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Friday, November 20, 2020 FOOTBALL Rabia II 5, 1442 AH Li Shenglong stars GULF TIMES in Shanghai win over Sydney SPORT Page 2 FIBA WORLD TOUR Team Lusail confi dent going into 3x3 Doha Masters ‘We believe that we will be ready to make it to the end’ World No.1 Liman face Manila in tough opener By Sports Reporter Doha orld No.1 Liman tle against No.9 seed Manila seed NY Harlem (USA), No.6 (Serbia) and Manila Chooks TM, who are led by Phil- Lausanne Katapult (Switzer- WChooks TM (Philip- ippines’ best 3x3 players Joshua land) and No.14 Utena Uniclub eam Lusail members, pines) face off in a much- Munzon and Alvin Pasaol. (Lithuania). The New Yorkers Qatar’s entry at the FIBA anticipated clash on Day 1 of the At last year’s exciting Doha made the semis of the last two 3x3 World Tour Doha Doha Masters as the FIBA 3x3 Masters, eventual runners- Masters but are no guarantee to Masters, will go out on World Tour resumes today. up Liman were stunned by get out of such a loaded group. theT court today, the fi rst day of Featuring four of the top-five Munzon-led Pasig Chooks on Not to be overshadowed by the event, with one thing on their ranked teams in the world, Day 1 and will be keen to avoid their compatriots, No.4 seed mind and that is to lift the trophy the loaded Doha Masters will another boilover. Home team Princeton (USA) will make their tomorrow night at Al Gharafa provide excitement for hungry Lusail will be hoping to make debut on this year’s World Tour Beach Games Area. 3x3 fans with the World Tour it more than a two-horse race and will be striving to make up The players of head coach having been on hold since the in Pool A. for lost time. Mohamed Salim Abdulla, a gold first three Masters of the season Defending champions Riga They will be without walking medal winner for Qatar at FIBA were played in Hungary in late (Latvia) will be the team to bucket Robbie Hummel but still 3x3 World Championships, will August-early September. beat from Pool B and look to have loads of talent, including have the home court advantage The event in Qatar — a site of add to the title they won at the high-flyer Kareem Maddox and and defi nitely have the will to several famous 3x3 moments Hungary Masters. pick-and-roll savant Damon succeed. — will also provide opportuni- The return to Doha should bring Huff man. Lusail only assembled the ties for several teams to secure happy memories for Karlis Las- Princeton will have to be ready team a couple of days ago for this coveted places at next month’s manis who took flight last year from the get go against in- tournament led by Greek All Star World Tour Final. to claim MVP and deliver Riga form No.5 seed Ub (SRB) who guard Kostas Vasileiadis, who Fuelled by the return of su- their first ever Masters victory. spectacularly finished second joined Al Sadd club this season. perstar Stefan Stojacic, Liman The No.2 seed will be hot at the Hungary Masters, but will Mame Souleye Ndour and Ous- dominated in Hungary with favourite against No.7 Jed- be missing two key pieces in seynou Mbow will contribute victories at the Debrecen and dah (Saudi Arabia) and Yoyogi Miroslav Pasaljic and Strahinja with their vast experience and Europe Masters. The in-form Crayon.EXE (Japan). Stojacic. The third team in the the talented Hamza Maher Radi Serbs headline Pool A but are If there is a group of death, it’s group will come from qualifica- will add his enthusiasm. expected to face a tough bat- surely Pool C featuring No.3 tion. (FIBA) For Vasileiadis, the 36-year- old player from Salonica, Greece, this will be his fi rst shot at 3x3. “It is fun. It’s completely diff er- ent from 5x5. It is a little diff er- ent, but basketball is… basket- ball, same passion, same eff ort everywhere! We have started to get to know each other and be ready for tomorrow’s tip off . “We want to win this tourna- ment! We believe that we will be ready to make it to the end. We made a lot of shots in practice, Team Lusail players Mame Souleye Ndour (left), Kostas Vasileiadis (second from left), Ousseynou Mbow the coach has prepared systems (second from right) and Hamza Maher Radi (right) pose with head coach Mohamed Salim Abdulla (centre) for us.” ahead of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters. Only a few lucky fans will be able to watch the tournament, promise that we will give every- that we have come together as only our second day together, but as FIBA and the local organising thing for you. It will be a spectacu- a group. Some teams have been I believe that we should play well. committee, keeping in line with lar tournament,” Vasileiadis said. participating on the tour for It is a great time for basketball in the Ministry of Public Health in- Coach Abdulla added, “I a long time. But I believe that Qatar.” structions, will only allow 30% of hope that everybody can play good things should be expected Team Lusail will open their the arena capacity. hard and enjoy the game of from us.” campaign today at 5pm against “I hope for the people that will basketball. I trust my team and The head of the team, Talal Liman in a Pool A match. The come and for those that will sit at my players. They are all pro- Zaid Aldosari, said, “The players game against Manila Chooks will home to enjoy these games live. I fessionals. It is the first time are practising well, it might be follow at 8:35pm on the same day.

FOCUS Generation Amazing partners with IFRC to deliver football for development programme worldwide eneration Amazing has includes working with refugees hance our global programmes its football for development derprivileged communities.” signed a partnership and displaced persons in Iraq, and play a key part in showing programme with participants The pilot project recognises agreement with the In- Myanmar, Uganda and Argen- the role that sport plays in ad- in an eff ort to teach key life that football has an exception- ternational Federation tina as a means of inspiring and vancing the United Nations Sus- skills, such as communication ally important role to play in Gof Red Cross and Red Crescent providing them with key life tainable Development Goals and and leadership. The project will bringing people together and Societies (IFRC) to jointly de- skills through football to lead Qatar National Vision 2030.” include the establishment of promoting inclusion, health, liver football for development healthy and active lifestyles, and Chapagain said: “We are so football pitches and classrooms, leadership, discipline and team- programmes to vulnerable youth to work within their communi- proud to be part of this pro- with the attendees judged on the work. Both Generation Amazing in several countries across the ties to promote social inclusion. gramme and excited to see work skills learnt both on the football and the IFRC further recognise Middle East, Asia, Africa and “We very much look forward starting on the ground. In this pitch and in the classroom. that football can be a key cata- South America. to this partnership with IFRC, Covid year, when young peo- Generation Amazing Execu- lyst for engaging young people The announcement follows the world’s largest humanitar- ple have been facing increased tive Director, Mushtaq al-Waeli, and contributing towards devel- an offi cial signing ceremony in ian network, and the unique pressure on their mental health said: “As young participants opment and peace. Doha in March that was attend- opportunity it presents to build and major disruptions to their navigate their leadership jour- The partnership will kick off ed by SC Secretary-General HE robust evidence in support of education, this kind of initiative ney, they will learn powerful in December 2020 and aims Hassan al-Thawadi, and IFRC the transformative power of could not be more important.” skills such as discipline, healthy over the coming years to benefi t secretary-general Jagan Chapa- football to improve the lives of The collaboration between living and teamwork. They will thousands of young people in gain. Also in attendance were vulnerable and at-risk youth in Generation Amazing and the also engage with their local net- an eff ort to transform their per- representatives from Qatar’s challenging contexts,” said al- IFRC will begin with a pilot works in meaningful ways. By sonal situations and create an Ministry of Foreign Aff airs and Thawadi. project involving the Genera- doing so, they will create change external ripple of change in their Qatar Red Crescent. “Generation Amazing has tion Amazing football for devel- in their schools, neighbour- communities. This forms part of The partnership will focus on built a meaningful history of opment methodology and the hoods and the broader commu- Generation Amazing’s mission empowering and educating vul- impactful programming over IFRC’s Youth as Agents of Be- nity by implementing solutions to positively impact the lives nerable youth that are subjected the past ten years and we believe havioural Change initiative. in some of the most challenging of more than 1 million youth by to exclusion or violence. This this partnership will further en- Generation Amazing will run contexts for refugees and un- 2022. (Qatar2022.qa) Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 20, 2020 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Dortmund teen Li Shenglong stars Moukoko on verge of making in Shanghai win Bundesliga history AFP Berlin, Germany Three points from the een prodigy Youssoufa opener sends Shanghai Moukoko could become the youngest debutant in to second place Bundesliga history this over Sydney Tweekend as Borussia Dortmund hint that the German goal-scor- AFC Sydney FC continued to en- ing sensation may make his sen- Doha joy the bulk of possession in the ior debut. opening minutes of the second Moukoko turns 16 today and if half and Barbarouses nearly he plays at Hertha Berlin tomor- brace of second-half doubled his side’s tally 10 min- row evening, he will set a new Li Shenglong headers utes after the restart after being Bundesliga record having already helped Shanghai SIPG set up by a Rhyan Grant header, sent goal records tumbling in come from behind to but the New Zealander interna- German youth football. defeatA Sydney FC 2-1 at Khalifa tional could not fi nd the target The Cameroon-born teen has International Stadium in Group with his point-blank header. already played for Germany’s H of the 2020 AFC Champions It was Vitor Perreira’s Shang- Under-20 side this season and League yesterday. hai SIPG who found the back of is relishing the prospect of his Shanghai SIPG were com- the net instead. With 63 minutes Bundesliga debut. ing into their campaign opener on the clock, Australian mid- “I read what the media write, against an FC Sydney side they fi elder Aaron Mooy took advan- but I don’t put pressure on my- had played twice and drew on tage of a quickly taken set-piece self,” Moukoko told Dortmund’s both occasions last term, while down the right and delivered website in a rare interview during Steve Corica’s men had col- a pinpoint cross catching the which the club hinted he could lected one point from two games Sydney FC defence napping feature in Berlin. in the competition and were in and fi nding Li who was left to Even if his league debut only desperate need for a victory to pick his spot with a free-header, follows in the coming weeks, the stay in contention. driving home the leveller. confi dent teen is “not worried – Sydney FC came racing out With just 11 minutes to go, Li I know I will make my debut at of the blocks and within fi ve popped up in space inside the some point”. minutes they had their fi rst big box once more, getting on the Nuri Sahin, whose record is break. A Paulo Retre though ball end of a whipped cross from under threat, wants Moukoko to found Trent Buhagiar free down substitute Yu Hai from the left make his Bundesliga debut, be- the right fl ank and he squared to send a diving header in off cause “the Under-19s is too easy for Kosta Barbarouses who had the upright, leaving goalkeeper for him”. the goal at his mercy with the Heward-Belle rooted to the Sahin, now 32, was 16 years, Shanghai SIPG defenders left spot. 335 days when he made his Dort- In 2016, he switched to Dort- chasing shadows, but the Syd- The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s mund debut in 2005, giving mund’s youth academy, where ney FC number 11 fl uff ed his night went from bad to worse as Moukoko ample time to break his he started breaking goal-scoring lines, squandering the chance he was sent-off in added time record. records, sparking unfounded for an early opener. for handing the ball outside the He could also make his Cham- doubts over his age. Barbarouses was presented box, leaving Grant to fi ll in be- pions League debut this autumn As a 13-year-old at the start of with the chance to make amends tween the sticks as Sydney FC to break the record of Celestine 2017/18, he banged in 40 goals in three minutes later when goal- had already used up all their Babayaro, who was 16 years, 87 28 games for Dortmund Under- keeper Thomas Heward-Belle substitutions. days when he played for Ander- 17s including the winning goal in sent a long ball for Buhagiar who The three points in their fi rst lecht in 1994/95. the play-off fi nal against Bayern nodded it into the path of Barba- game of the 2020 AFC Cham- Moukoko has already trained Munich. rouses who showed impeccable pions League sends Shanghai with Dortmund’s fi rst team on He topped that with 50 goals awareness to fi nd his teammate SIPG to second place in the the back of his goal-scoring feats in 28 games in 2018/19, includ- with the return pass. Buhagiar Shanghai SIPG’s Li Shenglong celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League Group H match group ahead of Sunday’s clash for the youth team. ing 46 in the league to set a new took it fi rst-time, sending a left- against Sydney FC at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Despite often facing oppo- youth record at Under-17 level. footed eff ort into the top corner Sydney FC, meanwhile, are nents four years his senior, the Last season he moved up to to open the scoring for Sydney quarter-hour mark, Shanghai but the Sydney FC defender wait until the 30-minute mark left teetering with their hopes of robust 15-year-old is captain of Dortmund’s Under-19s just be- FC. SIPG goalkeeper Chen Wei was watched his eff ort cannon off to get their fi rst real chance of qualifi cation largely dependent Dortmund’s U19 team and has fore his 15th birthday and dis- The Australian dominance at beaten again as an Alexander the post before Retre sent the the game when Gu Huan crossed on getting a result against the scored 13 goals in just four games missed doubts about his ability Khalifa International Stadium Baumjohann corner was headed rebound wide. for Li whose header narrowly Korea Republic side on Wednes- so far this season. at the higher level with six goals continued and just before the goalward by Benjamin Warland, Shanghai SIPG were made to missed the target. day. His stats are part of a mind- on his stunning debut in a 9-2 blowing total of 47 goals with demolition of Wuppertal. 10 assists in just 25 matches for He fi nished 2019/20 with 38 Dortmund U19s over two sea- goals in 28 games and talk of a Melbourne’s Rojas puts coronavirus concerns aside for Asian Champions League sons. Bundesliga debut soon started. Dortmund are doing their best “We would all do well to watch Reuters this year over due to the coro- ing that we’re being well cared before the shut down. to shield him – all interview re- Youssoufa’s developement in a Hong Kong navirus. for and well looked after.” Melbourne’s opener against quests are denied – but his name relaxed fashion with a bit of pa- The Grant Brebner-coached Australia has recorded just Chinese Super League side is already well known at the top tience,” said German FA sports Melbourne squad were due over 27,700 new coronavirus Beijing Guoan will be the of German football. director Joti Chatzialexiou opti- elbourne Victory’s Mar- to depart yesterday and New infections and 907 Covid-19 first competitive match the “Youssoufa Moukoko has a mistically. cos Rojas has said he Zealand midfielder Rojas deaths after an impressive early club have played since their talent that you don’t come across Yet he is already showing ma- Mwill put worries about acknowledged having some response and strict measures involvement in the A-League that often,” commented Germa- turity beyond his years. the Covid-19 pandemic to one worries ahead of the journey to that included sending Mel- playoff s came to an end against ny coach Joachim Loew. Last month, Moukoko scored side and focus on their Asian the Middle East. bourne, the country’s second- Western Sydney Wanderers in Moukoko already has more a hat-trick as Dortmund’s Un- Champions League campaign as “I’m feeling like everyone else largest city, into months-long the middle of August. than 700,000 followers on In- der-19 side beat Schalke 3-2, but they prepare to fly out to Qatar is, a bit apprehensive about the happened and we’re now travel- lockdown. “It will be really nice,” said Rojas stagram and a sponsorship deal his brilliant display was over- for the resumption of the conti- travel and all of that but excited ling overseas and it’s obviously Games in the Asian Champions of a return to action. “It’s a dif- with Nike. shadowed by racist abuse from nental club championship. about the Champions League in the background, but we’ve League resumed on Wednesday ferent take on the pre-season home supporters in Gelsenkirch- Melbourne are among three and excited to play some good spoken about it as much as we with Shanghai Shenhua beating hit outs. Some very good SIX-GOAL DEBUT en. Australian clubs playing in the football games,” he said. can and we have all the infor- Perth Glory but Melbourne do competitive games and we’re He was born in Yaounde, Cam- Schalke apologised to Dort- competition as it returns in “(The situation’s) forever chang- mation that we can possibly not return to competitive play really looking forward to testing eroon, and moved to Hamburg, mund and Moukoko, who re- Doha in a centralised format ing isn’t it? have at this stage. until Tuesday due to having ourselves... against some top his father’s home city, in 2014 sponded by taking a knee after after being suspended earlier “You saw here in Australia what “We’re going over there know- already played twice in Group E teams.” where he fi rst started playing for scoring in his next game to join St Pauli’s junior side. the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest.

