Sport MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020 XaviXavi happy after Al Sadd's fourth win in a row against Al Duhail WeWe werew better than Al Duhail from the beginning of the match; we concededcon an early goal, but we maintained our way of playing aand we continued in the same manner. When we scored the equaliser, the situation changed and we got a four-goal win.

Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez Sport |11

PREMIER LEAGUE: YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Aston Villa 3-4 Southampton, Newcastle 2-1 Everton, Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal Mercedes seal record 7th straight constructors' championship title Hamilton clinches 93rd win at Imola

AFP - IMOLA

Lewis Hamilton made the most ooff his luck to lead team-mate Valtterierri Bottas home in yesterday's Emilia-iaa-- Romagna Grand Prix as Mercedesdees sealed a record seventh consec-ecc- utive constructors' championshiphipp triumph. The six-time champion cap-ap- italised on pole-sitter Bottas's iillll fortune in picking up a debris-is- damaged floor to win withh a near-flawless tactical drive andnd the fastest lap of a dramatic and incident-filled race at Imola. Hamilton recovered from a poor start, when he dropped to third, to fight back with a Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with the trophy long first stint and the aid of a after winning the Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix yesterday. timely Virtual Safety Car (VSC)C) intervention to grab the lead onn a RIGHT: Hamilton crosses the finish line to win the race. memorable day for the 'silver arrows'. "That was an exhausting race," Verstappen surged past Hamilton puncture -- as he braked and he F1 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX RESULTS Daniel Ricciardo finished third said Hamilton. for second. lost control, crashing into a gravel 1. (2) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 63 laps, 1:28:32.430, 26 points. for Renault ahead of Daniil Kvyat "The speed we had to go after On lap nine, after an excellent trap and out of the race. 2. (1) Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 63, +5.783 seconds, 18. of Alpha Tauri and Ferrari's a poor start - it's just over- start, Pierre Gasly was called in to A full Safety Car period ensued, 3. (5) Daniel Ricciardo, Renault, 63, +14.320, 15. Charles Leclerc after Max Ver- whelming now because there are retire his Alpha Tauri from fifth. during which both Bottas and 4. (8) Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 63, +15.141, 12. stappen had crashed out of the so many people in the team who "We have a terminal situation, we Hamilton pitted, before Russell 5. (7) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 63, +19.111, 10. race in his Red Bull in the closing are unsung heroes. have to box and retire," said the crashed, while weaving to warm 6. (11) Sergio Perez, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 63, +19.652, 8. stages. He was unhurt. "I'm forever grateful to be a team, citing a coolant leak. his tyres behind the Safety Car. 7. (10) Carlos Sainz Jr, McLaren Renault, 63, +20.230, 6. Sergio Perez was sixth for part of it and it always feels like Verstappen came in on lap 19, All this drama left Hamilton 8. (9) Lando Norris, McLaren Renault, 63, +21.131, 4. Racing Point, Carlos Sainz finished the first time." releasing Hamilton. leading Bottas, when the Safety 9. (18) Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 63, +22.224, 2. seventh ahead of his McLaren Mercedes team boss Toto The champion produced suc- Car came in, for a six-lap dash to 10. (20) Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 63, +26.398, 1. team-mate Lando Norris and the Wolff said: "I'm not so much into cessive fastest laps to lead by 25 the flag in which the luckless two Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raik- the numbers, but this is something seconds before Mercedes told Albon spun, while defending DRIVER STANDINGS konen, in his 325th Grand Prix to be proud of - as long as we can Bottas his floor was damaged. against Perez. 1. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 256 points. race, and Antonio Giovinazzi. stay energised and motivated, I Bottas then slid wide at He pitted and fell to 15 th and 2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 179. It was Hamilton's record- think we can push it for ever. We Rivazza and Verstappen seized his last as the 'black arrows' finished 3. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 162. increasing 93rd victory in a race are looking forward to a new chance to take second. With 16 with another one-two triumph. 4. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 80. that saw him complete 5000 laps challenge." laps to go, the Dutchman began Formula One takes a break 5. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 75. as a race leader. The Mercedes On a near-perfect autumnal his chase after Hamilton, who led next weekend before returning for one-two finish also not only afternoon with temperatures of by 14 seconds. the Turkish Grand Prix on MANUFACTURERS STANDINGS secured the teams' title, but also 18 and 25 degrees for air and track, His charge was soon over. On November 15 where Hamilton 1. Mercedes, 435, 2. Red Bull Racing Honda, 226, 3. Racing Point BWT ensured that a Mercedes driver will Bottas made an equally bright start lap 51, his car failed - seemingly could wrap up a record-equalling Mercedes, 126, 4. McLaren Renault, 124, 5. Renault, 120, 6. Ferrari, 93. take the drivers' championship. from his 15th pole while due to an instant right-rear seventh drivers' crown. Qatar Classic begins Super-sub Ronaldo back with Qatar's Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi in action against Englishman Patrick a brace as Juventus win 4-1 Rooney during their first round match of AFP – MILAN Qatar Classic Squash Juventus’ Portuguese striker Championship which Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to kicked off at Khalifa Cristiano Ronaldo came off the score against Spezia during International and bench to score a brace on his the Italian Serie A match Squash Complex return from coronavirus as played at The Dino Manuzzi yesterday. Al Tamimi Juventus got back to winning Stadium in Cesena, yesterday. won the match 3-2. ways in Serie A with a 4-1 victory against promoted Spezia yesterday. The champions ended a run of three consecutive draws to move second in Serie A, four points behind leaders AC Milan, who beat Udinese 2-1 earlier in the day thanks to a spectacular late winner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ronaldo replaced Paulo Dybala in the 56th minute in Cesena with the match level after Tommaso Pobega had cancelled out Alvaro Morata's opener for Juventus. But the Portuguese striker put Juve in front just three minutes later. Adrien