Sport WEDNESDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2020 CaptainC Kohli feels relaxed ahead of IPL I (have) never felt so calm going into a season before. He (AB dde Villiers) is coming from a very different space and he is enjoyinge his life and is very relaxed and fit as ever. I feel I am iin a much better space, much more balanced, when it comes tto environment of (the) IPL. Virat Kohli SPORT Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper | 11

CONCACAF New season's first shocker: qualifiers will not start until March: FIFA Al Wakrah stun Al Duhail REUTERS – BERN

THE PENINSULA – Al Wakrah's Mohamed The start of the 2022 World Ben Yattou vies for Cup qualifiers in the A brilliant strike by Algerian the ball against Al CONCACAF region, Mohamed Ben Yattou saw Al Wakrah Duhail players during comprising North and Central defeating the reigning QNB Stars yesterday's match. America and the Caribbean, League champions Al Duhail in the has been put back until March second round of the new season at next year because of the the Education City Stadium yesterday. ROUND 2 RESULTS: COVID-19 pandemic, global Ben Yattou scored the all- Al Sadd 5-1 Al Sailiya soccer body FIFA said important goal in the 11th minute as Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 SC yesterday. Al Wakrah put behind their 1-2 loss In the latest delay to the to Al Ahli in Week 1. Al Rayyan 3-1 Al Gharafa qualifying competition for the Al Duhail were on the attack from Al Wakrah 1-0 Al Duhail tournament in Qatar, FIFA beginning, whereas Al Wakrah took said it had jointly decided time to settle down. New recruit Umm Salal 0-0 Al Khor with CONCACAF that the Ramin Rezaein skied a shot in the Al Ahli 2-0 Al Arabi international dates in October fifth minute to signal The Red and November were too early Knights’ intentions. for play to start in the current , , circumstances. another new signing Eduardo Rod- “Many parts of the region riguez (Dudu) all looked like making continue to have very chal- up for the injury-forced absences of lenging public health situa- , , tions, and that has been a key Yousef Msakni, Bassam Al Rawi and factor in this decision,” said . FIFA in a statement. However, it was Al Wakrah who The South American qual- got into the scoring act, with Beny- ifiers, which had been due to ettou, one of the top scorers in last begin in March this year, will season’s QNB Stars League, finding not start until at least next the target capitalising on a mistake month, while the Asian qual- by the Al Duhail defence, especially ifiers, where the second round Luis Martin. is underway, will not restart Al Wakrah then tightened their until March 2021. defence, with Ali Karami, Lucas Mendes, and stoppage time best spoke about the have played so far, occupies the top Murad Naji staying strong against an proceedings as Al Wakrah coasted to spot in the QSL standings. Al Duhail, onslaught of attacks by Al Duhail. a famous victory. who had beaten Umm Salal 3-0 in Al Sadd extend The Blue Wave goalkeeper Saoud Al Wakrah's Spanish coach, their opener, will now head into the Al Khater had an outstanding game Marquez Lopez, praised the brilliant 2020 AFC Champions League, which below the bar as Al Duhail failed to work of his players against the strong will resume on 14th September with Al Haydos' score a goal. Al Duhail outfit, who had only lost all West Zone matches being The script was no different in the two games on their way to win the scheduled in Doha. contract second half. Al Duhail’s , Ismail 2019-20 season Meanwhile, at Al Ahli Stadium, Mohammed and Abdelrahman "Thanks all his players for the Umm Salal and Al Khor teams were Mohammed came off the bench to great effort they made throughout tied without goals in their second until 2025 give impetus to their attack. the match against Al Duhail. The team match of the League. Al Sadd's Hassan Al Haydos Mohammed Moosa also took the field succeeded in winning the match With yesterday's result, Al Khor posing for a photograph with to strengthen their defence, but to no thanks to this great effort and this is raised its points tally to two following a team jersey after his contract avail. our first victory, which also a very their second consecutive draw in the was extended until 2025, Walid Regragui’s wards did eve- important win," a jubilant Lopez said new season, while Umm Salal yesterday. The Qatar national rything as the game wore on. Mean- after yesterday's win. claimed their first point. team captain, Haydos joined Al while, Al Wakrah resorted to The loss pushed Al Duhail to the Later, at the same venue, Al Ahli Sadd in 2007 and has made 251 counter-attacks. fourth position in the standings with clinched their second consecutive appearances with the Wolves Mehdi Benatia’s shot which was three points while Al Sadd, after win of the season after outplaying Al and has scored 81 goals. palmed away by Al Khater in winning both of the matches they Arabi 2-0 at home.

