CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 3 Roglic back Lucky seventh in red aft er as Zverev fi nally Vuelta summit wins at ATP scramble Cincinnati

Friday, August 20, 2021 FOOTBALL Muharram 12, 1443 AH Inter’s turbulent GULF TIMES summer leaves crown up for grabs SPORT Page 4 FOCUS QOC launches Al Adaam Youth PSG bullish about Council Initiative

By Sports Reporter enhancing the Olympic values, team values, encouraging the local youth community to in- volve in the sport sector, making he Qatar Olympic team Qatar as a kicking-off plat- Mbappe future Committee (QOC) an- form for community participa- nounced the launch of tion, performance devotion and its pioneering initia- opening the non-offi cial reach Pochettino says Frenchman is ‘our player’; reports suggest Messi not in Brest game tiveT Al Adaam Youth Council on out channels between the QOC Wednesday. and youth category. Agencies Al Adaam Youth Council is a The council will help promot- Paris, France representative structure of all ing all the QOC’s social respon- youth in Qatar from all nation- sibility initiatives inside the lo- alities. It will be an active factor cal community, encouraging eal Madrid are not hiding their engaging in all the sport issues the QOC and its staff to develop desire to sign Kylian Mbappe and decisions-making related to creative strategies and plans, but Paris Saint-Germain coach the QOC strategies. transferring the perspectives of Mauricio Pochettino insists he This new entity will take a cen- Qatari youth about the sport is- Rcan’t imagine the France superstar play- tre stage in the planning proc- sues to the QOC, working closely ing for another club this season. esses, hosting of the sport events and co-operatively with the Mbappe is out of contract next June and boosting the social responsi- board of directors, sport federa- and his future has dominated headlines in bility eff orts of the QOC. tions, local organising commit- France and in Spain since Lionel Messi’s The main goal of Al Adaam tees, exchanging thoughts with shock move from Barcelona to Paris last Youth Council is to develop the local youth community and week. the youth’s creative initiatives stepping up youth participation In Madrid they believe Mbappe does that will help the QOC in mak- in the board activities to maxi- not want to share more of the limelight ing decisions, inscribing sport mum level. with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. culture inside the Qatari com- A number of standards re- “Madrid are not giving up,” said the cover munity, reaching out local youth quired for nomination to the Al of sports daily AS yesterday. throughout an elite group of Adaam Youth Council have been PSG, meanwhile, want to keep the youth elements representing the defi ned. The council consists 22-year-old to complete a dream front QOC. Al Adaam Youth Coun- of 10 members representing all line with Messi and . cil will also help developing the youth in Qatar (Qataris and non- Whether Real make their move before new creative initiatives and ideas Qataris), their ages ranged from the August 31 transfer deadline remains to be integrated into the QOC’s 17 to 27 years. The membership to be seen, but Mbappe is in no rush to ex- current and upcoming processes. will be divided equally between tend his contract at the Parc des Princes. This new-born Council will the two genders, in addition Nevertheless, while Neymar and Messi spare no eff ort in performing to members from people with build up their fi tness following extended several responsibilities and tasks, special needs. Student from the summer breaks, Mbappe has played a at the top of them, promoting nominated group been approved starring role for his club at the beginning the QOC’s strategy, values, goals and selected by the QOC will take of the campaign. in the local youth community, the presidency of this council. He set up the decisive goal as PSG won Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (right) and teammate Lionel Messi attend a training session as assistant coach Miguel D’Agostin 2-1 at Troyes on the opening weekend and (centre) looks on at the club’s training ground in Saint-Germain-en-Laye yesterday. (Below) PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino. (AFP) then created three goals as Pochettino’s team beat Strasbourg 4-2 last Saturday. game. The only conversations I have with Verratti was also part of Italy’s squad Al Gharafa Stadium to host ’s “Kylian seems in good shape, he is Kylian are about football,” the Argentine which beat England in the Euro 2020 fi nal motivated and working very hard to have added. “He has a year left on his contract, on penalties at Wembley, while Di Maria Qatar 2022 Asian qualifi ers a good season. That is what we are all if he doesn’t renew it. We are happy with scored Argentina’s winner in a 1-0 vic- thinking about,” Pochettino told report- him and from what I see he is happy with tory over hosts Brazil in the Copa America The Qatar Football Association (QFA) decided to choose Al ers yesterday ahead of PSG’s trip to Brit- us too.” showpiece. Gharafa Stadium, Thani bin Jassim Stadium, to host the matches tany to play Brest today. French daily L’Equipe reported Messi Earlier yesterday, PSG manager Mauri- of the Iraqi national team in the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 World “Kylian is our player and I don’t see will not be included in today’s game, add- cio Pochettino had left open the possibil- Cup in Qatar. The QFA agreed to the request of the normal body to him being anywhere else this season.” ing that his former Barcelona teammate ity that Messi could feature against Brest play the matches of the Iraqi national team in Doha, after the AFC The speculation about his future led to Neymar has also been left out. when he declined to specify whether decided not to play the matches in Iraq at the present time, until Mbappe being jeered by some PSG sup- L’Equipe added on its website that Messi would fi nally make his debut. an inspection committee is sent in the coming days to evaluate porters before the Strasbourg game, but Italy’s Euro 2020 winning goalkeeper “He has given us so much in the last few the stadiums and sports facilities again. Iraq will face Iran in its Pochettino insisted the France World Cup Gianluigi Donnarumma has been called days,” Pochettino said of Messi. “There is second match in Group A, which will be held on the seventh of winner was taking it in his stride. up alongside compatriot , a great atmosphere in the squad and he next month at Al Gharafa Stadium in Doha. (QNA) “Kylian is preparing for tomorrow’s Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria. has settled in very quickly.”

