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Wednesday, December 2, 2020 FOOTBALL Rabia II 17, 1442 AH Yokohama dump GULF TIMES out Jeonbuk to cruise into last 16 SPORT Page 2 FORMULA 1 Vandoorne and Gutierrez are the Hamilton ‘gutted’ aft er team’s reserve drivers, while Russell is also on their books for positive Covid-19 test replacement

Reuters course. Manama Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne, who races for the Mercedes Formula E team and had been scheduled to fl y to Bahrain even-times Formula One world even before Hamilton’s positive result, champion Lewis Hamilton said and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez are the he was devastated after testing team’s reserve drivers. positive for Covid-19 and being Briton George Russell, who races for ruledS out of Sunday’s penultimate race Mercedes-powered Williams, is also on of the season in Bahrain. their books. It will be the fi rst time the 35-year- Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said old Mercedes driver has missed a race in in October that every precaution was an F1 career that started with McLaren being taken to shield Hamilton and in 2007. teammate Valtteri Bottas from the pan- The sport’s most successful driver demic, with internal debriefs and engi- of all time, with a record 95 wins and neering meetings taking place via video 98 pole positions, said on social media call. that he had tested negative three times Hamilton has stayed in his mo- in the past week but woke up on Mon- torhome at most circuits, with races day with mild symptoms. confi ned to Europe before the fi nal The Briton said he then requested Middle Eastern triple-header, and re- another test which came back positive turning to Monaco afterwards where and he immediately started a 10-day physio Angela Cullen forms part of his self-isolation, ruling out the Sakhir protective ‘bubble’. Grand Prix and raising doubts about He posted video on Instagram on the Abu Dhabi fi nale on the following November 22, a week after winning the weekend. title, of himself playing tennis with fa- “I’m gutted not to be able to race this ther Anthony, however. weekend but my priority is to follow the Formula One has seen a clutch of protocols and advice to protect others,” high-profile Covid-19 cases, with he said. Red Bull sporting director Jonathan “I’m really lucky that I feel OK with Wheatley testing positive last week only mild symptoms and will do my and Williams acting team principal best to stay fi t and healthy.” Simon Roberts missing the Turkish Hamilton said he and his team had Grand Prix. taken all possible precautions and fol- Both Racing Point drivers, Sergio Pe- lowed all regulations to stay safe since rez and Lance Stroll, and team owner the season started. Lawrence Stroll tested positive earlier Mercedes said he tested negative at in the year. the circuit on Sunday afternoon but he Formula One started a shortened 17- had been informed on Monday that “a race season in July after the Australian contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had opener in March was cancelled when a subsequently tested positive”. McLaren employee tested positive. The Briton wrapped up his record- The sport has strict rules in place equalling seventh title in Turkey last Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is pictured in his car after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday. (AFP) to try to keep the novel coronavirus at month and picked up his 11th win of the bay. Personnel cannot access the pad- season in Bahrain on Sunday. seventh year in a row. a single season. Michael Schumacher Hamilton was also on a record run of REPLACEMENT DRIVER dock without a negative result and are Mercedes have already won the con- Hamilton will not now be able to and Sebastian Vettel share that mark 48 successive points fi nishes and has Mercedes said they would announce tested every five days. Teams also do structors’ title for an unprecedented match the record for the most wins in with 13. started 265 races in a row. a replacement driver for Sakhir in due their own tests.

FOCUS QEF to organise SC and QFA help to launch fi rst South horseback African supporters’ club in the region archery event By Sports Reporter incredible, modern stadiums in a Doha beautiful football-loving country.” QFA general secretary Mansoor The Qatar Equestrian Fed- al-Ansari added: “Offi cial recog- eration will be organising ith under two years nition for the Bafana Bafana and the country’s first horse- to go before the FIFA Banyana Banyana Supporters’ back archery competition World Cup Qatar Club Qatar from the South Afri- on December 28, it was 2022 kicks off , the can Football Association is sym- announced yesterday. WSupreme Committee for Deliv- bolic of the strong football fan Called the Al Nashaab ery & Legacy (SC) and the Qa- culture among residents in Qa- Championship, it’s being tar Football Association (QFA) tar. There are many supporters’ held in co-operation with recently partnered with South groups in Qatar and they will all the Horseback Archery Africans in Qatar (SAIQ) to help help to enhance the fan and cul- Society. launch a supporters’ group for the tural experience during the FIFA Participants need to have Rainbow Nation’s national foot- World Cup in 2022.” a passport for their horses ball teams. The SC’s Community En- who must be vaccinated The establishment of the re- gagement programme provides and will be required to clear gion’s fi rst Bafana Bafana and Ban- a channel for people in Qatar to a test before the event. Par- yana Banyana Supporters’ Club South Africa’s ambassador to Qatar Faizel Moosa (centre) and Qatar learn about the opportunities ticipants must also obtain a was formalised through a Memo- Football Association general secretary Mansoor al-Ansari (right) at the and benefi ts that come from the rider’s ID from the technical randum of Understanding be- launch of the supporters’ group. country’s hosting of the World off ice of the QEF, organis- tween SAIQ and the South African Cup. It connects local people to ers said. Football Association (SAFA). The the atmosphere and spirit of cel- Banyana Supporters Club in the the social, economic and physical The QEF said that junior rid- initiative forms part of the vision ebration that will ensure lasting Middle East by the South Afri- regeneration taking place as a re- ers must be in the 12-18 age of the SC’s Community Engage- memories for everyone who visits can community in Qatar is a very sult of Qatar 2022 and enables the category, while male riders ment programme – to encourage Qatar in 2022.” positive development, which we community to contribute to the intending to take part in the communities within Qatar to be Run by community representa- welcome,” said SAFA president delivery – and ultimate success – senior event should be 18 part of their home country’s jour- tives and football enthusiasts – Dr Danny Jordaan. “We are do- of the tournament. or above. ney during Qatar 2022. Samantha Abrahams, Brad Haba- ing all we can to ensure Bafana Community Engagement de- Rules and regulations will “Supporters’ groups like this na, Xolani Holomisa and Bernard takes its place among the world’s livers its objectives through a be explained in detail by the one provide an opportunity for Lodge – the new South African football elite in Qatar in 2022. As range of initiatives, including the organising committee after fans around the world to connect supporters’ group is inclusive and the fi rst African hosts of the FIFA Youth Panel, Accessibility Forum, the qualifying round which with people in Qatar,” said the open to all South African expatri- World Cup, we are fully behind Community Partnerships, Volun- will be held on December 16. SC’s Communications Executive ates living and working in Qatar Qatar’s eff orts to host the Middle teer Programme, Tamreen, Cul- Those interested should Director, Fatma al-Nuaimi. “It’s and the Middle East. East’s fi rst FIFA World Cup. We tural Experience Programme, a call 55830282 for further vital we mobilise our many lo- “The establishment of the have no doubt it will be an excel- lecture series and various football details. cal communities to contribute to fi rst Bafana Bafana and Banyana lent, world-class event played in tournaments. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 2, 2020 FOOTBALL

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREMIER LEAGUE Newcastle game with Villa postponed due Yokohama dump to Covid outbreak

