TTENNISENNIS | Page 3 CRICKET | Page 7 Serena sets Masterful sights — again Morgan leads — on 24th England to win in 2nd T20

Monday, August 31, 2020 CYCLING Muharram 12, 1442 AH Alaphilippe does GULF TIMES it again on the Tour de France SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL Al Sadd’s Akram Afi f bags Best Player award By Sports Reporter Doha Award winners Best Player: Akram Afif of Al towards resumption of football tar Qatar striker Akram Sadd activity this season. Afi f has won the Qatar Best Coach: Diego Aguirre of (This award is given by the Football Association’s Al Rayyan QFA Award Board of Trustees Best Player honours, it Best Under-23 Player: Tarek to organisations, groups or in- wasS announced yesterday. Salman of Al Sadd dividuals making a significant Akram, who plays for Al Sadd, Mansour Muftah Award for contribution towards football bagged 60.91 percent of the Top Scorer: Akram Afif of Al in the local community.) votes. He also shared the Man- Sadd and Yacine Brahimi of Al sour Muftah Award for the top Rayyan. Best Referees Award scorer with Yacine Brahimi of Football For All Award: Minis- The quartet of Abdulrahman Al Rayyan, with both scoring 15 try of Public Health, Ministry of al-Jassim, Taleb Salem (first as- goals. Interior, Aspetar Hospital and sistant), Faisal Eid (second as- Brahimi and Edmilson, of Al Qatar Red Crescent. For their sistant) and Abdullah al-Athba Duhail, were Akram’s rivals for great eff orts and contribution (Video Assistant Referee). the Best Player award but the Al Sadd player was clearly the favourite and it refl ected in the in the country. The QFA shunned the usu- voting. Diego Aguirre of Al Rayyan was al fanfare associated with the Al Sadd bagged another award declared with the Best Coach, the awards due to the coronavirus with Tarek Salman being de- Uruguayan winning 64.6 percent pandemic, instead choosing to clared the Best Under-23 Player of the votes. make a simple announcement. Al Sadd’s forward Akram Afif. Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre.

FOCUS Messi misses virus test as Liga says his contract valid Without passing a coronavirus test, the Barcelona star will be unable to join Ronald Koeman’s first training session today

AFP Barcelona, Spain

ionel Messi missed a coronavirus test at Bar- celona’s training ground yesterday morning, club sourcesL have confi rmed to AFP, raising the possibility he will now boycott pre-season to force a transfer. But La Liga have given a boost to Barca’s hopes of keeping Messi by announcing that the release clause in his contract, set at 700mn euros ($833mn), still ap- plies. Messi and his lawyers believe a separate clause means he should be allowed to leave for free this summer. Without passing a coronavirus test, Messi will be unable to join teammates for Ronald Koeman’s fi rst training session today, with the start of the new La Liga sea- son less than two weeks away. Messi was due for testing at 10.15am yesterday but according to sources at Barcelona, he failed to show up at the Ciutat Esportiva. The club’s captain and great- est ever player could now be punished with a fi ne and even a reduction in salary if the strike continues. Barcelona’s coach Ronald Koeman arrives for the Covid-19 tests yesterday. (Reuters) SUAREZ, VIDAL PRESENT Luis Suarez — his best friend and Mundo Deportivo, the Barce- fast. His snub yesterday comes strike partner — and Arturo Vidal lona daily with close links to the after he asked for a meeting, not were among those seen arriving board, wrote on Saturday how to negotiate, but to begin facili- for tests, despite both players Boys sit on a street as they wait for Barcelona’s squad to arrive for Covid-19 test, ahead of the resumption of their training today, in Barcelona, the club is defi ant, even if every tating an amicable and dignifi ed being told they should fi nd new Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) stance now could be a negotiat- departure. teams as part of a planned clear- ing ploy. Manchester City remain fa- out this summer. age his legal case if his departure “The contract is currently Yet Messi’s lawyers believe the 13-year-old boy, and where most “The more the days go by, the vourites to sign the 33-year- The meet-up was a chance for ends up being settled in court. in force and has a ‘termination clause that allows him to leave for expected him to continue all the fi rmer the board and president old, whose basic salary alone Messi to make his fi rst public ap- Barcelona insist a clause in- clause’ applicable if Lionel An- free refers not to a specifi c date way through to retirement. Josep Maria Bartomeu are in not amounts to around 60mn euros. pearance since the burofax stat- cluded in Messi’s contract that dres Messi decides to activate but to 10 days after the end of the moving from their position,” it If Barcelona and Messi decide ing his intention to leave arrived allowed him to go for free this the early unilateral termination season. SUPPORTERS STILL HOPING read. “Which is not to sell and, if to avoid a lengthy legal proc- in the offi ces of Camp Nou on summer had to be activated by of the contract,” La Liga said in a Given last season was extended Supporters, some of whom possible, to renew the contract of ess, a compromise selling price Tuesday evening. June 10 and the only way the statement. into August due to the pandemic, stormed Camp Nou in protest Messi.” of around 100mn euros could be Instead, his absence off ers a 33-year-old will be allowed to “In compliance with the regu- with the Champions League fi nal last week, remain hopeful Messi Bartomeu made it known within reach for City, while elim- clear indication of his determi- depart now is via the payment of lations and procedure in these only played last weekend, they might still be persuaded. through the Spanish press on inating their less wealthy rivals. nation to secure a move and how 700mn euros. cases, La Liga will not de-regis- maintain Messi’s request to leave Outside the training ground Thursday that he would resign Messi has reportedly spoken to ugly this dispute could now be- La Liga, who were always likely ter the player from the (Spanish came within the agreed period. yesterday morning, a young boy if Messi said publicly that he City coach Pep Guardiola already come. to take the side of the club, agree football) federation unless they His absence yesterday suggests wearing a Messi shirt sat with was the problem and agreed to but others remain in the running, Taking part in the team’s pre- that Messi’s release clause is still have previously paid the amount he is prepared to do whatever it his head in his hands, hoping his change his mind. including Paris Saint-Germain, season programme could dam- valid. of said clause.” takes to quit the club he joined as hero could yet return. But Messi has remained stead- Inter Milan and Juventus. Gulf Times 2 Monday, August 31, 2020 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic bounce back from Euro exit to Wins for nine-man beat Motherwell