FOCUS Belgium, Italy into Nations League fi nals as Foden stars in England win

AFP That ensured they fi nished a League B in the next edition. at their expense after beating Paris, France point ahead of the Netherlands, Slovakia 2-0. who came from behind to beat WALES MOVE UP, SCOTLAND “We are all disappointed with Poland 2-1 away with captain MISS OUT the way the week’s fi nished,” omelu Lukaku helped Georginio Wijnaldum scoring Wales won promotion to League Scotland manager Steve Clarke fi re Belgium into the the winner after Memphis De- A with a 3-1 win over 10-man told Sky Sports. UEFA Nations League pay’s penalty cancelled out Kamil Finland in Cardiff that allowed “It’s been an historic week for fi nals by scoring twice Jozwiak’s opener. them to top Group B4. Scottish football. There was no inR a 4-2 win over Denmark on Italy and Belgium join Spain Despite manager Ryan Giggs lack of endeavour. It was similar Wednesday, while Italy also se- and World Cup holders France in being missing after his recent to the game on Sunday (1-0 loss cured a place in the last four a fi nal tournament which is ex- arrest on suspicion of assaulting in Slovakia), just a little lack of with victory away to Bosnia and pected to be held in Italy in Octo- his girlfriend, Wales came good quality in the fi nal third meant Herzegovina. ber next year. with goals from Harry Wilson, we couldn’t get a goal.” The world’s number one- Before the fi nals, European na- Daniel James and Kieff er Moore. Also securing promotion to the ranked side, Belgium only re- tional teams will start their 2022 Teemu Pukki netted for Fin- top tier were Austria, who drew quired a draw from their last World Cup qualifying campaign land, who had left-back Jere Uro- 1-1 with a Norway side deprived League A, Group 2 game at home in March and then the delayed nen sent off after just 12 minutes. of stars Erling Braut Haaland and to Denmark behind closed doors Euro 2020 is set to go ahead next Winning their group also im- Martin Odegaard after being or- in Leuven and took an early lead June and July. proves Wales’ chances of secur- dered to quarantine because of a through Youri Tielemans. England have more than one ing a place in the 2022 World positive coronavirus test in their Jonas Wind equalised for Den- eye on that tournament, with the Cup qualifying play-off s, as the squad. mark, but Lukaku got a second- semi-fi nals and fi nal scheduled two best group winners in the Hungary won promotion too half double and Kevin De Bruyne for Wembley, and Gareth South- Nations League are guaranteed thanks to a 2-0 victory over Tur- made sure of the victory for Rob- gate’s team rounded out their play-off places if they don’t make key combined with a 5-0 ham- erto Martinez’s side after Thibaut Nations League campaign with a it via the usual route. mering for Russia at the hands of Courtois allowed a Nacer Chadli 4-0 win over Iceland. While Wales go up, Scotland Serbia. back-pass to squirm under his Declan Rice and Mason Mount missed out on promotion from The Republic of Ireland avoid- leg and in for an own goal. scored in the fi rst half and Man- League B, Group 2 after losing ed relegation to League C after Italy secured fi rst place in chester City’s Phil Foden got his Belgium’s forward Romelu Lukaku scores his team’s second goal during UEFA Nations League football 1-0 in Israel, their second con- drawing 0-0 with Bulgaria, but Group 1 with a 2-0 triumph in fi rst international goals with a match against Denmark on Wednesday. (AFP) secutive loss since clinching Northern Ireland and Turkey Sarajevo thanks to a goal in each late brace as England had three qualifi cation for Euro 2020. were among the sides to go down, half from Torino’s Andrea Belotti players aged 21 or younger score “It was a very diffi cult game. there was nothing to play for but Birkir Mar Saevarsson was sent Manor Solomon’s fi rst-half while Montenegro, Armenia, and Domenico Berardi of Sas- in the same match for the fi rst All the players were hearing mes- they did play for it,” Southgate off for Iceland who, like Bosnia, goal sunk the Scots, and the Slovenia and Albania go up to the suolo. time since 1883. sages that this is meaningless and told Sky Sports. are relegated and will compete in Czech Republic won promotion second level. Gulf Times Friday, November 20, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 PREMIER LEAGUE Man City to put Spurs’ Monaco, PSG new belief to the test Reuters London, United Kingdom Guardiola signs new contract is already his longest stay at here was a perception any club. in a clash with of Tottenham Hotspur He has won two Premier under Mauricio Pochet- League titles, three League tino that they lacked the Cups and the FA Cup with City, Tself-belief to win silverware and although winning the club’s there was plenty of evidence to first Champions League crown support that view. has proved elusive so far. Two near misses in the Pre- Amid upheaval at his old club mier League title race, FA Cup Barcelona, Guardiola found German accent semi-fi nal losses and then, when himself linked with a return to glory beckoned, a rather timid the Camp Nou. Champions League fi nal defeat But he is reported to have told ‘He (Kovac) did an amazing job in Frankfurt and was successful by Liverpool. the City hierarchy that he was It is a year since chairman ready to agree the new deal at Bayern and in general I have liked Monaco for many years’ Daniel Levy pulled the plug on during the recent international the Pochettino era and hired break. AFP four titles and playing a Cham- serial winner Jose Mourinho “Ever since I arrived at Man- Paris, France pions League fi nal? Maybe win and there is growing optimism AFP chester City I have been made fi ve with Bayern Munich?” among the club’s faithful that London, United Kingdom to feel so welcome in the club In the other match today, all the Portuguese coach many did and in the city itself — from the homas Tuchel’s Paris eyes will be on Eduardo Ca- not exactly welcome with open players, the staff , the support- Saint-Germain are top mavinga, the teenage sensation arms might indeed be the spe- ep Guardiola has ended ers, the people of Manchester of Ligue 1 and chasing who will be back for Rennes cial one. speculation over his and the chairman and owner,” a ninth straight win to- against Bordeaux after missing Tottenham re-start after the PManchester City future Guardiola said. Tday but standing in their way are his club’s last four matches due international break in second after signing a new two-year “Since then we have achieved an ambitious Monaco side with to injury. place after eight games, behind contract extension yesterday. a great deal together, scored a German-born coach of their Possibly the most exciting Leicester City, the club that beat Guardiola was due to be out of goals, won games and trophies, own in Niko Kovac. young talent in European foot- them to the title in 2016. contract at the end of this sea- and we are all very proud of The 49-year-old Kovac, who ball, midfi elder Camavinga’s Pochettino enjoyed two bet- son and it had been suggested that success. was brought up in West Berlin and return is timely ahead of next ter starts in terms of points after the Spaniard might be ready to “Having that kind of support spent most of his playing career in Tuesday’s Champions League eight games, but there is some- leave City. is the best thing any manager Germany but played internation- encounter with Chelsea. thing in the way Tottenham have But the 49-year-old has now can have. I have everything I ally for Croatia, took over in the Camavinga made his full gone about their business in this agreed to stay at the Etihad could possibly want to do my principality during the summer. France debut in September most odd of seasons that sug- Stadium until at least 2023. job well and I am humbled That followed a spell out of and scored his fi rst goal for his gests something is brewing in “Manchester City are pleased by the confidence the owner, the game after his sacking by country in a friendly win over north London. to announce that Pep Guardi- chairman, Ferran (Soriano) and Bayern Munich in November Ukraine last month. There is a caveat though. Tot- ola has signed a new two-year Txiki (Begiristain) have shown 2019. While recovering from injury tenham’s 17 points have been deal with the club,” a statement in me to continue for two more At the Stade Louis II, Kovac’s Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel. (Reuters) he celebrated his 18th birthday collected against the likes of on City’s website said. years after this season. remit is to revive the fortunes of last week, and marked the occa- West Bromwich Albion, Bright- Former Barcelona and Bayern “The challenge for us is to a club who have struggled in the French internationals Wissam and his mentality as a hard- sion by passing his driving test. on and Hove Albion, Burnley and Munich boss Guardiola is mid- continue improving and evolv- last two campaigns and are try- Ben Yedder and Ruben Aguilar working guy who plays a very “For the moment, my parents Southampton, although a 6-1 way through his fifth campaign ing and I am very excited about ing to return to the upper ech- because of coronavirus and sus- disciplined style of football but don’t let me drive too much,” victory at Manchester United with the Premier League and helping Manchester City do elons of the French game. pension respectively. also very attractive, we were Camavinga said. “I’m waiting suggests they are no fl at-track his new deal will extend what that.” Kovac was brought in by Mo- Nevertheless, Tuchel ex- very curious to see him there.” to have my own car, we’ll see if bullies. naco’s new sporting director pressed his admiration