AFP training on Sunday after four London players and a member of the backroom staff tested positive for the virus last week. Bruce was ewcastle’s visit to As- already without fi ve fi rst-team out Jeonbuk to ton Villa, scheduled for players for last Friday’s 2-0 win Friday, became the fi rst over Crystal Palace. Premier League match In a statement, Newcastle Nto be postponed due to a corona- said: “Several Newcastle United virus outbreak since play resumed players and staff members are in June, the league confi rmed yes- now self-isolating at home after terday. Several Newcastle players returning positive test results in and staff have tested positive for recent days and the club’s train- cruise into last 16 coronavirus, leading the club to ing centre site has been tempo- shut their training ground. rarily closed in order to contain “Newcastle lodged a request the spread of the virus.” Sydney FC register a morale-boosting 4-0 thrashing of Shanghai SIPG with the Premier League to re- No Premier League match had arrange the game following a previously been called off since AFP signifi cant increase in Covid-19 football resumed after a three- Doha cases at the club, which resulted month stoppage between March in Public Health England North and June, but the decision was East advising that their training backed by Villa. Neither side are okohama F Marinos cruised into facilities remain closed,” the Pre- involved in European football, the knockout phase of the Asian mier League said in a statement. meaning there is plenty of space Champions League for the fi rst “The Premier League Board in the calendar for the match to time in their history yesterday, agreed, as a consequence, that be rescheduled despite a short- hammeringY two-time champions Jeon- the club are unable to train and ened season. The city of New- buk Hyundai Motors 4-1 in their Group H adequately and safely prepare for castle will enter the most severe clash in Doha. their match on Friday.” tier-three restriction band when Yokohama’s Thai defender Theerathon Newcastle manager Steve the latest national lockdown in Bunmathan thundered in a shot from the Bruce had already cancelled England ends today. edge of the box in the 17th minute to set the tone, before three goals in the sec- ond half sent the 2006 and 2016 winners SPOTLIGHT Jeonbuk crashing out of the tournament. “It’s a great performance and a credit to the players, because it’s the fi rst time the club has got out of the group stage,” Wolves’ Jimenez said Yokohama coach Ange Postecoglou. “We started really well and put pres- sure on them, scored a goal — a good hopes to return aft er goal from Bunmathan. We missed some chances in the fi rst half which always keeps the opposition in the game, but fractured skull in the second half we were a bit smarter, worked our counterattacks really well and AFP scored three good goals. It’s a fantastic London achievement and we are proud of every- one involved.” Besides being the fi rst team from east- olverhampton Wan- ern Asia to win the Champions League derers striker Raul when it was launched in its current for- Jimenez says he mat in 2003, Jeonbuk are also eight-time hopes to be back K League winners, a South Korean record, Wplaying football soon despite which includes four consecutive titles suff ering a fractured skull in a starting in 2017. Yokohama’s Marcos Junior (left) celebrates with Teruhito Nakagawa after scoring against Jeonbuk during the AFC Champions horrifi c clash of heads with Ar- But at the Al Janoub Stadium yester- League Group H match at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil senal defender David Luiz. The day, their only bright moment came in 29-year-old Mexican interna- the 54th minute when Gustavo fi red home ma’s win over Jeonbuk Hyundai. tional tweeted from his hospital from the penalty spot three minutes after Alex Wilkinson and Nathan Brat- bed where he is under observa- Marcos Junior had put Yokohama 2-0 tan put the A-League champions 2-0 tion following an operation. ahead. Teruhito Nagakawa’s 71st-minute ahead in the fi rst half before a brace from Jimenez received 10 minutes strike and an own goal by Song — whose Trent Buhagiar sealed their victory at of treatment on the pitch after attempted headed clearance found his the Al Janoub Stadium. “They are going the clash of heads in the fi rst half own net seven minutes from close — con- through, we are not, but we are proud of of the Premier League match at on with blood seeping from his fi rmed Jeonbuk’s exit. what the players have achieved tonight,” the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. head bandage until he was re- “The team gave what it was possible said Sydney coach Steve Corica. He was subsequently wheeled placed at half-time. Arsenal to do with the contingent that we have,” In Group G, Chinese giants Guangzhou off the pitch and taken to hos- manager Mikel Arteta defended lamented Jeonbuk coach Jose Morais. “In Evergrande and South Korea’s Suwon pital. “Thanks for your support the decision, saying the Brazilian the fi rst half, strategically, we went in Samsung Bluewings played out a 1-1 draw messages,” he tweeted. “I will be former Chelsea and Paris Saint- terms of containing the off ensive game at the Khalifa International Stadium. Lim under observation, and I hope to Germain player only came off of Yokohama, which is a big game and a Sang-hyub put Suwon ahead in the 53rd return to the pitch soon.” because he was concerned about quality game. In the second half, the re- minute but Wei Shihao restored parity in Wolves went on to win the the cut. sult as it was wasn’t enough to take us the 72nd for Guangzhou with the help of match 2-1 for their fi rst victory at However, it has led to calls forward, so we took more risks.” an assist from Ai Kesen. Arsenal in 41 years. One of their for temporary substitutes to be Sydney FC were left wondering why The result means the second qualify- goalscorers, Pedro Neto, dedi- used while a player is properly they couldn’t hit their groove earlier in ing spot from the group will be decided Guangzhou Evergrande and Suwon Samsung Bluewings players get into a scuff le cated his goal and the win to his assessed for concussion as is the the tournament after a morale-boosting on Friday with the Bluewings needing during the Group G match at the Khalifa International Stadium. (Reuters) stricken teammate. “I didn’t see practice in rugby union. Liver- 4-0 thrashing of Shanghai SIPG. Already at least a 2-0 victory to join Vissel Kobe the impact, I only heard the im- pool manager Jurgen Klopp said eliminated from Group H without a sin- of Japan in the round of 16. Guangzhou said the Italy great. “We didn’t control fact that his team didn’t make the most pact, and it was very hard seeing it “makes sense” to introduce gle win from their four previous match- coach Fabio Cannavaro was once again at the game and we didn’t even try to play of the chances they got. “We got the fi rst him on the ground like that,” said such a rule while former England es, Sydney salvaged some pride against a loss to explain his team’s showing. “I am football. Even in defence we did not play goal and then unfortunately conceded the the 20-year-old Portuguese. forward Alan Shearer has said he SIPG, who qualifi ed in second place be- not happy because the performance of well. I don’t want to fi nd excuses.” equaliser. We had many chances at the Whilst Jimenez went to hos- thinks “football needs to wake fore Tuesday’s match following Yokoha- my team in the fi rst half was not so good,” Suwon’s Park Kun-ha lamented the end but we could not win.” pital Luiz controversially played up” to the issue of concussion.

FOCUS MATCH REPORT Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt West Ham ride their luck to beat Aston Villa

Reuters not for sale: England’s Hodge London

AFP London est Ham United climbed to fi fth in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on ormer England mid- Monday night as for the second fi elder Steve Hodge has Wsuccessive home game they benefi ted from insisted the shirt worn by a missed penalty. Goals by Angelo Ogbonna Diego Maradona in scor- and Jarrod Bowen at the start of each half ingF two iconic goals against the earned West Ham the points, although Villa Three Lions in the 1986 World will rue an Ollie Watkins penalty that rattled Cup quarter-fi nal is not for sale. the crossbar. Hodge swapped shirts with Ma- West Ham then got lucky again as Wat- radona, who died last week at the kins thought he had made amends in stop- age of 60, at the end of the match page time but his close-range goal was ruled in which the Argentine legend out by VAR for a marginal off side decision. punched home what became Jack Grealish had levelled with a defl ected known as the “Hand of God” goal eff ort in the 25th minute but it was a frus- and then ran from inside his own trating night for Villa who could have gone half to score a stunning second as fourth with a win. West Ham’s third succes- Argentina won 2-1. sive victory leaves them on 17 points from 10 The shirt is now on display at games, only four points behind leaders Tot- West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen (second left) scores against Aston Villa in the Premier the National Football Museum in tenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Villa have League football at The London Stadium, in east London on Monday night. (AFP) Manchester. Hodge said he had slipped down to 10th with 15 points, having been inundated with enquiries played a game less. Villa were caught cold as Ogbonna rose anski from point-blank range. over the shirt in recent days and Steve Hodge with Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup shirt. Three weeks ago West Ham beat Fulham unchallenged to head West Ham into the Villa were awarded a penalty, via VAR, dispelled rumours he was look- 1-0 at the London Stadium after a comical lead after two minutes. But they responded when Declan Rice was adjudged to have ing for a seven-fi gure sum to sell ticles on the Internet and there scoring with his hand. “I have to last-gasp penalty miss by Ademola Look- well and Grealish exploited a hole in the pulled Trezeguet’s shirt but Watkins leant it. “I have had it for 34 years and has been a bit of fl ak fl ying around say I have never once blamed him man and they got lucky again as they bagged middle of West Ham’s defence to burst for- back and sent his spot kick against the bar. have never once tried to sell it,” saying I wanted a million or two for the handball. Not once,” he the points, despite being second-best for ward and strike a shot that defl ected past Watkins should have had the last laugh but Hodge, 58, told the BBC. “I like million and am hawking it around added. much of the game. Lukasz Fabianski. after breaking free of Ogbonna, who had having it. It has incredible sen- for money. I fi nd it disrespectful “It was out of order but people “We’ve missed a penalty and had a goal West Ham manager David Moyes sent his arms around the striker’s neck, to slot timental value. I’ve had people and totally wrong. It’s not for sale. who play football know that you disallowed for a part of his body that can’t on Said Benrahma for the second half and in from a low cross his joy was cut short be- knocking on my door non-stop I am not trying to sell it.” try things now and again. From actually be used to put the ball in the net almost immediately he set up Bowen to cause, according to VAR, part of his arm was and the phone’s constantly ring- Hodge paid tribute to the every corner of the globe he was anyway,” Villa manager Dean Smith said. head his side back into the lead. The hosts off side. ing from every TV and radio sta- “genius” of one of the greatest respected and people appreciat- “The goal Ollie scores they’ve given off side never looked comfortable though and Villa Moyes was not complaining and pointed tion, and even foreign stations. players the game has ever seen ed the genius he had. That game for his arm, but the only reason his arm is should have levelled when Grealish released to Rice being hard done by for the Villa pen- “It has been uncomfortable and and said he never blamed Ma- will never be forgotten in the his- there is because he’s being fouled. It’s either Watkins and he pulled the ball back for alty. “I’d like referees to toughen up a bit and it hasn’t been nice. I have seen ar- radona for taking the chance of tory of football.” he scores or it’s a penalty.” Trezeguet who somehow failed to beat Fabi- not give every decision,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 2, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Shakhtar stun Madrid again to leave Spaniards on the brink Reuters Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champi- Kyiv, Ukraine ons League yesterday as the Austrian champions kept their hopes of a last-16 spot alive. eal Madrid’s Champions Salzburg were rewarded for their League hopes are hanging in early domination in the 28th minute the balance after they lost when Enock Mwepu’s defl ected shot 2-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk yes- fell kindly to Berisha, who converted terday,R leaving their fate in reaching from close range, minutes after he had the knockout stages out of their hands a goal ruled out for off side. heading into the fi nal round of matches. Jesse March’s side doubled their lead The 13-times European Cup win- 13 minutes later when Sekou Koita cap- ners went behind in the 57th minute italised on a poor clearance from Slo- when Shakthar substitute Dentinho bodan Rajkovic and played in Berisha, capitalised on a lapse in concentra- who rifl ed a low shot past Lokomotiv tion from defender Raphael Varane to keeper Guilherme for his fourth goal in score. Israeli forward Manor Solomon fi ve Champions League games this sea- then wrapped up the home side’s shock son. Lokomotiv were handed a lifeline win over the Spanish champions in the in the 79th minute when Ze Luis was 82nd with a solo run on the counter and fouled by Andre Ramalho in the penalty fi nish into the bottom corner. area, with Anton Miranchuk convert- Dentinho came on in the fi rst half to ing the resulting spot-kick to halve the replace striker Junior Moraes, who was defi cit. Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard (left) is injured after being hauled down by Var- Yet substitute Karim Adeyemi re- fouled by Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykola ane in a bid to prevent the forward rac- stored Salzburg’s two-goal lead two Matviyenko during the Champions ing towards goal unchallenged. minutes later, profi ting from another League match in Kyiv yesterday. (AFP) Shakhtar, who beat Madrid 3-2 away defensive error and fi ring into the bot- in October, are second in Group B on tom corner. The result lifts Salzburg to seven points, level with Zinedine Zi- third place on four points, one point dane’s Real side but ahead due to their and place behind Atletico Madrid, who superior head-to-head record. were facing holders Bayern Munich late last night. Salzburg host Atletico in BERISHA FIRES SALZBURG TO their fi nal group game next week and WIN OVER LOKOMOTIV can qualify for the knockout stages A fi rst-half brace by Mergim Beri- with a win provided Diego Simeone’s sha helped earn Salzburg a 3-1 win at side do not beat Bayern.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Prosecutors raid PSG facing one of home of Maradona’s psychiatrist in probe