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Chelsea seek to add to Arsenal’s Gulf Cup federation celebrates Almoez’s career troubles in London derby QNA Doha Reuters Arsenal technical director Edu’s team mates better,” the Belgium London, England position is also vulnerable after a less striker who joined from Inter Mi- than impressive player recruitment lan said this week. he Arab Gulf Cup Football Federa- policy over the past couple of seasons. “The English game is diff erent tion celebrated the achievements rsenal’s troubled start to His judgement is again being but, for me, it’s not something new. of , the Qatari national the season called into question with the club Whatever plan the coach has, I can team player, who is the fi rst player to could get worse before it apparently on the verge of paying adapt myself and help the team.” Tscore in three tournaments across three dif- gets better as they prepare around 25mn pounds ($34.23mn) Liverpool kick off the weekend ferent continents in the history of Arab and Ato host Chelsea this weekend before for Sheffi eld United goalkeeper with a home game against Burnley to- Gulf football. a trip to champions Manchester Aaron Ramsdale. morrow lunchtime while later in the The federation in a report on its offi cial City a week later. There are also reports of fric- day champions Manchester City host website said, “On this day, Almoez Ali was Optimism was not sky high tion between Arteta and club cap- Norwich City as they seek to bounce born, the beginning was from Mesaimeer amongst Arsenal’s followers in the tain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, back from their surprise opening day Sports Club, then , then lead-up to the new campaign but who missed training on Wednes- defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. Lekhwiya (Al Duhail), in addition to the the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship with 6 the manner of the 2-0 defeat at day and is doubtful for Sunday’s Manchester United’s 5-1 ham- European clubs that he played for, such as goals. newcomers Brentford last week has clash with Chelsea along with fel- mering of Leeds United at Old Traf- Austrian LASK, then Cultural Deportiva In the 2019 Asian Cup, Almoez scored a made it open season on manager low forward Alexandre Lacazette. ford last weekend has prompted talk Leonesa, with whom he scored his fi rst goal. record 9 goals in one edition of the tourna- ’s job prospects, the of a title assault and Ole Gunnar On April 3, 2016, he became the fi rst Qatari ment, including seven in the group stage, club’s recruitment policy and just STARK CONTRAST Solskjaer’s side will look to maintain player to score in one of the Spanish leagues, also a record. He also broke the record held where exactly they are heading. In this August 13, 2021, picture, It is all in stark contrast to the mood the early momentum as they travel before returning to Lekhwiya for the 2016- by , who had 5 goals in the In the fi ckle world of football a Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks at Chelsea who will probably hand a to Southampton on Sunday. 2017 season, to be awarded the Best Un- Asian Cup. win on Sunday against Thomas dejected after the loss at Brentford. second debut to new 97mn pounds Buoyant Brentford face their sec- der-23 Player.” Almoez scored in the semi-fi nal against Tuchel’s Chelsea would smooth the (Reuters) striker Romelu Lukaku this weekend. ond successive London derby, away at The federation added that the player the UAE and then scored the famous goal waters, but few will be wagering Lukaku, unavailable for Chelsea’s Crystal Palace tomorrow, as they look joined the Qatar U19 team, which won the against Japan in the fi nal to set his record, much on Arsenal prevailing in the cover from fi nishing last season in 3-0 opening day cruise past Crystal to continue their dream start to life Asian Youth Championship, and in 2015, also winning the title of best player in the London derby. eighth place. Palace, looks like being the fi nal piece back in the top fl ight after 74 years. joined the U-20 team that participated in tournament. Whereas Chelsea are still basking According to the bookmakers, in Tuchel’s jigsaw puzzle — a genuine Tottenham’s new manager Nuno the World Cup. On August 8, 2016, Almoez His also scored in the 2019 Copa America in becoming European champions Arteta will not be the man to lead the number nine who will give his man- Espirito Santo will be back on fa- participated in his fi rst offi cial match with against Paraguay, before being crowned top and look well-equipped for a title club into a new era with the Spaniard ager yet another attacking option. miliar ground as his side travel to the Qatari team, where he entered as a sub- scorer for the 2021 Gold Cup with four goals, challenge, Arsenal appear to be a even money favourite to be the fi rst “I’ve done a full pre-season. For his former club Wolverhampton stitute, and the team won with two goals thus becoming the fi rst player in history to club in transition as they seek to re- top-fl ight manager to be sacked. now, I just want to get to know my Wanderers on Sunday. against Iraq. He then was the top-scorer in score in three continental tournaments. Gulf Times 2 Friday, August 20, 2021 SPORT