Portugal’s forward Ronaldo nets 100th international Cristiano Ronaldo De Bruyne named reacts after scoring his 100th goal for his Player of the Year goal as Portugal down Sweden country during the UEFA Nations League match AP – LONDON against Sweden in Solna, REUTERS – STOCKHOLM Sweden, yesterday. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was voted Cristiano Ronaldo rattled home a superb first-half free kick to become only the second English football’s Player of the Year yesterday, denying male player to score 100 international goals as Portugal outclassed 10-man Sweden 2-0 Liverpool a third straight winner of the prestigious in their Nations League A Group 3 game yesterday. Portugal's captain scored with a award. dipping set-piece effort just before halftime to join Ali Daei, who netted 109 times for De Bruyne became the first City player to capture Iran, on a century of goals. the Professional Footballers’ Association award after The 35-year-old was a constant threat to Sweden's back line in the early exchanges, scoring 13 goals and making a record-tying 20 assists hanging on the shoulder of the last defender before bursting forward to beat the last season. offside trap, but Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen was equal to the task. That all Liverpool players Virgil Van Dijk (2019) and changed when Gustav Svensson received his second yellow card and was sent Mohamed Salah (2018) won the award - voted on by players packing after a reckless challenge on Joao Moutinho on the edge of his own box in the top flight - the past two seasons, but the team was just before halftime. Ronaldo stepped up and smashed a dipping effort beyond the denied a hat trick of winners despite becoming champions despairing dive of Olsen and just under the crossbar before breaking into a wide last season for the first time in 30 years. Liverpool finished smile as he celebrated with his team mates. 18 points clear of City, the runner-up. Ronaldo struck again in the 73rd minute with another curling, dipping effort, Van Dijk was on the shortlist again along with team- this time from open play, to leave himself just eight goals short of Daei's record. mates Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander- Arnold, who was named the young player of the year. Australia beat England in final T20 clash, regain No.1 ranking

AFP – LONDON But Mitchell Marsh (39 not out) and Buttler, absent for personal reasons when Sam Billings, recalled in the where Steve Smith, fearful of touching Ashton Agar (16 not out) saw them after making a match-winning 77 not absence of Buttler and Morgan, the boundary rope and conceding a six, Australia beat England by five wickets home with three balls to spare. out in a six-wicket victory on Sunday. miscued a reverse sweep that was well threw the ball up into the infield to com- at Southampton yesterday to regain Earlier, Mitchell Starc led a disci- England, sent into bat on a used caught by Australia captain Aaron plete a well-judged catch. top spot in the global Twenty20 plined bowling display as Australia pitch, saw Tom Banton -- opening in Finch at slip. But with the recalled Joe Denly (29 rankings from their arch-rivals as the held a revamped England to 145-6. place of Buttler -- caught behind for Stand-in England captain Moeen not out) cutting a couple of bound- tourists ended the series with a conso- Fast bowler Starc took 1-20 from just two following a loose drive off Ali cleverly uppercut a Hazlewood aries, England took 16 runs off Kane lation win. his maximum four overs, with leg- Josh Hazlewood, one of three changes short ball for four before Bairstow Richardson in the 18th over. Australia set a modest 146 to win, spinner Adam Zampa returning fine to Australia's side. completed a 41-ball fifty with a superb BRIEF SCORES: were cruising to victory at 70-1. figures of 2-34. They were 53-2 when the in-form straight six off Zampa. ENGLAND: 145/6 (JM Bairstow 55, But they suffered a collapse that Jonny Bairstow, with 55, was the Dawid Malan holed out for 21 off However, Bairstow was out soon DJ Malan 21, Moeen Ali 23, JL Denly saw them slump to 100-5, with leg- only England batsman to pass 30. Zampa. afterwards when he miscued a pull 29 not out; A Zampa 2 for 34) spinner Adil Rashid taking 3-21 But England, already 2-0 up in a Bairstow, who struggled early on, off Agar, with the bowler making good Australia: 146/5 in 19.3 overs (MS including the key wickets of captain three-match series, were without struck left-arm spinner Ashton Agar ground to take the catch. Wade 14, AJ Finch 39, MP Stoinis 26, Aaron Finch (39) and star batsman captain Eoin Morgan (dislocated and Zampa for two huge sixes. Moeen made an attractive 23 before MR Marsh 39 not out, AC Agar 16 not Steve Smith (three). finger) and fellow star batsman Jos But Zampa had his second wicket he hoisted Starc to deep midwicket out; AU Rashid 3 for 21) Sport WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2020 08 Bennett wins 10th stage as Roglic retains overall lead

REUTERS — PRETOT ILE DE RE,

Ireland’s Sam Bennett completed his set of Grand Tour victories when he Brayden Point (right) scores a goal prevailed in the 10th stage of against New York Islanders in game the Tour de France yesterday. The Deceuninck-Quick one of the Eastern Conference Final. Step rider, who already had three Giro d’Italia and two Vuelta stage wins to his name, Lightning strike for narrowly outsprinted Aus- tralian Caleb Ewan and Slo- vakian Peter Sagan for his first win in cycling’s biggest event. 8-2 win over Isles in “I’m in shock,” a tearful Bennett told Tour television afterwards. NHL series opener “I just want to thank the whole team... everybody it AFP — LOS ANGELES The Lightning matched took to get to here.” their play-off goal- “Sorry - I don’t mean to be Brayden Point scored twice and scoring record, first a cry-baby,” he added, wiping delivered three assists as the away tears. Tampa Bay Lightning trounced set in an 8-2 win over Jumbo's Slovenian leader the New York Islanders 8-2 in Pittsburgh in the first Primoz Roglic holds on to the Sam Bennett (second left) of Ireland game one of the NHL Eastern round in 2011. overall lead with Colombia's celebrates his stage victory. Conference final on Monday. defending champion Egan Nikita Kucherov added one Bernal in second place in the goal and four assists for the driving across the crease and general classification, 21 French health authorities Union (UCI) and the organisers roundabouts, several crashes Lightning, who looked rested, shooting past the outstretched seconds adrift. and organisers Amaury Sport said that one staff member each occurred, with France’s Guil- not rusty, after nearly a week pad of Greiss. The result also meant the Organisation (ASO) have said from French outfits Cofidis and laume Martin, third overall, off since their series win over Jordan Eberle scored a 29-year-old Bennett reclaims that should two members of a AG2R-La Mondiale, Britain’s and one of the main con- the Boston Bruins. power-play goal to tie it 1-1 at the green jersey for the points team, riders or staff, test pos- Team Ineos-Grenadiers and tenders, Slovenian Tadej Yanni Gourde scored twice, 4:33 before Hedman gave