Qatar Drawn with Honduras, Panama in Gold Cup

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WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 LosL Angeles Lakers' LeBron James faces formerf Miami Heat team in NBA Finals I'mI extremely proud to be a part of this franchise getting back tot where it belongs, and that's playing for championships and competingc for championships. This is what I came here for.

LeBron James Sport |08 NHL: STANLEY CUP, Tampa Bay Lightning beat Dallas Stars (2-0) in Game 6 to win best-of-seven championship series (4-2) Asian champions to make debut in North American event next year Qatar drawn with Honduras, Panama in Gold Cup

THE PENINSULA — MIAMI

Debutants and Asian Cup champions Qatar yesterday were drawn with Honduras, Grenada and Panama in Group D of the 2021 Gold Cup. This will be second major North American football event to feature Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Last year, Qatar made its debut in Copa America in Brazil where it played matches against Paraguay, Columbia and Argentina. Qatar is one of the invited teams for the 2021 edition of The tournament was CONCACAF Gold Cup. CONCACAF has not originally scheduled for announced sites of the July 2-25 but was pushed tournament. back to July 10 to August Qatar are the seventh 1, with three nations to guest nation to compete in a advance from a Gold Cup and the first since 2005, joining the ranks of preliminary round on July Brazil (1996, 1998, 2003), Qatar players celebrate 2-6. Colombia (2000, 2003, 2005), after winning the Asian Peru (2000), Ecuador (2002), Cup in Abu Dhabi, in South Africa (2005) and South this February 1, 2019 Many top Europe-based Korea (2000, 2002). ﬁle photo. players from CONCACAF Along with South Korea, nations have reported to their Qatar will become the second clubs for preseason by the nationnation ffromrom ththee AsianAsian FoFootballotball winningwinning TUDN sportscaster StatesSta was drawn to play are likely to skip. The Confed- group stage match-ups. The knockout stage and will not ConfederationConfederation (AFC)(AFC) to appearappear LindsayLindsay CasinelliCasinelli anandd Fox SportsSports Canada,Can Martinique and either eration of North American and tournament was originally return to national teams until inin a Gold Cup tournamenttournament.. LeadLead Soccer AnalystAnalyst andand UnitedUnited Barbabos,Bar Bermuda, Haiti or St. Caribbean Football Association scheduled for July 2-25 but was World Cup qualifiers during the TheThe drdrawaw wwasas StatesStates MMen’sen’s NNationalational TeTeamam VincentVin and the Grenadines in Football held its first draw for pushed back to July 10 to August international fixture window broadcastbroadcast livlivee aandnd legendlel gend Alexi Lalas. thethe group stage of next sum- the tournament on Monday 1, with three nations to advance starting August 30. waswas hostedhosted byby In thethe drawdraw coconductednducted mer’sme CONCACAF Gold Cup, a night rather than its past from a preliminary round on Mexico are defending EmmyEmmyy awardawardd yesterday,yy,yesterday, thethe UniteUnitedd tournamenttou many top players practice of announcing the July 2-6. champions of the event.

Coach FelixFelix SanchSanchezez It will be a good experience for Qatar: Sanchez

THE PEPENINSULANINSULA — DOHADOHA Honduras, Panama and are playing well outside Asia and all the resources to see this competition. Honduras Granada in Group D of the and that is good experience and to follow other teams and Panama national teams CoachCoach FelixFelix SanchezSanch 16-team tournament. for us,” Sanchez added. and the players. It is not have also played World Cups yesterdayyesterday saidsaid Asian CupC “I think it is important to “Since we are playing the advantage for any side these in recent past. They have champions Qatar must ‘be be ready to face any situ- World Cup (in 2022), it will be days. We will know all the good level. readyready to facefa ation. These days other good to play other type or style other teams, and surely, our “Their players play in anyany situation’’situatio teams demand of you to play of football. It will be good for rival teams will know about Mexico, Europe and else- whenwhen theyth well in any situation,” us to get this experience and us, our teams and the players where and they have good take ppartart in Sanchez said yesterday in to improve our international profiles etc. This does not experience. They will be be 2021 CONCACAFCONCAC reaction to the draw level. We need to adapt any give any advantage to a big challenge for us. It will Gold Cup tour-to announced by CONCACAF possible scenario and that’s anyone,” Sanchez said. be another experience to nament next yyear.e Gold Cup organisers in how we are trying to play,” “Regards to Group D that play in this league. We hope On MondayMond Miami, Florida. the Spaniard said. Qatar has to be play, our we will compete well against nnight,ight, Qatar, whow “Our is a young team. It “Nowadays, I think, rival teams have qualified to these teams and try to get wonwon thethe 20192019 AsianAs is growing. It is getting inter- every team is well prepared. play in the tournament. They good results in group stage,” Cup,Cup, were drawn withw national experience. They They have technical staff have a good level to play in Sanchez added. Djokovic eases through opener; Rublev FRENCH OPEN: ORDER OF PLAY COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER 3-Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) v Renata Zarazua (Mexico) Tsvetana Pironkova (Bulgaria) v 6-Serena Williams (US) back from brink to advance in five sets Mackenzie McDonald (US) v 2-Rafa Nadal (Spain) 6-Alexander Zverev (Germany) v Pierre-Hugues Herbert AFP — PARIS Serbia’s Novak Top seed Djokovic will (France) Djokovic meet Lithuania’s Ricardas COURT SUZANNE LENGLEN Novak Djokovic was celebrates after Berankis for a place in the last 16-Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) v Dominik Koepfer described as a “snake killing winning his ﬁrst 32. Berankis, the world (Germany) its prey” by vanquished round match number 66, won his first Jack Sock (US) v 3-Dominic Thiem (Austria) Roland Garros opponent against Sweden’s main draw match at Roland 1-Simona Halep (Romania) v Irina-Camelia Begu (Romania) Mikael Ymer yesterday as the Mikael Ymer, Garros after six losses when Caroline Garcia (France) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Belarus) world number one’s bid to yesterday. he saw off Hugo Dellien of COURT SIMONNE MATHIEU become the first man in half Bolivia 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. 10-Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) v Anna Karolina Schmiedlova a century to win all four Meanwhile, Russian 13th (Slovakia) Grand Slam titles twice got off seed Andrey Rublev came to a convincing start. back from the brink to beat Lorenzo Giustino (Italy) v 12-Diego Schwartzman (Argentina) Djokovic eased to a 6-0, American Sam Querrey in 23-Benoit Paire (France) v Federico Coria (Argentina) 6-2, 6-3 victory, reaching the five sets, yesterday. Coco Gauff (US) v Martina Trevisan (Italy) second round in Paris for a Trailing by two sets and Yesterday's Results (Selected) record-equalling 16th time. 5-2 to the big-serving Men's First Round It was also his 32nd win Querrey it seemed as though Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Mikael Ymer (SWE) 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 in 33 matches in 2020, his Rublev was about to suffer a Ricardas Berankis (LTU) bt Hugo Dellien (BOL) 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 only loss coming when he similar first-round fate to his Christian Garin (CHI x20) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, was defaulted from the US fourth-seeded compatriot 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 Open. Daniil Medvedev. Matteo Berrettini (ITA x7) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 “It felt like when a snake The 22-year-old had ey Rublev (RUS x13) bt Sam Querrey (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7), kills its prey,” was the blunt never recovered a two-set 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 verdict of 23-year-old Ymer just surreal. The court felt big Open title and 18th career Opelka of the United States. deficit before but showed Women's First Round who never recovered from and I was nervous because I major. Meanwhile, Djokovic incredible fight to gradually dropping the first set in just was facing the best on the The two hit together at insisted his New York dis- turn the match around to win Sofia Kenin (US x4) bt Liudmila Samsonova (RUS) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 20 minutes under the roof of other side.” Wimbledon in 2015 on the qualification, handed out 6-7(5), 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 in Laura Siegemund (GER) bt Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 7-5, 6-3 Court Philippe Chatrier. Yesterday’s demolition morning of the men’s final when he swiped a ball which three hours and 17 minutes. Sloane Stephens (USA) bt Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) 6-2, 6-2 “He hits it pretty big. I had was the not the first time when Djokovic went on to felled a line judge, was defi- Rublev’s first French Paula Badosa (ESP) bt Kateryna Kozlova (UKR) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 chances to rally but then I got Ymer, the world number beat Roger Federer for the nitely a thing of the past. Open match win sets him up Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) bt Madison Brengle (USA) 6-2, 6-1