CYCLING Roglic back in red aft er Vuelta summit scramble AFP Other potential GC riders to lose at the pilgrim town Santiago de Com- Cullera, Spain time on the steep incline were Briton postela. Adam Yates who dropped 25sec and “It’s a long way until then,” said the Spain’s Bahrain Victorious leader man who won the Vuelta in 2019 and efending champion Primoz Mikel Landa who was 27sec adrift of 2020. Roglic retook the Vuelta a Roglic on the day. He reclaimed the red jersey from Espana overall lead yester- The defending champion initially Kenny Elissonde of Trek who was day when he led the main took the overall lead by winning the one of the fi rst riders dropped on the contendersD up a steep incline fi nish, opening day time-trial, before giv- slopes up to the fortifi ed summit fi n- just failing however to catch early es- ing it up on day three in the hopes of ish line. caper Magnus Cort Nielsen, who won avoiding the 90-minute daily me- Friday’s stage seven has six climbs, stage six. dia commitment facing the red jer- starting and ending with big ones as The fi nal ascent to a hilltop castle sey holder. “Welcome to my world,” the race heads to a plateau behind the on a sunny afternoon at Cullera was Roglic told Rein Taaramae, who took tourist region of the Costa Blanca. an imposing 1.9km climb at 9.4 per- the red on stage three and then com- cent gradient and delivered a con- plained of how long he had to spend Twins peak in 1-2 finish at frontation between the overall con- in interviews. Cycling’s Tour de l’Avenir tenders. Roglic now leads a trio of Movistar Norway’s Anders Halland Johannes- EF’s Cort Nielsen clung on impres- riders in the overall standings with sen beat his own twin brother To- sively to beat Roglic by a bike length, Enric Mas at 25sec, Miguel Angel bias to the line in the Jura mountains and could barely raise his arms in cel- Lopez at 36 and Alejandro Valverde on stage 6 of the prestigious Tour de ebration at the fi nish. at 41 with Egan Bernal in fi fth, also l’Avenir Cycling race yesterday. “It was very close, I looked back at at just 41sec. The Slovenian appears For under-23s, the race is seen as a 150m and saw Roglic. I’m so happy,” to be on powerful form after crashing test of future talent and was won by said the 28-year-old Dane. out of the Tour de France in July be- Egan Bernal in 2017 and Tadej Pogacar EF teammate, and one of the pre- fore winning Olympic time-trial gold in 2018. Both men went on to win the race fancied riders, Hugh Carthy, was in Tokyo. “At the end I had good legs Tour de France. The Norwegian twins dropped and lost around three min- so I did a little sprint,” he said. are just 21 and Tobias is fourth in the utes after Ineos, Jumbo and Movistar “We’ll see who will be the strong- overall standings at the nine-day powered away in the fi nal part of the est in Santiago,” he said in reference stage race with Dutch rider Mick van Team Jumbo’s Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic celebrates on the podium wearing the overall leader’s red jersey after the 6th stage stage. to the stage 21 individual time-trial Dijk in the lead. of the 2021 La Vuelta in Cullera, Spain, yesterday. (AFP)

CRICKET FOCUS Yorkshire apologise for ‘inappropriate Australia’s Smith, behaviour’ towards former player

Reuters Finch fi t and bound London orkshire have issued an apology to former player Azeem Rafi q following an independent investi- gationY into allegations of insti- tutional racism found he was a for T20 World Cup “victim of inappropriate behav- iour”, the club said yesterday. The investigation was initiat- ‘The last time I spoke to him, he wasn’t having any pain batting so that was a real positive’ ed in September last year to look into allegations made by the off - AFP spinner stretching back to 2008. Sydney Rafi q, a player of Pakistani de- scent and a former of the England Under-19 side, last year teve Smith and Aaron said that he was made to feel like Finch were both in- an “outsider” at Yorkshire and cluded in Australia’s even contemplated taking his squad for the own life. “Many of the allega- WorldS Cup yesterday despite in- tions were not upheld... it is jury struggles, while uncapped right, however, to acknowledge it gets spoiled by the words that wicketkeeper-batsman Josh In- from the outset that several of are used to try and minimise glis was a shock selection. the allegations made by Azeem what actually my allegations Batting lynchpin Smith had were upheld and that sadly, his- were.” been under a cloud after pulling torically, Azeem was the victim The England and Wales crick- out of recent tours to the West of inappropriate behaviour,” et Board (ECB) released a state- Indies and Bangladesh due to a Yorkshire said in a statement. ment commending the player’s left elbow problem. “This is clearly unacceptable. “bravery” and said it “recog- He said last month he could We would like to express our nised both the pain and the dis- sacrifi ce playing at the T20 profound apologies for this.” tress of participating in an in- World Cup to ensure he was Rafi q, however, took to Twit- vestigation into these matters”. fi t for the home Ashes series ter to express his disappoint- “It is critical that Azeem, and against England this year, mak- ment at the fi ndings, calling for others who gave evidence, re- ing clear was his Yorkshire to clearly spell out ceive appropriate support and priority. that he was the subject of racist we are seeking assurances that But he was part of the abuse. “‘Inappropriate behav- this is the case,” said Cindy 15-strong squad named for the iour’, are you sure about that @ Butts, chair of the Independ- tournament from October 17 to YorkshireCCC? You carry on ent Commission for Equity in November 14 in the United Arab playing with your words & fudg- cricket, which was set up by the Emirates and Oman. ing this best way possible... ECB in March to look into issues Finch said this week that It’s not going away,” wrote the relating to race and equity. Smith was “going really well”. 