Rabiot grabbed a third on 68 minutes, with The nine-time defending offside against Barca, he had The 39-year-old has scored Ronaldo scoring a second from champions had won their another one ruled out nine seven goals in four league the penalty spot with 15 minutes opener against Sampdoria in minutes later. games having missed the other to go for his fifth goal in three September, their only league But Pobega's deflected shot two after contracting Covid-19. league games this season. victory on the pitch, before past Gianluigi Buffon pulled The Swedish star set up "Cristiano is back. This is the three draws. Spezia level after half an hour. Franck Kessie for the opener important thing," said Ronaldo, Between those matches Ronaldo ran onto Morata's after 18 minutes before Rodrigo who had been furious at missing they were awarded a 3-0 through ball before rounding de Paul pulled Udinese level Juventus' Champions League victory after Napoli refused to the goalkeeper and tapping three minutes after the break 2-0 defeat in midweek by travel to Turin on October 4 home to put Juve back in front. from the penalty spot, beating Lionel Messi's Barcelona. because of coronavirus cases. Rabiot also came off the Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi "I was stopped for a long Before Ronaldo took to the bench to score, with a foul on Donnarumma on his return time even though I had no pitch, Juventus had laboured Federico Chiesa giving Ronaldo from coronavirus. symptoms and felt good. Today against 16th-placed Spezia, his chance for a second goal on But Ibrahimovic snatched I got back to doing what I like, playing their first ever top-flight 75 minutes. the three points seven minutes playing football." campaign. AC Milan extended their from time, acrobatically out- Ronaldo had been Covid- Morata netted after quarter unbeaten streak as Ibrahimovic witting Udinese defenders A scene from the positive for 19 days after a test of an hour from Weston McK- scored an acrobatic late winner Rodrigo Becao and Sebastien De match played on the while on national duty with ennie's cross, but after seeing to seal a win over lowly Maio, to smash an overhead kick glass court. Portugal, missing four games. three goals disallowed for Udinese. past goalkeeper Juan Musso. MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

Klopp hails Xavi happy after Al Sadd's fourth Phillips for strong win in a row against Al Duhail league debut QNA – DOHA Al Sadd's Guilherme celebrates after scoring during the Amir REUTERS – LONDON Al Sadd defeated Al Duhail 4-1 in HH Cup semi-final on Saturday. the Amir Cup semi-final on Saturday. Liverpool manager Juergen Speaking at the press con- Klopp described central ference after the match, Xavi said, defender Nathaniel Phillips as “We feel very happy after this a “monster” in the air after the deserved victory. We were better 23-year-old’s dominating than Al Duhail from the beginning performance on his Premier of the match; we conceded an League debut in Saturday’s 2-1 early goal, but we maintained win over West Ham United. our way of playing and we con- Thrust into the starting tinued in the same manner. side in the absence through When we scored injury of Virgil van Dijk, Joel the equaliser, Matip and Fabinho, Phillips the situation kept West Ham’s attackers at changed and bay with his no-nonsense we got a four- defending to earn praise from goal win.” his manager. He added, “I have never seen Al Duhail “He’s a brilliant guy, a defend in their half during my career, but smart guy, intelligent, every- this happened, and today Al Sadd came thing. He knows... we both to dominate Qatari football with the won- laugh about it... I was not really derful performance and what everyone As for Al Sadd’s preparations for the We are currently going through an easy on the eye and he’s not saw on the pitch.” final against Al Arabi, Xavi said, “Now, it’s excellent period and I told the players that easy on the eye, we’re both not “I’m very happy to beat Al Duhail for the time to be happy with the result and we want to win every match, especially (Lionel) Messi but who cares,” the fourth time in a row. We achieved our enjoy reaching the final. We will not think as we are Al Sadd, and we cannot make Klopp told the BBC on first goal, which was to reach the final, about the final against Al Arabi now.” excuses.” Saturday. and our second goal is to win this pres- “We defeated Al Duhail, one of the best Xavi concluded, “There is still time “In the air he’s a monster tigious trophy. It was possible to score Qatari teams, and facing Al Arabi will be for the final, and Al Arabi is an excellent and he loves having challenges more goals. The result does not tell us very difficult.” team with a good coach, so it will be on the pitch. He was incredible completely about the whole match, He added, “We will focus on the league an important final and a difficult for his first game. I’m pretty because we deserved more goals.” in the coming period and we cannot relax. match.” sure everybody can imagine how nervy that can be after a long wait.” Klopp said Phillips, who played his first competitive Arsenal beat United to end wait for EPL win at Old Trafford game for the team in last sea- son’s FA Cup victory over REUTERS – MANCHESTER de Beek late in the game but Solskjaer’s Everton, might not have been 100th game as manager ended in a defeat at Anfield this season. Arsenal ended their five-year wait for a which leaves them in 15th place with just “It’s a crazy story. Three Premier League away win against ‘Big Six’ seven points from six games. years ago he was on his way opposition with a second half Pierre- Arsenal move up to eighth on 12 points. to America to go to college. Emerick Aubameyang penalty giving them Solskjaer opted to start with Pogba in a Then he came to our second a 1-0 win at Manchester United yesterday. Premier League game for the first time since team, then we found him, he The Gunners had not enjoyed such a their 6-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur last trained with us and impressed win in 29 games since their victory at Man- month but neither he nor the most advanced us,” Klopp said. chester City in January 2015. midfielder Bruno Fernandes were able to “In the summer, 12 Cham- The result leaves United still without get a firm grip on the game. pionship (second tier) teams a win at Old Trafford in the Premier Mason Greenwood forced a save out of wanted him. It was clear he League this season and it was a disap- Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno, from a tight would go and I was fine with pointing performance from Ole Gunnar angle in the 21st minute but the Gunners it at that moment but it didn’t Solskjaer’s side after their impressive pinned United back for long stages with their work out. Good for us. Tonight display in the 5-0 win over RB Leipzig in impressive pressing. Arsenal’s Brazilian he was spot on, helped the the Champions League in midweek. The winger Willian clipped the cross-bar in the team incredibly. It was a good decisive moment came when Paul Pogba 39th minute and Aubameyang drifted a shot performance.” stood on Hector Bellerin’s foot inside the just wide after the interval. Victory thanks to a late area and Aubameyang kept his cool to But Pogba’s ill-advised challenge Diogo Jota strike took reigning convert the spot-kick. decided the outcome and left Solskjaer with champions Liverpool to the Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores their first goal from the penalty spot. United did hit the post through a some more thinking to do about how best top of the table with 16 points deflected shot from substitute Donny van to organise his midfield. from seven matches. Wilson strikes twice as Newcastle Ibrahimovic's overhead kick beat high-flying Everton 2-1 seals AC Milan win at Udinese

