Sport THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020 Mourinho defends Kane against diving claims Don’t speak about Harry Kane. When I say my team has to be ready to compete, I’m not speaking about that. I’m speaking about winning 2-1 against a very difficult Brighton... and controlling the game.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho Sport |09

7TH RACE MEETING - UMM AL HOUL CUP: Winner: X Force (01:10.15), Trainer: Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, Jokey: Soufiane Saadi Leipzig beat injury-hit PSG as Messi-inspired Barca get third win in a row Morata brace fires Juve to 4-1 victory REUTERS – BUDAPEST Juventus’ Alvaro Morata in action against Ferencvaros players. Basaksehir Alvaro Morata scored twice before two defensive mistakes punish Sloppy helped Juventus to a 4-1 Cham- pions League win at Ferenc- varos yesterday as they Man United bounced back from last week’s defeat by Barcelona. REUTERS – ISTANBUL Morata tapped in Juan Cuadrado’s cross in the seventh Manchester United suffered a shock minute and swept home Cris- 2-1 defeat at Turkish Champions tiano Ronaldo’s pass on the Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday, hour to put Juventus in control the English side's first loss in three at a soggy Puskas Arena. Champions League group matches. Ferencvaros then self- United fell behind after 12 destructed as a howler by goal- minutes when Edin Visca found keeper Dense Dibusz allowed Demba Ba with a long pass in acres substitute Paulo Dybala to add of space and the striker ran forward the third and Lasha Dvali put before knocking the ball past goal- through his own goal after keeper Dean Henderson. another defensive mix-up. Basaksehir doubled their lead Franck Boli scored a late con- five minutes before halftime after solation for the Hungarians. Deniz Turuc nicked the ball from Juventus are second in Juan Mata and passed to Ba who set Group G with six points from up Visca to score. three games while Ferencvaros Anthony Martial's header two have one. minutes later gave United hope but Elsewhere, Lionel Messi despite enjoying plenty of possession scored a penalty for the third in the second half, they were unable Champions League game in a to break down the Turkish side's dis- row as Barcelona earned a far ciplined defence. United, who beat from convincing 2-1 win at last season's runners-up Paris St home to a depleted Dynamo over Group G opponents Fer- Ansu Fati. Dynamo, who were chances to equalise as well as low shot from the edge of the Germain and RB Leipzig in their first Kyiv to record three consec- encvaros and Juventus, tucked missing six players due to having a goal from a corner area. two games, top Group H with six utive victories in Europe's top away a penalty in the fifth COVID-19 positives, which also ruled out due to the ball going Emil Forsberg turned the points from three matches and Basa- competition. minute while Gerard Pique afflicted five members of staff, out of play. tide with a 57th-minute penalty ksehir have three after their first The Argentine, who had netted in the second half, gave a decent account of them- They deservedly pulled a after Presnel Kimpembe victory in the competition. also scored spot-kicks in wins glancing in a fine cross from selves and spurned a couple of late goal back in the 75th handled an Angelino cross, minute when Viktor Tsygankov having missed a gilt-edged slid the ball into the net, chance shortly after the break. pouncing on a rebound after From there on things only They scored two goals like Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter got worse for PSG as Idrissa you do in Europe when you Stegen could only parry a shot Gueye was sent off in the 68th do not defend well enough. from Benjamin Verbic. minute for two bookable fouls Meanwhile, RB Leipzig and Kimpembe was also dis- The first one is that we play came from behind to beat Paris missed in stoppage time for a a short corner and forget St Germain 2-1 at home in a second yellow card. about the man up top. That pulsating Group H clash yes- Di Maria and Moise Kean is unforgivable. The second terday, with the French club had goals ruled out for offside finishing the match with nine in quick succession shortly one as well, we are not very men. before Leipzig's equaliser as well organised to counter Third-placed PSG, who beat PSG dominated. the press. You don't turn up Leipzig 3-0 in last season's Ultimately, the visitors and get three points in the one-off semi-final in August, missed injured forwards have three points, level with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as Champions League. They are bottom of the table well as striker Mauro Icardi. a team well organised and Basaksehir. In other group matches yes- we were not good enough. Angel Di Maria gave the vis- terday, Chelsea swept to a 3-0 That is it: Manchester itors an early lead and then win over 10-man Rennes while United manager Ole Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi (left) shoots a penalty kick missed a 16th-minute penalty Sevilla came back from two to score the opening goal against Dynamo Kiev yesterday. before Christopher Nkunku lev- goals down to pull off a heroic Gunnar Solskjaer elled in the 42nd with a crisp 3-2 win at home to Krasnodar. Al Sadd and Al Duhail Paris Masters: Nadal pick up points in Round 4 claims 1000th career win THE PENINSULA – DOHA AFP – PARIS the French capital less than a month after winning Al Duhail and Al Sadd regis- his 13th Roland Garros title, edged out his fellow tered their first wins in the Rafael Nadal secured the 1,000th Tour-level Spaniard 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Ooredoo Cup as Al Sailiya victory of his illustrious career yesterday, Nadal, whose first match win on the ATP Tour and Al Wakrah were locked becoming the fourth man to reach that mark with came in April 2002, is fourth on the all-time list, in a 2-2 draw as the fourth a comeback three-set win over Feliciano Lopez with Jimmy Connors leading the way on 1,274 round came to a conclusion in the Paris Masters second round. victories, 32 more than second-placed Roger yesterday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, back in Federer. Ivan Lendl also passed the 