30-year-old. Rafi q played for Yorkshire “The last time I spoke to him, In an interview to Sky Sports from 2008 to 2018 and became he wasn’t having any pain bat- News later yesterday, Rafi q add- their youngest-ever captain af- ting so that was a real positive. ed: “It hurts, it seriously hurts. ter he led the county in a Twen- He’s going to be such an impor- I think at the end of it, there’s ty20 game against Durham in tant part of our campaign,” said some sort of apology, but I think 2012. the captain, who has also been beset by injury. Australia’s Steven Smith celebrates his century during the second ODI against India at the SCG in Sydney on November 29, 2020. (Reuters) Finch underwent knee sur- DECISION gery last week after fl ying home Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cum- ances in white-ball cricket and ton Agar, Adam Zampa and capped by being bowled out for from the Caribbean where he mins, who all opted out of Aus- more recently in the Vitality Maxwell. “Given the amount 62 -their lowest ever T20 score. aggravated it during a T20 tralia’s recent limited-overs (T20) Blast where he topped the of cricket being played at the clash in St Lucia. He missed the tours to rest. Fast bowler Andrew run charts,” said chairman of se- World Cup venues, we expect SQUAD: Aaron Finch (capt), Malaysian MotoGP team’s subsequent ODIs against Tye along with top-order op- lectors George Bailey. the in the UAE to favour , Pat Cummins, Josh the West Indies and their tour of tions Alex Carey, Moises Hen- “He off ers the squad flexibil- slow bowling, particularly in the Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Bangladesh. riques, and Ashton ity in the batting order with his latter stages,” said Bailey. Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Ri- cancelled, replaced Finch’s knee problems fol- Turner were notable omissions, adaptability, counter-attacking Australia head into the World chardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell lowed eye surgery this year after but Inglis surprisingly got the ability and power striking. He is Cup on a miserable run of form. Starc, , Mitchell he complained of blurry vision. nod as back-up gloveman to a player we are excited about for They lost their recent T20 Swepson, Matthew Wade, David by race at Misano But he will lead the team at Matthew Wade. the future.” series to the West Indies 4-1 Warner, Adam Zampa. the World Cup which will also “Josh has been on our radar Selectors opted for four spin- and slumped by the same result Travelling reserves: Dan Chris- AFP this season in Thailand, Japan see the return of , for some time with his perform- ners – Mitchell Swepson, Ash- against Bangladesh in a tour tian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams. Paris and Australia. Misano has stepped in to fi ll Sepang’s place on the calendar he Malaysian MotoGP for what will be its second Mo- Mushfi qur, Liton return to Bangladesh side for NZ T20s scheduled for October toGP weekend in a month, with and August 24 for the series which comes was cancelled yesterday the circuit named after the late were recalled to the national squad ahead of the T20 World Cup in October due to Covid-19 restric- Marco Simoncelli staging the yesterday for next month’s five-match and November in the United Arab Emir- Ttions with the Italian circuit at San Marino Grand Prix on Sep- series against ates and Oman. The matches will be Misano stepping in to replace it, tember 19. “The name of this New Zealand. held behind closed doors on Septem- organisers announced. event will be announced in due Mushfiqur and Liton missed Bangla- ber 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10 at the Sher-e-Bangla “The ongoing Covid-19 pan- course,” the organisers said. desh’s stunning 4-1 T20 thrashing of National Stadium in Dhaka. demic and the resulting entry re- Frenchman Fabio Quartararo Australia earlier this month because of strictions for Malaysia oblige the (Yamaha) leads the champion- Covid-19 rules. Squad: Riyad, (Capt), cancellation of the event,” a joint ship by 47 points from Francesco Opening batsman , who , Mushfiqur Rahim, statement from the sport’s rul- Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati) ahead of was also absent from the Australia Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mosaddek ing body the FIM and promoters the British Grand Prix, the 12th series due to a knee injury, has been Hossain, Afif Hossain, Naim Sheikh, Dorna confi rmed. round of the 2021 season, on Au- left out as he is yet to recover fully. Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shamim Hossain, This is the second year run- gust 29. Batsman Mohamed Mithun was Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, ning the October 24 race in The Sepang cancellation dropped and Bangladesh added leg- , Mohamed Saifuddin, Sepang has been called off be- means that Italian MotoGP leg- spinner Aminul Islam Biplob to the Shoriful Islam, , Mahedi cause of the pandemic. end Valentino Rossi’s fi nal home squad. Hasan, Aminul Islam Biplob, Nasum The Malaysia round of the race before retirement will now The Black Caps arrive in Dhaka on Ahmed. world championship has suf- be on October 24, instead of next fered the same fate as the races month’s fi rst race at Misano. Gulf Times Friday, August 20, 2021 3 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS World No. 2 Osaka felt ‘ungrateful’ for Lucky seventh as her attitude to tennis