for a PSG are fi ve points clear of they let me.” Things are about to get a lot Paul Mitchell, the Englishman man he faced during his time Lille at the top and could be harder, starting this Saturday In their last game he even also face Liverpool and Leices- who previously headed football at Borussia Dortmund, when forgiven for having one eye on FIXTURES against stuttering Manchester started with Harry Kane, Son ter before Christmas. Only if operations at Red Bull and was Kovac was coach of Eintracht next week’s crucial Champions Today City. Heung-min and Gareth Bale up they are still fl ying high then will formerly head of recruitment at Frankfurt. League clash with Leipzig. Rennes v Bordeaux Tottenham are fi ve points bet- front. Spurs fans really dare to dream. RB Leipzig. “He did an amazing job in Tuchel may again be without Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain ter off than Pep Guardiola’s side, “Obviously Jose is a winner at Among the new signings Frankfurt and was very suc- Neymar, who has been absent in Tomorrow who have played a game fewer, DARE TO DREAM every level, he has come in with made for this season was Ger- cessful at Bayern Munich and in recent weeks, as he looks to re- Brest v Saint-Etienne and have scored 19 goals, almost City’s threat means he is more that aura about him and he wants many striker Kevin Volland, who general I have liked Monaco for lieve the pressure placed on him Sunday twice as many as City. likely to revert to his more cau- to win things here,” Kane said. joined from Bayer Leverkusen. many years,” Tuchel told PSG due to PSG’s European form. Nantes v Metz It promises to be a fascinat- tious instincts tomorrow as they “It is just installing that confi - The new-look Monaco have TV. Defending his counterpart, Dijon v Lens ing encounter. Mourinho bridles try and beat Guardiola’s team at dence into the team, he is a great had an inconsistent start and “They are known as a club Kovac said: “I know Thomas, Montpellier v Strasbourg at suggestions he is a pragmatic, home for the second season in man, with great experience, so come into the weekend in sixth who produce a lot of talents and he’s a very good person and a Reims v Nimes defensive coach and some of the succession. (that) us as players can only look place. They have won their in combination with Niko’s ex- good coach. What more do you Angers v Lyon football his side have played this After that, Tottenham go to at that and take confi dence from last two games but are without perience and skills as a coach, want from him than winning Lille v Lorient season has been sensational. Chelsea, then host Arsenal and that.”

LA LIGA COMMENT Atletico game could leave Griezmann Arteta hurt by Ozil situation, wondering what might have been but resigned to questioning Reuters cision” and that he has failed to London, United Kingdom get the best out of him but he I’m tired of being blamed for accepted that some will fi nd his everything at Barcelona, says Messi absence diffi cult to accept. rsenal manager Mikel Asked whether he could fi nd Arteta says he is hurt his way back into the team, by Mesut Ozil’s situ- Arteta said: “Well everybody can ation at the Premier and I think since I arrived here LeagueA club but is resigned to you see where some players have facing questions about the Ger- started and where they are right man midfi elder after every de- now, their careers are completely feat. Ozil, 32, who is under con- changed and they have earned tract with Arsenal until June 2021 that right. We gave them the op- earns a reported 350,000 pounds “But at the end of the day I’m portunities and they took them. ($452,830) per week, but has not sitting here to make decisions, “With Mesut at the moment, played for Arteta’s side this sea- to make the decisions that, in with the squad list, obviously he son after being left out of the 25- my opinion, are the best for the cannot be involved. I try to be as man Premier League squad. football club. And this is what I clear as possible with him and The playmaker, who last have to do,” the Spaniard added. with all the media and fans be- Reuters tired of always being the played for Arsenal in March, Ozil’s high-profi le absence cause they deserve to know the Madrid, Spain problem for everything at the was also left out of their Europa continues to be a major talking reasons why and some people club,” Messi was quoted as League squad, leaving him only point around the club and Arteta will understand and other people saying by Spanish media. eligible for Under-23 games. said he was resigned to having to won’t understand it because of frustrated Lionel Messi “On top of that, after a 15-hour “I’m hurt because I don’t like any deal with the issue. what he’s done for the club,” he said he is tired of being flight, I had the tax authorities player in my squad not to have “The moment that you lose added. Ablamed for problems waiting for me. It’s madness.” the possibility to participate, or football matches his name is Arsenal, who are 11th in the at Barcelona after he was ac- With one year left on his to compete, for me it is really sad going to come up and when you league, six points off leaders cused by Antoine Griezmann’s contract, Messi tried to because I don’t think anybody win, it won’t,” he said. Leicester City, visit Leeds United former agent of making life activate a disputed clause to deserves that,” Arteta said in an Arteta has previously said that in the Premier League on Sun- diff icult for the French striker leave Barcelona for free in interview with beIN Sports. Ozil’s situation is a “football de- day. at the La Liga club. the off -season, but eventually Eric Olhats had accused Messi decided to stay as he did not of having too much control at want to face a legal battle the club, saying his “reign of with the club. FIFA announce reforms Villa boss Smith wants more terror” had made life diff icult Barcelona have been in for Griezmann to adapt since turmoil since Bayern Munich to protect pregnant evidence in fi ve-sub row his arrival last year. humiliated the Spanish footballers Messi returned to Barcelona side 8-2 in the Champions Aston Villa manager Dean Smith wants more evi- from international duty with League quarter-finals last FIFA plans to introduce a series of measures to dence to prove players are at risk from serious Argentina on Wednesday season. Club president Josep protect pregnant footballers including manda- injury before he supports the reintroduction of when he was accosted by Maria Bartomeu resigned last tory maternity leave “of at least 14 weeks”, five substitutions in the Premier League. Several reporters at the airport. month ahead of a vote of no the sport’s world governing body announced Premier League bosses including Manchester “The truth is that I’m a little confidence. yesterday. “We want to see more women play United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Liverpool’s Jurgen football but in the same time have a family,” Klopp and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola have Reuters First of all, the chances are able to fi nd a regular starting from Barca in the last transfer Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s chief women’s football criticised the decision to stop the five-sub rule Madrid, Spain that Griezmann will be on the spot with youngsters Ansu Fati, window and Atleti, who are officer, explained to journalists. The body being continued in England amid a hectic fixture bench as his current and former Trincao and Pedri all leaping just three points off leaders said it would put a series of reforms forward schedule. The option for more replacements employers battle. ahead of him in the pecking or- Real Sociedad with two games for approval by the FIFA Council next month, during matches was brought following the coro- hen Barcelona for- After leaving Atleti, where he der. in hand, look the team to beat making them immediately applicable across all navirus lockdown last season in a bid to prevent ward Antoine was the star man, for the Nou Meanwhile, the man who in Spain. of its 211 member federations. The mandatory injuries. All the other major European leagues Griezmann re- Camp in 2019 few things have replaced the France striker at With Barcelona and Real Ma- 14-week maternity leave would see players and the Champions League now allow five subs, turns to face his gone right for Griezmann. He Atletico, Portugal’s Joao Felix, is drid struggling so far this sea- guaranteed a minimum two-thirds of their con- but the Premier League clubs voted to keep it Wformer club Atletico Madrid in has struggled to fi nd the form fl ourishing, having scored eight son, there is a genuine chance tracted salary, while FIFA indicated a wish to at three. “I can only go from my football club, La Liga tomorrow the French- that persuaded the Catalans to goals in his last seven games for for another club to push for La make it harder for clubs to part company with and if player welfare becomes an issue then it’s man could be forgiven for won- pay his 120mn euro ($141.98mn) club and country. Liga glory. Atletico look as likely pregnant players, saying “no female player a no-brainer and you have to increase substitu- dering how things might have release clause. Add in the impact at the Ma- to do that as any other team, should ever suffer a disadvantage as a result of tions or look at the fixture scheduling,” Smith been diff erent had he stayed at Instead, he has toiled in the drid club of Luis Suarez since with Griezmann left thinking becoming pregnant”. said yesterday. the Wanda Metropolitano. shadow of Lionel Messi, un- the Uruguay striker joined what might have been. Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 20, 2020 CRICKET