1,000 barrier. Al Duhail beat Qatar SC YESTERDAY'S RESULTS 1-0 at the Qatar SC Stadium GROUP A Al Sadd's Hashim with the help of a goal scored Al Duhail 1-0 Qatar SC Ali shoots to by Yasen Abdallah in the Al Sadd 1-0 Al Khor score against 43rd minute. Al Sailiya 2-2 Al Wakrah Al Khor yesterday. In the 16th minute, Qatar SC’s Yusuf Ayman Farhat unleashed a stunning long- defenders inside the Qatar SC Hashem Ali netted the range shot that beat Al Duhail box and quickly rifled a shot winner in the 48th minute as goalkeeper Ahmed Sofyan, into the top of the net with Al Sadd registered their first but the ball narrowly missed keeper Motasem completely win in the tournament. The the crossbar in first real beaten by the pace of the Wolves have four points and threat from the men in shot. Al Khor six. yellow. Yusuf Aymen of Qatar SC Elsewhere, Al Sailiya and At the half-hour mark, was then given the marching Al Wakrah were locked in a Qatar SC’s Anthony Okpotu orders for picking up two 2-2 draw at Al Khor Stadium. outpaced Al Duhail defender yellow cards, in a space of Abdullah Al Marri (18th Mohammed Moosa, but seven minutes as both teams minute) and Tiago Bezerra Sofyan stepped out of his were unsuccessful in scoring (42nd-minute penalty) position to block the chip another goal. scored for Al Sailiya. Jassim shot and kill the threatening Later, at the same venue, Al Jalabi (45+1-minute move. a goal at the start of second penalty and 59th-minute As the half neared its end, half helped Al Sadd beat Al penalty) scored for Al Yasen swivelled past two Khor 1-0. Wakrah. THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 : World No.1 Farag, Momen cruise into last 8 Ibrahim stuns top seed ElShorbagy

FAWAD HUSSAIN QATAR CLASSIC Egypt's Youssef THE PENINSULA Ibrahim THIRD ROUND - RESULTS It’s a roller-coaster of celebrates Promising youngster Youssef Ibrahim [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0 Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 (34m) emotions, to beat someone (EGY) 3-0 Borja Golan (ESP) 11-2, 12-10, 11-2 (34m) after defeating yesterday produced a stunning like Mohamed in his form and [4] (NZ) 3-2 Gregoire Marche (FRA) 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5 (83m) compatriot performance to cause one of the major [8] (WAL) 3-0 Lucas Serme (FRA) 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (52m) and top seed where he is now, top seed of upsets in Qatar Classic Cham- [2] (EGY) 3-0 Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 (35m) Mohamed the tournament – it’s just pionship history, shocking top seed and Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 3-2 [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 11-9, 6-11, 3-11, 15-13, 11-6 (65m) ElShorbagy World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy in a [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) 3-1 James Willstrop (ENG) 11-8, 11-3, 3-11, 11-4 (37m) during the third massive. I knew I was in for a five-game thriller to march into the [5] Diego Elias (PER) 3-0 Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 11-5, 13-11, 11-9 (53m) round of Qatar fight, I had nothing to lose quarter-finals. TODAY’S QUARTER-FINALS Classic today: Youssef Ibrahim The all-Egyptian clash, which lasted 15.00 [4] Paul Coll (NZ) v [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) yesterday. for 65 minutes, is the most fascinating 15.45 [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [8] Joel Makin (WAL) battle yet in this year’s edition as World 16.30 [2] Ali Farag (EGY) v [5] Diego Elias (PER) No.41 saved a match point to tame the 17.15 Fares Dessouky (EGY) v Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) ‘Beast of Alexandria’ in the third round. Diego Elias, who won the all-South Barring ElShorbagy, it was a routine American clash against Colombia’s day for other top seeds yesterday as they Miguel Rodriguez with a 11-5, 13-11, 11-9 cruised into the quarter-finals at the score-line in 53 minutes. Khalifa International and Tennis and “I’ve only beaten Ali (Farag) twice Squash Complex. Ibrahim, a stylish left- and he’s beaten me more than 10 times, handed talent, showed stunning shots so it’s a really tough match. I’ve been from both sides, barely putting a wrong training hard and right now I just want foot throughout the match to stun his to recover and be ready for tomorrow,” experienced compatriot. said Elias after winning yesterday’s last “The word would be surreal,” said match. the 21-year-old sensation after his Meanwhile, Tarek Momen also memorable win yesterday. entered the quarter-final after over- “I don’t know how to describe how coming England’s former World No.1 I’m feeling right now. I’ve been waiting James Willstrop 3-1 (11-8, 11-3, 3-11, 11-4) for a break for a really long time and to continue his title hunt in Doha, where training really hard for so many years he won the world crown last year. and I haven’t had a good win – this just Momen conceded a five-point lead makes it so much better,” he added. early in the first game before he fought Ibrahim made his intentions clear back to take 2-0 game lead. Willstrop right from the beginning as he won the reduced the deficit by winning the third first game before ElShorbagy claimed game but the World No.3 Egyptian com- back-to-back games to take control of “It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, to beating Mohamed. I’ll just try to enjoy Farag and Momen sail into fortably won fourth game to complete the match. But Ibrahim rallied back and beat someone like Mohamed in his form today and recover. I’ve played with quarter-finals victory. survived a match point in the fourth and where he is now, top seed of the Fares (Dessouky) in practice matches, “As always it’s a pleasure to play game to draw level. tournament – it’s just massive. I knew we play with the same fitness coach, so World No.1 Ali Farag, who will keep James,” said Momen. The young Egyptian played fierce I was in for a fight, I had nothing to lose I know what to expect, we know each his top ranking intact after ElShorbagy’s “Overall, I’m happy with the per- shots and exploited some loose serves today,” said Ibrahim, who will meet other’s game very well,” he added. early exit, eased into the