REUTERS – LONDON ended with French forward Allan from the end of normal time after Saint-Maximin getting a stinging defender Yerry Mina got caught out Newcastle United striker Callum shot which Olsen was able to parry. of position. Wilson scored twice to hand high- That turned out to be the only Calvert-Lewin scored a flying Everton their second straight effort on target in a drab first half stoppage-time consolation goal for Premier League defeat as they as Everton, who were missing Everton but Newcastle survived to went down 2-1 at St. James’ Park James Rodriguez through injury take a win that puts them in 10th yesterday despite a late charge led and the suspended Richarlison, position on 11 points, while Everton by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. struggled to create any more of are second on 13, three points Carlo Ancelotti dropped goal- note. behind Merseyside rivals keeper Jordan Pickford, whose Newcastle went ahead when Liverpool. mistakes have cost Everton a Wilson scored from the spot fol- “We knew what this kind of game number of goals so far this season, lowing an innocuous foul by Andre would be like. We didn’t have oppor- and gave a debut to Swedish inter- Gomes on the striker in the 54th tunities... we had a good reaction to national Robin Olsen, who joined minute, and following a short VAR 2-0 down but it was not enough,” a AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan from AS Roma on loan at the review he stroked the ball home. disappointed Ancelotti said. Ibrahimovic shoots to score against beginning of October. Olsen continued to stand firm “We need to recover some Udinese during the Italian Serie A The Swede had to be on his toes in goal for Everton but Wilson players who are injured but we match at the Friuli Stadium in Udine, on the half-hour mark when New- managed to add a second goal need to be focused. It is a moment yesterday. AC Milan consolidated castle quickly counter-attacked when he bundled home a cross that we suffer a bit after a good top spot in Serie A with a 2-1 win. from an Everton corner. The move from Ryan Fraser five minutes start,” he added. Barcelona held by 10-man Alaves to extend winless streak

AFP – MADRID Ansu Fati with 12 minutes left was Rioja capitalised, robbing him of the particularly surprising given Fati had ball and tapping into an open net. Barcelona made it four La Liga been arguably Barcelona’s most dan- Koeman made three changes at games without a win on Saturday gerous player, perhaps even more half-time, but Barca found it difficult after failing to beat 10-man Alaves, threatening than Lionel Messi, who to break down the Alaves defence a 1-1 draw leaving Ronald Koeman’s endured a frustrating night. until Peleteiro gave them an opening. side sitting 12th in the table. Messi has still not scored in open He booted Pique in the face to earn Luis Rioja put Alaves in front at play this season and while he was at a second yellow card in the 62nd Mendizorrotza after an error from the heart of almost every Barca minute and in the 63rd, Griezmann Barca goalkeeper Neto, with Antoine attack, his touch and finishing was equalised, an exquisite, lifted finish Griezmann equalising in the second again not as crisp as usual. He was pulling Barcelona level. It was almost half, a minute after Jota Peleteiro was booked in the first half for dissent. 2-1 a minute later but Messi’s finish sent off. Fati and Griezmann both missed was well saved while Griezmann had But with almost half an hour left early chances while a Messi free-kick a second ruled out for offside. Fati and an extra man, Barcelona were would have gone in had Florian fired at goal before going off and still unable to find a winner, instead Lejeune not been perfectly placed Pique’s finish was cleared off the line. settling for a draw to go with recent on the line. Alaves held on. defeats by Getafe and Real Madrid, Frenkie de Jong was unlucky not Eden Hazard earlier scored his and another draw against Sevilla. to have had a penalty when nudged first goal for Real Madrid in over a It means Madrid, who had earlier out of a free header by Ximo Navarro year while his team appear to have won 4-1 at home to Huesca, now sit before a Barca mistake gifted Alaves turned a corner after their com- eight points clear of their Catalan the opening goal. fortable win over Huesca. Karim rivals while Atletico are six ahead Gerard Pique underestimated Benzema and Fede Valverde made after they beat Osasuna 3-1. Atletico how close Neto was to him and the the win secure before Huesca scored will go top if they win a game in defender’s firmly hit backpass caught through David Ferreiro, only for Argentine forward Lionel Messi shoots the ball during the La Liga match between Deportivo hand. the goalkeeper by surprise. Neto Benzema to add his second and Alaves and Barcelona at the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria, on Saturday. Koeman’s decision to take off failed to clear or adjust his feet and Madrid’s fourth in injury-time. 10 SPORT MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020 Qatar Classic: Mohamed ElShorbagy begins quest to reclaim No.1 spot YESTERDAY'S Al Tamimi clears first hurdle as RESULTS ROUND 1

Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 3-0 Gaultier books clash with Marwan [wc] Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (31m) FAWAD HUSSAIN Qatar's Abdulla Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 3-0 THE PENINSULA Mohd Al Tamimi Ramit Tandon (Ind) in action against 11-6, 11-6, 11-2 (24m) Abdulla Al Tamimi is known as Englishman Patrick George Parker (Eng) 3-2 Victor one of the most unpredictable Rooney during their Crouin (FRA) players on the men’s tour first round match of 9-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9 (66m) because he can win a point from Qatar Classic Squash Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 3-1 any position in the court with Championship which Nicolas Mueller (Sui) kicked off at Khalifa his fierce shot-making. It was 11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7 (41m) International and the same feature that gave the Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-1 Qatari star edge over Patrick Squash Complex yesterday. Al Tamimi Dimitri Steinmann (Sui) Rooney yesterday as he moved 5-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 (43m) into the second round of the won the match 3-2. Cesar Salazar (Mex) 3-0 Auguste Qatar Classic Squash Champi- Dussourd (FRA) onship after an exciting five- game win over his English 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 (28m) opponent. [wc] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 3-1 World No.30 Al Tamimi, Iker Pajares (Esp) Qatar’s top ranked player, got 10-12, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 (57m) off to a sloppy start in his first Borja Golan (Esp) 3-0 Benjamin competitive match after a long Aubert (FRA) break due to COVID-19 restric- 11-3, 11-2, 11-8 (23m) tions, but the 25-year-old reju- Lucas Serme (FRA) 3-1 Todd venated well to score a 10-12, Harrity (USA) 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3 victory in 54 11-5, 12-14, 11-4, 14-12 (64m) minutes, one of the longest Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0 matches of the first round at Mazen Gamal (EGY) Khalifa International Tennis and 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 (41m) Squash Complex, yesterday. Abdulla Al Tamimi (QAT) 3-2 “It’s tough playing here at Patrick Rooney (Eng) 10-12, 11-3, home,” Al Tamimi said on the 11-8, 8-11, 11-3 (54m) court in a post-match comment. Tom Richards (Eng) 3-0 Nathan “I need to raise my level always. I just want to make the Lake (Eng) whole country proud. I had 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (33m) some great performances last Shahjahan Khan (USA) 3-1 year, so I had a lot of pressure nothing. I think its (the errors) form taking a 9-0 lead in no round clash with Peru’s World “Marwan has been playing Vikram Malhotra (Ind) on me coming into this first just from a lack of matches and time, eventually finishing the No.7 Diego Elias. well at the last few events, he 11-9, 3-11, 11-4, 11-3 (35m) round, especially with the I’m really glad I got through this second game in just seven “We’re really good friends even came to Prague to train Eain Yow Ng (Mas) 3-1 Karim El lockdown we’ve been having one,” he said. minutes. With his deadly and I’m really looking forward with me in September. He’s been Hammamy (EGY) because of COVID-19. I haven’t The rustiness was obvious backhand drop and nick shots, to it,” Al Tamimi said about his improving a lot and it’s going to 8-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-5 (46m) had any matches since February in the first round as the Qatari Al Tamimi then took a 2-1 lead match with Elias. “I think it’s be a tough match, but I’ll do my Richie Fallows (Eng) 3-0 Tayyab in Chicago,” the highest ranked made seven unforced errors to before Rooney forced the going to be a hell of a match and recovery and I’ll be up for it,” he Aslam (Pak) Qatari player of all time, said. give first game advantage to decisive game. I’m sure it’s going to be fair and said. 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 (41m) “I only played one match Rooney, who was listed 52nd in The fifth game started with entertaining for everybody. I’m Earlier, World No.42 George Declan James (Eng) 3-0 against Tarek (Momen) in Man- latest world rankings, a long rally, with Tamimi sure against Diego I’ll be a lot Parker twice made comebacks Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT) chester and when I came back yesterday. winning the first point of final sharper,” he added. to overcome Frenchman Victor 11-1, 11-8, 11-1 (24m) I had to do two weeks quar- But after losing the first game. He dominated from there Also yesterday, the other two Crouin, in another thrilling battle antine, so all that work went for game, Al Tamimi came back to on to book tomorrow’s second Qatari players - Abdulrahman yesterday. Al Malki and Syed Azlan Amjad The game lasted for 66 TODAY’S Former World No.1 Gregory Gaultier in action fell at first hurdles, losing to Eng- minutes, yesterday’s longest against Spain’s Iker Pajares Bernabeu. lishman Declan James and match with Parker winning it ORDER OF Egypt’s Mohamed ElSherbini. 9-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-9. He will face Egypt’s World No. 2 PLAY Gaultier books clash with Mohamed ElShorbagy, who Marwan ElShorbagy will begin his quest to reclaim SECOND ROUND his top ranking from compa- Meanwhile, former World triot Ali Farag, today. 11.00 Gregoire Marche (FRA) vs No.1 Gregory Gaultier was also ElShorbagy have the oppor- Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) engaged in an absorbing battle tunity to retake top spot if he 11.45 Saurav Ghosal (Ind) vs against Spain’s Iker Pajares wins title – and Farag fails to Bernabeu yesterday which the reach the final in Doha. Raphael Kandra (GER) Frenchman won 3-1 (10-12, 11-3, Elsewhere, Frenchman 13.30 Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) vs 11-9, 11-8) in 57 minutes. Lucas Serme advanced in the Cesar Salazar (Mex) Gaultier, who took wildcard $175,000 event with win over 14.15 Omar Mosaad (EGY) vs on his return after 14 months, top-ranked American Todd Borja Golan (Esp) will clash with Egypt’s World Harrity, while England’s World 16.00 [6] Marwan ElShorbagy Tour Finals winner Marwan No.55 Richie Fallows was first (EGY) vs [wc] Gregory Gaultier ElShorbagy - a World No.6 in round’s last winner after he (FRA) current rankings – in the second recorded win over Pakistan’s 16.45 [4] Paul Coll (Nzl) vs round today. World No.44 Tayyab Aslam in Baptiste Masotti (FRA) “I’m very thankful to the straight games. Qatar Squash Federation for The second round, which 18.30 [7] Simon Rosner (GER) vs giving me the opportunity to will continue for two days, will Fares Dessouky (EGY) get the wildcard to play,” said also see newly-crowned World 19.15 [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy Gaultier, the 2011 Qatar Classic No.1 Farag taking on Fallows (EGY) vs George Parker (Eng) champion. tomorrow. Iftikhar, Babar seal series win for Pakistan Morgan, Cummins AFP – RAWALPINDI SCOREBOARD star as Kolkata push ZIMBABWE PAKISTAN Spinner Iftikhar Ahmed grabbed B. Chari c Haider b Ashraf ...... 25 Imam-ul-Haq c Taylor b Chisoro ...... 49 a maiden five-wicket haul while C. Chibhabha c Rizwan b Rauf ...... 6 Abid Ali c Ervine b Chisoro ...... 22 Royals out of IPL Babar Azam notched a half- C. Ervine b Musa ...... 3 Babar Azam not out ...... 77 century as Pakistan thumped B. Taylor c Imam b Ahmed ...... 36 Haider Ali lbw b Chisoro ...... 29 Zimbabwe by six wickets to win S. Williams c Afridi b Ahmed ...... 