Stick to Burns SPOTLIGHT Gayle and over Pucovski as Malinga drop opener, Ponting out of Sri Lanka tells Australia T20 tournament

Reuters AFP Melbourne Moeen says he has Colombo

ustralia should stick ig-hitting West Indies with Joe Burns as star Chris Gayle, South David Warner’s Africa’s Faf du Plessis and opening partner Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 Afor next month’s fi rst Test Bskipper Lasith Malinga are among against India despite Will Pu- the big names that have with- covski’s strong claims for that ‘never experienced’ drawn from the Lanka Premier role, former captain Ricky League tournament, offi cials and Ponting has said. reports said yesterday. Victoria’s Pucovski, 22, has Gayle, slanted to be the top at- broken into Australia’s 17- traction in the 23-match T20 man squad for the four-test league starting on November 26, series having amassed 495 told the Kandy Tuskers he was runs in two Sheffi eld Shield pulling out due to an injury, a matches. racism in England source close to the team told AFP. Burns, who could not man- “Close associates” of Malinga age a fi fty in his last fi ve in- ‘I have now been playing for England for six years and always felt at home’ meanwhile told local media that nings, fi nds himself in an un- the veteran paceman was not offi cial bat-off with Pucovski AFP forward, I think a lot will be done match-fi t. to determine who will partner London to get all these things right.” “For the last eight months Warner in the day-night test Meanwhile, Moeen, who has he has not had any practice and at Adelaide from Dec. 17. made 200 international appear- therefore he is unable to take part “Burns hasn’t done much oeen Ali has insisted ances, vowed to again become an in the LPL without proper train- wrong,” Ponting told the “hand on heart” he England regular after admitting ing,” the ThePapare.com website Cricket Australia website. has not experienced he hasn’t “got that long left” in reported, quoting an associate of “If you go back to last sum- any racism during his international cricket. the 37-year-old. mer, he played really well in timeM in English cricket following a The 33-year-old off -spinner Strict quarantine restrictions the fi rst Test in Brisbane and I welter of allegations. is no longer a guaranteed fi rst- meant all players for the fi ve teams remember saying then to lock Tuesday saw the England and choice, with Moeen losing his were to join a “bio-secure bubble” him in and give him a good go Wales Cricket Board accused of place in the Test side during last at a hotel in the island’s south by at it for a while. “institutional racism” by former year’s Ashes. Thursday. “We read a lot into what’s international umpire John Holder “I know I haven’t got that long Sri Lanka Cricket offi cials told happened in the fi rst few and aspiring offi cial Ismail Da- left in international cricket, obvi- AFP du Plessis said he had nation- rounds of Shield cricket, and wood, who both feel non-white ously depending on fi tness and al team duties and could not play because they haven’t played candidates have been unfairly form, but I’ll try my best to do as in the league. a test match for so long, a lot prevented from becoming match much as I can to get to the level I The offi cials confi rmed yester- of people are forgetting what offi cials. want to get,” Moeen said. day that none of the three players happened last summer.” The duo’s accusations follow Moeen, who averages nearly had arrived at the hotel. Ponting would not be sur- allegations by Azeem Rafi q that 29 with the bat and more than 36 Health authorities have insisted prised, however, if Pucov- he suff ered racial discrimination with the ball from 60 Tests, add- on a one-week quarantine at the ski still made his Test debut, playing for Yorkshire. ed: “It’s frustrating for myself and hotel amid the coronavirus pan- even if it meant in the middle England all-rounder Moeen it’s more of a mental thing. demic. order. has previously alleged racial abuse “I’ve had enough of a break Matches are also to be played “(Opening) is just another by an unnamed Australia player from Test cricket... There’s an at Hambantota stadium with no string to (Pucovski’s) bow,” during a Test match in 2015. opportunity there to be one of the spectators allowed. the former skipper said. But Moeen said he had not en- greatest sides ever and be part of Other players who have with- “I’m sure if a middle or- countered any prejudice in Eng- that. That’s something I want to drawn include England player Ravi der spot came up and they lish cricket. do.” Bopara and Kabir Ali, a former weren’t thinking about play- “I can honestly say, hand on The veteran added: “I think I English cricketer who was due to ing an all-rounder, I’d think heart, that I have never experi- was hungrier when I was younger, coach one of the teams. his name would be mentioned enced anything like that,” he told when you are trying to play Test Ali tested positive for the coro- ahead of Cameron Green.” reporters from Cape Town ahead cricket (for the fi rst time). I think navirus just before he was due to Coach Justin Langer said of England’s white-ball series everyone is hungrier then. arrive in Sri Lanka and was re- uncapped Green’s batting against South Africa. “I guess a year-and-a-half placed by former South African alone is enough to earn him “I always felt that if you were ago I had defi nitely lost a lot of star Herschelle Gibbs who had a Baggy Green cap but the scoring runs or taking wick- that hunger but over the last six travelled to the island as a com- 21-year-old’s limited-overs ets you’ll play. I have now been felt like one of the guys,” added guys who say they have and I am and the ECB are improving in all months I feel like it is coming mentator for the competition. prospects hinged on his all- playing for England for six years Moeen, a practising Muslim. sure things have and will be done these aspects of the game. back. I want to play Test cricket The league was postponed three round ability. and always felt at home, always “I am sure there are other about it. The review is being done “No one is perfect, but going and play as much as I can.” times over the pandemic.

NZ, Windies players pass Covid-19 tests FOCUS Wellington: All 20 of the New (NZC) said in a statement. Zealand and West Indies players The players were allowed to and support staff in managed leave isolation for training ses- I had virus without knowing it, admits SA’s Boucher isolation tested negative for sions at NZC’s high performance the novel coronavirus and are centre after their first Covid-19 AFP rated from the rest of the squad in the nets and felt some aches we have to continue to show, on schedule to leave their bi- test on the third day, but must Cape Town and will stay in isolation while and pains.” it’s something that we have to osecure facility next week, New remain in biosecure bubbles being monitored by the team’s “Covid is bigger than sport,” live.” Zealand Cricket said yesterday. until released. medical staff . said Boucher. Boucher said he welcomed Players and support staff from The bulk of the West Indies outh Africa head coach According to a statement He said that in line with a the series against England af- both teams arrived in New squad, who arrived in New Mark Boucher re- from Cricket South Africa, all call from President Cyril Ram- ter a bruising winter during Zealand last week after fulfilling Zealand late last month, vealed yesterday that three were asymptomatic. aphosa for a period of mourn- which Covid, boardroom bat- their Indian Premier League were released last week after he had been a victim of Boucher said he sympa- ing, he expected fl ags to be at tles and controversy over rac- coronavirusS without knowing thised with the aff ected play- half-mast during the fi rst two ism dominated headlines. commitments and were imme- completing their mandatory diately placed into a mandatory isolation and moved to Queens- he had contracted the disease. ers. matches in honour of victims “We have to put that behind 14-day isolation where they town for two warmup matches Boucher was speaking ahead “Sitting alone in a room for of coronavirus and gender- us. We are in a position to put were subject to three Covid-19 against New Zealand ‘A’ ahead of limited overs series against six or seven days is very tough,” based violence and it was pos- some good news in South Afri- tests. of the Twenty20 series starting England, which starts with the said Boucher, adding that he sible that players would wear can cricket,” he said. “The two groups will have their next week. fi rst Twenty20 international in had been fortunate to have had black armbands. “We had some tough issues final tests on Day 12 and, results The first match of the Twenty20 Cape Town on November 27. a mild dose of the disease. But he indicated that it was to deal with,” he said of a ‘cul- permitting, will leave managed series is in Auckland on Nov. 27 An unnamed South African “I didn’t even know I had unlikely players would “take ture camp’ in August, held at a isolation next Thursday, Novem- before a two-Test series starts player tested positive for Cov- He and two others, with it,” he said. “I felt a little down a knee” as they did before a time when fi ssures in race rela- ber 26,” New Zealand Cricket on Dec. 3. id-19 when the South Africans whom the infected player had for one or two days. I had been three-team domestic match tions in South African cricket assembled Wednesday. close contact, have been sepa- throwing down to some players in July. “It’s not something were exposed.