quarter-finals formance and all credit to James, he from ElShorbagy in the decisive game another countryman Fares Dessouky Dessouky dispatched Spaniard after a 3-0 victory over Malaysia’s Eain played a great match today,” he added. to confirm his place in the in the quarter-finals. Borja Golan 11-2, 12-10, 11-2 in 34 Yow Ng. The reigning world champion will quarter-finals. “I have no doubt in myself after minutes, earlier yesterday. The defending champion looked in be up against eighth seeded Welshman top form giving Yow Ng a run for money Joel Makin after he sent Frenchman World No. 1 Ali Farag (left) and Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia in action during their third round match yesterday. with his total grip in the match, which Lucas Serme packing 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 in he won 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 in only 35 52 minutes. minutes. Earlier in the first third round fixture Second seeded Farag’s next chal- yesterday, World No.6 Marwan lenge will be against Peru’s World No.7 ElShorbagy defeated Germany’s Raphael Kandra 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 to advance in the $175,000 event. The Egyptian was in complete I’ve only beaten Ali (Farag) control against World No.33 Kandra, twice and he’s beaten me winning the first game easily. An more than 10 times, so it’s a adductor injury in the second game to the German ended his hopes of making really tough match. I’ve a comeback as Marwan dominated the been training hard and right remainder of the match to advance with now I just want to recover ease. Marwan will take on fourth seeded Paul Coll in a mouthwatering quarter- and be ready for final today after the World No.5 from tomorrow: Diego Elias New Zealand made a comeback against Frenchman World No.17 Gregoire Marche to book his place in the last 8.

Tarek Momen of Egypt in action against Englishman James Willstrop.

Schwartzman edges closer to Tour Finals debut

Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman AFP – PARIS Schwartzman had never Kevin Anderson retired the 2014 Bercy final to returns the ball to France’s Richard beaten Gasquet in three pre- injured from their encounter. Novak Djokovic, plays 91st- Gasquet during their ATP World Tour Argentinian Diego vious meetings, but the home The Russian will next ranked American Marcos Paris Masters men’s singles second Schwartzman moved within player’s first win since the US play Australia’s Alex de Giron next. round match yesterday. two wins of sealing a debut Open came in the opening Minaur, who beat Italian Raonic’s path through appearance at the ATP Tour round. Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 7-5, for the draw has been made Finals in London by beating Schwartzman reached a last-eight place. easier by early exits for Richard Gasquet to reach the his maiden Grand Slam South African Anderson seventh seed Matteo Ber- Paris Masters third round semi-final at last month’s quit when 5-2 down in an rettini and second seed Ste- yesterday, while Alexander French Open after making opening-set tie-break, with fanos Tsitsipas. Zverev and Daniil Medvedev his first Masters final in the tournament medical Greek star Tsitsipas also progressed. Rome. service saying the former US pulled out of the doubles The 28-year-old US Open runner-up Open runner-up suffered a event yesterday after saying Schwartzman was too strong Zverev continued his thigh injury. he struggled with injury for France’s Gasquet, taking excellent run of form by The 24-year-old during his second-round loss a 7-5, 6-3 victory, and will cruising past Serbian Miomir Medvedev is yet to reach an to Ugo Humbert on Tuesday. next face Spanish qualifier Kecmanovic 6-2, 6-2 in ATP final in 2020 after Davidovich Fokina Alejandro Davidovich Fokina under an hour. winning four titles and fin- backed up his first-round in the last 16 at Bercy Arena. The fourth-seeded ishing runner-up five times win over former champion Schwartzman will secure German, who won back-to- last year. Karen Khachanov by easing the final spot at the season- back titles in Cologne last But the world number past Frenchman Benjamin ATP WORLD TOUR PARIS MASTERS ending tournament by month, will face Adrian Man- five is set to gain ranking Bonzi 6-4, 6-4, while Man- MEN'S SINGLES reaching the semi-finals in narino in round three. points in the French capital, narino beat Japan’s Yoshihito ROUND OF 32 Paris, but would qualify even Zverev, who has won after a second-round exit 12 Nishioka in three sets. Daniil Medvedev (3), Russia, def. Kevin Anderson, South Africa, 6-6, ret. if he fails to do so, as long as three Masters titles in his months ago. Later on Wednesday, top Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Spain, def. Benjamin Bonzi, France, 6-4, 6-4. neither Pablo Carreno Busta, career, broke twice in each Raonic kept his slim Tour seed Rafael Nadal starts his Diego Schwartzman (6), Argentina, def. Richard Gasquet, France, 7-5, 6-3. Milos Raonic or Stan set to extend his winning Finals hopes alive with a bid to win the title for the Adrian Mannarino, France, def. Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Wawrinka win the title. streak to nine matches. 6-4, 6-4 victory over Pierre- first time when he takes on Milos Raonic (10), Canada, def. Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, 6-4, 6-4. The Tour Finals get Third seed Medvedev Hugues Herbert. fellow Spaniard Feliciano Alex de Minaur (16), Australia, def. Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, 6-3, 7-5. Alexander Zverev (4), Germany, def. Miomir Kecmanovic, Serbia, 6-2, 6-2. underway on November 15. reached the last 16 after The Canadian, who lost Lopez in the second round. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020

Basketball: Al Arabi beat Al Sadd to become Amir Cup champions