75 Mohammad Rizwan not out ...... 1 AGENCIES – DUBAI W. Madhevere c sub (Zaman) b Ahmed Iftikhar Ahmed not out ...... 16 the second one-day international 10 in Rawalpindi yesterday. Extras: (b4, lb2, w8) ...... 14 Pat Cummins claimed four wickets and skipper Eoin Morgan Sikandar Raza c and b Ahmed ...... 2 Total: (35.2 overs; four wkts) ....208 Ahmed spun a web around T. Chisoro lbw b Ahmed ...... 7 Did not bat: Faheem Ashraf, Imad scored 68 as Kolkata Knight Riders knocked Rajasthan Royals C. Mumba b Musa ...... 11 Zimbabwe’s batsmen with Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, out of the Indian Premier League with a 60-run win B. Muzarabani b Wasim ...... 17 figures of 5-40 to wreck them for Musa Khan yesterday. R. Ngarava not out ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-100, 3-137, a paltry 206 before Azam Pakistan’s Extras: (b4, lb1, w8) ...... 13 Kolkata ended the league phase with their seventh win knocked an attractive 74-ball 77 Total: (all out; 45.1 overs) ...... 206 4-162 this season to have a chance of reaching the play-offs while captain Babar Bowling: Ngarava 4-0-25-0 (1w), not out to chase down the target Azam plays a Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-27, 3-59, 4-120, Royals are set to finish bottom of the eight-team table. 5-138, 6-142, 7-150, 8-171, 9-198 Muzarabani 8-0-48-0 (6w), Mumba in 35.2 overs. shot during 1-0-12-0, Chisoro 10-0-49-2, Madhe- Morgan hit his first half-century of the campaign to propel Zimbabwe needed early Bowling: Afridi 10-1-36-0, Rauf 7-0-31-1 Kolkata to 191 for seven and Cummins then returned figures yesterday's (2w), Musa 6.1-1-21-2, Ashraf 7-1-30-1, vere 2.2-0-14-0 (1w), Williams 5-0- wickets, but a solid opening match. Wasim 5-0-43-1 (6w), Ahmed 10-2-40-5 31-1, Raza 5-1-23-1 of 4-34 as Royals managed just 131 for nine in 20 overs in stand of 68 between Imam-ul- Dubai. Haq (49) and Abid Ali (22) Kolkata, who moved to fourth spot and improved their ensured Pakistan were set up in his 16th ODI half-century, miscued sweep at the boundary Debutant paceman Musa net run-rate with a big win, now await their fate which nicely. bringing up the victory with his to start the slide, which saw Khan finished with 2-21. depends on the results of the last two league matches in the The win gives Pakistan an second six. tourists lose their last seven The series is part of the coming two days. unassailable 2-0 lead after they It was 30-year-old Ahmed wickets for 86 runs. One-Day Super League, the first Elsewhere, in Abu Dhabi, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the first game by 26 runs who rocked Zimbabwe after the Taylor, who made a fighting qualifying round for the 2023 salvaged pride in their last league match with a convincing on Friday. The final match is tourists won the toss and opted 112 in the first match on Friday, World Cup to be held in India. nine-wicket win on Sunday, and in the process, shat- also at the same venue on to bat but could never cope with hit two sixes and three bound- With Sunday’s match, Paki- tered Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) dreams of making it to the Tuesday. the spin and were bowled out in aries in his 45-ball knock. stan’s Aleem Dar set a new record play-offs. Left-arm spinner Tendai 45.1 overs. Ahmed then removed Wesley for umpiring in most ODIs with Brief scores: Chisoro (2-49) removed both Left-hander Williams, who Madhevere (10), Sikandar Raza 210, beating South African Rudi Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals the openers while Sean Wil- top-scored with a 70-ball 75 and (two) and Chisoro (seven) to Coertzen’s 209 matches as umpire. KKR: 191/7 (Eoin Morgan 68 not out, Rahul Tripathi 39; liams dismissed debutant Brendan Taylor (36) were leave Zimbabwe struggling at Dar already holds the records Rahul Tewatia 3/25) beat RR: 131/9 (Jos Buttler 35, Rahul Haider Ali (29) but Azam and repairing the innings from 59-3 150-7. for officiating in the most Test Tewatia 31; Pat Cummins 4/34) by 60 runs Ahmed (16 not out) completed during a fourth-wicket stand of Williams, who completed his matches with 132. the victory during their 61 before Ahmed struck. 32nd 50 off 47 balls, holed out to The two teams will also play Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab unbroken fifth-wicket stand of Ahmed, who had only one Ahmed at long-off, to end his three Twenty20 internationals KXIP 153/6 (Deepak Hooda 62 not out, K.L. Rahul 29; 46 runs. wicket from his previous five lone fight. He smashed 10 bound- on November 7, 8 and 10, also in Lungi Ngidi 3/39) vs CSK 154/1 in 18.1 overs (Ruturaj Gaik- Azam hit seven boundaries ODIs, had Taylor caught off a aries and a six. Rawalpindi. wad 62 not out, Faf du Plessis 48; Chris Jordan 1/31) MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Tour Down Under’s 2021 race cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns

REUTERS - MELBOURNE international teams, that proved to be the most The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, successful event for South Australia, event difficult to overcome,” Events South Australia’s one-day races for both men and women which partners, the UCI and the teams in 2021.” The Tour Down Under in Australia that was executive director Hitaf Rasheed said in a were scheduled to be held at the end of January, “Of course I am disappointed but, given the scheduled to take place in January has been statement. will not be staged either. challenges, our priority needs to be the health cancelled as the COVID-19 pandemic has made “The complexities and risks involved with "Cycling will however still be ever present in and safety of South Australians, our commu- logistics difficult, organisers said yesterday. quarantining and international border closures the streets of Adelaide and regional South Aus- nities, and the international cycling fraternity,” Traditionally the first World Tour race of the have ultimately proved too much to ask of some tralia, with a smaller domestic cycling festival to said race director Stuart O'Grady. season, the race was to take place in Adelaide of the teams, who have endured a stressful, chal- take its place in January 2021," the statement added. “I believe that for one year we can put deliv- from Jan. 14-24 but the country’s quarantine lenging and compressed 2020 season that will “The Santos Tour Down Under is an ering an international event aside and keep our measures proved to be a major hurdle in bringing run later than normal.” important event for South Australia, and accord- South Australian heart beating by delivering a teams to Australia. Rasheed added that they would be hosting ingly it was necessary to consider fully, the pos- new, reimagined event for cyclists and for com- “With over 400 people that make up the a domestic cycling festival instead. sibility of delivering a safe, responsible and munities across the nation.”