the classification from triple world itive for the coronavirus the Australia’s Mitchelton-Scott Pogacar, being involved in a Victor Hedman had a goal and Lightning a 2-1 advantage with champion Sagan. whole outfit will be kicked out contracted the virus. pile-up 65km from the line. two assists, and Andrei Vasi- a power-play goal at 8:12 of the Sagan is looking to win the of the race. On a route peppered with They both made it back to levskiy made 23 saves for first. jersey for a record-extending The International Cycling traffic islands and the main bunch. second-seeded Tampa Bay. Ryan McDonagh’s slap shot eighth time, while Bennett is “We’re playing so well,” made it 3-1 at 10:46. hoping to become the first Point said. Gourde got to a loose puck Irishman to take the points “We’re playing with in the crease to stretch the lead classification since Sean Kelly Tour de France director positive structure, we’re playing respon- to 4-1 at 4:03 of the second and in 1989. sible with the puck, we’re Point made it 5-1 when he redi- All 22 teams set off after making the right plays. I think rected a shot from Hedman on every rider tested negative for for COVID-19 but peloton negative our team has been so good.” a power play at 13:18. coronavirus on Monday’s rest New York goaltender Kucherov made it 6-1 when day, with deputy race director Thomas Greiss allowed three he converted a pass from Point Francois Lemarchand waving AFP — SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RÉ, in-race mass tests of riders, Prudhomme, who has been goals on nine shots before he on a 2-on-1 at 5:51 of the third the flag for racing to com- FRANCE team staff and officials. His role in charge of cycling’s showcase was pulled at 10:46 of the first period. After Nick Leddy cut it mence in place of his boss as chief organiser means he event since 2007, said: “I leave period. to 6-2 Palat scored for the fifth Christian Prudhomme - who Tour de France director attends numerous Tour- the Tour now for a week, I’m He was replaced by straight game to make it 7-2, it emerged had also tested Christian Prudhomme must related social events, and on going to do what any French Semyon Varlamov, who made and Gourde scored a power- positive. leave the race and quarantine Saturday he shared his car employee would in this kind 20 saves for the sixth-seeded play goal for the final 8-2 for a week after a positive with French Prime Minister of case.” Islanders, who wrapped up a margin. The Deceuninck-Quick COVID-19 test but all the riders Jean Castex who visited the Prudhomme said he was 4-3 series win over the Phila- The Lightning matched Step rider, who already were negative, organisers eighth stage in the Pyrenees. not surprised that the peloton delphia Flyers on Saturday, their play-off goal-scoring had three Giro d’Italia announced before the start of Following news of Prud- was free from coronavirus, then travelled from Toronto to record, first set in an 8-2 win and two Vuelta stage yesterday’s 10th stage. homme’s positive test it was saying “the riders live like the NHL’s second play-off hub over Pittsburgh in the first wins to his name, Prudhomme, who is announced that Castex himself monks or soldiers, which is not in Edmonton, Alberta. round in 2011. narrowly outsprinted asymptomatic, said he had would undergo a precau- the case with me”. Game two will be played But Lightning coach Jon Australian Caleb Ewan tested negative for coronavirus tionary test. The prime minis- He hands over temporary today in Edmonton, where all Cooper said he expected the three times before this year’s ter’s office said he and Prud- responsibility of the sport’s games in the conference finals Islanders to make things more and Slovakian Peter rescheduled race started on homme had worn masks “and crown jewels to former rider and the Stanley Cup final will difficult in game two of the Sagan for his first win in August 29 but the positive respected social distancing” Francois Lemarchand, who is be played. best-of-seven series, which will cycling’s biggest event. came from the first of two measures. director of the Paris-Nice race. Point put the Lightning up send the winner to the Stanley 1-0 1:14 into the first period, Cup final. NBA: Clippers win; Celtics push Raptors to the brink

AFP — MIAMI

Paul George scored 32 points and the Los Angeles Clippers turned up the heat defensively in a 113-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets for a 2-1 lead in the NBA Western Conference semi-finals. Kawhi Leonard added 23 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Clippers, coming up big on both ends of the floor as Los Angeles powered to the finish in the see-saw battle. Denver, blown out in game one but coming off a convincing game-two victory, led 78-68 midway through a third quarter that featured nine lead changes. It was tied up at 101-101 with less than five minutes remaining and the Clippers closed it out with a 12-6 scoring run. LA Clippers guard There was no suspense in Paul George (right) the Boston Celtics’ 111-89 makes a layup over blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets Toronto Raptors, which pushed guard Jamal Murray the reigning NBA champions to (27) during the first the brink of elimination in the half of game three. Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Celtics, who had lost two straight as the Raptors the conference finals with a win They trailed 62-35 at half- clawed their way back into the on Wednesday. time, and despite a noticeable best-of-seven series, took a 3-2 They dominated defen- uptick of energy to start the lead and can clinch a place in sively to hold the Raptors to 20 third, there was too much NBA PLAY-OFF RESULTS percent shooting in the first ground to make up. quarter, emerging from the Kemba Walker added 21 Eastern Conference Semi-finals opening period with a 25-11 points, four rebounds and seven Boston Celtics 111 Toronto Raptors 89 lead. The Raptors never assists, Jayson Tatum delivered (Boston lead series 3-2) recovered from the early body 18 points and 10 rebounds, Western Conference Semi-finals blow. The Celtics’ 37 points in Daniel Theis and reserve Brad LA Clippers 113 Denver Nuggets 107 the second quarter were two Wanamaker scored 15 apiece (LA Clippers lead series 2-1) more than the Raptors managed and Marcus Smart chipped in in all of the first half. 12 for the Celtics. WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Olympics sponsors in limbo as year-end contract expiration looms

