FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 CRICKET | Page 7 Qatar and Kohli’s absence Costa Rica will impact play out India, says 1-1 draw Langer

Saturday, November 14, 2020 TENNIS Rabia I 28, 1442 AH Nadal desperate to GULF TIMES improve his record on indoor courts SPORT Page 4 FOCUS Doha 2030 aims to provide immediate legacy benefi ts HE Sheikh Joaan: Legacy has been firmly embedded in our bid as an absolute priority from the very beginning

Doha 2030 CEO Jassim Rashid al-Buenain accompanies the OCA delegation on a tour of Qatar’s metro system.

understanding. If we are awarded the full support of His Highness the Amir Yousef al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN honour of hosting the Asian Games and the State of Qatar. As this visit has Media Group, said: “We were de- Doha 2030 President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani interacts with members of the OCA Evaluation Committee. we would ensure a legacy that is felt shown, our bid brings together all lev- lighted to welcome the distinguished beyond Qatar. Doha 2030 will be a els of sport and society in Qatar and I delegation from the Olympic Coun- By Sports Reporter Asian sports’ recovery from the cur- cy has been fi rmly embedded in our bid Gateway to a brighter future for Asian would like to thank all our partners for cil of Asia (OCA) today in support of Doha rent Covid-19 pandemic. as an absolute priority from the very sport.” their ongoing support. Doha’s world-class Asian Games 2030 Harnessing the positive long-term beginning. From the onset, we have Doha 2030 also reinforced how its “But our bid is about more than just bid. We showcased the world-leading impact of hosting the Asian Games in looked at how the benefi ts we have en- infrastructure and major event deliv- Qatar’s priorities. It is about how Doha broadcasting facilities, technology, he Doha 2030 Asian Games 2006, Doha 2030 has developed a de- joyed from Doha 2006 can be translat- ery knowledge means it can provide 2030 can serve the priorities of the talent and reach that beIN has across Bid Committee yesterday tailed plan for a legitimate and sustain- ed, through Doha 2030, into long-term the certainty that is fundamental to its Asian NOCs. Thanks to the gift of the the entire 24-country Mena region – concluded its presentation to able legacy programme – Project Leg- benefi ts for Asia. ability to promise an enduring Asian 2006 Asian Games, Doha is uniquely which is second to none. the OCA Evaluation Commit- acy 21 – that will assist Asia’s NOCs “Our legacy plans are fully aligned legacy. This certainty was refl ected positioned to give back to the OCA “And we celebrated beIN’s long- teeT with a commitment to providing a from next year, 2021, through to the with our nation’s social, economic and in Doha 2030’s fi nance presentation family. We are ready to doing that by standing and proud partnership with gateway to immediate legacy benefi ts Games in 2030 and beyond. development goals. We are proposing which showcased a Games budget delivering a gateway to certainty, a the Asian Games – which has already for the Asian National Olympic Com- The specifi cs of the programme have a legacy built on reliability and cer- without fi nancial risk due to the lack Gateway to a magical Games experi- spanned from 2005-2026, and we mittees (NOCs). been deliberately kept confi dential tainty that only Qatar can legitimately of capital investment required and the ence. And a Gateway to legacy now.” hope for many years beyond. As Asian Doha 2030 explained that with all while the Bid Committee has fi nal- off er, and that is more vital than ever strength of Qatar’s economy. In addition, Doha 2030 present- sport continues to lead by example required permanent venues planned or ised the details over the last couple of in these times of global uncertainty. Doha 2030 CEO Jassim Rashid al- ed on themes including marketing, and inspire the next generation on the in place, it has an unprecedented op- months. An announcement is expected Sport is part of our Qatar’s national Buenain added: “On behalf of Doha Games Programme, ceremonies and world stage, there can be no greater portunity to redirect the time and in- within the coming weeks. identity and we believe strongly in 2030, I would like to thank the Evalua- media and broadcast before the Evalu- partner than Doha – supported by all vestment most cities spend on build- Doha 2030 President HE Sheikh the powerful role it can play in driving tion Committee for their time with us. ation Committee was taken on a tour the sports institutions of Qatar – on ing infrastructure, towards supporting Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said: “Lega- social change and fostering peace and Our bid is a national priority; it has the of international broadcaster beIN. this amazing journey.”

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s track record of hosting top sports events a big advantage, says Doha 2030 CEO By Sahan Bidappa would win the bid and also emphasised eff ort to deliver amazing games,” he ex- 2030, said Qatar has submitted a ‘strong Doha Qatar’s expertise in hosting major inter- plained. bid’ and was hopeful of winning the right national events. “Our bid is more than “Doha 2030 is already a gateway to a to host the Asian Games. “Doha has a just a Qatari priority, it is to show how legacy now, not in 10 years. That means, very strong bid for delivery of the games. he 2006 Doha Asian Games the Doha 2030 could shape the imme- if we are honoured of hosting of the We have focussed on Doha as a gateway laid a solid foundation for Qa- diate and long term priorities for Qatar Asian Games, the programme will start to an amazing Games. We will off er all tar to build a legacy and that and Asian countries,” he said at a press in 2021 and we will call it 21 Project our expertise to make sure to give very Tprocess will continue if the conference at the Sheraton Doha hotel. Legacy. Altogether, it means that Doha good hospitality. We hope that we can country wins the bid to host the 2030 “Actually, the 2030 bid is a gateway 2030 is a gateway to a bright future for win the bid and host the Asian Games Asian Games, said Jassim Rashid to certainty of excellence. We have the sports in Asia,” the offi cial added. again,” she said. al-Buenain, the Qatar Olympic Com- people, we have the expertise, we have Qatar’s track record of hosting major Sheikha Asma said the 2030 legacy mittee’s Secretary-General and CEO of the experiences and most importantly championships is also a key advantage, programme will focus on the progress of the Doha 2030 Bid Committee. we have the passion. When it comes to Al-Buenain felt. “Qatar has the best ex- young athletes. “After the success of the Doha is competing with Riyadh to the venues, they are already there. They perience in hosting major international 2006 Doha Asian Games, Qatar invested host the continental games in little over have been tested in the Asian and inter- sports events, single and multi-sport a lot in its infrastructure, athletes and 10 years’ time. The Olympic Council national competitions. Athletes can be competitions. Therefore, when it comes students. Since almost 90 percent of our of Asia’s (OCA) Evaluation Commit- assured of very top conditions to train to venues they are ready, infrastructure venues are complete, we won’t have to tee spent the last three days in Doha as and compete.” Doha 2030 CEO added, is there and more importantly we have invest much in new ones. they assessed the city’s infrastructure Al-Buenain spoke elaborately about the required know-how and the people “Instead, we’ll channel it to develop and capability to host the 2030 Asian the positive impact of 2006 Asian who can manage how to organise a mul- Asia’s youth athletes so that they can be Games. And they have been impressed Games and said Doha 2030 will al- ti-sport event. at their best in 2030 to showcase their by what they have seen, said Andrey low the country to focus on building a “With no infrastructure investment talent for their country and continent. Kryukov, the head of the OCA’s Evalu- legacy. “We succeeded in transferring required and no new venues needed to Our legacy programme has several as- ation Committee. Kryukov will now the legacy of Asian Games in 2006 to be built, that could allow us to focus to pects to it. Should we win the 2030 submit a report to OCA, which will de- many sectors in Doha. I believe that we serve the Asian NOCs in order to host Asian Games, we’ll announce several cide the host at its General Assembly in are aiming to serve the entire continent amazing Games in the future,” he said legacy programmes and projects in the Oman, Muscat on December 16. by hosting the 2030 Asian Games. We Sheikha Asma al-Thani, Director of coming days. We’re confi dent of our ini- Al-Buenain was confi dent that Doha are looking forward to putting all our Marketing and Communication at Doha tiatives,” she said. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, November 14, 2020 DOHA 2030

OLYMPIC COUNCIL OF ASIA’S EVALUATION COMMITTEE VISITS QATAR

Doha 2030 CEO and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Director of Marketing and Communication at Doha 2030 Sheikha Asma al-Thani and Chair of OCA’s Evaluation Committee for the 2030 Asian Games bid Andrey Kryukov at the headquarters of beIN Sport, which has extensive experience of delivering world-class, global coverage for sports events in Qatar.

Doha 2030 CEO and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain with Chair of Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Evaluation Committee for the 2030 Asian Games bid Andrey Kryukov at Msheireb Downtown Doha.

The OCA Evaluation Committee were given a tour of National Museum of Qatar.