Al Arabi players and the team management celebrate winning the Amir Cup basketball title after beating Al Sadd. Al Arabi won 87-78 at Al Gharafa Sports Club's Indoor Hall yesterday. First Vice President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani gave away the prizes. Sammy Monroe Jr II (31 points) and Khaled Roushdy Abdelbaset (24) sparkled for Al Arabi. For Al Sadd, the top scorers were Babacar Dieng (30 points) and Konstantinos Vasileiadis (25). X Force steals the show to IPL: Mumbai back in the hunt as Delhi seal Umm Al Houl Cup win eye breakthrough THE PENINSULA - DOHA X Force, winner of Umm Al Houl Cup Producing a well-timed REUTERS - ABU DHABI lunge at the final stretch, X Force - ridden by Soufiane Mumbai Indians are in familiar territory as the Indian Premier Saadi - yesterday grabbed League moves into the play-offs but the defending champions the honours in the Umm Al know they will have to take their game to another level when Houl Cup at the Qatar they face Delhi Capitals today. Racing and Equestrian Club Mumbai, the tournament’s most successful team with four racecourse. titles, became the first side to reach the play-offs last week and Trained by Ibrahim used Tuesday’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad to test the Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, X strength of their bench. Force clocked a time of It did not work out well, a 10-wicket thrashing coming as a 1:10.15 in the dirt race. Saadi wake-up call ahead of the Delhi tie. won the top prize of “Play-offs will be a different ball game,” Mumbai captain Rohit QR57,000 in the 1200m Sharma said after Tuesday’s loss. race held under lights at the “We’ve been in the play-offs many a times before and we do QREC racecoure in Al understand the pressure of being in the play-offs. Rayyan Park. “We were not good with the bat today, certainly we can’t afford Izzthatright, who had J to do that in the play-off. We need to be smart, in terms of our P Guillambert in the saddle, shot selection.” secured the second spot Delhi, led by the tournament’s youngest captain in 25-year- while Cristofano Allori, old Shreyas Iyer, will be hoping it is third time lucky against who was ridden by Ronan Mumbai having lost both their group matches to them last month. Thomas, clinched the third Coached by Australian great Ricky Ponting, Delhi’s strong top place. All three were Irish order is complemented by a potent bowling unit headlined by the entries. season’s leading wicket-taker -- Kagiso Rabada. Guillambert won The winners of today’s match will move straight into the QR22,000 while Thomas November 10 final in Dubai but all is not lost for the losers. got richer by QR 11,000. They will meet the team that comes through tomorrow’s elim- Earlier Thomas inator between Royal Challengers Bangalore and 2016 cham- managed a winning run pions Hyderabad to decide the second finalist. with Sealine as he won the Bangalore, led by India captain Virat Kohli, will have to win top spot in the 1200m race three successive matches to capture a first IPL title, something that offered QR75,000 in they have not been able to do this season. prize money. Sealine, Traditionally a batting-heavy side who have South African trained by Alban Elie Marie great AB de Villiers in their ranks, Bangalore have strengthened De Mieulle, clocked a time their bowling but have lost their last three matches to teams who of 1:18.65 as Thomas won made the play-offs. QR42,750. In Hyderabad they have an opponent who showed in 2016 Saadi, astride Barra, what it takes to win three knockout matches in a row en route to Team members of X Force (IRE) clinched the second spot 7TH RACE MEETING - WINNERS the title. posing for a photograph with and won QR 16,500. (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) “There is great resilience in the side,” Hyderabad captain David Kasser, who had Alberto the officials after winning the Warner said after Tuesday’s victory against Mumbai. Umm Al Houl cup, the feature Sanna in the saddle, fin- UMM AL HOUL CUP “We looked back to 2016 when we had to win every game to race of the day. ished third. Trained by X Force (IRE), Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, Soufiane Saadi win the title. When you have your backs against the wall, you Mohammed Ali Yousef Al LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS have nothing to lose.” Sheeb, Kasser’s third- Ghazali-trained entry Sealine (QA), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas place finish got Sanna looked impressive, winning PUREBRED ARABIAN CLAIMING RACE (4 Year Olds & Older) QR8,250. with a margin of 2 furlongs. Chaval De Ghazal (FR), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Marco Casamento In the seventh running Casamento won QR57,000. NZ facing injury concerns PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE of the day - the Purebred Another Ghazali-trained Arabian Claiming Race for entry, Anees - who had Khatafaynee (QA), Julian Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek ahead of Windies series 4-year-olds - Marco Casa- Eduardo Pedroza in the LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE mento guided Chaval De saddle - finished in second Dukhan (QA), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, Luca Maniezzi Ghazal to the top spot. place which was worth PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE REUTERS - WELLINGTON Chaval De Ghazal clocked QR22,000. Rashid Ali Al- Winne Taouy (FR), Hamad Ahmed Al Malki Al Jehani, Rashid Ali Al Marri a time of 2:09.05 in the Marri, astride Echo De Faust, THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Fillies & Mares) (Class 5) New Zealand cricket coach Gary Stead will be anxiously awaiting 1800m race. The settled for the third spot Romantic Heart (IRE), Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Meteb Ali Al Marri the outcome of medical checks over the next week with six of his Mohammed Gassim worth QR11,000. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) players nursing injuries as they prepare to face West Indies later High Commander (GB), Gassim Mohammad Ghazali, this month. Saleh Salem Al Marri Stead’s side face the tourists, who are in isolation in a bio- secure facility in Christchurch for the next 10 days, in three Twenty20 internationals starting on November 27 before a two- test series begins on December 3. Stead’s biggest concern is with his bowling unit. Pace spearhead Tim Southee (back), fellow pace bowlers Neil Wagner (groin/hip) and Matt Henry (broken thumb), and first- choice Test spinner Ajaz Patel (calf) are all under a cloud because of their injuries. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has foot injury while middle-order batsman Henry Nicholls has a calf strain. “Injuries are always a concern and we’re certainly monitoring each case closely with our medical staff,” Stead said in a statement yesterday. Southee’s injury is not considered too serious and he was rested from Northern Districts’ first-class match against Canterbury starting today as a precaution. He is likely to be available for the match against Central Dis- tricts next week but team mate Wagner has to undergo a scan. De Grandhomme also has to undergo a scan, with the results expected by today. Patel’s recovery is taking longer than expected and he needs to have another scan, Stead said. Nicholls is expected to be available for Canterbury’s clash with Otago next week, although team mate Henry is out for between four to six weeks, making him unlikely for the Twenty20 series and a doubt for the Tests. THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 WADA apologises, agrees to pay damages for Sakho ban South Africa commit to Rugby REUTERS – PARIS April 2016 after he tested pos- WADA in turn released a drugs test, and moved to Mr Sakho a substantial sum of itive for the fat burner statement rejecting UEFA’s Crystal Palace first on loan and damages. WADA has also Championship The World Anti-Doping Higenamine. criticism. then on a permanent deal. agreed to bear Mr Sakho’s rea- Agency (WADA) had apolo- Sakho missed that year’s British media reported that WADA and Crystal Palace did sonable costs.” gised and agreed to pay Europa League final against a lawyer for WADA had apol- not immediately respond to a Sakho said outside the for next decade damages to France interna- Sevilla and Euro 2016 as a ogised to Sakho in open court request for comment. court that he was happy with tional footballer Mamadou result, but UEFA dismissed the in London yesterday. “WADA regrets the damage the outcome. REUTERS – WELLINGTON Sakho for a drugs ban in 2016, doping case against him in July “WADA accepts that it the defamatory allegations “It’s not easy when you are British media reported and later confirmed that should not have made the caused to Mr Sakho’s repu- a professional athlete and are South Africa have reaffirmed their yesterday. Higenamine had not been on defamatory allegations it did... tation and the distress, hurt accused of doping. commitment to the Rugby Cham- The Crystal Palace centre WADA’s list of prohibited sub- given that Mr Sakho had been and embarrassment caused to "It is the worst thing that pionship for the next decade, organ- back, who was a Liverpool stances at the time. acquitted by UEFA,” WADA’s him. can happen to you. I always isers SANZAAR said yesterday, player at the time, was inves- UEFA also criticised WADA lawyer said. “To indicate the sincerity believed in my lawyers, that’s bringing an end to speculation the tigated by UEFA and given a for the lack of clarity over the Sakho did not play again of this apology, WADA has my squad, my team,” he told world champions may look to join provisional 30-day ban in status of Higenamine while for Liverpool after failing the agreed with its insurers to pay reporters. Europe’s Six Nations. SANZAAR said the four-nation alliance, which also includes New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, would be restructured and a “revised” 10-year strategic plan Zidane Ramos craving for more would include “future growth and expansion” for the Rugby confident Championship. “The re-commitment by the Ramos will four unions to the long term future after netting 100th goal of the international game is an important start as we embark in a extend stay new direction,” SANZAAR Chief REUTERS – MADRID Brazilian substitute “Individual records are can’t afford to do that.” Executive Andy Marinos said. We know what a great Rodrygo then rifled in a late secondary, but you like Under pressure after a “The disruption during 2020 has player he (Real Madrid Real Madrid captain Sergio winner to give Real their hitting them and as long as poor start to Real’s Cham- been significant, however, despite captain Sergio Ramos) is ... Ramos is looking forward first win in Group B after a they keep on helping the side pions League campaign, the numerous setbacks and the to boosting his impressive shock 3-2 home defeat by win, hopefully I can get a few coach Zinedine Zidane was inherent complexity of our vast geo- He’s our captain, our leader goal tally after netting a Shakhtar Donetsk and a 2-2 more. relieved the winners of a graphical expanse, we have and of course we want him milestone 100th for the club draw at leaders Borussia “It was a tough game, but record 13 titles in Europe’s managed to keep the game alive.” to be with us forever. in all competitions to help Moenchengladbach. we were able to get a good elite club competition were SANZAAR faced turmoil this them secure a vital 3-2 “It’s not bad,” Ramos, 34, result in the end and secure able to bounce back ahead year due to the impact of the That’s what he’s doing, Champions League win over said after hitting the mile- three very important points. of the reverse fixture in COVID-19 pandemic, with New showing that he’s always Inter Milan on Tuesday. stone at the Alfredo Di “We knew it was a do-or- Milan on Nov.25. Zealand at odds with South Africa got that desire and I’m in Ramos, who has won 22 Stefano stadium, die game and when you are “We suffered but we and Australia over the future of the no doubt that he’s going to trophies including four titles Real’s training pegged back to a draw in need to pat our boys on the club-based Super Rugby in Europe’s flagship club ground and tem- a match you were back because they deserved competition. stay here and will continue competition with Real, porary home while winning, you need to to win,” he said. South Africa Rugby withdrew to rewrite the history netted a trademark header their imposing San- push on. We’d let them “We started really well, its four teams from any future Super books: Real Madrid from a Toni Kroos corner to tiago Bernabeu off the hook a bit and in pressing high as we like to Rugby competition in September manager Zinedine put them 2-0 up before ground is being the Champions