AFP they would reach the interval Glasgow, Scotland with the game goalless but For- rest broke the deadlock after a fi ne run from Callum McGregor. Nantes and 10-man eltic bounced back from Polish forward Klimala re- their midweek Champi- placed Mohamed Elyounoussi ons League exit to beat for the start of the second period Motherwell 3-0 yester- to give the Parkhead side a more Lille came away from Reims with a 1-0 win Cday and stay in touch with early natural focal point, with Christie Scottish Premiership pacesetters moving wide. while St Etienne beat Lorient 2-0 thanks to a Rangers. Motherwell proved dogged double from Romain Hamouma Neil Lennon’s side were opponents, if rarely threatening Monaco knocked out of the Champions in attack. League qualifi ers by Hungarian Former West Ham player Reuters side Ferencvaros on Wednesday Ajeti, introduced with about 20 Metz, France and were again unconvincing be- minutes to go, grabbed Celtic’s fore winger James Forrest scored second when he took a pass from fi ve minutes before the break. Kristoff er Ajer and hammered onaco won 1-0 at Bottom-placed Motherwell, a shot from 12 yards past goal- Metz despite going who are winless after six match- keeper Trevor Carson. down to 10 men ear- es, proved stubborn opponents In added time Jullien accepted ly in the second half, but late goals from substitute a pass from Jeremie Frimpong Mwith Benoit Badiashile scoring Albian Ajeti and Christopher Jul- and rolled his shot past Carson to the winner emphatically from lien sealed their fate. add gloss to the scoreline. a set piece in their Ligue 1 clash Celtic, aiming for their 10th Lennon said his side were much at the Stade Saint-Symphorien successive title, moved to within improved in the second half. “First yesterday. six points of Rangers with two half was a little bit lukewarm,” he Badiashile pounced on a loose games in hand after their win at told the BBC. “I didn’t think we ball in the box from a free kick Parkhead. had the tempo I like the team to in the fi rst half to volley home Lennon was critical of some play at, but it was a great fi rst goal. the winner and Monaco held on of his players after the defeat to It was the fi rst time we really drove despite having Youssouf Fofana Ferencvaros but he named an un- at Motherwell. We wanted a lit- sent off in the fi rst minute of the changed side which again had no tle bit more zest in the second half second half for a second book- recognised striker, Ryan Christie and we got that.” able off ence. moving from midfi eld to lead the Nantes were reduced to nine line once more. RESULTS men as they beat Nimes 2-1 with Strikers Patryk Klimala and Celtic 3 (Forrest 40, Ajeti 74, two fi rst-half goals but their de- Ajeti were again on the bench. Jullien 90+2) Motherwell 0 fence was severely tested when Motherwell were disciplined Hibernian 0 Aberdeen 1 goalscorer Imran Louza was in defence and looked as though (Ferguson 39-pen) shown a straight red in the 47th minute. Their left back Fabio was then also dismissed late on for a sec- Lewandowski collects German player ond yellow card off ence. of the year award Nimes had nine shots on tar- get, with Zinedine Ferhat reduc- Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was voted Germany’s ing the defi cit 12 minutes after Footballer of the Year yesterday. The 31-year-old Pole was the the restart, but Nantes goal- runaway winner of the title awarded by the football magazine keeper Alban Lafont made eight Kicker, following a vote by journalists. Lewandowski received 276 saves to ensure his team secured votes, well ahead of two other members of Bayern’s triple-winning all three points. squad: Thomas Muller (54 votes) and Joshua Kimmich (49). “I’m Meanwhile, Lille came away very proud,” Lewandowski told Kicker. “Expectations are getting from Reims with a 1-0 win when AS Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates during the Ligue 1 match against Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien higher and higher and every year I try to surpass them.” The winger Jonathan Bamba let fl y in Metz, France, yesterday. (Reuters) striker amassed 55 goals for Bayern, finishing top scorer in every with a strike from the edge of the club competition in which he played. He hit 34 in the Bundesliga, box that beat goalkeeper Predrag ings with two wins from two twice as Nice won 2-0 at Stras- Sunday’s Champions League fi - Kone and Alexander Djiku from 15 in the Champions League and six in the German Cup, as Bayern Rajkovic and crept in at the near while defending champions Paris bourg to grab the early-season nal, in which they were beaten Strasbourg were also booked. won all three. He is a favourite for the world Player of the Year post. St Germain are yet to start their lead in Ligue 1 late on Saturday. by Bayern Munich. prize. FIFA has said it wants to make the award despite the new St Etienne beat Lorient 2-0 campaign after losing the Cham- Nice, who had six players Denmark’s Dolberg broke the RESULTS coronavirus pandemic, but a date has not yet been set. thanks to a double from Romain pions League fi nal last weekend. booked during the encounter, deadlock with a 37th-minute Reims 0 Lille 1 (Bamba 32) Hamouma with Arnaud Nordin Brest were scheduled to host top the table with six points af- penalty after Lamine Kone Angers 0 Bordeaux 2 (Maja Tottenham sign defender Doherty assisting both goals while Giron- Olympique de Marseille later ter two games. brought down Eddy Sylvestre, 25, Basic 27) dins de Bordeaux also won 2-0 yesterday. Paris Saint-Germain will be- and the 22-year-old added a de- Metz 0 Monaco 1 (Badiashile 22) from Wolves at Angers with fi rst-half goals gin their bid for an eighth Ligue lightful lob in the second half to Nantes 2 (Girotto 11, Louza scored just two minutes apart by DOLBERG DELIGHTS AS NICE 1 title in nine years on Septem- complete the scoring. Dolberg 27-pen) Nimes 1 (Ferhat 57) Tottenham yesterday announced the signing of defender Matt Josh Maja and Toma Basic. BEAT STRASBOURG ber 10 after being granted an ex- was also one of six Nice players Saint-Etienne 2 (Hamouma Doherty from Premier League rivals Wolves for an undisclosed fee Nice remain top of the stand- Striker Kasper Dolberg netted tended break to recover from last who were shown a yellow card. 19, 51) Lorient 0 reported to be £15mn ($20mn). The 28-year-old Ireland right-back has signed a four-year deal with Spurs and becomes Jose Mour- inho’s third signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Hart. “We are delighted to announce Neymar, Nike part ways aft er 15 years the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers,” Tottenham said on their off icial website. Mourinho hailed his new AFP Media reports said the 28-year- with Nike was an 11-year contract exploded onto the international signing: “I hate to play him so I’m so, so happy that I don’t play Rio de Janeiro, Brazil old Paris Saint-Germain and that was only set to expire in scene, dazzling the football against him again. I’m so happy that we have him — incredible Brazil talisman was in talks with 2022, worth a total $105mn. world with the skills he honed career for Wolves.” Spurs finished sixth in the Premier League last Nike’s German rival Puma. Forbes magazine, which ranks playing five-a-side “futsal” on season, ahead of Wolves on goal diff erence, and reached the last ike has parted ways with “We generally do not comment him the world’s seventh highest- the mean streets of suburban 16 of the Champions League. Neymar, ending one of on rumours,” a spokesman for paid celebrity, estimates his Sao Paulo. Nits highest-profile spon- Puma in Germany responded. earnings for this year at $95.5mn, Neymar will still wear Nike ap- Juventus sign American McKennie on sorship deals a decade and a Brazilian news site UOL said including endorsement deals. parel on the pitch: the company half after signing the star striker Neymar and Nike had failed Neymar signed his first deal sponsors both PSG and the loan with option to buy as a 13-year-old prodigy. to reach a deal on how much with Nike as a youth standout Brazilian national team. “I can confirm Neymar is no money he would be paid for Neymar’s communications at Brazilian side Santos, which The company sponsors many Juventus have signed United States international midfielder Weston longer a Nike athlete,” a spokes- renewing his contract. team did not immediately sold him to Barcelona in 2013. of the most iconic names McKennie on a one-season loan from German club Schalke with man for the US sportswear It said negotiations between respond to a request for com- With his skinny good looks, in sports, including Michael an option to buy at the end of the campaign, the Italian champions giant, Josh Benedek, said in the company and the football- ment. tattoos, ever-changing hair- Jordan, LeBron James, Cristiano said late on Saturday. The Turin club, who sealed a ninth straight an e-mail to AFP on Saturday, er’s agents had run into trouble Brazilian newspaper Folha de styles and huge following on Ronaldo, , Tiger Serie A title last month, will pay 4.5mn euros ($5.36mn) for the loan without giving details. months ago. Sao Paulo said Neymar’s last deal social media, the player soon Woods and Rory McIlroy. period and up to 25.5mn euros more if they decide to make the move permanent, Juventus said in a statement. The versatile 22-year-old started his career in the youth system at FC Dallas before moving to the Schalke academy as a teenager, going on to score five goals in 91 COMMENT appearances for the Bundesliga side. McKennie has played largely as a defensive midfielder for Schalke, making him a potential like-for-like replacement for Frenchman Blaise Matuidi. No need for panic aft er Wembley loss: Reds’ Van Dijk Keane commits to Everton with

AFP goal capping a promising display fi ve-year contract London, United Kingdom by the Japan international. Liverpool kick off their Pre- Everton defender Michael Keane has signed a new five-year mier League title defence at contract, the club said yesterday. Centre back Keane, 27, earned irgil van Dijk says Liv- home to Championship winners a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad this week and erpool “shouldn’t pan- Leeds on September 12, when capped a memorable few days with a new contract to keep him at ic” after their Com- Arsenal travel to promoted Ful- Goodison Park until 2025. “I have loved my three years at Everton munity Shield loss, ham in the early kick-off . and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds,” he told Vespecially after they bounced Mikel Arteta’s men go into the evertontv. “The manager (Carlo Ancelotti) is one of the best there back from defeat in last year’s campaign buoyed by August’s has been. I am not happy just staying where I am at the minute. I season curtain-raiser to romp to FA Cup and Community Shield want to keep improving and keep learning.” Keane has made 107 the Premier League title. wins, with Kieran Tierney excit- appearances in all competitions since signing from Burnley 2017. Arsenal emerged victorious at ed by the way things are going. an empty Wembley on Saturday, “The spirit is one of the main FA handling of Maguire situation ‘a winning 5-4 on penalties after things in the changing room, be- Jurgen Klopp’s men had come lief and spirit, and we’ve got that, mess’, says Rooney from behind to draw 1-1 in nor- we’re building on it,” he said. mal time. “We’re just looking to con- Former England captain Wayne Rooney has described the Football “During the whole game we tinue and keep building this way. Association’s handling of Harry Maguire as “a mess” after the played well, dominated, pressed “I think that comes from the Manchester United captain was found guilty of various charges them well and created many manager and the staff . It’s con- following a brawl in Mykonos. Defender Maguire was initially chances,” the Dutch defender tinued from what we’ve done named by England manager Gareth Southgate in the squad for told Liverpool’s website. last season and building on it. “ next month’s Nations League games against Denmark and Iceland, “Obviously in the end penal- He said the fans and the club but was later omitted following the guilty verdict on the Greek is- ties is just a lottery and anything deserved Champions League land. Maguire received a suspended prison sentence of 21 months can happen. football. and 10 days, but maintains his innocence and has been granted a “We are disappointed but we Liverpool’s players look on during the penalty shootout in their loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield “They deserve to be top four full retrial after appealing against the verdict. “It would have been have to move on. Last year we at Wembley in London, United Kingdom, on Saturday. (Reuters) and we want to do as well as we more sensible to say: ‘Harry has just played a very long season and lost on penalties as well (against can, as best as we can and put up needs more rest and let’s wait to see what happens with his court Manchester City) and we won win today.” the end of a match that started January acquisition Takumi a fi ght in every single game we case’. By jumping too quickly and putting him in the squad, it was the league so we shouldn’t pan- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the Arsenal skipper scoring Minamino came off the bench come up against this year,” Tier- almost inevitable he’d have to get pulled out,” Rooney told the ic, but obviously we wanted to scored the winning penalty at a superb early opener. to level, with his fi rst Liverpool ney added. Sunday Times. “Now it looks a mess. They’ve picked him, pulled him out, and now do they put him back in the squad? Because as things stand he is a free man and innocent!” Gulf Times Monday, August 31, 2020 3