Reuters imposed due to the Covid-19 Cincinnati pandemic had made things “really stressful” her but re- cent events in Haiti and Af- aomi Osaka said she ghanistan led to a change in her Zverev fi nally wins had felt “ungrateful” outlook. at times over the last A 7.2-magnitude earthquake year for not fully ap- has killed more than 2,000 Npreciating her life as one of the people in Haiti – the country world’s top tennis players. where her father was born – The world number two while Afghanistan has been in sealed a comeback victory over turmoil. “Seeing the state of Coco Gauff at the Western & the world, like how everything at ATP Cincinnati Southern Open in Cincinnati is in Haiti, Afghanistan right on Wednesday, her fi rst event now, is defi nitely really crazy,” outside the Olympics since she said. ‘I’m happy where I’m at and I’m happy to get my first win in seven years here’ withdrawing from the French “And for me to just be hit- Open in May. ting a tennis ball in the United AFP She pulled out of Roland States right now and have peo- Cincinnati Garros after being punished for ple come and watch me play... I refusing to do media confer- would want to be myself in this ences, saying her mental health situation rather than anyone lympic champion was adversely impacted by cer- else in the world.” Alexander Zverev tain lines of questioning. Osaka will next play Jil struck gold at the ATP Osaka shed tears and brief- Teichmann after the Swiss put Cincinnati Masters on ly left a press conference in out American Bernarda Pera WednesdayO with his fi rst victory Cincinnati on Monday when 6-1, 6-4. at the US Open tuneup event in asked about her relationship Barty will next face two- seven attempts. with the media and returned to time Australian Open cham- The German has been deep the theme on Wednesday. pion Victoria Azarenka. in a rut from his fi rst appear- “I was wondering why was “I feel good. I feel like I’m ance in 2015 at the Midwest US I so aff ected, I guess, like what ready to play,” Barty said. “I’m venue, exiting in the fi rst round made me not want to do me- as close to 100% as I’m ever every time. But that all changed dia,” the 23-year-old told a going to get. as Zverev celebrated success with news conference. “I feel comfortable and ready a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win over South “I’m wondering if I was and excited to be playing here African Lloyd Harris to break scared, because sometimes in Cincinnati and knowing that his duck. “I’m happy where I’m I would see headlines of like we’re moving on to New York, at and I’m happy to get my fi rst players losing and then the one of the best tournaments win in seven years here,” he said. headline the next day would and one of the best atmos- “It’s obviously a great start to the be like a collapse or they’re not pheres in the world, that brings week.” that great anymore. excitement.” The breakthrough victory “So then I was thinking me Angelique Kerber defeated was the seventh in a row for the waking up every day, for me, Elina Svitolina 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 24-year-old. “When I came on I should feel like I’m winning. while former US Open winner court and they said Olympic gold Alexander Zverev of Germany plays Like, the choice to go out there Bianca Andreescu of Canada medallist, it did give me goose- a backhand during his match against and play, to go see fans that lost to Karolina Muchova 6-4, bumps,” Zverev said. Lloyd Harris of South Africa at the people come out and watch me 6-2 in the second round. “It made me a little nervous Western & Southern Open in play, that itself is an accom- Azarenka defeated Alison at the beginning of the match, I Mason, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP) plishment. Riske 6-2, 7-5 while fellow have to say, because it is a special “I’m not sure when along former Grand Slam champions feeling.” the way I started desensitising Petra Kvitova and Jelena Os- Zverev now goes up against that. Like it started not being tapenko both won. Argentine Guido Pella, a winner like an accomplishment for Kvitova stopped Veronika over Italy’s Fabio Fognini 6-1, me. So I felt like I was very un- Kudermetova 6-2, 6-4 while 7-5. Top seed Daniil Medvedev, grateful on that fact.” Ostapenko advanced 6-7 (2/7), last week’s Toronto champion, any man in a fi eld missing the The four-times Grand Slam 5-4 when American Jennifer also advanced in a no-drama 6-2, Opelka, Kyrgios included in Team World for Laver Cup “Big 3” trio of Federer, Rafael champion said the restrictions Brady retired. 6-2 defeat of American Mac- Nadal and Novak Djokovic - all kenzie McDonald that took just American duo Reilly Opelka and so diff erent and so much fun. said yesterday. 20-time Grand Slam champions. an hour for the 2019 Cincinnati John Isner along with Australia’s We come together so well as a Lepchenko provided a urine Olympic silver medallist Karen champion. Nick Kyrgios have been picked group, the chemistry is awesome sample on July 12 during the Khachanov joined Murrray in Number two seed Stefanos as the final players to represent and it’s such a great environ- Hungarian Grand Prix, which defeat as the Russian exited 6-7 Tsitsipas fought off Sebastian Team World at next month’s ment to be part of,” said Isner. was found to contain metabo- (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 to Canada’s 12th- Korda for a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory Laver Cup, tournament organis- The Laver Cup pits six players lites of adrafinil and/or modafinil seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime, that took the Toronto semi-fi nal- ers said yesterday. from Team Europe against six – both substances prohibited by who will face Wimbledon fi nalist ist into the third round. The trio join Canada’s Denis from Team World, with four the World Anti-Doping Agency, Matteo Berrettini for a quarter- The Greek won on his second Shapovalov and Felix Auger- matches played each day (three the ITF added. fi nal place. match point as Korda drove a Aliassime, alongside Argentine singles and a doubles). Team The world number 127 was is- Frenchman Gael Monfi ls forehand long after 97 minutes. Diego Schwartzman. Europe have won all the three sued a pre-charge notice on Aug. earned the 500th match win of Tsitsipas next plays Italy’s “Reilly had a great run last week editions so far. 9 and her provisional suspension his career as he beat Australian Lorenzo Sonego who beat Amer- in Toronto to reach the finals This year’s event will take place came into eff ect yesterday. Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5. Vic- ican Tommy Paul 7-6 (11/9), 6-2. and I’ve been really impressed in Boston from Sept. 24-26. “Lepchenko had (and retains) tory put the 34-year-old into Norway’s eighth-seeded with his recent form,” said Team Meanwhile American Varvara the right to apply to the chair of the third round against sixth Casper Ruud out-aced Ameri- World captain John McEnroe. Lepchenko has been provisional- the independent tribunal con- seed Andrey Rublev, aged just can Reilly Opelka 21 to 17 on his Isner won the Atlanta Open last ly suspended for an anti-doping vened to hear her case why the six when the Frenchman won his way to a 6-7 (5/7), 6-0, 7-6 (7/4) month and reached the semi- rule violation after the 35-year- provisional suspension should fi rst ATP match in 2004. victory. Andy Murray’s wild card finals in Toronto. old returned a positive test for not be imposed (or should be “It was at Metz against Xavier run ended with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 “To be on a team with guys we’re a prohibited substance, the Inter- vacated), but has not exercised Malisse and he retired,” Monfi ls loss to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. normally competing against is national Tennis Federation (ITF) that right,” the ITF said. said. “I remember all of my wins. The Scotsman, who has been I’ve been on the Tour a long time. struggling to re-establish him- spectable 11 aces to the 17 of his season,” he said. “This week my him reconsider his comeback I’m quite blessed in my career.” self on tour after his latest in- ninth-seeded opponent in the body felt good, even if hardcourts were “if my body doesn’t feel American John Isner beat Ital- jury – a groin problem – lost the fi rst-time meeting while saving are not easy on the body. Physi- good “ or “my tennis starts going ian 11th seed Jannik Sinner 5-7, second-round contest in one and four break points. cally I was tired after some of the backwards.” 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. Former cham- three-quarter hours to the player “This week was fairly posi- long rallies, but I felt fi ne.” The two-time Cincinnati win- pion Grigor Dimitrov reached the who knocked Roger Federer out tive. I played much better than The 34-year-old Briton said ner, ranked 105th, owns 14 career third round over Kazakh Alexan- Naomi Osaka of Japan serves to Coco Gauff during their Western of Wimbledon. Murray fi red a re- at Wimbledon and the grass the only factors that would make Masters 1000 titles, the most of der Bublik 6-3, 7-5. & Southern Open match in Mason, Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP)

GOLF RUGBY Korda, Sagstrom share lead Pumas shuffl e backs in search Reuters sey before his early-morning tee of way through Bok defence Carnoustie, United Kingdom time on Thursday. The decision marked the second consecutive Reuters “But I think we can do things Bok coach Jacques Nienaber week Reed has pulled out of a Cape Town better if we implement what we said. “While we were pleased orld number one tournament before the opening train in the week.” with the victory and to start and Olympic cham- round and leaves him with just Domingo Miotti has been our Rugby Championship pion Nelly Korda the August 26-29 BMW Champi- rgentina’s task in drafted in at fl yhalf for Argen- campaign on a winning note, held a share of the onship in Maryland to automati- tomorrow’s Rugby tina for his fi rst test start, while there is a lot of room for im- Wclubhouse lead at the British cally qualify for the Ryder Cup. Championship Test there is also a shuffl e of the provement in our performance. Women’s Open at Carnoustie No reason was given for Reed’s against South Africa back three with Juan Cruz Mal- “We’ve identifi ed a few areas yesterday after an opening- decision to withdraw from the inA Nelson Mandela Bay is to lia in at fullback and Santiago we need to work on if we want round 67. Northern Trust in Jersey City break down a resolute home Carreras moving to the wing. to defend our (Rugby Champi- The American carded eight but multiple media reports said defence that has conceded only Ignacio Mendy, who won an onship) title successfully.” birdies although three dropped he was dealing with an ankle in- four tries in their last 10 match- Olympic bronze medal in the Both teams will later face shots left her tied on fi ve-under jury. Reed is ninth in the US Ryder es, but it is an assignment much Rugby Sevens in Tokyo, will Australia and New Zealand with Sweden’s Madelene Sag- Cup standings. The top six golfers easier said than done. be given his debut as Ledesma in two Tests each, though the strom who dropped a shot at the in the standings after the BMW The visitors were kept tryless admits he is looking towards venue for these is still being 18th. Korda is bidding to con- Championship qualify for the in last weekend’s 32-12 defeat the next Rugby World Cup in discussed. tinue a sensational year having American team that will face Eu- at the same venue in which the France in two years’ time. won the PGA Championship and rope in the Sept. 24-26 Ryder Cup Boks claimed a bonus point for “Miotti has always been en- TEAM (15-1) Olympic gold, although she ad- at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. their three scores, and with the tering at the end of games, but Juan Cruz Mallia; Ignacio mitted after her round she was The remaining six players on hosts having now picked a team we are working with him. He Mendy, Santiago Choco- feeling a little jaded. the team will be selected and an- that looks much closer to their raised his hand and it’s part of