Reuters by the prosecution” for Marado- Buenos Aires na’s death. The probe was look- ing at possible wrongful death and medical negligence, they the world’s greatest rgentine investigators said. Maradona’s lawyer, Matias raided the home of Di- Morla, said last week he would ego Maradona’s psy- ask for a full investigation of the chiatrist yesterday, the circumstances of the sport star’s latestA twist in a probe into the death, criticizing what he said football legend’s death last week, was a slow response by emer- which has already seen fi les gency service. challenges: Tuchel seized from his personal doctor. Prosecutors, with a judicial ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ MORATA order, carried out searches in GETS TWO-MATCH BAN ‘We’ll have to be perfect, individually and collectively, to grab all three points’ the house and the private offi ce Alvaro Morata has been banned of Agustina Cosachov in Buenos for two Serie A matches follow- Reuters Aires, as they had done on Sun- ing his red card in Juventus’ 1-1 Manchester day with the properties of Mara- draw against Benevento at the dona’s personal doctor Leopol- weekend, Italy’s top division do Luque. “These are routine said. Morata scored the game’s aris St Germain are facing one of measures when investigating fi rst goal in the 21st minute but the game’s greatest challenges as the causes of death of a patient,” saw red after the full-time whis- they aim for victory at Manches- Cosachov’s lawyer, Vadim Mis- tle for dissent after aggressively ter United in a pivotal Champi- chanchuk, said. “What is being appealing for a penalty. Pons League Group H game today, coach sought is a medical history on Serie A punished the former Thomas Tuchel said. Last year’s runners- telephones and computers.” Chelsea and Real Madrid player up PSG are second on six points, three Maradona, who fought long for “a disrespectful expression adrift of United and ahead of RB Leipzig, battles with addiction, died of addressed towards the referee”. who face Istanbul Basaksehir, only thanks a heart attack at the age of 60 Cristiano Ronaldo was rested to their better head-to-head record. last week after undergoing brain in Saturday’s draw against their “We’re at Old Traff ord to win, not just surgery earlier in November for a newly-promoted opponents as to get a good result, and winning here is blood clot. The World Cup win- champions Juve were held to one of the world’s toughest challenges,” ner’s death had ripple eff ects their fi fth draw in nine league Tuchel said yesterday. PSG have only around the globe and drew an matches. grabbed one point from their last two outpouring of grief from Argen- Morata has scored eight goals Ligue 1 games and they were fortunate to tina to Naples, Italy. in all competitions this sea- beat Leipzig 1-0 at the Parc des Princes Prosecutors are investigating son, with Ronaldo on nine. The last week. United, on the other hand, possible “malpractice” and if Spaniard will miss Juventus’ have won their last four games in all com- necessary medical requirements home derby against city rivals petitions, scoring 11 goals. “Tomorrow, for care were met, the lawyer Torino on Saturday, and the trip depending on the result of Leipzig at Mischanchuk said. Two sources to Genoa the following weekend. Istanbul (in an early kickoff ), our game close the case, who declined to He will however play in today’s could be a fi nal,” Tuchel said. “We have to be named, told Reuters “doctors Champions League game against be ready for a big battle.” are the main ones being targeted Dynamo Kiev in Turin. PSG’s injury woes have however almost disappeared with only fullbacks Thilo Ke- hrer and Juan Bernat, as well as midfi eld- ers Pablo Sarabia and Julian Draxler, out Spurs to face non-league of the Old Traff ord clash. Tuchel is also hoping that France striker Kylian Mbappe Marine in FA Cup third round will rediscover his scoring touch in the Champions League, having failed to fi nd London: Premier League lead- table at the moment, they’re the net in his last eight appearances in the ers Tottenham were handed the hardest team we could have competition, a streak that dates back to a trip to eighth-tier Marine in possibly got. It’s absolutely un- last December. “I’ve heard about this stat Monday’s draw for the FA Cup believable. I checked my phone an hour ago and to be honest I was really third round. Top-flight teams a second after the draw and it’s surprised,” said Tuchel. enter the competition at the gone off like mad.” “Maybe that’s another reason why third round stage and Totten- National League North side we’re where we’re at now, but I know ham were given a tie sure to Chorley will play Derby at home Kylian has the qualities, the personality capture the attention of football and Stockport, of the National and the experience to score again (in the romantics. League, have also been handed Champions League),” the German added. Northern Premier League Di- home advantage in their tie Midfi elder Marco Verratti, recently vision One side Marine became against West Ham. FA Cup back from yet another injury layoff , said only the second club from the holders Arsenal face Newcastle PSG will need to be faultless against Unit- Paris Saint-Germain’s coach Thomas Tuchel. (Reuters) eighth tier to reach the third at the Emirates Stadium and ed. “We’ll have to be perfect, individually round after beating Havant and another all-Premier League tie and collectively, to grab all three points,” tion and answer session with supporters. extending the contracts of Neymar and was worth 9.5mn euros last season, while Waterlooville after extra time on sees Aston Villa against Liver- he said. “They’re quick, athletic. But we Despite that, it is hard to imagine Kylian Mbappe, whose existing deals reaching and winning the fi nal was worth Sunday. Their reward is a visit pool at Villa Park. have to focus on ourselves.” Tuchel surviving in the event of a Euro- expire in 2022, but how can they in their another 41.5mn euros, enough to cover from Jose Mourinho’s men, who Another side from the eighth PSG are top of Ligue 1, although their pean disaster, as being dumped out at current fi nancial predicament? the wages of Neymar and Mbappe for a last won the FA Cup in 1991 and tier, Isthmian League North Divi- lead has been trimmed back in recent the fi rst hurdle would be a huge blow to Documents released in 2018 by Foot- year. UEFA is set to reduce prize money have not lifted a major trophy sion Canvey Island play fifth-tier weeks following more disappointing PSG’s prestige. Over the last decade it ball Leaks showed Neymar’s after-tax over the next few years because of the since the 2008 League Cup. Boreham Wood on Monday for displays. There will be potentially major has become almost impossible for such salary to be 30mn euros ($35.8mn) a year impact of the health crisis, but PSG can Marine boss Neil Young told the right to host Championship consequences if they fail to qualify for the ignominy to befall one of Europe’s super while Mbappe’s salary was due to rise to ill aff ord to miss out on these sums. The the BBC: “It’s an unbelievable team Millwall. League Two side last 16 of the Champions League, some- clubs, a category into which PSG now fi t 11mn euros this year. If PSG are prepared stakes in Manchester will be high. draw. We will plan as best we Crawley have been drawn to thing they have managed in each of the as the fi fth-richest in the world according to off er whatever it takes to keep them, can. Usually with Jose’s teams, play Leeds at home and Bristol last eight seasons since becoming regu- to Deloitte’s Football Money League. will they be able to invest in the other ar- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES he puts pretty strong sides out. Rovers have been rewarded for lars in the competition again after the Barcelona have made it out of their eas of the team that need upgrading? GROUP E: FK Krasnodar vs Rennes; Sevilla We have won seven games thrashing Darlington 6-0 in the Qatari takeover. group in every season since returning to They have been hamstrung by the to get here and this is a great second round with a home tie vs Chelsea Tuchel is out of contract after this sea- the competition in 2004, while Real Ma- coronavirus crisis, suff ering huge losses reward.” against Sheff ield United. Last son and sporting director Leonardo is not drid have got out of their group in every from the decision to cut short the last GROUP F: Borussia Dortmund vs Lazio; Marine captain Niall Cum- season’s beaten finalists Chel- believed to be a huge fan of the German, year since 1997. Bayern Munich have French season. RMC Sport recently re- Club Bruges vs Zenit St Petersburg mins, a fan of Tottenham’s north sea will play League Two side even if he recently dismissed reports he done so in every year since 2008. Man- ported that PSG were preparing for a GROUP G: Ferencvárosi TC vs Barcelona; London rivals Arsenal, added: Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. was looking for a replacement. “Honestly chester City have already secured an loss of some 200mn euros this season, Juventus vs Dynamo Kyiv “I don’t know where to begin. I Manchester City, the 2019 the club has never thought about another eighth consecutive appearance in the last chiefl y from lost gate receipts due to the think we’re off icially the lowest- winners, will host Birmingham, coach to replace Tuchel. Now is the time 16, Juventus a seventh. pandemic. A group-stage exit from the GROUP H: Istanbul Basaksehir vs RB ranked team left in it and, while Manchester United face to concentrate on our objectives and to Financially, the repercussions could Champions League would only make Leipzig; Manchester United vs Paris judging by the Premier League Watford at Old Traff ord. stick together,” Leonardo said in a ques- be serious. PSG are looking at ways of things worse. Just reaching the last 16 Saint-Germain Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 2, 2020 SPORT

T20 FOCUS Shah Rukh’s KKR buy stake in US Malan blasts 99 as cricket league

Reuters/IANS Mumbai

ndian Premier League team England sweep SA Kolkata Knight Riders, co-owned by popular Bol- Ilywood actor Shah Rukh The tourists made 192-1 with Malan one shy of his century and Buttler 67 not out in a Khan, has picked up a stake in the city-based Major League T20 international record 167-run second-wicket partnership, which came off 90 balls cricket in the United States, the Twenty20 league has said. The inaugural season of MLC, featuring six franchises, is ex- pected to commence in 2022. It will the third T20 league to see the involvement of the Knight Riders Group, which also owns the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. The Trinbago Knight Riders won their fourth CPL title in the last six seasons during an un- beaten championship in 2020, while KKR have won two IPL ti- short-term outlook,” Mysore tles. told ESPNcricinfo. “So they see “For several years now, we us as a consultant in many ways, have been expanding the Knight apart from being a big part of the Riders brand globally and closely league. They want us to play a watching the potential for T20 very broad role, to help and assist cricket in the USA,” Khan said in them with all aspects of cricket a statement. in the US. “We are convinced that Major “USA Cricket are looking at a League cricket has all the pieces bigger national cricket set-up, in place to execute on its plans academies, develop talent, and and we look forward to making all that is complementary to what our partnership an enormous the T20 league will do as well. In success in the coming years.” addition, we will be working hard American Cricket Enterprises to build infrastructure there, six (ACE), USA Cricket’s partner in world-class stadiums in the next developing a professional T20 few years,” he added. league in America, had invited San Francisco, Chicago, Bos- the Knight Riders Group, re- ton, Seattle, Houston, Dallas, At- vealed Venky Mysore, CEO and lanta and Washington, DC were managing director. among the 22 locations touted “When they invited us, we for the tournament when the said we want to take a deep dive league was announced in Febru- into this, and not just have a ary this year.