TOKYO REUTERS - because the information is not public. corporate Japan through the inter- understanding and cooperation going some sponsors question what benefit At the same time, sponsors fear cession of sports marketing heavy- forward.” there is to backing the event. Tokyo 2020 Olympics organisers damaging their image by abandoning weight Dentsu, but many companies Dentsu did not immediately “While some sponsors see benefits have not extended sponsors’ contracts a politically important national are reeling from economic damage respond to requests for comment. even with reduced attendance at the set to expire at the end of the year, project. wrought by the pandemic. Faced with sliding support for the Games, for others its hard to see the sources said, leaving some ques- “The delay threw financial plans Local sponsors’ contracts cover Games - just 24% of Japanese are in point,” said one of the sponsor sources. tioning whether to continue after for the Games into disarray and many only Tokyo 2020, unlike a smaller favour of holding the event next year, The sponsorship contracts are one COVID-19 forced a delay of the companies really don’t want to pay number of worldwide sponsors. according to a July poll by Kyodo of many problems for Olympics world’s largest sporting event. any more,” said one of the sources, Tokyo 2020 is “asking our news agency - the national mood organisers as they scramble to dem- Postponing the Games for a year an Olympics insider. Sponsors expect partners for their ongoing support in further discourages Olympics pro- onstrate the viability of the delayed has created additional costs for the contract extension negotiations the process of extending the con- motional activity, said another source, Games and ensure safety for athletes sponsors, including fees to extend to be fraught, said two more of the tracts,” organisers said, adding that an Olympics insider, and a fifth source and spectators. The success of the contracts, and some wonder whether sources, both from sponsors. although the pandemic has “had a from a sponsor. Companies are Tokyo 2020 is likely to be a top pri- it’s worth doing so, three of the Tokyo 2020 raised a record $3.1bn certain impact... we will continue to already trying to cut spending in the ority for the successor to outgoing sources said, declining to be identified in sponsorship money from across make every effort to seek face of an economic slowdown, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A general view shows the National Stadium (centre) from the Shibuya Sky observation deck in Tokyo yesterday. Rising costs are a result of IOC’s reform delay: Study

REUTERS - ATHENS several cities dropped out. The 2024 the IOC,” Flyvbjerg said. “They have “What we can see from the media Australia and Germany. For Flyvbjerg, and 2028 summer Olympics were been slow and careless about these reports so far is that the study takes a however, those reforms are not The Olympic Games’ cost overruns in directly awarded to Paris and Los issues for decades.” fundamentally flawed approach, enough. recent decades are a result of the Inter- Angeles before a complete overhaul of The IOC said it had neither seen the mixing two different budgets: the “It is already clear that this is all too national Olympic Committee’s delay the bidding process by the IOC. study nor had it been contacted by the budget for the organisation of the little too late. They are not bad ideas in undertaking deep reforms, and it is “Far more in terms of reform needs authors. Games, and the infrastructure budgets but just not effective.” now paying the price, said the lead to be done,” Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor “The (Oxford University) of the city, region and country.” His study proposed a number of author of new Oxford University and Chair of Major Programme Man- researchers have not requested any The IOC introduced a string of measures, including reducing the research. agement at University of Oxford’s Saïd kind of data from the IOC over the past reforms with its ‘Agenda 2020’ and seven-year preparation time, semi- The study, “Regression to the Tail: Business School said in an interview few years, saying that they cannot rely ‘New Norm’ programmes, to make the permanent locations, larger cost con- Why the Olympics Blow Up,” claimed yesterday. on numbers provided by the organ- Games cheaper. tingencies, and getting the IOC finan- all Olympics since 1960 had run over “Over a period of about 25 years isers, the IOC or governments,” the IOC “For the Olympic Games Paris cially tied to the event. their budgets at an average of 172%. the IOC has not been able to be more said in a statement. 2024, this will lead to the use of com- “The owners of the concept have The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have inventive and more intelligent, because “This leads to the question of where petition venues of which 95% are no interest to make it effective because also gone above the initial budget with they are not paying for the event. So the numbers used in the study have already existing or temporary." the IOC they don’t care about the cost side. almost $13bn already spent, according they are not concerned about it.” come from and how they have been said. They define the specs but somebody to organisers, before their costly delay Host cities take on the financial validated.” "LA 2028 will use only existing or else pays the bill,” Flyvbjerg said. by a year to 2021 due to the COVID-19 responsibility of staging the Olympics The IOC also questioned some of temporary venues in four unique sports “The IOC needs to get realistic pandemic. with the IOC providing more than $1bn the findings, citing a study conducted parks spread across the city, high- about what the issues are and not deny Many cities in recent years have to the Games’ budget, among other by the University of Mainz and lighting LA’s geographical diversity,” them. They must embrace them and been scared off by the mounting price contributions. Sorbonne University that found on the the IOC said. say ‘OK, there is a problem. The Games tag of hosting the Games, and the 2022 Host cities are responsible for cov- operations side that organisers had Several countries have expressed are too costly’. and 2026 winter Olympics were left ering any losses incurred. broken even or made a profit at every an interest to host the 2032 Olympics, "If you are not willing to say it then with only two bidders each after “This is now coming back to bite Games in the past 20 years. including India, Indonesia, Qatar, you cannot solve it.”

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo Melbourne delivers a speech as part of the F1 champion Bledisloe Cup inauguration of the “We love 2023 tour”, a train launched for the 2023 Hamilton to enter rugby world cup - Webb Ellis Cup, test pushed at the Paris’ gare de Lyon in Paris back to 2022 yesterday. team in Extreme E due to electric series COVID-19 REUTERS - LONDON REUTERS - MELBOURNE Six times Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton (pictured), an The Bledisloe Cup test between outspoken campaigner for the environment and sustainability, is entering Australia and New Zealand his own team in a new Extreme E electric off-road series highlighting scheduled for Melbourne this climate change. year has been switched to The first race is scheduled for early 2021 and Hamilton’s team will 2022 due to the COVID-19 be X44, referring to the Mercedes driver’s racing number. pandemic, Rugby Australia The Briton, who will not be driving or involved in day-to-day oper- said yesterday. ations, is the biggest name to link up with a series that includes the US- The annual three-match based Andretti United and Chip Ganassi Racing teams. Bledisloe Cup series is nor- “Extreme E is an exciting new sustainability initiative, and this is a mally contested as part of the great opportunity to be involved from the outset as a team founder,” southern