In this file photograph taken on January 23, 2020, the peloton ride near Cudlee Creek during stage three of the Tour Down Under UCI World Tour cycling event through the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. The Tour Down Under, scheduled to be held January 19-24, 2021, in and around the southern Australian city of Adelaide, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organisers said yesterday that a “smaller domestic cycling festival” would take the place of the Tour Down Under. Katara Triathlon: McCullagh Riders condemn change to rules produces another top show REUTERS - MADRID Riders in the Vuelta a Espana yesterday criticised a change to the THE PENINSULA - DOHA time gap rule implemented by UCI judges at the end of Friday’s stage 10, which led to a change in the overall leader. The long wait was over for the Qatar tria- The peloton held a short protest at the start of Saturday’s stage thlon community which gathered for the 11 to express their disagreement with the change, which saw first Qatar National Triathlon Series event Primoz Roglic overtake Richard Carapaz as leader, and yesterday for 2020/2021 season. released a joint statement. With following of the MOPH COVID-19 The statement said the UCI Jury changed the time gap rule guidelines the feel and look of the event was “without consulting or informing teams or riders” by calling the quite different than before, but once the stage a hill-top finish. competitors lined up for the start, the tension As a result, gaps between riders counted in the overall clas- rose and that great feeling of competition sification, rather than being counted as the bunch time as the came to life. riders had first thought. Katara proved once again to be one of “The riders and teams spent months researching stages exten- the best and most beautiful venues for the sively and a lot of work goes into team strategy on a daily basis Sprint distance triathlon competitions. to put lead riders or possible stage contenders into the best position Participants had to tackle with 750 possible,” said the statement. meters of swimming, 19 km of cycling and “While we have no issues with the rules being implemented, 5,4 km of running. we object to the fact that the major stakeholders - riders and The fastest one to deal with the course teams - were not informed of this critical change by the UCI Jury. in Man 18-39 was Irishman Bernard “We were told that it is the right of the UCI to change the rule McCullagh who also won the National Series as they see fit. If teams and riders can spend time and resources in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 season. analysing the finish of each stage, then we expect the same from His time of 1h1m37s was 30 seconds shy the UCI. This entire situation could have been avoided with some of his last year's winning time. Qatar +40 race was simple research and communication.” McCullagh’s biggest rival Spaniard Aday won by Soliman Aladawi Alvarez was 1m20s faster in the swim, iden- in front of Abdulaziz Almo- Route for 2021 Tour de France tical on the bike leg, but lost the advantage hannadi and Abdulhadi on the tough Katara hills run and finished Alshawi. Stage 1, June 26: Brest - Landerneau 187km in second place with a time of 1m22s behind. Women’s 18-39 race Stage 2, June 27: Perros Guirrec - Mur de Bretagne Third was Ambroise Aufrere (FRA) with was won by Toni Snoxell Guerledan 182km a gap of four minutes and half. (RSA) 1h08m53s with a Stage 3, June 28: Lorient - Pontivy 182km Best three Qatari were Ebrahim Al considerable advantage Stage 4, June 29: Redon - Fougeres 152km Romaihi, Essa Al Maaded and Mubarak Alajji over Adeline Cormary Stage 5, June 30: Change - Laval 27km (individual time trial) (Rasen Adventure Shop). (FRA) and Michelle Shil- Stage 6, July 1: Tours - Chateauroux 144km Irishmen dominated male competitions labeer (GB). Stage 7, July 2: Vierzon - Le Creusot 248km with Steve Macklin winning the Male + 40 Best Qatari was Noor Stage 8, July 3: Oyonnax - Le Grand Bornand 151km race in front of Simon Mortimer and Ewan Al Jaber. Women +40 Stage 9, July 4: Cluses - Tignes 145km Cameron (both GB). competition saw new July 5: Rest day in Tignes winner in Stage 10, July 6: Albertville - Valence 186km the Series Julie Melville swimmers, cyclists, and runners in the Stage 11, July 7: Sorgues - Malaucene 199km (GB) 1h10m18s who beat country. There were 37 teams lined up for Stage 12, July 8: Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux - Nimes 161km the serial winner Pia Sun- the race. Qatari team 1 Abdulaziz Al Obaidly/ Stage 13, July 9: Nimes - Carcassonne 220km stedt (FIN) and Andrea Fadehl Alkater/Khalid Alqahtani all Qatari Stage 14, July 10: Carcassonne - Quillan 184km Stadler (ECU). were the fastest with time of 56m27s in front Stage 15, July 11: Ceret - Andorra la Vella 192km Juniors male race was of Rasen Adventure Shop team Anas Abuy- July 12: Rest day in Andorra won by Patricio Gutierez ousef/Marwan Aljalham/Rachid Boudalla Stage 16, July 13: Pas de la Case - Saint-Gaudens 169km (NED, 1h08m36s) and and National Service Academy team Peter Stage 17, July 14: Muret - Saint-Lary-Soulan Anvitha Erini (IND) was the North/Lee Jones/Barry Stoddart. (Col du Portet) 178km fastest woman junior The Qatar National Triathlon Series will Stage 18, July 15: Pau - Luz Ardiden 130km (1h32m03s). continue on December 4 with Lusail Stage 19, July 16: Mourenx - Libourne 203km The team’s competi- Triathlon. Stage 20, July 17: Libourne - Saint-Emilion 31km tions are becoming fiercer Complete results of the Katara Triathlon (individual time trial) with teams combining and 2020 can be found on https://www.qtri- Stage 21, July 18: Chatou - Paris 112km resorting to find best series.com/event/katara-2020/results/ Carthy conquers ‘mythical’ Angliru as Carapaz grabs Vuelta lead