suffocated. It was corner to 80 from Sweden, had title and Ymer was readying “I have not had any traces for a second-round clash with Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Mayar Sherif (EGY) 6-7 (9/11), corner and he rarely misses. faced Djokovic who is for the boys championship of New York in my mind. I’m Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich 6-2, 6-4 “At the beginning, it was chasing a second French match which he lost to Reilly over it,” he said. Fokina. WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 Mladenovic calls for VAR in tennis after double bounce controversy

AFP — PARIS full advantage, racing into the next Mladenovic refused to blame Siegemund round with a 7-5, 6-3 win. for not calling the incident on herself Kristina Mladenovic called for a football- “It would be great to have that,” said yesterday. style VAR system to be introduced in Mladenovic when asked if video replays “Well, she would have been the best tennis after her Roland Garros opponent should be introduced in tennis. and most fair player on the tour if she profited from a double bounce to help “It’d be a pity to replace a human would have done that. Unfortunately, knock the Frenchwoman out of her with a camera but to err is human. I don’t she didn’t. I didn’t expect her to do it,” home Grand Slam yesterday. see how the umpire could not see it. added Mladenovic. Mladenovic was 5-1 up and with a Unfortunately, she continues at Roland “But if she would have done it, she set point against Laura Siegemund when Garros but I do not.” would have all my respect and be super- the German scooped a winner despite It was a second successive miserable fair play. She’s not the one responsible. the ball appearing to bounce twice. The Grand Slam for the 27-year-old French- I think the chair umpire is the one that incident was missed by chair umpire Eva woman who was withdrawn from the should be really focused on that call. The Kristina Mladenovic reacts as Asderaki. doubles at the US Open earlier this set was mine. It was just unlucky for me she plays against Germany’s World number 44 Mladenovic month in a row over coronavirus. that the chair umpire didn’t do her job,” Laura Siegemund, yesterday. pleaded in vain before Siegemund took Despite her disappointment, she said. Canada’s No leeway: French Open players Pospisil criticises under strict lockdown off-court ‘bad bubble’

AFP — PARIS REUTERS — PARIS Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves This year’s Roland Garros is not Canadian player Vasek just about what happens on the the ball to Pospisil has criticised the court, it is also very much about Belarus’ Egor ‘bubble’ in which players at the what goes on off it as organisers Gerasimov French Open must remain, try to reduce any chance of the during their saying it is nowhere near as coronavirus rearing its ugly men’s singles good as the one provided at head. ﬁrst round the US Open. That has meant strict san- match on Pospisil bowed out of the itary conditions for the players second day of singles with a whimper yes- who have been corralled into French Open terday to Italian seed Matteo two hotels close to the courts on Monday. Berrettini and while he is in the which they cannot leave other doubles with American Jack than to play or to see a doctor. Sock he gave the impression In part this was to counter that his departure from Paris the controversies that emerged could not come soon enough. during the US Open when “As soon as I’m done with French player Benoit Paire, who doubles, I will leave the bubble was ruled out of the tournament because it’s not a very good following a positive test for bubble here they made for us,” Covid-19, spoke of a “false said Pospisil, who along with bubble”. Novak Djokovic is one of the The French Tennis Feder- Players are only allowed to leave the main players driving the PTPA, ation (FFT) has given no leeway hotel for three reasons: a match, a proposed new men’s players’ to French players, who might union. be tempted to stay with friends training or something medical. “It’s not easy mentally to or family, and none also for be in it. As soon as I have an three-time champion Serena opportunity to leave the Williams who owns an to mingle with hotel guests, cated to Flushing Meadows -- women follow one another bubble, I will.” apartment in the French capital. ordinary tourists, in the lobby and the US Open. through the hall, leaving the “It’s much worse,” Pospisil “I have serious health of the building or in one of the Our objective was not to But there was enough hotel restaurant to the few said. “At least for the players, problems which make me try elevators. laughter and noisy discussion tourists braving the start of the hotel we’re staying at, it’s to stay away from public ‘Bubbling is impossible’ create a bubble because emerging from the lounge on autumn in Paris. To help seal tough. We don’t have places,” Williams said during “Our objective was not to the bubble is impossible. Saturday, on the eve of the the hotels, the lobby is littered anything. the US Open, obviously con- create a bubble because the launch of the third and final with security guards ensuring “The US Open there was a cerned about being in close bubble is impossible,” Bernard Bernard Montalvan Grand Slam tournament of the that everyone wears a mask, much bigger effort I felt from proximity to anyone. Montalvan, responsible for the year, to suggest it was a popular social distancing measures are the organisation to make the “I have found myself several health protocol at Roland place. respected and that the players time in the bubble a little bit times in the hospital in serious Garros, said. Waltz of vehicles are not disturbed by over more comfortable for the states. I will make the best Opinions differ among the Players are only allowed to enthusiastic fans looking for an players. That’s for sure. decision for my health,” she players about that ‘non-bub- Evans lost his first round leave the hotel for three autograph of a selfie. “I mean, I think almost added. bling’ approach. singles match but must hang reasons: a match, training or Most of the time, their work every player I’ve spoken to So far so good for Williams The American John Isner around for his opening doubles something medical. is limited to guiding disoriented was sharing the same opinion. who cruised through her first “feels very safe” while Britain’s match. For this, they have to book customers to reception, the res- It’s not easy to be stuck in the round match against Kristie Ahn Dan Evans said he felt “nervous” There is an area which is a tournament shuttle which taurant or the elevators. bubble. You don’t want to be as she started her bid for a at the sight of the public in the reserved purely for the athletes leads to a continuous waltz of All these restrictions are in on-site all day because it’s also record-equalling 24th Major. hotel. but the “players’ lounge” up on vehicles stamped with the place for a reason. The players a stressful environment, right? But the players are not com- “If we are forbidden to leave the 9th floor is a small joy for Roland Garros logo in front of are only too well aware of the “The only place you can go pletely bubbled as the two (the establishment), then we those who have already spent the hotel. threat of Covid-19 which yes- is the hotel. It’s not easy hotels are not being used exclu- should not see the public there, several weeks confined to New Many opt to have meals terday officially passed the one because you can’t even get sively for Roland Garros. It is that’s my opinion “, he said at a York for the Masters 1000 in delivered rather than eat with million fatalities mark fresh air. But that is what it is,” not uncommon for the players press conference on Sunday. Cincinnati -- which was relo- the public. Delivery men and worldwide. he said. IPL: Hyderabad open account Kiwis to end cricket drought with 15-run win over Delhi with T20s against West Indies

