CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 2 | Page 3 Ganna claims ’s Gul third stage calls time on win, Almeida topsy-turvy extends lead journey

Sunday, October 18, 2020 MOTOGP Rabia I 1, 1442 AH Quartararo claims GULF TIMES Aragon pole despite second crash SPORT Page 6 MOTORSPORTS FOOTBALL / Liverpool denied derby win by VAR Al-Attiyah all set as Chelsea held in for Cyprus rally six-goal thriller win with big lead Qatari star holds more than 12-minute lead going into the final day today

By Sports Reporter Doha

atari star Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah raced to a huge lead in the Cy- prus Rally yesterday, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates his goal during the English Premier settingQ him up for a back-to- League match against Everton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, United back victory in the event today. Kingdom, yesterday. (Reuters) The fi rst leg of the 2020 edi- tion of the rally, part of the FIA AFP awarded after a VAR review be- Middle East Rally Champion- London, United Kingdom cause Van Dijk had been mar- ship, yesterday turned into a ginally off side and Pickford was fi ght for survival with numer- lucky to avoid a red card. ous retirements. However, al- iverpool were denied a The Dutchman was substi- Attiyah and his French co-driver cathartic victory against tuted and his towering presence Matthieu Baumel ended the day Premier League lead- was missed at the other end as with a lead of 12 minutes and 29 ers Everton by VAR and Michael Keane equalised in the seconds. ChelseaL drew 3-3 with South- 19th minute. The hugely successful Qatari- ampton on another day of Mohamed Salah put Liverpool French duo won three special breathless drama in the English back in front 18 minutes from stages out of six yesterday. top-fl ight yesterday. time but Dominic Calvert-Lewin A conservative drive in their Manchester City beat Arse- netted his 10th goal of the season Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 today nal 1-0 as Pep Guardiola got the to pull Everton level again. should allow the 15-time Middle better of former assistant Mikel Richarlison was shown a East Rally champion to win his Arteta. straight red card for a dangerous seventh Cyprus Rally title. Jurgen Klopp’s champions tackle on Thiago Alcantara in the “It was a good day for us, but were desperate to atone for their 90th minute and Everton were not easy in the beginning as we 7-2 mauling against Aston Villa grateful for the intervention of lost a bit of time. We came back Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and French co-driver Matthieu Baumel in action during the Cyprus Rally yesterday. (CyprusRally.com.cy.) before the international break VAR in the fi nal seconds. strong in the second loop. We but were forced to settle for a 2-2 have a big lead after day one and akou in Hyundai i20. Eneos Super Special Stage at the same time of 15:47.9, a rarity in Demosthenous and Costas Pav- draw after Jordan Henderson’s CHELSEA DRAMA I’m happy with the perform- In the 2WD Category, Con- Achna speedway at 14:26. rally racing. lou in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, late strike was chalked off for Chelsea looked to be in total con- ance. We had some problems stantinos Televantos and Takis Those who retired yesterday In the fi rst noon stage, how- Sofi anos Rousos and Andreas off side. trol after cruising into a 2-0 lead with the drive shaft, but it’s OK, Stavrou have a 21.4 second lead are entitled to return on the sec- ever, Tsouloftas had a problem Yiannakou (Mitsubishi Lancer Everton, who have not beaten against Southampton at Stam- sometimes you need to keep go- in their Peugeot 208 R2 ahead of ond and last day today, however, with the right rear axle of his Evo X) were fi fth. These four Liverpool since 2010, remain ford Bridge, courtesy of new ing. I hope to have a good day to- Chrysostomos Panteli and Tho- with prescribed penalties (the Volkswagen Polo and fi nished Cypriot crews are a mere 65 sec- three points clear of their Mer- signing Timo Werner’s fi rst Pre- morrow,” said al-Attiyah. mas Theophanous (Ford Fiesta). time of the fi rst of their class second. He then had to retire like onds apart, with some big bat- seyside rivals at the top of the mier League goals. Seven Cypriot duos followed Yesterday, the crews covered plus 10 minutes per stage they a few others had already since tles anticipated today. table after a number of contro- But a goal from the leaders into the Nicosia 313.84km of which 105.8km did not complete). morning. Oman’s Abdullah al-Rawahi versial calls went their way at shortly before half-time and a Service Park with the team of were special stages. The day Alexandros Tsouloftas was Yiangou-Kyriakou were sec- and his Jordanian co-driver Ata Goodison Park. second-half strike from Che Ad- Savva Savvas and Andrea Pa- was completed by 13 out of the impressive in the morning spe- ond, but power steering problems al-Hmoud are in ninth place in But Klopp was mystifi ed that ams wiped out their lead. pandreou second in their Mit- 21 crews who had started in the cial stages, having built a 10.9 on the last stage of the day cost their Ford Fiesta R5. Kuwait’s Henderson’s potential winner Frank Lampard’s side rallied subishi Lancer EVI IX. morning. second lead on al-Attiyah in the them time and they fi nished third Meshari al-Thefi ri and his Qa- in added time against 10-man immediately to regain the lead, Third overall are Panagiotis The Cyprus Rally ends today fi rst two stages. The two tied behind Savvas-Papandreou. tari co-driver Nasser al-Kuwari Everton was ruled out for a bare- Werner teeing up Kai Havertz Yiangou and Panagiotis Kyri- with four special stages and the for the third stage with an exact In fourth place are Christos are 12th. ly perceptible off side decision for a neat dinked fi nish to make against Sadio Mane. it 3-2. He was also at a loss to explain But Southampton were not to how Everton goalkeeper Jordan be denied and Pickford had not been dismissed bludgeoned home an added- Al Wakrah to face Al Arabi in Qatar Cup basketball fi nal and had not conceded an early time equaliser for Saints from a penalty for a knee-high chal- free-kick that Chelsea failed to lenge on Virgil van Dijk. clear. “There were a number of big Lampard said his side had to moments in the game,” said a tighten up at the back after con- baffl ed Klopp. “The only situa- ceding three goals for the second tion I saw back is the Henderson time this season. goal and I didn’t see off side. The “We are seeing lots of goals picture I saw is no off side, but it across the league and no man- was off side because somebody ager is happy” he said. decided it.” “I don’t know why it is. There Everton manager Carlo Ance- are attacking players in this league lotti was delighted with his side’s and maybe pre-season and lack of performance, even though they working time plays a part. But we were denied a fi fth straight Pre- have to get better at it.” mier League win. City returned to winning ways “We competed with them,” after an indiff erent start to the he said. “We were 1-0 down and season, courtesy of a fi rst-half equalised, 2-1 down and equal- goal from Raheem Sterling. ised. It was a good test and I have Aguero drove forward and fed a good feeling. Phil Foden on the left, with the “To know we can compete England midfi elder cutting in with the champions of the last to shoot. Bernd Leno could only season it gives us more confi - parry his eff ort, which fell kindly dence for the future.” for Sterling to sidefoot home. Sadio Mane, who missed the Villa Park mauling after testing RESULTS positive for coronavirus, put Liv- Everton 2 (Keane 19, Calvert- erpool ahead in the third minute. Lewin 81) Liverpool 2 (Mane 3, But the pivotal moment in the Salah 72) Al Wakrah’s Nicholas Stover (left) in action during the Qatar Cup 2020 match came when Van Dijk was Chelsea 3 (Werner 15, 28, semi-final against Al Sadd at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Julius V Al Gharafa players (in blue) defend against Al Arabi’s Ater James Majok (centre) during their on the receiving end of a danger- Havertz 59) Southampton 3 (Ings Coles Jr scored match-high 37 points, while teammates Stover scored 14 in Qatar Cup 2020 semi-final at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Majok scored 16 points, while ous late lunge from Pickford in- 43, Adams 57, Vestergaard 90+2) Wakrah’s 82-79 victory. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed teammate Sammy Monroe Jr scored 28 in their 77-67 win. side the box minutes later. Manchester City 1 (Sterling However, no penalty was 23) Arsenal 0 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 18, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS Rublev sets up fi nal clash with Coric Agencies ner Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Shapovalov remains in 12th po- Rublev will face last year’s tion. St Petersburg Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev and sition with 2,830 points, 350 runner-up Borna Coric in the fi - “In that game [at 1-2], he was Alexander Zverev have already points behind ninth-placed nal. The Croatian rallied to beat 40/0 up and he went to take a qualifi ed for the ATP Finals. Schwartzman who occupies the 2015 champion Milos Raonic risk,” said Rublev. ussian home favourite In the other semi-fi nal, fi nal qualifi cation spot. 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 56 “He went for a hard second Andrey Rublev rallied Croatia’s Coric returned to the The World No. 10 levels his minutes. Rublev is unbeaten in serve and he missed [by] a little from a set down to beat fi nal for a second consecutive ATP Head2Head series against three ATP Head2Head matches bit… When you are 40/0 up and Canadian Denis Shapo- year after he, too, dropped the Shapovalov at 2-2. against Coric. then suddenly out of nowhere it valovR 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the semi- opening set against Milos Raonic Rublev entered the semi-fi nal Shapovalov played with con- is deuce, it is not easy. He started fi nal of the St Petersburg Open before turning the tables on his encounter on a two-match los- sistent depth and aggression to to feel pressure… When he gave yesterday to set up a title clash Swiss opponent with a 1-6 6-1 ing streak against the Canadian, gain the only break of the fi rst set me this opportunity, I used it.” with Borna Coric. 6-4 victory. having claimed his only previ- at 3-3. The fi ve-time ATP Tour ti- Rublev saved fi ve of six break Raonic fi red 18 aces in the ous victory against Shapovalov The Canadian forced his op- tlist returned with depth and points to advance and took ad- contest but Coric converted in a fi nal-set tie-break at the ponent behind the baseline and often struck early in rallies to vantage in the fi nal set when three of fi ve break points to seal inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals fi red multiple forehand win- gain the initiative in the deciding Shapovalov needed treatment his place in the fi nal. in 2017. ners up the line to take the lead. set. Rublev fi nished the match on his shoulder. “The match was unreal, in my Rublev is attempting to cap- Shapovalov closed the set after in top form and claimed victory Victory also improved Ru- opinion,” said Rublev. “The level ture his second ATP Tour trophy 45 minutes, striking a powerful on his second match point when blev’s chances of qualifying for was high from both sides. Both in Russia and his fourth crown fi rst serve into Rublev’s back- Shapovalov drove a backhand the season-ending ATP Finals of us deserved to win. Shapoval- this year. hand. into the net. next month which has two spots ov was leading and he had break Last year’s Moscow champion Shapovalov gifted Rublev a left. point in the second set, so eve- has already claimed trophies in route back into the match in the RESULTS The 22-year-old moved up rything could [have] been in two Doha, Adelaide and Hamburg second set, committing four (X DENOTES SEEDING): to eighth in the race to London, sets for him… One or two points this season and is in second place double faults in a single service Semi-finals leapfrogging French Open semi- decided the match and today it on the 2020 ATP Tour wins lea- game at 1-2. Borna Coric (CRO x7) bt Milos fi nalist Diego Schwartzman. was for me.” derboard with 33 wins this year. Rublev served well to main- Raonic (CAN x6) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 World number one Novak Rublev gains 120 FedEx ATP Only Novak Djokovic, who owns tain his advantage and moved Andrey Rublev (RUS x3) bt Denis Djokovic, French Open champi- Rankings points for reaching a 37-2 record in 2020, is ahead of forward to strike short balls and Shapovalov (CAN x2) 4-6, 6-3, Russia’s Andrey Rublev reacts during the St Petersburg Open on Rafael Nadal, U.S. Open win- his fourth fi nal of 2020 (3-0). Rublev in this category. drag his opponent out of posi- 6-4. semi-final against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov yesterday. (Reuters)