do. We went 2-0 up but then and said they would look to join Inter levelled to force a dra- renovated. League we conceded quickly and Europe’s PRO14. Zidane matic climax to the game. you couldn’t play our football.” They then withdrew the world champion Springboks from the Rugby Championship, which is cur- rently being played as the Tri- Nations in Australia. Although SA Rugby said player welfare concerns were behind the late withdrawal, the decision came as a surprise to the other nations Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Sergio Ramos celebrates and triggered fears over the future after scoring against Inter Milan on Tuesday. of the SANZAAR alliance. SANZAAR said the Rugby Cham- pionship would be restructured with the current home-and-away format replaced by a “mini-tour” Mourinho defends Kane against diving claims schedule when a nation will host a rival for two matches one season and play a double-header away the REUTERS – LONDON yesterday, a day before Spurs’ “He was in a position to control about us?” he added.dded. following year. trip to face Bulgarian side the ball in a dangerous position “Speak about Liverpool,ool, Japan, who reached the quarter- Tottenham Hotspur manager Ludogorets in the Europa and Lallana came in a very speak about Man Cityity finals of the last World Cup, and the Jose Mourinho has defended League, whether the England reckless action and committed speak about Man United.ed. Pacific island nations, particularly Harry Kane against sugges- striker had been “streetwise” a foul. Speak about these pen-en- Fiji, have previously been mooted tions the striker dived to win in winning the penalty. “What are you speaking alties that you see tthehe as possible additions to the a penalty in his team’s 2-1 “You are confused,” about being clever or being not clever guy that comesmes competition. Premier League win over Mourinho said. “Because you clever? Being clever is to hold (near) somebody and Brighton & Hove Albion over could be speaking about some the ball and shoot and score. blows, they are on thee floorfloor.. the weekend. Manchester United players, It was a foul.” “Don’t speak aboutt HarHarryry Kane went down under a you could be speaking about The Portuguese also Kane. When I say myy teamteam challenge from Brighton mid- some Man City players, you bridled at the suggestion that has to be ready to compete,pete, I’m fielder Adam Lallana, earning could be speaking about some he had instructed his players not speaking about that.that. I’m a penalty for Spurs that he then Liverpool players, you could to show a more cynical side to speaking about winningning 2-1 converted. be speaking about some their game in the pursuit of against a very difficultficult Mourinho was asked at a Chelsea players and you’re victory. Brighton... and con-on- Jose Mourinho pre-match news conference speaking about Harry Kane? “What are you speaking trolling the game.” Jota shows pedigree with terrific treble REUTERS – BERGAMO ($54m) to secure the signature of Messi not Jota, who scored 16 goals - nine of Former New Zealand All Blacks Diogo Jota’s them in the Europa League - for centre Ma’a Nonu superb hat- Wolves last season. difficult to trick lit up He has already begun paying Liverpool’s back that fee in earnest with seven manage: Ex-All Black 5-0 Champions goals in 10 games, and he tormented League thrashing of Atalanta on the Atalanta defence together with Koeman Tuesday and served further notice Mane and Salah. Nonu forced to to the club’s famed frontline that the “Obviously (they are) two world- Messi is a very good Portuguese striker does not intend class players, we all know their player, the best in the wait for second to play solely a supporting role. quality makes it easy for me to do world. I see his ambition Liverpool face Manchester City my job because they are outstanding but he is not a player I Toulon stint in the Premier League on Sunday and players,” he explained. it now seems almost unthinkable that Jota is swiftly developing a taste have difficulty managing. AFP – TOULON, FRANCE Jota’s name will not be in the starting for European compe- Every coach is different -- lineup. That may have seemed tition having but for me, he is the Double Rugby World Cup winner unlikely at the start of the season scored three Ma’a Nonu will have to wait for his when Liverpool signed the 23-year- hat-tricks in captain and I talk to him second Toulon stint as he is in a old from Wolverhampton Wanderers the Champions every week about things in seven-day quarantine, the French to provide competition to Mohamed League and Europa the dressing room and on club’s backs coach, Julien Dupuy, Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto League combined since the start of the pitch and there is a said yesterday. Firmino, who had developed into one last season - the only player to Barn-storming ex-All Black of the most feared attacking trios in have done so more than once. good relationship: centre Nonu, who reached the Top football. With a trip to Manchester Barcelona coach 14 final during his previous three- With Firmino’s form under the City to come on Sunday, the Ronald Koeman year spell with Toulon, returned to spotlight after an underwhelming Portuguese picked southern France from New Zealand start to the campaign, Jota slotted in the perfect last Friday on short-term deal, at alongside Salah and Mane against moment to stake the age of 38. Atalanta and put on a clinical display his claim to a Nonu, who last played in Major of finishing before being replaced starting spot. League Rugby for San Diego Legion by Firmino in the 65th minute. “We have to earlier this year, joins the three- “I’m playing in the best team of recover, I think time European champions after my career so far, that’s for sure. I we have a day or injuries to Julien Heriteau and don’t know if it was my best two more to recover Anthony Belleau. moment, but obviously scoring goals from that game and The 103-time capped midfielder is my way of playing football, so I’m we will need it,” has fellow ex-New Zealand centre really happy with it,” Jota told BT Liverpool Isaia Toeava and South Africa World Sport. manager Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth Eyebrows were raised when Liv- Juergen Klopp with him in the squad and could erpool splashed a reported £41m told BT Sport. Diogo Jota play for Toulon at Agen on November 14. Sport THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2020 08