The OCA Evaluation Committee experienced state-of-the-art transport network as they took a ride on the Doha Metro. Gulf Times Saturday, November 14, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

QATAR HOLD COSTA RICA IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Qatar held Costa Rica to a 1-1 draw in international friendly at the Profertil Arena in Hartberg, Austria, yesterday. Captain Hassan al-Haydos (left) gave Qatar the lead in the 42nd minute, but Costa Rica equalised through former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell in the 67th minute. Costa Rica dominated the possession but both teams had equal chances. The Asian champions take on South Korea on Tuesday in another friendly as Felix Sanchez’s men prepare for Asian Cup qualifiers.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Salah tests positive Scots sink Serbia for coronavirus Reuters coming hours. Salah’s positive Cairo test is another blow for Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who is already facing a defensive cri- iverpool striker Mo- sis with the loss of centre backs hamed Salah has tested Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, to reach Euro 2020 positive for the coronavi- potentially for the remainder rus on the eve of Egypt’s of the season. Added to that the LAfrica Cup of Nations qualifi er absence of the versatile Fabinho Hungary and Slovakia also won to play-off matches to secure spots against Togo, the Egyptian Foot- and right back Trent Alexander- ball Association said yesterday. Arnold to less severe injuries, and AFP “The medical swab conducted Klopp’s options are shrinking for London on the mission of our fi rst na- the visit of Premier League lead- tional football team showed that ers Leicester City to Anfi eld next our international player, Mo- weekend. cotland’s long major tournament hamed Salah, the Liverpool star, He will likely start up front exile is over after a penalty shoot- was infected with the Corona- with Sadio Mane, Roberto out win over Serbia in Belgrade virus, after his test came back Firmino and in-form new sign- secured their place at Euro 2020 positive,” the federation said in a ing Diogo Jota, who has scored onS Thursday, while minnows North Mac- statement on its Facebook page. seven goals in 11 appearances in edonia will make their fi nals debut fol- “The player does not suff er all competitions since his arrival lowing a tense play-off win in Georgia. from any symptoms. The other from Wolverhampton Wander- Hungary and Slovakia also won to se- members of the team tested ers in September. But the loss of cure spots at the tournament which was negative. Salah underwent the Salah, who is joint leading scorer postponed earlier this year because of the medical protocol after the team’s in the league this season with coronavirus pandemic and is now set for doctor coordinated with his Eng- eight goals, eats further into Liv- June and July of 2021. lish club. In addition to his isola- erpool’s squad depth that is be- An extra year’s wait will not matter to tion inside his room and also iso- ing tested to the limit. Klopp will Scotland, who had gone through 10 failed lating all his contacts.” be hoping the remainder of the qualifying campaigns since their last The federation said he will international window provides major tournament, the 1998 World Cup, undergo further checks in the no more bad news. and nearly threw away their play-off fi nal against Serbia. Steve Clarke’s team led courtesy of WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Ryan Christie’s strike early in the second half in the rain in Belgrade, but Luka Jo- vic headed in to make it 1-1 in the 90th minute, forcing extra time. There were no Argentina draw 1-1 more goals, and Scotland triumphed 5-4 on penalties as goalkeeper David Mar- shall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic’s last with Paraguay spot kick, sparking joyous scenes of cel- ebration in an empty stadium. Reuters an earlier infringement inside Unbeaten in nine games, Scotland can Buenos Aires their own half that was picked up look forward to a trip to Wembley to play by the Video Assistant Referee. England, and will also face the Czech Re- At the other end, Paraguay had public and Croatia in Glasgow in Group D rgentina conceded a a loud shout for a penalty turned at the fi nals. fi rst-half penalty but down after the ball hit the arm of “The way the game went tonight, con- Scotland players celebrate after qualifying for the Euro 2020 at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia. (Reuters) recovered to secure a 1-1 centre back Nicolas Otamendi. ceding that late equaliser and still digging draw against Paraguay The result means both sides in. Then big ‘Marsh’ comes up, amazing, land and secure their place, two late goals nament debut after veteran 37-year-old inA the 2022 World Cup qualifi - remain unbeaten after the fi rst EURO 2020 QUALIFYING unbelievable,” said Celtic star Christie. in Budapest giving them a 2-1 victory. striker Goran Pandev scored their winner PLAY-OFF FINAL RESULTS ers in Buenos Aires on Thursday. three of their 18-game quest to Struggling to hold back tears, he add- Iceland looked set to reach a third straight in the 56th minute in Tbilisi. Angel Romero scored his third reach the fi nals in Qatar. The ed: “I’m gone. It’s for the whole nation, major tournament after Gylfi Sigurds- A member of the Inter Milan side that At Budapest: Hungary 2 (Nego 88, goal in three internationals when top four in the 10-team South it’s been a horrible year for everyone. son’s early free-kick slipped through the won the 2010 Champions League, Pandev Szoboszlai 90+2) Iceland 1 (Sigurdsson he coolly rolled home the penalty American qualifying section au- We knew coming into the game we could grasp of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in the is now with Genoa and is his country’s 11); At Belfast: Northern Ireland 1 (Skrin- for Paraguay midway through the tomatically make the fi nals, and give a little something to the country 11th minute. However, Hungary equal- all-time top goal-scorer. The Balkan na- iar 88-og) Slovakia 2 (Kucka 17, Duris 110) half after Lucas Martinez Quarta the fi fth-placed side go into an and I hope everyone back home is hav- ised in the 88th minute when Loic Nego, tion, who sit 65th in Fifa’s world rankings, after extra time; At Belgrade: Serbia 1 was adjudged to have brought inter-regional play-off . ing a party tonight. We’ve been through a naturalised Hungarian born in France, will go into Group C alongside the Neth- (Jovic 90) Scotland 1 (Christie 52) after down Miguel Almiron. Argentina’s next game is away so many years and it’s the monkey off the pounced to score after Kari Arnason di- erlands, Austria and Ukraine. extra time, Scotland win 5-4 on penalties; Nicolas Gonzalez equalised at Peru on Tuesday, while Para- back now.” verted the ball into his path in the box. North Macedonia had never come At Tbilisi: Georgia 0 North Macedonia 1 for Argentina four minutes be- guay take on bottom side Bolivia There was no such joy for Northern And the home side grabbed the winner close to reaching a major tournament (Pandev 56) fore half-time when he bulleted at home the same day. Bolivia Ireland, who went to Euro 2016 but will as Dominik Szoboszlai’s fi ne low eff ort before but were given a chance after the a header home from a Giovani Lo lost 3-2 at home to Ecuador ear- miss out on the next European Cham- sealed a 2-1 victory in the second minute new UEFA Nations League off ered a route Celso corner kick. After match- lier in the day thanks to a late pionship after losing 2-1 in extra time to of injury time. Twice World Cup run- to Europe’s traditional minnows. One EURO 2020 GROUPS ing the home side for the open- penalty. Slovakia in Belfast. Milan Skriniar’s late ners-up, Hungary ended a 30-year major qualifying place was set aside to a team Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Swit- ing period Paraguay were on the The home side took the lead own goal gave Ian Baraclough’s side a life- tournament absence when they went to from the bottom League D, and North zerland; Group B: Denmark, Finland, back foot for most of the second shortly before half-time only line after Juraj Kucka put Slovakia ahead, Euro 2016 and reached the last 16. Macedonia topped a group with Armenia, half in the Boca Juniors stadium, for Ecuador to score twice early Belgium, Russia; Group C: Netherlands, but Michal Duris won it for Slovakia in They will go into Group F at the Euro Gibraltar and Liechtenstein before beat- empty because of the coronavi- in the second period. Although Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia; the 110th minute. Slovakia, who beat the and will come up against World Cup ing neighbours Kosovo 2-1 in the play-off rus pandemic. Marcelo Moreno equalised for Republic of Ireland on penalties in the holders France, Germany and reigning semi-fi nals last month. The delayed, 24- Group D: England, Croatia, Scotland, Argentina thought they had Bolivia, Carlos Gruezo scored semi-fi nals, will go into Group E at the fi - European champions Portugal, with two team Euro is set to be played in 12 cities Czech Republic; Group E: Spain, Sweden, taken the lead after an hour when Ecuador’s winner from the spot nals with Poland, Spain and Sweden. group games at home in Budapest. across the continent, with the semi-fi - Poland, Slovakia; Group F: Portugal, Lionel Messi sidefooted home, two minutes from time, consign- Hungary came from behind to stun Ice- North Macedonia will make their tour- nals and fi nal at Wembley in London. France, Germany, Hungary but the goal was chalked off for ing Bolivia to their third loss.