CYCLING/GIRO D’ITALIA FOCUS Zverev surges into Cologne fi nal Ganna claims third who is going to go up the [Fed- Agencies Cologne, Germany Ex ATP] Rankings very quick- ly,” Zverev said. “For me he’s a great guy as lexander Zverev is well. He’s very talented, ex- now just one win tremely good with the hands. from claiming his I think he’s somebody who’s third ATP Tour ti- going to fi nd his way up and it’s stage win, Almeida tleA on home soil. The top seed going to be interesting to see defeated 2019 Next Gen ATP what the future weeks (hold Finals competitor Alejandro for him) this year and next year Davidovich Fokina 7-5, 7-6(3) as well.” yesterday to reach the fi nal of On the slower indoor Co- the Cologne ATP. logne court, Zverev remained Zverev has now won nine of steady throughout most of the his past 10 matches on hard match, as did his 21-year-old extends race lead courts and he will play second Spanish opponent. Davidov- seed Roberto Bautista Agut or ich Fokina was not able to hit third seed Felix Auger-Alias- through Zverev, but he tracked ‘THIS YEAR I’VE IMPROVED A LOT THANKS TO THE HELP OF MY TEAM’ sime today for the crown. down many balls and mixed in “I want to go one step fur- his drop shot well. One slip in ther. It’s nice to be playing in the fi nal game of the fi rst set AFP Germany as well,” Zverev said. was enough to give the top seed Valdobbiadene, Italy “It’s going to be a diffi cult fi nal the advantage. no matter who I play. I’m look- Zverev appeared in complete ing forward to it.” control at 7-5, 4-1, but Davi- taly’s world time-trial The World No. 7 is into his dovich Fokina continued bat- champion Filippo Ganna second fi nal since the ATP tling hard from the baseline. continued his sparkling Tour restarted in August. Zver- The German missed an ag- form yesterday by winning ev, who is 23, made his fi rst gressive cross-court forehand Ithe 14th stage of the Giro d’Italia, Grand Slam championship wide to relinquish his break while Joao Almeida tightened his match at the US Open, where advantage, allowing the Span- grip on the leader’s pink jersey. he became the youngest major iard back in the match. But af- Ineos rider Ganna claimed fi nalist since Novak Djokovic ter giving up an opening mini- his third stage win in this year’s at the 2010 US Open. break in the tie-break, Zverev race over 34.1km through Italy’s In the fourth round at Flush- raised his level to close out the Prosecco wine region. Ganna ing Meadows, the German only match. This will be Zverev’s clocked 42min 40sec in yester- lost fi ve games against Davi- fi fth fi nal in Germany, where day’s individual time-trial, with dovich Fokina. His three-set he is 2-2 in championship Australian teammate Rohan victory took just one hour and matches. The Hamburg-native Dennis second fastest at 26sec 34 minutes. But Zverev had to is a two-time Munich titlist and American Brandon McNulty work much harder in their sec- and a two-time Halle fi nalist. third at 1min 9sec. ond ATP Head2Head encoun- Meanhwile Marco Cecchi- “I’m proud of this third vic- ter, breaking serve twice and nato breezed past Danilo tory in the Giro!” said 24-year- hitting 10 aces in a one-hour, Petrovic 6-1, 6-0 at the ATP old, who has six wins this season 57-minute triumph. Tour Sardinia Open to set up including fi ve time-trials. “This “He played much better ten- a fi nal meeting with Serbia’s year I’ve improved a lot thanks nis and I think he’s somebody Laslo Djere. to the help of my team. Every little improvement is important and contributes to performances BOXING such as this one today”. The rider from the northern Piedmont region won his fi rst world road race title in Imola Heavyweight champ last month, and in the Giro was fastest in opening time-trial in Palermo and the moderately Joshua to face Pulev mountainous fi fth stage in Ca- labria. Almeida, sixth on the stage at 1min 31sec, has been in fi rst fi ght in a year leading from the front since stage three. AFP the arena, but without the fans The Portuguese gained anoth- London something huge is missing,” er 16 seconds on second-placed said Joshua. Dutchman Wilco Kelderman, “I am really hoping that, who drops to 56 seconds adrift nthony Joshua is set safety permitting, we might be on the eve of the summit fi nish in for his fi rst fi ght in able to bring some boxing fans Piancavallo. “It was a good day,” over a year after the in, but we will have to see. said Almeida. “I did a good ITT world heavyweight “December 12 is the date and and now I have a few seconds championA said on Friday he once again the heavyweight more on Wilco Kelderman in the would defend his titles against belts go up in the air and it is general classifi cation. Kubrat Pulev at London’s O2 my sole focus to make sure that “I hope to continue like this, I Arena on December 12. come December 13 they are in feel good.” Britain’s Joshua was origi- their rightful place in the UK,” UAE Team Emirates’ McNulty, nally scheduled to fi ght Pulev he added. 22, moves up to fourth overall, on June 20, with a second date Pulev, in a post on his own ahead of two-time Giro winner in July also mooted amid the website, said Monday: “It’s of- Vincenzo Nibali, who dropped to coronavirus pandemic. fi cial: Pulev vs Joshua on De- 2min 30sec in the overall stand- December’s bout will be the cember 12 in London. Pulev ings. Nibali also lost Trek-Seg- fi rst time Joshua has fought has been waiting for a chance afredo teammate, Italian climb since outpointing Andy Ruiz Jr to face Joshua for almost three specialist Giulio Ciccone, before Team Ineos rider Italy’s Filippo Ganna celebrates on the podium of the fourteenth stage of the Giro d’Italia 2020 race, a 34.1km individual time to regain his titles on Decem- years now after a shoulder in- the mountains. trial between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene yesterday. (AFP) ber 7, 2019. Pulev himself an- jury forced him out of a world Former Tour de France yellow nounced the bout with Joshua title bout in October 2017. jersey wearer Ciccone pulled out STANDINGS on Monday but did not specify The fi ght should be Joshua’s of the race before the start with a venue. last before taking on WBC bronchitis-like symptoms. STAGE SELECTED bali (ITA/TRE) 2:30, 6. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) This will be Joshua’s fi rst champion Tyson Fury in a lu- However, all 512 coronavirus 1. Filippo Ganna (ITA/Ineos) 42mins 40sec, 16. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 2:37, 22. Pello 2:33, 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/NTT) 2:33, home bout in more than two crative all-British unifi cation tests carried out on the 20 teams 2. Rohan Dennis (AUS/INE) at 26sec, 3. Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 2:53, 23. Vincenzo Nibali 8. Fausto Masnada (ITA/DEC) 3:11, 9. Patrick years, with his IBF, WBA, WBO bout next year. and staff came back negative, Brandon McNulty (USA/UAE) 1:09, 4. Thomas (ITA/TRE) 2:54, 27. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/ Konrad (AUT/BOR) 3:17, 10. Jai Hindley (AUS/ and IBO up for grabs. Fury is set to defend his the International Cycling Union De Gendt (BEL/LOT) 1:11, 5. Josef Cerny (CZE/ NTT) 3:01, 29. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 3:13 SUN) 3:33 Spectators are currently heavyweight belt before (UCI) said before the stage. CCC) 1:16, 6. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 1:31, OVERALL STANDINGS SELECTED barred from major sporting Christmas before what UK Mitchelton-Scott and Jumbo- 7. Tanel Kangert (EST/EF1) 1:33, 8. Jonathan 1. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 54hrs 28mins 12. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 4:08, 35. events in Britain but Joshua re- media report will be a spring- Visma have pulled out of the Castroviejo (ESP/INE) 1:44, 9. Wilco Kelder- 9sec, 2. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) at Diego Ulissi (ITA/UAE Emirates) 49:42, 60. mains hopeful he can yet have time clash at Wembley, as- three-week race, which ends on man (NED/SUN) 1:47, 10. Jan Tratnik (SLO/ 56sec, 3. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 2:11, 4. Bran- Filippo Ganna (ITA/Ineos) 1.22:33, 70. Peter something of a home crowd to suming coronavirus crowd October 25 in Milan, after eight BAH) 2:00 don McNulty (USA/UAE) 2:23, 5. Vincenzo Ni- Sagan (SVK/BOR) 1.33:22 roar him on. restrictions have been lifted by positive tests were recorded. “I have a lot of history with then. Gulf Times Sunday, October 18, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS Pakistan’s ‘Gul-dozer’ calls time on topsy-turvy journey ‘Winning the World Cup was the highest point of my career. I remember those were very tough days’

AFP , Pakistan

akistan bowler , who earned the nickname ‘Gul-doz- er’ for his rattling of Pstumps, has called time on his 17- year cricket career. With no crowds to bid farewell to the national hero because of coro- navirus restrictions, the World Cup winner bowed out to a guard of honour from teammates and opponents after his fi nal match – a disappointing defeat – in Rawalpindi on Friday. “I want to be remembered as someone who tried his best for the country and it’s fl attering that I was called ‘Gul-dozer’ during this memorable journey in cricket,” the 36-year-old told AFP. It was a topsy-turvy journey Teammates and opponents give a guard of honour to Pakistan’s Umar for Gul, whose aff air with cricket Gul (also left) during the in Rawalpindi. (AFP) began on the crowded streets of . He entered the international Pakistan warn of expulsion aft er arena exactly a month after the breach of Covid-19 protocols legendary pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis retired Reuters leagues,” PCB director of high following Pakistan’s disastrous Rawalpindi performance Nadeem Khan 2003 World Cup. said in the statement, adding It was like the baton of swing that the board was “disturbed bowling had been passed from he and disappointed”. one generation to another, Gul (PCB) warned players and “This is completely unacceptable recalled. Toff icials of expulsion if to the PCB and following meet- “It was tough to fi ll those they breach Covid-19 protocols ings with the concerned players shoes but I tried my best and it after 12 people violated the and their team off icials, it has was great to lead Pakistan to the “bio-secure bubble” at the on- been agreed there will be zero- fi nal of the Twenty20 World Cup going National Twenty20 Cup in tolerance for future breaches, in 2007 and then to the title two “Winning the World Cup was love for the game. “I grew up Sehwag and VVS Laxman. most bitter of his career. Rawalpindi. and those violating the protocols years later,” he said. the highest point of my career,” he playing 20-20-over matches The feat almost halted a bur- He was targeted by the top or- Nine players and three off icials will be expelled from the ongoing He fi nished with 163 Test and said. “I remember those were very in the streets and then Ram- geoning career, causing a stress der and fi nished with fi gures of tested negative for the new coro- and future tournaments.” 179 ODI wickets, but he achieved tough days and there was unrest adan cricket where you look for fracture in his back. 0-69 in eight overs for the match navirus after they were found Pakistan is scheduled to host his greatest success in Twenty20 in our country so our win brought wickets in a 20-over innings,” He later featured in the inau- in Mohali, India. to have spent time outside the Zimbabwe for three one-day cricket, the start of his career co- smiles back on the faces.” he said. gural in “Before that match I was the bubble area near their hotel. internationals and as many inciding with the launch of the At the time, Pakistan’s military But his baptism was in Test 2008, topping the chart for the top wicket taker for my team The people, identified only as Twenty20 matches in Rawalpin- shortest format in 2003. was fi ghting an insurgency from cricket, where he became an in- Kolkata Knight Riders with 12 so India targeted me and to add senior players and off icials, di and in a limited-overs Gul was at his destructive best militants in the northwestern re- stant hero in 2004. wickets in six games – the only to that we lost that match,” Gul received warnings and were series starting on October 30. in England in 2009, fi nishing as the gion of the country. In only his fi fth Test, Gul de- time Pakistan players were al- reminisced. made to pay for the tests, the “I expect the players and of- top wicket taker of the Twenty20 stroyed a star-studded Indian lowed to feature in the world’s With his playing years now be- board said in a statement. ficials to show responsibility World Cup with 13. That included BITTER-SWEET INDIA batting order in a Lahore Test most lucrative league. hind him, next for Gul is a move “They have put at risk the as the world is watching and a mesmerising fi ve wickets for just MEMORIES with fi gures of 5-21. His victims But the 2011 World Cup semi- into coaching: “I will try to make integrity of the tournament and, international cricket is standing six runs in the semi-fi nal win over Gul attributes his Twenty20 included the great Sachin Ten- fi nal against India – in the one- new Bulldozers for my country... health and safety of their col- at our doorsteps,” Nadeem said. New Zealand. skills to the early days of his dulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender day format – turned out to be the it is my duty to the nation.”