BOTTOMLINE Filipino Divas take Hong Kong cricket by storm AFP Positive hitting helped set a chal- Hong Kong lenging total of 167-6, before the Divas restricted the Cavaliers to 122-4 with some energetic fi elding including two fter a long week cooking side-on, direct hits on the stumps. and cleaning in the cramped The team was cheered on throughout households of Hong Kong, by a vocal band of team-mates and sup- a group of Filipino domestic porters, who picnicked by the boundary helpersA are using their Sunday off for rope and operated the scoreboard. an unlikely hobby: cricket. And they’re “They’re so passionate about it. They proving rather good at it. all come here and they all watch and they Despite no background in the game, make a day of it,” said Cavaliers captain scant coaching and very little time, the Tracy Walker, an independent board SCC Divas have made a startling impact, member of Cricket Hong Kong. winning Hong Kong’s development “They get one day off a week, and league twice in their fi rst two seasons what do they do? They come and sit and and going unbeaten since stepping up to watch, cheer along, train whenever they the main divisions this year. can. It’s pretty impressive.” Along the way, they’ve inspired the Just three years after their founding Philippines’ fi rst national women’s in 2017, the Divas have already formed cricket team, providing seven of its a development team, SCC Pinay, and players, while shaking up Hong Kong’s This picture taken on November 8, 2020 shows members of the SCC Divas aim to be a lasting force in Hong Kong sleepy cricket scene, a remnant of Brit- Cricket Team, made up of domestic helpers from the Philippines, celebrating cricket. ish colonialism. their win against the Kong Cricket Club Cavaliers in Hong Kong.Team manager Aminesh Kulkarni, A member of the SCC Divas cricket team (L), batting against the Hong Kong “We are all domestic helpers. Some who founded the team with Arimas Cricket Club Cavaliers. are new players, having their fi rst time behind in the Philippines. For Divas player Liza Avelino, cricket and raises sponsorship to pay for dues, holding a cricket ball,” said Josie Arimas, They get “no rest. They’re tough”, said is a chance to escape the diffi culties of equipment and other expenses, says the player, said the Divas had added a new ship.” For the Divas players, separated 52, captain and founder of the SCC Di- Arimas. everyday life. aim is to provide a positive pastime for element to the sport in the city, which is from their families and living far from vas. Tales of abuse and exploitation “It’s very relaxing, it makes my day domestic workers on their day off . dominated by the expat and South Asian home, the team also serves as a support The satisfying clunk of bat on ball, abound among Hong Kong’s 400,000 worthwhile,” she said. “It’s good to be “The Filipinos have that gathering community. network, according to Avelino. at the scenic Po Kong Village Cricket foreign domestic workers, most of them active and you forget all stress and the culture. So if one comes, a few come. “What they brought into women’s “It’s not just about sport, it’s also Ground overlooked by green hills and from the Philippines or Indonesia. troubles and everything.” One player started spending time here, cricket in Hong Kong was their sense of about having a family to meet up with. tower blocks, is a world away from daily One domestic worker watching the During this month’s 45-run win over and now we have 32,” Kulkarni said. unity, the sense of teamwork and work- It’s a very close kinship, a sisterhood,” life for the Divas. Divas said that rather than the govern- the Cavaliers, a team from the vener- “My aim is fi nally about 200. It is ing together,” said Tam. she said. Many of them work from 6am till ment-mandated rest day every week, able and well-heeled Hong Kong Cricket going to happen in the next couple of “And at the same time they can still “Being away from home, to have a midnight, six days a week, scrubbing, her employer gives her just six hours off Club, the Divas’ skills honed in baseball, years.” maintain a very friendly attitude to- group of people doing the same thing is shopping and looking after kids, to sup- a month, and makes her sleep in the liv- a popular sport in the Philippines, were Alvina Tam, Cricket Hong Kong’s di- wards the opposition as well. I think very empowering. We love it and we look port their own children and families left ing room. in evidence. rector of development and a Cavaliers that’s a very good show of sportsman- forward to doing it on Sunday.” Gulf Times Friday, November 20, 2020 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NBA strives for flexibility within Wolves take Georgia’s ‘new normal’ Edwards, Wiseman goes to the Warriors Reuters New York The 2020 draft comes five months after it was originally scheduled in June BA commissioner AFP Adam Silver is on a Los Angeles quest for normalcy.

NThe defi nition of normal re- he Minnesota Timber- mains subject to change during wolves made Univer- the coronavirus pandemic. sity of Georgia standout With daily testing and hurdles Anthony Edwards in specifi c regions and cities to Tthe fi rst overall selection in the clear, the NBA is marching for- pandemic-delayed 2020 NBA ward with a plan to play the 2020 draft on Wednesday. season using lessons learned The Timberwolves, who fi n- from the unique summer in Or- ished 19-45 in the coronavirus- lando. disrupted 2020 season, opted “We’ve got to be really care- for Edwards, who averaged 19 ful,” Silver said Wednesday in an points per game as a freshman, NBA TV interview prior to the to bolster a roster that includes 2020 NBA Draft from Bristol, young stars Karl-Anthony Conn. “We learned a lot in Or- Towns and D’Angelo Russell. lando. There’s no doubt we will “I feel like I’m going to fi t learn a lot as we start playing.” perfect with those guys be- The NBA conducted the an- cause Russell likes to play off the nual draft after multiple date ball sometimes, and I can play changes on Wednesday, and NBA on the ball,” Edwards said in a free agency begins Friday. The virtual press conference from 2020 season, which ended barely his home in Georgia. “When he fi ve weeks ago in the bubble en- wants to play on the rock, I can vironment, is starting over in play off the ball. And KAT is the many ways. best three-point shooting big “It’s unusual for (rookies). man in the league. So I feel we Most of them didn’t have a can’t go wrong with that, a lot of complete (2020) season, NCAA pick-and-pops, pick-and-rolls Tournament. They’re fi nding and such.” their own new normal,” Silver The Golden State Warriors said of the 2020 draft class. “This took center James Wiseman with isn’t unique to the NBA. It’s what the second overall pick and the people are dealing with every in- Charlotte Hornets – owned by dustry around the world. And it’s NBA icon Michael Jordan – made what we’re doing.” guard LaMelo Ball the third se- For Silver, hitting reset and lection. maintaining as much fl exibility to Edwards, a 6-foot-5, make changes for health-related 220-pound guard from Atlanta reasons was paramount in start- who spent his lone collegiate ing the 2020-21 season. Play- season at Georgia, joins a young ers initially didn’t want to start Timberwolves core led by star the new season in December, center Karl-Anthony Towns and but agreed to the pre-Christmas point guard D’Angelo Russell. start date to help restore league Edwards led all Division I “It makes for a lot of un- who hasn’t played organized bas- show, was touted as a potential Okongwu sixth overall. powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv at earnings. Projections, Silver said, freshmen with 19.1 points per knowns,” said Golden State gen- ketball in more than a year. He top selection. French point guard Killian 16 and averaged 12.9 points per indicated a potential loss of more game and was the Southeastern eral manager Bob Myers of a year played just three games for the But erratic shooting ability Hayes, who has been playing game in the 2019-20 EuroLeague than $1bn had the NBA waited Conference Freshman of the Year. that saw the infl uential “March University of Memphis to aim at may have weighed against the 6ft with ratiopharm Ulm in Ger- season, was tabbed by the Wiz- until late January to begin the The 2020 draft comes fi ve Madness” collegiate tournament the NBA draft. 7in 19-year-old from California many, went seventh overall to ards a year after they made Rui regular season. months after it was originally cancelled and chances for NBA “This draft process has been whose path to the NBA included the Detroit Pistons — the highest Hachimura the fi rst player from “It was very important. We scheduled in June and barely four hopefuls to showcase their talent the longest for me, so I’ve just stints playing professionally in overseas player taken this year. Japan to be drafted in the fi rst wanted to fi nd a way to play, weeks after LeBron James and the curtailed. been working on my game,” said Lithuania and Australia. Hayes, 19, averaged 11.6 points round. just like we found a way to play Los Angeles Lakers clinched the The Warriors, who fi nished the 7ft 1in (2.16m) center who He averaged 17 points, 7.4 re- and 5.3 assists per game in 2019- For the fi rst time two play- last summer,” Silver said. “The NBA Finals after a virus-disrupt- last in the Western Conference is an imposing presence at the bounds and 6.8 assists in 31.2 20 in Germany’s top league and ers born in Nigeria – Precious thought here was, sitting down ed season. after a season marred by inju- rim. “I’ve actually been playing minutes over 12 games for the Il- is expected to combine well with Achiuwa and Udoka Azubuike with the players and their union, And it comes just fi ve weeks ries to Stephen Curry and Klay pickup games with pros already, lawarra Hawks in Australia’s Na- last year’s fi rst-round pick, Sek- – featured in the fi rst round. nobody thought we were going before the 2020-21 campaign tips Thompson, got another injury so I’ve been getting a lot of ex- tional Basketball League this past ou Doumbouya, who is also from Achiuwa was taken 20th by the to spend months in a (bubble).... off on December 22. scare hours before the draft with perience. But really just focusing season. France. Miami Heat and Azubuike 27th Ultimately, we concluded that’s That means the NBA’s newest what they called a leg injury to on myself. I’m truly ready to play The Chicago Bulls took Patrick Deni Avdija, 19, became the by the New York Knicks, both the best we could do under the top recruits face being thrown in Thompson in training, the sever- with these great guys.” Williams with the fourth pick, highest-drafted player from Isra- coming through US collegiate circumstances. at the deep end after an unprec- ity of which was not immediately Ball, the youngest of three Isaac Okoro went fi fth to the el when the Washington Wizards programmes, as did Aussie Josh “What we now know about edented last leg of their journey known. basketball-playing brothers who Cleveland Cavaliers and the took him ninth. Green who was taken 18th by this virus and the circumstances, to the league. In Wiseman they get a player already have their own reality TV Atlanta Hawks took Onyeka Avdija, who played for Israeli the Dallas Mavericks. there is a way to do it safely.”

FOCUS PREVIEW Packers put off ense to test NFL bumps up Covid-19 against stingy Colts defense

Reuters they fl y around. It’s one of the faster units we Indianapolis will have played this year. They’re physical, they know how to attack the ball. It’s hard to protocols as virus surges get big plays on them, so we’re going to have to AFP “Because we have a highly sophisticated uarterback Aaron Rodgers has do a great job.” To be sure, the Colts are well- Los Angeles program of daily testing, we know when the helped steer the Green Bay Packers versed with Rodgers’ skillset, beginning with virus enters our facilities, which underscores to the top record in the NFC despite his quick mechanics and release. the importance of contact tracing and other various injuries to some of the team’s “Arm strength to make every throw from he National Football League has steps to minimise close contacts within a fa- Qmost reliable playmakers. As the Packers pre- every arm angle, and he gets it out faster than stepped up its pandemic protocols cility.” pare to visit the AFC South-leading Indiana- anyone I’ve ever seen,” said Colts coach Frank with tougher restrictions going into Other protocols include: all meetings polis Colts and a stingy defense that leads the Reich, a quarterback for 13 NFL seasons. “And Teff ect tomorrow to try and mitigate held virtually unless outdoors or with pre- NFL in several categories, seeing some of those his feet don’t have to be right because of his the spread of coronavirus on the same day approval for indoors; locker room usage dis- teammates return to health would be nice, arm strength. He can put the ball wherever he the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves in couraged on non-game days; meals served on Rodgers admits. wants.” the midst of another outbreak. a grab-and-go basis; limits of 10 players in “Hopefully, those guys will be able to go, and Adds Indianapolis quarterback Philip Riv- The stricter measures, which will last until the weight room at one time. we’ll kind of look a little bit more like we did in ers: “I’ve always appreciated and thought it the end of the season, include forcing play- According to the latest test results an- Week 1,” Rodgers said. was special going against a quarterback like ers to wear masks during practice sessions, nounced by the league earlier this week, 95 Green Bay (7-2) activated wide receiver Al- him.... It is special.” a strict 15-minute time limit per person in players and 175 team personnel had tested len Lazard from injured reserve this week fol- Green Bay remains atop the NFC North de- the dressing room, and making sure all play- positive through November 14 since moni- lowing a recovery from core-muscle surgery, spite defensive struggles that start with an in- ers and coaches have a negative test from the toring began in August. and he participated in Wednesday’s practice. ability to force turnovers. The Packers enter previous day before being allowed into the Teams across the league have continued to Fellow receiver Davante Adams missed prac- play Sunday tied for 30th in the league with club’s facilities. report cases of Covid-19 despite safety pro- tice Wednesday after tweaking a previously 0.8 takeaways per game, while other concern- “It has been said many times that our 2020 tocols put in place this season. balky ankle in a Week 10 home win against ing rankings include opponent passer rating season cannot be ‘normal’ because nothing On Wednesday, the Raiders placed seven Jacksonville, but indications are he will play (27th) and points allowed (15th). about this year is normal,” NFL commission- more players on the Covid-19 reserve list, against the Colts (6-3). The Packers are hopeful to get starting cor- er Roger Goodell wrote in a memo to all the four days before the team is due to host the Indianapolis has generated much of its de- nerback Kevin King (quad) back from a quad teams on Wednesday. Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. fensive success behind a quick and explosive injury after he missed the past fi ve games. “Flexibility and adaptability have been Eleven Raiders players are now on the Cov- front seven. If opponents shift their focus Rivers has averaged 372 yards in four career critical to our success to date and we must id list, although the game is expected to go blocking schemes on defensive tackle DeForest starts against the Packers, but is 1-3 in those continue with that approach.” ahead. Buckner or another member of the defensive games. His accuracy and ability to take care of The league also said in the memo that 28 of In a separate development, the Los Angeles line, linebackers Darius Leonard and Bobby the ball have been paramount this season. In- the 32 teams had already been slapped with Rams also confi rmed a Covid-19 case – the Okereke have shown the ability to pounce and dianapolis is 4-0 in games in which he does not temporary stricter measures for Covid-19 fi rst positive case found by the team this sea- make additional plays. throw an interception, and 2-3 when he does. reasons. Of those 28, a total of 16 had been on son. The Rams said Wednesday the team had “I think all of them do such a great job play- “He is an experienced quarterback that them more than once. placed tight end Kendall Blanton, defensive ing together,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. knows how to get rid of the football, and when “The upcoming holidays, beginning with risks of exposure that we need to address back Jake Gervase and wide receiver JJ Koski “I think they’ve got a really sound scheme.... stuff isn’t there, he’ll fi nd his check-downs Thanksgiving next week, will introduce new now,” Goodell said in the memo. on the Covid-19 reserve list. You can tell everybody is on the same page, and and still make plays,” LaFleur said. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 20, 2020 SPORT