NEYMAR TO MISS BRAZIL’S UPCOMING WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Paris: Paris St Germain striker Neymar It was not clear whether he would Malaysia in March to limit the spread of in the Dec. 19 final. has been ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup remain with the Brazil squad or return COVID-19 will not be lifted to allow the qualifier against Uruguay next week to Paris. Brazil won both their opening club to complete their matches in the MOURINHO GETS SUSPENDED in Montevideo. The forward arrived in qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in continental championship, which will ONE-MATCH EUROPEAN BAN Brazil with a leg injury and although Qatar last month and are the only side in restart next week in Doha. The AFC said Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mour- he was certain to miss Friday’s game the 10-team South American section with in a statement that JDT’s matches are inho has been handed a suspended one- against Venezuela in Sao Paulo, the a 100% record so far. cancelled and considered null and void. match European competition ban, UEFA national team’s doctors hoped he would It added that points and goals in said. The Portuguese coach was deemed recover in time for the second match in JDT WITHDRAW FROM ASIAN those matches would not be taken into to be responsible for the late kickoff of the double header next Tuesday. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN QATAR consideration when the final rankings Spurs’ Europa League match at Royal “We were hopeful that he could play, Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the group stage are determined. Antwerp on Oct. 29, which they lost. that’s why we brought him to Brazil,” (JDT) have withdrawn from the Asian Japan’s Vissel Kobe, China’s Guangzhou UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Discipli- team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said late Champions League as they are unable to Evergrande and South Korea’s Suwon nary body said the ban is deferred for a Thursday. “He improved but not enough travel to Qatar for the resumption of the Bluewings will now compete in Group G. probationary period of one year. Totten- so that he’ll be ready for the game on competition, the Asian Football Confed- The eastern half of the competition ham were also fined 25,000 euros for the Tuesday against Uruguay. The backroom eration (AFC) confirmed. will be completed in Doha with the semi- late kickoff plus 3,000 euros for a breach Argentina’s Lucas Martinez Quarta (left) vies for the ball with staff decided to release Neymar Junior.” Border closures implemented by final winners facing Iran’s Persepolis FC of UEFA’s equipment regulations. Paraguay’s Dario Lezcano during the World Cup Qatar 2022 South American Qualifiers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, November 14, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Kenya’s Manangoi gets two-year ban Nadal desperate for anti-doping to improve record violation — AIU on indoor courts ‘The indoor surfaces have been not ideal surfaces for my tennis game since the beginning’

This file photo taken on May 3, 2019 shows Kenya’s Elijah Motonei Manangoi celebrating after winning the men’s 1500m during the IAAF Diamond League competition in Doha.

Ruters won the world title in 2017 in Nairobi London and bagged gold at the Commonwealth Games a year later. A stress fracture sidelined enya’s former 1,500 him from defending his world metres world cham- crown last year. pion Elijah Manan- The AIU said yesterday that Kgoi has been handed Manangoi missed his fi rst test a two-year ban for anti-doping on July 3 last year. He said that violations after missing three was the result of a delayed fl ight tests under whereabouts rules, holding up his luggage where he the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had put his house keys. said yesterday “As he did not have his house Manangoi, who will be ineligi- keys, he had stayed in the nearest ble to compete at next year’s To- airport hotel which led in turn to kyo Olympics, was provisionally his missed test in Rongai the fol- suspended in July and the AIU lowing morning,” the AIU said. said his ban comes into eff ect Manangoi explained the rea- from Dec. 22 2019 which was the son for missing his second test date of the third “whereabouts on Nov. 12, 2019 as being due to failure”. bad traffi c delaying his arrival at The ruling means the dis- the test location, according to qualifi cation of all Manangoi’s the AIU. competitive results since then Regarding his third missed “with all resulting consequenc- test on Dec. 22, 2019, Manangoi es, including the forfeiture of any told the AIU he was in Austria titles, awards, medals, points for treatment on an injury and prizes and appearance money,” asked a third party to inform the AIU said in its statement. authorities he would not be back Manangoi’s ban comes af- in Kenya in time for the test but ter American 100 metres world they failed to do so. champion Christian Coleman “The Delegate mistakenly was also suspended for two years failed to appreciate that the last month for breaching where- Athlete would not in fact ar- Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their semi-final match at theParis Masters on November 7. abouts rules. rive back in Nairobi until after Manangoi joins a list of Ken- his 60-minute time slot... on 22 yan athletes who have been December 2019 and therefore did AFP for other surfaces. “We can fi nd excuses fi nals at the Paris Masters, where he was Schwartzman in Group Tokyo. sanctioned in recent years, in- not update his information for London or reasons but at the end of the day the beaten by Alexander Zverev. Nadal said the absence of crowds due cluding 2008 Olympic 1,500m that date,” according to the AIU. numbers are the numbers,” Nadal said. He said his four matches indoors in to the coronavirus pandemic meant con- champion Asbel Kiprop, former The AIU said yesterday that “I think I have played less indoors than Paris had sharpened up his game but he ditions would be radically diff erent this Boston and Chicago Marathon Manangoi had accepted the pun- afael Nadal says he is determined in other places without a doubt.” did not know how close he was to “per- year as London prepares to play host for winner Rita Jeptoo and 2016 Ol- ishment for his violation and to improve his poor record on in- The second seed, who drew level with fect preparation” for the London tourna- the fi nal time. ympic marathon champion Jem- waived his right “to have those door courts as he bids to win the Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams by win- ment, which starts on Sunday. “Sad playing with no crowd in this imah Sumgong. consequences determined by the ATP Finals for the fi rst time in ning last month’s French Open fi nal, said amazing stadium,” he said. “It is some- The 27-year-old Manangoi Disciplinary Tribunal.” hisR illustrious career. his game was not ideally suited to fast 50TH ANNIVERSARY thing that is not perfect but we can play Just one of the Spaniard’s 86 singles courts. The 50th anniversary of the fi rst stag- tennis so we can’t complain at all. We are titles has come on an indoor hard court, “The indoor surfaces have been not ing of ATP Finals, which features the best very lucky.” The Spaniard said the expe- HORSE RACING back in Madrid in 2005. ideal surfaces for my tennis game since eight players of the 2020 season, has been rience of playing the fi nals in the British Nadal has earned a berth at the end-of- the beginning of my career,” said the marked with the naming of two round- capital had been “one of the best” but season ATP Finals every year since that 34-year-old. robin groups, Tokyo 1970 and London backed the decision to move the tourna- year but has been forced to withdraw on “I think I am able to play a little bit bet- 2020. ment to Turin from next year. Nijinski Al Maury six occasions. ter the last couple of years indoors than Nadal will compete in Group London “I think tennis needs to keep moving,” Speaking yesterday ahead of this year’s what I did at the beginning of my ten- against defending champion Stefanos he said. “At the same time it’s not fair to tournament at London’s O2 Arena, he nis career without a doubt but that’s the Tsitsipas, US Open champion Dominic fi nish the world tour fi nals here without shines in Belgium said there were a number of factors for his numbers and I can’t say something dif- Thiem and Andrey Rublev. crowds, with this situation but that’s failure to shine indoors, including fatigue ferent. I hope to change that this week.” World number one Novak Djokovic will the thing that is happening today in this at end-of-season events and a preference Last week Nadal reached the semi- face Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Diego world.”

SPOTLIGHT Zverev says ‘that’s not who I am’ aft er abuse charges

AFP her to attempt suicide. won the eight-man ATP Finals in London Zverev, who also found out re- 2018, again stated that the accusa- cently that he is expecting a baby tions were unfounded and untrue. with another former partner, put “We had our ups and downs but lexander Zverev opened out a short statement on Instagram the way our relationship is described up about the domestic as- to deny Sharypova’s claims but had in the public is not how it was,” he sault allegations he is fac- refused to provide any further an- said. “That’s not who I am, that’s Jerome Cabre (left) rides Nijinski Al Maury to victory in the IFAHR Aing yesterday, apologis- swers to questions on the subject. not how I was raised by my parents. Cup (Listed) in Mons, Belgium, on Thursday. (Lamya Leclercq) ing for the negative attention it has He changed that stance at his It’s not who I am as a person. brought to tennis and insisting the press conference ahead of the ATP “It makes me sad the impact that By Our Correspondent on fi bre-sand at Mons, Belgium picture painted by his ex-girlfriend Finals in London, saying: “Many such false accusations can have – on Mons, Belgium on Thursday. Ridden by Jerome is “not who I am”. people have asked me why I kept my the sport, on the outside word, on Cabre and trained by Thomas Former junior player Olga Shary- mouth shut, why I didn’t say any- myself as well. I truly apologise that Fourcy, the four-year-old colt did pova said in a social media post thing. the focus has shifted away from the arrying the colours of well and proved a very cosy win- last month that the German world “While I very much regret that sport. We all love playing tennis. Mohamed bin Fahad ner. Bred by Renée-Laure Koch, number seven had tried to “stran- those accusations are made, I have That’s what we’re here to do.” al-Attiyah, Nijinski Al Nijinski Al Maury is a nephew of gle” her while at last year’s US Open. to stick to my initial thing of them Zverev will play his fi rst match CMaury opened his ac- No Risk Al Maury, who himself In a subsequent media interview being just untrue and continue to at the O2 Arena on Monday against count in the IFAHR Cup, a Listed was a winner of seven Group 1 PA with Racquet magazine, the Russian deny them.” Daniil Medvedev, with play begin- race over 2,200m for four-year- events and third in the Dubai Ka- alleged the abuse she suff ered drove The 23-year-old German, who ning on Sunday behind closed doors. old and older Purebred Arabians, hayla Classic (Group 1 PA).