Letesenbet MotoGP: Gerloff on stand-by Gidey with star Rossi still positive

AFP — PARIS comeback effort at the Anda- Seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi remains a doubt for this lusian Grand Prix a week after Seven-time MotoGP champion weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia after contracting coronavirus. breaking his right arm in the Valentino Rossi remains a doubt season-opening Jerez race. for this weekend’s European Requiring a second oper- Grand Prix in Valencia after Rossi, 41, who has featured in just five of the season’s 11 Grand Prixs to date, ation on his arm after breaking contracting coronavirus, his will be replaced by American Garrett Gerloff if he fails to return two negative the plate inserted into the bone Yahama team said yesterday. at home ahead of August's Rossi, 41, who has featured tests, 48 hours apart, ahead of the race. Czech GP, Marquez has been in just five of the season’s 11 sidelined since. Grand Prixs to date, will be Rumours in the Spanish replaced by American Garrett said in statement. “I really hope Meanwhile, Honda has con- press last month stated Marquez Gerloff if he fails to return two the next PCR test result will be firmed Marc Marquez will not was due to undergo a third negative tests, 48 hours apart, negative,egat ve, because missing ss g two stage a MotoGP MotoG comeback co ebac this t s operationope at o as recovery ecove y was not Ethiopia’s Gidey in ahead of the race. racesraces was aalreadylready two too weekendweekend in tthehe going as planned,planned, bubut Honda “Today the Italian will many,”many,” he added. EuropeanEuropean Grand refutedrefuted this. But undergo a new test,” Yamaha Gerloff, 25, could make his Prix,Prix, butbut hashas notnot talktalk of running for World said yesterday. MotoGPMotoGP bow in SSpainpain before the ruledruled himhim outout ofof tthehe MarquezMar not “Should he test negative, he termterm cuculminateslminates witwithh tthehe finalfinal two rounrounds.ds. returningretu to will still have enough time to ValencianValencian GP at thethe same venue MarquezMarquez hashas beenbeen actionacti at all Athlete of Year award complete the required second onon NovemNovemberber 15 andand absentabsent sincesince hishis iinn 2020202 were PCR test and fly to Valencia. thethe Portuguese abortedaborted furtherfurther eescalated AFP — PARIS a new outdoor record of 6.15m “Should Rossi be deemed GPGP a weekweek whenwhen hishis replacementrep at the Rome Diamond League ‘unfit’ to ride in Valencia, laterlater in andand HRC ttest rider Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, meeting after posting an indoor Gerloff will be backed by the Portimao.Portimao. StefaStefann BBradlr told who smashed the women’s mark of 6.18m earlier in the number-46 rider’s usual crew AAustrianustrian TV he 5,000m world record in season. for his very first riding expe- wouldwould rremainem in the October, was among the Another Ugandan, Jacob rience aboard a YZR-M1,” the bikebike fforor thethe Valencia/ nominees for the female World Kiplimo, who recorded a world factory team added. PortugalPort Athlete of the Year announced half marathon win in a record Rossi last raced at the triple-header.triple-hea yesterday. time of 58min 49sec, is also French Grand Prix on October Gidey, 22, sliced more than among the men’s after testing positive following Seven-time four seconds off the previous contenders. the Le Mans event. mark with a time of 14min The women’s nominees MotoGP “Luckily I still have two 06.62sec in a specially also include Faith Kipyegon of champion more chances to be back on arranged race in the Spanish Kenya, who ran the year’s Valentino track on Friday or Saturday. I city of Valencia which featured fastest time for 800m time. Rossi am very sad because I am flashing lights on the track The winners will be feeling well, and I can’t wait to perimeter to guide the athletes’ announced at the World Ath- be back aboard my M1 and be pace. letics Awards 2020 on reunited with my team,” Rossi Joshua Cheptegei of December 5. Uganda, who broke the men’s 10,000m world record at the NOMINEES FOR WORLD same meeting with a time of ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Sydney to 26:11.00, was among the nom- Seguin and Bishop out for FEMALE: inees for the men’s award Femke Bol (Netherlands), Letesenbet Hobart yacht announced by World Athletics on Monday. Gidey (Ethiopia), Sifan Hassan race to go five months after surgeries In a season shortened by (Netherlands), Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya), the coronavirus pandemic and Faith Kipyegon (Kenya), Laura Muir ahead REUTERS — NEW YORK the playoffs while starting 24 last season. He tallied 13 points deprived of the postponed (Great Britain), Hellen Obiri (Kenya), games with Bishop ailing. The (two goals, 11 assists) in 26 Tokyo Olympics, Cheptegei Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela), Elaine Dallas Stars forward Tyler Stars retained him with a three- playoff games. also set a stunning world record Thompson-Herah (Jamaica), Ababel REUTERS — SYDNEY Seguin and goaltender Ben year, $10 million deal last The six-time All-Star has at 5,000m. Yeshaneh (Ethiopa) Bishop will each be sidelined month. spent seven of his 10 NHL Armand Duplantis was also MALE: This year’s Sydney to Hobart approximately five months, the Khudobin is also recovering seasons with Dallas after among the leading nominees Donavan Brazier (USA), Joshua yacht race will proceed with team announced. as he underwent surgery on beginning his career with the for the men’s award after Cheptegei (Uganda), Timothy Cheruiyot COVID-19 measures in place Seguin underwent right hip both hands to adjust the nerves Boston Bruins. He has 279 goals rewriting the pole vault record (Kenya), Ryan Crouser (USA), Armand following Tasmania’s decision surgery on Monday, while in early October. His recovery and 356 assists (635 points) in books. Duplantis (Sweden), Jacob Kiplimo to open borders to New South Bishop had a torn meniscus in period was set at four to five 741 career games. Aged just 20, the Swede (Uganda), Noah Lyles (USA), Daniel Stahl Wales, the race organisers said his right knee repaired on Oct. weeks, Dallas general manager Bishop, who turns 34 on bettered Ukrainian great (Sweden), Johannes Vetter (Germany), yesterday. 