IANS — ABU DHABI Earlier, Kane Williamson, WELLINGTON Brief Scores playing his first match of the AP — Bangladesh threeree one-day SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) season, helped SRH to 162/4 internationals andd tthreehree T2T20s.0s. yesterday recorded their first with a quickfire 41 off 26 balls. The New Zealand cricket team’s The first ODI at DunedinDunedin oonn win of the IPL season as they SRH 162/4 in 20 overs Jonny Bairstow played the long drought of international March 21 will be NewNew ZZealand’sealand’s beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs (J Bairstow 53, D role of anchor, scoring 53 off matches will end in November first in the 50-overver fformatormat fforor at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Warner 45; K Rabada 48 while his opening partner when it plays its first of three more than a year.. here. and SRH captain David Twenty20s against the West The New Zealandealand gov-gov- After scoring 162/4 in 20 2/21) beat DC 147/7 in Warner made 45 off 33. Indies, the start of a busy ernment has grantedanted condi-condi- overs, spinner Rashid Khan 20 overs (S Dhawan 34, Meanwhile, in-form domestic summer. tional approval to allow the led the way with figures of R Pant 28; Rashid Khan Rajasthan Royals (RR) will aim The Black Caps last took the West Indies and Pakistanakistan seriesseries 3/14 as SRH restricted DC to 3/14) by 15 runs for a hat-trick of wins when field in March when they played to go ahead. 147/7 in 20 overs. Rashid was they square-off against two- Australia in a one-day interna- “We owe a hugeuge ddebtebt adjudged the Man of the time IPL winners Kolkata tional without fans in Sydney. of gratitude to thehe New Match. Knight Riders (KKR) at the All scheduled series in the last Zealand governmentment for Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Hetmyer (21) also struggled to Dubai International Cricket six months have been canceled helping us navigateate this Kumar struck early for SRH, get going before hitting a stadium today. because of the coronavirus complex process,”” New dismissing DC opener Prithvi couple of sixes off Khaleel After defeating Chennai pandemic. Zealand Cricket chiefchief Shaw (2) in the first over of the Ahmed in the 15th over. Super Kings (CSK) in their While some Black Caps executive Davidavid innings. He tried to keep up the campaign opener, the Steve players took part in the Indian White said. DC captain Shreyas Iyer pace and ended up falling to Smith-led RR overhauled the Premier League and have “Hosting thesese joined Shikhar Dhawan in the Bhuvneshwar off the very first highest tournament total of played in other T20 leagues tours is incrediblybly middle and while the pair ball of the next over. 224 against Kings XI Punjab around the world, the New important to us forfor ensured that the team didn’t Pant eventually fell to (KXIP) in their previous Zealand team itself has been two reasons: inter-er- lose any more wickets in the Rashid and in the next over, match. inactive. national cricketet powerplay, they could not Marcus Stoinis was out LBW They are high on confi- That T20 series against the brings in revenueue take the attack to the to T Natarajan. dence as they take another West Indies will be followed by that funds the entirere opposition. Khaleel bowled the last step towards qualifying for the two test matches. game of cricket in Shreyas Iyer eventually over with 27 to defend and he play-offs, though that is a bit New Zealand will then play New Zealand and,, alsoalso,, fell on 17 off 21 balls to become rarely gave the batsmen a far at the moment. Pakistan in three T20s and two it’s crucial that wewe Rashid’s first wicket. chance to get going. He dis- RR opener Sanju Samson Tests, the second test starting look after the fansns of Rishabh Pant struggled to missed Axar Patel off the third and skipper Smith smashed at Mount Maunganui on the game and sportort in get the run rate up, taking 27 ball and Kagiso Rabada ended half-centuries in the game December 26, Boxing Day. It general, especiallyly duringduring New Zealand captain balls to get to his 32. Shimron the match with a six. against KXIP. will play Australia in five T20s these difficult times,”mes,” he Kane Williamson in February and March, then added. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Al Nassr and Al Ahli eye AFC Champions League semi-final ticket