Three more Pakistan players test positive

Christchurch: Three more determines there is no risk in members of the Pakistan their training. cricket team in New Zealand “The team is not allowed to have tested positive following train until the Canterbury the second round of Covid-19 DHB medical off icer of health England’s Dawid Malan in action against South Africa at Newlands stadium in Cape Town yesterday. testing, taking the number of af- determines they are satisfied fected players to 10. The result that any training activities are Agencies But a swashbuckling, record- du Plessis at the crease. runs on Sunday in Paarl to help strain. of one more test is pending. unlikely to transmit Covid-19,” Cape Town breaking reply, spearheaded by The pair then added an un- England clinch the series, con- He is expected to take about The New Zealand health min- the statement added. Malan and Jos Buttler, helped beaten 127 runs as Van der Dus- tinued where he left off at the three weeks to recover and Ra- istry is still investigating if the The Pakistan cricket squad, England to their target with 14 sen scored a career T20 high smaller Newlands, reaching his bada has therefore been released cases are historical. comprising support staff , awid Malan scored balls to spare. of 74 with the experienced Du half century off 26 balls. from the squad and bio-secure “Day 6 swabs were taken yes- arrived in New Zealand on an unbeaten 99 as The tourists made 192-1 with Plessis adding 52 not out. He reached 98 with a four environment that is in place for terday from the 46 members November 24 and underwent England impressively Malan one shy of his century and They smacked 84 runs off the that tied the scores and then ap- the England tour. of the Pakistan cricket squad their first test on the third day Dchased down an im- Buttler 67 not out in a T20 inter- fi nal fi ve overs to set a testing peared unaware that he was one Cricket South Africa said his in Christchurch who to date i.e. Friday. As many as seven posing target to beat South Af- national record 167-run second- target for the tourists. shy of his ton as he failed to at- release was designed to ensure have returned negative test members tested positive in that rica by nine wickets at Newlands wicket partnership, which came But England, after losing Jas- tempt a second run despite a rehabilitation and preparation results for Covid-19. Of those, test. They are undergoing a 14- yesterday and complete a clean off 90 balls. on Roy for 16 in their fourth over, fi elding fumble. for the 25-year-old ahead of the 42 have subsequently returned day quarantine. sweep of their three-match South Africa, easily beaten set about a poor home attack England and South Africa will two-test series against Sri Lanka a further negative test result. The Pakistan players were to be Twenty20 series. by England in their opening two with some venom, hammering now play three One Day Inter- that starts later this month. Three are under investigation tested for the coronavirus on South Africa elected to bat af- matches in the Cape, were again the bowling to all parts of the nationals, starting at Newlands South Africa play three ODIs to determine whether they are the third, sixth, and twelfth days ter winning the toss and, after a slow to get going and had scored ground including 40 runs off the on Friday with host paceman against England, starting at the historical cases, and one test of isolation. Their third and final spluttering start, reached 191 for 64-3 in the 10th over when 11th and 12th overs alone. paceman Kagiso Rabada ruled weekend, following on three result is pending,” a statement test will be on Sunday. three wickets. Rassie van der Dussen joined Faf Malan, who had scored 55 after sustaining a right adductor Twenty20 Internationals. from the Ministry of Health, They begin their international New Zealand, said yesterday. series against New Zealand The ministry also said that the on December 18 with a T20 BOTTOMLINE ban on Pakistan team’s train- International although their ing continues till such time as warm-up games begin on Australia not panicking over Starc’s form dip: Finch the medical off icer of health December 10. TENNIS

AFP Sydney Aussie Open to be ustralia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch fi nalised ‘very soon’, played down pace spearhead Mitchell Starc’sA poor form yesterday, at- says event chief tributing his struggles to the quality of India’s batsmen. AFP players to fl y in from mid-De- The left-arm paceman has Melbourne cember so they could undergo been Australia’s most expensive quarantine before playing tra- bowler in the opening two one- ditional warm-up events before dayers against Virat Kohli’s men, he arrangements for the Grand Slam. conceding a combined 147 runs next year’s Australian But state premier Dan An- for just one wicket. Open are close to being drews reportedly only wants Finch conceded Starc “hasn’t fi nalised, the tourna- players to arrive from early Jan- been at his very best” but pre- Tment director said yesterday, uary — making it impossible to dicted the 30-year-old would following a report it could be play the build-up events before improve as India’s tour contin- cancelled over coronavirus dif- a January 18 start. ues. fi culties. State offi cials are cautious “There’s defi nitely no panic Tennis Australia CEO Craig over allowing mass arrivals as stations from my point of view... Tiley said details of the event, Melbourne only emerged from a it’s just a matter of time,” he told whose January 18 start date months-long lockdown to elim- reporters in a conference call. has been the subject of intense inate a second wave of Covid-19 “You have to understand his speculation, should be settled in late October. standards are a lot higher than “very soon”. Tiley said Tennis Australia what you expect from most oth- “We are confi dent we will be was in “constant communica- er people because of how domi- in a position to fi nalise details tion” with players about how nant he’s been over the last eight for the Australian Open 2021 they can “safely practise and or nine years, especially in the very soon,” Tiley tweeted. prepare for a Grand Slam tour- white ball formats.” “Everything will require ap- nament under the Victorian Finch said Starc’s technique proval and agreement from the government’s proposed quaran- still looked good and he was Victorian (state) government tine conditions”. working hard to improve his re- before it can be confi rmed,” he Tiley’s tweet comes after he turns against India, who face added. Victoria’s sports min- was quoted by Melbourne’s Her- Australia in the fi nal one-day ister last week said he expected ald-Sun as telling a gathering of international in Canberra today. Australia’s captain Aaron Finch (L) reacts with teammate David Warner during the second ODI against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground the year’s fi rst Grand Slam to be business leaders that cancelling He said circumstances con- (SCG) on November 29. delayed for one or two weeks. the Australian Open remained spired to give Starc lacklustre The tournament’s fate ap- an option. fi gures in the opening two fi x- little to the pace attack. “He’d love to be swinging the man Steve Smith’s back-to-back man to stop regardless of condi- pears to hinge on when the state A report in The Australian tures. “There’s nowhere to hide in balls early on, but when you’re centuries in the one-dayers and tions,” he said. government will allow players newspaper speculated that the Australia posted huge totals one-day cricket when you’re defending big totals and play- expected him to play a major role “If he’s confi dent in himself to arrive, and whether they’ll be ATP Cup, the fl agship men’s on both occasions, forcing the playing on really fl at wickets ing against good players they’re in the Test series against India. and is feeling good against a cer- able to train during their man- team event that made its debut touring batsmen to go after the with quality opposition,” Finch coming hard at you.” “For someone like Smithy, tain bowler, then that’s defi nitely datory 14-day quarantine. in January, would be scrapped in bowlers on pitches that off ered said. Finch was delighted at bats- once he’s going he can be a hard playing into his hands.” Tiley had originally wanted the reshuffl e. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 2, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Texans’ Fuller, Roby Seahawks shut down announce six-game Eagles 23-17 to take suspensions control of NFC West Metcalf had a career-high 177 yards receiving on 10 receptions, besting the 161 against the 49ers

By Bob Condotta The Seattle Times (TNS)

