Naomi Osaka takes second US Open crown, but unsure about French Open MONday, SEPTEMBEr 14, 2020 page 14

Asian football returns in Qatar with tribute to medical heroes

Tribune News Network stars paying homage to the Doha frontliners and healthcare pro- fessionals while also featuring The return of Asian football the AFC doctors and medical will celebrate the medical practitioners from the highly- workers who have been the acclaimed #BreakTheChain heroes of the COVID-19 pan- series which was launched on demic when the AFC Cham- March 26, 2020. pions League restarts in the In addition to the #Foot- West Region in Qatar on Mon- ballForHeroes visuals taking day, September 14, 2020. their spots in strategic places The four stadiums where across the stadiums, football the centralised matches are fans will also be able to see a scheduled to kick-off in Doha special tribute message which will be dressed with the slogan will be broadcast live during – #FootballForHeroes – to the matches. pay tribute to the healthcare After more than six We’d like to thank QFA for hosting the matches in professionals – working tire- months since the suspension tough times... We are happy to be here. The football lessly on the frontlines while of the AFC Champions League reminding the Continent’s on March 4, 2020, the excite- infrastructure in Qatar is unmatched. fans, players and match offi- ment is now building as Saudi Avazbek Berdikulov, Deputy Director of Competitions cials to remain vigilant in the Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC take fight against the pandemic. on Iraq’s Al Shorta at the Khal- and Footballs Events, Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The #FootballForHeroes ifa International Stadium. The centralised AFC Asian Champions League Group A to D fixtures will take place at four venues which video highlights the various Meanwhile, United Arab Dubai are scheduled to battle with both matches scheduled includes three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums – the Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium messages from Asian football Emirates’ Shabab Al Ahli Shahr Khodro FC from Iran – to kick-off at 6:00pm. and Education City Stadium besides Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, from September 14 to October 3. Al Hilal’s coach Lucescu wary of Pakhtakor quality AFC Shabab Al Ahli’s last competitive fixture was six months ago when Doha they defeated Ajman 5-2 in the UAE Pro League.

Domestic success is the fuel propelling both Al Hilal SFC and Pakhtakor forward in Shabab Al Ahli, their pursuit of a place in the 2020 AFC Champions League knockout stage as the Saudi Shahr Khodro in and Uzbek champions clash in Group B on Monday. The two sides have regis- race for first point tered full marks in their open- ing two games of the group, AFC and know more about them with defending champions Al Doha than they do about us. Hilal beating Shahr Khodro “This is the biggest compe- FC 2-0 and Shabab Al Ahli Getting off the mark will tition in Asia, and we are here to 2-1 while Pakhtakor started be the aim for both Shabab win. Our first two games will be with a 2-1 win over Shabab Al Al Ahli Dubai FC and Shahr against Shahr Khodro, who like Ahli then swept aside Shahr Khodro FC when they lock us, do not have any points. We Khodro 3-0. horns at Al Janoub Stadium have to fight in these two games Both Al Hilal and Pakhta- on Matchday Three of the to collect maximum points.” kor are their respective na- 2020 AFC Champions League Shahr Khodro have not en- tions’ most successful sides. Al Group B on Monday. joyed the easiest of introduc- Hilal regained the Saudi Pro The two sides suffered de- tions to the AFC Champions League title from archrivals feat in their first two matches League in their debut appear- Al Nassr to become champi- back in February. Shabab Al ance. Having navigated Bah- ons for the 16th time, while Ahli were beaten 2-1 by both rain’s Riffa SC and Qatar’s Al Pakhtakor ended a four-year Pakhtakor and Al Hilal, while Sailiyah in the play-offs to reach Lokomotiv dominance to win Domestic success is propelling both Al Hilal SFC (of which players seen above) and Pakhtakor forward in their pursuit of a place in the 2020 Shahr Khodro lost 2-0 to Al the group stage, they were pitted their 12th title. AFC Champions League knockout stage as the Saudi and Uzbek champions clash in Group B in Qatar on Monday. Hilal then 3-0 in Uzbekistan against three-time continental Head coach Razvan Luc- to Pakhtakor. champions Al Hilal and peren- escu joined Al Hilal in June Shabab Al Ahli’s last com- nials Pakhtakor as well as 2015 2019, leading them through petitive fixture was six months runners-up Shabab Al Ahli. the knockout stages of the ago, which saw them defeat Aj- Assistant coach Moham- 2019 AFC Champions League man 5-2 on Matchday 19 of the med Nawazi remains upbeat and going all the way to help UAE Pro League. The Dubai despite defeats in their first two them win their third continen- side were on track to win the games, calling on his players to tal title. However, the Pakhta- title, leading by six points with focus on performance, while kor encounter will be his first seven games to go when the stressing the need for points. against Uzbek opponents. domestic season was halted. “This is a very important “I was surprised and im- That Ajman win was also match for us. We feel that all pressed watching Pakhtakor coach Gerard Zaragoza’s only teams will be in a similar situ- play. They set themselves up match in charge of Shabab ation resuming activity after well on the pitch and have a Al Ahli, having replaced Ar- the COVID-19 stoppage and strong defensive mentality,” gentinian coach Rodolfo Ar- we have prepared well and are said the Romanian. Pakhtakor coach Shota Arveladze ruabarrena a week earlier. And raring to go,” said Nawazi. “In the Saudi Pro League, speaks to the media on the eve the Spaniard believes ambigu- “Participating in the AFC the level of competition we of his team’s match against Al ity will serve his side well in the Champions League gives us face every week is higher than Hilal SFC. 2020 AFC Champions League. a lot of new experiences, and the Uzbek league, but tomor- “We are here after a long this match will not be easy, but row’s match is one against a before the COVID-19 mandat- stoppage. Our last competi- we will strive to put in a good team with great qualities. We ed stoppage. tive match was in March, performance and get a result. won the league and came here In November 2019, the while our opponents have all I hope the players can fight to with huge motivation to de- Riyadh-based side ended a played competitively in recent the best of their ability to get fend our title.” 