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Osaka hailed as sport’s latest Serena sets sights torchbearer — again — on 24th for change Grand Slam title ‘Playing in is going to be interesting, because the stadium is huge’ Reuters In May, she overtook her idol, New York Serena Williams, as the world’s highest-earning female athlete, according to Forbes, all the while t the end of a week advocating against police brutal- when Naomi Osaka ity in the US. brought the fi ght for “I don’t know what would Aracial justice to sport’s have happened if Naomi Osa- front door, it seemed fi tting that ka wasn’t in the semi-fi nals,” another great tennis pioneer Bil- former US Open fi nalist Pam lie Jean King should hail her quiet Shriver told Reuters. “She’s led successor for her “compassion, the way either with her racket or strength and leadership.” with her statements into a posi- King was far from alone in be- tion of really good, modern-day ing deeply impressed by the ac- leadership.” tions of the quiet young cham- Osaka told reporters this week pion who announced she would she wasn’t sure “if it’s a light forgo her semi-fi nal match in bulb or if there was any par- the Western & Southern Open ticular moment” that prompted in protest at police brutality and her to act, but said it has “been racial injustice in the US. building” for some time. The 76-year-old King, so re- “I do believe she is going to be markable in her own lifelong a future leader, I believe she is a fi ght for women’s equality, rec- present leader,” James Blake, a ognised a kindred spirit as she former world number four who is told Reuters how she felt the now Tournament Director of the fi ercely determined 22-year-old , told Reuters. was now following in an honour- “She’s the one that in my able sporting tradition. opinion that forced the hands of “It has been more than 50 the ATP, WTA, USTA.” years since athletes like Muham- In 2015 Blake, who is Black, mad Ali, John Carlos and Tom- was tackled without provocation mie Smith and the Original 9 of or warning by a New York Police women’s tennis all stood up and Department offi cer while on his used their sport, their voices and way to the US their actions to change human- Open, in what the NYPD said ity,” King said via e-mail. was a case of mistaken identity. “The baton has been passed “Tennis now knows why Os- and Naomi has accepted it with aka was sitting out,” he said. “I open arms and that shows com- respect her so much.” passion, strength and leader- Osaka, who will play her fi rst- ship.” On Twitter, Osaka had round match at the US Open to- grasped that baton with her dec- day against Japan’s , laration that “watching the con- fi rst rocketed to fame two years tinued genocide of Black people ago at Flushing Meadows, where File photo of Serena Williams of the US raising her trophy after defeating of Denmark in the final of the 2014 US Open. Serena is hoping to equal Margaret at the hand of police is honestly she defeated 23-time Grand Slam Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles at this year’s event beginning today. making me sick to my stomach.” winner Williams, herself a great Her semi-fi nal withdrawal, sporting trailblazer. AFP crowd player,” Williams said close since, reaching four major ing out because of coronavirus to win and I have to fi gure that virtually unheard of in tennis’s Two years after her maiden New York upon returning to action after fi nals only to come up empty concerns or injury. one out, like how to start win- modern era, prompted organisers Grand Slam title, Osaka now the WTA’s coronavirus shut- handed. But Williams has looked vul- ning those matches again.” to postpone Thursday’s matches, leads a new generation of activ- down. “Kind of reminds me of “I’ve defi nitely been stuck,” nerable in two tournaments Defeats like those have seen days after the police shooting of ists in the sport which includes erena Williams’ pro- the junior days. said Williams, who seems to since the WTA tour returned Williams lose the aura of invin- Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black 16-year-old Coco Gauff . tracted pursuit of Mar- There is something nostalgic have grown weary of the ques- to action, labouring through cibility she once carried. man in front of three of his chil- “Players are using their voice garet Court’s record of about that.” tions about Court’s record if not lengthy matches before earlier And upstart challengers this dren in Kenosha, Wisconsin. more, especially Coco,” Osa- S24 Grand Slam titles Playing in a virtually empty the chase itself. than expected exits at Lexing- year won’t fi nd themselves up “Her actions this week were a ka told reporters this week. “I resumes at a 2020 US Open that Ashe stadium, which seats more Even if she reaches the mile- ton and the Western & South- against the will of thousands of catalyst for change,” King said. feel like maybe this generation promises to be unlike any other. than 23,000, could be another stone, she said, it would provide ern Open — held this year on pro-Williams fans. “She is putting people fi rst, be- of tennis players won’t be too The absence of fans because story. “Playing in New York is no sort of punctuation mark. the same New York courts that But Sakkari said that for ing authentic, and she is leading. scared of the consequences of of coronavirus concerns means going to be interesting, because “I’m never satisfi ed, that’s the will host the Open. She fell to young players there was still a I love what Naomi and her genera- (saying) things that are on their the buzz and hubbub that defi ne the stadium is huge,” Williams story of my career,” Williams 116th-ranked in measure of trepidation taking tion of athletes are doing today.” mind.” the US Open will be missing. said. “But I do practice in empty said. “I’ll never be satisfi ed until Lexington, and squandered a on an opponent who shaped The stand of Osaka, who eventu- Osaka showed a profound Williams, whose 23 major vic- stadiums, so I have played in I retire, that’s just my personal- commanding lead in a loss to their tennis dreams. “I remem- ally won her semifi nal Friday but sense of self at an early age, her tories are an Open-era record, New York on Arthur Ashe Sta- ity.” Her chances of matching 21st-ranked Maria Sakkari of ber myself watching tennis and had to drop out of the fi nal with former coach Patrick Tauma told will have nothing but her own dium when it was empty and it Court, and breaking out of a tie Greece in New York. I remember myself watching a hamstring injury on Saturday, Reuters. skill and will to get her through was great. with for most US “I’ve just got to start learning Serena,” the 25-year-old said. prompted huge support through- “(She had) a very strong char- the tough moments as she seeks “I guess I have to kind of lean Open women’s titles with six, how to win big points,” Williams “That’s the image that I have in out tennis and far beyond. It all acter and she could solve any a record-breaking seventh title on that.” It has been more than would seem to be improved with said after she was unable to my mind. underscored the enormous infl u- problem — it could be physi- on the hard courts at Flushing three years since Williams won a bevy of top players, includ- serve out a straight-sets victory “I mean, obviously she’s ence that Osaka now wields, as a cally, technically or mentally,” Meadows. her 23rd Grand Slam title at the ing world number two Simona against Sakkari. “If I could just like the GOAT (Greatest of All Black woman who competes for said Tauma, who worked with “I don’t dislike it and that’s 2017 Australian Open — when Halep and Canadian Bianca focus on how to win that one Time),” Sakkari said. “Having Japan, where she was born, but her for a year when she was 15. weird because I am a player that she was already pregnant with Andreescu — who stunned Wil- point, that would be better. her on the tour still, it’s incred- who spent most of her formative “She was strong, not scared by is so emotional and so, like, a daughter Olympia. She’s come liams in last year’s fi nal — pull- “I had so many opportunities ible.” years in the US. anybody.”

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS With Nadal, Federer absent, Djokovic the man to beat Gauff ’s game is

AFP to focus on next month’s , New York next on 19. ‘best it’s ever been’ Djokovic lost a chance to close ground on the elder legends when Wimbledon Reuters he US Open gives top-ranked was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pan- New York a prime oppor- demic that shut down tennis from March tunity to gain ground on absent to August and shuffl ed the season sched- TRoger Federer and ule. “You can sense that around the site ixteen-year-old Coco in chasing the all-time men’s Grand Slam there is a certain tension as well because Gauff said her game is singles title record. But a host of ris- everyone is being careful,” Djokovic said. the “best it’s ever been,” ing young stars see a chance for a break- “But at the same time, everyone needs Sas she aims to build on through when the New York fortnight to pay attention and follow the protocols her Grand Slam success as the US begins today in a spectator-less Covid-19 and restrictions that are in place.” Open kicks off today. fi rst WTA career title as the Linz quarantine bubble at the US National The last time a player other than Djok- Gauff , who stormed onto the Open last October, quickly be- Tennis Center. ovic, Nadal and Federer won a Grand Slam scene last year when she beat her came a fan favourite at Flushing “It’s strange to see empty stands. The men’s singles title was when Swiss Stan idol, , at Wim- Meadows last year, reaching the circumstances are very unusual,” Djoko- Wawrinka won the 2016 US Open. bledon and went on to reach the third round where she lost to the vic said. “But we have to accept that, we Standing in Djokovic’s path are Aus- fourth round of the tournament, then-reigning champion Naomi have to deal with it and try to embrace it.” trian second seed , third- told reporters she’s hungry to get Osaka. Top seed Djokovic, who has won fi ve of seeded 2019 US Open runner-up Daniil more playing time as she devel- She has found her voice as an the past seven Grand Slam crowns, im- Medvedev of Russia, Greek fourth seed ops her craft. advocate for racial justice, de- proved to 23-0 this year on Saturday by Stefanos Tsitsipas and German fi fth seed “The biggest thing is just ex- manding change earlier this year defeating Canada’s in the Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy following his win over Milos Raonic (CAN) in the Alexander Zverev. perience and continuing to get as amid protests and a public reck- ATP Western & Southern fi nal, also in the final of the Western & Southern Open on Saturday. PICTURE: Robert Deutsch-USA Toss in Italian sixth seed Matteo Ber- many matches as possible,” said oning over race in the United New York bubble. TODAY Sports rettini, Canada’s improved Milos Raonic Gauff , who lost in straight sets in States after the death of George “Going on an unbeaten run so far this and Spanish eighth seed Roberto Bautista the fi rst round of the Western & Floyd. year obviously brings even more confi - Djokovic said. “I am trying to make the old Serbian star is set to launch his quest Agut, who battled Djokovic into a third- Southern Open to Maria Sakkari “We are on a global sport, dence each match,” Djokovic said. “I’m most of my career, trying to use this for a fourth US Open title and 18th ca- set tiebreaker Friday at a US Open tuneup, last week. we can reach people across the just trying to enjoy it and embrace the time when I feel I’m physically, mentally, reer Grand Slam trophy on Monday night and the fi eld of 128 off ers plenty of threats “This past week I’ve been world. I think it’s important that process.” Despite being bothered by neck emotionally, game-wise at the peak and at against Bosnia hungry for a fi rst Grand Slam title. practising really hard to get ready people use their platform,” said stiff ness at times, Djokovic showed he playing some of the best tennis I’ve ever and Herzegovina’s 107th-ranked Damir Djokovic’s draw would see him face for the Open. The more matches Gauff . “My take on it is just to remains the man to beat in the Flushing played. How long that journey is going to Dzumhur. Swiss legend Federer, who is Tsitsipas or Zverev in a semi-fi nal and a I get under my belt, the better.” continue to use sport to build Meadows fortnight as he challenges for last and what kind of legacy I’m going to injured, owns a record 20 men’s Grand possible fi nal against Thiem, who pushed Gauff , who reached the semi- my voice and make it louder so I tennis history. leave behind? That’s on somebody else to Slam titles with Spaniard Nadal, the 2019 Djokovic to fi ve sets before falling in this fi nals of the Top Seed Open ear- can reach more people and create “It’s hard to talk about my legacy,” really judge and evaluate.” The 33-year- US Open winner who skipped New York year’s Australian Open fi nal. lier this month after winning her change.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, August 31, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING TENNIS Alaphilippe does ‘Pumped’ Murray it again on the eyeing US Open run