aybe this new incarnation of the 2020 Seahawks — which looks eerily similar to those of many of coach MPete Carroll’s fi rst 10 years in Seattle — isn’t quite as exciting as the earlier “let’s give up a ton of points but score just a few more” version. But it’s proving to be just as eff ec- tive. For the second consecutive week it was a suddenly revived defence that Seattle largely rode to victory, a 23-17 win against the Eagles in Philadel- phia. Well, that and the even larger shoulders of receiver DK Metcalf, who had a career-high 177 yards receiving on 10 receptions, besting the 161 he Reuters had against the 49ers this month (and New York, United States just a bit more than the 160 he had in a playoff game against the Eagles in January). ouston Texans’ wide receiver Will The win was the second in a row Fuller V and cornerback Bradley for the Seahawks after they had lost Roby have been suspended for six three of four and moved them into games for violating the league’s sole possession of first place in the Hpolicy on performance-enhancing sub- NFC West at 8-3 and on the heels of stances. the 9-2 Saints for the top seed in the Both players took to social media to an- NFC in what is the first of a favour- nounce their suspensions. able stretch of four games against “I apologize to my family, my teammates, teams that as of Monday had a com- the Houston Texans organization and the bined 11 wins. fans,” Roby said in a post to Twitter. “A few It was also the second consecutive months ago I unknowingly used a product week in which the defence allowed a that was contaminated with a banned sub- season low in points and yards (250). stance by the NFL.” A pass defence that came in allow- Fuller announced his suspension earlier ing 343.7 yards per game, last in the Monday in a post on his Instagram account. NFL, gave up just 148 until the Eagles He, too, apologised to the Texans organiza- got 32 on a Hail Mary touchdown with tion and its fans. 12 seconds left that made the game “Earlier this year, I sought treatment look closer than it really was. from a medical professional who prescribed And sure, it came against an Eagles medication that he believed to be permitted off ence that has struggled all season under the NFL’s drug policy,” Fuller wrote. as opposed to highfl ying Arizona 11 “As it turns out, my trust in this profes- before. sional was misplaced because this medica- But this is the way a decent defence tion was NOT a permitted substance under is supposed to treat a bad off ence, the NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing something the Seahawks probably Substances. couldn’t have done earlier in the year. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D K Metcalf (top) attempts to leap over Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay during the second quarter of the NFL game at “As a result of this mistake, I have been Seattle held the Eagles without a Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) suspended for six games for taking this fi rst down on their fi rst fi ve drives, prohibited medication. I want to sincerely allowing the off ence to build a 14-0 its fi rst fi ve possessions, with the Ea- A 52-yard Wilson-to-Metcalf con- fi rst possession of the second half, 48-yard line, with tight end Rich- apologize to the Texans organization and lead. gles held to a net of minus-1 yards on nection on a third-and-13 took the and the Eagles then drove to the Sea- ard Rogers appearing to be open for all of my fans for this mistake. I am looking And the defence then made big its fi rst 15 plays. ball to the Philly 1, where two plays hawks 17. But on third-and-10, Ad- the fi rst down if the pass had gotten forward to putting this all behind me and plays down the stretch — notably, two That allowed the Seattle off ence later Wilson hit Moore for the touch- ams broke through to sack Wentz and through. returning better than ever in 2021.” stops on fourth downs in the fourth to eventually break free and forge a down. force a fi eld goal that cut the defi cit The Seahawks then used another Fuller, 26, had posted career highs in quarter — allowing Seattle to hang 14-0 lead after two early possessions On the next drive, Wilson hit Met- to fi ve at 14-9 with 7:33 to play in the Metcalf reception — this one for 32 receptions (53), receiving yards (879) and on to its seventh consecutive victory into Eagles territory yielded no points calf for 17 yards to the Eagles 6. After third quarter. yards — to move into position for a touchdowns (eight) through 11 games this against the Eagles and third in a little when the Seahawks failed on fourth a penalty, Chris Carson then rumbled Seattle then answered with a fi eld- 33-yard fi eld goal by Myers that made season. He is in his fi fth year with the Tex- over a year. downs. 16 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 goal drive of its own with two more it 2-0 with 11:08 left. ans, who drafted him in the fi rst round (No The Seahawks didn’t quite have the In fact, Seattle’s fi rst possession Seattle lead with 5:27 to play in the Metcalf catches allowing the Sea- Seattle would have had a touch- 21 overall) in 2016 out of Notre Dame. balanced attack of last Thursday’s 28- ended at the Eagles 2-yard line when fi rst half. hawks to get to the Philly 27 before the down if Metcalf had been able to hang The suspensions include the last fi ve 21 win over Arizona, held to 77 on 29 Seattle went for it on fourth down But the Eagles then fi nally got their drive stalled. onto a pass a few plays later in the end games of this season as well as the fi rst carries. and David Moore was tackled for a off ense moving, keyed by runs by After going for it earlier on two zone. game of the 2021 season for Roby and Fuller, But Metcalf helped make up for fi ve-yard loss on a play in which he Wentz of 20 and 13 yards. fourth downs, Carroll decided to kick The Eagles used two pass-interfer- a pending free agent. that, continually beating three-time was fl ipped the ball as he ran in front That set up a 3-yard pass from a fi eld goal on fourth-and-one and ence penalties to move to the Seattle Minus Fuller, the Texans could turn to Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay on a of Russell Wilson on a sweep. Wentz to tight end Dallas Goedert Jason Myers hit a 44-yarder to make 15 on their next drive. Brandin Cooks as their top receiving op- night he topped the 1,000-yard mark Seattle’s next drive ended in anoth- with 12 seconds to play in the half. it 17-9 — the same score as Seattle’s But on fourth-and-four a Wentz tion. He has 52 catches for 719 yards and in receiving for the season, now at er failed fourth down at the Philly 37- The extra point was no good, leaving two wins against the Eagles last sea- pass in the end zone was picked off by three touchdowns. 1,039. yard line, and the game was scoreless the score at 14-6 at halftime. son in the regular season and then in Quandre Diggs with 8:35 left. Roby started every game this season, The Seahawks led 14-6 at the end at the end of the fi rst quarter. Seattle outgained the Eagles 194- the wild-card playoff game. And given the ineptitude of the Ea- racking up 37 tackles and an interception. of a fi rst half dominated by Seat- But the Seahawks then scored 74 in the fi rst half, as Metcalf had The game then turned Seattle’s way gles off ense — and the sudden com- He has started all 20 games for the Texans tle’s defence early on and Metcalf touchdowns on two consecutive seven receptions for 118 yards. Wilson for good early in the fourth quarter. petency of Seattle’s defence — at that since joining Houston last season. He has throughout. drives in the second quarter, marches was 13-for-18 for 152 yards and one First, K J Wright batted down a point any drama had been sucked out 10 career INTs for the Texans and Den- The Seahawks forced Philly’s of- of 68 and 56 yards, with Metcalf key- touchdown. Wentz pass when the Eagles decided of a game that was pretty light on it ver Broncos, who drafted Roby in the fi rst fence to go three-and-out on each of ing each. Seattle went three-and-out on its to go for it on fourth-and-two at their throughout. round of the 2014 draft.

UPDATE NFL postpones Ravens-Steelers until today

Reuters scheduled for Dec 6 before being If so, Baltimore would have 24 overtime loss against the Ten- Ravens’ Week 13 game as well. New York, United States moved back one day. its full complement of running nessee Titans and a subsequent The Steelers said their game backs against the vaunted Steel- outbreak of the coronavirus against the Washington Football ers defence. within the organization. he contest between the Team was moved back one day According to the Ravens, the After practice was canceled Baltimore Ravens and to Monday, Dec 7, with a 5pm ET team has 19 players currently on Monday, cornerback Marlon Pittsburgh Steelers has kickoff . the Covid-19 list with a total of Humphrey tweeted: “Virtual been postponed a third Also, Baltimore put four more 22 players being placed on the list Tuesday Night Game?” Ttime, until today, due to the players on the reserve/Covid-19 over the past eight days. Another Multiple outlets reported that Ravens’ Covid-19 outbreak, both list on Monday: Tight end Mark player, Marshall, went on the list Snead tested positive for Cov- teams confi rmed on Monday. Andrews, outside linebacker on Nov 12. id-19 on Sunday, making it eight The game is scheduled to begin Matthew Judon, receiver Willie The NFL earlier postponed straight days with at least one at 3:40pm ET on NBC. Snead IV and injured cornerback the Ravens’ practice on Monday positive test for the team. Snead The contest was originally Terrell Bonds (knee). morning, ESPN reported. is the seventh projected starter scheduled for Thanksgiving The Ravens also removed out- Players were gathering at the to land on the reserve/Covid-19 night before being pushed back side linebacker Jaylon Ferguson, team’s indoor practice facil- list. until Sunday. It was later moved guard D J Fluker, defensive back ity for a walk-through ahead Andrews and Judon, both Pro to yesterday as the Covid-19 Iman Marshall and defensive of Tuesday night’s rescheduled Bowl selections last season, test- positive test results continued to tackle Broderick Washington game at Pittsburgh when they ed positive for the virus on Satur- rise. from the list. got the word at about 9:25am day, ESPN reported. The Ravens said their Week 13 With the game now scheduled ET. At least eight staff members matchup against the Dallas Cow- for today, it could potentially al- The league postponed the also have tested positive. boys has been moved to Tuesday, low running backs J K Dobbins and practice to Monday afternoon, at Quarterback Lamar Jackson is Dec 8, at 8:05pm ET. It marks Mark Ingram enough time to be the earliest, per the report. also on the list. the second time the game has activated in time for the contest if The Ravens have not practised If this game does take place In this November 21, 2020, picture, quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass been pushed back. It was initially they continue to test negative. since Nov 21, the day before a 30- today, the NFL will move the against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 2, 2020 SPORT

BASKETBALL NBA Hornets sign Australia’s NBA top picks Ball, trailblazer Bogut Carey among ‘The last two years have been a real challenge for several moves Reuters rebounds. He led the ACC by me just to get out of bed in the morning some New York, United States shooting 57.7 % from the fi eld and was third in the conference days, let alone go to a training session or a game’ in scoring. retires he Charlotte Hornets Carey was drafted 32nd overall. have signed their fi rst- The 6-8 Biyombo played in Reuters and second-round draft 53 games for Charlotte last sea- Melbourne, Australia picks, LaMelo Ball and son, starting 29. He averaged 7.4 TVernon Carey Jr., the team an- points and 5.8 rebounds in 19.4 nounced on Monday night. minutes per game. ustralian basketball In a fl urry of moves, the team A nine-year veteran, Biyombo great Andrew Bogut, also announced the signings of has played the last two seasons who inspired a raft second-round selection, Grant for the Hornets, his third NBA of his countrymen to Riller, and Nick Richards, who team. He was drafted by the Sac- breakA into the NBA, called time was drafted in the second round ramento Kings in the fi rst round on his career yesterday, leaving by New Orleans and sent to (seventh overall) in 2011. He the nation without its most ex- Charlotte in a trade. landed with the then-Charlotte perienced campaigner ahead of In addition, the Hornets re- Bobcats on draft day and spent next year’s Tokyo Olympics. signed nine-year veteran Bis- four seasons with the Bobcats- The 36-year-old centre an- mack Biyombo and signed un- Hornets before spending a sea- nounced his decision on his drafted free agent Nate Darling. son with the Toronto Raptors and podcast “Rogues Bogues”, citing The moves come one day after two with the Orlando Magic. a growing toll of injuries on his acquiring star swingman Gordon Charlotte drafted Riller with body. Hayward from the Boston Celtics the 56th overall pick out of the “The last two years have been in a sign-and-trade. College of Charleston. The 6-3 a real challenge for me just to get The 19-year-old Ball, younger guard averaged 18.7 points, 3.3 out of bed in the morning some brother of New Orleans Pelicans rebounds and 2.8 assists in 132 days, let alone go to a training guard Lonzo Ball, was taken third games. session or a game,” said Bogut, overall in the draft. The Pelicans chose Richards who parted ways with the Syd- Ball played 12 games for the 42nd overall and dealt him to ney Kings in May. Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s the Hornets for a 2024 second- “The body, probably from National Basketball League last round pick. 2018 onwards, was hanging by a season. His season ended early The 6-11 Richards played three thread. with a foot injury, but Ball aver- seasons at Kentucky. Last sea- “It was real challenging and aged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds and son, the All-SEC First Team and then from the 2019-20 sea- seven assists 1.7 steals a game. All-Defensive Team selection son that thread was completely The Hornets did not announce averaged 14 points, 7.8 rebounds frayed and in little pieces.” terms of the signing, but Spot- and 2.1 blocks in 29.7 minutes in Bogut, who won an NBA rac.com says the 6-foot-7 Ball 31 games played. championship with Golden will make just over $7.8mn next His 62.8% shooting percent- State in 2015, played his last season from being selected third age was third in school history. game for the Kings in March overall. He is guaranteed two Darling, a 6-5 guard, played before the NBL fi nals series was years and $16mn, according to two seasons at UAB and one at called off midway through due to the website. Delaware last season. Voted to Covid-19. The 19-year-old Carey, a the Colonial Athletic Associa- Sharp-witted and rarely shy In this September 11, 2019, picture, Australia’s Andrew Bogut reacts to a play during the FIBA World Cup quarter-finals against the Czech 6-foot-10 center, played one tion’s fi rst team, he averaged 21 of an opinion, Bogut exited the Republic in Shanghai, China. (Reuters) season at Duke, earning second points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 as- season with typical candour, team All-America honours for sists in 38.2 minutes per game as slamming the league for its han- injuries throughout his career, 2019 NBA Finals, where they were Bogut competed in three Ol- Bogut’s hopes of winning a averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 a season-long starter. dling of the pandemic and for including a sickening fall under beaten by the Toronto Raptors. ympics and was a member of the maiden Olympic medal for Aus- treating players like “pawns”. the rim in 2010 that broke his His announcement triggered Australia squad that fi nished an tralian men’s basketball are now hand and dislocated his elbow. a fl ood of tributes from former agonising fourth at Rio in 2016. over but he said he felt unable to FIRST AUSTRALIAN But he battled back each time team mates and coaches. “Andrew was so much more rally for another tilt at Tokyo. After playing college basketball and ended up with a champion- “Congrats & thank you to @ than a big man, he had an aura “I just can’t physically and for the University of Utah, the ship ring in 2015 in his third sea- andrewbogut on an amazing ca- about him,” Australian Olym- mentally get to 2021 with the Melbourne-born seven-footer son with Golden State. reer,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr pic Committee President John way the body has been,” he said. became the fi rst Australian tak- Coming home to Australia, he said on Twitter. Coates said. “I mean, I could, on a lot of en with the NBA’s top draft pick won the NBL’s MVP award with “We couldn’t have asked for “He was an inspirational fi g- painkillers and with a lot of when selected by Milwaukee in the Kings last year before return- a better fi t at the centre spot – a ure for the Australian Olympic physical and mental anguish, 2005. ing to the Warriors for a late- dominant defender who owned team and a leader on and off the but it’s just not worth it at this He suff ered a string of serious season cameo in their run to the the paint.” court.” point in my career.”