19-year-wait for the conti- months,” said the 38-year-old. some points on board.” Al Hilal suffered a blow af- nental title. An era since their “It will be difficult for Shahr Khodro and Shabab ter five players tested positive Al Hilal FC (KSA) coach Razvan Lucescu addresses the media on Sunday ahead of his team’s match 2000 Asian Club Champion- other teams to know about us, Al Ahli face off again on Match- for COVID-19 upon their arrival against Pakhtakor Tashkent FK (Uzbekistan) at the Al Janoub Stadium at Al Wakrah. ship saw them reach the final because we have not played day Four on Thursday, with an to Doha, but Lucescu’s men are on two occasions but lose to competitively recently, while early exit certain for the side determined to move forward but downplayed the impact on “We played a match eve- tle, Al Hilal travelled to Qa- Western Sydney Wanderers in they have all played in their that fails to get at least three and get a result on Monday. his Monday opponents. ry three days in the Uzbek tar aiming to continue their 2014 and to Urawa Red Dia- leagues, so we have seen them points in the double header. “Yesterday in our team “We are preparing for this League. It was difficult,but it seamless start to the conti- monds in 2017. meeting, we said we are a team match without putting into will also help us adapt to the nental campaign. It was Urawa again in of strong character. Everything consideration that they are upcoming run of fixtures in Lucescu’s men got their 2019 and this time, Al Hilal AFC Champions League: Today’s Matches we achieved this season was missing players, I don’t even this competition.” title defence underway back learned from the experience Group A: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs Shahr Khodro (Iran) the result of our players’ strong know who the missing players Al Hilal and Pakhtakor in February with a solid 2-0 and sealed a 3-0 aggregate win character and ability to deal are,” said the former Ajax and share top spot in Group B af- victory over Shahr Khodro, to lift the coveted trophy at the at Al Janoub Stadium (6pm) with the pressure. In any sea- Rangers striker. ter two games, with six points thanks to goals from Andre Saitama Stadium. Group B: Al Ahli FC (Saudi) vs Al Shorta (Iraq) son you could have injuries and “I personally like this cen- each, but Monday will see at Carillo and Bafetimbi Gomis. The Saudi side are ever- any other circumstances, but tralised format. It allows us to least one of the two sides drop The latter went on the presents in the AFC Champi- at Khalifa International Stadium (6pm) we are able to overcome them.” remain focused on the run of points for the first time in the score twice more on Matchday ons League knockout stages, Pakhtakor head coach Sho- matches and try to go as far as 2020 AFC Champions League. Two as Al Hilal came from be- having exited at the group Al Hilal (Saudi) vs Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) ta Arveladze offered his well possible. We know what is ex- Fresh off winning their hind to defeat Shabab Al Ahli stage only once in the previous at Al Janoub Stadium (9pm) wishes to the Al Hilal players, pected of us. 16th Saudi Pro League ti- 2-1 to move up to six points 11 editions. Sports Monday, September 14, 2020 13 Hamilton wins chaotic Tuscan GP Results/Standings Tuscan Formula One Grand Prix results 1. Lewis hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 2hr 19min 35.060sec, 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) at 4.880sec, 3. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull) at 8.064, 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ Renault) at 10.417, 5. Sergio Perez (MEX/ Racing Point) at 15.650, 6. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) at 18.883, 7. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/AlphaTauri) at 21.756, 8. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) at 28.345, 9. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa Romeo Racing) at 29.770, 10. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 29.983, 11. George Russell (GBR/Williams) at 32.404, 12. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) at 42.036 Fastest lap: Lewis hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.833 on 58th lap Did not finish: Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point), Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault), Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams), Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas), Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing), Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/ McLaren), Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull), Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri) World championship standings Drivers: 1. Lewis hamilton (GBR) 190 pts, 2. Haas F1’s French driver Romain Grosjean crashes with Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen at the Tus- Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 135, 3. Max Verstappen can Grand prix race start at the Mugello circuit in Italy on Sunday. (AFP) (NED) 110, 4. Lando Norris (GBR) 65, 5. Alexander Albon (THA) 63, 6. Lance Stroll (CAN) 57, 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 53, 8. British Mercedes driver now within one win of equalling Charles Leclerc (MON) 49, 9. Sergio Perez Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Tuscany Formula One Grand Prix at the (MEX) 44, 10. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 43. Constructors: 1. Mercedes 325 pts, 2. Red Mugello circuit in Italy on Sunday. (AFP) Schumacher’s all-time record of Grand Prix wins Bull 173, 3. McLaren 106, 4. Racing Point 92, 5. Renault 83, 6. Ferrari 66, 7. AlphaTauri 53, AFP record for GP wins. record of seven world titles drive to compensate his team team next year. dium celebrations. 8. Alfa Romeo Racing 4, 9. Haas 1. Mugello Hamilton prevailed with after claiming his sixth win in for the early exit of Max Ver- The race took two hours Taylor was shot dead aged a well-judged performance in nine races this year. stappen in the first collision. and 25 minutes to complete, 26 by police in the US state of Lewis Hamilton demonstrat- exhausting conditions, in a The 35-year-old extended Daniel Ricciardo finished with the spells behind the Safe- Kentucky in March. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz, Anto- ed his class and authority on race which only 12 drivers fin- his record run of finishes in the fourth for Renault ahead of ty Car adding up to 76 minutes. The first crash took out Ver- nio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo, an afternoon of wild chaos on ished following two multi-car points to 42 as he claimed his Sergio Perez of Racing Point, “It was three races in one stappen, who lost power after Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sunday when he won an ex- collisions and three Safety Car record 158th podium ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren, Da- today,” said Hamilton. “This a good launch, and last week’s Williams rookie Nicholas Latifi traordinary crash-hit Tuscan interventions. Bottas, who pursued him all niil Kvyat of AlphaTauri and circuit is phenomenal and winner Pierre Gasly, leading to – and a stewards investigation. Grand Prix to extend his runa- “It’s was all a bit of a daze,” the way to the flag. Charles Leclerc, who scored with the heat it was tough to six laps behind the Safety Car Footage of the carnage sug- way lead in this year’s Formula said Hamilton to Sky Sports. “It It was also record 222nd points for Ferrari on home soil keep Valtteri behind me.” and repairs for Vettel and Alfa gested that Italian Giovinazzi One championship. was incredibly tough today... All finish in the points for Hamil- as they ended a miserable run Hamilton wore a T-shirt em- Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen. appeared to smack into Mag- Reigning champion Hamil- the those restarts, the concen- ton and the first time this sea- in an event organised to mark blazoned with the message “Ar- When the race re-started nussen and Latifi, which trig- ton finished ahead of his Mer- tration that’s needed during that son Mercedes had delivered a their 1,000th Grand Prix. rest the cops who killed Breonna on lap seven, it was halted gered a further collision with cedes team-mate Valtteri Bot- time, it was really, really hard.” one-two finish and the fastest Kimi Raikkonen was ninth Taylor” during a pre-race anti- by a more spectacular mul- Sainz who said that the crash tas at Mugello to claim his 90th Hamilton is now on 190 lap of the race. for Alfa Romeo and outgoing racism ceremony when he and ti-car smash, which saw six “was properly scary” while in a F1 victory, moving the Briton points, some 55 ahead of Bot- Alex Albon finished third, Sebastian Vettel finished 10th the Mercedes team took a knee more cars eliminated. Amaz- foul-mouth rant Romain Gros- to within one win of equalling tas and is also on course this claiming his first podium fin- for Ferrari. He replaces Perez and for his for his post-race in- ingly, no-one was injured. It jean called it “the worst thing Michael Schumacher’s all-time season to equal Schumacher’s ish for Red Bull, after a thrilling at the rebadged Aston Martin terview on the track and the po- did result in elimination for I’ve seen ever”.

Asian Champions League 2020 Premier League Qualification the target for Al Ahli, Al Shorta despite challenges

AFC Elvis Saric who tore his Ante- Doha rior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the team’s last league game Al Ahli Saudi FC and Al Shorta against Al Raed. have similar ambitions despite “It is the last of a long list the different challenges they of problems we’ve had, but face heading into their Mon- we come here wishing to play day clash in Matchday Three good football and get good re- of the 2020 AFC Champions sults. For me it is important Leicester City’s English striker Jamie Vardy shoots to score from the League Group A. that we have a lot of players penalty spot for their second goal during the English Premier League Speaking ahead of Mon- back from injury. match against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns stadium in day’s encounter at Khalifa In- “The players looked very West Bromwich, England, on Sunday. (AFP) ternational Stadium, Al Ahli motivated in our last training head coach Vladan Milojevic and I hope we are ready for to- was adamant injuries and morrow’s game. Vardy penalty double his side’s poor form in the “Saric is one of our most last stretch of the Saudi Pro important players and it’s sad League will not deter them to miss Saric at the very last sinks West Brom; from aiming high in the AFC moment. All players are im- Champions League. portant, but he is one of our Everton win at Spurs Al Ahli won just one of four key players. We hope he their last five games in the Al Ahli Saudi FC have won just one of their last five games in the league, finishing the domestic season in returns soon with us.” DPA lan, who arrived from Napoli, league, finishing the domestic third place. “But this is in the past and we have put it behind us. We are now only focused on the future,” In turn, Al Shorta coach London and Colombia playmaker season in third place, albeit 14 said coach Vladan said Milojevic. Abdulghani Shahad cited the James Rodriguez, who com- points behind runners-up Al long stoppage of the Iraqi Belgium defender Timothy pleted a transfer from Real Nassr and a whooping 22 be- did not,” said Milojevic. some difficult times over the will go a long way in the Sau- League due to COVID-19 as Castagne scored on his debut Madrid. hind champions Al Hilal. “But this is in the past past two months, but we be- dis bid to reach to reach the one of the main challenges his for Leicester City with striker The Italian manager was “We were not consistent in and we have put it behind lieve in the future.” Round of 16, but they would side faced ahead of their first- Jamie Vardy adding two late so impressed with Rodriguez, the league, one game we played us. We are now only focused A win against Al Shorta in have to do it without the ser- ever encounter with Al Ahli in penalties on Sunday as the that he wasn’t too concerned very well and the next game we on the future. We have had the Matchday Three fixture vices of Bosnian midfielder the AFC Champions League. Foxes completed a 3-0 opening when questions were raised away win at West Bromwich Al- about his team’s fitness. bion in the Premier League. Richarlison should have Meanwhile, Dominic put Everton ahead after 15 Calvert-Lewin’s 55th minute minutes when he missed an Ahli pip Al Khor to top table; Kodjia’s stunner for Gharafa header helped