BOTTOMLINE Djokovic voices fears over uncertain future for lower-ranked players

AFP Djokovic said the biggest concern in the world or at least most of them since were struggling badly. circuits. He said the aim was to allow the London was the unpredictability of the 2021 cal- the restart of the season,” he said. “I’ve spoken to a lot of players that are voices of players at all levels to be heard. endar, with decisions taken out of the “But it is troubling to hear and to see ranked 500 and lower and they are ask- “PTPA’s goal will be trying to work with hands of the sport’s administrators as that on the Futures level, on the fi rst level ing for any help to provide tournaments all governing bodies and sides involved in ovak Djokovic has voiced his a result of Covid-19. The Serbian wel- of the professional tour, there are re- for them,” he said. The 17-time Grand men’s and women’s tennis to understand fears for lower-ranked play- comed the return of top-level tennis after ally very few tournaments and the biggest Slam champion said it was crucial for all how players can be benefi ting more from ers as the coronavirus-ravaged a virus-forced hiatus earlier this year but group of professional players on the rank- the game’s stakeholders to communicate this system and having more opportuni- 2020 season draws to a close. said there were “a lot of unhappy lower- ings is actually there.” better to help the whole sport to prosper. ties and jobs and extending that list of NThe world number one, in London for ranked players that don’t really have a Djokovic, who is bidding for a record- Djokovic is behind the creation of the players who are actually living from ten- the elite eight-man ATP Finals, said play- chance to compete”. “I think for tennis it’s equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals, said new Professional Tennis Players Associa- nis, because right now we have only about ers ranked outside the world’s top 500 great that we actually have an opportuni- players who could not participate in sec- tion (PTPA), which is independent of the 200 players that actually can make a living were struggling to make ends meet. ty to compete at the biggest tournaments ond-tier Challenger-level tournaments ATP — the body that runs the top men’s from tennis.” Gulf Times Saturday, November 14, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Draft prospect Ball reportedly holds Indianapolis double second NBA workout

Reuters ketball League. He averaged New York 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game and was selected the league’s 2019-20 or the second time this Rookie of the Year. up Titans, forge tie week, top NBA draft Ball has not played in a game prospect LaMelo Ball since early December, after he conducted an individ- sustained a bruised foot and Rivers tops Marino ualF workout Thursday, accord- ultimately decided to shut ing to ESPN. himself down for the rest of the for fifth in all-time Ball’s latest showcase re- season. By then, he had done portedly took place in front of enough to cement his status passing yards head coaches and executives as a high-lottery draft pick. atop AFC South from the Golden State War- Ball could match or exceed the riors, Charlotte Hornets and draft status of his brother Lon- Detroit Pistons in Southern zo, who was the second overall California. The Warriors hold pick in the 2017 draft and is the second overall pick in the now a guard for the New Orle- Wednesday draft, with the ans Pelicans. Hornets set to select third and Ball is widely viewed as one Pistons seventh. of three players who could go Ball, a potential No. 1 overall to Minnesota at No. 1. Mem- pick, also conducted shooting, phis center James Wiseman ballhandling and conditioning and Georgia guard Anthony drills for the Minnesota Tim- Edwards are also expected to berwolves on Wednesday, ESPN be picked in the top three. reported. In recent weeks, he Edwards said Wednesday also reportedly met and inter- that he has worked out for the viewed with the Chicago Bulls, Warriors, Hornets and Tim- who hold the No. 4 pick. berwolves. The 19-year-old Ball is a “My workout was excel- pure point guard who stands lent,” Edwards said following 6-foot-7, 190 pounds. After his session with the Timber- foregoing his commitment wolves. “I feel like I had a re- to UCLA he moved overseas ally great workout. Conversa- to play professionally, fi rst in tion was great. Everything was Lithuania and then most re- good there, and I feel like I fi t cently for the Illawarra Hawks there, just like I fi t any other of Australia’s National Bas- team.”

SPOTLIGHT Toronto Raptors considering Tampa as temporary home

Reuters Other cities mentioned as a New York possible home are Buff alo, Kan- sas City, Louisville, Nashville and Newark, N.J. The Toronto he Toronto Raptors are Blue Jays used nearby Buff alo as considering Tampa, their temporary home during Fla., as a possibility the Major League Baseball sea- to be their “home” for son. “We’re exploring options Tthe 2020-21 NBA season, ac- for our Plan B,” Raptors direc- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers throws against Tennessee Titans defensive end Jack Crawford during the first half of their NFL game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. (USA TODAY Sports) cording to multiple reports. tor of communications Jennifer The Raptors are still hoping Quinn said in an e-mail to the Reuters up a blocked punt and lugged Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook for the practice because of a concussion games this season for violating to play in Toronto but coro- Tampa Bay Tribune. “But our Nashville, Tennessee, USA it 6 yards for a touchdown. E.J. NFL rushing lead. Quarterback could mean that Seattle starting the league’s substance-abuse navirus regulations and Ca- main focus is on playing next Speed burst through a big hole Ryan Tannehill hit 15 of 27 passes center Ethan Pocic will be on the policy. nadian travel restrictions may season in Toronto.” on the left side of the Titans’ for 147 yards and a touchdown. sideline when the Seahawks visit He would step in as Seattle is rule that out. The Raptors re- Raptors president Masai yheim Hines caught a protection scheme and snuff ed Tannehill got Tennessee off to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. set to face the Aaron Donald- portedly have been discussing Ujiri told the CBC that the touchdown pass and out the punt. Indianapolis a quick start by fi nding D’Onta Pocic’s concussion was diag- led Rams defense. Donald, a a plan to play games at Amalie overwhelming preference is ran for a second score, wrapped it up on a 2-yard sneak Foreman for a 5-yard score nosed in following the Seahawks’ defensive tackle, has racked up Arena since late October. for the team to play in Canada. Philip Rivers topped by backup quarterback Jacoby just 3:10 into the game. Rod- 44-34 loss in Buff alo last Sun- 81 sacks in his seven seasons in “Ideally, the Raptors are able “We have many options, to NDan Marino for No. 5 on the Brissett with 9:21 remaining in rigo Blankenship’s 24-yard fi eld day. He played the whole game the NFL, all with the Rams. He to play their upcoming season be honest,” Ujiri said. “I think NFL’s all-time passing yardage the game. Hines fi nished with goal with 40 seconds left in the for the off ense, appearing on all is a two-time league Defensive in Toronto, but should that not we’re lucky that the Raptors list and the Indianapolis Colts a combined 115 rushing and re- fi rst quarter got Indianapolis on 65 snaps. He did not practice Player of the Year. Seahawks of- be possible, we would have a have become a darling, I think, routed the Tennessee Titans 34- ceiving yards for the Colts, while the board. Stephen Gostkowski Wednesday or Thursday, mak- fensive coordinator Brian Schot- strong interest in working to hopefully, globally. We’re 17 Thursday night in Nashville. Rivers completed 29 of 39 passes bombed a 50-yarder to restore ing it hard to satisfy completion tenheimer gave Fuller a vote of successfully meet and exceed proud of that. The result leaves both teams for 308 yards and a score. a seven-point lead for the Ti- of the NFL’s concussion protocol confi dence Thursday. their expectations as an alter- “... Everybody wants us to tied for fi rst place in the AFC With his fi rst completion of tans early in the second quar- before this week’s game. “If Ethan doesn’t play, Kyle native host,” said Rob Higgins, come play. We are honoured, South with 6-3 records. the night, an 11-yard connection ter, but Rivers found Hines for The Seahawks, who lead the Fuller is a guy that we’ve got a the executive director of the we are humbled and we are ap- Hines’ 2-yard run with 2:51 to rookie running back Jonathan a 13-yard touchdown at the 7:55 NFC West at 6-2, one game bet- lot of confi dence in,” Schotten- Tampa Bay Sports Commis- preciative that everybody wants left in the third quarter gave In- Taylor, Rivers surpassed Marino. mark. Tight end Jonnu Smith re- ter than both the Rams and the heimer said. “I thought he had sion. “We’ve enjoyed our pre- us to come play in their city, but dianapolis a 20-17 lead. It came Rivers, in his 17th NFL season gained the lead for Tennessee on Arizona Cardinals, have piled an unbelievable training camp. liminary conversations with honestly, our main goal is to stay four plays after Trevor Daniel, but fi rst in Indianapolis, ended a 1-yard run with 2:54 left before up the most points in the con- Probably one of the most im- their organisation and stand home. We really want to stay Tennessee’s third punter in as the night with 61,666 passing the break, but Blankenship hit ference (274), trailing only the proved players that we had.” ready to assist if needed.” home.” The Raptors have made many games, shanked a 17-yard yards. Marino amassed 61,361 a 43-yard fi eld goal as time ex- Kansas City Chiefs (286) for tops Pocic is in his fourth season, The 72-game NBA season is the playoff s in seven straight punt that set up a 27-yard fi eld passing yards in 17 seasons. pired in the half to make it 17-13. in the league. Seattle’s backup all with the Seahawks, after they slated to start on Dec. 22 with seasons and won the 2018-19 ti- for the Colts. The Titans lost for the third center is Kyle Fuller, who is in selected him out of LSU in the training camps scheduled to tle when since-departed Kawhi Defensive back T.J. Carrie time in four games despite get- SEAHAWKS’ POCIC MAY MISS his third year in the NFL and second round of the 2017 draft. open on Dec. 1. That doesn’t Leonard was the star and guided upped the lead to 10 less than ting 103 yards on 19 carries from MATCHUP WITH RAMS the fi rst with the Seahawks. He He has started all eight games leave the Raptors with a lot of the club past the Golden State a minute later when he picked Derrick Henry, who moved past A second consecutive missed was suspended for the fi rst two this season. time to sort out possibilities. Warriors in six games.