AMIR CUP SHOOTING Al-Shammari claims 10m Air Pistol gold By Sports Reporter that we see more promising faces Doha with a great future.” Meanwhile, in the youth cat- egory, Misfi r al-Marri won the hmed al-Shammari gold medal in the same event. Talal clinched men’s 10m Air al-Ali took silver and Mohamed al- Pistol gold at the pres- Shammari bronze. tigious Amir Cup 2020 The winners were crowned by ShootingA and Archery competition Shaker Abdullah, member of the at the Lusail Complex yesterday. National Teams Shooting Com- Ali Hassan had to be content mittee. with the silver medal while Osama On Wednesday, Saad al-Sulaiti al-Shaiba won bronze. won the 10m Air Rifl e gold, while Al-Shammari gave credit for the Jassem al-Baloushi and Abdul success to his training. Rahman al-Sharshani came sec- “What I’ve gained from my pre- ond and third respectively. In the vious experiences since my joining women’s section Shahd al-Dar- the Qatar Shooting and Archery As- wish came fi rst, Aisha al-Suwaidi sociation (QSAA) has been instru- fi nished second and Maha al-Ali mental in my success. My training came third. sessions have played a great role in The action in the Amir Cup will my achievements. I also see many continue till November 28 with the Gold-medallist Ahmed al-Shammari (centre), silver-medallist Ali Hassan (left) and bronze-medallist Osama al-Shaiba celebrates on the podium of men’s 10m Air Pistol at the gains in the youth category and it is 50m Rifl e, trap and skeet events prestigious Amir Cup 2020 Shooting and Archery competition at the Lusail Complex yesterday. (Right) Gold-medallist Saad al-Sulaiti (centre), silver-medallist Jassem al-Baloushi always a wish that it continues so yet to follow. (left) and bronze-medallist Abdul Rahman al-Sharshani pose at the men’s 10m Air Rifle podium.

PREVIEW FOCUS Real men do cry, says Pumas Cheika factor at coach Ledesma

Reuters Pumas, said after last week- Sydney end’s match that his players had been through “hell” in the months leading up to the All umas coach Mario Blacks match. play as Argentina Ledesma was un- They trained as best they apologetic for the could at home through the tears he and his team lockdown, then were forced shedP after their maiden victory to abandon one training camp over the All Blacks last week- in Argentina after a string of end and said that emotion was Covid-19 cases before requir- an integral part of the makeup ing two weeks of quarantine on of the Argentina team. their arrival in Australia. eye Australia upset The Pumas stunned the Matters were not helped by rugby world with their 25-15 the economic crisis in Argen- victory over New Zealand in tina nor by the uncertainty of ‘You’ve got big physical players, young players, a lot of energy. Just go and take it’ their fi rst test for more than a the playing future for many in year last week in Sydney and the squad after the Jaguares AFP there was a huge outpouring Super Rugby team was eff ec- Sydney of emotion on the pitch after- tively shut down. wards. While that contributed to That, along with tears shed the way the Pumas celebrated ormer Wallabies coach by Dustin Johnson after win- their victory last week, Ledes- Michael Cheika could ning golf’s Masters and Lewis ma said emotion was also part come back to haunt his Hamilton after securing the of what made Argentinian old team tomorro as he Formula One world title at the rugby diff erent. triesF to help Argentina pull off weekend, irked one veteran “I think we are like we are and their second straight upset after commentator in New Zealand, we don’t want to change, I think last week’s stunning win over who called on modern sports- emotions and passions are a New Zealand. men to “harden up”. very good thing,” he added. The Pumas are riding high “Emotions are sometimes “I thought there was a lot of after their 25-15 Tri Nations de- diffi cult to control, especially control and discipline too in the feat of the All Blacks last week after everything we have been way we played, and that’s the in Sydney, with a brick-wall de- through,” Ledesma said yes- way we should be playing.” fence helping them to their fi rst terday after naming his team Ledesma has kept faith with win over the three-time world for Saturday’s Tri-Nations test the players who beat the All champions. against Australia in Newcastle. Blacks for Saturday’s match Dave Rennie’s Australia are “I’m sorry if in any way he against the Wallabies at Hunt- now in their sights in Newcas- was angry about it, but I think er Stadium, and restricted tle, as they hunt for their fi rst emotions are a good thing – he himself to bringing hooker back-to-back wins against Tier should try it.” Santiago Socino, loose for- 1 opposition since defeating Italy Ledesma, a former hook- ward Facundo Isa and outside and France in June 2016. er who proved his physical back Emiliano Boff elli onto the Despite not playing since last toughness in 84 tests for the bench. year’s World Cup, Argentina played an astute game in Syd- ney, holding onto the ball well and when they did kick, forc- ing uncharacteristic All Blacks errors. Captain Pablo Matera cred- ited the infl uence of Cheika, who is with the team as a consultant after a call from coach Mario Ledesma, an old friend who used Michael Cheika, now one of Argentina’s to work with the Wallabies. coaches, pictured during a news conference in “The fi rst day he said, ‘Hey, Sapporo, Japan, during his tenure as Australia what are you waiting for?’” Mat- head coach, on September 19, 2019. (Reuters) era said of Cheika. Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma looks at a scrum in Osaka, “You’ve got everything. Japan, on September 28, 2019. (Reuters) You’ve got big physical players, young players, a lot of energy. Just go and take it.” Cheika’s fi ngerprints are likely Ian Botham’s grandson to make to be all over the match again on Saturday against a Walla- Wales debut against Georgia bies team he coached until their England cricket legend Ian Callum Sheedy and winger World Cup quarter-fi nal loss to in our game plan, and that is our and they are searching for a two so far. Allan Alaalatoa in a bid to help Botham’s grandson, James, Louis Rees-Zammit both England last year. kicking game, and to control the fourth win in fi ve Tests, having They have kept the same Australia tame an Argentinian will make his debut for Wales making their first starts for Rennie insisted he wasn’t tempo,” he said. “We’ve worked beaten New Zealand, USA and backline that helped orchestrate pack that more than matched the in Saturday’s Autumn Nations their country. Johnny Williams worried about the inside knowl- a lot during the week on being Tonga, with England their only their upset of the All Blacks, but All Blacks. Cup match against Georgia as partners Nick Tompkins in the edge that might come from his fresh after the emotion of last defeat. “I’m well aware of how made three changes among the “The Pumas really dominat- coach Wayne Pivac picked an midfield with Rees-Zammit, predecessor, who departed ac- week after not playing that kind good Argentina were last week forwards. ed the kicking stats last week, experimental side with an eye New Zealand-born Johnny rimoniously after Australia’s of rugby or that level of intensity and it’s a chance for us to show Scott Sio comes in for injured which was surprising. The All on the future. McNicholl and Liam Williams failed World Cup campaign. for a long time.” that we are developing and are prop James Slipper while Ned Blacks held onto a lot of ball, James Botham, a former comprising the back-three. An “We haven’t spoken about Once again the odds are getting better. A win would put Hanigan will start at blindside made errors and got punished,” Wales Under-20 international experienced front-row of Wyn it,” Rennie said. “I’m not certain stacked against Argentina. us in a pretty strong position,” fl anker after Lachlan Swinton said Rennie. who plays for Cardiff Blues, Jones, Elliot Dee and Samson what his role is, I know he’s come They have lost 17 of their last 19 said Rennie. was sent off on his debut. “So we expect them to kick a is the son of Liam Botham, Lee are named with Jake Ball in as some form of specialist and against the Wallabies, including Australia need victory to keep Elsewhere, hulking prop Tan- lot to us and then try and get a the son of Ian, and himself a and Seb Davies packing down chipping in where required. 14 of the previous 15 in Australia. alive their hopes of winning the iela Tupou, nicknamed “the wall in front us. We’ve got a plan former professional cricket, in the second-row. Botham “Certainly, there was a really But their confi dence is high Tri Nations, with one win from Tongan Thor”, takes over from around that.” rugby union and rugby league debuts in the backrow along- impressive defensive eff ort (last player, who appeared for side captain Justin Tipuric and week) so if he had anything to Cardiff in the 1990s. Aaron Wainwright. “Saturday do with that, he’s done a good Cheika makes code switch to lead Lebanon Botham is one of three is a huge opportunity for the job.” uncapped players named by players and for us as a squad Ledesma has named an un- Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has my parents came from,” Cheika told the breakthrough 25-15 win over the All Blacks in Pivac for the match which looking ahead to the future changed run-on side, with Sta- switched codes to take charge of Lebanon’s Daily Telegraph, adding that he closely fol- the Tri-Nations. He was also on the coaching will take place behind closed and to RWC 2023,” said Pivac. de Francais playmaker Nicolas rugby league side with an eye on next year’s lowed the Cedars’ run to the 2017 World Cup staff of National Rugby League (NRL) side doors at Parc y Scarlets, “As we have said all along, the Sanchez again shaping as key Rugby League World Cup in England. Cheika quarter-finals. Sydney Roosters and the move to Lebanon is Llanelli. Scrum-half Kieran Autumn Nations Cup is a great after scoring all 25 points against coached the Wallabies for five years until he “There is something about being Lebanese, being seen as a stepping stone to a potential Hardy and centre Johnny platform for us to give op- the All Blacks, including their stepped down in 2019 after a quarter-final you can never put your finger on it. I’m born role in Australia’s top-flight. Williams will also earn their portunities to players, to build lone try and six penalties. exit at the World Cup. here but when I went there as an adult the “I’m still ambitious as a coach because I love first caps in a game Pivac depth and experience. But his record against Aus- Cheika’s parents were both migrants from first time we landed in Beirut, I really felt a it, I can’t help it,” Cheika added. will be desperate to win after “It’s a great honour for the tralia is not as hot, scoring just Lebanon who came to Australia in the 1950s strong connection to the place.” “I’m here with Argentina now because I love six successive defeats, their new caps and the players one try across 13 previous Tests. and the 53-year-old Australian said taking up Cheika, who said in May he could never it. I just want it to unfold naturally. Being worst run since 2012. Full- making their first starts, they Ledesma cited Australia’s set- the off er had to do with returning to his roots. coach against Australia, took a consultancy with the Roosters, it’s been insightful but I’m back Liam Williams to one have trained well and deserve piece and their off ensive threat “It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me to role with the Pumas in September and going to take every day as it comes and see side, the Wales backline is an this opportunity to represent as areas of concern. do something that represents the land where helped guide Mario Ledesma’s side to their what happens from there.” experimental one, with fly-half their country.” “We just have to be spot-on Gulf Times Friday, November 20, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT FOCUS British government gives £300mn Hamilton sees bright rescue package to virus-hit sport