MLB Chicago Cubs face deadline to tender contracts to Schwarber, Almora Jr.

By Mark Gonzales In Game 7 of the 2016 World Chicago Tribune (TNS) Series, Schwarber — who had recovered from a severe knee injury in April to return for the yle Schwarber and Al- World Series — opened the 10th bert Almora Jr were inning with a single. LaMelo Ball. (NBA) involved in one of the Almora pinch-ran for biggest runs in Chicago Schwarber, advanced to sec- KCubs history. ond on a deep fl y to centre and Now, the Cubs face the strong scored the go-ahead run on Ben possibility of cutting ties with Zobrist’s double in the 8-7 vic- Los Angeles Lakers sign Dudley to both home-grown outfi elders tory over the Cleveland Indians one-year deal: report by today’s 7pm deadline for ten- for the Cubs’ fi rst World Series dering contracts to all remaining championship in 108 years. The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to re-sign veteran forward unsigned players. But after making a career-high Jared Dudley to a 1-year, $2.6mn deal, according to a report The potential moves would 479 plate appearances in 2018, from ESPN on Monday night. Dudley, 35, has played 13 seasons be part of retooling a roster that Almora batted only .236 with a in the league. He has appeared in 892 career games, including hasn’t won a playoff game since .651 OPS in 2019, and Ian Happ’s 286 starts, while averaging 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds. “Dudley 2017 and has four core players fast start in 2020 earned him the comes back to the Lakers for his 14th NBA season,” ESPN’s Adrian — including Schwarber — due full-time centre fi eld job. The Wojnarowski wrote on his Twitter account. “He played 45 regular to reach free agency after 2021. Cubs optioned Almora to their season games and nine in the postseason in LA’s title run. His pres- A large revenue shortfall stem- alternate training site in South ence in that locker room carries great value within the organisa- ming from the Covid-19 pan- Bend, Ind., on Sept. 1 and didn’t tion.” The Lakers are Dudley’s seventh team. He also has played demic also could have an impact add him to the postseason roster. for the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Los on the Cubs’ decisions. The Cubs’ other top unsigned Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. Charlotte Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, arbitration-eligible players drafted him in the first round (No. 22 overall) out of Boston College the Cubs’ two most expensive are Happ and catchers Willson in 2007. arbitration-eligible players who Contreras and Victor Caratini. are also one year away from free All three are expected to be ten- Oklahoma City Thunder won’t have agency, are expected to receive dered contracts. contract off ers. The Cubs would The other unsigned arbitra- fans attending to start season retain their rights with the fl ex- tion-eligible players whose fu- ibility to entertain trade off ers ture with the Cubs could be in Despite earlier plans to the contrary, the Oklahoma City Thunder while negotiating a contract for doubt are fi rst baseman-out- won’t have fans in attendance for their home games when the 2021. fi elder Jose Martinez and reliev- NBA season begins, the team announced Monday. The decision But Schwarber faces an un- ers Kyle Ryan, Colin Rea, Ryan came about three weeks after the team announced it expected certain future after the left Tepera and Dan Winkler. to have protocols in place to allow for reduced seating capacity fi elder batted .188 in the 60- The Cubs 40-man roster at Chesapeake Energy Center, which normally can hold just over game 2020 season while earn- stands at 37, and non-tendering 18,000. “However, as we review ongoing and concerning trends ing a prorated portion of his $7.9 players would open spots they in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations in Oklahoma, we want to million salary. could fi ll through multiplayer exercise an abundance of caution to help control the spread of the The Cubs could attempt to trades or free-agent signings. virus in our community,” the team’s front off ice released in a state- trade Schwarber, tender him a Several teams face similar ment. “Therefore, the Thunder has made the decision to begin contract for 2021 or allow him to In this August 1, 2020, picture, Chicago Cubs’s Kyle Schwarber catches a fly ball hit by Pittsburgh Pirates’ fi nancial dilemmas and could the season without fans in the arena.” According to the Oklahoma go to free agency without com- Josh Bell (not pictured) during the game in Chicago, United States. (USA TODAY Sports) non-tender players, thus ex- State Department of Health, the state has seen more than 197,000 pensation. panding the pool of free agents. cases of Covid-19 (including 23,227 last week), with more than Ultimately, the Cubs must portant to their future than cut- produced 38 home runs and 92 26, are connected by more than The Cubs could opt to replace 1,700 deaths. The NBA has not released its regular-season sched- decide whether tendering a con- ting their expenses while losing RBIs in 2019. their distinction as former Cubs Schwarber through one of those ule, although the first games are to be played on Dec. 22. tract to Schwarber is more im- a left-handed power hitter who Schwarber, 27, and Almora, fi rst-round picks. options if he’s non-tendered. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 2, 2020 7 SPORT

FOCUS FOCUSSPOTLIGHT Matera loses Argentina rugby MAD Challenge captaincy over aquathlon at racist posts Katara a success Aquathlon is one of the many multi-sport disciplines that has grown in popularity in Qatar