WWW.THE-AFC.COM - DOHA

Al Nassr FC will be looking to create club history by reaching their first-ever AFC Champions League semi-final when they face compatriots Al Ahli Saudi FC in the quarter-final of the 2020 competition today. While both Saudi teams have never won the competition, Al Ahli did reach the final in 2012, losing to Ulsan Hyundai 3-0. They have since reached the quarter-finals on two occa- sions; in 2013 and 2017. Al Nassr, meanwhile, are in the quarter-final for the second time in a row, having never reached this stage before 2019. Despite Al Ahli having a relatively superior record in the AFC Champions League, Al Nassr boast nine Saudi Pro League titles to Al Ahli’s three. The two head coaches have taken dif- ferent perspectives to a match that brings together two sides who know each other so well. “It is an advantage for both teams to face a fellow Saudi team,” said Al Nassr head coach Rui Vitoria. “It makes it easier for the coaches to prepare for the match because we know each other. I like the fact a Saudi team is guaranteed to reach the West final. Of course, I want us to be that team, but I am happy that a team from our league will Pakhtakor’s defender Egor Krimets reacts during the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor and be in the final of this part of the competition. Iran’s Esteghlal, at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. “The players will not only be tired in their legs, they will also be tired mentally and with time there is a tendency to lose concentration, so the team that retains more concentration until the end and stays mentally stronger will win.” ACL: Pakhtakor sense their A 75th minute Abderazzak Hamdallah strike settled Al Nassr’s Round of 16 encounter against Al Taawoun, while Al Ahli had to fight to come from behind against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, with a second-half Omar Al Soma penalty cancelling out Azizjon Ganiev’s opener. ‘chance’ in Persepolis clash Head coach Vladan Milojevic’s men needed 30 minutes of extra time and a penalty shootout which THE PENINSULA - DOHA so long and he joined us at Persepolis’ players and coaching staff celebrate their win during saw Al Soma miss from the spot, but he was Pakhtakor this year, so our the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between Iran’s spared the punishment after Abdullah Al Uzbekistan football giants understanding is important, Persepolis and Qatar’s Al Sadd at the Education City Stadium in Naqbi fired wide for Shabab Al Ahli, handing Pakhtakor FC will be eyeing a especially in such a difficult Doha on Sunday. the Saudis a 4-3 win with Ahmed Khalil place in the AFC Champions game,” Krimets said. having earlier missed Shabab Al Ahli’s first League semi-finals when they “But against Persepolis, we penalty. take on Iranian side Persepolis are not only being tested in our “We know in the last game we played in the last-eight clash today. defensive solidity, but also in extra time and had a long and tiring game, The mouth-watering team character, how we can but I feel my players are preparing very well quarter-finals will take place at play in attack and build up for the game,” said Milojevic. 2022 FIFA World Cup venue against such a strong team,” he “Al Nassr are a strong team with good Education City Stadium. added. players. They have a lot of quick and skillful Pakhtakor FC last played The 12-time Uzbek cham- players like Hamdallah, Abdulfattah Asiri the semi-finals of the AFC pions, who reached made a and Pity Martinez, but for me, it is about Champions League way back quarter-final appearance in having a good team, not just good indi- in 2003 and 2004. 2009, topped Group B of the viduals, and I am confident that we have a Long-serving club captain 2020 AFC Champions League good team." Egor Krimets said his team is with an unbeaten record and This is the second time in AFC Cham- keen to make the most of only one goal conceded fol- pions League history that two Saudi teams today’s opportunity for a place lowing the annulment of Al have faced off in the quarter-finals. Coinci- in the semi-finals of the region’s Hilal SFC’s results. dentally, the only other time this happened premier club tournament. Persepolis, on the other was last year with Al Nassr and Al Ahli’s two “The quarter-final is a very hand, are in the AFC Champions city rivals. important match, we do not League quarter-finals for the On the occasion, Riyadh-based Al Hilal know when will our next third time in four years, having beat Jeddah-based Al Ittihad 3-1 on aggregate chance to be in this stage again reached the semi-finals in 2017 at the same stage and went on to be crowned come, so this is our chance,” then the final in 2018, losing to champions. said Krimets who has been at Al Hilal SFC and Kashima the club since 2011. Antlers respectively. “We know Persepolis are Today’s game comes a day wish a quick recovery to was an exhausting game. But for us for sure but we are deter- our fans happy,” Golmo- good in set-pieces, so it is before the fifth anniversary of Pakhtakor head coach Shota we are well motivated and in mined to fight for our place in hammadi concluded. important to be cautious with the death of former Persepolis Arveladze,” said Golmo- good spirits. Pakhtakor had one the semis. There will always be Persepolis have never them. Our aim is not to give captain Hadi Norouzi. hammadi on his opposite more day to rest and they will ups and downs and you will beaten Pakhtakor in three pre- them such chances to score The attacking midfielder number who tested positive for be coming at us like machines. likely score an early goal and vious encounters in the AFC goals, so we will try not to spent seven years at the club COVID-19 last week. “Our We will need to consume more concede and early goal too but Champions League. commit many fouls near our and had just been named thoughts are with the family of energy and fight in this game, I think our players have already The Uzbeks won 1-0 in the penalty box,” the 28-year-old captain when he passed away Norouzi on the memory of his but hopefully we can win and experienced these parts of group stage of the 2002-03 added. after a heart attack on October passing. The players want to put reach the next stage.” football and can fight back,” the edition, pipping Persepolis to the Krimets said he looks 1, 2015. Head coach Yahya Gol- in a fight tomorrow and ded- “Pakhtakor are an former Iran defender said. top of Group D thanks to that forward to playing along side mohammadi, himself a former icate the win to his soul.” organized well-disciplined “Persepolis players will win. In 2019, they were again fellow Uzbekistan international Persepolis player, wants his “We worked really hard to team and we will have to play never get tired of winning and pitted together in Group D and veteran Anzur Ismailov. players to win the quarter-final reach this stage, we faced Al with more energy against our fans send us their positive played out a 1-1 draw at Azadi “Ismailov and I played in tie in memory of Norouzi. Sadd who are one of the best them,” he added. energy and support us from dis- Stadium before Pakhtakor won the national team together for “First of all, I would like to teams in the competition and it “It will not be an easy match tance. We hope we can make 1-0 in Tashkent. London Marathon virus testing finds runner, coach positive