AFP really me on the court,” he added. Tour de France Murray had career-saving hip New York surgery in 2019, his second hip operation, before suff ering an- ‘It’s great to make it. It was tough but I’m super happy to have won’ ndy Murray says his other setback with a pelvic injury true self will be on at the Davis Cup last November. Reuters show at a Grand Slam That, combined with the coro- Nice, France Afor the fi rst time in navirus pandemic shutdown, three years this week at the US kept him out of competition until Open after battling back from a the ATP Western and Southern year after capturing career-threatening hip injury. Open in New York this past week, French hearts, Julian Ahead of today’s start of the where he reached the last 16. Alaphilippe claimed US Open, the former world Murray has dropped to 134th the Tour de France yel- number one said the last time in the world rankings and was lowA jersey again when he kept he felt this pain-free going into a handed a wild card for the US his composure to win the second tennis major was at Roland Gar- Open after narrowly missing out stage yesterday. ros in 2017. on direct entry. Alaphilippe, who last year “It has been a long journey The 2012 US Open champion wore the coveted jersey for 14 to get back to this point,” the said he was “pumped” to be back days, prevailed in a three-man 33-year-old told reporters. at Flushing Meadows for the fi rst sprint ahead of Swiss Marc Hir- “I’m actually hopefully going time since 2018. schi and Briton Adam Yates. to compete at a Slam where I’m “Physically right now I feel Dark horse Dani Martinez, not worried about how I’m going pretty good. So I’m really happy winner of the Criterium du to be and how my hip is going to about that because it’s allow- Dauphine, lost three minutes 38 feel. ing me to practice, and prepare seconds after cracking in the last The last time that would have properly and enjoy my time on climb of the day shortly after been was in the 2017 French the court,” he said. crashing in a descent. Open. Murray, the 2013 and 2016 He could not sustain the sud- “It’s a long time ago and I Wimbledon champion, plays Ja- den change of pace when Alap- know I’ve played a couple of pan’s in the hilippe broke clear in the short slams since then but that wasn’t fi rst round tomorrow. ascent to the Col des Quatre Chemins before being joined by Hirschi, and further up the road by Yates. “I wanted to try something. It was like a one-day race and it suits my profi le,” Alaphilippe said. “It’s a big emotion because I’ve won on the Tour. I haven’t The pack rides during the 2nd stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 187km between Nice and Nice, yesterday. At won (a race) since the start of the bottom, Julian Alaphilippe celebrates his stage win. season. “It’s great to make it. It was session following stage eight after being dropped on the fl at tough but I’m super happy to and unexpectedly he held on to in the fi rst kilometres but the have won.” it till stage 19, surrendering it Frenchman grinded on and re- The trio opened a 20-second only two days before the fi nish joined the peloton before the gap but with the peloton closing in Paris. fi rst climb of the day to the in rapidly, Alaphilippe launched “You have to respect the yel- Col de la Colmiane (176.3km at his triumphant sprint in front low jersey so of course I’m going 6.3%). of a handful of fans as Nice is on to defend it again,” said Alap- Another pre-race favourite, red alert amid the Covid-19 cri- hilippe. Tom Dumoulin, hit the ground sis. The Deceuninck Quick Step Thibaut Pinot, tipped as the on the last climb after touch- rider pointed his fi nger to the rider most likely to end France’s ing Michal Kwiatkowski’s rear sky before collapsing in tears af- 35-year wait for a home-grown wheel but the Dutchman ap- ter the line, dedicating his win to winner, said he was worried by peared unhurt. of Great Britain. his father, who died two months a back problem after a crash on Overnight yellow jersey hold- ago. Saturday, but he had a quiet day er Alexander Kristoff lost touch Last year, Alaphilippe took in the bunch. with the peloton fi ve kilometres SETBACK the yellow jersey for the fi rst His key lieutenant David from the top of the Col de Tu- time after the third stage. Gaudu, suff ering from a lower rini, a 14.9km climb at an aver- While he relinquished it on back injury, looked to be on the age gradient of 7.4%, way before stage six, it was back in his pos- verge of abandoning the race the action started. Paire removed from US Open aft er Pinot says ‘nothing broken’ but worried by back injury positive virus test Nice: Home favourite riders as he bids to become the continue,” Pinot said ahead of in the saddle on Sunday, a bad The Belgian outfi t said the Thibaut Pinot said he was con- fi rst home winner since Ber- the second stage, a 186km trek day could see him lose time on 38-year-old would not be at the AFP cerned by a back injury ahead nard Hinault in 1985 but he en- into the mountains surround- the main contenders for the start of the second stage around New York of yesterday’s second stage of dured a tough start. ing Nice and featuring two Cat- yellow jersey. Nice after 2012 world cham- the Tour de France after suff er- The Groupama-FDJ rider, egory 1 climbs. Meanwhile, Philippe Gilbert pion Gilbert hit the ground in ing a heavy crash in the opening who looked poised to challenge “I’m just concerned by a has pulled out of the Tour de Saturday’s rain-hit opening, rance’s Benoit Paire was stage. for overall victory last year be- haematoma on my back, which France after the former world one of several riders to fall dur- removed from the US The Frenchman woke up fore abandoning near the end of I sustained when another rider champion broke his knee cap, ing the stage. Open men’s draw yester- battered and bruised after he the three-week race, described bumped into me in the crash,” leaving the Lotto Soudal team Teammate John Degenkolb Fday after the Grand Slam hit the deck hard near the fi n- the rain-greased roads as like he added. with six riders, down from was already out after the Ger- tournament announced an uni- ish. riding on ice. Although it is encouraging eight after just one stage of the man fi nished outside the time dentifi ed player had been with- Pinot is one of the fancied “I’m ok, nothing’s broken, I for Pinot’s fans that he will be race. limit on Saturday. drawn after testing positive for Covid-19. Paire’s name was removed from the US Open website’s of- BOTTOMLINE fi cial draw and replaced with that of 149th-ranked Spaniard Mar- cel Granollers, who is set to face Poland’s 108th-ranked Kamil Quiet please! Players bemoan the sound of silence Majchrzak in a fi rst-round match He made his fi rst Grand Slam next week. fourth round in 2015 at the US Reuters for when the event kicks off on masks on. Fans give life to the French sports daily L’Equipe Open and that remains level for New York Monday. tournaments.” had earlier reported that world his deepest Slam run. The tournament is being Another former champion, number 22 Paire had tested posi- USTA offi cials aren’t expected played without fans and in a bi- Belgium’s Kim Clijsters said the tive for coronavirus in New York. to confi rm any individual play- s chatty spectators so osecure bubble because of the lack of atmosphere on court will The US Tennis Association er’s test results under US medical often learn the hard COVID-19 pandemic. also feel strange as she returns to said the asymptomatic player has privacy laws. way, silence is golden Andy Murray, who claimed a Grand Slam for the fi rst time been advised to follow state and Paire had arrived in the US on in the sport of tennis. his fi rst Grand Slam title in New since announcing her second tournament health and safety August 18 and numerous corona- AYet facing the prospect of York in 2012 in an epic fi nal comeback to the sport. protocols requiring isolation for virus tests had returned negative empty stands at the fi rst fanless against Novak Djokovic under “We’ve seen in the past, many at least 10 days. results. Grand Slam since the coronavi- the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, moments where the crowd, the Contact tracing has been initi- However, he was forced to re- rus outbreak, even top contend- said that while the tranquil at- energy of the crowd, the mo- ated to determine if anyone else tire from his fi rst round match in ers at this year’s US Open admit mosphere had its advantages, it mentum changes because of one must quarantine for 14 days as a the Western and Southern Open that the unprecedented new was a sad situation. rally or something,” four-times result of being around the player against Borna Coric after com- hush will take some getting used “You know that there’s no one Grand Slam champions Clijsters involved. plaining of feeling unwell. to. around, that you’re not going to said. L’Equipe said fellow French Intense cleaning and safety Australian Open champion get stopped. Yeah, it’s very quiet “Some players really thrive on players , Gre- protocols were put in place be- Sofi a Kenin told reporters how and very relaxed,” the Briton said those kind of moments.” goire Barrere, Edouard Roger- fore the US Open allowed players fans bring out the best in her. of his practise sessions. For world number six Stefanos Vasselin and into the bubble. “When it’s tough moments, “Then there’s also been times Tsitsipas, who has never made it have been confi ned to their hotel The number of support per- they obviously are there on their like after one of my practices past the second round and into rooms at the tournament until sonnel for each players was lim- feet cheering for you,” Kenin last week, I was walking back to the spotlight of a night match further notice. ited to keep the number of people said, ahead of the tournament’s the locker room, I was walking on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the News of the positive test comes inside the bubble to a minimum. start on Monday.”I really wish through the grounds. change is diffi cult to swallow. after players have been practic- Most players are housed at they would be here. Naomi Osaka pictured outside the stadium. I was like, Wow, this is pretty “It’s like a dream for everyone, ing and playing a tuneup event, specifi c hotels in a quarantine They really help me.” sad because usually this place is to play a night session match on the ATP and WTA Western and move and those who rent private Flushing Meadows fans are National Tennis Center, sipping year. just fi lled with energy and at- Arthur Ashe. Southern Open, usually staged houses, such as Djokovic, had to notoriously raucous — by tennis signature “Honey Deuce” cock- Gloomy weather and a sparse- mosphere like before the tour- It’s been a dream of mine since in Cincinnati, in the same quar- pay for safety measures and se- standards, at least — as thou- tails under sunny skies. ly-populated plaza, speckled nament starts. forever. antine bubble where the US Open curity to ensure their lockdown sands of them usually pack into Night sessions can get espe- with rain, on Saturday foreshad- “Now it’s tennis players and We won’t have the opportu- begins Monday without specta- areas were as safeguarded as the the sprawling Billie Jean King cially boisterous, but not this owed a very diff erent ambience their teams walking around with nity this year,” he said. tors. Paire, 31, was seeded 17th. quarantine bubble. Gulf Times Monday, August 31, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Palat powers Lightning past Bruins Bucks advance, aft er two-day hiatus