bares, Jeronimo de la Fuente, “Honestly we didn’t have nounced by US Ryder Cup cap- fi rst-choice selection, Argen- what we talked about in terms Santiago Carreras; Domingo much wind today. It was very tain Steve Stricker following the tina’s task will be harder. of training players for France Miotti, Gonzalo Bertranou; Ro- chilly in the morning but other Nelly Korda of the US in action during the first round of the AIG Sept. 2-5 Tour Championship. Keeping the Boks at bay will 2023.” drigo Bruni, Guido Petti, Pablo than that the wind kept calm Women’s Open in Carnoustie, Scotland, yesterday. (Reuters) In his most recent start, Reed likely not be enough to win the The Boks will not deviate Matera; Tomas Lavanini, Matias and I took advantage of it,” Korda tied for 31st at the WGC-FedEx game, Argentina must fi nd a from their plans, especially as Alemanno; Francisco Gomez told Sky Sports. ter 12 holes while Korda’s com- REED WITHDRAWS FROM St. Jude Invitational in Memphis way to disrupt the home set- they return to much the same Kodela, Julian Montoya (capt), “I am a little tired but I will patriot Andrea Lee, ranked 143rd PLAYOFFS OPENER two weeks ago. Prior to that, he piece, and accumulate points side that won the British & Irish Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro still give it my all these next few in the world, was at four-under Patrick Reed’s hopes of qualify- earned a share of 22nd place in through time spent in the Bok Lions series, bar some changes Replacements: Facundo Bosch, days. I will go home next week for her round after 16 holes. Last ing for this year’s US Ryder Cup the Tokyo Olympics men’s golf 22. “We didn’t execute well at the front of the scrum. Facundo Gigena, Santiago and sleep in my bed for the fi rst year’s winner Sophia Popov was team took a hit as the former tournament where he was a late last weekend because we were “Argentina will come hard Medrano, Marcos Kremer, time in six weeks so that’ll be struggling at two-over after 12 Masters champion withdrew addition to the fi eld after Bryson under pressure from the South at us, so we know we need to Juan Martin Gonzalez, Felipe nice.” South Korea’s Kim Sei- holes after a double-bogey at the from the opening event of the DeChambeau tested positive for African defence,” Argentina perform much better than last Ezcurra, Nicolas Sanchez, young was also at fi ve-under af- 10th hole. FedExCup Playoff s in New Jer- Covid-19. coach Mario Ledesma said. week to get the desired result,” Lucio Cinti.

Friday, August 20, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

GCC Aquatics Championships

The Qatar national swimming team shone on the first day of the 28th GCC Aquatic Championships at Hamad Aquatic Complex yesterday. In the morning session alone, Qatari swimmers landed 9 golds out of a possible 12. The four-day championships will see competitions across three sporting disciplines — swimming, diving and . The Qatari teams completed their preparations for the tournament, with the swimming and water polo teams attending two camps in Bulgaria, and the diving team setting up camp in Belarus.

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Kante, Jorginho up for UEFA prize Inter’s turbulent part in Euro 2020, 80 coaches AFP Paris, France of the clubs which played in the group stages of last season’s Champions League and Europa helsea duo N’Golo Kante League, as well as one journalist and Jorginho have been from each of UEFA’s 55 member shortlisted for the UEFA associations. men’s player of the year Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel was summer leaves Cprize for the 2020-21 season shortlisted for the coach prize alongside Manchester City along with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, European foot- Pep Guardiola and Roberto Man- ball’s governing body announced cini, who led Italy to European yesterday. Championship glory. The winner will be revealed The three players on the short- at a ceremony in Istanbul next list for the women’s prize are Thursday, August 26, when the Jennifer Hermoso, Lieke Martens crown up for grabs draw for this season’s Champi- and Alexia Putellas, all of whom ons League will also take place. won the Champions League with Midfi eld duo Jorginho and Barcelona. Dumfries and Lukaku replacement Dzeko key to Inzaghi’s chances at Inter Kante both starred as Chelsea Lluis Cortes of the Catalan beat De Bruyne’s City 1-0 in the club was listed for the women’s AFP four on his return to club manage- Champions League fi nal in Porto coach award along with Peter Rome, Italy ment after two years away. in May. Gerhardsson, who won the Ol- Jorginho then helped Italy win ympic silver medal with Sweden, FANS RETURN Euro 2020. and Emma Hayes of Chelsea, nter Milan kick off the new Supporters will fi nally be able The shortlist was selected by a English Women’s Super League Serie A season tomorrow in to watch the unfolding drama jury composed of the coaches of champions and Champions the midst of fan protests and in stadiums after the Italian the 24 national teams who took League runners-up. money troubles that threat- government permitted clubs to Ien to derail their title defence open their stadiums to 50% ca- before it has even begun. pacity earlier in the month. UPDATE A dramatic summer for the The decision came after clubs champions reached its lowest railed against the previous leg- ebb last week when star striker islation which also permitted Romelu Lukaku was sold to grounds to be as much as half Qatar SC end camp Chelsea, a transfer that enraged full, but included social dis- not just supporters but report- tancing rules which would have edly also CEO Giuseppe Marotta meant up to three quarters of in Serbia; Umm Salal and new coach Simone Inzaghi. places in some grounds being The Gazzetta