21. Jim Nill said at the time. Nov. 21, went 21-16-4 with a Sergey Bubka’s mark by setting Karsten Warholm (Norway) The Cruising Yacht Club of Seguin played through a Khudobin’s strong play 2.50 goals-against average Australia (CYCA) confirmed torn labrum in the postseason helped the Stars reach the and.920 save percentage in 44 the Boxing Day start of the and has battled hip pain over Stanley Cup final before losing games last season. He has spent race with a 100-strong fleet the past few seasons. to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the past three campaigns in following “a lengthy period of Bishop underwent knee six games. Dallas. NFL's Ravens place consultation with state gov- surgery in May to clean up the With the NHL season likely The two-time All-Star is ernments, health authorities knee but was only able to play to begin around Jan. 1, both 222-128-36 with a 2.32 GAA and other key stakeholders.” in three postseason games. MRI Seguin and Bishop should and.921 save percentage in 413 seven more defenders “We are thrilled to have so exams and further medical return in the second half of the NHL games with the St. Louis many yachts participating this work determined a more campaign. Blues, Ottawa Senators, Tampa on coronavirus list year, particularly given the extensive surgery was needed. Seguin, 28, scored 50 points Bay, Los Angeles Kings and general uncertainty and nec- Anton Khudobin excelled in (17 goals, 33 assists) in 69 games Stars. AFP — NEW YORK pass Covid-19 tests to have essary restrictions placed on any chance at becoming eli- many sporting events in Aus- The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, gible in time for the Ravens’ tralia over the past six already rocked by game Sunday at Indianapolis months,” CYCA commodore cornerback Marlon in a matchup of 5-2 clubs. Noel Cornish said in a Humphrey’s positive Humphrey played statement. COVID-19 test, placed seven against the Steelers after “The size of the fleet has other defensive players on taking a pre-game Covid-19 exceeded all our expectations the COVID-19 reserve list. test which produced a pos- and is a tremendous show of Humphrey announced itive result on Monday. support for the race. We are his positive test on Monday, The situation contributed excited that we can host the a day after the Ravens were to tighter NFL Covid-19 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in beaten 28-24 by the unde- guidelines issued on Tuesday this challenging year.” Pre- feated Pittsburgh Steelers, that required face masks in vious winners Ichi Ban, Alive and contact tracing led to locker rooms and post-game and Quest are among the con- seven of his team-mates interactions and highly rec- firmed starters but several joining him on the deacti- ommended face masks for international competitors have vated list. players on the sidelines. been forced out by the ongoing Linebackers Matt Judon, The Ravens defensive global restrictions following Tyus Bowser, Patrick Queen, unit ranks second in the NFL the pandemic. LJ Fort and Malik Harrison in fewest points allowed with Teams will be briefed plus defensive backs Terrell 132, two more than Miami’s online, social events around Bonds and DeShon Elliott top-rated unit. the race will not take place, were all identified as having Baltimore’s only two and the organisers will prefer close contact with defeats this season are to fans to watch digital lives- Dallas Stars center Tyler Humphrey. the Steelers and reigning tream than throng the marina Seguin (right) in action in The seven players must Super Bowl champion to follow Australia’s most pres- this file photo. all isolate for five days and Kansas City. tigious yacht race. Whyte has ‘missed his chance’ of Fury world title bout: Warren AFP — LONDON But Warren insisted Whyte was not 2017, was the leading contender for undefeated record with a unanimous in contention after being knocked out the Fury bout. points victory over Chisora in Satur- Dillian Whyte can forget about fighting by Povetkin in August. “That’s what we want for Tyson, day's showdown. Tyson Fury (pictured) next month, the “We’re not in the business of that’s the preferred opponent,” he That defeat by the 2012 Olympic world heavyweight champion’s bailing out Dillian Whyte,” Warren told added. gold medallist seemed to end to co-promoter Frank Warren said Talksport radio in an interview “Hopefully, we’ll get it over the line Chisora’s hopes of a second world title yesterday. yesterday. and if not we’ll look at someone else, shot, eight years after he lost to Vitali Whyte was next scheduled to be “Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t but it certainly won’t be against Dillian Klitschko. in action on November 21 but a Dillian Whyte get absolutely poleaxed Whyte.” Whyte previously defeated Chisora rematch with Alexander Povetkin was in his last fight? Chisora has said he is prepared to in 2016 and 2018. scuppered when the Russian tested “At the time he was mandatory face Whyte for a third time barely In June, Hearn, also the promoter positive for coronavirus. challenger to Tyson and they kept three weeks on from his defeat by Ole- of superstar Anthony Joshua, the Whyte’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, banging on about it... but they stupidly ksandr Usyk. holder of the WBA, IBF and WBO world then raised the prospect of a bout with put him in with Povetkin and that’s it, Chisora told Hearn, on Instagram heavyweight titles, said an agreement WBC champion Fury, who is currently he’s lost his chance.” live: for a unification bout with Fury and a without an opponent for a bout he Warren added Germany’s Agit “Do you want to give me that fight? second clash between the British rivals announced would take place in Kabayel, who enjoyed a majority I’ll take that.” early in 2021 had been reached in London in December. decision win over Dereck Chisora in Ukraine’s Usyk extended his principle.