Sport WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 08 Tokyo 2020 chief dismisses higher reported Games costs

REUTERS – TOKYO The International Olympic Com- board meeting yesterday, Muto working towards this timeline, espe- mittee has already said the delay will rebuffed these numbers. cially in regard to re-negotiating con- Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto cost them approximately $800m, “There are no financial grounds tracts with Games’ sponsors that are (pictured) dismissed figures in an while Japanese organisers have yet for the numbers revealed in that only valid until the end of 2020. academic report published yesterday to announce what their share will be. report, I am not in a position to make He also stressed that the ‘simpli- that showed the Tokyo Olympics were The last budget given by the a comment on that currently; I am fication’ measures currently being set to be the most expensive in history, organising committee was $12.6bn, simply confused by this.” discussed to lower the costs of the even before the additional costs to be announced in December 2019, The Oxford report added that the Games could set the trend for future incurred by the Games’ post- months before postponement. delay will result “in billions of dollars Olympics. ponement. However, a wide-ranging study of further cost overruns”. “This is a great opportunity for all The Tokyo Games were post- by the University of Oxford in Britain IOC Vice-President John Coates of us to go back to the origin of the poned until next year because of the put the costs of the Tokyo Games at said earlier yesterday that COVID-19 Olympics and to become a forerunner global coronavirus pandemic and, as $15.84bn, even before countermeasures would be decided of the new way to do these Games, organisers seek to rearrange the postponement. by the end of the year. Muto con- heading towards the next generation,” event, costs are expected to spiral. Speaking following an executive firmed that Tokyo organisers were he said.

Beijing Ducks’ Jeremy Lin driving the ball during the Chinese Kaemna wins stage 16 Basketball Association (CBA) match against Guangdong Southern Tigers in this file photo taken on as Roglic retains lead August 4, 2020.

REUTERS – VILLARD DE LANS

Lennard Kaemna claimed his first Tour de France victory when he outwitted Giro d’Italia champion Richard Carapaz to win the 16th stage, a 164-km ride from La Tour du Pin yesterday. The 24-year-old German took advantage of Ecuadorian Carapaz’s momentary loss of focus at the top of the last climb of the day to go solo and Tearful Jeremy Lin finished one minute 27 seconds ahead after charging down in the descent. seeks NBA return after Swiss Sebastien Reichenbach took third place, 1:56 off the pace as Slovenian Primoz Roglic retained the one season in China overall leader’s yellow jersey. Defending champion Egan AFP – BEIJING Bernal, whose hopes of winning the race fell away when he cracked in Jeremy Lin said yesterday he is leaving the Beijing Ducks Sunday’s 15th stage, was dropped after one season in China and wants to return to the NBA, from the main bunch in the ascent to where he sparked the “Linsanity” craze of 2012. Saint-Nizier, apparently suffering The 32-year-old guard, who as a Toronto Raptors player from back pains. in 2019 became the first Asian-American to win an NBA It was a day to forget for Ineos- championship, signed for Beijing as an unrestricted free Grenadiers as Carapaz had to settle agent last year. for second after two brutal attacks Lin helped Beijing reach the semi-finals of the Chinese from the breakaway group in the Basketball Association (CBA) league, where they were edged decisive climb had left his rivals in out by eventual champions Guangdong Southern Tigers. the red. “This decision has really been the hardest in my life,” But Kaemna, who narrowly Lin, who has complained about the rough-house treatment missed out on a stage win last week he received in the CBA, told his seven million followers in a when he lost a two-man sprint against video on the Twitter-like Weibo. Colombian Dani Martinez in Puy “Every morning I would wake up at 4:00 am or 5:00 am, Mary, went solo just when Carapaz thinking, thinking and thinking all the time. was recovering from his effort at the “In the end, although Shougang (the Ducks) has treated top. me incredibly well... giving me everything I wanted, in the Thursday’s 17th stage is a brutal end, I feel that I still have NBA dreams. mountain trek in the Alps, over 170km BORA-Hansgrohe rider Lennard Kaemna of Germany “I still have time to play (there) and I have to chase this.” and ending in Meribel at the top of winning the 16th stage of the Tour de France in Lin began his NBA career with Golden State Warriors in 2010 the Col de la Loze, 2,304 metres above Villard-de-Lans, yesterday. before his heroics with the New York Knicks in 2012 sparked sea level. a frenzy that was dubbed “Linsanity”. He went on to play for several other NBA teams but has STAGE WINNERS (TOP 10) TOUR DE FRANCE - STAGE 16 2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates +40 struggled with injury in recent seasons. 