AP - LONDON London and on the day of their “We, whatever the condi- seeks his fifth London victory. arrival. They’ll also be tested on tions, believe that there will be The Kenyan is the world record An Ethiopian runner had to pull Friday. some incredible racing that will holder (2 hours, 1 minute, 39 out of the London Marathon Instead of snaking along the live long in people’s memory, seconds) who last year became after she and the coach of two River Thames, the athletes will and it could be incredibly the first person to run a mar- other elite marathoners tested compete on a 26.2-mile (42.2 quick.” athon distance in under 2 hours, positive for the coronavirus, the kilometer) closed-loop course Only one other World Mar- in an unofficial exhibition. race director said yesterday. consisting of 19.6 clockwise laps athon Major - Tokyo - was held Kipchoge’s top challenger Degitu Azimeraw, who won around St James’ Park, ending this year as Boston, Berlin, is expected to be Kenenisa the 2019 Amsterdam Marathon, on the Mall. Chicago and New York all can- Bekele, a three-time Olympic and coach Haji Adilo tested pos- It should be a fast course for celled because of the pandemic. champion on the track. The A handout picture released by the London Marathon shows Kenya’s itive in Ethiopia. defending champions Eliud Kip- Like Tokyo, London’s field was 38-year-old Ethiopian won the Eliud Kipchoge (left) training within the grounds of the official “As a result (of the positive choge, Brigid Kosgei and their reduced to elites only. 2019 Berlin Marathon in a time tests), they didn’t get on the challengers, but potential wet Even with prize money that was only 2 seconds off Kip- marathon hotel. This year’s London marathon will be an elite- plane,” London Marathon event weather could dampen hopes slashed nearly in half, the event choge’s world record set the athlete only event run in a “secure biosphere” due to coronavirus director Hugh Brasher said in a of world records. has drawn elite runners who year before, also in Berlin. restrictions. “Elite races for men, women and wheelchair athletes conference call ahead of Sun- “Heavy rain is not ideal con- have had few opportunities to Kosgei is back to defend will take place on an enclosed looped course in St James’s Park in day’s race. ditions to do a world record in,” compete during the her title. The 26-year-old a secure biosphere. Adilo is the coach of Ethi- Brasher said of current fore- pandemic. Kenyan holds the world record opian runners Shura Kitata and casts. “You want light winds, All eyes will be on the of 2:14:04, set in winning the prize money. The men’s and the distance, all tracked by a Alemu Megertu, both of whom you want dry conditions. 35-year-old Kipchoge as he Chicago Marathon last women’s winners each get marathon app. will remain in the race because October. $30,000, down from $55,000 Times will be eligible for there was no “face-to-face Kosgei will be challenged by last year, excluding a potential qualification for the Tokyo contact” with their coach in the ** Only one other World Marathon Major - Tokyo - was Kenyan team-mates Ruth bonus of $125,000 for the men’s Olympics, which were post- past two weeks, Brasher said. held this year as Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York all Chepngetich and Vivian and women’s winner if they set poned until 2021 because of the The London race has all the cancelled because of the pandemic. Like Tokyo, London’s ﬁeld Cheruiyot. Manuela Schar and a world record. The men’s and pandemic. British running great trappings of a 2020 sporting was reduced to elites only. David Weir will feature in the women’s wheelchair category Mo Farah - a four-time Olympic event: hotel bubble for athletes, ** Another modiﬁcation is prize money. The men’s and wheelchair events. winners will take home champion on the track - will be competition modifications and women’s winners each get $30,000, down from $55,000 last “We have, we believe, some $20,000 each. among the pacemakers. no spectators. Athletes and their year, excluding a potential bonus of $125,000 for the men’s athletes in great shape, but The race was expected to The London Marathon is coaches are staying at a hotel and women’s winner if they set a world record. they’ve all been training in draw 750,000 spectators. An usually held in April. Next year’s reserved only for them outside unique conditions, so it is estimated 45,000 registrants race has been rescheduled for The men’s and women’s wheelchair category winners will London. ** probably the most difficult mar- will also compete in a “virtual October 3 in hopes of allowing take home $20,000 each. Protocols required virus athon to predict,” Brasher said. marathon” and have a full 24 all qualifying runners to testing before athletes left for Another modification is hours on Sunday to run or walk compete. WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Golfers walk along the 18th fairway during the second round of the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship in this September 25, 2020 ﬁle photo taken in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Japan to California for record-chasing Tiger Woods AFP - HONG KONG tie Sam Snead’s all-time wins record, SCOTLAND FOR THE BRAVE winning one of the European Tour’s and July 2011, had been there ever and Woods will be back on familiar The European Tour this week “Rolex Series” of mega-money events. since. Big names, wild weather and a steady ground for his defence. returns to semblance of normality, at Good luck to them -- the forecast He is one of only five players in slide feature in golf talking points this Woods hosted the World Challenge least in terms of prize money, with the for the weekend is bleak, to say the history to have spent more than 1,000 week: event at the Sherwood layout from Scottish Open carrying a $7m purse -- least. Maximum temperatures might weeks in the top 50, though never 2000 to 2013, winning five times. If big enough to attract several big names only nudge 11C (52F) with rain and 30 reached the summit, with being EYE OF THE TIGER ON 83 he is to add to that tally he will have back from playing for the riches on kilometres per hour (20 mph) wind second-ranked in 2008 the closest he Tiger Woods achieved his record- to overcome a Zozo Championship offer in the US. thrown in on the exposed links edging got to number one. The other four are equalling 82nd PGA Tour win at the field that is shaping to be even tougher Moved back from its traditional the Firth of Forth. At least it should be Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson Zozo Championship in Japan 11 months than last year’s, the PGA Tour slot, a week before the Open Champi- slighter more clement the following and Jim Furyk. ago, but he won’t have to travel as far announced yesterday. onship in July, the North Berwick week when the tour heads south for Since winning his sole major at the to defend the title. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who venue will see top names braving the another big-money event -- its Masters in 2017, Garcia has been on a Woods this week committed to pushed Woods all the way in finishing October elements on what looks flagship PGA Championship at leafy steady slide. He dropped out of the top playing at the 2020 Zozo Champi- runner-up last year, and Rory McIlroy, certain to be a blustery week on the Wentworth near London. 20 in late 2018 and fell to 51st from onship which has been shifted to who finished third, have entered again. coast just east of Edinburgh. FALLING GARCIA 48th in the new rankings revealed on Sherwood Country Club in Thousand They will be joined by the world’s top Tommy Fleetwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia dropped out of the Monday. Garcia is entered this week Oaks, California, beginning October two Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and 2016 Masters world’s top 50 this week, ending a at the US PGA Tour’s Sanderson Farms 22, because of coronavirus-induced plus Phil Mickelson, Tommy champion Danny Willett will be among remarkable run at the top. The Championship, where a good result travel restrictions. The 15-time major Fleetwood, Ricky Fowler, Jordan the luminaries arriving from America Spaniard broke into the top 50 as a could see only his second fall from winner triumphed at the first PGA Tour Spieth and Justin Rose for the no-cut, armed with handwarmers, mittens 19-year old in 1999 and, apart from golf’s top table in 21 years be very event to be held in Japan last year to 78-player shootout. and rain gear as they go in search of one form blip between August 2010 short-lived.