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Dhawan’s maiden ton fi res DC to victory over CSK

IANS/GloFans Sharjah De Villiers, Morris shine in RCB’s thumping win over Rajasthan Royals elhi Capitals (DC) held their nerves to register IANS/GloFans a thrilling fi ve-wicket Dubai win over Chennai Super KingsD (CSK) yesterday, thanks to opener Shikhar Dhawan’s un- hris Morris’ four-wicket beaten 101, his maiden IPL ton, haul and with AB de and Axar Patel’s (21 not out) last CVilliers’ 55 not out off 22 over blitz. Dhawan’s blistering balls powered Royal Challeng- ton, which came off 58 deliver- ers Bangalore (RCB) to a thump- ies, contained 14 boundaries and ing seven-wicket win over an a six. off -colour Rajasthan Royals (RR) The win helped DC reclaim here yesterday. the top spot in the IPL points ta- It was Morris’ heroics (4 for 26) ble while CSK remained static at that restricted RR, who had sixth. opted to bat, at a competitive Chasing a target of 180, DC re- 177 for 6 wickets in 20 overs ceived an early jolt when Deepak before RCB skipper Virat Kohli Chahar sent back Prithvi Shaw (43), opener Devdutt Padikkal for a duck off the second ball of (35) and De Villiers’ magnificent the innings. knock sealed their sixth win in Chahar struck again in the nine matches. RCB finished at fi fth over, this time accounting 179 for 3 wickets in 19.4 overs. for the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane Chasing the target, Shreyas (8) which left DC at 26 for 2 in 4.1 Gopal (1 for 32) drew the first overs. Dhawan and DC captain blood as he accounted for RCB Shreyas Iyer (23) then forged a opener Aaron Finch (14) in the 68-run partnership for the third fourth over when the oppo- wicket. Just when DC were on the nents were at 23 runs. AB de Villiers of Royal Challengers Bangalore in action during the verge of touching the three-digit Kohli and Padikkal added 79 match against Rajasthan Royals in Dubai. (Sportzpics for BCCI) mark, Dwayne Bravo came up runs for the second wicket with a breakthrough when he dis- before Rahul Tewatia got rid of even as skipper Steve Smith Smith and Buttler then stabilised missed Shreyas in the 12th over. Padikkal in the 13th over. and Robin Uthappa chipped in the RR innings, sharing a 58-run Marcus Stoinis (24) then joined Kartik Tyagi further jolted RCB with valuable 57 and 41 runs partnership for the fourth wicket, Dhawan in the middle and the as he dismissed Kohli off the respectively. taking their team past the 100- duo put up 43 runs off 25 balls. first delivery of the 14th over to Uthappa, who opened the run mark in 12.4 overs. The Australian fell in the 16th make their opponents 102 for 3. innings as the RR think-tank Morris finally applied brakes over to Shardul Thakur. Shikhar Dhawan of Delhi Capitals celebrates after their win over Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier The tumbling of wickets hardly opted to push regular opener on the developing partnership, Dhawan kept the scorers busy League in Sharjah yesterday. (Sportzpics for BCCI) aff ected De Villiers, who started Jos Buttler (24) down to No.5, sending back Buttler in the 16th while Alex Carey (4) fell to Sam firing right from the start. smashed seven boundaries. over before Smith and Tewatia Curran off the fi rst ball of the to provide the goods in the death CSK to 179 for 4 in 20 overs. as the pair added 50 runs off just The South African superstar Uthappa along with Ben Stokes (19 not out) added 46 runs off penultimate over. DC were still overs. The move did not work as CSK, who opted to bat, lost 21 balls to steer CSK to 179 for 4. shared a match-winning 77-run (15) provided a flying start to 25 balls to help their side post a 21 runs away from victory at the Axar (21 not out) smashed the opener Sam Curran for a duck off Jadeja’s unbeaten cameo off just partnership (39 balls) with RR as the pair was involved in respectable total. time of the dismissal. CSK spinner for three sixes to the third ball of the match. Shane 13 balls and was laced with four Gurkeerat Singh (19 not out) to a 50-run partnership before Dhawan crossed over into the seal a victory for his side with one Watson (36) and Du Plessis (58) sixes. drive RCB home with two balls Morris packed up the England BRIEF SCORES: Rajasthan three fi gures but did not care to ball to spare. repaired the damage as they add- to spare. all-rounder in the sixth over. Royals 177 for 6 wkts (S Smith celebrate as the equation came Chahar returned fi gures of 2 ed 87 runs for the second wicket. BRIEF SCORES: Chennai Super De Villiers’s knock was laced Yuzvendra Chahal (2 fpr 34) 57, R Uthappa 41; Chris Morris 4 down to DC needing 17 to win for 18 while Sam Curran, Bravo After the duo departed, Dhoni Kings 179 for 4 (Faf du Plessis 58, with six maximums and a struck twice in consecutive for 26) lost to Royal Challeng- off the last over. CSK captain MS and Shardul Thakur picked up a faltered once again as he was sent Ambati Rayudu 45 not out; An- boundary. deliveries of the eighth over ers Bangalore 179 for 3 wkts Dhoni later admitted that he was wicket each for CSK. back by Anrich Nortje in the 17th rich Nortje 2 for 33) lost to Delhi Earlier, Morris’ four-wicket haul to send back a well-settled in 19.4 overs (AB de Villiers 55 forced to turn to Ravindra Jadeja Earlier, Faf du Plessis (58), over after scoring just three runs. Capitals 185 for 5 in 19.5 overs saw RR being restricted to Uthappa and Sanju Samson (9) not out, Virat Kohli 43; Rahul in the last over due to an injury to Ambati Rayudu (45 not out) and Jadeja and Rayudu escalated (Shikhar Dhawan 101; Deepak 177 for six wickets in 20 overs to leave RR reeling at 69 for 3. Tewatia 1 for 30) by 7 wickets Bravo, the bowler he depends on Ravindra Jadeja (33 not out) took the run-rate towards the death Chahar 2 for 18) by 5 wickets Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 18, 2020 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT PGA to allow limited Schauff ele rides hot number of fans at Houston Open

AFP The tournament was originally Los Angeles, United States scheduled to take place November 12-15. But it was moved to the fi rst week of November due to the Tour start to three-shot he US PGA Tour plans to restructuring its program because allow a limited number of the coronavirus pandemic. De- of golf fans to attend the fending champion Lanto Griffi n, Houston Open tourna- of the US, is expected to compete. Tment next month in Texas. Meanwhile, organizers an- The Tour and event organizers nounced Friday that the PGA said they have been working with Tour’s QBE Shootout in Decem- Texas health offi cials to come up ber at Tiburon Golf Club in Na- lead in Las Vegas with a plan to allow 2,000 fans a ples, Florida will be played with- day to Memorial Park Golf Course. out spectators. Those lucky enough to get a The QBE Shootout, set for De- American cards six birdies from the 13th through the 18th; Hatton in second ticket will have to shell out $109 cember 11-13, will feature a doz- per ticket for the November 5-8 en two-man teams competing event. Spectators are usually in three formats. The defending charged between $30 and $60 to champions are Kevin Tway and attend a PGA event. Rory Sabbatini. “We are very happy that we “This was not an easy decision will have fans at Memorial Park for either event, but the health for this year’s Houston Open,” and safety of the Naples commu- said tournament spokesman nity, PGA Tour and LPGA play- Giles Kibbe. Kibbe said everyone ers, caddies, sponsors, fans, and attending the event will have to volunteers is our No 1 priority,” wear a face mask and practise so- said tournament director Rob cial distancing. Hartman.

Bigger things than fi nishing Six Nations, says Ireland’s Farrell

Reuters under Dublin’s current Level 3 Dublin, Ireland Covid-19 constraints and also if the measures move up to Level 4. However Ireland’s top reland coach Andy Farrell doctors have called for a jump said there were bigger to the highest stage, Level 5, Ithings than finishing the which would ban elite sport. Six Nations competition as the “There’s bigger things than fin- Irish government considers a ishing the Six Nations,” Farrell, renewed call by the country’s who took over as Ireland coach health chiefs for a second after last year’s World Cup, told national lockdown due to the a news conference on Friday. spread of Covid-19. “If that (national lockdown) Ireland are due to resume their is what the government feel Six Nations campaign at home is needed for the health and to Italy in eight days’ time safety of the country, we’ll be before finishing the tourna- more than happy to follow that. ment that has been delayed “But obviously, we’ll be doing by seven months in France on everything to keep our side of October 31. things nice and clean and we’ll Xander Schauff ele of the United States plays his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, United States, on Friday. (AFP) The Italy game can go ahead wait for the advice.”