AFP ALTO DE L’ANGLIRU - SPAIN climb of the Angliru, currently one of one. I will do my best and let’s see after cycling’s toughest ascents. Tuesday.” Britain’s Hugh Carthy claimed the biggest “It’s a dream come true to win any Roglic ran out of steam on the final stage win of his career yesterday at the professional race but to win in a Grand climb but will expect to retake the red Vuelta a Espana as Richard Carapaz Tour on a mythical climb, it doesn’t get jersey after Tuesday’s time trial. recovered the overall lead. any better than that. It’s hard to put into He was not the only one to suffer as Carthy delivered an immense per- words,” said Carthy of EF Pro Cycling Movistar’s Marc Soler sank from sixth to formance on the summit finish of the gru- afterwards. 19th, having surrendered more than 14 elling Angliru to clinch victory on stage 12 “I think for the public it’s everything minutes on the last ascent. while Carapaz finished fourth to move they want, a close race heading into a time Mas had been the first to push with ahead of Primoz Roglic. trial. 3km left but Carapaz, Vlasov and Carthy Carapaz’s lead is only 10 seconds, with “It’s everything to play for.” chased the Spaniard down, with Martin a time trial to come, while Carthy jumps Carapaz of Ineos dug deep to take 10 not far behind. to third overall. seconds off Jumbo-Visma’s Roglic, the But as the gradient eased, Carthy Ireland’s Dan Martin dropped to Slovenian coming in fifth. struck, powering clear and leaving fourth, despite a strong showing that Astana’s Aleksandr Vlasov was second Carapaz for dead to secure a stunning win. EF Pro Cycling’s British rider Hugh limited the damage. and Enric Mas of Movistar finished third. Riders will be given a rest day in A Carthy celebrates as he crosses the The top four are now separated by just “It was too hard a climb for a sprinter!” Coruna tomorrow. The race resumes on finish-line of the 12th stage of the 35 seconds ahead of a rest day today. Roglic said. “I didn’t have the best day but Wednesday with the only time trial of this 2020 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, Carthy’s victory is his first ever in a it’s OK, I’m happy with it. year’s event, a 33.7km track between a 109.4-km race from Pola de Laviana Grand Tour and it will be particularly “Now we go on with the time trial on Muros and the third-category summit of to Alto de l’Angliru, yesterday. special, coming at the end of the fearsome Tuesday. It definitely will be a really hard Mirador de Ezaro. Sport MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020 08 Davis grabs WBA belt F1 confident of completing with spectacular sixth season despite lockdowns round knockout of Cruz AFP — LOS ANGELES The 25-year-old Davis REUTERS — LONDON for F1 and are expected to “It’s in the hands of the conducted 60,000 tests so far continue. health authorities in the coun- with only 54 positive results Undefeated Gervonta Davis surprised Santa Cruz with a left Formula One teams are Toto Wolff, principal of tries that we are visiting to over four months. knocked out Leo Santa Cruz uppercut that snapped the confident the 2020 season champions Mercedes who are accept motor racing and host Business travel and cross- with a vicious uppercut in the champ’s head back and sent will be completed safely based in Brackley near Silver- us. If these guys decide it’s too border transport of freight sixth round to seize the World him crumbling to the canvas despite countries going into stone, told reporters the sport much of a risk then obviously have continued and Formula Boxing Association belt in a lockdown to combat the was prepared. we can’t race there.” One has secured exemptions junior lightweight world title late in the sixth round at the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think the lockdowns Formula One has raced in from quarantine thanks to its clash in San Antonio. Alamodome Arena. There are five of 17 races that we see in Europe now are Europe since the July season- strict protocols. The 25-year-old Davis sur- remaining -- this weekend’s very different to the lock- opener in Austria, with teams “I think we’re still feeling prised Santa Cruz with a left Emilia Romagna Grand Prix downs in spring,” he said. flying charters directly to air- quite safe and I the health and uppercut that snapped the continue to show people all at Imola in northern Italy, “It will impact our lives, ports near circuits and safety for our people is pro- champ’s head back and sent over the world that I’m the then Turkey and two races in that’s for sure, and it will remaining in protective tected, which is the most him crumbling to the canvas best," said Davis. Bahrain followed by a finale heavily impact some indus- bubbles with minimal contact important thing,” said late in the sixth round at the The 32-year-old Santa in Abu Dhabi. tries. But I think we can find with locals. McLaren principal Andreas Alamodome Arena. Cruz, of Mexico, dropped to Seven of the teams are a way of working around it. Paddock entry is strictly Seidl. Hit by a punch he never saw 37-2-1 with 19 KOs. He was based in England, where the “You never know whether controlled, spectators barred “The situation is quite coming, Santa Cruz landed flat trying to win a title fight in his government announced a new we can do all the races that or greatly reduced in numbers dynamic at the moment, on his back under the padding fifth weight class. lockdown on Saturday until are being left because clearly and all staff regularly tested there’s no change in any of the in the ring corner and remained Despite the Covid-19 pan- December but exemptions the health question comes and within 24 hours of arrival. plans, we still plan to go ahead that way for about a minute demic in the US, organizers have previously been granted first,” added the Austrian. Formula One has with all the races coming.” while doctors attended to him. allowed about 10,000 spec- He was eventually able to sit up tators into the arena with and was even smiling once he masks and social distancing shook off the cobwebs. rules in place. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis American Davis improved The fight pitted the Hamilton competes during the to 24-0 with 23 knockouts by knockout power of Davis Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand registering the defining win of against the endurance and Prix at the Autodromo Internazionale his up-and-coming career and dominating pressure style of Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track in handed the four-division Santa Cruz but the latter never Imola, Italy, yesterday. champion Santa Cruz his first got the chance to wear Davis knockout. “I’m going to down in the closing rounds. All Blacks ‘excited’ about future after record Wallabies drubbing

AFP — SYDNEY