AFP Owners and operators of London major motor-sports circuits and diverse future will receive a combined £6 million, the Lawn Tennis As- he British government sociation will get £5 million ‘We’ve all got to stay on yesterday revealed and England Netball will re- they will give a com- ceive £2 million. top to make sure that bined £300 million Basketball, ice hockey, bad- T($396 million) rescue pack- minton and greyhound rac- change really follows’ age to 11 sports hit hard by the ing’s losses have been covered for changing F1 coronavirus pandemic. to the tune of a combined £11 Sport in the UK has suff ered million. fi nancially as a result of the The package does not cover Reuters absence of fans from stadiums men’s professional football, London due to the virus. despite the well-documented The fi nancial support will fi nancial diffi culties of Foot- largely be in the form of loans, ball League clubs. even times Formula One the Department of Digital, That is because the Gov- world champion Lewis Culture, Media and Sport ernment expects the Premier Hamilton says he is con- said. League to provide fi nancial fi dent his sport has a Rugby union will receive the support. brightS and more diverse future biggest single amount, with Negotiations continue over but he will not take his foot off £135 million ear-marked for a rescue package from the top the accelerator in pushing for the sport. fl ight to support the 72 clubs change. Of that, £44 million will in the three divisions below. The Mercedes racer, Formu- go to the Rugby Football Un- Cricket is not included in la One’s fi rst Black driver and ion, £59 million to Premier- yesterday’s announcement. champion, told Reuters Televi- ship Rugby clubs, £9 million It is understood that is be- sion in an interview that he also to clubs in the Championship cause the ‘Winter Survival looked forward to more success and £23 million to clubs below Package’ is focused on sports with a team that has dominated the Championship. which should be welcoming in the past seven years. Horse racing will receive spectators right now. The Briton is Formula One’s £40 million to support Sports Minister Nigel Hud- most successful driver, equal- racecourses unable to wel- dleston said: “Over the past ling Ferrari great Michael Schu- come visitors. Football’s Na- few weeks we have worked macher’s record seven titles and tional League will receive £11 tirelessly with sport govern- smashing the German’s records million to cover the period ing bodies and clubs across the for most career wins, with the between January and the end country to fully assess what Briton now on 94. of March. support is needed, as a result “This year there has been this Steps three to six of the of the decision to postpone the awakening,” said the 35-year- pyramid will receive £14 mil- return of fans. old, who sealed his seventh title, lion, while the Women’s Super “We know the vast major- and sixth with Mercedes, after League and Championship ity of sports – many of which winning in Turkey last weekend. have been awarded £3 million. operate on tight fi nancial mar- “Already it has sparked a The Rugby Football League gins – have been making seri- change but it’s really important will benefi t to the tune of a ous cost reductions, such as that it’s not just symbolism, further £12 million, topping locking down grounds, taking it’s important that it’s not just up the £16 million announced up the furlough scheme for words... that we take real action in May to safeguard rugby many staff and halting excess to make change, to make this a league’s future. payments.” more diverse sport.” Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007, recalled looking SPOTLIGHT around the Australian Grand Prix paddock in Melbourne at the start of last year and post- ing images on Instagram of the Run-swim-run startling lack of diversity he saw. “And then I got to the end of MAD Challenge the year and I saw all the photos of all the teams... and there were three or four people of colour on November 27 within that setting and I remem- ber thinking: ‘How has that not By Sports Reporter changed at all since I’ve been Doha here?’ “It isn’t a surprise when you think of the people who have led he MAD Challenge, a our sport, the comments they’ve run-swim-run event, come out with this year,” added will be held on Friday, Hamilton. November 27, at Ka- “So there’s a lot of learning taraT Cultural Village. to do and it’s uncomfortable for Organised by MAD Triath- some people, the conversation.” lon (Make A Diff erence Triath- lon) and supported by Katara STRONGLY CRITICAL Cultural Village, the event will team relay (mixed, aged 14-60) Hamilton did not name any be the fi rst of its kind event and nationals (aged 18-60). names but he has been strongly for participants of all ages and Those in adults, masters and critical this year of former F1 abilities. team categories will negotiate commercial supremo Bernie Ec- Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with a trophy after winning the Turkish Grand Prix and the world championship in Istanbul The fi rst part of the chal- 1.1km beach run, followed by clestone, now 90, for suggesting Park, Istanbul, on November 15, 2020. (Reuters) lenge will involve a beach run, 750m swim and then the 5.6km the sport did not have a problem followed by a swim in the Ka- endurance run. with racism. opening up a dialogue this year. make sure that change really fol- through the Covid-19 pandemic, place in pushing for better living tara Bay and fi nally an endur- Juniors will be going for a He has also hit back at former “You’ve seen (F1 chairman) lows.” had been “the hardest year for standards for everyone around ance run along the Katara Hills 600m beach run, 250m swim champions Mario Andretti and Chase Carey putting money to- Hamilton this year set up a everyone” but the movement for the world,” said Hamilton. track. and a 2.5km endurance run. Jackie Stewart, both in their 80s, wards the movement, we’ve seen commission of experts to help change and using his platform to “There are some teams that The competition will be held The event is scheduled to for their reactions to his cam- the (sport’s governing) FIA do- increase the representation of promote racial justice and equal we’re still working on, to try and across fi ve categories, includ- start 7am on the day. More paigning stance. ing more. So I think the future’s Black people in British motor- rights had been a “great driver in bring them in and be a part of ing juniors (male and female information is available on Hamilton said the sport had bright but I’ve got to stay on top sport, while Formula One has the background.” change and realise that they can aged 14-17), adults (male and the event’s Facebook page ht- gone “leaps and bounds’ in of these people,” he added. rolled out an anti-racism cam- “I think the sport’s realised do better in their company. But female aged 18-45), masters tps://www.facebook.com/ breaking down barriers and “We’ve all got to stay on top to paign. He said that 2020, racing that it has a powerful voice and a I think I’ve seen lots of change.” (male and female aged 46-60), events/419644592537378

TENNIS Osaka’s apparel collection underscores star power Reuters in 2019. The release of her own in the collection is a long-sleeve Tokyo Nike collection, just like her late camo shirt that has the fl ags hero Kobe Bryant, is particularly of Japan, Haiti and the United special. States on the sleeve. s the world’s highest “I am so happy about this col- “I’m always so happy to cel- paid sportswoman and lection,” Osaka told Reuters via ebrate my multicultural back- a three-time Grand e-mail yesterday. ground and that’s exactly why Slam champion, Naomi “I was very involved in the de- we incorporated all three fl ags,” OsakaA is no stranger to the spot- sign process. I knew exactly how she said. light, but ahead of the release of I wanted the collection to be rep- “It’s a celebration of diversity her personalised range of apparel resented.” and inclusion and I’m proud to made with sponsors Nike, the “It’s colourful in a way that wear them.” 23-year-old was nervous. represents my heritage and how I Osaka is currently preparing “My Nike collection drops communicate my sense of style.” for January’s Australian Open, tomorrow... nervous is not Heritage is central to every- a tournament she won in 2019, enough to describe this feeling,” thing Osaka does. and the world number three is Osaka tweeted before the col- Osaka, who was born to a Jap- excited to return to competi- lection launched on Monday. In anese mother and Haitian father, tion after a year disrupted by the May, Forbes reported Osaka’s has been an outspoken supporter coronavirus pandemic. 12-month earnings at $37.4 mil- of the Black Lives Matter move- “Things are going really well,” lion, giving her the edge over her ment both in the United States, said Osaka. “I’m ready to start idol Serena Williams as the high- where she resides, and in Japan. competing again.” est paid female athlete in history. During her run to a second US Most of Osaka’s income comes Open title in September, Osaka from set of lucrative sponsorship wore a diff erent facemask for deals, including with automaker each match, each carrying the Japan’s Naomi Osaka celebrates Nissan, All Nippon Airways and name of a Black American to with US Open trophy in New Nike, who signed her to a re- highlight racial injustice. York on September 12, 2020. ported $10 million-a-year deal Osaka said her favourite item (USA TODAY Sports)

Friday, November 20, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Perfect Empire rules in Thoroughbred Guineas SHEIKH MOHAMED’S MON’NIA AND UMM QARN’S EQUINOXE REGISTER VICTORIES TOO