AFP still fi nished with a bogey-free He had birdied his second played in the United States this Thomas, who won the event last Los Angeles, United States round. hole, the 11th, and after a par at year. year on Jeju Island, shot a 66 “I got off to a hot start and the 12th launched his run. “It was nice. I had a chip-in and was tied for eighth with four SPOTLIGHT kind of slowed down. But I am On the par-three 13th, he there, two long putts. Some of others at six-under 138. ander Schauff ele rolled just happy I made that par putt landed his 212-yard tee shot just those holes you’re not really try- in six straight birdies on the last,” said Schauff ele. two feet from the hole. ing to birdie them, you’re kind LEADING ROUND 2 SCORES en route to an eight- “Got a little bit stale there He then drained back-to-back of just trying to leave yourself 130 — Xander Schauff ele (USA) under par 64 and a on the other side. The pace of long bombs, making a 26-foot an uphill 35-footer and fortu- 66-64 All Blacks and Xthree-shot lead after the second play slowed down a lot. It was putt on the par-four 14th and a nately I made a couple of them,” 133 — Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 65-68 round of the US PGA Tour’s CJ kind of hot and easy to let the 37-footer on the par-four 15th. he said. 134 — Russell Henley (USA) Cup in Las Vegas on Friday. mind wander. I am upset I didn’t On his fi nal hole on the front, Hatton had a mixed round of 66-68, Wallabies fi tness Schauff ele’s 14-under total make more birdies, but pleased I Schauff ele landed his 98-yard seven birdies, three bogeys and 135 — Talor Gooch (USA) 70-65 of 130 saw him vault over fi rst- didn’t make any bogeys.” approach 13 feet from the cup. eight pars on Friday, but man- 136 — Jason Kokrak (USA) 70-66, round leader Tyrrell Hatton, England’s Hatton, who is He would make the putt for his aged to close out his round with Collin Morikawa (USA) 71-65 issues on Test eve who fi nished the day in second coming off a European Tour win sixth straight birdie. two straight birdies. 137 — Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) on 11-under at Shadow Creek. last weekend, shot 66 for 133. It was one of the best birdie “It was an inconsistent day. 69-68 Schauff ele, coming off a fi fth- American Russell Henley was runs of his career, and just be- Obviously I was disappointed 138 — Lanto Griff in (USA) 70-68, place fi nish at the US Open, alone in third after shooting a hind the seven straight he made with bogeys,” Hatton said. “Fin- Justin Thomas (USA) 72-66, started on No 10 and shot 29 on 68 for 134 and Talor Gooch sits at this event in 2018 when it was ishing birdie-birdie was nice Kevin Streelman (USA) 68-70, his front nine, stringing together fourth following a 65 for a nine- played in its typical location and hopefully I can take a bit Tyler Duncan (USA) 67-71, Hideki six birdies from the 13th through under 135. South Korea. of momentum going into the Matsuyama (JPN) 70-68 the 18th. Schauff ele led by fi ve at the The Covid-19 pandemic weekend.” 139 — Harry Higgs (USA) 72-67, He then cooled coming in, but turn. prompted the CJ Cup to be Defending champion Justin Ian Poulter (ENG) 69-70

RUGBY Bristol end wait for trophies with Challenge Cup win

AFP Kiwi winger Bryce Heem scored range penalty before a monster Aix-en-Provence, France from a pass by Isaia Toeava. long-distance eff ort pulled the Louis Carbonel hit the extras scores level at 19-19. New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane poses (right) for pictures with fans at the as the French side cut the gap to On the hour mark, Bristol captain’s run in Auckland yesterday. (AFP) ristol won their fi rst just three points. grabbed their second and deci- piece of silverware since The English side thought they sive try of the night. AFP performance in the round one 1983 on Friday when had a second try of the night but Full-back Max Malins was Auckland, New Zealand stalemate. they defeated Toulon hooker Harry Thacker saw his freed by winger “We turned over a bit of ball at inB the European Challenge Cup eff ort ruled out after he was ad- and the former England Un- the break down, particularly when fi nal. judged to have fumbled the ball der-20 international sprinted he All Blacks and Walla- we were into their zone. We want The English side’s 32-19 vic- before grounding. from 40 metres to score. bies were sweating over to hold on to the ball more, recy- tory over the French giants was Toulon took full advantage Sheedy converted and the fi tness issues yesterday, cle and get it to our players who their maiden continental crown. with three penalties from Car- English side were 26-19 ahead. the eve of their second can make some serious dents and It was a third defeat in the fi nal bonel — the last from 50 metres Carbonel then missed his fi rst TBledisloe Cup clash, as both some serious plays,” he said. of Europe’s second-tier tourna- — sending them in at the break kick of the night with eight min- sides talked up a very physical “Everyone’s going to go up a ment for Toulon after losses in with a 16-10 lead. utes left before Sheedy showed battle. level, and the work rate, I’m ex- the 2010 and 2012 showpieces. French indiscipline helped him the way by extending Bris- Australian loose forward Har- pecting that so it’s good, great, Bristol stormed into a 10-0 Bristol trim the gap early in tol’s lead to 29-19. ry Wilson was laid low by an ap- can’t wait.” lead on the back of a try after the second period when a high Sheedy added another pen- parent stomach bug and failed to All Blacks skipper Sam Cane, just 20 seconds on the plastic tackle by Romain Taofi fenua alty in the dying moments to put make it to yesterday’s “captain’s said his side were equally clear pitch at Aix. on fl anker Dan Thomas gave the outcome beyond doubt. run” while All Blacks replace- about where they needed to im- Former Toulon star and lift the trophy after their win in the Challenge Cup final Sheedy the penalty chance. There could be more silver- ment back Rieko Ioane was nurs- prove and it started with the Fiji international centre Semi against Toulon in Aix-en-Provence, France, on Friday. (AFP) Carbonel quickly restored his ware next weekend for Bristol ing a troublesome hamstring forwards needing to make their Radradra set scrum-half Harry team’s lead to 19-13 with a pen- who will play in the English injury. presence felt, particularly at the Randall free on the inside to the conversion with the Bristol utes on the clock. alty in front of the posts. Premiership fi nal against Exeter Wilson, on debut in last week’s breakdown. score. fl y-half quickly adding a penalty Three-time Champions Cup In a back-and-forth fi nal, if Wasps are ruled out due to a dramatic 16-16 draw, was an in- “That’s Test-match footy, in knocked over for 10-0 with barely four min- winners Toulon hit back when Sheedy then kicked a close- clutch of coronavirus cases. fl uential fi gure for the Wallabies a nutshell, physicality and in- as both a strong ball carrier and tensity. As a forward pack, the bruising on defence, qualities front eight that’s where we have which captain Michael Hooper to stand up and deliver,” he said. Former Wallabies player Freier to direct US expansion club called for in the rematch. “In every Test match the The physical side of the game breakdown is targeted fero- AFP 2012 with the ACT , excited by this appointment at the Giltinis, and our franchise region.” “will go up another level,” said ciously and they were good in Los Angeles, United States and and see it as a great honour is looking forward to bringing a Freier also said MLR rivals can Hooper, who is expecting off - that area last week. I thought we Melbourne Rebels and was a to lead Los Angeles into their very unique match day experi- expect a strong base of global the-ball niggle as well, saying it were good in that area as well so, teammate of Stephen Hoiles, the maiden season and toward ence to the US sports market talent as well. was “part of most Test matches.” talk about physicality and inten- ormer Australia Walla- Giltinis’ assistant coach under their first MLR championship.” and city of Los Angeles.” “The level of interest from play- It is not uncommon for Aus- sity at the breakdown, they’ll be bies hooker Adam Freier head coach Darren Coleman. Freier said. The Giltinis want to build a tal- ers across the world to join us in tralia to perform well in the fi rst hugely important.” Fwas named on Friday as Freier will be busy quickly as “It’s an incredible opportunity ent pipeline as a foundation for LA has been overwhelming and Test of a Bledisloe series, only for The All Blacks have added the general manager of the Los the club plans to announce 30 to work at a premium entertain- long-term success, Freier said. really does highlight why LA is New Zealand to lift their game in uncapped Peter Umaga-Jensen Angeles Giltinis ahead of their player signings starting next ment business who is attacking “We obviously want immediate the entertainment capital of the the subsequent matches to retain to their squad as possible cover scheduled month ahead of their start in sports marketing in such a on-field success,” he said. “But world,” he said. “It’s obviously the trophy they have held for the for Ioane if he is unable to play. debut next March. the 13-team North American particular way. our long-term focus is to have unparalleled to anywhere else past 18 years. If Wilson is confi rmed as a late The 40-year-old from Sydney league in just five months. “Make no mistake, entertain- a sustainable flow of high-end within the professional rugby To reverse the trend, Hooper withdrawal then Pete Samu, who had a pro career from 2000- “I am humbled but extremely ment will drive what we do here rugby talent coming out of the landscape.” said it was clear where the Wal- was dropped after the fi rst Test, labies needed to improve on their is likely to get a recall. Gulf Times Sunday, October 18, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Packers visit Bucs as Rodgers-Brady duel spices slate AFP two-time NFL MVP Rodgers, 36, has ers and Brady will meet as NFL ri- tomorrow in a showdown of 4-1 divi- Washington thrown for 1,214 yards and 13 touch- vals. Rodgers led the Packers over sion leaders. downs with no interceptions New England 26-21 in 2014 and Brady “Anytime you get to play one of “Everybody is pretty much in awe sparked the host Patriots over Green these great games, against great op- aron Rodgers leads the un- of how he makes it look so easy,” Brady Bay 31-17 in 2018. ponents, it’s always an exciting chal- beaten Green Bay Packers, said of Rodgers. “It has just been un- The Packers have allowed only lenge and I’m ready for it,” Chiefs with the NFL’s top-scoring believable to watch over the years and three sacks this season while Tampa quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. attack, to Tampa Bay for a he has really kept it going. Bay has made 17 sacks. The Packers The Chiefs are trying to bounce rareA showdown with Buccaneers star “He’s a great passer. He’s very effi - rank fi fth in the NFL with 5.1 rush- back from a 40-32 home loss to the quarterback Tom Brady in today’s fea- cient. He basically doesn’t throw in- ing yards a carry but the Bucs boast Las Vegas Raiders last weekend while ture matchup. terceptions and throws a lot of touch- the NFL’s top defensive unit against the Bills seek a rebound after falling Rodgers, who led the Packers to downs. His decision-making is just the run, permitting only 58.4 yards a 42-16 at Tennessee on Tuesday. their most recent Super Bowl victory phenomenal. game on the ground with an NFL-low Two other unbeaten division lead- in 2011, has powered the Packers (4- “When you do that as a quarter- 2.7 yards a carry. ers will put their perfect marks on the 0) to a league-best 27.9 points a game. back, you put your team in a position While the Brady-Rodgers matchup line as Tennessee (4-0) plays host to “We’re up against one of the best to win. He’s one of the great quarter- grabs the spotlight, each will face a Houston (1-4) and Pittsburgh (4-0) teams in the league,” Brady said. backs to ever play the game.” top defensive unit, although ball con- entertains Cleveland (4-1). “We’ve got to go out there and play Rodgers praised Brady as one of the trol will allow them to frustrate their Sunday’s other games fi nd Chicago a great game if we’re going to beat NFL’s greatest as well. rival if they can manage it. (4-1) at Carolina (3-2), the Los Ange- them.” “Fans should enjoy what they get “I’m not defending (against) Aar- les Rams (4-1) at San Francisco (2-3), Six-time Super Bowl champion to watch because there are some guys on,” Brady said. “I can play a role in Denver (1-3) at New England (2-2), and three-time NFL Most Valuable they get to watch for 15 or 20 some that by doing our job on off ence so a Baltimore (4-1) at Philadelphia (1- Player Brady, who joined the Bucs this years who are some of the greatest guy like that doesn’t have his off ence 3-1), Washington (1-4) at NY Giants season after 20 years with New Eng- talents to ever play the game,” Rodg- on the fi eld trying to score points. You (0-5), Atlanta (0-5) at Minnesota (1- land, has Tampa Bay sharing the NFC ers said. “We should enjoy it and have just can’t give guys like that an extra 4), Detroit (1-3) at Jacksonville (1-4), South division lead at 3-2. respect and admiration for what they opportunity because they make you the New York Jets (0-5) at Miami (2-3) The 43-year-old signal caller has have done and that their careers are pay.” and Cincinnati (1-3-1) at Indianapolis thrown for 1,375 yards and 12 touch- still going on.” Reigning Super Bowl champion (3-2). Arizona (3-2) visits Dallas (2-3) downs with four interceptions while It’s only the third time that Rodg- Kansas City and Buff alo will meet on Monday night. Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers. (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