AFP goal and Robin Lehner got the Los Angeles shutout as the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-0 to take a 2-1 lead ndrej Palat has found in their second round series. Lakers snap playoff his scoring touch Meanwhile Robin Lehner for the Tampa Bay made 31 saves to record his Lightning who put second shutout in three games ‘We wanted to come in and get BostonO on the brink of playoff and the Vegas Golden Knights elimination Saturday, as the claimed a 3-0 victory over the better and better as the series NHL returned from a two-day Vancouver Canucks on Satur- hiatus to protest racial injus- day night to take a 2-1 lead in went on, and we did that’ tice in the US. their Stanley Cup playoff se- win drought The 29-year-old Czech for- ries in Edmonton. ward opened the scoring in the The Golden Knights will fi rst period and added another look to take a stranglehold on goal in the second to power the the best-of-seven Western Lightning to a 3-1 victory and Conference semi-fi nal series a commanding 3-1 lead in the when they drop the puck for best-of-seven NHL second Game 4 Sunday night. round playoff series. “Pally is a confi dent player,” said team- RESULTS mate Brayden Point. Tampa Bay 3-1 Boston “He’s super reliable for us. He’s always in Islanders 3-1 Philadelphia the right spot, he’s got Las Vegas 3-0 Vancouver tons of skill, he sees the ice well and he’s got a heck Alex Tuch and Zach White- of a shot. cloud netted fi rst-period “To see a couple go in for him goals, while Mark Stone added now is awesome, and hopefully the insurance marker early in he can keep that rolling.” the third period for the Golden The league returned to the Knights, who have claimed ice with three games Satur- shutout victories in both wins day after taking two days off in in this series. support of similar stoppages Lehner didn’t have his busi- by other pro sports leagues to est night, but he was key dur- protest the shooting of Jacob ing the fi rst period, especially Blake by American police. It is midway through the frame by just latest twist in the pandem- making big saves on Bo Hor- ic-interrupted 2020 season. vat and Elias Pettersson dur- Russian forward Nikita ing a Vancouver fi ve-on-three Kucherov had two assists and power play. Russian goaltender Andrei Va- The Canucks controlled the silevskiy stopped 29 shots for shot clock in the fi rst period Tampa, who will can advance but it was the Golden Knights to the next round with a win in who did all the scoring, thanks game fi ve on Monday. to goals 83 seconds apart by Palat opened the scoring Tuch and Whitecloud. just under nine minutes into Tuch opened the scoring the contest as the Lightning by exhibiting great speed. He took advantage of a Bruins zoomed passed the defenders turnover. Palat has now scored to receive a breakaway pass goals in three straight games. from Nicolas Roy and buried Palat scored his second on a the shot at the 4:05 mark for blistering one-timer just over his seventh goal of the posts- halfway through the game and eason, running his goal-scor- soon after Vasilevskiy made ing streak to four games. a clutch save on Boston de- Whitecloud doubled the fenceman Brandon Carlo. lead on his team’s next shot. Also, Finland’s Leo Komar- After a glaring Canucks turn- ov scored the eventual winner over, Max Pacioretty’s shot Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier during the fourth quarter in game five of the first round and Jordan Eberle had two as- from the slot was blocked, but of the 2020 NBA Playoff s at AdventHealth Arena. (USA TODAY Sports) sists as the New York Islanders the puck bounced to White- defeated the Philadelphia Fly- cloud as he jumped in from the AFP reform legislation, the season resumed. as he made the University of Arizona a col- ers 3-1 to take a 2-1 lead in their point. The rookie defenseman Miami RESULTS There were signs of rust early from both lege basketball power. Boseman, star of the Eastern Conference playoff se- converted from near the right the Bucks and Magic, who hadn’t played ground-breaking superhero movie Black ries. Matt Martin and Anders face-off dot for his second Milwaukee 118-104 Orlando since Monday. Both teams connected on Panther died at the age of 43 after a bat- Lee also scored, and Semyon post-season goal. Vancouver’s he Milwaukee Bucks powered Houston 114-80 Oklahoma less than 40 percent of their shots from tle with cancer. Lakers star Davis fi nished Varlamov had 26 saves to re- comeback hopes were dashed into the second round of the NBA Lakers 131-122 Portland the fi eld in the fi rst quarter, but Milwau- with 43 points and James had 36 points, 10 bound after a sub-par game early in the third period when playoff s on Saturday, three days kee picked up the pace in the second led by rebounds and 10 assists as the Lakers won three that saw him yanked in Stone scored on the power play after their refusal to take the court Antetokounmpo’s 6-of-6 shooting. After their fi rst playoff series in eight years. the fi rst period. Tyler Pitlick to make it 3-0. Stone gained Tin the wake of a police shooting in Wis- out of the remainder of the post-season in Orlando reserve Terrence Ross drained a Davis shot 14-of-18 from the fl oor and scored for the Flyers in the fi rst the puck in the right circle and consin brought the post-season to a halt. the NBA’s coronavirus quarantine bubble three-pointer to level the score at 31-31, James made 14-of-19 shots for the Lak- period, and Carter Hart had 26 wired a top-shelf wrister just Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gi- in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks were pre- an Antetokounmpo dunk launched a 13-0 ers, who hadn’t won a series since beat- saves. Game four is Sunday. 139 seconds into the fi nal period annis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points pared to forfeit game fi ve against the Magic scoring run for the Bucks who led 67-50 ing the Denver Nuggets in the fi rst round Also, Alex Tuch scored a for his third goal in four games. and grabbed 17 rebounds and the Bucks on Wednesday after the shooting of Jacob at the half. Milwaukee quickly pushed the of the 2012 postseason. The Lakers will led by as many as 21 on the way to a 118- Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. But the lead to 20 after the interval and took a 90- face either Houston or Oklahoma City in 104 victory over the Orlando Magic. Magic, and eventually the rest of the teams 79 lead into the fi nal frame. the next round. Houston leads that series Milwaukee won the best-of-seven remaining in the bubble, backed their ac- “Just keep getting better,” was Antetok- three games to two. “We have an opportu- Eastern Conference series 4-1 to line up a tion, to launch hours of discussion among ounmpo’s prescription for Milwaukee as nity to decompress just a little bit and wait second-round clash with the Miami Heat, players, coaches and league offi cials on they moved ahead. “Keep getting better for our next opponent,” James said. who swept the Indiana Pacers 4-0. how they could unite to combat racial in- every game, playing hard always. Defen- CJ McCollum recorded 36 points and In the Western Conference, Anthony justice and police brutality. The Bucks sively we’ve just got to pick it up a little seven assists and Carmelo Anthony added Davis scored 43 points and LeBron James players were able to contact Blake’s family. bit, just make it as tough as possible for 27 points for the Trail Blazers, who were kept his perfect fi rst-round playoff record “We were able to get his family’s whoever we play.” missing Damian Lillard. alive as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Port- number,” Antetokounmpo said. “And, we There was a sombre mood to the re- Lillard left the pandemic bubble during land 131-122 to clinch their series in fi ve came together as a team, went in a circle, start with moment of silences before the the latest shutdown and returned to Port- games. James won all 14 playoff fi rst- talked to his dad and his dad was tearing games in memory of former Trail Blazers land to have his injured right knee looked round series in which he has played. up telling us how powerful what we did on star Cliff Roberts, Hall of Fame coach Lute at by team doctors. “We knew this was a hot Portland team. that day was for him and his family, and Olson and actor Chadwick Boseman, who Elsewhere, James Harden scored 31 We wanted to come in and get better and that’s bigger than basketball to me.” all died this week. Roberts, 53, helped the points and Robert Covington fi nished with better as the series went on, and we did With plans in place for concrete action Trail Blazers reach two NBA Finals in his 22 points and seven rebounds as the Hou- Ondrej Palat (left) of the Tampa Bay Lightning is congratulated that,” said James. Just days earlier there to promote voting and civic engagement, 18-year career that included an All-Star ston Rockets routed the Oklahoma City by his teammate Nikita Kucherov after scoring a goal against the was a real chance that players would opt and support police and criminal justice nod. Olson, 85, mentored future NBA stars Thunder 114-80 to take a 3-2 series lead. Boston Bruins during the the Game Four of the Eastern Conference NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Wild pitch helps Yanks beat Mets, snap skid Reuters After Ottavino blew the lead, he got out RESULTS New York of the inning and Aroldis Chapman (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth. Before the Mets Jays 5-0 Orioles tied it, Happ’s fi rst start in nearly two weeks lint Frazier scored on a wild pitch by was among his best since joining the Yankees Indians 2-1 Cardinals Dellin Betances with one out in the in a trade from Toronto in July 2018. Rockies 4-3 Padres ninth inning as the New York Yan- The left-hander produced his longest out- Yankees 2-1 Mets kees overcame a questionable deci- ing since joining the Yankees, allowing three sionC by manager Aaron Boone and snapped a singles. He struck out fi ve, walked none and Tigers 8-2 Twins seven-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory threw 90 pitches on a day when he threw Tigers 4-2 Twins over the New York Mets on Saturday after- fi rst-pitch strikes to 16 of 23 hitters. Angels 16-3 Mariners noon at Yankee Stadium. It was the fi rst time in 22 starts dating to The Yankees had runners at fi rst and third June 6, 2019, at Toronto that Happ completed Dodgers 7-4 Rangers after Jordy Mercer singled to left. Erik Kratz seven innings. He retired the last eight hitters Astros 4-2 A’s appeared to be setting up for a bunt when the he faced and faced one hitter above the mini- Astros 6-3 Athletics 0-1 high fastball from Betances (0-1) defl ect- mum while not allowing a runner to reach Royals 9-0 White Sox ed off catcher Wilson Ramos’ glove. second base. The Yankees won it in their last at-bat af- Luke Voit hit his 12th homer two batters Phillies 4-1 Braves ter Boone lifted JA Happ, who cruised into into the game off Robert Gsellman as the Red Sox 5-3 Nationals Yankees halted their longest skid since June the eighth on 86 pitches. Cubs 3-0 Reds Happ was lifted after getting a soft ground- 13-20, 2017. out by Robinson Cano and was replaced by The Yankees’ last eight-game losing streak Reds 6-5 Cubs Adam Ottavino. was Aug. 19-26, 1995. Rays 4-0 Marlins Ottavino allowed a game-tying homer In his longest start since entering the rota- Giants 5-2 D’Backs to Wilson Ramos on a 2-0 changeup that tion, Gsellman allowed one run on four hits New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning run clanged off the left fi eld foul pole for his sec- in four innings while striking out four. He Brewers 7-6 Pirates on a wild pitch during the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium. (USA ond homer of the season. walked none and threw 57 pitches. TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Monday, August 31, 2020 SPORT

FOCUS QGL bids farewell to founder president Mathew atar Golf Lovers bid farewell to Mathew’s leadership, organisational skills PK Mathew who has been it’s and commitment in making QGL the larg- president since inception in est and most active golf society in Qatar. 2001. He also acknowledged Mathew’s contri- QQGL organised a farewell golf tourna- bution to golf in Qatar by way of arranging ment in his honour over the weekend at golf coaching for beginners by PGA profes- the Doha Golf Club. Thirty-six golfers par- sionals, organising on-the-course training ticipated in the event which was played on to new golfers and assisting in organising a strokeplay format. Jasjit Butalia emerged major events like Qatar Senior Open, Ryder victorious in the competition while Navid Cup and India Cup tournaments. Bukhari and Arnav Jain were declared fi rst In his farewell speech, Mathew thanked and second runner-up respectively. Manoj Doha Golf Club and all QGL members Megchiani won the ‘longest putt’ award, Saad for their support & co-operation over Kazi won the ‘closest to pin’ award, Serge the years. He also thanked QGL’s various Guevel won the ‘closest to rope’ award and sponsors particularly Fazal Kazi and Ivor Ravi Shankar won the ‘longest drive’ award. D’cunha, who have been sponsoring QGL Mathew, a longtime resident of Qatar, tournaments on a regular basis in the past. founded Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL) in 2001 He thanked Gulf Times for the excellent with eight members, which currently support extended to QGL during its 20 boasts of a membership of over 100 golfers years in existence. Mathew has been a Fac- belonging to over a dozen nationalities. ulty at the School of Engineering in College Mathew has been the chief organiser of of The North Atlantic (CNA-Q) and is re- golf tournaments every month under the tiring and returning to Canada. QGL banner and has organised 194 tour- Fazal Kazi who sponsored the fare- naments during the past 20 years. QGL well tournament presented a memento to founder member Manoj Megchiani, who is Mathew and wished him a happy retired taking over as president, was all praise for life with lots of golf. Prize winners from left: Sanjay Jain, Saad Kazi, Manoj Megchiani, Arnav Jain, PK Mathew, Ravi Shankar, Jasjit Butalia, Navid Bukhari and Serge Guevel.