Wednesday, September 30 18); Scottish Championship, St. Andrews (until October 18) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until TENNIS: ATP at St Petersburg, Cologne and Sardinia (until Oct Oct 11) Sports Diary for 18) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10); Australia Women v New Zealand Women at Brisbane, 3rd T20I; England Women v Friday, October 16 West Indies Women at Derby, 5th T20I September 30 to October 23 CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League play-off second legs CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers, GOLF: US PGA Tour CJ Cup Shadow Creek (until Oct 18); Scottish Game One Championship, St. Andrews (until October 18) CYCLING: Binck Bank Tour (until Oct 3) RUGBY UNION - European Challenge Cup final, venue to be decided Thursday, October 1 TENNIS: ATP at St Petersburg, Cologne and Sardinia (until Oct 18) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until Oct 11) Saturday, October 17 CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) GOLF: EPGA at Scottish Open at North Berwick; USPGA at Sand- CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) erson Farms Championship, Jackson, Mississippi (until Oct 4) RUGBY UNION: European Champions Cup final, venue to be FOOTBALL: UEFA Europa League 2020/21 play-offs; UEFA decided Champions League group-stage draw GOLF: US PGA Tour CJ Cup Shadow Creek (until Oct 18); Scottish CYCLING: Binck Bank Tour (until Oct 3) Championship, St. Andrews (until October 18) TENNIS: ATP at St Petersburg, Cologne and Sardinia (until Oct 18) Friday, October 2 TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until Sunday, October 18 Oct 11) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers, CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Game Two GOLF: US PGA Tour CJ Cup Shadow Creek (ends); Scottish Cham- CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) pionship, St. Andrews (ends) GOLF: EPGA at Scottish Open at North Berwick; USPGA at Sand- TENNIS: ATP at St Petersburg, Cologne and Sardinia (ends) erson Farms Championship, Jackson, Mississippi; LPGA at Sho- MOTOR CYCLING: Aragon MotoGP, Spain prite Classic, New Jersey (end Oct 4) FOOTBALL: UEFA Europa League group-stage draw Monday, October 19 CYCLING: Binck Bank Tour (until Oct 3) BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat, GOLF: BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth (until Oct 11); CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) Game Four US PGA Tour at TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas (until Oct 11); CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Saturday, October 3 CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Women’s PGA Championship at Aronimink, Pennsylvania (until TENNIS: ATP at Antwerp and Cologne; WTA at Ostrava (until TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until Oct 11) Oct 25) Oct 11) Wednesday, October 7 RALLYING: Rally of Italy (until Oct 11) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until FOOTBALL: UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 (until Oct 11) Tuesday, October 20 GOLF: EPGA at Scottish Open at North Berwick; USPGA at Sand- Oct 11) FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League group stage matchday 1 erson Farms Championship, Jackson, Mississippi; LPGA at Sho- CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) Sunday, October 11 (until Oct 21) prite Classic, New Jersey (end Oct 4) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (ends) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25); Binck Bank Tour (ends) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25); Ghent-Wevelgem one-day CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Thursday, October 8 classic BASEBALL: World Series Game 1 Sunday, October 4 TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat, TENNIS: ATP at Antwerp and Cologne; WTA at Ostrava (until TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French Open at Roland Garros (until Oct 11) Game Six (if necessary) Oct 25) Oct 11) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) FOOTBALL: UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 (until Oct 11) CYCLING:YCLING: Giro dd’Italia Italia (Until(Until Oct 2525);); LieLiege-Bastogne-Liegegeg -Bastogng e-Liegge CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until(u( ntil Nov 10)10)) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until(u( ntil Nov 10)10)) Wednesday, October 21 GOLF:OLF: EPGA at Scottish OOpenpen at North BerwickBerwick;; USPGA at Sand-Sand- GOLF: BMW PGA ChamChampionshippionship at Wentworth (until(until Oct 11);11); GOLF:GOLF: BMW PGA ChamChampionshippionship at Wentworth ((ends);ends); US PGPGA FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League group stage matchday 1 ersonrson FarmsFarms Championship,Championship, Jackson,Jackson, Mississippi;Mississippi; LPGA atat Sho-Sho- US PGA TTourour at TPC Summerlin,Summerlin, LasLas VegasVegas (until Oct 11);11); TourTour aatt TPTPCC Summerlin,Summerlin, LasLas VegasVegas (ends);(ends); Women’sWomen’s PGAPG (ends) priterite Classic, New JerseJerseyy ((end)end) Women’s PGA Championship at Aronimink, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania (until(until Championship at Aronimink, PennsylvaniaPennsylvani CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) BASKETBALL:ASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Los AngelesAngeles Lakers v Miami Heat, Oct 11)11) (ends)(ends) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Gameame ThreeThree RALLYING:RALLYING: Rally of Italy (until(until OctOct 1111)) RALLYING:RALLYING: Rally of Italy (ends)(ends) TENNIS: ATP at Antwerp and Cologne; WTA at Ostrava (until RACING:ACING: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Paris LongchampLongchamp MOTOGP: French Grand Prix (L(Lee ManMans)s Oct 25) CRICKET:RICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 110)0) Friday,Friday, October 9 FORMULA ONE: Eifel Grand Prix,Prix GOLF:OLF: EPGA at Scottish OOpenpen at North Berwick; USPGA at Sand-Sand- TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French OOpenpen at Roland Garros NurburgringNurburgring Thursday, October 22 ersonrson Farms Championship,Championship, Jackson, Mississippi;Mississippi; LPGA at Sho-Sho- (until(until Oct 11)11) FOOTBALL: UEFA Europa League group stage matchday 1 priterite Classic, New Jersey (end) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia ((UntilUntil Oct 25)25) Monday,Monday, OOctoberctober 1212 CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25) BASKETBALL:BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Miami Heat v Los AngelesAngeles CYCLING:CYCLING: Giro d’Italia ((UntilUntil Oct 2525)) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) Monday,Monday, October 5 Lakers,Lakers, Game Five (if(if necessary)necessary) CCRICKET:RICKET: IPL in UAE (until(until Nov 10)10) GOLF: US PGA Tour at Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks; TENNIS:ENNIS: ATP and WTA at French OOpenpen CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 10) TENNIS: ATP at St PetersburPetersburg,g, ColoColognegn EPGA Italian Open in San Vigilio di Pozzolengo; LPGA Drive On att Roland Garros (until(until Oct 11)11) GOLF:GOLF: BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and Sardinia ((untiluntil Oct 1818)) Championship at Greensboro (all until Oct 25) CYCLING:YCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct (until(until Oct 11); US PGA Tour at TENNIS: ATP at Antwerp and Cologne (until Oct 25); WTA at 25)5) TPCTPC SuSummerlin,mmerlinn, LLasas TuesdayTuesday OOctoberctober 1133 OsOstravatrava (u(untilntil OOctct 225)5) CRICKET:RICKET: IPL in UAE (until(until Nov VegasVegas (u(untilntil CYCLING:CYCLING: Giro d’Italia ((UntilUntil Oct 2525)) 10)0) OOctct 11); BASKETBALL:BASKETBALL: NBA Finals, Miami Heat v Los AngelesAngeles Friday, October 2323 Lakers,Lakers, Game Seven (if(if necessanecessary)ry) CYCLING:CYCLING: Giro d’Italia ((UntilUntil Oct 25)25) Tuesday,uesday, OOctoberctober 6 FOOTBALL:FOOTBALL: UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 ((untiluntil CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until(until Nov 10)10) TENNIS:ENNIS: ATP and OctOct 1414)) GOLF:GOLF: UUSS PPGAGA Tour at SSherwoodherwood WTWTAA at FFrenchrench CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until(until Nov 10)10) CountryCountry Club,Club, Thousand Oaks; Openpen at TENNIS: ATP at St PetersbuPetersburg,rg, CologneCologne and SSardiniaardinia EPGA Italian Open in San VVigilioigilio Rolandoland GGarrosarros (until Oct 18)18) didi Pozzolengo; LPGA Drive OnOn (untiluntil Oct 111)1) Women’sW omen’ s Championship at Green-Green- CYCLING:YCLING: GiroGiro PGA Champi-Champi- Wednesday,Wednesday, OOctoberctober 14 ssboroboro (all until Oct 225)5) d’Italia’Italia (Until Oct onshiponship at Aronimink, CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25)25) FIGUREFIGURE SSKATING:KATING: SSkatekate 25)5) PennsylvaniaPennsylvania (until(until OctOct FOFOOTBALL:OTBALL: UEUEFAFA NNationsations LLeagueeague MatchdayMatchday AmericaAmerica GrGrandand PrPrixix 11)11) 4 ((untiluntil Oct 1414)) (until(until October 225)5) RALLYING:RALLYING: Rally of Italy (until(until OctOct CRICKET:CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until(until Nov 10)10) TENNIS:TENNIS: ATATPP aatt 11)11) TENNIS:TENNIS: ATP at St PetersburgPetersburg,, Cologne and SarSardiniadinia (until AntwerpAntwerp and CologneCologne OctOOct 18)18) (until((unttil OOctctt 225);5); WTWTAA att Saturday,Saturday, October 1100 Ostrava (until(until Oct 25)25) TENNIS:TENNIS: ATP and WTA at French OOpenpen at Roland Garros Thursday,Thursday, October 15 (until Oct 11)11) CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25)25) CYCLING:CYCLING: Giro d’Italia (Until Oct 25)25) CRICKET: IPL in UAE (until Nov 1010)) CRICKET: IPL inin UAE (until NovNov 10)10) GOLF:GOLF: US PGA TourTour CJ CupCup ShadoShadoww CrCreekeek (until(until Oct Sport WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 08