MLB FOCUS CCTV hints Morey ‘paid price’ for Astros down Rays, Hong Kong tweet

AFP may have been forced out. Beijing “We reiterate that any words and deeds that attempt to hurt the feelings of the Chinese hina’s state broad- people will have to pay a price,” Dodgers beat Braves caster CCTV warned CCTV said in a statement on yesterday those who its website which was also read “hurt the feelings of out on air. The broadcaster Cthe Chinese people will have said it wished Morey well, but to pay a price” after Houston used a phrase that in Chinese ‘We’re relentless. We said we didn’t Rockets general manager Daryl is usually reserved for people Morey stepped down. who have died. want to go home and we meant it’ CCTV suspended NBA Morey’s departure made to stay alive broadcasts last October after major news in China, where Morey tweeted “Fight for free- the NBA commands a huge fol- dom, stand with Hong Kong”, lowing and his tweet last year referring to protests Beijing caused uproar, and demands calls separatist and seditious. that he be sacked. The broadcaster abruptly On the Twitter-like Weibo ended the year-long blackout the hashtag “Morey resigns” on Saturday for Game 5 of the had 110 million views as of Fri- NBA Finals, eventually won by day lunchtime and was a top- the LA Lakers, and now days 25 trending topic. later Morey has departed after NBA executives initially de- guiding the Rockets’ basket- fended Morey’s right to free- ball operations since the 2007- dom of expression, prompting 2008 season. numerous Chinese business In his statement, the partners and celebrities to cut 48-year-old did not mention ties with the league. the controversy which upend- In May, the NBA named ed relations between the NBA Michael Ma - the son of CCTV and China, the league’s most Sports executive Ma Guoli -as lucrative overseas market. CEO of NBA China, setting off But in a short reaction, speculation that his appoint- CCTV suggested that Morey ment could mend ties.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

NBA

Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (left) celebrates with right fielder Mookie Betts (centre) and centre fielder Cody Bellinger after their 7-3 win against the Atlanta Braves Lue agrees to in game five of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (USA TODAY Sports)

AFP the villain this pandemic-dis- tuve followed with a crisp line the second, breaking out of his ninth to seal the victory. Atlan- become coach of Los Angeles rupted season after a sign-steal- drive to left fi eld and Springer hitting slump with a two-out ta’s starting pitcher A J Minter ing scandal tainted their 2017 raced around from fi rst to score. run-scoring double. held the Dodgers without a run World Series victory - are just Correa - the walkoff homer Manuel Margot hit two home through three innings, but Los Clippers: reports he Houston Astros and the second team to advance to a hero of Thursday’s game-fi ve runs off two diff erent Astros re- Angeles broke through against Los Angeles Dodgers game seven after trailing 3-0 in victory - added another run- lief pitchers - a solo shot off An- the Braves bullpen starting with AFP Chauncey Billups, who is also are not backing down in a series. scoring single before Alex Breg- dre Scrubb in the seventh and a Seager’s solo homer in the fourth Los Angeles a candidate to fi ll the coaching the battles for World Se- The Boston Red Sox did it in man hit into a double play to end two-run blast off Cristian Javier inning. Smith built the lead in vacancy of the Indiana Pacers. Tries berths. The Astros beat the the 2004 ALCS against the New the inning. Shane McClana- in the eighth that cut the defi cit the sixth, showing tremendous In 2016, Lue was promoted Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 on Friday York Yankees - and won game han took over on the mound for to 7-4. But Astros closer Ryan patience through fi ve pitches be- yronn Lue, who to coach by the Cavs follow- to force a decisive game seven in seven on the way to the Major Tampa Bay in the sixth and gave Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth fore launching a 94 mph fastball coached the Cleveland ing the fi ring of David Blatt as Major League Baseball’s Ameri- League Baseball crown. up a home run to Kyle Tucker to seal the win. into the left-fi eld seats. Cavaliers to the 2016 coach and he guided the LeB- can League Championship Se- Astros starting pitcher Fram- that made it 5-1 and the Astros “Last night hurt,” Smith said NBA title, has agreed ron James-powered club to the ries, putting themselves on the ber Valdez gave up one run on added two more in the seventh. of the Dodgers’ game-four loss Tto become the next head coach NBA crown. The Athletic re- ‘HUNGRY’ DODGERS brink of a historic comeback. three hits with nine strikeouts Tampa Bay’s frustration was In Arlington, Corey Seager with ace pitcher Clayton Ker- of the Los Angeles Clippers, ported that Larry Drew, a Lue The Dodgers fended off elimi- over six impressive innings. evident in the bottom of the sixth, homered twice for the Dodgers shaw on the mound. “We were according to multiple reports assistant in Cleveland, will nation in the National League George Springer sparked a when Rays fi rst baseman Yandy and Los Angeles catcher Will coming out tonight hungry and Thursday. ESPN and USA join his Clippers staff . Championship Series with a 7-3 four-run fi fth inning that put the Diaz had strong words for Val- Smith belted a three-run home ready to go.” Today reported that Lue has The Clippers have never victory over the Atlanta Braves Astros in control, his sharp sin- dez after taking ball four from run off his namesake, Braves re- The Dodgers added three more agreed to replace Doc Riv- reached a conference fi nal in Arlington, Texas, where Los gle off Rays relief pitcher Diego the pitcher. Maldonado tried to lief pitcher Will Smith, to power runs in a seventh inning -all with ers, who parted ways with the but with Kawhi Leonard and Angeles trimmed the series defi - Castillo scoring two. soothe Diaz and Correa went to the Dodgers to a series-extend- two outs. Dodgers second base- Clippers just over two weeks Paul George leading a talented cit to 3-2. After dropping the Yuli Gurriel had walked to the mound to encourage Valdez ing victory. After the Braves man Chris Taylor was awarded ago, with ESPN saying the deal squad, they are seen as a con- fi rst three games of the ALCS in open the inning and Adelmys - who induced Brandon Lowe to chased Dodgers starter Dustin fi rst base when he appeared to be was for fi ve years. tender next season. San Diego, California, the Astros Diaz singled to left fi eld off Rays hit into an inning-ending double May runs in the fi rst and second hit by a pitch, but replay showed Lue, 43, served as the lead Lue, 128-93 as an NBA head have won three straight. starting pitcher Blake Snell - play. “I don’t know what exactly innings, six Los Angeles relief the throw hit the knob of the bat assistant coach for the Clip- coach, becomes the sixth “We’re relentless,” Astros spelling the end of Snell’s day. happened,” said Correa, adding pitchers kept Atlanta’s high- and he returned to continue his pers this past season, when Black head coach in the NBA. shortstop Carlos Correa said. Martin Maldonado’s sacrifi ce his advice to Valdez was “focus octane off ence in check. Kenley at-bat -smacking a double that they lost to Denver in the Lue was a two-time NBA “We said we didn’t want to go bunt advanced the runners, and ... let’s go win this ball game.” Jansen, who has struggled re- set the stage for Mookie Betts’ Western Conference semi- champion as a player, helping home and we meant it.” Springer’s ground ball to center Willy Adames had given Tam- cently in the closing pitcher’s run-scoring single and a two- fi nals. Expected to join Lue’s the Los Angeles Lakers to the Houston - who have played fi eld drove in two runs. Jose Al- pa Bay the lead in the bottom of role, struck out three in the run blast by Seager. staff is former NBA player 2000 and 2001 NBA crowns. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 18, 2020 SPORT

MOTOGP Quartararo claims Aragon pole despite second crash ‘As I crashed I was thinking ‘will I be able to ride in qualifying?’ Then I thought I could ride as the injury wasn’t too bad’

AFP Quartararo had a bruise on his right Alcaniz, Spain hip to go with the one on his left hip from Friday. “It’s nothing serious,” said Maje. “After two warm up laps he’ll for- otoGP championship leader get all about it.” Fabio Quartararo shrugged off a heart-stopping high ARAGON MOTOGP GRID speed crash in third prac- Front row: 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ Mtice yesterday to claim pole for today’s Yamaha-SRT) 1min 47.076sec, 2. Mav- Aragon Grand Prix. erick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) at 0.046, The young Frenchman displayed the single-mindedness and poise wor- 3.Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda-LCR) thy of a world champion to even take 0.229 part in qualifying after his second fall Second row: 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/ of the race weekend, let alone top the Yamaha-SRT) 0.241, 5. Jack Miller (AUS/ timesheets at the Aragon Motorland Ducati-Pramac) 0.337, 6. Joan Mir (ESP/ circuit. Suzuki) 0.603 The Yamaha satellite SRT rider, who Third row: 7. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ escaped with only bruising on his right Honda-LCR) 0.683, 8. Danilo Petruci hip to add to the bruising on his left hip (ITA/Ducati) 0.848, 9. Aleix Espargaro from Friday’s spill, is joined on the front row by Maverick Vinales. “As soon as I (ESP/Aprilia) 0.912 crashed I was thinking ‘will I be able to Fourth row: 10. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) ride in qualifying?’” said Quartararo. 0.959, 11. Alex Marquez (ESP/Honda) “Then I thought I could ride as the 1.113, 12. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 1.126 injury wasn’t too bad, so yes, I’m hap- py. It was a tough morning, following my tough morning yesterday (Friday). MOTO2 My lap time was great. I could do bet- Front row: 1. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex), ter, it wasn’t perfect but I can be happy 2. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Kalex), 3. Fabio with pole.” di Giannantonio (ITA/Speed Up) Vinales is the Yamaha factory team’s Second row: 4. Jake Dixon (GBR/Ka- sole contender after teammate Valen- tino Rossi was forced to quarantine af- lex), 5. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/Kalex), 6. ter testing positive for Covid-19. “Our Jorge Navarro (ESP/Speed Up) race pace is good and that is the most Third row: 7. Luca Marini (ITA/Kalex), important thing,” said the Spaniard. 8. Jorge Martin (ESP/Kalex), 9. Augusto “Tomorrow we have to improve a little Fernandes (ESP/Kalex) and be more consistent.” Cal Crutchlow completes the front row, the Honda-LCR rider taking third MOTO3 in qualifying. Quartararo’s SRT team- Front row: 1. Raul Fernandez (ESP/ mate Franco Morbidelli, Ducati’s Aus- KTM), 2. Celestino Vietti (ITA/KTM), 3. tralian rider Jack Miller and Joan Mir Albert Arenas (ESP/KTM) occupy the second row. Second row: 4. Alonso Lopez (ESP/ Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso, third in Yamaha SRT’s French rider Fabio Quartararo celebrates after taking the pole position for Moto Grand Prix of Aragon in Alcaniz, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) the championship, failed to make it into Husqvarna), 5. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/ the second qualifying session and starts this tenth leg of the season. But he was The 21-year-old Frenchman was sliding tens of metres before fi nally After being checked over his team Honda), 6. Romano Fenati (ITA/Husq- outside the top 12. lucky to escape serious injury after a thrown onto the circuit’s tarmac af- coming to a rest in the safety gravel. announced: “News about Fabio: rider varna) Quartararo, winner of the opening heart-stopping high speed crash to- ter losing control of his Yamaha when A doctor was immediately at his side is OK. He has pain in the hip, but Xrays Third row: 7. Carlos Tatay (ESP/KTM), two races, holds a 10-point lead over wards the end of yesterday’s third free braking into a bend. Flung over his and he was stretchered off , grimacing, confi rmed that nothing is broken.” 8. Ai Ogura (JPN/Honda), 9. Gabriel Ducati’s Mir in the standings going into practice session. twisting machine he hit the track hard, to the on-site medical unit. His manager Eric Mahe said that Rodrigo (ARG/Honda)