GOLF FOCUS Nordqvist fi res 9-under to grab Johnson, Matsuyama lead in Arkansas

AFP Los Angeles

nna Nordqvist rolled share lead at BMW in her ninth birdie at the fi nal hole on Saturday to cap a ‘We’re about to be parents nine-underA par 62 and stretch her lead at the LPGA NW Ar- very soon, so we’re kansas Championship to three strokes. obviously super excited’ The two-time major cham- Championship pion from Sweden, who shared the overnight lead with Amer- icans Esther Lee and Jackie Stoelting, had a 36-hole total of 16-under par 126. “I played really solid both today and yesterday,” said Nor- dqvist, who hit all 18 greens in regulation at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas. “Got off to a great start,” added the Swede, who birdied fi ve of her fi rst six holes. “Had a lot of good Anna Nordqvist of Sweden hits opportunities. Made a few putts her second shot on the 2nd early and just kept going. Felt hole during the second round like I hit my irons really well.” of the Walmart NW Arkansas Nordqvist was three shots Championship at Pinnacle clear of South Korean Kim Sei- Country Club in Rogers, young, who fi red an eagle and Arkansas. (AFP) seven birdies in a seven-under 64. Kim bounced back from a try to shoot a low one.” Kim double-bogey at the eighth, was mid-round when storms her penultimate hole, with her rolled through, leading to a fi nal birdie of the day. hour-long delay. She had eagled the par-fi ve “Greens were softer, but the 18th to make the turn six- wind is stronger than front under for the day, and goes nine, so it wasn’t easy,” she into Sunday’s fi nal round one said of the shifting conditions. stroke in front of compatriot Nordqvist was hoping to Jenny Shin and Americans keep things rolling Sunday as Nelly Korda and Austin Ernst. she pursued her fi rst LPGA ti- Both Korda and Shin card- tle since the 2017 Evian Cham- ed second-round 63s, Shin pionship. “It’s nice to see hard storming home with fi ve bird- work pay off ,” said Nordqvist, ies in the last seven holes. who said even that two-win Ernst signed for a 65. 2017 season was diffi cult be- Korda matched her career- cause of a bout with mononu- best thanks to an eagle on the cleosis. Swing changes “in the fi nal hole. She said it would wrong directions” also set her take a low score to lift the tro- back. phy in the 54-hole event. “Starting to feel like myself “Going to take it as low as I again,” Nordqvist said. “But it can,” she said. “(I’m) just go- has been a little bit of bumpy ing to stick to my game plan, road, especially when you try to have fun out there, and know what you’re capable of.”

SPOTLIGHT Danish teenager Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays a second shot on the second hole during the third round of the BMW Championship on the North Course at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois. (Getty Images/AFP) Rasmus wins UK AFP Leading scores aft er third round missed the fairway and the fi rst His caddie has a beeper and Washington and the green on his approach McIlroy has plans to skip the Championship (USA unless noted, par 70) 213-Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) at the fi fth to set up bogeys, Tour Championship if he gets 209-Dustin Johnson 71-69- 70-75-68, Russell Henley 74-69- but off set them with a six-foot the call. “I’m going to play in AFP after hitting his tee shot out of apan’s Hideki Matsuyama 69, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70, Lanto Griff in 70-73-70 birdie putt at the third and a many more Tour Championships London bounds, but recovered superbly opened with an eagle and 67-73-69 214-Jason Kokrak 74-71-69, Brian nine-footer for birdie at the par- and it’s only going to be the birth and birdied three of the last fi ve matched Dustin Johnson 211-Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 72- Harman 72-73-69, Abraham 3 eighth. Australia’s Adam Scott, of your fi rst child once,” McIl- holes to force a play-off . The in shooting a one-under 71-68, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) Ancer (MEX) 70-74-70, Tyrrell Canadian Mackenzie Hughes roy said. “That trumps anything anish teenager Ras- 39-year-old bravely holed from 69J to share the lead after Satur- and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann else.” mus Hojgaard beat 10 feet for par on the fi rst extra 69-73-69, Adam Scott (AUS) Hatton (ENG) 73-70-71, Tony day’s third round of the US PGA’s 72-69-70 Finau 70-71-73, Patrick Cantlay shared third on 211. Rahm matched the week’s low South Africa’s Justin hole but was unable to repeat BMW Championship. 212-Jon Rahm (ESP) 75-71-66, 71-68-75 Four-time major winner Rory round with a 66 despite a one- Walters in a play-off the feat from a similar distance Johnson, coming off a 30-un- McIlroy and Spain’s Jon Rahm shot penalty for picking up his Dto win the UK Championship at the second time of asking af- Sebastian Munoz (COL) 70- 215-An Byeong-hun (KOR) 73- der par score and an 11-shot vic- 75-67, Kevin Kisner 72-70-70, 74-68, Harris English 75-71-69, were on 212 along with two- ball without marking it on the yesterday, securing his second ter carving his approach wide of tory a week ago at the Northern Bubba Watson 72-70-70, Bren- Corey Conners (CAN) 76-69-70, time Masters champion Bubba fi fth green. “For some reason I European Tour title. the green from a fairway bunker. Trust, shared a two-stroke edge don Todd 73-68-71, Rory McIlroy Billy Horschel 70-71-74, Louis Watson, Americans Brendon picked up the ball thinking I had Hojgaard won with a par on Former world number one with Matsuyama at 1-under 209 (NIR) 70-69-73 Oosthuizen (RSA) 72-69-74 Todd and Kevin Kisner and marked it already,” Rahm said. the second extra hole at The Martin Kaymer, whose last through 54 holes at Olympia Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz. Tiger Woods fi red a 72 to share Belfry after he and overnight win was the second of his two Fields in suburban Chicago. McIlroy revealed that his wife, 55th on 220, well back of the leader Walters had fi nished major titles at the 2014 US It was the highest score to lead to next week’s Tour Champion- fourth pushed him to 3-under, Erica, is due to give birth to third-place eff ort he needs to tied on 14 under par. Open, had held the outright in the event since 1974. Not since ship at East Lake in Atlanta. but bogeys at the par-3 sixth and their fi rst child, a baby daughter, reach next week’s season fi nale. The 19-year-old fell two lead after his third birdie of the 1995 Tour Championship Matsuyama has not won in eighth and par-4 10th dropped within days. The 15-time major champion shots off the pace when he bo- the day on the 13th. However, has par or higher won a title, but more than three years, since the him back. “We’re about to be parents found water off the 17th tee on geyed the 12th, but birdied the after lipping out for an eagle it could be in the cards on this 2017 WGC Bridgestone Invita- Matsuyama and Johnson each very soon, so we’re obviously his way to a triple-bogey seven 14th and 16th and holed from and tapping in for birdie on the former US Open layout. tional, but boosted his chances birdied the par-5 15th, Mat- super excited,” the Northern and a third over-par round to 10 feet for eagle on the 17th to 15th, Kaymer dropped his only The tournament is the second by blasting out of a greenside suyama from 3 1.2 feet and John- Ireland star said. “It’s a private start for the fi rst time since 2010. complete a superb closing 65. shot of the day on the par-fi ve of three tour playoff events, with bunker into the cup from 37 feet son from eight feet, and parred matter, but we’re really excited Canada’s Corey Conners Walters, who began the day 17th and was unable to hole the top 30 on season points after at the fi rst hole. into the clubhouse to remain and can’t wait for her to get aced the par-3 sixth hole with a with a two-shot lead, ran up a from 15 feet on the last to join Sunday’s fi nal round advancing A four-foot birdie putt at the atop the leaderboard. Johnson here.” 9-iron from 150 yards. triple-bogey seven on the eighth the play-off . Gulf Times Monday, August 31, 2020 7 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Pretty scared to hit nets for fi rst time in Masterful Morgan 5 months: Kohli