MLB Freeman named 2020 National League MVP Reuters Mookie Betts received the other two ing to get my legs under me,” Free- Los Angeles fi rst-place votes and had 268 points man said. “I just didn’t know when I to fi nish second. San Diego Padres was going to get my legs back. It was third baseman Manny Machado was mentally draining because I wanted to he blow of just missing out on third with 221 points. play well early and it just didn’t hap- the World Series was softened Freeman’s Braves had a 3-1 series pen. ... I got a couple of hits against a bit for Atlanta Braves fi rst lead on Betts’ Dodgers in the Na- the Blue Jays (on Aug. 6) and started baseman Freddie Freeman tional League Championship Series to feel good. Things kind of took off Tafter he was selected the National but failed to advance. Los Angeles from there.” League’s Most Valuable Player on not only rallied to take the NLCS but Freeman’s batting average, on-base Thursday. In his 11th season, Freeman went on to win the World Series in six percentage (.462) and slugging per- took the NL’s top prize in the pandem- games against the Tampa Bay Rays. centage (.640) were second in the NL. ic-shortened season by batting .341 Freeman did his part in the posts- Freeman’s best previous fi nish in with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 60 eason, batting .279 in 12 games with MVP voting was fourth in 2018. In- games. He led the major leagues with 12 hits, two home runs, seven RBIs cluding his 2020 MVP, Freeman has 51 runs scored and 23 doubles. and a .415 on-base percentage that fi nished in the top 10 of MVP voting Freeman tested positive for Cov- was helped by eight walks. Postsea- fi ve times. He is a career .295 hitter id-19 before the season began and got son numbers were not considered in with 240 home runs and 858 RBIs off to a slow start before turning it on MVP voting. Being able to contribute and has been named an All-Star four after two weeks of struggles. to a postseason run seemed in doubt times and a Gold Glove winner once. “Oh my goodness, there are so when Freeman fell ill after his Cov- He won his second straight Silver many emotions right now,” Freeman id-19 diagnosis in early July. He said Slugger honour this year. said on MLB Network. “Never did I his fever was so high at one point he Betts, 28, hit .292 with 16 homers ever think any of this could happen. prayed for his life, pleading, “Please and 39 RBIs in 55 games in his fi rst My dad and I, we were just taking don’t take me.” season with the Dodgers after a trade batting practice and having fun when He managed to start the season on with the Boston Red Sox. He won I was a kid and look where we are now. time in late July but was batting just his fi ve consecutive Gold Glove and It’s amazing.” .190 with three extra-base hits in 13 his fourth Silver Slugger. Machado, Freeman, 31, received 28 of the 30 games. He eventually turned things 28, batted .304 with 16 homers and fi rst-place votes from the Baseball around to lead baseball with 37 extra- 47 RBIs. Padres shortstop Fernando Writers’ Association of America, re- base hits, while his 1.102 OPS was Tatis Jr. (201) was fourth and Wash- ceiving 410 points in the voting over- second best in the NL. ington Nationals outfi elder Juan Soto all. Los Angeles Dodgers right fi elder “I got off to such a slow start try- (172) fi nished fi fth. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, November 14, 2020 RUGBY

AUTUMN NATIONS CUP Georgia hope to learn from ‘big opportunity’

Reuters against England – 84-6 and 41-10 game, there was an eight-month gap London defeats – came at the 2003 and 2011 (from Georgia’s last major match),” World Cups respectively. “We will Maisashvili said. look to take from the experience. We “It’s not an excuse for me or the eorgia coach Levan Maisash- never have such an opportunity in team – I’m not happy because we vili said Thursday that suc- such a small time-frame against so had a couple of opportunities and we cess for his side in the forth- many strong teams. Every year, we missed those opportunities, but also coming Autumn Nations have only two games against Tier One we had issues at the maul and the GCup would be about far more than raw countries.” breakdown. results. Having long dominated Europe’s “It’s obvious, because a lot of play- The Lelos, starved of elite oppo- second tier, there have been calls for ers who are based in Georgia, they sition outside of World Cups, face Georgia to replace Italy in the Six Na- hadn’t played since February. That’s the daunting task of starting the tions – the Azzurri have not won a a reason.” new tournament against Six Nations match in the tournament since 2015 – champions England at Twickenham or at least have a chance of qualifying TEAM today before facing Wales and Ireland via a play-off . 15-Lasha Khmaladze, 14-Akaki Tabut- on successive weekends. But a wary Maisashvili said: “It’s sadze, 13-Giorgi Kveseladze, 12-Merab “It’s diffi cult to say what will be not for me the measure of whether Sharikadze (capt), 11-Sandro Sva- success, we cannot measure from we play in the Six Nations or not. It’s nidze, 10-Tedo Abzhandadze, 9-Gela wins or losses because we are start- a fi rst opportunity for us and we need Aprasidze, 8-Beka Gorgadze, 7-Giorgi ing against one of the strongest teams time. It’s not an excuse, but we need Tkhilaishvili, 6-Beka Saghinadze, in the world,” said Maisashvili, whose time. 5-Grigol Kerdikoshvili, 4-Lasha Jaiani, side only joined an event featuring “Who knows what will happen? But 3-Beka Gigashvili, 2-Shalva Mamu- Europe’s Six Nations and Fiji after Ja- one thing I exactly promise, Georgia kashvili, 1-Mikheil Nariashvili. pan pulled out due to the coronavirus will fi ght in every game.” Replacements: 16-Jaba Bregvadze, pandemic. “We are playing at Twick- For all their renowned scrummag- 17-Guram Gogichashvili, 18-Lexo enham, it’s a big opportunity for us to ing strength, the scale of the task Kaulashvili, 19-Otar Giorgadze, play in such a big tournament,” he also facing Georgia was demonstrated 20-Tornike Jalagonia, 21-Vasil Lobzha- told a conference call. by their 48-7 loss away to Scotland nidze, 22-Deme Tapladze, 23-Sandro Georgia’s only two previous Tests last month. “Until that game, a big Todua Georgia’s players celebrate after winning a 2019 Rugby World Cup pool match against Uruguay. (AFP/Getty Images)

FOCUS ANNOUNCEMENT France match off aft er Fiji players test Argentina hoping positive for Covid

AFP cases, good decisions have to Marcoussis, France be made and health comes be- fore everything else,” said Ol- ivier Cloarec, the president of rance’s opening match Vannes rugby club. work ethic will pay in the new Autumn “But we are obviously sad Nations Cup tomorrow because we are not able to host has been called off after the XV of France just yet.” ‘Defence is going to be very important. We severalF players in the Fiji team According to local media, they were due to meet tested the French players have been are a team that is strong on turnovers and positive for coronavirus, AFP given permission to return to learnt yesterday from sources their clubs and possibly play we know that we can hurt them there’ close to the French team. in the Top 14 over the weekend dividends According to the competi- before returning to the nation- tion organisers, the medical al training centre at Marcous- commission responsible for sis on Monday. the match, which was due to Following an agreement be- be staged in Vannes, Brittany, tween the FFR and the French made its decision yesterday league, les Bleus squad mem- morning. The Fijian squad re- bers will only be able to feature turned two positive cases for in a maximum of three match- Covid-19 during the week and es this autumn. new tests were to be carried After two victories in two out on Thursday with results matches, in preparation, a expected yesterday. friendly against Wales then Bristol back Semi Radradra, the closing Six Nations game who was left out of the 23- against Ireland, the resurgent man Fiji matchday squad an- French were due to play their nounced earlier yesterday, is third match of the autumn pe- one of the infected players, ac- riod behind closed doors. cording to a source close to the Fabien Galthie’s team will Fijian team. also face Scotland and Italy These latest cases follow later this month in the Autumn the six positive tests involving Nations Cup as well as a classi- members of the Pacifi c Island- fi cation match in early Decem- ers’ Autumn Nations Cup set- ber – providing the coronavi- up at the start of the month. rus does not intercede further. The postponement, or can- Fiji are due to play Italy on cellation, will be formalised November 21 and Scotland a later yesterday. week later. The France management The Top 14 match between cancelled the scheduled mid- Lyon and Clermont, which was day press conference an- also due to be played on Sun- nouncing their 23-man squad. day, has also been called off for “Obviously, there is sad- similar reasons after at least ness but if there are several three cases of Covid-19 were cases of Covid and contact detected in the Lyon ranks.