ATHLETICS HORSE RACING New record for Jepchirchir Star jockey McEvoy claims third Everest AFP but Cheptegei misses out Sydney AFP nigmatic sprinter Classique Leg- Gdynia, Poland end gave star jockey Kerrin McEvoy a dominant third win in the world’s richest turf race, The Everest, in enyan Peres Jepchirchir frontE of thousands of cheering punters in lowered her own world Australia yesterday. The fi ve-year-old geld- record for an all-wom- ing, trained by Les Bridge, came storming en’s half marathon through the pack with 200 metres left to Kat the world championships collect a whopping Aus$6.2mn ($4.4mn) for in Gdynia yesterday but serial barely a one-minute run. record-breaker Joshua Cheptegei On an overcast day in Sydney, Bivouac missed out on a medal in the was second and Gytrash third in front of men’s race. The 27-year-old Jep- 11,000 people at Royal Randwick, the maxi- chirchir, who also won world half mum allowed under coronavirus measures marathon gold in 2016, produced and the biggest in Australian horse racing a fi nal sprint to take the women’s since March. title in 1hr 5min 16sec. That bet- Normally 40,000 fans would pack the Jockey Kerrin McEvoy celebrates after leading Classique Legend to victory at the world’s tered the previous best set by venue, but with strict limits in place racego- richest turf race, The Everest, in Sydney yesterday. (SteveHart / Racingnswnews) Jepchirchir herself in Prague on ers needed to pre-register their attendance, September 5 of 1hr 5min 34sec. stay in designated areas and have their tem- is extra special.” gressively boosted prize money with even “It’s unbelievable,” said Jep- perature checked on arrival. After spending an extended period riding the horse that came last, Dollar for Dollar, chirchir. “My goal was to win this However, they were allowed to get up and for the Godolphin stable in Europe, McEvoy walking away with Aus$450,000. Raced race. I did not expect that I would cheer, returning much-needed atmosphere has become one of Australia’s premier rid- over 1,200 metres (3/4 mile or six furlongs), beat the world record, but I real- to a sport which, like many others, has suf- ers, also winning three Melbourne Cups. It it brought together 12 of the world’s best ised that it could happen when Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya celebrates after setting a new world fered under Covid-19 restrictions. Eduardo, was yet another success for trainer Bridge, sprinters boasting countless titles under we passed 20km. It was a little record en route to winning the women’s race at the 2020 IAAF World steered by The Everest’s fi rst female rider who had his fi rst major win in the Golden weight-for-age conditions. bit windy, but the course was Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland. (AFP) Rachel King, fl ew out of the blocks and led Slipper Stakes in 1983. “Some horses just Under an innovative concept, buyers are good for me.” for much of the way with Nature Strip on get all the good genes. He’s got a V8 motor,” required to purchase a Aus$600,000 slot She came home just two sec- leaving Jepchirchir, Kejeta and 10 days ago. its heels, until favourite Classique Legend Bridge said of Classique Legend. in the race, then do a deal with owners and onds clear of Germany’s Melat Yehualaw to battle it out in the “I have been training more for turned on the gas and they faded. While the Everest, with Aus$15mn jockeys to secure the top horses. The slot Yisak Kejeta, who smashed the fi nal sprint. 5,000m and 10,000m so I was “I looked up at 600 (metres) and they were (US$10.6mn) at stake, is the richest turf race holders include breeding industry giants European women-only record Jacob Kiplimo took the men’s not well prepared for it, but I’m well in front, but full credit to my horse, he in the world, it lags behind the Saudi Cup such as Godolphin and Coolmore, along to take silver in 1hr 5min 18secs, race in a new championship very happy — running a sub-60 was able to really power when I asked him,” and the Dubai World Cup dirt races in the with smaller concerns like trainer Chris with Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf record of 58min 49sec but his (minute) is really special for me. said McEvoy, who won the fi rst two Everest money stakes. But it is still a massive pay- Waller, who prepared champion mare Winx. Yehualaw a further second be- Ugandan compatriot Cheptegei, My body was really going very races in 2017 and 2018 on the now-retired day, with the established Melbourne Cup, The idea came from Racing NSW chief ex- hind. On a cold and windy morn- the favourite for the title, could well but I discovered I still had Redzel. “Thrilled to get the horse over the Kentucky Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triom- ecutive Peter V’landys, who modelled it on ing, a group of favourites broke only fi nish fourth. Kiplimo, who some fatigue in the legs.” line. It’s an unbelievable feeling to win an- phe paling in comparison. the Pegasus World Cup in the United States, away early during the four-lap turns 20 next month, had never The 24-year-old had only other one. Every big win is special... but this Since its inception in 2017, it has pro- run over 1,800m. race but three of them suff ered raced the 21.1km distance before made three outings this year but falls to disappear from conten- but he showed nerves of steel each time had broken a world tion. Defending champion Net- as he and the Kenyan Kibiwott record. In February he claimed sanet Gudeta’s race almost came Kandie broke away from the the world 5km road record in LADIES FIRST! DOYLE TAKES CHAMPIONS DAY BY STORM to an abrupt stop as the leaders leading pack after the 15km mark. Monaco. Then, after a period of took a 90-degree turn on to the The 2017 world junior cross coronavirus lockdown at home in London: Hollie Doyle added earlier after coasting to victory to win,” said Doyle. “This for shook her whip in celebration seafront, the defending champi- champion then pushed clear Uganda, he returned to Monaco another fairytale success to her on Trueshan in the Group Two me is a dream come true. This as she passed the winning post on taking a fall and losing several in the last few metres to edge and, in his fi rst race back, wiped remarkable season on British Long Distance Cup. She and is a massive one especially on on the Alan King-trained win- seconds to the leaders. Kandie by fi ve seconds and se- almost two seconds off Kenenisa Champions Day yesterday win- 16/1 chance Glen Shiel arrived this horse everyone adores him ner 7 1/2 lengths clear of Irish It was a gap she would never cure his fi rst major title. The Bekele’s 16-year-old track world ning her first Group One race to cheers from the assembled but even I doubted it would be St Leger winner Search For A close, the Ethiopian slipping Ethiopian Amedework Walelegn record time over the 5,000m as with Glen Shiel in the Champi- stable staff , trainers and jockeys today of all days to win this. My Song. Doyle has had a dream farther behind during the third took bronze, coming in another he clocked 12min 35.36sec. ons Sprint Stakes. The 24-year- and racecourse staff as specta- heart sank on the line when I season even before yesterday’s lap. Turkey’s Yasemin Can led a 14 seconds behind. Earlier this month in Valencia, old had to wait for victory to tors are not permitted due got joined by Tommy (Eaves, achievements. Earlier this week group of seven through 10km in Cheptegei fi nished fourth in he smashed Bekele’s 10,000m be confirmed through a photo to the coronavirus pandemic Brando’s jockey).” she rode her 117th winner bet- 30mins 47sec after which Jep- 59min 21sec, over half a minute track world record, taking off finish and punched the air in restrictions. Her victory on 11/1 shot True- tering her own record for wins chirchir began to take control. behind Kiplimo, a rare disap- over six seconds as he clocked delight as she got the call ahead One who was not there to do shan was as much of a shock in a season for a female jockey. The Ethiopian Ababel Yes- pointment for an athlete who has 26mins 11sec. Those eff orts may of 80/1 shot Brando. so was winning trainer Archie as the sight of the out of sorts She has also secured her first haneh, world record holder in a lit up a truncated 2020 season. have counted against him as he She made a return trip to Watson who decided to move legendary stayer Stradivarius Group race winner this season mixed race (1hr 4min 31sec), then “I couldn’t give more than that,” attempted the half-marathon the winners enclosure she house instead. “No one else being eased up well before the at Newmarket and maiden tangled with Joyciline Jepkosgei said Cheptegei, who set a world distance for the fi rst time in had only vacated half an hour could have trained this horse line by Frankie Dettori. Doyle Royal Ascot victory to boot. and both crashed to the ground, 10,000m record in Valencia just competition. Gulf Times Sunday, October 18, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 Tireless Mbappe sends PSG top with brace against Nimes AFP second start in three days having scored Reynet two minutes from the end. Paris the winning goal for France midweek in Earlier, Rennes extended their un- their Nations League match in Zagreb. beaten start to the Ligue 1 season de- PSG lost Leandro Paredes to an in- spite drawing 1-1 at bottom side Dijon. ylian Mbappe shrugged off jury inside 10 minutes. The midfi elder Martin Terrier put Rennes ahead in the any lingering fatigue to score had started both of Argentina’s World fi rst half with a neat fi nish, but Guin- twice in his second game in 48 Cup qualifying wins over Ecuador and ea-Bissau international Mame Balde hours as Paris Saint-Germain Bolivia in the past week. barged through the visiting defence to Kdefeated 10-man Nimes 4-0 on Friday Landre was sent off moments later equalise on 54 minutes. to take over top spot in Ligue 1. for a rash challenge on Rafi nha, raking Eduardo Camavinga, who last week The France forward struck the his studs down the side of the ex-Bar- became France’s youngest goalscorer opener on 32 minutes at the Stade des celona player’s ribs. since 1914, came on for the last half- Costieres and netted again late on as a Ander Herrera, cleared to return af- hour against a team who had picked up weary Nimes folded following the early ter a positive Covid-19 test, drew the a solitary point from six matches. Flav- dismissal of centre-back Loick Landre. fi rst in a series of superb saves from ien Tait dragged a shot into the ground Alessandro Florenzi scored PSG’s Nimes goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet hav- that clipped the crossbar as it looped second on 77 minutes and Pablo Sara- ing replaced the injured Paredes. But over as Rennes were held for the second bia notched a fourth for the reign- Mbappe gave PSG the lead after he was game in a row. ing champions as PSG climbed above played through by Rafi nha, rounding Lille or Lens could overtake PSG and Rennes on goal diff erence after a fifth the advancing Reynet before slotting in Rennes with victory in today’s Derby du successive win. “I spoke with Kylian his third league goal of the campaign. Nord, the fi rst such fi xture in over fi ve yesterday, he told me that he felt good Everton loanee Kean should have years. and that he absolutely wanted to play,” added a second but was denied by an said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. “He’s alert Reynet, with Idrissa Gueye and LIGUE 1 RESULTS the guy who can always make a diff er- Florenzi also testing the Nimes keeper. Reims 1 (Cassama 15) Lorient 3 (Hamel ence and he did just that.” Florenzi rattled the post twice in the 61, Wissa 64, Moff i 80) New signings Moise Kean and Rafi n- second half, with a volley and header, ha made their PSG debuts with a host but the Italy defender eventually gave Played Friday: Dijon 1 (Balde 54) of players missing following the inter- PSG room to breathe as he nodded in Rennes 1 (Terrier 24); Nimes 0 national break and just four days ahead Sarabia’s header back across goal. Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Mbappe 32, 83, of the visit of Manchester United in the Mbappe promptly grabbed his sec- Florenzi 78, Sarabia 88) Champions League. ond of the night with another nerveless Playing today (times GMT): Stras- Neymar sat out the trip after scor- fi nish after Sarabia shredded a tiring bourg v Lyon (1100), Angers v Metz, ing a hat-trick for Brazil in a World Cup Nimes defence. Monaco v Montpellier, Nantes v Brest The Spaniard then caught out the qualifi er in Peru that did not fi nish until (all 1300), Saint-Etienne v Nice (1500), the early hours of Wednesday in Eu- hosts from a quickly-taken free-kick Lille v Lens (1900) rope. However, Mbappe was handed a to smack in a fourth through the legs of Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Kylian Mbappe (left) scores against Nimes during the Ligue 1 match in Nimes, France. (AFP)