hemisphere’s Rugby Hamilton said in a statement. Championship, which also “Of course, my ambitions and commitments with Mercedes in includes South Africa and Formula One mean that I won’t be operationally involved in X44, but Argentina. I’m excited to play a different role in this new series, one that brings my Melbourne’s Docklands All Blacks player Ennor vision for a more sustainable and equal world to life.” Stadium was due to host a test Hamilton, a vegan, said last year he was trying to reduce his carbon for the first time since 2010 as footprint -- selling his private jet and banning single-use plastic from part of a doubleheader home and office among other measures. involving both countries’ injured, out for 9 months He also said then that he had no interest in switching to the all- men’s and women’s sides this electric Formula E series. year. AP - WELLINGTON 23-year-old Ennor until a test that role as an assistant in Extreme E races, held without spectators but to be broadcast live on “The decision to swap the schedule for the season has Dunedin with a similar post TV and social media, will be held in some of the most remote and harsh All Blacks test to 2022 is a sen- The All Blacks have had an been confirmed. under Jamie Joseph with the environments including the Brazilian rain forest, Greenland, Saudi Arabian sible one and I thank Premier injury setback only two days “It’s hugely disappointing Japan national team. deserts and mountains of Nepal. Daniel Andrews and the Vic- after their first squad of the for Braydon but he is a strong The Highlanders, who The locations are either already damaged or severely under threat torian government for their season was announced. young man and we’ll be sup- won the Super Rugby title in from a range of issues such as rising sea levels or deforestation. flexibility and support,” RA’s Crusaders centre Braydon porting him as he goes 2015 under Joseph, are in the Teams will raceace identical SUVs with each one havinghaving a interim chief executive Rob Ennor ruptured ligaments in through his surgery and rehab hunt for a new head coach male and female ddriver.river. Clarke said in a statement. his right knee early in the over the next few months,” after Aaron Mauger was let go The series will also use a former mail ship as a floating Melbourne will also host a South Island’s 38-35 Foster said. last week after three years in paddock and transportersporter between locations and for test in July next year. comeback win over North on Meanwhile Tony Brown charge. oceanographic research.esearch. Victoria, which accounts Saturday, a prelude to the is firming as the favourite to “We’d be silly not to con- “Like us, Lewiswis is hugelhugelyy for about 75% of the country’s announcement of coach Ian become the new Otago High- sider it. He’s been head coach passionate about motorsport,motorsport, total infections of 26,320, Foster’s 35-man squad. landers head coach after the before,” chief executive Roger but also shares ourur beliefbelief extended a hard lockdown in He may be sidelined for chief executive of the Super Clark told news website Stuff. that we can use sportport to its capital Melbourne until nine months. Rugby franchise said they co.nz yesterday. highlight subjectsects September 28, as the daily Ennor made his New would be “silly” not to con- Brown was previously which are vital too infection rates had declined Zealand debut against sider him for a return to the Highlanders head coach after the world, such ass more slowly than hoped. Argentina last year and was role. Joseph’s departure for Japan climate change The All Blacks have held one of four centers included The former Highlanders in 2017 and led the side to the and equality,” the Bledisloe Cup, the symbol in Foster’s squad. flyhalf is considered one of quarter-finals of the playoffs said series of trans-Tasman supremacy, Foster said he will not the best attack coaches in the before making way for founder Alejandroo since 2003. pick a replacement for the game and currently combines Mauger. Agag. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2020 Djokovic urges angry fanbase not to turn on line judge Warholm

REUTERS – NEW YORK Reuters later that the line judge Novak Djokovic fails in bid appeared to be okay and was not checks on a line Novak Djokovic has pleaded for brought off-site. judge after he for world compassion for the line judge he Tournament referee Soeren hit her with a inadvertently struck in the throat Please also remember the Friemel came out on to the Arthur tennis ball after with a ball at the US Open on linesperson that was hit by Ashe Stadium and spoke to chair losing a game to record Monday after the female official umpire Aurelie Tourte and Andreas Pablo Carreno the ball last night needs our AFP – OSTRAVA faced a backlash from fans of the Egli, the Grand Slam supervisor, Busta of Spain world number one on social media. community’s support too. before a long chat with the three- She’s done nothing wrong (not pictured) The Serb was disqualified in the time former US Open winner. on day seven of Norway’s Karsten Warholm fourth round after he hit a ball to at all. I ask you to stay Djokovic pleaded his case for failed in his bid to set a new the US Open. the back of the court in frustration especially supportive and 12 minutes but the Grand Slam world record in the men’s after dropping serve in the first set caring to her during rules are clear, and his fate was 400m hurdles at yesterday’s against Spain’s Pablo Carreno this time: Djokovic already sealed. Golden Spike meet in the Czech Busta, sending the official to the Britain’s Tim Henman, who city of Ostrava. floor. suffered a similar fate in 1995 at The 24-year-old is in A section of Djokovic’s fans linesperson that was hit by the ball Wimbledon, said Djokovic would electric form and in Stockholm took to social media to hurl abuse last night needs our community’s learn from the experience. two weeks ago came within at the official after her Instagram support too. She’s done nothing “Djokovic has had plenty of 0.09 seconds of Kevin Young’s username was carried by Serbian wrong at all. I ask you to stay espe- examples in the past where he has long-standing world record of media. cially supportive and caring to her cut it pretty fine on the court,” 46.78sec which the American “Shame on you. Old lady full of during this time. Henman told The Times. set at the 1992 Barcelona evil,” read one of the messages left “From these moments, we “Unfortunately for him he has Olympics. on her Instagram account, while grow stronger and we rise above. got it wrong this time and suffered A false start did not help other users accused her of faking Sharing love with everyone. the harshest penalty. matters in Ostrava, where the injury and “bad acting”. Europe here I come.” “I think he will take this on Warholm blasted off to his Djokovic yesterday defended With the line judge screaming board because he is a bright indi- usual fast start at the second the official on Twitter, while out in pain as she fell to the ground, vidual. Going forward he won’t be time of calling. thanking fans who had left him a horrified Djokovic ran over to her hitting balls and throwing his But the