Everton start open goal. The Brazilian burst their campaign with three through and skipped past points in a 1-0 victory at Tot- Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris Tribune News Network goalkeeper Baba Djibril. charge, even as Al Ahli attack- tenham Hotspur. The result but he fell off balance as he hit Doha Al Ahli almost doubled ers Perez and Umaru each ended an eight-year run with- the ball high and wide. the lead the next minute, but wasted a chance. out a win for Everton against Dele Alli had a good chance Hernan Perez scored the only Nabil El Zhar sent his shot Al Ahli’s Mohammed Al Ab- Spurs and was Jose Mour- for Tottenham after 32 min- goal as Al Ahli remained top of against the upright. bassi sent a shot skywards in the inho’s first opening day loss. utes when he unleashed a fierce the QNB Stars League with a Al Khor made their first at- 80th minute as the game ended Vardy and Harvey Barnes had 20-metre strike but Everton well-deserved victory over Al tempt in the 23rd minute when in favour of the Brigadiers. chances to open the scoring goalkeeper Jordan Pickford Khor at the Al Khor Stadium. Mohammed Al Jabri’s power- Also, on Sunday, Jona- in the first half for Leicester was in position to push away Meanwhile, Al Arabi’s mis- ful long-range shot was palmed than Kodjia scored yet an- but both men were denied his effort. In the second half, erable start to the season saw away by Ivanildo Rodrigues. other sumptuous volley as Al by excellent saves from West Calvert-Lewin leapt to meet them lose to Al Gharafa 2-1, And Naif headed over the bar Gharafa defeated Al Arabi 2-1 Brom’s resilient goalkeeper Lucas Digne’s free-kick in the leaving Heimir Hallgrimsson from the resultant corner kick at the Grand Hamad Stadium. Sam Johnstone. middle of the Tottenham box with a lot to ponder three taken by Helal Mohammed. The win moves the Cheetahs Slaven Bilic’s West Brom and fired his header into the matches into the new season. Djibril collected al Ahli’s to fourth with six points, while were indisciplined in defence top corner for Everton to ulti- For Al Ahli, though, after Mohamed Diame’s bicycle Al Arabi drops to 11th with just as they gave away two penal- mately win the game. a disappointing end to last kick from close, but he fum- one point from the opening Action from the QNB Stars League match between Al Ahli and Al Khor ties in 10 minutes for profes- “There is always the first season, they have picked up bled, and Naif cleared it. three matches. at the Al Khor Stadium on Sunday. sional fouls. time in football, this is the first nicely this term and got the At the other end, Lucca Kodjia bagged his second Vardy was last season’s time that I lost the first game all-important goal from a de- Borges could not guide a Helal goal of the current campaign with Hallgrimsson choosing shown a straight red card for Premier League top goalscorer of a season,” Mourinho said. fensive mistake committed by pass into the goal. 20 minutes into the match to start without a recognised his troubles. with 23 goals and he opened “A new experience for me Al Khor captain Naif Al Burai- Al Khor came on to the with a trademark acrobatic striker. Substitute Hamdi Har- his account at the Hawthorns bit I have to cope with it. “In ki. Perez quickly intercepted pitch on the resumption with volley from a lovely Ahmed Sofianne Hanni sealed baoui grabbed a consolation with two confident strikes in attack we looked tired, lots of and trapped the ball from Abdulrahman Rajab and Ab- Alaaeldin cross. the points from the spot in for the Dream Team three succession from the spot. players did not look sharp and Naif, who passed it to fellow dulla Al Moraisi as substitutes. Al Gharafa dominated pro- the 70th minute after Alaa minutes from time, but it was In north London, Everton we lacked intensity, sharpness defender Robert Melki to avert Lucca and Ibrahim Amada ceedings from then on as Ara- was bundled in the box too little too late for Gall- boss Carlo Ancelotti handed and creativity. After the goal danger, and shot home past continued to lead Al Khor’s bi struggled to find a rhythm by Jassem Jaber who was grimsson’s side. debuts to Brazil midfielder Al- they were the best team.” 14 Monday, September 14, 2020 Sports Osaka flies high in New York, but is unsure about playing in Paris

DPA will rise from nine to three in New York the world rankings when the new list is released on Monday. Naomi Osaka captured the Azarenka will move up to third Grand Slam title of her No.14 in the world and can take career with a battling 1-6, 6-3, many positives from her three 6-3 triumph over Belarusian weeks in the New York bubble, Victoria Azarenka to lift her during which she picked up the second US Open trophy in Cincinnati title and managed three years. to post her first-ever grand However, her next chance slam victory over Serena Wil- at a title may not come straight liams from 11 attempts. away, as she sounded uncertain “I thought the third time about whether she will be at- was a charm, but I guess I’ll tending the French Open, which have to try again,” said Aza- starts in Paris in two weeks. renka, who also lost the US Open final in 2012 and 2013. “It’s been long road of get- ting here but this was fun,” she said. It’s really inspiring for me Naomi Osaka celebrates with her team and boyfriend, rapper YBN because I used to watch you Cordae (right), after winning the 2020 US Open women’s singles final (Victoria Azarenka) play on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) here when I was younger, so just to have the opportunity to play you is really great. Naomi’s third Grand Naomi Osaka in her Slam, anti-racism victory speech stand, hailed in Japan “French Open? I was plan- ning to play when I came here, AFP off the court. but I guess I’ll see what hap- Victoria Azarenka of Belarus Tokyo “The victory embodied the pens,” she said. speaks during the trophy ceremo- feeling of bereaved families Clay is not her favourite sur- ny on Saturday. (Getty/AFP) Naomi Osaka’s victory in the who hope to prevent a repeat face, and she has also been car- US Open was hailed on Sun- of tragedies and change soci- rying a hamstring injury since Proud Azarenka to day by media and officials in ety,” the Mainichi Shimbun the Western & Southern Open. fight for more Slams Japan, who broadly welcomed daily said. In Saturday’s final thrill- A rejuvenated Victoria Aza- her campaigning for victims of Osaka walked onto the er, the Japanese fourth