BUNDESLIGA Rangers cruise past Lewandowski and depleted Celtic to move clear at top AFP Mueller shine as Glasgow

angers beat a corona- virus-depleted Celtic side 2-0 at Celtic Park yesterday to move four Bayern beat Bielefeld pointsR clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the Scottish Pre- miership. Two goals from Con- Victory was enough to propel defending champions back up to second place nor Goldson proved enough for Steven Gerrard’s men, who are AFP desperate to stop their bitter ri- Berlin vals winning a record-breaking 10th consecutive title. In the fi rst Old Firm derby obert Lewandowski and Tho- without fans, Goldson headed mas Mueller both scored twice in James Tavernier’s free-kick in as Bayern Munich banished the ninth minute and tapped in their early-season blues with a from close range in the second thumpingR 4-1 win over Bundesliga min- half as Rangers recorded back- nows Arminia Bielefeld yesterday. to-back wins at Celtic Park for Rangers’ Connor Goldson Treble winners Bayern started the day the fi rst time since 1995. celebrates after scoring against in mid-table following a shock defeat to It was a fi rst domestic defeat Celtic in Glasgow. (Reuters) Hoff enheim last month, but victory in since the last clash between the Bielefeld was enough to propel them back Glasgow giants in December for match fi t. up to second place. Neil Lennon’s men, who have a “We had Ajeti not fully fi t, The champions burst out of the blocks game in hand over Rangers with Griffi ths not fully fi t, Edouard and had an early penalty appeal turned a long title fi ght still to come. out,” said Lennon. “That’s down before Mueller bundled in the Celtic were without star striker three mainline strikers not able opener on eight minutes. Lewandowski Odsonne Edouard, to start. “But I felt we created doubled the lead shortly afterwards, and Hatem Elhamed due to Cov- good enough chances fi rst half smashing the ball in from the edge of id infections, while Ryan Chris- to score. Rangers defended their the area after a sharp cross from Leon tie missed out as he was forced box pretty well today and that Goretzka. to self-isolate for being a close was the diff erence in terms of the The Poland striker linked up with Mu- contact of Southampton’s Stu- psychology of the goals. We were eller to make it 3-0 just before half-time, art Armstrong, who also tested pretty decimated with the Covid and returned the favour after the break positive, while on international and the injuries but I felt we had a with a pinpoint cross to set up Muel- duty with Scotland. strong enough team out.” ler’s second. Japan winger Ritsu Doan But Gerrard said that took Earlier, the Scottish league then pulled one back for Bielefeld on the nothing away from a dominant said it would investigate after St break, the PSV Eindhoven loanee netting performance by his side. “We’ve Mirren’s latest positive virus test his fi rst Bundesliga goal since moving to put in a really controlled, pro- led to the postponement of their Germany in the summer. fessional performance,” Gerrard clash with Motherwell. Two Yet despite a late red card for Corentin said. “I don’t think we were at players had already tested posi- Tolisso, Bayern were untroubled in the our fl uent best but we’ve come tive earlier this week, with a third fi nal stages and can now turn their atten- Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller (centre) scores during the Bundesliga match against Bielefeld yesterday. (AFP) here and controlled the game forced into self-isolation. tion to Wednesday’s Champions League with and without the ball.” A further positive test saw opener against Atletico Madrid. half,” the goalscorer said. doubled the lead with a sumptuous volley Niclas Fuellkrug levelled the scores from “We could maybe have scored more players instructed to go Hansi Flick’s side now sit level on Haaland was initially rested after he on 66 minutes. the penalty spot. more,” he added. “There will be into self-isolation and the club points with third-placed Borussia Dort- played three times for Norway in the pre- “These are the games you need to win if no getting carried away. We need told the Scottish Professional mund, who snatched a late 1-0 win at vious two weeks, prompting criticism of you want to land in the top four,” Leipzig GERMAN BUNDESLIGA RESULTS to remain humble.” Football League that they could Hoff enheim earlier yesterday. the busy international schedule. coach Julian Nagelsmann said. Hoff enheim 0 Borussia Dortmund 1 Rangers got the start they not fulfi l their Premiership fi x- Dortmund, who like Bayern had al- “At Dortmund, we are used to hav- Elsewhere, Lucas Alario’s fi rst half wanted when Goldson escaped ture. (Reus 76); Freiburg 1 (Lienhart 15) ready lost one game this season, looked ing a lot of midweek games at this stage header sealed a 1-0 win for Bayer his markers from Tavernier’s Werder Bremen 1 (Fuellkrug 25-pen); set to drop further points before Erling of the season. The schedule is a bit more Leverkusen and extended second-from- searching free-kick and fl ashed SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Hertha Berlin 0 Stuttgart 2 (Kempf 9, Haaland and Marco Reus came off the hectic this year, so we have to look after bottom Mainz’s miserable run to four de- a header past goalkeeper Vasilis RESULTS bench in the second half to breathe new ourselves,” said Reus, after slotting Haa- feats in four games. Castro 68); Mainz 0 Bayer Leverkusen 1 Barkas. Mohamed Elyounoussi Celtic 0 Rangers 2 (Goldson 9, life into a blunt performance. land’s square pass into the open net to Promoted side Stuttgart continued (Alario 30); Augsburg 0 RB Leipzig wasted a good chance to level 54); Dundee United 0 Aberdeen Haaland, 20, surged forward on the score his fi rst goal since February. their good start to the season, as Marc- 2 (Angelino 45, Poulsen 66); for Celtic but the hosts failed to break to set up Reus with a tap-in and Dortmund and Bayern now sit one Oliver Kempf and Gonzalo Castro fi red Arminia Bielefeld 1 (Doan 58) Bayern manage a shot on target for the 0; Hamilton Academical 3 (Hugh- snatch Dortmund’s fi rst away victory point behind league leaders RB Leipzig, them to a 2-0 win away to Hertha Berlin, Munich 4 (Mueller 8, 51, Lewandowski fi rst time since 2009 in a league es 40, 79, Ogboe 44) St. John- over Hoff enheim in eight years. who held onto top spot with a 2-0 win while Werder Bremen held Freiburg to a 26, 45+1) match. stone 5 (May 2, 33, Wotherspoon 14, Conway 69, 82); Livingston 1 “They’ve always made it diffi cult for us against surprise high-fl iers Augsburg. 1-1 draw in the south west. Playing today (all times GMT): Lennon pointed to his lack of (Pittman 11) Kilmarnock 3 (Tshi- here in recent years. We didn’t have many Angelino headed Leipzig in front on the Freiburg took the lead early on through Cologne v Eintracht Frankfurt (1330), options with James Forrest also bola 24, Burke 37-pen, Kiltie 57); good chances in the fi rst half and we knew stroke of half-time to score his second Philipp Lienhart and had a second goal Schalke v Union Berlin (1600) out injured, while we needed to create more in the second goal in two games, before Yussuf Poulsen ruled out for off side before Bremen’s and Leigh Griffi ths were not Ross County 0 Hibernian 0

LEGENDARY WENGER REFUSES TO RULE OUT RETURN TO MANAGEMENT Strasbourg, France: For Arsene glorious, and yet many Arsenal fans the passion tells you: ‘As long as you too many? When you reach 70, your the rest of the world catch up. Among Wenger’s proposals is for Wenger management is a drug and, were happy to see him depart, feeling are alive, live your passion to the max.” horizons become narrower. I had off ers After all, the last four World Cups UEFA to abandon its recently inaugu- even at nearly 71, he cannot accept his best days were long behind him. Looking back on a career that from UEFA and FIFA to participate in have been won by European nations. rated Nations League, played every two that he might never return to coaching Wenger is now focused on his role as started at Nancy and saw him win the football development in a diff erent way. “A World Cup is practically a European years. Curiously, while FIFA president “because it would hurt so much”. FIFA’s chief of global football develop- league with Monaco before a stint in In the end I opted for FIFA because Championship with Brazil and Argen- Gianni Infantino has pushed for a new, Speaking in the French city of ment but does not rule out returning to Japan at Nagoya Grampus and then his there is a massive gulf between Europe tina. All the others have no chance expanded Club World Cup in an ever Strasbourg at the launch of his auto- coaching. arrival at Arsenal, Wenger admits that and the rest of the world.” of winning it. Since 2002 Brazil have more dense calendar, Wenger believes biography, “My Life in Red and White”, “I refuse to say never again because he “misses it so much”. While European clubs and national not won a knockout match against a there should be fewer tournaments. Wenger looked back on a coaching it would hurt so much,” he said in Stras- “I was drugged for 36 years and federations are facing diff iculties due European team. The gulf has grown so “If you take 10 people who really career that started in 1984, long before bourg in his native region of Alsace. “I you can’t rid yourself of it overnight,” to the economic downturn caused by much between Europe and the rest of know football, not many will be able to his arrival in 1996 at Arsenal, where he think the wise thing to say is that I sur- he said. “It is not easy but there came the coronavirus pandemic, Wenger’s the world and FIFA has an educational tell you what the point is”, he says of went on to spend 22 years in charge. vived so much stress for so long and so a point where I had to reason with focus in his role with the world game’s responsibility to help countries struc- the Nations League. “Maybe we need to His time in north London was often maybe it’s best not to tempt fate. But myself. Have I not already had one fight governing body is therefore on helping ture themselves.” organise fewer competitions.” Sunday, October 18, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE Sadd held by gutsy Khor; Duhail ease past Qatar SC Al Khor mainly had to thank goalkeeper Baba Djibril for his heroics, as he time and again thwarted Sadd attackers