two-time world positive messages of support. and apologised. racket because he knows what the champion flagged coming “Please also remember the A tournament spokesman told reaction will be.” through for victory at the line, clocking 47.62sec. “It’s always nice to get a win,” the 24-year-old Nor- Nadal to wegian told reporters. “Today I was a bit surprised return to Medvedev marches ahead by the time to be honest, I actually thought it was faster.” “But this is sport and... action at you’ve got to take whatever with Tiafoe demolition you get,” Warholm said, next week’s refusing to blame the false start. “You don’t want this of Italian Open REUTERSREUTERS – NNEWEW YYORKOR Rublev overhauled sixth course, but it’s part of the seed Matteo Berrettini in game.” But he admitted he had DaniilDaniil MMedvedev’sedvedev’s bid for a four sets, reaching his to adjust his pace in the final AP – ROME maidenmaiden GGrandrand SSlaml title second US Open quarter- turn of the race. gatheredgathered pace on Monday finals three years after “There is nothing dramatic Rafael Nadal is preparing his asas tthehe Russian storstormedm into breaking through in 2017 as about it, I needed to do a switch return to tennis after a seven- thethe US OOpenpen ququarter-finalsart a 19-year-old bolt from the and maybe that was what cost month layoff at next week’s withwith a dominant 66-4, 6-1, blue. me a good time today,” said Italian Open. 6-06-0 wiwinn ooverver a listless Rublev, Medvedev and Warholm. “The Foro Italico is always FrancesFrances Tiafoe.Tiafoe. Karen Khachanov, who was “Everything that ruins the a special place for me and even ThirdThird seed MMedvedev,e seeded 11th and beaten in rhythm is bad for the sake of more so this year as it will be whowho lostlost an epic five-setterfiv the third round, lead a time of course.” Warholm only my first tournament following toto RaRafafa NadalNadal in lalast year’s strong Russian generation agreed to run at Ostrava last a long period without playing,” final,final, bbarelyarely bbrokeroke sweat in tipped to challenge for week after weighing carefully Nadal, who has won the Rome thethe evening matcmatchh ata Arthur Grand Slam spoils in coming the pros and cons of competing tournament a record nine AsheAshe StadiumStadium aass AmericanA years. in the eastern Czech steel hub times, said in a video message Tiafoe’sTiafoe’s resistance crumbledc Rublev said he and during the coronavirus played at the event’s presen- afterafter gogoinging ddownown a break in Medvedev were “crazy on pandemic. tation yesterday. thethe secondsecond sset.et. court” when they played “We are starting to get used Because of concerns amid WithWith RoRogerger FeFedererd and each other as children. to it, this is our third meet and the coronavirus pandemic, NadalNadal missinmissing,g, anandd top seed “Just throwing the I think we’re very good at doing Nadal preferred not to travel to NovakNovak DjokovicDjokovic disqualifieddis rackets, complaining,” he the right decisions and being New York for the ongoing US forfor hittinghitting a ballball intoin a line told reporters. smart considering the virus,” Open. He last played in Feb- judge,judge, MedvedevMedvedev is now “What I remember from he said. ruary, when he won a tour- ffavouredavoured by book- him he was always one of “I have a plan about going nament in Acapulco, Mexico. makersmakers to wiwin in New the biggest fighters I’ve ever to Rome for the Diamond The Sept. 14-21 Italian York.York. seen in my life.” League (on September 17) but Open, which was postponed Daniil Medvedev of TheThe onlonlyy man in Medvedev said he time will show.” from its usual slot in May, will Russia serves during thethe llastast eieightght to have would resort to lobbing the therefore be Nadal’s main his Men’s Singles notnot droppeddropped a set,set his lone ball repeatedly at Rublev preparation for the French fourth round match blipblip against TiaTiafoefo came or other players to try to Open later this month. against Frances when broken at 5-5-22 serving win. Semenya Top-ranked Novak Tiafoe of the United forfor thethe ffirstirst setset.. “Until like maybe Djokovic, who was disqualified States during the “I thinkthink it was maybem my 12-years-old, maybe 10, it’s loses appeal from the US Open, is also 2020 US Open best match (of(of theth tour- true maybe if something entered. at the USTA Billie nament),”nament),” the 6-ft6 6-in was going wrong, I was just against CAS In all, 19 of the top 20 men’s Jean King National (1.98m)(1.98m) 2424-year-old-year- told doing lobs until I win the players are entered, with only Tennis Center in the ESPN.ESPN. match,” he said. ruling over No. 4 Roger Federer missing Queens borough of “It’s“It’s alwaysalways bbetter to “In Russia when there is because of injury. New York City, on startstart tthehe tournametournament a little tournaments (for) under- Four-time champion Monday. bit rusty and thenth get 10s, you play up to four testosterone Serena Williams headlines a better.”better.” games, which is short, and I women’s field that features MedvedevMedvedev willwil battle was managing to make regulations nine of the top-10 ranked 110th-seeded0th-seeded cocompatriotm these matches up to three players - with top-ranked Ash AndreyAndrey Rublev, a pplayer he hours. Barty the only big name knowsknows well frofromm junior “Russian mentality is not REUTERS – LUSANNE missing. days, fforor a sesemi-finalmi-fin berth. easy for tennis.” Double Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya has lost her appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal to set aside a From clown shoes to 2019 Court of Arbitration (CAS) ruling that female athletes with a high natural level of testo- I’ve got to deal with sterone must take medication quarters: De Minaur what God gave me. to reduce it. South Africa’s Semenya He didn’t give me the approached the tribunal in May best physique, I’m not last year after CAS, sport’s savours success as strong or as tall as highest court, ruled that World other people so I have Athletics regulations were nec- REUTERS – NEW YORK “As a young essary for athletes with differ- kid, I was probably to find ways to win. ences in sexual development Australia’s Alex de Minaur once struggled 11 or 12 and already That’s the way I win. (DSDs) in races ranging from to grow into his body as a tennis player but had the same size (11) I want that to be my 400 metres to a mile, to ensure the tenacious 21-year-old feels himself a foot I have right now,” brand of tennis. I fair competition. snug fit in the US Open quarter-finals. he said. The tribunal found the De Minaur made his first Grand Slam “So it felt like (I was) a want people in the requirement of subjecting quarter-final on Monday with a 7-6(6), 6-3, little kid with clown shoes on. locker-room to know certain female athletes to drug 6-2 win over Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, giving I didn’t have the best footwork, that if they’re going or surgical interventions as a Australia a player to rally around in the the best movement. to beat me, they’re precondition to compete does absence of women’s world number one Ash “So it was just a lot of work, not amount to a violation of Barty. especially in technique of