seed renka says she is going to keep racial injustice and against po- court before the final wear- rallied back from a set and a pushing for Grand Slam titles. lice brutality. ing a mask bearing the name break down to snap Azaren- Many commentators Public broadcaster NHK of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old ka’s 11-match winning streak thought the former world num- broke into its regular news African-American boy who was and maintain her perfect re- ber, now 31, was done at Grand programme to flash the news shot dead by a white police of- cord in major finals. Slams after her career was first of the 22-year-old’s latest ficer in Cleveland,O hio in 2014. Exactly two weeks after disrupted by injury and then by Grand Slam triumph, after she Osaka, of Japanese and forfeiting from her Western & a custody battle of her son, who beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, Haitian heritage, wore differ- Southern Open final against was born in December 2016. 6-3, 6-3 to add to winning the ent masks for each of her sev- Azarenka due to the hamstring Japanese Naomi Osaka poses with the trophy the morning after winning the US Open women’s singles Grand But the unseeded Belarusian 2018 US Open and the 2019 en matches in the tournament, injury, Osaka proved her mettle Slam title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) enjoyed a fairytale run to the fi- Australian Open. honouring victims of racial in- with a gutsy 112-minute win at nal at the US National Tennis “Osaka achieved the feat of justice and police brutality. an empty Arthur Ashe stadium. the start, and extended the ral- short-lived as Osaka marched the question?” she eloquently Center, which included a three winning a record third title in “She is brave. I’m proud This was Osaka’s third win lies with great variety to break towards victory to deny her asked back. “I feel like the sets defeat of former foe Serena the Grand Slam singles as an of her,” Osaka’s 75-year-old from four meetings with Aza- twice for an early 4-1 lead. 31-year-old opponent a third point is to make people start Williams in the semi-finals. Asian player,” said the daily grandfather, Tetsuo Osaka, renka, who has now lost all three The former number one, Grand Slam. talking.” Osaka admits it “I had a great two weeks. Nikkan Sports. told reporters of her stand. of her US Open finals. She was now 27 in the world, closed out Osaka has been wearing hasn’t been easy handling I enjoyed myself. I did every- Japan’s men’s tennis num- Fumio Kishida, one of three pushed to the brink by the two- the set in 27 minutes, drop- a different mask emblazoned both her activism and her ten- thing I could today,” said Aza- ber one Kei Nishikori, who candidates to succeed Abe, time Australian Open champion ping just four points on serve. with a different name of a po- nis over the past three weeks. renka, winner of the Austral- withdrew from the US Open af- tweeted: “I respect her as she and was quick to give her credit At the start of the second lice shooting victim for each of “I feel like definitely there ian Open in 2012 and 2013. ter a positive coronavirus test, fought it out and showed the during her victory speech. set, Azarenka picked up right her seven US Open matches were a lot of hard times, es- “I’m not necessarily dis- congratulated his fellow player best result, bringing up the “Firstly, I want to con- where she left off and leapt to this fortnight. pecially being in the bub- appointed. It’s just painful to on her triumph -- tweeting a importance of diversity to the gratulate Vika. I actually don’t a 2-0 advantage. For the final, she had the ble. You sort of over-think a lose. That is what it is. I was string of emoticons of likes, world. I’m greatly encouraged.” want to play you in more fi- Down 1-6, 0-2, 22-year- name Tamir Rice on her mask, lot of things,” confessed the close. But it didn’t go my way,” muscles and Japanese flags. But the Mainichi daily re- nals, I didn’t really enjoy that. old Osaka raced to take seven in honour of the 12-year-old 22-year-old. she added. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, ported mixed reactions from It was a really tough match for of the next eight games. She African American boy that was “I think I just got through A combination of impres- who is scheduled to step down some sponsors in Japan. me,” joked Osaka. broke Azarenka for 3-1 in the shot by the police in Cleve- it because during quarantine I sive serving and formidable this week due to health prob- “I don’t think she needed “It’s really inspiring for me decider but squandered four land, Ohio in 2014. wanted to set myself up to pos- returns was reminiscent of the lems, tweeted: “Congratula- to do that while she’s fight- because I used to watch you break points for a shot at go- During the trophy ceremo- sibly win this tournament. I form that delivered two Grand tions on your second win at the ing her way to the top. If play here when I was younger, ing up 5-1. ny, Osaka was asked by ESPN just worked so hard, I wanted Slam titles at her peak. US Open. Thank you for the possible, we’d like her to at- so just to have the opportunity Azarenka swung the mo- reporter Tom Rinaldi what to give myself an opportunity. It was Azarenka’s first ap- sensation. I hope you will con- tract more attention with her to play you is really great.” Aza- mentum back her way after message she wanted to send I wanted more people to say pearance in a Grand Slam tinue playing outstandingly.” tennis skills,” said a source renka, one of the best return- surviving the sixth game and out to the world via her masks. more names (of victims), so...” championship match since she Media and supporters also linked to a Japanese corpo- ers in the game, handled the broke to get back on serve at “What was the message Osaka, who has now won her lost to Serena Williams in the backed 22-year-old Osaka’s rate sponsor of Osaka’s, ac- Osaka serve brilliantly from 3-4. But her comeback was that you got? Isn’t that more last 11 consecutive matches, 2013 US Open final.