dello Sport re- unavailable to fans. ported that Inter’s cash-strapped Italian Football Federa- to play friendlies Chinese owners Suning forced the tion (FIGC) president Gabriele sale of Belgium forward Lukaku Gravina welcomed the move QNA Ze Ricardo is looking to take ad- after having already offl oaded but insisted that it was simply Doha vantage of the good capabilities buccaneering right-back Achraf a “fi rst step towards our aim of that the team possesses after Hakimi, a key fi gure in their fi rst having our stadiums full as soon their ranks were strengthened by Serie A triumph since 2010, to as possible”. atar SC concluded many strong signings. Paris Saint-Germain. Last month the FIGC laid out their training camp On the other hand, Umm Salal The club’s fi nancial problems In this September 15, 2019, picture, Roma’s Edin Dzeko (left) is tackled by Sassuolo’s Vlad Chiriches during demands to the government in the Serbian city of SC announced the programme of were clear well before the league the Serie A match in Rome. Inter Milan has brought in Dzeko to replace Romelu Lukaku (not pictured). which as well as asking for tax Belgrade by winning their upcoming friendly matches crown was claimed, and last relief included a request to cre- theirQ third friendly match on in its external camp in Turkey, in month previous coach Antonio Dutch defender Denzel Dum- added Euro star Manuel Loc- Jose Mourinho at Roma, who on ate a ‘Save Football Fund’ man- Wednesday against FC Vozdovac preparation for the new season. Conte left Inter knowing his fries, however, is an intrigu- atelli to a midfi eld which was Tuesday celebrated the arrival of aged by the FIGC which would 2-1, as part of their preparations The team is scheduled to play team could be dismantled. ing choice for the vacant spot the Old Lady’s weak point under Tammy Abraham from Chelsea. receive one % of all bets placed for the 2021/2022 season of the three matches during the com- They are still strong in key ar- at right-back after his exciting Andrea Pirlo last season. Mourinho was welcomed on any sporting event. QNB Stars League, which will be ing period, all of which will be eas and have one of Italy’s Euro displays at Euro 2020. Rumours of Cristiano Ronal- back to Italy this summer, mem- Another test for the league launched on September 11. with Kuwaiti teams residing in 2020 heroes in Nicolo Barella, How he and Dzeko fare will be do’s desire to leave Juve have not ories of treble glory at Inter over will be how its new main broad- Qatar SC had played two Turkey during the same period. but the squad has certainly been key to Inzaghi’s chances at Inter dampened enthusiasm around a decade ago leaving Roma fans caster DAZN performs. The friendly matches, losing in the While the fi rst match was played downgraded. after doing an excellent job on a the team’s chances as the chaos hoping the once Special One’s streaming platform outbid fi rst against Saudi Arabia’s Qad- against SC yesterday, two Lukaku has been replaced small budget at Lazio. that has enveloped Inter and star has not defi nitively waned. Sky for the 2021-2024 rights sia 3-0, and losing against Oman other friendlies are set for to- with Edin Dzeko, a capable for- Allegri’s return have boosted Elsewhere Maurizio Sarri will in March and will be expected 1-0. morrow (Al-Shabab) and August ward familiar with Serie A, but ALLEGRI’S JUVE LURKING hopes in Turin of reclaiming the try to bring his brand of passing to supply coverage of Serie A The technical staff of Qatar 26 (Al Arabi). the Bosnia striker is 35 years Ready to pounce will be Juven- title from their old enemies. football to Lazio while Luciano to millions in a country where SC is seeking, through friendly Umm Salal had played another old and scored just seven league tus, who have Massimiliano Al- Also sniffi ng to overtake Inter Spalletti has a chance to get a tal- digital development lags behind matches, to reach the best pos- friendly against Turkish team goals last season. legri back at the controls and is a new cast of managers led by ent-packed Napoli back in the top other European countries. sible readiness. Brazilian coach Fethiye Sport, and won 3-1.

Al Sadd back in training Al Duhail resume training aft er Barcelona camp aft er returning from camp in Austria Reigning QNB Stars League champi- ons Al Sadd resumed their training Al Duhail resumed their training after in Doha on Wednesday after the returning from the overseas camp in conclusion of their pre-season camp in Austria, ahead of the start of new foot- Barcelona, Spain, from August 2-14. ball season (2021-22). The players had The team trained in the absence of play- their first training session in Doha on ers who are currently with the Qatar na- Wednesday at the club’s training field. tional team preparing for the 2022 FIFA Al Duhail’s website said the training World Cup’s European qualifiers. Also would continue on a daily basis until missing were Al Sadd’s Qatar Olympic the international players join their team players, who are bracing for the teammates. AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Al Duhail had played three friendly Al Sadd’s technical staff , led by Spaniard matches during their overseas camp, Xavi Hernandez, was keen to increase where they beat Austrian clubs Schwe- the players’ physical capabilities espe- chat (2-0) and Admira (5-1) before cially since they were coming from a losing to Albanian side Kukesi 1-2. break, according to the club’s website. The Red Knights’ new Portuguese Al Sadd played two friendly matches coach Luis Castro, who took over from during their overseas camp, beating Frenchman , is keen on Spanish club UD Figueres 5-3 and los- preparing his players so that they face ing to Sabadell, also of Spain, 2-3. up to the challenges of new season.