after the pandemic today. Ludvy Vaillant, with a time 17). Maybe I’ll do something special,” year in Lausanne I ran the fi rst wreaked havoc with the inter- of 45.46 at the French Champi- With as many as 27 World and said Obiri, who added that she 800m in 1:49 but still fi nished national schedules. With a nag- onships earlier this month, and Olympic medallists lining up Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot celebrates on the podium after winning the will be switching to road racing in 3:28.77, just outside my PB ging Achilles injury forcing her to Kahmari Montgomery, who ran a today across track and fi eld dis- men’s 1500m Final at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships. starting 2022. (3:28.41). I know I have endur- withdraw from the Doha Worlds 45.50 in Hungary in August, will ciplines, deep line-ups are go- “I’ve always enjoyed racing in ance but I’m lacking a bit in my last year, Thompson-Herah was pose a signifi cant challenge. ing to be a sure-shot source for a world-leading time of 14:22.12 She will be joined by the likes Doha. In 2014 I set my PB over fi nishing speed, so that’s what I glad to get some international Qatari participation at the fantastic athletic action for those in Monaco last month, returns to of world steeplechase cham- 3000m (8:20.68), and last year I want to work on,” added Cherui- competition under her belt. event includes Adam Ali Musab watching at home with the event the venue where she set a Ken- pion Beatrice Chepkoech, world won the World Championships yot, who will have world bronze “I must say I am really grateful and Hamza Driouch in the 1500m to be held behind closed doors. yan 3000m record back in 2014. 5000m silver medallist Marga- here. I like racing here, it’s fa- medallist Ferguson Cheruiyot for Rome and Doha to organise main race, and Mohamed al- The women’s 3000m event is The 30-year-old won the 3000m ret Chelimo Kipkemboi, world vourable to me.” Rotich for company on the track these two meets. I was perform- Garni and Yaser Bagharab in the all set to be a cracker of a com- event at last year’s Diamond 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Compatriot Timothy Cherui- among others. ing in Jamaica but it wasn’t as 1500m (B). Abdulaziz Salem will petition with medallists from League meet at Khalifa Interna- Tirop and world 1500m bronze yot, gold medallist at Doha Speed is one thing that Ja- high intensity. Didn’t have a lot line up for the 200m race and last year’s World Championships tional Stadium before return- medallist Gudaf Tsegay. Worlds in men’s 1500m, will be maican double Olympic cham- of competition but I still put in a Asian bronze medallist Jamal from diff erent events lining up. ing to that venue for the 5000m But her faith in her training and attempting a fi rst when he lines pion Elaine Thompson-Herah 100 percent. This helps me to put Hairane will take part in the Obiri, who won the 5000m in world title. a successful competition history up for the 800m for the fi rst time has no qualms about. If you had myself in a good position for up- 800m race.