SPOTLIGHT

Argentina winger Bautista Delguy. Trans-Tasman

Reuters a year, the Pumas face a New up short of a fi rst victory over the Ten of Delguy’s team mates Delguy will line up outside a Sydney Zealand side battle-hardened in All Blacks in 30 attempts, it will have good memories of the new centre partnership of Ma- crossover matches the Super Rugby Aotearoa com- not be through lack of prepara- Western Sydney Stadium, hav- tias Orlando and debutant San- petition and four tough tests in tion or eff ort. “I’m very excited ing helped the Jaguares to a vic- tiago Chocobares today. o say that Argentina have fi ve weeks against the Wallabies. to be among the 23, we are look- tory over the New South Wales Flanker Santiago Grondona for Super rugby a mountain to climb in Most of the Argentine players, ing forward to Saturday. We Waratahs at the arena on their and another centre Lucio Cinti today’s match against by contrast, have been holed up have been working hard since we way to last year’s Super Rugby are likely to win their fi rst caps the All Blacks would be in a training camp back home, started training in September,” fi nal. The All Blacks will be an- from the bench. confi rmed Tsomething of an understate- where several of them including he said yesterday. other level of competition, of “The team trusts them, we ment but winger Bautista Delguy coach Mario Ledesma contract- “We’ve spent the week ana- course. “Defence is going to be have a lot of confi dence in them, Reuters but also a chance to reimag- is confi dent they will put on a ed Covid-19, before two weeks lysing the opposition and their very important,” Delguy added. they have been training very Sydney ine the game in our part of the good showing in the Tri-Nations of quarantine on their arrival in players. They’ve been days of “We are a team that is strong on hard,” Delguy said. world for 2021. “The result is clash. Sydney. Delguy, though, sug- concentrated eff ort because turnovers and we know that we “They are very well prepared an exciting and innovative new In their fi rst test in more than gested that if the Pumas do come these matches require that.” can hurt them there.” and they look very good.” ew Zealand and Aus- competition, which will ben- tralian Super rugby efi t fans, players, broadcasters sides will participate and Super clubs.” in trans-Tasman The cross-over matches for All Blacks rebuilding but tracking well says Carter Ncrossover matches at the end 2021 will run for six weeks with of their respective domestic teams playing all fi ve sides New Zealand’s loss to Australia in the Cup. “They had a bit of a setback last Japan last year. competitions next year, sig- from the corresponding coun- Tri-Nations last week was a setback, weekend,” Carter told Reuters. “They The news got worse for Mario Ledes- nalling a detente in a public try. Each team will play two but former flyhalf Dan Carter is are building. ma’s side when All Blacks captain Sam and bitter dispute between the matches at home and two away. adamant the side was building nicely “They’re happy with the way they Cane indicated yesterday the South countries’ rugby bodies. All of the games in the third as they prepare to face Argentina in have progressed and they’re obvi- Americans could expect a backlash at New Zealand rugby and rug- round of matches, however, Sydney today. ously blooding a few players this year Western Sydney Stadium. by Australia made a joint an- will be played at the one venue The All Blacks were beaten 24-22 by which is a natural progression post “We weren’t overly proud of last nouncement of the trans-Tas- that is yet to be determined. the Wallabies last week, just seven World Cup. week’s performance,” Cane told man competition yesterday. The top-two teams, regardless days after they had inflicted a record “There is a lot of exciting young talent reporters. “Based off the way we’ve “Super rugby Trans-Tasman of country, will qualify for the 43-5 defeat on their Australian coun- in that team. The more times they trained this week, the group has been is a great result for fans on fi nal with the top-ranked side terparts and sealed the Bledisloe Cup play together they stronger and bet- pretty clinical. both sides of the Tasman and hosting the match on June 19, for the 18th successive season. ter they will get.” “We’ll be going out looking to put in a is testament to the strength which dovetails with the win- Carter, however, was not overly con- Instead of giving his fringe players an- much improved performance and one of the relationship between dow for internationals in July. cerned with the reversal last week, other chance to redeem themselves, we can be proud of. New Zealand rugby and rugby NZR and RA have been at with the team in a rebuilding phase in All Blacks coach Ian Foster reverted to “I don’t feel I have to motivate the Australia,” NZR chief executive loggerheads since July over the 2020 after several senior players left arguably his strongest lineup against team as such to play well because Mark Robinson said in a state- future direction of Super rugby New Zealand rugby following their the Pumas, who have not played a they’ve got a bit of an edge about ment. as they deal with the eff ects third-place finish at last year’s World test since their final pool game in them already.” “It (has) been a testing time of the novel coronavirus pan- for rugby in both countries, demic. Gulf Times Saturday, November 14, 2020 7 CRICKET

COMMENT FOCUS South Africa players in ‘despair’ at Kohli’s absence to administrative chaos