(AFP) protest against racism on and cording to the daily. Warne makes Royal return Clay king Nadal renews Djokovic to Rajasthan as IPL mentor rivalry in quest for 10th Rome title team, my family. It’s exciting to IPL a good warm-up be working across all elements AFP pion Simona Halep headlines of this franchise that I love,” for India-Oz series, Rome the women’s event which also Warne said in a statement. says Ian Chappell includes defending champion “Hopefully, we can have Rafael Nadal returns to Karolina Pliskova and two-time a successful season and Former Australian captain Ian competition after a six-month Rome winner Elina Svitolina. achieve big things in the Chappell says the coming IPL break chasing a tenth Italian Serena Williams withdrew coming months.” season will be good practice for Open title in Rome against his due to a left Achilles tendon IPL teams often keep re- India’s players ahead of their greatest rival Novak Djokovic injury sustained in her US tired players on as coaches highly anticipated series Down before his bid for a 13th Roland Open semi-final defeat. and mentors to help motivate Under in December. India are Garros crown later this month. The former world number younger and senior members unlikely to have any practice The Spaniard has won on one, a four-time Rome cham- in the dug-out. games before they tour Austral- the red clay of the Foro Italico, pion, joined 2019 US Open Warne, who took 56 wickets ia for four Tests and three ODIs normally played in May but winner Bianca Andreescu and Former Rajasthan Royals captain in his 52 games with the Royals, in December-January. which starts behind closed two-time Wimbledon winner Shane Warne also celebrated his will link up with fellow Austral- “With venue bubbles, isolation doors in Rome on Monday, a Petra Kvitova in skipping the 51st birthday on Sunday. ian and head coach Andrew rules, social distancing, and a record nine times, including Italian event which will also McDonald, who was his team- number of changes to playing the last two editions. Rafael Nadal will return to competition after a six-month break. be without world number one AFP mate at Victoria from 2003-07. conditions, adapting to inter- World number one Djoko- Ashleigh Barty and newly- New Delhi Warne, regarded as one national competition has been vic, a four-time Rome winner for coronavirus in June after nament record, having not crowned US Open champion of the greatest leg-spinners in testing for players,” Chappell and five-time runner-up, lost an exhibition tournament he lost before the quarter-finals Naomi Osaka. Australian spin legend the history of cricket, picked wrote on the Cricinfo website. to Nadal last year in the final. organised, but the Serb won since 2008. World number two Halep Shane Warne is returning to up 708 wickets in 145 Tests “It’s made life difficult and The 33-year-old is the top his 80th career title at the Cin- Djokovic will start against won the Prague title a month the Rajasthan Royals, the IPL during his 15-year interna- different even in a team en- seed ahead of world number cinnati Masters last month. either Italian Salvatore Caruso ago, and will face either Ana- side he captained to victory, as tional career. vironment but imagine the two Nadal, in the tuneup for He also captured his 35th or a qualifier, with a potential stasija Sevastova or Jasmine a mentor for the upcoming sea- The world’s richest cricket individual’s dilemma in enforced the final Grand Slam of the ATP Masters crown, matching semi-final clash against France’s Paolini in the second round. son in the United Arab Emir- league will be played outside isolation with a tour looming.” season at the French Open Nadal’s all-time record, with fifth seed GaelM onfils or tenth Former French Open ates, the club said on Sunday. India for the third time after But those cricketers taking part which begins on September 27. the pair battling to pull ahead seeded Swiss Stan Wawrinka. champion Garbine Mugu- Warne – who was the Roy- being held in South Africa in in the T20 competition at least Djokovic won the French in Rome this week. US Open finalists Dominic ruza opens against American als skipper when they clinched 2009 and the UAE in 2014 have “some challenging IPL Open in 2016, with Nadal Nadal opens his Rome Thiem and Alexander Zverev, Sloane Stephens. the Indian Premier League because it clashed with the na- cricket” in the lead-up to the having won the last three ti- challenge on Wednesday the 2017 winner, both pulled Venus Williams has a cup in its inaugural edition in tional elections. The virus-de- series, Chappell added. tles since. Nadal, 34, has not against 27th-ranked fel- out after their runs in Flushing tough start against US Open 2008 – will join the team in layed tournament will start on The series for the Border- played since winning in Aca- low Spaniard Pablo Carreno Meadows, with injured Roger finalist Victoria Azarenka. the UAE and also represent September 19 and draw stars Gavaskar trophy is a part of the pulco at the end of February, Busta, the recipient of a first Federer also sidelined. Dutch player Kiki Bertens the club as its ambassador. ranging from England’s Jos ICC Test championship, which skipping the US Open over round bye, after his run to the and Swiss Belinda Bencic are “It’s always a great feel- Buttler to Australians Steve India leads ahead of Tim Paine’s coronavirus concerns. US Open semi-finals. Halep top women’s seed among the six top ten players ing to be back with Royals, my Smith and David Warner. Australia. (AFP) Djokovic tested positive Nadal has a 61-6 tour- Former French Open cham- in the field. Sports Monday, September 14, 2020 15 QREC-sponsored Qatar Arc Trials huge success at ParisLongchamp

Agencies Paris

The Qatar Arc Trials day took place at ParisLongchamp on Sun- day with the runners aspiring for the biggest races and titles on the weekend of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe lining up three weeks before the main event for their final preparation. His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassa- dor of Qatar to France, was present and presented the trophies to the winners of the Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert (Gr3) and the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon (Gr 1 PA), which is the final rehearsal for the Qatar Ara- Owned by Aga Khan, the filly Tarnawa outclassed the opposition in the Qatar Prix bian World Cup (Gr1 PA). The day Vermeille (Gr.1) included nine races and all of them were marked by the name of Qatar. Qatar Prix Vermeille: Tarnawa floors the opposition Owned by Aga Khan, the filly Tarnawa outclassed the opposition in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr.1). Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Tarnawa initially settled at the rear of the pack. In the final turn, she HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, crowned the winners. came to take the lead from Labur- num, and placed an extraordinary giving a courageous performance to the starting gate, she took the lead came and put us under little pressure, acceleration in the straight. Raabi- defeat Messi Bel and Lightning Bolt. and controlled the race from the off. he pulled himself together. He de- hah, who sat last for a long time, He has just shortened his odds for the She held off a strong attack from the serves a place at the start of the Arc.” finished very quickly to take second next Qatar Arabian World Cup. favourite Wooded, in the colours of place coming a long way back, just Christophe Soumillon, who was Al Shaqab Racing, who took second Qatar Prix Du Pin: Earthlight ahead of Dame Malliot. Tarnawa had riding him for the first time, com- place. English raider Lady In France as expected only raced once this year, winning a mented: “It was probably the very came in third. It was mission accomplished for Gr3 in Cork, ahead of Cayenne Pep- soft ground and the fact that he Corine Barande Barbe, who trains Earthlight, the hot favorite coming Winner of the Qatar Arabian World Cup in 2018, Fazza Al Khalediah dominated per, who won the Blandford Stakes hadn’t raced in a while that explains Air de Valse, commented: “She is a into the Qatar Prix du Pin. Never the Qatar Cup (Gr1 PA), giving a courageous performance to defeat Messi Bel (Gr2) on Sunday. Tarnawa has not his poor performance at Deauville. horse that can do anything. She has the under pressure, the colt, winner of and Lightning Bolt. been entered in the Qatar Prix de He is a horse that needs to run regu- strong hindquarters of a pure sprinter, two Group 1s as a 2-year-old, found l’Arc de Triomphe and will therefore larly to stay in good form. They told even though she has won over 1,400m his stride to put some disappointing Ridden by Maxime Guyon, she ran have to be supplemented. me he was nowhere near 100% today, previously. She is very generous and starts as a 3-year-old behind him. Qatar Prix Haxo — Prosecco in mid-division in the 1,400-meter Christophe Soumillon explained: so they wanted him to work a little bit needs pace. You have to let her have He finished in front of Tropbeau and opens the day race. Coming to the outside in the “I waited before I found a good stride. to be on top at the Arc weekend. I’m her own way. The one time we tried Manjeer respectively. He is trained The 2020 renewal of the Qatar Arc straight, she demolished her rivals When I saw Pierre-Charles Boudot always a little suspicious of Arabians to hold her up, it didn’t go well. She by André Fabre and was ridden by Trials opened, at ParisLongchamp with a devastating acceleration to advancing, I followed him and he took because we know that, once in front, didn’t breathe. She is a bit like me, she Mickael Barzaalona. on Sunday, 13 September, with the finish over a length in front of Troi- me to the lead. Then I just needed to they may stop very quickly. Still, I has her character (laughs). For the Ab- Lisa-Jane Graffard, racing man- Qatar Prix Haxo, the first handicap lus, with Barakatle in third. slow her acceleration! She’s really fast! took the advantage early and on this baye, if there is a horse that will set a ager for the owner, commented, of the year for 2-year-olds. It was It isn’t me who decides whether or not ground, he ran all the way to the line. fast pace, she will be delighted to have “Earthlight didn’t have an ideal race, Prosecco (Starspangledbanner x Qatar Prrix Miromesnil: to run in the Arc. This win, however, I think he is a horse that has qual- a leader, but if not, you can’t argue with no cover. However, he travelled Comtesse), for trainer Andrea Mar- Predetermined proves worth bodes well for the autumn.” ity. For the Arc weekend, I will have with her. She’s a real girl.” easily up the straight to win bril- cialis and Pierre-Charles Boudot Owned and trained by Jacques Ber- a choice to make between him and a liantly. He needed the race and so he who won with a strong finish in front tin, Predetermined was not one of Qatar Cup: Fazza Al Khalediah returns good filly, normally. We’ll see. I don’t Prix Qatar Foy: Anthony Van Dyck beats should improve from this. He hasn’t of Vents Contraires and Akamu. It the most prominent competitors in to form know the future rivals, but I think super stayer Stradivarius had an easy year with the lockdown. was the first win for this colt owned the Qatar Prix Miromesnil, a handi- Winner of the Qatar Arabian World he’s going to come on for this race Favourite in the Qatar Prix Foy The Prix de la Forêt (Gr1) is a possible by E.P.E. Bloodstock Ltd. “He is cap over 1,300m. However, he was Cup in 2018, Fazza Al Khalediah is and he should run well. » (Gr2), the super stayer Stradivarius target. He stays a mile so that leaves a lovely colt,” commented Pierre- the one who won the race, adding one of the best pure Arabians in the lost to the Irish raider Anthony Van his options open.” Charles Boudot, “Last time out, he the fifth victory to his account. world when his legs are not trou- Qatar Prix Du Petit Couvert: A first Dyck, ridden by Mickael Barzalona. was a bit green and so that’s why we After sitting in the fifth position bling him. Owned by Polska AKF SP group win for Air De Valse The French jockey put his partner in Qatar Grand Handicap Des Arc Trials: rode him with cover. We used the in a race led by Duquesa Penguin, Z.O.O, he was ruled out of the com- Air de Valse (Mensil de Aigles x the lead, with a steady pace. Stradi- prince Hamlet for Spain! same tactics today and it’s paid off.” Predetermined showed a nice turn of petition for almost a year after fin- Air Bag) was the surprise winner varius travelled on his flanks.H e There was a highly contested photo foot 150m from the line, easily taking ishing second in the Dubai Kahayla of the Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert accelerated in the straight, while finish in the Qatar Grand Handicap Qatar prix Du Pont De Grenelle: the lead, accompanied by jockey Ar- Classic (Gr1 PA) in March 2019. He (Group 3). Coming here off a good gradually moving to the rail and An- des Arc Trials. Prince Hamlet, rid- Femina continues her ascent naud Bourgeais. made a winning return at Mons on second place in the Barrière Prix de thony Van Dyck dug deep to hold off den by Tony Piccone, won by the Femina (Siyouni x Legerete) was the Carrying top weight in the race, February 20, in a modest race, and Meautry (Gr3) for