movement going to have to go Swiss public policy, Semenya’s “At the end of the day, this is where I from a young age.” through me: lawyers said in a statement want to be, and this is where I truly believe At 6 feet (1.83m) tall, De Minaur is Alex de Minaur yesterday. I belong, second weeks of Slams and going the shortest player in the last eight but Testosterone increases deep,” De Minaur told reporters after setting stands out as an all-court scrapper among muscle mass, strength and hae- up a clash with second seed Dominic Thiem. baseline beanpoles like Alexander Zverev moglobin, which affects The man nicknamed “Demon” has and Daniil Medvedev, who are tipped to endurance. Some competitors turned heads since 2018 when he made the dominate the game’s future with raw have said women with higher third round of Wimbledon on his main draw power. levels of the hormone have an debut and eclipsed tempestuous talent Nick Toppling three-times Grand Slam finalist unfair advantage. Kyrgios as Australia’s number one before Thiem will be a big ask for De Minaur, who Alex de Minaur of Australia serves the “I am very disappointed by turning 20. joked he would prefer to “blast people off ball during his Men’s Singles fourth round this ruling, but refuse to let Behind De Minaur’s rise has been plenty the court” if he could. match against Vasek Pospisil of Canada World Athletics drug me or stop of hard work, though, and waiting for his “This running thing gets tiring,” he on monday. me from being who I am,” body to catch up with his aspirations. smiled. Semenya said referring to the sport’s governing body. WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

Bid to oust Barca chief gathers pace Lionel Messi European clubs as fallout from Messi saga continues chief warns of REUTERS — BARCELONA of the team’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to "We always want Leoo to be Bayern Munich in the Champions League with us, I've said many ttimesimes heavy losses With Lionel Messi’s aborted bid to leave in August. he is the best player in historystory Barcelona still raw, club president Josep The motion of censure was filed by and as president of La Ligaiga I Maria Bartomeu may be counting his presidential candidate Jordi Farre on would like him to finishh his due to virus days after a campaign group announced August 26, the day after captain and all- career in this competition.on. they were racking up signatures in a bid time high scorer Messi sent the club an "La Liga has beeneen AFPA — LONDON to force a vote of no-confidence in him. official notice saying that he wished to working for quite a few years ‘Mes que una mocio’ (More than a leave. to ensure that as a brand it is above indindi-i- EuropeanE Club Association chairman motion), the group supported by candi- The Argentinian then said on Friday vidual players and clubss so the value is AndreaA Agnelli warned yesterday that dates for next year’s presidential that he would stay for this season as he not affected by one or twowo playersplayers.. footballfo was still in “crisis- election, said they had reached 7,500 did not want to fight a legal battle with "But there was some worry because mmanagement” mode, predicting club member signatures of the required Barca over the validity of a clause in his after 20 years with us, youou want him toto dadamaging financial fallout from the 16,520 by September 17 to trigger a vote last contract which allowed him to be here and not in anotherher league," he coronavirusco pandemic over the next few of no confidence in Bartomeu. depart for free. He trained with Barca said. years.ye If the campaign reaches its target and on Monday. Tebas also said Messi'sssi's departuredeparture Agnelli said rebates owed to Cham- the vote is held, two-thirds of the club’s Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier would not have affectedted La Liga'Liga'ss pionspi League and Europa League broad- 150,000 members would have to vote Tebas has said he was never seriously income from broadcastt rights deals. castersca totalled €575m ($678m) and he against Bartomeu to trigger an imminent worried about the impact on the league "I don't think so becauseuse we hhaveave predictedpr a revenue drop for clubs of election. if Messi had left Barcelona this summer. already sold 90 percentt of the rirightsghts €4bn€4 over two years. Bartomeu, who cannot stand again Asked on Monday if Messi's for the next four seasons,ns, , so I don'tdon't The Juventus chairman said the as he has already served two terms, has departure had been a serious worry for think the departure of MMessiessi would ovoverall value of the transfer market called elections for March 2021, three him, Tebas said: "A serious worry, no. A affect that issue," the Laa LLigaiga prespres-- couldco plummet by up to one-third. months ahead of schedule, in the wake worry, yes. ident added. The disruption caused to European club competitions by the COVID-19 pan- demic has left rights-holders seeking compensation from UEFA, the conti- nent’s governing body. Liverpool target back-to-back “We have seen very important rebates to the principal broadcasters both at domestic level and at interna- tional level,” he told the ECA general assembly, being held by video titles to underscore dominance conference. “We have seen a £330m ($430m, €365m) rebate in the Premier League, REUTERS — LONDON we have seen a downturn in the Bun- Liverpool’s players celebrate desliga domestic rights of about €200m Liverpool raised the bar so with the Premier League and we are in the process of finalising high and enjoyed such a huge trophy in this July 22, 2020 the account with UEFA with a reduction winning margin in claiming file photo. of around €575m for the international the Premier League title last club competitions, and that is all money season it would be churlish that is not going to be distributed. to doubt their credentials for “We (European clubs) are looking a repeat showing. at a revenue decrease of approximately Recent history suggests, four billion euros in the next two years,” however, that retaining the he said. trophy will be far more chal- The ECA chairman said the absence lenging for Juergen Klopp’s of fans had wiped out a crucial source side. of income, predicting a downturn in Pep Guardiola’s magnif- sponsorship revenue and a 20 to 30 icent Manchester City side percent drop in the overall value of the did win back-to-back titles transfer market. between 2017-19, but before He said talks over changes to the that bragging rights had format of European club competitions changed hands every season had stalled with the continent’s since 2009-10. leading sides in “crisis management” Klopp’s side finished 18 mode. points above Manchester City The Italian has been one of the last season and an incredible leading voices in calling for a revamp 33 above Manchester United of continental competitions and how and Chelsea in third and teams qualify for them from 2024 to fourth place respectively. give clubs greater certainty over The German knows it will revenue. be much closer this time, not However, he accepts those discus- because his side are likely to sions have had to be put on hold. regress, but because the while Virgil van Dijk, in