AFP vember 27. Johannesburg The South African cricket- ers’ Association said the obsti- nacy of the members’ council outh Africa’s cricketers’ and the possible intervention impact India, says association yesterday of the sports minister “could expressed “despair and result in the ICC reviewing the disbelief” at the con- status of CSA as an ICC mem- tinuingS chaos in the game, four ber country. This would have days before England are due to a devastating impact upon arrive for a limited overs tour. cricket in South Africa.” The chairman of Cricket The interim board was put in South Africa’s interim board, place after a long period of up- Aussie coach Langer Judge Zak Yacoob, warned heaval in South African cricket earlier that the confl ict could which led to the resignation discourage England from trav- last month of the previous ‘I’ve said this before, he is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for so many reasons’ elling - although a spokesper- board, although the members’ son for the England and Wales council, consisting of provin- Reuters cricket Board said he expected cial presidents, remained as Melbourne the tour to go ahead. the ultimate decision-making “Our position is at it has body. In terms of South Afri- been for the past few weeks - ca’s companies act, the interim irat Kohli is one of the it’s business as usual,” said the board needs to be appointed best players Justin Langer spokesperson. “We travel on formally by the members’ has ever seen and his ab- Monday.” council in order to fully carry sence from the last three Yacoob said the refusal of out its mandate. “We are back Vtests in the upcoming series will be CSA’s members’ council to en- to square one, and the glimmer keenly felt, the Australia coach said dorse the interim board could of hope has now been replaced yesterday. have serious repercussions and by further disappointment and Kohli will head home after the urged the council to reconsider confusion,” said cricketers’ series-opening Test at Adelaide Oval its decision when it meets on Association chief executive to be with his wife ahead of the birth Friday evening. Andrew Breetzke. of their fi rst child, robbing India of “If the members’ council “The governance structures their captain and star batsman. does not take a proper deci- of CSA are again in crisis. Self- Langer said the impact on India sion this evening, England interest and politics are con- would be like any team taking out will probably be seriously dis- tinuing to triumph over the their best player. couraged from coming,” said best interests of cricket.” “I’ve said this before, he is prob- Yacoob. South Africa’s sports Mthethwa’s threat to inter- ably the best player I’ve ever seen in minister, Nathi Mthethwa, vene was conveyed in a letter my life for so many reasons,” Langer earlier warned that he could to members’ council chair- told reporters in a video call. intervene directly if the coun- man Rihan Richards. A copy “It’s not only his batting but his cil did not reverse a decision of the letter was sent to the energy, his passion for the game, the announced on Thursday to ICC, which takes a dim view way he fi elds. I cannot believe the break off relations with the in- of government interference in energy he displays in everything he terim board. His intervention cricket. does. could potentially aff ect CSA’s Yacoob said the interim “Are we happy he’s not playing? standing with the Internation- board intended to continue It’s like taking Dustin Martin out of al cricket Council. working to solve the problems Richmond, isn’t it?” added Langer, England are due to arrive in in South African cricket and referring to the champion Australian Cape Town on Tuesday ahead accused the council of break- Rules footballer. of three Twenty20 interna- ing an agreement reached Langer said he respected Kohli’s tionals and three one-day in- jointly with the interim board decision and would encourage his ternationals, starting on No- and the sports minister. own players to miss cricket to be present for the birth of their children if it came up. Australia were beaten Dravid throws weight behind by India 2-1 the last time Kohli’s side toured in 2018/19 and Langer said expansion of IPL the hosts could ill-aff ord to breathe any easier without Kohli around. As unconfirmed talks are display at the just-concluded “Of course it’ll have an impact but going around about adding IPL in the United Arab Emir- we also know that India, they beat us a ninth team to the Indian ates, where Mumbai Indians last time, they’re a very, very good Premier League (IPL), former won their fifth title. team,” he said. India and Rajasthan Royals “There are some real talents “We cannot get complacent for (RR) captain Rahul Dravid who are not getting op- a second with or without Virat. So said yesterday that the lucra- portunities to play in the XI. we’re going to have to be on our toes tive T20 league was ready for We have seen some of the all summer and we’re looking for- expansion. young Indian talents in this ward to that.” Dravid was speaking at the IPL. Kohli, though, will play in the virtual launch of a book, Being involved with the short-form internationals on India’s A New Innings, by RR lead under-19 team, it has been tour, which kicks off with a one-day owner Manoj Badale and fantastic to see so many of international series starting in Syd- cricketer-turned-broadcaster those young boys who have ney on November 27. Simon Hughes. come on and established “From a cricketing talent themselves not only for their perspective, we are ready state teams but also in the for an expansion. There IPL,” Dravid said. NZ’s Boult eager to get back out on fi eld are some incredible young According to the original talents in India that are wait- plans of the IPL, the tourna- New Zealand cricketer Trent Boult is isolation. All of the players will be tested them. If I’m involved in the T20s earlier as his first COVID-19 test. ing for the opportunity at the ment, which was launched already targeting next month’s Test for the novel coronavirus at least three well then that will be exciting too.” Despite a congested playing schedule big stage. We have seen it in 2008, was supposed to series against the West Indies but he is times before they are scheduled to be The coronavirus pandemic forced the during the IPL, where he helped the this year. We will see a lot of expand to 10 teams after a more than ready to play the Twenty20 released on Nov. 26, one day before the cancellation of New Zealand’s overseas Mumbai Indians to their fifth title, Boult new faces coming up if they few editions. matches that start a day after he is due opening Twenty20 match in Auckland. tours this year and Boult acknowledged felt he still had some conditioning work to get an opportunity,” Dravid, But only once, in 2011, did to be released from a biosecure facility “I don’t even know what time we get out,” it had been hard for him not to play any do ahead of the test series. currently Director of Cricket the numbers of franchise in Christchurch. Boult only arrived back the left-arm quick told reporters on a cricket at all for five months before he “While the workloads probably aren’t at the Bangalore-based Na- increase from eight to 10. in New Zealand on Thursday alongside conference call on Friday. “I know that we went to the IPL. Describing himself as quite there for test match cricket, I defi- tional Cricket Academy of the After that year, in 2012 and several team mates and West Indies play- finish up here the day before it (the T20 someone who “can’t sit still”, he was itch- nitely feel better off having tasted some Board of Control for Cricket 2013, nine teams competed ers who had been at the Indian Premier series) starts. “I’m probably just targeting ing to begin training again at New Zealand cricket,” he said. in India. and since 2014 again eight League tournament in the United Arab the Test matches as usual. Cricket’s high performance centre early “I just need to progress it as quickly as I Dravid seemed mighty teams have been competing. Emirates and placed in mandatory 14-day “I’ve got to make sure that I’m ready for next week, pending a negative result from can.” impressed by the talent on (IANS)

SPOTLIGHT Pucovski keeping hype at bay ahead of India series

Reuters “I think it’s a bit of a media buildup team. The right-hander has a his- Melbourne to be honest, the big bat-off thing,” tory of battling mental health issues Will Pucovski of Victoria bats during day he told reporters on Friday. and has taken time off from the game 3 of the Round 4 Marsh Sheffi eld Shield “I think all I can really control is twice when on the cusp of test selec- cricket match the Western Australia at ew young Australian cricket- how I go about it in my preparation tion. Replacing Burns, whose solid Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide, Australia, ers have generated as much and then obviously in the game so I opening partnership with David on Tuesday. (AAP Image) excitement as Will Pucov- feel like my batting’s in a really good Warner helped Australia whitewash ski in recent years but the place. Pakistan and New Zealand in the last shaggy-hairedF batsman is ignoring “I’m off a lot of social media, so home summer, would also be a bitter the hype as he bangs on the door for that makes it a lot easier. You can’t pill for the incumbent. selection ahead of the Test series get tagged on Twitter and stuff if you “He’s been amazing, hasn’t he?” against India. don’t have the app, so that’s been a Australia coach Justin Langer told The 22-year-old was named pretty easy one for me.” reporters of Pucovski yesterday. among fi ve uncapped players in Australian cricket rarely fails to “That said... we loved the com- a bumper 17-man Test squad on produce wunderkinds but experts bination of Joe Burns and David Thursday after piling up 495 runs in have already marked Pucovski as a Warner. two Sheffi eld Shield matches when once-in-a-generation talent in the “At this point, I’d say that will re- opening the batting for Victoria. mould of Ricky Ponting or Steve main the same.” He will have another chance to Smith. Pucovski has also struggled with a impress selectors when he faces In- “It would be ridiculous to say he’s series of concussion injuries dating dia’s bowlers in a tour match in Syd- not ready,” former Australia captain back to a serious head-knock suf- ney from December 6. Ian Chappell told local broadcaster fered in school football. The Australia “A” game has been Nine Network. He believes the concussion prob- seen as an unoffi cial “bat-off ” with “What the hell is he going to prove lems may have contributed to his incumbent opener Joe Burns, who by playing more Shield cricket?” mental health struggles. has hit a lean patch for Queensland The pressure of playing test crick- “Obviously getting hit in the head in recent Shield games. et on home soil is at an entirely dif- a lot is not ideal from a physical or But Pucovski has little interest in ferent level, though, and selectors mental perspective,” he said. giving oxygen to the speculation and may be wary of throwing Pucovski “But I’ve done a lot of work in that has switched off his social media ac- into the cauldron of a hugely an- space to try and make sure my proc- counts to be free of distractions. ticipated series against Virat Kohli’s ess is in a really good place.”

Saturday, November 14, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF No. 1 Johnson, Frittelli match Casey for Masters lead ‘WE KNOW HOW THE COURSE IS PLAYING AND WE’LL FINISH OUR ROUND TODAY. IT’S NICE. I’M ON A GOOD ROLL’

AFP Augusta, United States Westwood says Augusta gives ‘older guys’