1. Lennard Kämna (GER) BORA - hansgrohe 4:12:52 Stage 16 La Tour-du-Pin to Côte 2000, 164 km. Average speed: 3. Rigoberto Urán (COL) EF Pro cycling +1:34 Despite that he enjoyed a successful stay in China, where 2. Richard Carapaz (ECU) INEOS Grenadiers +1:27 38.914 km/h. Route profile: mountain. Finish profile: semi-mountain. 4. Miguel Ángel López (COL) Astana Pro the CBA was suspended for almost five months because of 3. Sébastien Reichenbach (SUI) Groupama Team +1:45 the coronavirus. - FDJ +1:56 9. Quentin Pacher (FRA) B&B Hotels - Vital Concept +2:51 5. Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton - Scott +2:03 Lin averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists 4. Pavel Sivakov (RUS) INEOS Grenadiers +2:34 10. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck - Quick- 6. Richie Porte (AUS) Trek - Segafredo +2:13 per game during the regular season. 5. Simon Geschke (GER) CCC Team +2:35 Step +2:54 7. Mikel Landa (ESP) Bahrain - McLaren +2:16 “I know that many of my fans have stood by me no matter 6. Warren Barguil (FRA) Team Arkéa - Samsic +2:37 8. Enric Mas (ESP) Movistar Team +3:15 if I was injured,” he said in the video. OVERALL LEADERS 7. Tiesj Benoot (BEL) Team Sunweb +2:41 (TOP 10) 9. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo - Visma +5:19 “Why was this decision so difficult? Yesterday, when I 8. Nicolas Roche (IRL) Team Sunweb +2:47 1. Primož Roglic (SLO) Jumbo - Visma 70:06:47 10. Nairo Quintana (COL) Team Arkéa - Samsic +5:43 shared this with my family and friends, when I told them I would have to leave China, I cried.” Billionaire Lamet pitches Padres over Kershaw, Dodgers 7-2 Cohen agrees AP – SAN DIEGO batters. He was helped by two St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Tyler to buy Mets over-the-shoulder basket O’Neill (bottom) stealing second Dinelson Lamet outpitched catches on the warning track by base as Milwaukee Brewers third AP – NEW YORK Clayton Kershaw, and rookie a retreating Joyce, who robbed Jorge Oña hit a go-ahead double baseman Jace Peterson reaches Scott Kingery and Jean Segura. Billionaire hedge fund manager in a five-run seventh inning to for the ball in the fourth inning at Kingery and Andrew Steve Cohen has agreed to buy lead the San Diego Padres to Miller Park during their MLB game McCutchen homered for Phila- the New York Mets from the their eighth straight win, 7-2 on Monday. delphia. Vince Velasquez (0-1) Wilpon and Katz families. against the Los Angeles Dodgers allowed four runs in 3 2/3 The team announced the on Monday night in the opener innings. agreement on Monday. The of a series between the NL’s top deal is subject to the approval teams. WHITE SOX 3, TWINS 1 of Major League Baseball The Padres cut the Dodgers’ Elsewhere, in Chicago, Adam owners. lead in the NL West to 1½ games. Engel delivered a tiebreaking A Cohen entity would Trent Grisham added some spice pinch-hit single in the eighth control 95% of the team, with to the rivalry when he hit a tying inning, and the White Sox the Wilpon and Katz families home run off Kershaw in the increased their lead in the AL retaining the rest. The deal sixth and said something to the Central. values the franchise at $2.4bn Dodgers’ dugout as he headed Chicago opened its pivotal to $2.5bn. for home. The Padres have won four-game set against Minnesota Former major league 12 of 14. with its ninth win in 10 games. Alex Rodriguez and fiancee Lamet (3-1) got the victory The White Sox (31-16) moved Jennifer Lopez also attempted thanks to a seventh-inning out- two games ahead of the second- to buy the team, but they burst that chased Kershaw (5-2). place Twins (30-19). dropped out of the bidding last Lamet matched his season high Twins reliever Taylor Rogers month. with 11 strikeouts while holding (1-3) walked Yoán Moncada and “I am excited to have the Dodgers to one run and three eighth when Tommy Edman’s string of 21 consecutive scoreless Philadelphia. The series, the Luis Robert with no outs in the reached an agreement with hits. two-out single off Freddy Peralta innings. They were no-hit by majors’ longest in the regular eighth. Engel then made it 2-1 the Wilpon and Katz families BREWERS 2, CARDINALS 1, 8 (2-1) brought home Tyler O’Neill. Cubs right-hander Alec Mills on season in 53 years, included with a single to center. After Nick to purchase the New York INNINGS, GAME 1 But the Brewers got to Ryan Sunday. three makeup games and two Madrigal lined out, Tim Mets,” Cohen said in a In Milwaukee, Keston Hiura Helsley (1-1) in the bottom of the doubleheaders. The Marlins won Anderson added an RBI double statement. drove in Avisail Garcia with a inning. MARLINS 6, PHILLIES 2 five of the seven games, off the fence in left. Cohen also entered nego- sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, Ryan Braun doubled home Meanwhile, in Miami, Pablo including the final three, to move Alex Colomé (2-0) got four tiations to buy the Mets last giving Milwaukee the win in the the tying run, and Hiura made it Lopez pitched seven innings of into second place in the NL East, outs for the win. year, but the deal fell apart in opening game of a 2-1 with his fly ball to left off one-run ball with some help 1 1/2 games ahead of Minnesota went 2 for 16 with February. He bought an 8% doubleheader. Austin Gomber. from right fielder Matt Joyce, and Philadelphia. runners in scoring position and limited partnership stake in The Cardinals broke a Milwaukee’s rally in the Miami won Game 7 of its mar- Lopez (4-4) allowed three left 15 runners on base. It had 2012 for $40m. scoreless tie in the top of the eighth snapped the Brewers’ athon series against hits and retired his final 13 won three in a row. WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 QOC official takes part in OCA Media Committee meeting

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Some 9,000 media, including broadcasting and Head of media and communi- press, are expected to attend cation at Olympic Hangzhou 2022 based on pre- Committee (QOC), Hamad Al vious Asian Games and early Obaidly, took part in an online estimates by the organising meeting which saw the partic- committee. ipation of members of Olympic “I would like to thank all Council of Asia (OCA) Media members for your input and Committee, yesterday. your enthusiasm in the media The members of the OCA affairs of the OCA,” said Lo. Media Committee, who met for “Our aim is to provide the the first time in the new OCA best environment for the media cycle under the Chairmanship to work in a smooth and effi- of Charles Lo, President of the cient way.” Sports and Olympic Committee The OCA was represented of Macau, discussed crucial by Haider Farman, Director of matters related press and the Asian Games department, broadcasting preparations for on behalf of the OCA Director the upcoming events, IT devel- General, Husain Al Musallam. opments, the revamped OCA Farman said the importance of website, social media activity, the media to connect the world the Sporting Asia magazine and had been in evidence particu- OCA website news content. larly during the pandemic and During the meeting, that the OCA had been working Chairman Lo welcomed the hard to inform all sports stake- committee members to the holders in Asia with news of virtual meeting and explained developments and information the duties and responsibilities in the past few months. of the OCA Media Committee sixth Asian Beach Games in services and operations at the Media accreditation for the Olympic Committees (NOCs) “The OCA is always ready according to the OCA Sanya, China in April, the sixth 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Sanya Asian Beach Games next rather than individual media to support the activities of the Constitution. Asian Indoor and Martial Arts China in September 2022.” April will open on October 1 and sending applications direct to Media Committee,” he said. “We have a busy two years Games in Bangkok and The OCA Social Media Com- close on December 31. the organising committee, and Apart from Qatar's Al ahead of us and will be wel- Chonburi province in May and munity stands at 404,782 fol- Media Committee member that an NOC Press Attache must Obaidly who represented the coming thousands of media the third Asian Youth Games in lowers across all platforms with Hiroshi Takeuchi from Japan have a special, recognised mark QOC, members from Chinese from around Asia and the world Shantou, China in November. almost 3.5 million engagements. stressed the importance of of identification in order to Taipei, Japan, Maldives, , to our OCA events,” Lo said. “These three events will lay OCA videos have been viewed media accreditation being con- coordinate the athletes for the , Mongolia, Vietnam and “In 2021 we will have the the groundwork for our media over 1.57 million times. ducted through National media. India also attended the meeting.