Schumacher WA opens Tampa Bay Lightning and Ilott center Steven door for Stamkos hoists the handed F1 Stanley Cup after ‘innovative’ win in game six. practice formats at slots Olympics

REUTERS — LONDON AFP — PARIS

Mick Schumacher will take World Athletics (WA) part in first Friday’s practice paved the way for with Alfa Romeo at the Nuer- changes to competition burgring next week as Ferrari formats at the world seek to give their three leading championships or the junior drivers Formula One Olympic Games when it race weekend experience. published its 2020 guide Britain’s Callum Ilott will to the regulations and take part in the same session competitions. with the Ferrari-powered The two major Haas team while Russian meetings of interna- Robert Shwartzman will get tional athletics have his chance on the final on been precluded thus far Friday of the season in Abu in hosting an “inno- Dhabi with Haas or Alfa. vative” format, such as Schumacher, son of Ferrari the introduction of a great and seven-times world decisive final test in the champion Michael, is leading long jump. the Formula Two standings “World Champion- ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix ships and Olympic weekend at the German Games (are) no longer circuit. excluded from competi- “The fact that my first par- tions where events may ticipation in a Formula One Lightning shut out Stars in be held in an alternative weekend will take place in format,” said World front of my home audience at Athletics. the Nuerburgring makes this In search of a larger moment even more special,” and younger audience, said Schumacher, 21. Game 6 to win Stanley Cup international athletics Ferrari-powered Alfa regularly tries to Romeo and Haas both have innovate in its compe- potential vacancies for 2021. REUTERS — EDMONTON in our group,” said Point, whose netminder Anton Khudobin tition formats, by modi- All three Ferrari Academy goal was the 14th of the play- made 27 saves. Khudobin fying competitions or by drivers will also test a 2018 As the Stanley Cup was being I’m so proud of this team offs and fifth in the Stanley Cup sparkled throughout the introducing elimination Ferrari SF71H at the Italian passed around by his Tampa and everything we’ve Final. playoffs upon taking the net races. team’s Fiorano track on Bay Lightning team-mates, accomplished. I’m “We played so hard, played when No. 1 goalie Ben Bishop The formats have Wednesday in preparation for captain Steven Stamkos our system well. We weren’t went down due to injury, but it attracted some criticism their F1 practice debuts, having struggled to find the words. speechless. It’s one of the thinking about the game ahead wasn’t enough. from athletes. already had seat fittings. The Lightning have been greatest feelings in the of us. “There’s no feelings right In August, US triple- Mick Schumacher has won among Cup favorites for the world. “It’s a special group. I’m so now,” Khudobin said. jumper Christian Taylor two races in F2 this season and past few years, but they kept proud of our guys.” Point “Just ended, you know? We led the offensive at the leads Ilott by 22 points. falling short. Steven Stamkos opened the scoring 12:23 into battled hard, especially with the Diamond League Shwartzman, a rookie in the The worst example the first period. He gained the situation. It’s not easy to stay meeting in Stockholm series, is fifth in the standings occurred in 2019, when, despite puck off the rush, and after his without families for two which offered a modified but has won three races. being the far-and-away reg- first shot was stopped, he con- months, stuff like that. We stick long jump competition Schumacher and Ilott have ular-season champions, they “It doesn’t come easy. I truly trolled the rebound and hit the together, we stick to each other. with the best three driven F1 cars before in test were swept aside by the believe the heartbreak we suf- mark for a power-play goal. But right now, there’s nothing.” jumpers after five sessions. Columbus Blue Jackets in the fered brought us here today.” The Lightning won every Nothing but disappointment, attempts qualifying for Schumacher also drove opening round of the playoffs. “We’re going to be Stanley playoff game in which Point lit which is a shame considering a final jump which Michael’s 2004 Ferrari around A season later, the Lightning Cup champs forever,” added the lamp. He led all NHL players all the Stars overcame en route decided the winner of the Mugello circuit this month are atop the hockey world, Tampa Bay lynchpin in goals during the 2020 posts- to reaching the final round, the competition. at a Tuscan Grand Prix cele- having claimed the Cup with a defenseman Victor Hedman, eason, edging Dallas’ Joe Pav- including upset series victories “I hope this idea will brating the Italian team’s 2-0 victory over the Dallas Stars who collected 10 goals and 12 elski (13). over the Colorado Avalanche stop after this season,” 1,000th Formula One cham- on Monday night in Edmonton assists during the championship Coleman doubled the Light- and Vegas Golden Knights the double Olympic and pionship race. to clinch the best-of-seven run and was named the Conn ning’s lead 7:01 into the second despite a plethora of injuries. four-time world series in six games. Smythe Trophy winner as the period when he blasted a one- “We gave it our all,” Dallas champion tweeted at the Mick “I’m so proud of this team top player in the postseason. timer set up by Cedric Paquette defenseman John Klingberg time. Schumacher and everything we’ve accom- “Our kids, our grandkids, if to conclude a three-way said. “Key players got hurt, we “I would like to plished. I’m speechless,” they look at the Stanley Cup, passing play that also included grinded it out. I’m proud of this understand how this Stamkos, who was only able to they’re going to see our names.” Pat Maroon. team.” could be better than the play one period during the Tampa Bay, which won the The Stars managed only Stars captain Jamie Benn traditional format?” he series due to injury, said on the Cup for the second time in fran- four shots on goal in each of the could barely contain his disap- said. CBC broadcast. chise