her first career Stradivarius by only a few meters. absolute minimum in front of True easy winner of the Qatar Prix du Pont he won by two and a half lengths. then disappointed at Deauville in start at Group level on 30 August at Naganol Gold took third place. Romance and Ronan Thomas on the de Grenelle at ParisLongchamp. Heptathlete looking to make a show- the Doha Cup (Gr1 PA). Deauville, she confirmed that she is Mickael Barzalona said: “I let him line. Prince Hamlet belongs to Pedro Trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias for ing, but he could not follow the even- Back at ParisLongchamp, he a Group class on the quick ground go at his own pace, trying to wind him A. Mateos Not S.L.. He came here off Wertheimer & Frère, she came here tual winner in his acceleration and dominated the Qatar Cup (Gr1 PA), at ParisLongchamp. Quickly out of up little by little. When Stradivarius a win last time out in San Sebastian. off a win at Deauville on 16 August. finished second. Morbidelli wins maiden MotoGP as Dovizioso takes c’ship lead

AFP Misano Adriatico (Italy)

Franco Morbidelli charged to his first ever MotoGP win on Sunday as Andrea Dovizio- so capitalised on Fabio Quar- tararo crashing out of the San Marino race to take the cham- Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar cel- pionship lead. ebrates as he crosses the finish Italian Morbidelli’s domi- line during the 15th stage of the nated at Misano Adriatico and Tour de France on Sunday. (AFP) finished ahead of countryman Francesco Bagnaia, riding for Pogacar wins, Ducati-Pramac, and Suzuki’s Spanish rider Joan Mir in his Bernal destroyed maiden victory in motorcy- Petronas Yamaha SRT’ Italian rider Franco Morbidelli (right) celebrates Al Shaqab Racing’s filly Al Dawodiya on way to win in the Betway Fillies’ Handicap at Lingfield Park in cling’s elite class. his win on the podium next to third placed Suzuki Ecstar’s Spanish Surrey, UK, on Saturday. (Meganrose photography) AFP “I don’t know how it feels, rider Joan Mir after the San Marino MotoGP Grand Prix at the Culoz I still have to process every- Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy on Sunday. (AFP) thing,” he told BT Sport. Ineos leader Egan Bernal’s “It’s a good thing, a good ing off the track on lap eight zuki) 2.290, 4. Valentino Rossi Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Dawodiya defence of the Tour de France feeling. I’m very happy, I’m and again later in the race (ITA/Yamaha) 2.643, 5. Alex was left in tatters after the Co- enjoying the moment now. when already well off the pace. Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 4.044, 6. lombian lost several minutes The only thing I can say is Dovizioso is also 12 points Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) doubles her tally at Lingfield on the first major mountain thanks to my team, to my peo- ahead of Australian Jack 5.383, 7. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ of the race Sunday, as rookie ple, all the people that have Miller, who finished a place Ducati) 10.358, 8. Jack Miller QREC The jockey-fillyduo head- half a length in front of Flippa Slovenian Tadej Pogacar won been working with me.” behind the Ducati rider, after (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 11.155, 9. Doha ed this time to Lingfield for a The Strippa. Company Minx stage 15. Yamaha SRT’s Morbidelli, six Grands Prix. The 34-year- Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Honda- handicap (0-85) for the same (IRE) (Fast Company x Ice Ha- Jumbo-Visma’s Primoz 25, who started second on the old will now be eyeing his first LCR) 10.839, 10. Pol Espargaro Al Shaqab Racing’s filly AlDa - age category, but over a half- ven) was a further neck behind Roglic retained the overall grid, overtook pole sitter Mav- MotoGP championship af- (ESP/KTM) 12.030. wodiya (IRE) (Gutaifan x Lille- furlong longer. Al Dawodiya in third. lead after the 17km ascent of erick Vinales on the first lap ter finishing behind six-time Championship standings after bonne) added her second win to broke well from the stalls to- Al Dawodiya was bred by the Grand Colombier moun- and never relinquished his champ Marc Marquez, who six races: 1. Andrea Dovizioso her account in the Betway Fil- wards the lead from outside. It John Conolly and was bought tain as his key challenger Ber- lead, finishing over two seconds is out for the rest of the 2020 (ITA/Ducati) 76, 2. Fabio lies’ Handicap at Lingfield Park was Flippa The Strippa (IRE) as a yearling at the Arqana nal slipped to eight minutes ahead of Bagnaia on a great day campaign due to breaking his Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) in Surrey, UK, on Saturday. (Outstrip x Celsius Degre) who August Sale in 2018. She is a and 25 seconds behind in the for Italian riders in front of a arm in the opening race, in 70 points, 3. Jack Miller (AUS/ It was Sean Leavy, again, took the lead next to the rail in daughter of Gutaifan; a young yellow jersey standings. limited crowd on home soil. each of the last three seasons. Ducati-Pramac) 64, 4. Joan Mir who steered the Richard Han- the early stages. sire, who stands for Al Shaqab Bernal’s Ineos formerly Fellow Italian Dovizioso Results (ESP/Suzuki): 60, 5. Maverick non-trained three-year-old bay Just before the 2f mark, Racing at Yeomanstown Stud known as Sky have won seven finished back in seventh but MotoGP: 1. Franco Morbidelli Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 58, 6. filly, as he did on August 6 when Al Dawodiya made ground to in Ireland. Her second dam of the last eight Tours and the his nine points put him six (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 42min Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) she tasted victory for the first overtake her and take the lead. has produced the Mont Ormel mountain meltdown marks ahead of Frenchman and pre- 02.272sec, 2. Francesco 58, 7. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/ time in a maiden fillies’ stakes The two fillies battled, but Al (Air Chief Marshal), winner of something of a turning point race leader Quartararo, who Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati-Pramac) at Yamaha-SRT) 57, 8. Brad Binder for three-year-olds and older fe- Dawodiya kept the challenge at the Juddmonte Grand Prix de for the British team. scored nothing after first com- 2.217sec, 3. Joan Mir (ESP/Su- (RSA/KTM) 53. males over 1100 metres at Bath. bay and secured her second win Paris (Gr1).