IANS a big plus,” he said. “Other- Dubai wise you come heavier into the season, the body isn’t moving as much, and it starts playing oyal Challengers on mind, but yeah, as I said it leads England to Bangalore (RCB) and went much better than I ex- Indian captain Vi- pected.” rat Kohli said his Besides Kohli, the spin trio fiR rst training session ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal, Wash- of the upcoming Indian Pre- ington Sundar and Shahbaz mier League (IPL) season went Nadeem and a few fast bowl- “better than expected” but ers also trained and Kohli was added he was “pretty scared” pleased with the way they victory in 2nd T20 to hit the nets for the fi rst time went about the paces in the in fi ve months. fi rst session. ‘Both sides found it tough bowling, batting sides played well so a good all-round game’ “(It went) much better than “The spinners looked pretty expected, to be honest. I was good for day one, they pitched AFP pretty scared. I hadn’t picked the ball in consistent areas Manchester, United Kingdom up a bat for fi ve months, but for long enough,” said Kohli, yeah it came out better than I whose last assignment was the thought, to be honest,” Kohli two-match Test series against ngland captain Eoin was quoted as saying by the New Zealand in early March. Morgan led from the RCB’s website. “Shahbaz was good, Washy front as the hosts beat Kohli resumed training af- (Washington) was very good, I Pakistan by fi ve wick- ter a fi ve-month coronavirus- saw Chahal bowl well too. The etsE to win the second Twenty20 forced hiatus. seamers went through their international at Old Traff ord South African pace great motions a little bit. All in all, a yesterday. Dale Steyn and RCB team di- decent start to our camp.” Morgan came in on a hat-trick rector Mike Hesson also at- RCB arrived in Dubai last after leg-spinner Shadab Khan tended the session. week ahead of the 13th edition had reduced the home side, who “I’ve trained quite a bit dur- of the IPL which is scheduled were chasing a stiff victory target ing the lockdown, so I’m feel- to begin on September 19 in of 196, to 66-2. But the Irishman ing quite fi t and that helps. Be- the UAE. The team hit the nets and fellow left-hander Dawid cause the body is light and you on Saturday after successfully Malan (54 not out) took the game react better, I feel like I have ending their quarantine pe- away from tourists with a third- more time on the ball. That’s riod. wicket stand of 112. Victory, achieved with fi ve balls to spare, saw the 50-over world champi- COMMENT ons go 1-0 up in a three-match series following Friday’s rain- marred no result in Manchester. “Both sides found it tough Feel blessed to be bowling, batting sides played well so a good all-round game. Both sides haven’t played, might working alongside be rusty, didn’t get yorkers or ex- ecute skills as well as they’d have liked,” said Morgan. Ponting: Shreyas The travelling side’s cause was not helped when experienced INAS on the BCCI’s website. left-arm quick Mohamed Amir Dubai Shreyas will also be reunited limped off after bowling just two with head coach and former overs with what appeared to be a Australian skipper Ricky Pon- hamstring injury. hreyas Iyer will be cap- ting. Jonny Bairstow and Tom Ban- taining Delhi Capitals’ “I feel blessed to be work- ton made a sound start to Eng- side that has a number ing with someone as Ricky land’s chase. But a partnership of of seniors from the In- Ponting’s stature so closely. 66 ended when Bairstow, on 44, dianS team. Apart from Shikhar He is such a legend and makes miscued a sweep off leg-spinner Dhawan, who joined DC last everyone from the most sen- Shadab Khan to short fi ne leg. season, India’s Test vice cap- ior one to the newest guy feel Next ball, with the batsmen tain Ajinkya Rahane and ace at home and as a part of the having crossed, Banton – fresh spinner Ravichandran Ashwin unite,” Shreyas said. from making 71, his maiden fi fty will also be a part of the team Shreyas and Ponting were at this level, was lbw for 20 after England’s Eoin Morgan in action during the second T20 against Pakistan in Old Traff ord, Manchester, yesterday. (Reuters) in the upcoming season of the credited for the team’s run to missing a sweep. Morgan sur- Indian Premier League (IPL) the playoff s last season. It was vived the hat-trick delivery but Morgan to a 27-ball fi fty that also in just 12 Twenty20 internation- one over. Babar, the world’s was dismissed off the penulti- which will be played in the the fi rst time in seven years could have been lbw for a sec- included three fours. By the time als and Malan fi nished the match top-ranked Twenty20 batsman, mate ball of the innings. This UAE starting on September 19. that they had progresses be- ond-ball duck to Shadab, who he holed out off paceman Haris when he cut Afridi for four. pulled the fi rst ball of the match, series, which in common with Both Ashwin and Rahane yond the group stage. fi nished with fi ne fi gures of 3-34 Rauf, England needed under a Earlier, Pakistan made 195-4 from fast bowler Saqib Mah- all international cricket in Eng- have captained IPL teams in It has been more than a week from his maximum four overs. run-a-ball to win. featuring fi ne fi fties from vet- mood, for four. land this season is being played the past. since all IPL teams landed in But a tight umpire’s call ver- Malan might have missed this eran batsman Mohamed Hafeez He went to fi fty with a superb behind closed doors due to Cov- “Ashwin and Rahane are UAE. However, the Board of dict following Martin Saggers’ match had not England been (69) and skipper Babar Azam extra-cover drive off Rashid – id-19, concludes at Old Traff ord both individuals who are high- Control for Cricket in India is original not out decision, went fi elding separate red and white- (56). his seventh four in 37 balls. But tomorrow. ly knowledgeable as players yet to announce the schedule in the batsman’s favour. Morgan ball squads in a coronavirus-af- Leg-spinner Adil Rashid took Rashid had his revenge when and have captained IPL teams for the upcoming season. cut Iftikhar Ahmed over long-off fected season, with batsmen such 2-32 from his maximum four Babar miscued a pull to deep BRIEF SCORES before. So for me, this is an op- According to sources, some for an audacious six before late- as Test captain Joe Root and Jos overs but the rest of England’s midwicket. Hafeez kept the runs Pakistan 195 for 4 (Hafeez 69, portunity to use as a captain. I of the franchises have ‘re- cutting the spinner for four. Buttler omitted from this series. attack lacked penetration, with coming, with a scooped four off Azam 56) lost to England 199 for can reach out to them when I quested’ the Indian Cricket His fourth six, off left-arm But his 35-ball half-century was seamer Tom Curran conced- Mahmood seeing him to a 26- 5 (Morgan 66, Malan 54*) by five want to, and share and discuss Board to announce the sched- fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, saw his seventh score of fi fty or more ing 46 runs - including 23 off ball fi fty before the 39-year-old wickets. with them,” Iyer said in a video ule ‘quickly.’

WEBINAR Generation Amazing, Josoor and UCFB explore how sports and education foster gender equality eneration Amazing, Josoor tions that create policies addressing for the benefi t of their communities, Institute and University women’s issues. Football institutions and through their actions inspire oth- Campus of Football Business can use their leverage to ensure that ers to do the same.” (UCFB) recently delivered women have a seat at the table and that During the discussion, MacDonald Gthe third instalment of their ‘Inspiring women’s football receives the atten- of Unicef said: “Investing in girl’s and Youth’ webinar series entitled: ‘How tion it deserves not only in words but women’s empowerment and access to Can Sport and Education Drive Gender also in action, budget and resources.” learning, skills and employment op- Equality?.’ Goal Click Founder, Barrett, also portunities, particularly the most dis- The webinar explored the many stressed the importance of listening advantaged and those living in remote challenges to gender equality and how to women’s voices. He said: “Covid-19 areas, is key to overcoming many of the empowering women through sports has amplifi ed many challenges at play, socio-economic challenges in the re- and education can address some of from infrastructure, investment, and gion and optimising available human these challenges. facilities to cultural and social barriers, capital and fi nancial resources”. Professor Simon Chadwick, Director with the women’s game suff ering dis- He added: “With Unicef’s and its of Eurasian Sport at EM-Lyon Busi- proportionately. partners’ eff orts in the last six years, ness School, moderated the discussion But football also provides an op- there have been tangible and marked featuring Afraa al-Noaimi, Execu- portunity to highlight their stories, improvements in women’s and girl’s tive Director, Josoor Institute; Honey directly hear the voices of inspirational lives and in gender equality on the Thaljieh, Co-founder and former cap- women and girls, and ultimately start ground. It is with thanks to its partners tain of the Palestine national wom- to create a more equal world. Goal around the world and in Qatar, like Ed- en’s football team; Matthew Barrett, Click uses football as a powerful lens ucation Above All, Silatech and others Founder, Goal Click; Dahlia Maarouf, through which people can understand that we have been able to make these Leadership and Development Spe- diffi cult issues around gender equality advances for children and we serve — cialist at Education Above All (EAA); and women’s rights.” those who are counting on us to sup- and Anthony MacDonald, Senior Pro- In providing such education or skills, port their hopes for the future”. gramme Manager and Head of Offi ce in EAA’s Maarouf emphasised the impor- “The webinar addressed one of the Doha, Unicef Gulf Area Offi ce. tance of contextualising programmes most pressing issues of our age: how After highlighting data on the sig- to the targeted benefi ciaries’ situation. to ensure gender equality. There is nifi cant employment discrepancies She said: “With EAA’s Al Fakhoora no doubt that sport has the power to aff ecting women, particularly in terms programme we have seen fi rst hand, overcome the challenges that women of opportunity and vulnerability, al- ties with men.” decision-making and implementing giving them the confi dence to fi ght for if we provide marginalised youth in and girls face. Hence, our discussion Noaimi said: “Education empowers The speakers, who are proponents of policies and legislation that promote their rights and become independent the Mena region with the right skills, made a valuable contribution to un- women to compete for better oppor- inclusion and socio-economic equity socio-economic equity. individuals. Sport made me the person knowledge and experience, that de- derstanding how this can be and is tunities. It is the most important tool in their respective fi elds, agreed that Drawing from her personal experi- I am today.” spite the daily challenges and obstacles being achieved,” Professor Chadwick that we are using at Josoor Institute to achieving gender equality requires a ence, former Palestinian national team She added: “If we want to give girls they face, they can reach their full po- concluded. create gender equality. multi-faceted approach. captain Thaljieh said: “Sport and edu- opportunities in sport and tackle the tential. The students understand that For more details about upcoming By implementing the right educa- These include, among others, in- cation have great capacities to empow- inequalities they face and foster di- they are not simply recipients of aid, webinars, connect with Josoor Insti- tion programmes, we give women a vesting in women’s education and er women. Both can help develop self- versity and inclusion, we need more but rather the change makers to initi- tute on their social media channels or better chance to have equal opportuni- skills, empowering women voices in esteem for young girls and women, women in decision-making posi- ate and implement social enterprises sign up for their newsletter here.