op-ranked Dustin John- a shot at major glory son and South African Dylan Frittelli grabbed Veteran golfer Lee West- 65 and 44-year-old Tiger a share of the lead af- wood said Augusta National Woods carded a bogey-free Tter yesterday’s conclusion of rewards experience and that 68. Westwood, a former world the storm-hit fi rst round of the his busy schedule heading number one who might be the Masters while Rory McIlroy into this year’s Masters puts best player of his generation struggled to make the cut. him in prime position to to never win a major, has come They matched England’s Paul capture his elusive first major agonisingly close, especially at Casey by shooting seven-un- title this week. Augusta, which he called his der-par 65 in concluding their The 47-year-old Englishman favourite golf course. darkness-halted opening rounds mixed five birdies on the front He finished runner-up at the at storm-hit Augusta National nine with a bogey on the tournament in 2010 and tied before returning to the rain-sof- back for a four-under 68 to sit for second in 2016 - the year tened layout for round two. three strokes back of leader countryman Danny Willett “To continue to play is defi - Paul Casey in the darkness- took home the Green Jacket. nitely a nice advantage,” Johnson suspended first round of the He was the runner-up at the said. “We know how the course tournament. “It’s nice to see 2010 British Open, tied for is playing and we’ll fi nish our my name up there,” West- third at the 2009 PGA Cham- round today. It’s nice. I’m on a wood said. “It’s the kind of golf pionship, third at the 2008 good roll.” course that gives the older US Open, and tied for third at Johnson, trying to become guys a chance. Experience the 2011 US Open. Westwood the fi rst world number one to counts for a lot around here. comes into the final major win the Masters since Woods in You don’t have to be a bomber of the year brimming with 2002, eagled the par-5 second to get round it. It gives you confidence after competing in and birdied the par-5 eighth on chances if you hit good shots a string of tournaments in the Thursday, then added birdies and keep it in play.” run-up to the Masters, which Friday at the par-3 12th, par-5 “Bombers” like tournament was pushed from April to 15th and par-3 16th. favourite Bryson DeCham- November due to the corona- He sank a fi ve-foot birdie putt beau learned the hard way virus pandemic. at 18 to match the lead, com- that Augusta can bite back “I’ve played a lot more than I pleting his lowest of 35 Masters when you try to overpower normally would recently,” he rounds and his fi rst bogey-free it. The 27-year-old’s blistering said. “I’m the kind of player one. The lanky American missed tee-shots too often found the that plays his way into form two planned Masters tuneups rough or the Georgia pines en and I’ve been playing consist- after testing positive for Cov- route to a two-under 70. ently well - just not really id-19 last month but was a run- Meanwhile, 43-year-old Casey putting four rounds together ner-up last week in Houston in fired a sparkling seven-under and finishing it off .” his tour return. Back-nine starter Frittelli, never in the top 30 in nine prior but blasted out of a bunker at son and Xander Schauff ele on 67. many’s 63-year-old Bernhard majors, birdied the second and 10 Friday on the way to another Defending champion Tiger Langer, a two-time Masters par-3 sixth after going fi ve-un- bogey, found deep bushes in the Woods was in a 10th-place pack champion. Langer, whose 1993 der over the fi rst 10 holes. left trees on the way to bogey at sitting another stroke back after Masters triumph was the last The world number 100, a 13 and lipped-out on a six-foot an opening 68, the 15-time ma- major captured with a wooden 30-year-old from Johannesburg, par putt at 14. Third-ranked jor winner and fi ve-time Masters driver, shared eighth at the Mas- curled in a fi ve-foot par save at Justin Thomas missed a short champion matching his best- ters as recently as 2014. the fi fth and a six-foot birdie birdie putt on 18 and settled for ever start at Augusta National. It Together with 62-year-old putt at six but came up short on a 66 to share fourth with South was his fi rst bogey-free Masters 1987 Masters winner Larry Mize a 10-foot birdie putt at nine for Korea’s Im Sung-jae. The 2017 round since 2008 and in any ma- opening on 70, it marked the fi rst the lead alone. PGA Championship winner was jor since 2009. time in major golf history two “I defi nitely think it’s an ad- 5-under through 10 holes when Woods, who turns 45 next players over 60 broke par. vantage,” Frittelli said of his play was halted. month, could match the record Australia’s Adam Scott, the short turnaround. “I’m playing Thomas never shot better six green jackets won by Jack 2013 Masters champion, was well now. I want to keep the ball than a 73 in four prior Masters Nicklaus and break the US 4-under through 10 but a bad rolling.” opening rounds. Im, a 22-year- PGA title record of 82 he shares bounce off the 15th green sent his Darkness halted the fi rst round Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his second shot on the 17th hole during the continuation of the old making his Masters debut, with Sam Snead. Casey, Woods ball into Rae’s Creek on the way on Thursday with 44 golfers still first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) rolled in four birdies in a row to and Thursday’s other fi nishers to a double bogey and a bogey at on the course. Rain-softened reach fi ve-under after 10 and looked at afternoon starts with 18 left him on 70. Augusta National surrendered 53 players under par in round one in 1992. 77th and needed a fi ghtback just another at 16 left him in the top no chance to complete their sec- The Masters was postponed the lowest opening-round scor- and 24 scores in the 60s, both But fi fth-ranked McIlroy, to reach the weekend. fi ve. England’s Justin Rose, the ond rounds before sunset. from its usual April date by the ing average in Masters history, records for any round in Masters seeking a green jacket to com- The four-time major cham- reigning Olympic champion, Covid-19 pandemic, which also 71.43 strokes, with a projected history. The old mark for sub- plete a career Grand Slam, stum- pion opened Thursday with a and Australian Cameron Smith LANGER SHOOTS 68 forced a ban on spectators as a cut at one-under. There were a par players was 47 in round two bled to an opening 75 to share bogey, birdied the par-5 eighth, joined Americans Webb Simp- Among those on 68 was Ger- safety precaution.

F1 MOTORCYCLING Verstappen on top in Turkey Miller fastest in Valencia practice as champion Hamilton slips as Mir crashes AFP the fastest lap of the day, Reuters Bottas said his experience of Madrid which for a while belonged Istanbul winter rally driving on snow and to Japan’s Takaaki Nakagami, ice of Lapland had helped. who had set the pace with 1min “It was actually quite far away ustralian Jack Miller 30.713sec on his LCR Honda. ed Bull’s Max Verstap- initially from the normal driving delivered the best Italian Francesco Bagnaia pen was fastest in Turk- style we’re used to in Formula time in practice yes- completed the top three, just ish Grand Prix practice One,” said the Finn. Aterday ahead of the ahead of KTM’s Pol Espargaro. yesterday while Lewis “I had really fun, just playing Valencia MotoGP as Joan Mir Mir had been eighth fastest HamiltonR slammed the slip- around. It was really enjoyable.” crashed to fall outside the top in the morning session but a pery surface ahead of a race that Vettel, the last winner in Tur- 10, with the Spaniard’s fi rst low-key day for the 23-year- could crown him Formula One key and now in his fi nal few races world title in sight this week- old will not be too much of a champion for a record-equalling for Ferrari before joining Aston end. Mir suff ered a late blip concern, given he takes a com- seventh time. Martin (Racing Point) next sea- at the Ricardo Tormo circuit manding 37-point lead into The times at the Istanbul Park son, was fi fth and eighth in the when he came off at Turn 4 Sunday’s race. He needs only circuit, hosting a Formula One two sessions. with 11 minutes to go, an error 14 points to be crowned cham- race for the fi rst time since 2011, McLaren’s Carlos Sainz that saw him drop to 11th in the pion and could secure the title were largely meaningless. stopped by the side of the track standings. if he fi nishes fourth, as long The combination of cold in the fi rst session after earlier But after clinching his maid- as neither Quartarao or Rins November temperatures and a suff ering an electrical problem, en premier category victory on win the race. It would mean recent resurfacing left all driv- but was 14th in the second. His the same track in the European Mir celebrating with a week to ers spinning and struggling for team mate Lando Norris, cel- Grand Prix last weekend, Mir spare, the season fi nale taking grip. ebrating his 21st birthday, was will become world champion place at Portimao in Portugal Verstappen lapped in one seventh and 10th. on Sunday if he fi nishes on the on November 22. minute 35.077 seconds in the Williams driver George Rus- podium. The Suzuki rider’s Combined fastest times morning, more than 10 seconds sell was set to receive a grid pen- main challengers are Alex Rins 1. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati- slower than Sebastian Vettel’s alty for exceeding the allowed and Fabio Quartararo, but of Pramac) 1:30.622, 2. Takaaki 2011 pole position time for the number of engine parts for the the top three only Rins holds Nakagami (JPN/Honda-LCR) same team, before lowering it to season. The fi rst session was red a provisional Q2 spot after he at 0.091sec, 3. Francesco 1:28.330 in the afternoon. fl agged within minutes of the came eighth in the afternoon Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati) 0.120, “I think we are all still about Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during practice at the Turkish Grand Prix yesterday. (Reuters) start after Leclerc slid into a bol- practice session, ahead of his 4. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) fi ve seconds off where we should lard marking the pit lane entry. Spanish compatriots Aleix Es- 0.199, 5. Johann Zarci (FRA/ be on this track. I hope it’s not rari’s Charles Leclerc was best four races to go, was 0.85 sec- they could have just cleaned it Track workers were earlier pargaro and Maverick Vinales. Ducati) 0.277, 6. Andrea going to rain because then we of the rest after lunch. Dominant onds off Verstappen’s pace. maybe instead of waste all the seen chasing a stray dog that was France’s Quartararo came Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.304, may actually need spikes,” said Mercedes moved back up the “It was a bit of a disaster today, money. “The tyres aren’t work- reported to have been caught be- 16th, despite being only 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) Verstappen. timesheets, with Valtteri Bottas to be honest,” said Hamilton. ing and it’s like an ice-rink out fore any cars ventured out onto 0.704sec behind in an incred- 0.308, 8. Alex Rins (ESP/Su- Thai team mate Alexander Al- third fastest by the end of the day “This track is such a fantastic there,” added the Briton. the track. ibly tight leaderboard. zuki) 0.325, 9. Aleix Espargaro bon, whose future at the team and Hamilton fourth. circuit and I really don’t fully “It’s terrifying the whole way The race weekend is being Miller’s time of 1min (ESP/Aprilia) 0.367, 10. Mav- remains uncertain, was second The Briton, who leads sole ti- understand when they spend around. It’s almost like there’s held behind closed doors as a re- 30.622sec was enough for the erick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) in the opening session but Fer- tle rival Bottas by 85 points with millions to re-do a surface... wet patches all over.” sult of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pramac Ducati rider to claim 0.440.