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Khor and Al Sadd played out a dramatic goalless draw, while Al Duhail beat Qatar SC 2-1 in the QNB Stars League yesterday.A Sadd dropped points for the fi rst time this season and are on seven points, with Duhail a point back. Both the teams have played a game less as their high-profi le fi xture was postponed owing to their commit- ments in the AFC Champions League. Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali celebrates after The marquee clash will be held this scoring against Qatar SC. Wednesday at the Al Duhail Stadium. Al Khor, who have Frenchman Hantz hamed al-Bakri. Qatar SC reduced the Frederic as their new coach, now have margin not long after the second half three points. Al Khor mainly had to started, with tall Abdulaziz Adel mak- thank goalkeeper Baba Djibril for his ing good use of his height to head in a heroics, as he time and again thwarted cross from the right by Nasir, who made Sadd attackers on either half. Santi Ca- up for his earlier lapse that resulted in zorla, Nam Tae-Hee, Mohamed Waad, the penalty goal. Guilherme Torres and Rodrigo Tabata Nevertheless, Al Duhail were more all had the tale of either being thwarted on the attack and Mehdi Benatia head- by Djibril or missed chances to tell in Al Khor’s goalkeeper Baba Djibril (centre) makes a save during the QNB Stars League match against Al Sadd yesterday. ed over the bar close to one hour. It the fi rst half. looked Qatar SC had equalised in the Baghdad Bounedjah and Yousef was blocked by Djibril, who was in out- spectively for Duhail, while Abdulaziz faulty clearance by Qatar SC defender Other than the goals, Duhail’s Ramin 85th minute when substitute Omar al- Abdulrazaq took the fi eld in the sec- standing form. Adel reduced the margin for Qatar SC Alejandro Jimena. Duhail dominated Rezaeian made a foray into the rival area Emadi hit his shot against the cross- ond session and they also tried hard Earlier, two fi rst half goals for Duhail in the 48th minute. the exchanges and they succeeded in early in the game, but the move was piece and Jimena’s shot off the rebound to make a breakthrough, but in vain. was enough for Duhail to beat Qatar SC Duhail opened the scoring as Rod- doubling the lead as Almoez converted thwarted by Qatar SC goalkeeper Jas- was collected by the goalkeeper. Ahmed Badr Sayyar too came close in 2-1. Eduardo Rodrigues and Almoez Ali rigues converted a through pass from a penalty, awarded when he himself was sim al-Hail. At the other end, Jimena Today, Al Gharafa face Al Kharaitiyat, the 78th minute. However, his eff ort scored in the 12th and 39th minute re- Karim Boudiaf into goal following a fouled by Nasir Baksh. had a header saved by goalkeeper Mo- while Al Ahli take on Al Sailiya.

HORSE RACING LA LIGA Al Wasmiyah Stud’s Out-of-sorts Real Madrid lose to minnows Cadiz AFP for Atletico after back-to-back goalless Traisha wins Listed Madrid draws had dampened enthusiasm follow- ing their 6-1 opening win against Gra- nada. Beckford Stakes inedine Zidane made four sub- Suarez made his debut that day, com- stitutions at half-time yesterday ing off the bench to score twice when Agencies but could not spark Real Madrid Granada were already down and out, but Bath, United Kingdom into life as his team slipped to a his early strike shaped this game against Z1-0 defeat by newly-promoted Cadiz in Celta, until Yannick Carrasco headed in a La Liga. second in injury-time. he Al Wasmiyah Stud- Sergio Ramos was the only enforced Diego Simeone had kept Suarez and owned four-year-old change at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium Costa apart by using one to substitute fi lly Traisha won the fi rst as Madrid’s captain spent the second half the other in each of Atletico’s fi rst three Listed of her career when in the stands with ice strapped around matches but he paired them together Tshe landed the British Stallion his left knee. Madrid said the injury was from the start at Balaidos, with Joao Fe- Studs EBF Beckford Stakes over not serious but it puts in doubt Ramos’ lix on the bench. There were fl ickers of a mile and six furlongs at Bath, involvement in their fi rst Champions chemistry, with Suarez missing a chance UK, on Wednesday. Trained by League game against Shakhtar Donetsk for a second from the Costa pass that Joseph O’Brien, the fi lly won on Wednesday, as well as the Clasico caused him to feel pain in his lower leg. easily, by three lengths. three days later. Cadiz’s forward Anthony Lozano (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring Felix also impressed when he came on As the race progressed, she If Barcelona’s players were watching, against Real Madrid in La Liga in Valdebebas, northeastern Madrid, yesterday. (AFP) and will provide a more creative, if less was midfi eld. Then, she hung on they might well feel this Madrid are there combative, foil for Suarez in Costa’s ab- her left in the straight, but pro- for the taking when they meet at Camp play from his side in the fi rst half. rattled the crossbar with a long-range sence. After replacing the injured Costa duced a nice turn of foot in the Nou next weekend. A prolonged absence Eder Militao, Casemiro, Fede Valverde shot. But Cadiz were not overly troubled. after half-time, it was Felix’s curling last furlong to secure a very cosy for Ramos would cap a defl ating night for and Marco Asensio came on while a sur- Earlier, Suarez partnered Diego Costa shot that hit the bar, allowing Carrasco win in the race for three-year- the reignings Spanish champions, whose prised-looking Toni Kroos also departed for the fi rst time and scored as Atletico to nod in the rebound. Suarez had earlier old and older horses with David dreary display certainly hands an early in the second period, replaced by Luka Madrid beat struggling Celta Vigo 2-0. put Atletico in front in the sixth minute, Egan in the saddle. David Egan rides Traisha to vic- boost to their title rivals. Jovic. But Madrid’s performance hardly But the Suarez-Costa combination came sweeping in after 20-year-old left-back Previously trained in France, tory in the British Stallion Studs Atletico Madrid had earlier beaten improved and by the end they had man- to an early end as Costa was forced off in- Manu Sanchez picked him out with a Traisha joined Joseph O’Brien’s EBF Beckford Stakes at Bath, UK, Celta Vigo 2-0, with Luis Suarez opening aged just two shots on target. jured in the second half. clever pull-back. There was also a debut yard in 2020 and kept improving. on Wednesday. (Racingfotos) the scoring at Balaidos, while Barca were Cadiz could have been three up in the Sitting in the stands, Costa was seen for Lucas Torreira, the Uruguayan signed From a handicap victory for her about to face Getafe. This is Cadiz’s fi rst fi rst quarter of an hour as Ramos prevent- with his face in his hands and he was on loan from Arsenal, who was energetic comeback in July, she was a close distance, and then third in the season in the top fl ight in 14 years and ed Alvaro Negredo’s fi nish from rolling in also hobbling after the fi nal whistle. He and tidy in central midfi eld, despite feel- third in a Listed Race at Gowran Stanerra Stakes in late August, a their fi rst victory over Real Madrid in 29, before Negredo created the opener. His is now likely to miss Atletico’s Champi- ing some cramp late on. Park, on her fi rst start over the Group 3. yet they could have won by more. cushioned header put through Anthony ons League opener at Bayern Munich on Their reward is second place in the Lozano, who skipped beyond Madrid’s Wednesday. Atletico climb to fourth, two LA LIGA RESULTS table, denied a place at the top by their sleepy defence and poked over the on- points behind Real Madrid and one ahead Granada 1 (Herrera 82) Sevilla 0; Celta opponents only on goal diff erence. Isco, rushing Thibaut Courtois. of Barcelona, after the win. FOCUS Vigo 0 Atletico Madrid 2 (Suarez 6, Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez were the Madrid might have equalised in the Celta, meanwhile, have managed only Carrasco 90+5); Real Madrid 0 Cadiz 1 other three players to be hauled off by Zi- second half as Vinicius Junior headed one win from their fi rst six games and sit Al Shaqab Racing dane, who was reacting to an abject dis- wide of an open goal and Karim Benzema 13th. This was a much-needed victory (Lozano 16) celebrates a new SERIE A winner with Almuft i Ibrahimovic’s derby brace sends AC Milan top AFP also picked up a brace in Napoli’s previ- Milan ous completed match — a 6-0 win over Genoa also at the Stadio San Paolo. Mat- teo Politano blasted in a third after half an latan Ibrahimovic struck twice in hour with Victor Osimhen grabbing his his fi rst match back after recov- fi rst Napoli goal just before the break. ering from coronavirus yesterday Slovenian forward Josip Ilicic returned as AC Milan beat city rivals Inter for highly-fancied Atalanta after nearly ZMilan 2-1 to take top spot in Serie A ahead three months out with personal prob- of Atalanta who slumped 4-1 at Napoli. lems, starting up front alongside Papu Ibrahimovic had not played since Sep- Gomez and Duvan Zapata. But with many tember 21, but bagged his second brace players returning from international duty in as many league matches this season as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side lacked the fi re Joe Fanning rides Almufti to victory in the Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Milan claimed their fi rst derby win since power of their previous three games in Handicap at Kempton on Wednesday. (John Hoy) January 2016. Milan have now won their which they had scored 13 goals. opening four Serie A matches for the fi rst France midfi elder Tiemoue Bakayoko Agencies gramme in the coming months. time since the 1995-1996 season when got his fi rst start for Napoli with Lorenzo Kempton, United Kingdom Ridden by Joe Fanning, Almuf- they won the title under Fabio Capello. Insigne injured and Piotr Zielinski and ti sat in mid-division and had to The 39-year-old Ibrahimovic stamped AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (centre) vies for the ball with Inter Milan’s Christian Eljif Elmas still recovering from coro- manoeuvre his way around hors- his mark on the game early, having also Eriksen during the Serie A match at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (AFP) navirus. Lozano tapped in a Giovanni Di s the European fl at sea- es to fi nd a gap in the straight. scored back in February only for Inter Lorenzo cross after 20 minutes, curling in son moves towards the Once clear, he pulled clear with to win 4-2. He missed a penalty after 13 before the break, while Gianluigi Don- for their last Serie A game against Juven- the second minutes later after a mix-up in winter racing season 200m left to run and crossed the minutes but turned in the rebound, with narumma denied the Belgian just before tus. Napoli were handed a 3-0 defeat and the Atalanta defence. on the all-weather, Al- line with plenty in hand to win a perfect Rafael Leao cross setting up the the fi nal whistle. one-point deduction for not travelling to muftiA provided Al Shaqab Racing the race for three-year-old and Swede for the second three minutes later. AC Milan are top of the table with Turin earlier this month after recording ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS with a victory in the mile-long older horses rated 90 and below Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back maximum 12 points, three ahead of Ata- two cases of coronavirus. Napoli 4 (Lozano 23, 27, Politano 30, Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handi- by two-and-a-half lengths. for Inter Milan after half an hour for his lanta who fell to third-placed Napoli. In- But Gennaro Gattuso’s side picked up Osimhen 43) Atalanta 1 (Lammers 69); cap at Kempton on Wednesday. Almufti is trained by Hugo fourth goal in as many matches. Antonio ter Milan are sixth with seven points from where they left off before the controversy, Inter Milan 1 (Lukaku 29) AC Milan 2 This was the fourth win of the Palmer in Newmarket. The son Conte’s Inter were hit by six absences due three games. with a third win in as many league games four-year-old’s career, who has of Al Shaqab stallion Toronado to Covid-19 and missed chances, with In Naples, Hirving Lozano also struck they have played. (Ibrahimovic 13, 16); Sampdoria 3 a predilection for all-weather was bought as a yearling by Al Lautaro Martinez header cleared off the twice as Napoli powered back days after Mexican forward Lozano scored two (Quagliarella 32, Augello 41, Damsgaard tracks and should have a nice pro- Shaqab Racing. line and Lukaku sending a header wide they were punished for failing to turn up quick-fi re goals in the fi rst half, having 74) Lazio 0