By Sports Reporter Doha

assim Mohamed Ghazali- trained Perfect Empire led an Al Wasmiyah Farm lockout of the top two spotsJ in the Group 3 Thorough- bred Guineas at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. The turf feature for three- year-olds saw Alberto Sanna in the saddle for the mile-long run around the far bend of the track. The Holy Roman Emperor colt had impressed in the Al Biddah Mile on his Qatar debut in February before winning his season-opener late last month. Yesterday, it picked up a fi ne one- and-a-half length victory over Georges Mikhalides-schooled Think Big, another Al Wasmiyah Farm entrant under Tomas Lu- Al Wasmiyah Farm’s representative receives the owner’s trophy from QREC’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi kasek. (right) after Perfect Empire won the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Group 3) at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Alberto Sanna celebrates astride Perfect Empire as they win the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Group 3) The owner-trainer-jockey trio PICTURES: Juhaim yesterday. of His Highness Sheikh Moham- ed bin Khalifa al-Thani, Julian (Distance: 1500m) Smart and Lukasek bagged two 1. Antar (Ronan Thomas), 2. Tarek victories yesterday. Du Soleil (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. First up was Qatar Interna- Casimir De Codines (Rashid Ali tional Cup (Group 1) winner al-Marri), 4. Veverka Py (Alberto Methgal that landed his fourth Sanna). Won by: ½, 4, 1 ½. Time: victory in six starts since his ar- 1:38.27. Owner: Umm Qarn. rival in Qatar. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. The four-year-old won the Race 6: PUREBRED ARABIAN mile-long Purebred Arabian HANDICAP (Far Bend) (90 & Handicap event for horses rated above) (Distance: 1600m) 90 and above, edging out a duo 1. Methgal (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Al trained by Alban de Mieulle — Al Naama (Soufiane Saadi), 3. Marid Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama and (Ronan Thomas), 4. Ateej (Rashid Umm Qarn’s Marid — by half-a- Ali al-Marri) Won by: ½, 1, ½. Time: length. 1:41.37. Owner: His Highness Then in the penultimate race Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- of the day, the Purebred Ara- Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. bian Guineas for four-year-olds, Race 7: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED Mon’nia too improved her im- GUINEAS (Far Bend) (Distance: pressive strike rate further, land- 1600m) ing her fi fth win from six starts at 1. Equinoxe (Ronan Thomas), 2. Al Rayyan Park. Arandas (Francois Herholdt), 3. Mon’nia was past the post a Thamina (Jason Watson), Wsayef little more than three lengths in Al Shahania Stud director Abdul Rahman al-Mansour (left) receives (Killian Leonard) Won by: 6 ¼, front of another De Mieulle ward, the owner’s trophy after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa 8 ¼, 1 ¼. Time: 1:36.03. Owner: Jabalah. al-Thani’s Mon’nia won the Purebred Arabian Guineas yesterday. Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Another trio to bag a double Mieulle was Umm Qarn, De Mieulle and QREC’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) with the winners of the Local Thoroughbred HANDICAP (Far Bend) (80 and (Distance: 1200m) Race 8: PUREBRED ARABIAN Ronan Thomas. Guineas after Umm Qarn’s Equinoxe, ridden by Ronan Thomas (left) for trainer Alban de Mieulle (right), below) (Distance: 1600m) 1. Wedream (Saleh Salem al- GUINEAS (Far Bend) (Distance: After narrowly missing out on won the mile-long run yesterday. 1. Al Adheed (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Marri), 2. Chattanooga Boy (Ivan 1600m) a victory on his fi rst two outings, Al Shomos (Alberto Sanna), 3. Rossi), 3. Fuwayrit (Soufiane 1. Monnia (Tomas Lukasek), Umm Qarn’s Equinoxe fi nally en- Monlau was ridden by Ronan olds by a little less than a length. miler on turf since March of 2019, Fayona (Carlos Henrique), 4. Ma- Saadi), 4. Cuban Aff air (Carlos 2. Jabalah (Soufiane Saadi), 3. tered the winner’s enclosure with Thomas in the 1500m run, and Qatari rider Saleh Salem al- an outing that the gelding had jhool Al Zaeem (Tomas Lukasek). Henrique). Won by: ½, ¼, 1. Time: Arguya (Jason Watson), Ginkeau a spectacular win in the Local they combined well on their fi rst Marri has already matched his won too. Won by: 2 ¾, 3, ½. Time: 1:35.89. 1:12.46. Owner: Al Mugheerat (Mickael Berto) Won by: 3 ¼, 2 Thoroughbred Guineas for three- outing together to win by half a win tally from last season with an Yesterday it was Marco Casa- Owner: Abdulatif Hussain al- Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim ¾, 2. Time: 1:41.06. Owner: His year-old horses. length. eighth win this term yesterday. mento in the saddle of the win- Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Ghazali. Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin De Mieulle’s ward was in a Mohamed Hussain Afroz- The apprentice jockey guided Al ner. Race 2: THOROUGHBRED HAND- Race 4: THOROUGHBRED PLATE Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian league of his own as Thomas trained Soldierpoy continued to Mugheerat Stud’s French recruit The day opened with a com- ICAP (Class 4) (Far Bend) (85 and (2 Year Olds) (Class 2) (Far Bend) Smart. guided him to a dominant win stay unbeaten since his arrival in Wedream to a close victory in the fortable victory for the promising below) (Distance: 1600m) (Distance: 1400m) Race 9: THOROUGHBRED with a little more than six lengths Qatar with a second consecutive six-furlong Thoroughbred Plate Al Adheed with Soufi ane Saadi 1. Indian Horseman (Marco 1. Soldierpoy (Jason Watson), 2. GUINEAS (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) to spare. victory yesterday. sprint for three-year-olds. riding the Abdulatif Hussain al- Casamento), 2. Monsieur Noir US Cliff (Marco Casamento), 3. (Distance: 1600m) An hour earlier De Mieulle’s Stepping up in distance to sev- Wedream’s Qatar debut vic- Emadi-owned fi ve-year-old on (Luca Maniezzi), 3. Hessdalen Golden Bear (Carlos Henrique), 1. Perfect Empire (Alberto charge, Antar, raced to a thrill- en furlongs for the fi rst time in tory was second yesterday for his fi fth career start. (Francois Herholdt), 4. Massam 4. Al Ghariyah (Ronan Tho- Sanna), 2. Think Big (Tomas ing victory on his Qatar debut as his short fi ve-race career so far, trainer Mohamed Jassim Ghazali The Ibrahim al-Malki ward (Mathew Thackeray). Won by: mas). Won by: ¾, ½, Nk. Time: Lukasek), 3. Main Reef (Faleh the Umm Qarn colt bagged the Jason Watson gave the two-year- who had earlier saddled Injaaz won with a little less than three Hd, 1, ¼. Time: 1:34.49. Owner: 1:24.67. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Bughanaim), 4. Sir Arthur Dayne Purebred Arabian Plate event for old gelding a fantastic ride in the Stud’s Indian Horsemen in the lengths to spare. Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mohamed al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed (Jason Watson). Won by: 1 ½, three-year-olds yesterday. colours of Khalifa bin Sheail al- Thoroughbred Handicap event Jassim Ghazali. Hussain Afroz. 2, ¾. Time: 1:33.78. Owner: Al Coming off a win in Spain in Kuwari, as they won the Thor- for horses rated 85 and below. RESULTS Race 3: THOROUGHBRED PLATE Race 5: PUREBRED ARABIAN Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: Jassim August, the bay son of Al Mamun oughbred Plate for two-year- It was the latter’s fi rst crack at a Race 1: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far Bend) PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Far Bend) Mohamed Ghazali.

TENNIS Tiger and cub on the prowl at PNC Championship Tiger Woods and his son Charlie will be hunting a title Rublev signs off with win over Thiem when they team up next month at the PNC Champion- ship, a joint PGA/LPGA Tour family tournament. Reuters But it’s part of life.” Formerly known as the Father/Son Challenge, the PNC London The world number eight, play- Championship will be played at the Ritz-Carlton Golf ing again in a drab-looking olive Club in Orlando from Dec. 17-20 and feature major win- green tee-shirt, put the hammer ners and family members as competing teams. ussian youngster Andrey down from the start and broke the It marks the first time Woods, winner of 15 majors, and Rublev signed off from Thiem serve twice for a 4-0 lead. his 11-year-old son have played the tournament that his maiden ATP Finals in Rublev, who delivers his fore- was last year won by Germany’s Bernhard Langer and style by beating Dominic hand with brutish force, grabbed son Jason. ThiemR 6-2 7-5 yesterday. an early break in the second set but “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be playing with The aggressive 23-year-old took faltered at 4-3 when a netted fore- Charlie in our first off icial tournament together,” said full advantage of a rather fl at per- hand allowed Thiem to level. Woods in a statement on the PGA Tour website. formance by Thiem who had al- But Rublev broke the Austrian “It’s been great watching him progress as a junior golf- ready sealed his place in the semi- world number three again at 5-5 er and it will be incredible playing as a team together fi nals with two wins in the London with a yet another forehand win- in the PNC Championship.” Group. Defeats by Rafa Nadal and ner and fi nished the job a game The young Woods has shown signs that he has some of Stefanos Tsitsipas meant Rublev later to record a third straight win his father’s golfing genes by winning his age group at a could not advance but the $153,000 over Thiem. nine hole US Kids golf event in August by five shots. and 200 ranking points for a group US Open champion Thiem, run- Woods was famously introduced to the sport by his stage proved a sizeable carrot. ner-up to Tsitsipas in last year’s father Earl appearing on the Mike Douglas Show at just But for a double fault when he fi nal here in London, now has a two-years old, giving the television audience a glimpse had a match point against Tsitsi- day off to shrug off the defeat and of the raw talent that has carried him to 82 Tour wins pas on Tuesday, Rublev could now prepare for tomorrow’s semi-fi nal with 15 majors. be looking at a place in the semi- when he will face either world “He’s starting to get into it,” Woods told GOLFTV earlier fi nals. Instead he will leave London number one Novak Djokovic or Al- this year. “He’s starting to understand how to play. full of belief after a superb 2020 in exander Zverev. “It’s been just an absolute blast to go out there and which he won a season-leading fi ve “It was diffi cult to keep the in- just be with him. It reminds me so much of me and my titles. tensity like I had in the fi rst two dad.” “I was so close in my second matches,” Thiem, who produced a Past winners have included Jack and Gary Nicklaus, match. I had match point and I was masterful display to beat Nadal on Raymond Floyd and Robert Floyd Jr. plus Craig and serving, so it could have been a Tuesday, told reporters. Kevin Stadler. completely diff erent story if I won “When I’m not at 110% at this The PGA Tour also said Gary Player, Greg Norman, two matches,” Rublev said on court. tournament there is no chance John Daly and Annika Sorenstam will be taking part in “I would maybe still have a against any player, that’s what Russia’s Andrey Rublev celebrates winning his group stage match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem at the ATP this year’s event. chance to be in the semi-fi nals. happened today.” Finals in London. (Reuters)