All Blacks skipper Sam Cane is excited about where his new-look team can go after a dazzling masterclass against a “diabolical” Wallabies sent a chilling warning to world rugby. The New Zealanders ran in six tries to one in the bonus point 43-5 rout at Sydney on Saturday -- their highest Agen sack winning margin against Aus- Shinkwin tralia, eclipsing a 43-6 victory in 1996. manager It kicked off their Tri wins first Nations campaign in style and after sealed the trans-Tasman Ble- disloe Cup for an 18th straight title with year, building on a disap- ‘intolerable’ pointing 16-16 draw in Wel- play-off lington before a hard-fought 27-7 triumph at Auckland. thrashing The failure to win in Wel- victory lington sparked murmurs about REUTERS — NICOSIA AFP — AGEN, FRANCE how the team would fare under New Zealand’s captain Sam Cane (centre) with team-mates celebrates with the trophy after winning new coach Ian Foster and Cane, the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in Sydney. Christophe Laussucq who took over from Steve England’s Callum (pictured) was sacked as Hansen and Kieran Read in the opening half, exploiting quarter when we took the foot is, we’re going to keep working Shinkwin (pictured) won manager of French Top 14 side respectively after last year’s Australia’s defensive frailties in off the pedal, so we’ve got to hard, we think we’ve got some his maiden European Agen yesterday, a day after a World Cup. scoring four tries with another address that.” good kids coming through,” said Tour title when he beat humiliating 71-5 capitulation But after three games of two disallowed. Fly-half Richie Mo’unga was coach Dave Rennie. Finland’s Kalle Samooja to Bordeaux-Begles. their stewardship, concerns But they eased up immedi- the outstanding player for New “We need to respond imme- in a playoff to win the “From this day, Christophe have been put to bed with the ately after half-time when Aus- Zealand, grabbing two tries, diately, and the plan is you’ll see Cyprus Open after both Laussucq and Remi Vaquin are All Blacks back to their ruthless tralia scored their only try, an setting up Jordie Barrett’s late that next week.” golfers finished 20-under no longer the manager and best and the prospect of better aspect Foster said needed to be score and kicking 13 points for Foster was graceful when overall in a dramatic coach of #agen_rugby,” Agen to come. fixed ahead of the final Ble- a match haul of 23. asked about the Australian finale yesterday. president Jean-Francois Fon- “I’m just so proud of the disloe game in Brisbane next Karl Tu’inukuafe, Dane effort. Shinkwin, 27, was two teneau tweeted. work we’ve put in over the last weekend. Coles, and Rieko Ioane also “I know it’s a tough result shots behind Samooja Fonteneau lambasted his five to six weeks building up to “There’s a few areas to work crossed for the All Blacks. for them but I thought we saw with two holes to play and players after Saturday’s defeat this moment,” said Cane. on, we’ll go away and analyse It capped a horror show by a lot of determination and sank a birdie on the 17th -- a seventh consecutive loss “It feels like we’ve improved it but I think in the third quarter a Wallabies side missing key attitude out of them, particu- before holing a 54-foot which leaves them adrift and every single week and I’m really we got caught a little bit early." playmakers James O’Connor larly in that third quarter,” he putt for an eagle on the relegation-bound at the foot excited about where this group “The Wallabies certainly and Matt To’omua, with Aus- said. par-five 18th, his second of the table -- threatening can go.” came out of the shed (in the tralian media laying in the boot “It showed there is some- eagle at the hole after one fines as punishment for the Foster was equally effusive, second-half) a little bit stronger Sunday, variously branding thing building there that will in the third round. “intolerable” performance noting: “We’re building some- and motivated and we didn’t. their performance “diabolical”, guarantee the next fixtures are Samooja managed to which left the side’s captain in thing here.” “And I think we saw that at “dreadful” and “humiliating”. always going to be as tough as birdie the 18th to force the tears. New Zealand were electric Eden Park too, in the last “Look, all I’m going to say ever.” playoff but missed a birdie “I was scandalised by the putt while Shinkwin sank players’ attitude. I’m consid- his own birdie to win his ering punishing the team first title in his 112th event. financially,” Fonteneau earlier “It’s something I’ve tweeted. Captain Owen Farrell presents England always wanted to do and “It’s intolerable that the now I have,” Shinkwin team shows no respect as our said. “It’s been a bit of a sponsors and fans support us with Six Nations trophy back at base shock but it feels great. economically during this “I felt relaxed all day, anxious time,” added the Agen I felt great... (Holes) 15 and boss who estimates each home LONDON — AFP England captain put the Championship on hold. 16 were playing me up all match held behind closed Owen Farrell England then suffered week. I was more nervous doors in the latest coronavirus England captain Owen Farrell further frustration when last playing those two holes lockdown is costing the club turned into a master of cere- week’s scheduled warm-up just to get through them €500,000 ($583,874). monies as he presented his match was cancelled following than in the playoff or on Laussucq was almost lost team-mates with their Six breaches of coronavirus health the 18th. for words after their heaviest Nations Championship winners protocols involving 13 Bar- Scotland’s Robert ever defeat to the side who led medals yesterday. barians players. MacIntyre, South Africa’s the table before last season A 34-5 win away to Italy on Jones, however, is already Garrick Higgo and Wales’ was halted due to the corona- Rome on Saturday saw England looking ahead to next month’s Jamie Donaldson tied for virus pandemic. crowned champions but they match against Georgia, which third after finishing at “I’ve got nothing to say had to wait for the conclusion launches England’s involvement 18-under overall. about our pathetic per- of the day’s final match, in the new Autumn Nations formance,” he said Saturday. between title rivals France and Cup, a replacement for the tra- “I’m sorry for everyone Ireland in Paris, to know they ditional end of year tours of who supports us and don’t had won the Championship for Europe by rugby union’s It’s something I’ve have any reaction to give on the first time since 2017. conference call yesterday. since their World Cup final southern hemisphere giants. always wanted to do the nothingness of this As a result, it was not until “Obviously it’s not the same, defeat by South Africa in Japan. “We’ve started well but and now I have. It’s been evening.” they returned to their Ted- everything is a bit different They then lost their Six there’s still a fair bit to go, which a bit of a shock but it Agen, with just one bonus dington training base in London now. The players walked to the Nations opener against France starts again in two weeks point to their name, are at yesterday that England received stage, there were fireworks,” he but bounced back before their against Georgia but I’m really feels great. home for their next two games the trophy. added. tournament finale against Italy proud of their (the England against fourth-placed Lyon “It was fantastic,” England England’s victory in Rome was delayed by seven months players’) efforts,” said the Callum Shinkwin and Eben Etzebeth’s Toulon. coach Eddie Jones told a came almost a year to the day when the Covid-19 outbreak veteran Australian coach.