history, rode a 22-save first two periods, a testament pointment during the postgame After falling foul of “It’s one of the greatest shutout by goaltender Andrei to the strong defensive play by news conference. coronavirus, the 2020 feelings in the world.” Vasilevskiy -- the first playoff the Lightning. Dallas finally “It sucks. You go through a Olympics in Tokyo will The “heartbreak” of the shutout of his career. Goals by managed to generate an attack lot with our group and...,” said now start in July 2021 2019 postseason, as coach Jon Brayden Point and Blake during the third period, but Benn, who was too distraught with the world champi- Cooper called it, taught his team Coleman provided enough Vasilevskiy stood tall in to finish the sentence. onships in Eugene, what it took to win. offense against a Stars team that blocking all 14 shots that came “It was a good run. It’s tough Oregon pushed back to “Sometimes in failure you simply couldn’t match up. his way in the final frame. here. You’re two games away 2022. find success,” Cooper said. “We had a lot of confidence At the other end, Stars from the Stanley Cup.” Mahomes dominates QB Lakers’ James faces former Kansas duel as Chiefs City Chiefs quarterback Heat team in NBA Finals Patrick top Ravens Mahomes NEW YORK reacts after REUTERS — The West’s top-seeded the acquisition of Davis in July throwing a Lakers last appeared in the NBA 2019 put them back on the path NEW YORK REUTERS — fourth quarter An unexpected NBA Finals Finals in 2010 when they toward the NBA’s elite. touchdown match-up between the LeBron picked up the franchise’s 16th Awaiting the Lakers in Patrick Mahomes passed for against the James-led Los Angeles Lakers championship, one shy of the Game One today will be the 385 yards and four touchdowns Baltimore and Miami Heat begins this Boston Celtics’ all-time mark. East’s fifth-seeded Heat, a and also rushed for a score as Ravens at M&T week, capping an unprece- “I’m extremely proud to be battle-tested team led by Jimmy the Kansas City Chiefs recorded Bank Stadium. dented season interrupted by a part of this franchise getting Butler and Bam Adebayo and a 34-20 victory over the host the COVID-19 outbreak before back to where it belongs, and whose surprising run to the Baltimore Ravens in Monday resuming without fans at that’s playing for champion- Finals has been no fluke. night’s showdown between two Disney World in Florida. ships and competing for cham- The Heat swept aside of the NFL’s best teams. This year’s showdown pionships,” said James. fourth-seed Indiana in the first Mahomes completed 31 of kickoff return score from Devin 5-yard touchdown throw to marks the first NBA Finals “This is what I came here round, upset league Most Val- 42 passes and repeatedly Duvernay. Nick Boyle on the first play of betweenween two teams who missed for.”for. uable Player Giannis AAntetok- spread the ball around as five The Ravens had just 228 the final stanza to pull within the play-offs the previous TheThe Lakers missed the playplay-- ounmpo’sounmpo’s top-seededtop-seede Mil- Kansas City players topped 60 yards of total offense after aver- 27-20. seasonson andand it is thethe LaLakers,kers, offsoffs llastast seasonseason forfor thethe waukee team in five ggames in receiving yards. aging 394 yards and 35.5 points But Kansas City answered poweredwered by three-times sixthsixth consec-consec- thethe EastEast semi-finalsemi-final anand then Left tackle Eric Fisher and over their first two games. with a 13-play, 75-yard drive championampion James and AnthonyAnthony utiveutive yeyearar dumpeddumped third-seed BostonBo in fullback Anthony Sherman The Chiefs had 517 yards and coach Andy Reid pulled out Davis,vis, who are favored in the aass JJamesames sixsix ggames.ames. caught touchdown passes as did while holding a 29-16 edge in one of his trick plays on first- best-of-sevent-of-seven gamesgames series. battled a ForFor their ppart,art, the HeatHe have receivers Tyreek Hill and first downs and converting 10 and-goal from the Ravens’ James,James, who has reached ggroinroin embraced the underdogunderd role Mecole Hardman. of 13 third-down 2-yard line. ninee of the last 10 NBA Finals,Finals, injury and feel theythey have yyetet to play Chris Jones stood out on the opportunities. Fisher pretended he was wonn his first two chamchampion-pion- bbutut hhisis theirtheir best basbasketball.ketball. defensive side with two of Travis Kelce led Kansas City blocking and then slid into the shipsps with Miami in 2012 and rreturneturn to “We have to be nearnear perfect Kansas City’s four sacks and he with 87 receiving yards on six left flat to catch the scoring pass 2013,3, pipickedcked uupp a third in 2016 hhealtheal t h to beat tthehe Lakers.Lakers. We’re also two forced fumbles as the receptions. from Mahomes on the tackle- withh Cleveland and jjoinedoined the aandn d capablecapable of it,” said formerform first- Chiefs started 3-0 for the fourth Also topping 60 were eligible play with 8:14 remaining Lakerskers in 2018 with the goalgoal round draft pick Butler.Butler consecutive season. Hardman (four for 81), Hill (five to make it a 14-point margin. of rrestoringestoring the fran-fran- “But“But wwe’ree’re nnotot wworried Lamar Jackson completed for 77), Clyde Edwards-Helaire The Ravens reached the chise’sse’s ggloriouslorious about nnoo five-seedfive-seed or one- 15 of 28 passes for a mere 97 (five for 70, plus 20 for 64 Chiefs’ 13 on their next drive but past.t. seed.seed. WeWe’re’re worriedw yards and one touchdown for rushing) and Sammy Watkins Ben Niemann and Frank Clark aboutabout us and beingbe the Baltimore (2-1). The passing (seven for 62). sacked Jackson on back-to- best MiMiamiam Heat output was Jackson’s lowest in Baltimore trailed by 17 at back downs (second and third) tteameam tthat we 25 games as a starter. halftime but got back into the to account for 18 yards in losses cancan bbe.” He also had 83 rushing game on a 42-yard field goal by and Jackson’s fourth-and-24 yards on nine carries for the Justin Tucker with 6:13 left in pass was incomplete with 4:55 LeBron James Ravens, who also received a the third quarter and Jackson’s left to end the suspense.