FORMULA 1 Hamilton plays down signifi cance of records

AFP Sochi, Russia ‘Just another race’ — Raikkonen relaxed over milestone

AFP look back at things, whatever ewis Hamilton played Sochi, Russia the number will be, maybe I’ll down the prospect look at it diff erently....” of drawing level with Raikkonen, 41 next month, Michael Schumacher’s imi Raikkonen typi- entered F1 in 2001 with Sauber Lrecord 91 Grand Prix wins this cally avoided any fuss and has raced for McLaren, weekend, saying yesterday there Kyesterday over talk of his Ferrari (in two spells) and Lotus, were other more important mat- equalling Rubens Barrichello’s winning the drivers’ world title ters in the world. record this weekend as Formula in 2007 with Ferrari. Speaking during a video news One’s most experienced driver. He began his career at the 2001 conference ahead of Sunday’s The taciturn Finn, dubbed ‘the Australian Grand Prix after Russian Grand Prix, where he ice man’, will start his 322nd only 23 car races of any sort, is favourite to secure his sev- race in Sunday’s Russian Grand following his karting days and enth win of the season and equal Prix when Lewis Hamilton could missed both the 2010 and 2011 Schumacher’s career total, the equal Michael Schumacher’s F1 seasons to go rallying. six-time champion also warned record of 91 wins. He is one of only five drivers that winning was not likely to be “It’s just another race,” said the to have started more than 300 a straightforward task. Alfa Romeo driver. “I’ll try to races. “Honestly, I don’t know what make it a good one and let’s see The others are Brazilian Bar- it means to me,” the Mercedes what happens and comes out richello, two-time champion champion said. of it. Fernando Alonso on 311, the “I don’t know what to say. “I think every record will end up 2009 champion Jenson But- Firstly, I have to get my work being broken at some point in ton and seven-time champion done and Valtteri (Bottas, his most sports — that’s how it has Michael Schumacher on 306. Mercedes teammate) has said al- always happened. As I’ve said Raikkonen has won 21 Grands ready himself that he is very fast many times, it doesn’t mean “It doesn’t make any diff erence. Prix and had 103 podiums in his on this track. Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton (right) and Valtteri Bottas walk through the paddock ahead of the Russian anything for me. Maybe in the future, when I’ll career. “We also have to look at Red Grand Prix in Sochi yesterday. (Reuters) Bull.... I have to win fi rst.” He added that it would be tor racing as he announced the to the T-shirt he wore and a sub- meaningful for him, but it should members of his Hamilton Com- sequent furore in which some Perez says Racing Point starting to hide things from him not be taken for granted. mission aimed at tackling diver- critics called for an investigation. “At some point, it will prob- sity in the sport. “I usually pull on my heart and Reuters came out (about his future), ing matters through the wall of ably happen, but I don’t know “What is more concerning is do what I feel is right. I felt that Sochi, Russia some people inside the team his hotel bedroom. what it means to me... Of course, that there are still very few peo- was me following my heart. tend to hide things, which I “I’m pretty disappointed to be there’s so much else going on in ple of colour across the sport as a “I also did something that’s don’t think is great. honest that such things have the world, but, of course, it’s an whole,” Hamilton said in a state- never really happened in Formula exican Sergio Perez “At the moment we just have to come out from the team or honour.” ment. One and obviously they’ll stop it has accused people at be as transparent as possible to something. I think those things Hamilton had earlier expressed “In F1, our teams are much from happening moving forward. Mhis Racing Point For- make sure we achieve our goals have to remain between the his disappointment at the out- bigger than the athletes that “People do talk about sport mula One team of hiding things and make sure that we score team and myself and I won’t be come of the grand jury indict- front them, but representation is not being a place for politics. from him now that he is leaving as many points as we possibly giving any information at all,” ment in Louisville, Kentucky, insuffi cient across every skill set Ultimately it’s human rights is- at the end of the season. can.” he said. where Breonna Taylor was shot — from the garage to the engi- sues and, in my opinion, that is Perez, who wanted to con- Racing Point are fourth overall The Mexican did confirm talks dead by police in her own home neers in the factories and design something we should be pushing tinue but said he had no hard in the standings and fighting with other teams about a drive last March. No one was charged departments.” towards. feelings, is being replaced by McLaren for third place. Perez next year. with her murder. Hamilton has been a leading “We have a huge collective, four-times world champion ency for the team to do its best. has scored 44 of the team’s 92 “In the next week or so I will Hamilton wore a T-shirt with advocate of the Black Lives Mat- an amazing group of people that Sebastian Vettel who is joining “It’s going to be so crucial that points. know exactly what are the re- the message ‘Arrest the cops who ter movement and a leading fi g- watch our sport, multiple diff er- from Ferrari. we deliver every single point,” Perez was coy on a media re- alistic options,” he said. “Then I killed Breonna Taylor’ at the Tus- ure in Formula One’s anti-racism ent backgrounds and cultures, Speaking ahead of Sunday’s said Perez. “We still can have port that he knew he was on the will be making a decision pretty can Grand Prix two weeks ago. initiative this year. and we should defi nitely be push- Russian Grand Prix, Perez said the best season in our history. way out after overhearing team soon. But I’m not in a rush. All He pledged to increase the “I don’t regret a single mo- ing positive messages towards there needed to be full transpar- “Obviously, since the news owner Lawrence Stroll discuss- the scenarios are promising.” number of black people in mo- ment,” said Hamilton, referring them, especially for equality.”