his Klopp’s side finished 18 points above Manchester supply and influence of Alex- “We will need to stall before we can natural evolution of the prime at 29 years of age, City last season and an incredible 33 above ander-Arnold and Robertson, properly address what we want to have Premier League means their would walk into the central Manchester United and Chelsea in third and fourth it is a good starting point to in the future,” he said. main rivals will have spared defence of any team in stopping them,” former Liv- “We need to have a fairly consistent place respectively. nothing to close the gap. Europe. erpool player Graeme understanding of what the significance Catching Liverpool The midfield, with Catching Liverpool presents arguably the toughest Souness said. at the economic level (of the pandemic) presents arguably the skipper Jordan Henderson as challenge in European football right now though. “Certainly, do not kick has been for clubs.” toughest challenge in its beating heart, will con- the ball long at Van Dijk’s UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin European football right now tinue to stifle the life out of Klopp has not built a team for a one-off title head. “Liverpool are the expressed his pride at how the European though. rivals, and when it comes to smash and grab, he has assembled one for lasting favourites for the title, but I football community had worked to com- Klopp has not built a attacking width, full backs dominance. don’t see them running away plete domestic and continental compe- team for a one-off title smash Trent Alexander-Arnold and with it again,” he added. titions, and highlighted the importance and grab, he has assembled Andy Robertson are the best Klopp has so far kept his of a united approach when discussions one for lasting dominance. duo in the business. Klopp is unlikely to veer But Liverpool will come powder dry in the transfer resumed over the future shape of From the back to the Up front the attacking away from the formula that under attack as the likes of market, signing only Kon- European football. front there are no weak- trident of Mo Salah, Sadio has worked so well, even if Guardiola, Chelsea’s Frank stantinos Tsimikas from “The future is in our hands,” the nesses and, tellingly, it is dif- Mane and Roberto Firmino his side’s form after the Lampard, Manchester Olympiakos as cover for Slovenian told club delegates. ficult to pick out the team’s are not about to go all goal- resumption of last season United’s Ole Gunnar Sol- Robertson. “Our mutual trust and sound part- most valuable component, shy. A bench featuring expe- following the three-month skjaer and Tottenham Hot- That could change in the nership will bring us soon to identify such is the value every player rienced heads such as James COVID-19 hiatus was less spur’s Jose Mourinho, to coming weeks though, as formulas to consolidate the incredible brings to the mix. Milner, Xherdan Shaqiri and impressive -- probably more name a few rival managers, standing still in the Premier success story of the UEFA club compe- In keeper Alisson, Liv- precocious youth such as full as a result of the title being a splash the cash and figure League, even for a team as titions. If we are united, football will erpool have arguably the back Neco Williams gives a formality rather than any out their weaknesses. dominant as Liverpool, is not win.” best stopper in the world bountiful options. darker reason. “If you can limit the a viable option. Delhi Capitals ‘Never felt so calm’: Captain Kohli can win title, expects IPL challenge from RCB says Rabada AFP — NEW DELHI the United Arab Emirates. happened in the past and not a lot of balance,” said Kohli. “He (de Villiers) is coming taking that baggage, as we “Some of the youngsters we Virat Kohli (pictured) says he from a very different space have done that way too many have picked this time are IANS — DUBAI has “never felt so calm” going and he is enjoying his life and times. “Just because we have quite exciting too like Josh into an Indian Premier is very relaxed and fit as ever. a bunch of players that are so Philippe, a very exciting Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Kagiso Rabada League season as the Royal I feel I am in a much better skilled... people have had so player.” feels that the team has the wherewithal Challengers Bangalore space, much more balanced, much expectation,” he The IPL will be played to challenge all comers for the Indian skipper chases an elusive title when it comes to envi-envi- admitted. across threet venues within Premier League (IPL) title this season. in the Twenty20 tournament. ronmentronment of (the)(the) IPL.IPL. Bangalore’sBangalore’s relativelyrelativel close proximity -- Always seen as an under-performing Kohli’s Bangalore fin- “A“Aaronaron FinFinchch ootherther imported Dubai,Dubai, Sharjah and Abu side for much of their 12-year history, ished runners-up in the 2016 is sosomeonemeone whowho talenttalent includesincludes DhabiDhabi ---- and Kohli feels that Delhi entered the play-offs last year for edition but have since disap- hashas experienceexperience SSouthouth African will leadlead to consistent playing the first time in seven years and beat 2016 pointed and were bottom of ofof playing interinter-- pacepace bowler conditionsconditi across the champions SunRisers Hyderabad before the eight-team table last year. nationalnational cricket.”cricket.” Chris Morris tournament.tournam losing to Chennai Super Kings. But the world’s leading Kohli has cap-cap- andand littlelittle ““ItIt (the(t usual home and “We had a really good season, so I ODI batsman expects a turn- ttainedained Bangalore kknownnown Aus-Aus- away systemsy in India) gets know that we can challenge and win this around from a team con- ssinceince 22013013 aandnd sasaidid traliantralian wiwicket-cket- hectic,hectic, conditionsc change... competition because we came really close taining big names such as the tournament being keeper-batsmankeeper-batsman ThisThis titime,m it’s more of a level last season. So, mentally I guess that South Africa’s explosive AB playedplayed outside India JoshJosh PhiliPhilippe.ppe. playingplaying field and everything helps,” Rabada said in a statement. de Villiers and Australia’s becausebecause of corona-corona- “Morris“Morris wouldwould nown boil down to skill “But, also, it is a new tournament so big-hitting white ball skipper virusvirus meantmeant hishis sideside bbringsrings levellevel ratherr than home we have to start again and we’ve got a Aaron Finch. wouldwould be “dis-“dis- inin advantage,”advanta he said. nice group put together, nice team.” “I (have) never felt so connecting ““WeWe have unpacked all Rabada, who has 31 wickets in his IPL calm going into a season withw i t h bags andan stacked clothes in career in just 18 matches, trained for the before,” Kohli said during an tthingshings thethe wwardrobe. We go, Kagiso first time with the rest of the team on interview posted on his side’s thatt h at practise,pract live in our own Rabada Monday after completing his YouTube channel on Monday havehav e bio-bubble...bio- It’s a more quarantine. ahead of the tournament settledsettl and calm feeling,” beginning September 19 in he said.