Pablo Matera...goodbye captaincy

AFP country,” the statement said. Sydney Matera, who captained Ar- gentina at last year’s World Cup and plays club rugby for top rgentina rugby skipper Paris side Stade Francais, apolo- Pablo Matera said he gised for his “barbarisms”. was “deeply ashamed” “I’m sorry to everyone who as he was stripped of was off ended by the barbarisms I theA captaincy and suspended wrote,” the 27-year-old wrote on along with two other players Instagram. over racist tweets. “At that moment, I could nev- Just weeks after leading the er imagine who I would become. Pumas to their fi rst win over the Today I have to take responsi- mighty All Blacks, the Argentina bility for what I said nine years Rugby Union “revoked” Matera’s ago.” captaincy and suspended him, “I want to apologise as well Winners pose with their trophies after the inaugural MAD Challenge at Katara Cultural Village on Friday. along with second row Guido to my team and to my family for Petti and replacement hooker what they are experiencing be- By Sports Reporter grown in popularity in Qatar, was topped by Michelle Shil- Jones (1:06:29) and Charlotte its-kind and it was organised in Santiago Socino. cause of my actions.” Doha and last week’s event saw expa- labeer in a time of 49 minutes Wel Wel (1:07:19) completed the Katara, one of the major tourist “The Argentina Rugby Union The tweets resurfaced after triates from 22 diff erent nation- and 20 seconds, while Lyndall podium in the Masters female attractions in Qatar. With the forcefully rejects the discrimi- criticism that the Pumas did alities and a large contingent of Jensen (53:38) and Tania Pydo- category. untiring support of the Katara natory and xenophobic com- not adequately pay tribute to he inaugural MAD Qatari Nationals taking part. ryna (56:25) were second and The team competition was management in promoting fi t- ments published by members late soccer icon Diego Maradona Challenge, a fi rst-of- The multi-sport community third respectively. won by Team South West in a ness and health through sports, of the Pumas squad on social before Saturday’s defeat by New its-kind run-swim-run has grown exponentially in Qa- The junior competition for time of 43 minutes and 16 sec- MAD hopes to host another ex- media,” a statement read, after Zealand. Tevent, was a success tar, and the ease in Covid-19 girls, with a shortened route, onds, with Team GTC (44:37) citing new event. On behalf of off ensive post dating from 2011- Matera was forced to defend with participants negotiating an restrictions has allowed the lo- was won by Ailsa Cameron and Team QTRI (45:37) second MAD Triathlon, I would like to 2013 came to light. the Pumas’ low-key response, aquathlon course at Katara Cul- cal race calendar to get back in 25:16, with Anvitha Erini and third respectively. thank the Katara management In the tweets, since deleted, which fans compared unfavour- tural Village last Friday. into full swing, albeit under the (29:49) and Aaliyah Howell MAD Triathlon Club is a not- for the support,” said Pedro Matera spoke of “running over ably to New Zealand’s poignant The event, hosted by the MAD watchful eye of Covid-19 com- (40:56) completing the podium. for-profi t group made up of Usero, a MAD Triathlon mem- blacks” with his car and dispar- laying-down of a ‘Maradona’ All (Make a Diff erence) Triathlon pliance offi cers, and following Masters male and female volunteers, working to promote ber and one of the event organ- aged Bolivian and Paraguayan Blacks shirt before kick-off . Club, saw participants take on the guidelines for events as set competition was won by Simon an active lifestyle and provide isers. domestic workers with racial Argentina rugby said it would the challenge of completing a out by the Ministry of Public Mortimer in the day’s fastest residents in Qatar with oppor- Event organisers also thanked stereotypes. be asking staff to propose candi- 1.1km beach run, followed by Health. Mubarak al-Ajji won the time of 42 minutes and 7 sec- tunities to explore their physical sponsors Haidari Trading, Sharq Petti referred to his domestic dates to replace Matera as cap- a 750m open water swim, and open male competition in a total onds, and Katrina Southwood limits. The club thanked Q-Tri, Village & Spa, Oriental Trading worker as a “primate” and spoke tain. then fi nishing off with a 5.6km time of 44 minutes and 13 sec- (1:04:41) respectively. Tri-Club Doha and the Qatar Company, Qatar University, the of “blacks” stealing mobile In a statement, a remorse- run along the scenic Katara Hills onds, ahead of Oliver Tomlinson Ewan Cameron (44:45) and Cycling & Triathlon Federation, Buhangin Divers, Euro Media phones and wallets. ful Petti insisted the messages running track. (45:02) and Mohamed Farhat Carlos Jr. Santos Delos Santos the governing body in Qatar, for Company, Rayyan Water, Luxu- Argentina have endured a tur- “don’t at all represent the person Aquathlon is one of the many Ben Thabet (45:36). (47:57) were second and third their support and contributions. ry Trade & Marketing Group, for bulent year including lockdowns I am today... I made a mistake multi-sport disciplines that has The open female competition behind Mortimer, while Lesley “The event was a fi rst-of- their support. and a coronavirus-hit build-up and I want to express my sincere to the Tri Nations, where they apologies”. stunned New Zealand and drew Like Matera, Petti — who re- RUGBY SUPPORT with Australia before going cently signed for Bordeaux — is down 38-0 to the All Blacks on a mainstay of the team, with 56 Saturday. caps including two World Cup The rugby union said that al- campaigns. Socino made his de- Sexton insists Ireland Farrell gets IRFU though the posts were several but last year and has played only years old and did “not represent four Tests. the personal integrity that the The trio’s suspension leaves have not gone backwards backing despite three have shown during their the Pumas reeling ahead of their current period with the Pumas”, Tri Nations clash against the AFP action had to be taken. Wallabies this weekend. Dublin ‘average’ results “The Argentina Rugby Union It is the fi nal fi xture of a Tri condemns any instance of hate Nation series that has seen Ar- AFP “Yeah, absolutely,” said the speech and considers it unac- gentina beat New Zealand 25-15 reland rugby captain Johnny Sexton hit back Dublin 58-year-old Australian about ceptable that anyone expressing after 35 years of trying, and draw at the critics yesterday, insisting the side had Farrell and his coaching team those views would represent our with Australia. not gone backwards since Andy Farrell took being the right men for the over as head coach after last year’s World Cup. ndy Farrell’s posi- job. IThe 35-year-old fl y-half returns as captain for tion as Ireland head “They’re an experienced SELECTION Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup third-place play- coach is not under coaching team. off with Scotland having missed the last two games threat despite re- “They’ve been in or around due to a hamstring injury. Asults in his fi rst year in charge international rugby for many And it couldn’t come quick enough for Sexton, being an “average return”, years, either with Ireland England include who jokingly questioned his suitability as a water- said Irish Rugby Football or with England or with the boy due to the frustration he felt on the sidelines Union Performance Director (British and Irish) Lions. during the matches he sat out. David Nucifora. “Once they get some sta- Barbeary in squad Turning to Farrell, Sexton said he felt Ireland The 45-year-old English- bility and continuity going were making progress under the former Wigan, man has won fi ve of his eight with the team, then obviously England and Britain rugby league legend who was Tests since he moved up from we’ll start to see progress.” for Autumn fi nal also capped in union after crossing codes. assistant coach to replace Joe Farrell has used 40 play- Farrell moved up from assistant coach to the top Schmidt who stepped down ers in the Autumn Nations AFP job after Joe Schmidt stepped down following a after ast year’s World Cup. Cup thus far. Among them London hugely successful tenure. However, Sunday’s lack- has been Leinster’s New The New Zealander’s six-year reign, however, lustre win over Georgia fol- Zealand-born duo, scrum- ended in a damp squib with a poor defence last year lowing away defeats twice half Jamison Gibson-Park ngland have included of their 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam and an under- to England and to France and wing James Lowe. Both Wasps hooker Alfi e whelming World Cup. has sparked criticism from qualified under the old Barbeary in their squad “No,” was Sexton’s emphatic answer when asked former playing greats like much-criticised three-year for Sunday’s Autumn about going backwards. Shane Horgan. residency rule which has NationsE Cup fi nal against France. “Look at our results: we lost twice away to Eng- Certainly the consistency now been extended to five Barbeary made his fi rst Eng- land, who are World Cup fi nalists, and once to and discipline as well as the years. lish Premiership start in Sep- France. ability to see out the 80 min- England coach Eddie Jones tember and has already scored “Taken on the basis Test rugby is about results utes which were features of dryly remarked before the six tries. then we are not doing badly. Schmidt’s tenure have been two sides met earlier this The 20-year-old was given “Plenty of Irish teams have lost at Twickenham lacking under the more re- month that Farrell’s Ireland his senior call-up after centre and in France and we could have won two of those. “When you get opportunities to score you have laxed Farrell. resembled the United Na- Jonathan Joseph withdrew with “You can say in 2019 the same team from 2018 to take them and when they are clear-cut ones and “Obviously (Sunday’s) per- tions. South African-born a calf injury. went backwards but not us, we are a new group.” they go begging that is not good enough.” formance (against Georgia) duo CJ Stander and Quinn Eddie Jones’ 33-man squad There has been a fair amount of criticism of the Sexton said victory over Scotland — who the Irish was disappointing, wasn’t up Roux as well as New Zealand- also includes Joe Marchant and dynamic display against old ri- team from former players including Shane Horgan edged 19-12 at Lansdowne Road in the Six Nations to speed,” said Nucifora at a er Bundee Aki lined up along Jacob Umaga, who both return vals France. highlighting a lack of consistency and being unable earlier this year — would give them momentum to press conference on Monday. with Lowe and Gibson-Park after injuries. “Our main focus is the end of to deliver a full 80-minute performance. take into next year’s Six Nations. “I suppose at the moment in the starting XV. England secured their place in a long campaign when we know Those were all traits of the Schmidt era when he “This has been a stop start year for obvious rea- where we sit, the Six Nations Nucifora acknowledges the Twickenham fi nal after top- the easy thing to do would be to kept a tight control on everything on and off -fi eld sons,” said Sexton, referring to the impact corona- — winning our home games, that that avenue of bolstering ping Pool A with wins against take our foot off the gas, but we whereas Farrell employs a more relaxed approach. virus had on the sport, bringing it to a halt in March losing the two away games — the playing depth has all but Georgia, Ireland and Wales. have a few extra gears to go to,” Sexton was as scathing of the Irish second-half before resuming in August. you would call it an average been closed off . They are aiming to be crowned George said. performance in the laboured 23-10 win over Geor- “It is important for us to show people on Sunday return for us.” “Going forward, you champions of a competition that “That’s going to be the main gia on Sunday as Farrell had been, saying it simply evidence of the good work we have been doing and In spite of this, Nucifora, wouldn’t anticipate that that has replaced the traditional end- focus this week and hopefully we was not good enough. give them a performance to savour. who took up his post a year af- will be something that will be of-year tours by the southern can put it out there on Sunday. “We feel we are progressing and need to show it “Also a performance that leads us into the Six ter Schmidt assumed the head as common around the world. hemisphere giants. “The way we’ve got to look on the pitch as we have been in training,” he said. Nations in good heart. coach role, said the IRFU were “We’re not the only ones England hooker Jamie George at it is that it’s a fi nal and then “We need to put out there an 80-minute per- “We want to achieve great things and we are de- content they had the right that fall into that category wants them to fi nish a draining there’s the history between the formance. termined to put in a performance on Saturday.” coaching team in place. whilst they were the rules.” campaign on a high note with a teams over the last 12 months.”