Monday, August 31, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA 1 EQUESTRIAN Organisers hope to Hamilton sweeps to increase rider base dominant Spa win with Hathab series It was Briton’s 89th career win, two short of equalling Schumacher’s record

Reuters Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

ewis Hamilton took an- other step towards a record-equalling sev- enth Formula One ti- Bader al-Darwish, Organising Committee Member – Longines Hathab, Ltle yesterday with a dominant and Secretary-General of Qatar Equestrian Federation, honours lights-to-fl ag victory in the Bel- main partners of the 2019-2020 Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian gian Grand Prix. Tour — Saleh al-Mana, Vice-President Government and Public Aff airs, The Briton, who had started ExxonMobil Qatar Limited, and AbdulSalam Abu-Issa, Chief Executive from pole position after an in- Off icer, Salam International. spired qualifying display, was at the front for every single lap as he led teammate Valtteri Bottas across the line for a Mercedes one-two. Hamilton looked to be in per- fect control in the lead after re- taining his advantage at the start and down the long fl at-out blast to the Les Combes chicane de- spite a snap of oversteer. The durability of his tyres, which stirred memories of his winning three-wheeled limp to the line at his home British Grand Prix, raised some concern for the champion. But even those worries, which injected a hint of jeopardy into the otherwise straightforward race, By Sports Reporter map after the three editions have proved unfounded as he crossed Doha contributed to achieving a sig- the line a comfortable 8.4 seconds nifi cant and remarkable devel- clear of his Finnish stablemate. opment in the performance of “I know it’s not necessarily Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his Belgian Grand Prix win at Spa-Francorchamps yesterday with a crossed-forearms gesture he supreme organis- the riders,” al-Mannai. what everybody always wants from the Black Panther movie in respect for Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman, who died on Friday. (AFP) ing committee of the He also mentioned the good to see, a Mercedes at the front,” Longines Qatar Eques- performance of Qatari rider said Hamilton, who now has a think Lewis was faultless today.” McLaren in the race after team Vettel’s replacement Sainz. +40.650 trian Tour Hathab, con- Maryam al-Boinin, who won the 50-point lead in the champion- mate Carlos Sainz failed to make The race was interrupted by Tsisting of members of Qatar Small Tour title in the 12th and 6. Alexander Albon (Red Bull) ship over Bottas and is 47 ahead ‘PRETTY BORING’ the start due to an exhaust issue, an early safety car, sent out after +42.712 Equestrian Federation (QEF) and fi nal round. of Red Bull’s third-placed fi n- Verstappen, the only non-Mer- was seventh while Alpha Tauri’s a crash involving Antonio Gio- 7. Lando Norris (McLaren) Al Shaqab, will soon be holding On his part, Ali al-Rumaihi, a isher Max Verstappen. cedes winner so far this year, took Pierre Gasly took ‘Driver of the vinazzi and George Russell. +43.774 a meeting this week to chart a former Olympian himself, and “But no matter how much his sixth consecutive podium but Day’ honours in eighth. The Italian lost control of his 8. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) strategic plan for the new season Director of Longines Hathab, success we have, we just keep dubbed the race “boring.” Alfa Romeo at the exit of the +47.371 Hathab 2020-21 for the fourth thanked all participants and the our heads down.” “I ran out of tyres at the end, FERRARI STRUGGLE Fagnes chicane. 9. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) edition of the annual champion- media for their role in making Hamilton’s win was the 89th so I was just stretching it out, Ferrari, winners in Belgium for Russell, running behind Gio- +52.603 ship which begins in October. the third edition a big success of his career, putting him ever saving the front tyres,” said the the last two years, fi nished out vinazzi in his Williams, col- 10. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) The plan to further enhance despite a four-month forced closer to matching Michael 22-year-old, who had a lonely of the points as their lack of lected a loose wheel that came +53.179 the domestic equestrian series break due to the coronavirus Schumacher’s seven title tri- afternoon after a fi rst-lap battle speed was laid bare on Spa’s long off the car, leaving debris strewn Fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo which was launched three sea- (Covid-19) pandemic. umphs and leaving him just two with former team mate Daniel straights. across the track. (Renault) 1:47.483 on 44th lap sons ago under the guidance He added that with the end of short of the German’s record Ricciardo. “It was not enjoyable Sebastian Vettel, leaving Fer- of Qatar Olympic Committee the season, there will be a com- tally of 91 race victories. out there today.” rari at the end of the year, was BELGIAN GP RESULTS (top 10) DRIVERS’ STANDINGS (top 3) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin prehensive technical and admin- It was also the champion’s Ricciardo fi nished fourth for 13th, a place ahead of last year’s 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 157 pts Hamad al-Thani with the aim istrative evaluation of the tourna- fi fth win from seven races so Renault, while also taking the pole-sitter and winner Charles 1:24:08.761 2. Max Verstappen (NED) 110 of increasing the number of rid- ment. He pointed to the increase far this season and the fourth of extra point for fastest lap. Team Leclerc, whose race was further 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 107 ers and to form a wider base of in number of sponsors and horse- his career on the Spa-Francor- mate Esteban Ocon rounded off hampered by slow pitstops. +8.448 trained horses and also to en- owners has led to an increase in the champs track. a strong weekend for the French “We need to work and fi nd 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) CONSTRUCTORS’ STANDINGS hance riders’ interest in dressage base of riders and horses partici- Bottas, winner of the season- manufacturer by snatching fi fth something because like this it’s +15.455 (top 3) to participate in the international pating in Hathab rather than rely- opening Austrian GP but now on the last lap from Red Bull’s very diffi cult,” Leclerc said of 4. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) 1. Mercedes 264 pts and Olympic equestrian events. ing solely on the federation alone eff ectively two whole race vic- Alexander Albon. the Italian team’s form that even +18.877 2. Red Bull 158 The organising committee to provide riders and horses. tories behind Hamilton, said: “I Lando Norris, the sole drew a shake of the head from 5. Esteban Ocon (Renault) 3. McLaren 68 aims at studying the setting of Badr al-Darwish, Secretary- the calendar for the new rounds General of QEF and the Asian of the fourth edition of Longines Equestrian Federation, and a Hathab. The request submitted member of the Organising Com- Vettel says Ferrari must stay calm aft er Belgian fl op by several friendly federations mittee, said that the tournament to participate with their riders highlighted Qatar’s role on the AFP the drivers almost collided as prepares to return to the ‘tem- in some of the next rounds of the international equestrian map Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium they banged wheels in a scrap ple of speed’ for a race behind championship will also be stud- thanks to Al Shaqab’s facilities over 12th position. closed doors. ied. The new edition may also see and the QEF. “It was very diff icult to have any Vettel again expressed his own the opening of doors for fans. The participation of many ebastian Vettel said Fer- decent pace in this race or this frustration during the race, The third edition of Hathab judges from International Fed- rari have to remain calm weekend,” said Vettel. “There questioning Ferrari’s race strat- concluded successfully at the eration of Equestrian and Asian Sand avoid any sense of are a lot of things we have egy while Leclerc was pitted an QEF’s indoor arena on Saturday Equestrian Federation who par- frustration as they seek to shake learned and we have to stay unexpected second time. and Omar bin Khalid al-Mannai, ticipate in the refereeing and off a dismal Belgian Grand Prix calm and not frustrated. The German, linked with a Vice-Chairman of the Organ- training courses for showjump- weekend ahead of their home “Being frustrated normally does move next year to Aston Martin, ising Committee, thanked HE ing and dressage is in indication Italian race next Sunday. not lead you anywhere. We the re-branded Racing Point Sheikh Joaan, for his support for of the same, he stressed. The four-time champion, who have to be calm, be realistic and team, has won three times sports in general and for eques- The Hathab series launched is in his final season with the not expect any miracles. before at Monza, but his wins in trian in particular. in 2017 carries a total prize of Italian team, finished 13th “The package we have is what it 2008, 2011 and 2013 were with The organisers also thanked QR1.2mn. Hathab meaning ‘Can- yesterday, one place ahead of is and we have to focus on the Toro Rosso and then, twice, the offi cial sponsors ExxonMobil ter’ in Arabic, is aimed at improv- teammate Charles Leclerc, who good things even if there are with Red Bull. Qatar and Al Salam International ing the standard of horse riding won last year’s race. not many of them.” Leclerc won last year’s Italian and Longines for their generous among Qatari youths while en- Neither driver was able to make Vettel added that he and the Grand Prix at Monza next week- 1,000th F1 race. Grand Prix for Ferrari, but the support for the equestrian event. couraging the involvement of pri- any impression, as Ferrari strug- team were very conscious of end being followed immedi- “The next is Monza — it means team are significantly down on “I hope to increase the rid- vate stables and individual horse gled and finished pointless out- “the two important weeks com- ately by the Tuscany Grand Prix a lot to us and we have to keep power this season compared to ers’ base in the future so that the owners to grow awareness of side the top ten. At one stage, ing up” with their home Italian at Mugello to celebrate Ferrari’s fighting,” he said, as the team last year. championship will be placed on horsemanship as part of Qatar’s the regional and international history and tradition.

SPOTLIGHT Aft er comeback in Qatar last year, al-Attiya heads to Turkey Rally

By Sports Reporter “I am getting stronger with my based Motortune Racing garage, in high positions. Now I just want Doha practice with the car. My physical who are providing him with me- to show that I am following my fi tness is good too as I am training chanics and engineers. The vet- passion and that I am also a rally in the gym. I do my swimming eran Qatari rider felt age is just a driver,” he added. eteran driver Nasser sessions as well. I have been here number and said he wants to pur- Al-Attiya has already laid out bin Khalifa al-Attiya, in Turkey for a month and I will sue his passion for motorsports his future plans, as he aims to who made a comeback continue here until the rally,” he for a long time. participate in the rallies across to rallying in Qatar last added. “I want to be strong at my age. Europe. “My future plans are that Vyear, will participate in the World Al-Attiya has extensive ex- My age is only a number for me. I am willing to compete in Europe Rally Championship in Turkey perience in motorsports, having I need to show the veteran mot- next year. Maybe I will do a round from September 18 to 20. also been an administrator for orsport enthusiasts that you can in Cyprus or in other countries A former Middle East Rally more than two decades. He is a enjoy your life and compete well like Latvia or the Czech Republic Championship (MERC) series former president of the Qatar too. Most of the participants this year so that I gather enough runner-up in 1993, al-Attiya Motor and Motorcycle Federation have good data on every race, data for next season. Next year I returned to track at last year’s (QMMF) and has also served as they have more mileage than me. will do a full championship,” he Qatar International Rally after a the vice-president of Federation This is my fi rst time in Turkey. I said. gap of 22 years. And that experi- Internationale de l’Automobile will never give up my passion.” he “It was my dream to race in ence has only made him continue (FIA) and Fédération Interna- said. Turkey, especially since Qatar competing in rallies. tionale de Motocyclisme (FIM). “I want to do some records. and Turkey have good relation- “I have already registered to He has started in over 50 rallies I did many things for Qatar by ship at all levels. I need to put a take part in the Turkey Rally. I and has gone on to win many in- building a racing circuit, by pro- message out that both countries will be driving a Ford Fiesta R5 ternational rallies and is a fi ve- moting many drivers and riders enjoy great relationship. Also, at with my Italian co-driver Bern- time winner of the Qatar Rally to compete worldwide. Nasser the same time I want to put Qatar acchini Giovanni,” said al-Attiya, Championship. Saleh al-Attiyah achieved many on the map with another driver who has been camping in Turkey In Turkey, al-Attiya will get sterling performances during competing at top races,” al-Atti- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiya will be driving a Ford Fiesta R5 (right) at the World Rally Championship in Turkey for the last one month. technical support from Lebanon- that time. I was with FIA and FIM ya added. from September 18 to 20.