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SECURING SPORT 2020 SPOTLIGHT Bach unopposed in bid for second term as IOC president Global experts Rio Summer Games, both per- AFP Lausanne ceived as the most troublesome in recent years. He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian homas Bach will stand doping saga, although the IOC unopposed to serve a came in for criticism from some second term as Inter- quarters for not issuing Moscow emphasise the national Olympic Com- with a blanket ban over its state- Tmittee president, the body said sponsored doping system. Bach yesterday. Bach, a 66-year-old also came under fi re for rein- German lawyer, is set to be con- stating the Russian National Ol- fi rmed for a second and fi nal ympic Committee after the 2018 four-year term at an IOC session Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in March in Athens. despite failed drugs tests there. power of sport Bach was initially elected for Germany in the foil fencing team He is credited, however, with an eight-year term as Olympic event at the 1976 Olympics, was having put in place the Olym- chief in September 2013, tak- elected an IOC member at the pic Agenda 2020, featuring re- The virtual conference explores relevant and timely subjects such ing over from Belgian Jacques age of 37 and went on to play a forms aimed at cutting costs Rogge. If re-elected, Bach’s term series of infl uential roles within and streamlining bidding proc- as safeguarding sport in the era of Covid-19 will end in 2025, a year after the the organisation, notably as a esses to better attract potential Paris Olympics. The next term founding member of the IOC’s host cities. The IOC, however, is he day one of Securing Sport 2020, for the IOC presidency will start Athletes’ Commission, before arguably facing its biggest chal- the fl agship conference of the Inter- after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, being elected its ninth president. lenge in Bach’s tenure in the form national Centre for Sport Security which will now take place from Under his reign as IOC chief, of the Covid-19 pandemic, with (ICSS) was held yesterday as global July 23-Aug 8, 2021, having been Bach has had to grapple with sev- the rescheduling of the Tokyo Tleaders and experts united to discuss the fu- postponed because of the coro- eral political challenges, and has Games meaning Beijing will host ture of sport in a rapidly changing world. navirus pandemic. notably overseen the 2014 Sochi the 2022 Winter Olympics just The virtual conference explored relevant Bach, who won gold for West Winter Olympics and the 2016 six months later. and timely subjects such as safeguarding sport in the era of Covid-19, security of ma- jor sporting events, existing gaps and future FOCUS perspectives of sport integrity, protection of sport in regions that are in turmoil and the role of sport in taking a stand against racism. During the welcome speech, Mohamed Giant Olympic rings return as Hanzab, Founder and Chairman, ICSS said: “So many events have taken place since the organisation of the fi rst edition of ‘Securing Tokyo bids to build excitement Sport’ in 2011. Since then several editions were hosted in diff erent cities around the world: Doha, where the ICSS is headquar- tered, New York, London, Washington DC. We could not have imagined that the next location would be in the virtual space. But Clockwise from top: Panelist Douglas E. Lute, Vladimir Voronkov, Dora Bakoyannis and here we are, so far from each other but at the Antonia Marie De Meo at the Securing Sport 2020 virtual conference. same time so close. “We are here united for the good of sport from grassroots to elite. Sport touches lives while many stadiums are still closed to pub- & it can be life changing. If we hold that to lic around the world, when sport events – our hearts in the work that we do, then we mega and small – have been postponed until won’t go far wrong. But we have to remem- further notice, changed, altered or trans- ber that it is about humanity” formed. We are also here to openly discuss Securing Sport 2020 conference will con- what the future of sport will look like in a tinue till 4 December 2020 with Expert De- new social and economic scenario shaped bates and Youth Interventions hosted by the by Covid-19, with or without a vaccine, with ICSS initiative Save the Dream. Introducing or without masks. No certain answer, to any Securing Sport 2020, Massimiliano Mon- of these questions, would be justifi ed in this tanari, CEO, ICSS said: “Securing Sport – moment; neither by science, nor by poli- the fi rst edition took place in Doha in 2011, cies,” Hanzab added. has been conceived as an international and The giant Olympic rings which were temporarily taken down in August for maintenance are illuminated Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary- multisectoral conference aimed at promot- after being reinstalled at the waterfront area at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) General, United Nations Counter-Terror- ing discussion and collective actions vis-a- ism Offi ce (UNOCT) said that such events vis the challenges, the changes, and threats Reuters originally installed in January, want everyone to feel we will contribute to peace and security eff orts by the world of sport is and will be coping with. Tokyo was overshadowed by requests have the Tokyo 2020 Games defi - bringing a multiplicity of actors together Today we address topics of systemic nature from the Tokyo Metropolitan nitely next year.” behind a common project, including public which in our opinion needs higher consid- Government that entertainment The monument will remain in and private sectors and Civil Society Or- eration from a policy-making perspective, he Olympic rings monu- establishments and restaurants place next to Rainbow Bridge un- ganisations. Mohamed Hanzab, Founder and Chairman starting with the impact that Covid-19 is ment was reinstalled in close at 2200 JST until Dec. 17. til the Olympics fi nish in August Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Repre- of International Centre for Sport Security, having on the future of sport.” Tokyo Bay yesterday, af- Because of this, following the before being replaced with the sentative of the United Nations Alliance of gives the welcome speech. “It is about the present and the future, ter being removed in Au- rings’ brief illumination yester- Paralympics logo. The Olympics Civilizations (UNAOC) during the panel from major sporting events to grass-root Tgust, as organisers ramp up prep- day, they will go dark until the re- were pushed back by a year in discussion on Protecting Sport in Regions in practices in order to gain from many lessons sports, it is about informing policy and de- arations for next year’s postponed strictions are lifted. However, the March because of the novel coro- Turmoil’ said: “Solidarity, unity, fraternity, we learned.” cision-makers on ways to protect people, Summer Games. The rings were return of the rings should send a navirus pandemic and organis- respect for the other. These are values that Graham Stoker, Deputy President places, values and the opportunities sport later illuminated and the neigh- signal that the Games are indeed ers have yet to provide a fi gure can be enhanced through sport. UNAOC for Sport, Fédération Internationale de can generate in the socio-economic con- bouring Rainbow Bridge lit up in a getting closer, Tokyo metropoli- for how much the postponement has been focused on #prevention. Sport is l’Automobile (FIA) said: “We have to come text, across nations. By bringing together all multi-coloured display, as organ- tan government planning direc- will cost. a good instrument for understanding the out of these challenging times with respon- ICSS partners and allies, at the end of this isers looked to provide a symbol tor Atsushi Yanashimizu said. On Monday, Kyodo News other and fostering respect.” sibility, sustainability and with solidarity. If long and challenging year, we trust Secur- that the rearranged Games can go “Since the symbol is here, we reported that organisers es- Raff aele Chiulli, President of Sport Ac- we can do that, sport will be strong” ing Sport will inspire the visions and the ahead safely next year. want Tokyo residents and also timated the cost of Covid-19 cord and of the Global Association of Inter- Joyce Cook, CBE, OBE, FIFA Chief of So- work of the ICSS for 2021 and beyond, while However, the return of the internationally to feel that the countermeasures for the Games national Sports Federations (GAISF) said: cial Responsibility and Education Offi cer suggesting collective actions involving all of monument, which stands 15.3m Games are coming very soon,” would run to around 100bn yen “We need to create a platform to share best said: “Sport is many things to many people us,” he added. tall and 32.6m wide and was Yanashimizu said. “Also, we ($960mn).

BOTTOMLINE F1 Russia’s Mazepin to make F1 Grosjean ‘saw death coming’ in fi ery crash Reuters debut with Haas next year Manama AFP Sakhir, Bahrain rench Formula One driver Romain Grosjean said he thought of Niki Lauda’s fi ery crash and willed him- ussian driver Nikita Mazepin will make self to get out of his burning Haas his Formula One debut with the Haas team forF the sake of his children, as he “saw death next year and could be joined by the son of coming” after his accident in Sunday’s Bah- Michael Schumacher. The 21-year-old son rain Grand Prix. “I saw my visor all orange, ofR Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin has signed a the fl ames around me, and the accident of “multi-year” deal after a successful season so far in Niki Lauda came to mind I didn’t want to Formula Two, Haas said yesterday. end up like that,” the 34-year-old father of He will bring with him some much-needed fi - three told TF1 and LCI from his Bahrain hos- nancial backing for the team struggling from a dip pital room in an interview reproduced on the in revenue due to poor results and the coronavirus French broadcasters’ websites. pandemic. Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time “I had to get out, for my children. I saw world champion Michael, is the favourite to partner death coming, I had no other option but Mazepin at Haas, although the second driver is yet to get out of there,” added Grosjean in the to be announced. comments translated from French. Gros- Mazepin said: “Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a jean’s Haas car careered off the track at high lifelong dream come true for me. I really appreci- speed on the opening lap of the fl oodlit Bah- ate the trust being put in me by (team owner) Gene rain Grand Prix. “To come out of the fl ames Haas, Gunther Steiner, and the whole of the team. that day is something that will mark my They’re giving a young driver an opportunity and I life forever. I have a lot of people who have thank them for that. The team will be looking to me shown me love and it has touched me a lot, for feedback and inputs in order to refi ne its package and at times I get a bit teary-eyed.” for 2021 and beyond. I will take that responsibility He described his experiences in the im- Stewards and medics attend to Haas’ French driver Romain Grosjean after a crash at the on and can’t wait to get started.” mediate aftermath of the crash, as he was start of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix in Sakhir on Sunday. (AFP) Team principal Steiner said: “Nikita has under- in the cockpit of the burning car, which had lined his credentials in F2 this year, with two vic- broken in two and become lodged in a bar- throughout, miraculously extracted him- Mouse” hands because of the bandages tories and a handful of podiums in a strong season.” rier. “I don’t know if the word miracle exists self from the blazing wreckage before being swaddling them. Since switching to Formula Two this year from the or if it can be used, but in any case I would helped to safety by fi re marshals and FIA He said the accident felt like a “rebirth” lower-ranked competitions, Mazepin won the so- say it wasn’t my time [to die],” the 34-year- doctors. that would mark him for life. Grosjean, who called “feature races”, or longer races, at Silverstone end of the campaign in a cost-cutting measure. old said. “It felt much longer than 28 sec- Images of the burning car were evoca- is set to be discharged from hospital today and Mugello. France’s Grosjean misses this weekend’s Sakhir onds. I see my visor turning all orange, I see tive of a more dangerous era of Formula One after spending an extra night there, is set to Steiner dismissed any suggestion that Mazepin Grand Prix following his fi ery high-speed crash in the fl ames on the left side of the car. And such as when three-time world champion leave Formula One next season. was arriving solely as a ‘pay driver’ on the strength the Bahrain Grand Prix. then, for my children, I told myself that I Lauda was administered the last rites after He will be replaced by Haas reserve Pietro of his father’s chequebook. “There are lots of good Grosjean, who escaped with burns to his hands, had to get out. I put my hands in the fi re, so suff ering severe burns and scorched lungs in Fittipaldi for the upcoming Sakhir Grand drivers who arrive in F1 with sponsors,” he said, giv- walked away from the wreckage after he collided I clearly felt it burning on the chassis. I got an accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix. Prix. However, Grosjean is determined to ing Sergio Perez (backed by billionaire Carlos Slim) with Daniil Kyvat’s Alpha Tauri on the fi rst lap of out, then I felt someone pulling on the suit, The Austrian, who died last year at the return for the season-ending Abu Dhabi or Canadian Lance Stroll (whose father owns his Sunday’s race, causing the Haas car to split in half so I knew I was out.” age of 70, was back in his Ferrari just six race on Dec. 13 which is likely to be his swan Racing Point team) as examples. “If they are good in and burst into fl ames as it smashed through the The car speared through the protective weeks later, his wounds still bandaged and song. “Even though it is complicated for F2 and bring a sponsor, why say no?” safety barriers at 225kph. Grosjean and Magnussen barriers lining the track in a 53G impact that healing. Grosjean suff ered little more than those close to me, it is a need for me to get The Haas team’s current drivers Kevin Magnus- have mustered just three points between them this split it in half and burst into fl ames. The burns to the top of his hands which he jok- back into a Formula One car, to see where I sen and Romain Grosjean are being released at the season. Frenchman, who had remained conscious ingly referred to in the interview as “Mickey am, if I can continue to drive,” he said.