England eager to extend unbeaten He (Australian batsman ) is definitely home run in series decider: Woakes tracking in the right direction and we are hopeful he REUTERS – MANCHESTER “Teams do realise that we can will be right for win from potentially any position (Wednesday). He England have proven their mettle We want to win this specific and the game is not done until you did all his running in one-day international (ODI) series rather than maintain get over the line,” he added. (on Monday), some series on home soil and will look to that record. Whenever you “Maybe a few years ago, we extend their five-year unbeaten run could win only from the bat from high speed when they take on Australia in play Australia, you want to that situation but now we can do running, worked today’s series decider, all-rounder win and... it’ll be good for us that with the ball as well.” hard as part of the Chris Woakes said yesterday. to finish the summer on a England have not lost a single protocols. He has England have not lost a bilateral high. series across all three formats since ODI series at home since Sept. 2015 returned from the COVID-19 ticked every box at and they can extend that streak in shutdown in July, with series wins the moment. Manchester with the three-match Chris Woakes over West Indies, Ireland, Pakistan series evenly poised at 1-1. England's all-rounder and Australia. “It’s an incredible achievement All matches were played in bio- Coach Justin Langer and we want to keep that going,” secure environments without spec- says Smith is Woakes told reporters. “It shows In England’s 24-run victory on tators in attendance due to the recovering from his how well we have played over the Sunday, Woakes, Jofra Archer and pandemic. head injury but is no last four to five years. Sam Curran picked up three wickets “The fact that we actually got “We want to win this specific each, which triggered Australia’s some cricket this summer is a certainty to be series rather than maintain that collapse from 144-2 to 207 all out bonus,” Woakes said. recalled for the England’s Chris Woakes celebrates with team- record. Whenever you play Aus- while chasing a target of 232. “For us as a team, to have per- one-day series decider mates after taking the wicket of Australia’s Aaron tralia, you want to win and... it’ll be Woakes said that England now formed the way we have... the team against England. Finch during their second One Day International good for us to finish the summer on have the ability to win games with has pulled together and played good played in Manchester, on Sunday. a high.” the ball too. cricket.” ECB plans Goodbye India, hello IPL: Dhoni set to ‘rule CSK’ to cut 62 AFP – NEW DELHI Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays a shot during the 2019 at the MA Chidambaram IPL: Ali Khan jobs due to India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have Stadium in Chennai in this In photo taken on May 7, 2019. signed off from international duties but becomes COVID-19 he’ll be at the heart of the action in the Indian Premier League -- a tournament REUTERS – LONDON he helped inspire, and where he remains first player a towering figure. The England & Wales Cricket Dhoni, who has led the Chennai Super Board (ECB) is planning to make Kings to three titles and five runner-up from USA 62 positions within the organi- finishes in the IPL’s 12 editions, will AFP – NEW DELHI sation redundant due to the feature in the opening match on Saturday economic impact of the against the Mumbai Indians, the Fast bowler Ali Khan has become COVID-19 pandemic, chief defending champions. the first player from the United executive Tom Harrison said on The game comes more than a year States to join the Indian Premier Tuesday. after the 39-year-old last played for India League after being included in the With professional cricket in in their semi-final loss to New Zealand Kolkata Knight Riders squad. the country suspended for in the 2019 World Cup. The Pakistan-born Khan several months due to the coro- After much speculation, the wicket- replaces England’s Harry Gurney, navirus, Harrison said the game keeper-batsman finally announced the sidelined by a shoulder injury, in the had sustained losses of more end of his 16-year international career Knight Riders team for the than £100m ($128.92m). last month. tournament starting Saturday in the That figure could rise to And without the pressure of having . £200m if there is further dis- to play well to keep his place in the “Welcome to the #KKRfamily @ ruption to the calendar next national team, the flamboyant Dhoni is IamAlikhan23 ! Enjoy @IPL & the year. expected to shine in UAE, the IPL’s tem- experience. Tough luck @gurneyhf The sport’s new compe- porary home as India battles a rampant . Get well soon. You will be missed,” tition, The Hundred, was coronavirus problem. Knight Riders chief executive Venky expected to add £11m of revenue “He is very fit and I believe he is “Also with his calm exterior behind veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh later Mysore wrote on Twitter. to the game in its first year but working very hard on it. Plus he has the stumps.” Dhoni, once hailed as the opted out of the competition. Gurney, a left-arm quick who it was postponed until 2021. stopped playing international cricket so world’s best finisher, has played 190 IPL Chennai and Dhoni were plunged into has played 10 ODIs and two T20 “The entire cricket network there will be less burden on his body,” matches, scoring 4,432 runs including 23 controversy in 2015, when the team were internationals, pulled out of the IPL has pulled together to get us Saba Karim, another former India wick- half-centuries. banned from the IPL for two years for and England’s due to through this challenge so far etkeeper, told AFP. An exemplary leader with fast match-fixing. surgery on his shoulder. Khan comes and overcoming it will mean “Global cricket still needs an icon like glovework, Dhoni has made Chennai one But Dhoni and his team -- which into the IPL after winning the Car- continuing to make tough deci- MS Dhoni to continue.” Dhoni’s captaincy of IPL’s most loved franchises with almost includes many players aged over 35, ibbean Premier League with the sions as we have done this began with India winning the inaugural 200,000 people following the team’s fan including Australia’s Shane Watson and Trinbago Knight Riders -- the same year,” Harrison said in a T20 World Cup title in 2007, a success club on Twitter. South African Imran Tahir -- came back parent company as the Kolkata statement. that triggered the birth of the IPL -- the Chennai chief executive Kasi Viswa- with a bang. Knight Riders -- who won all 12 The ECB had implemented world’s most popular and richest cricket nathan says Dhoni remains key to the Labelled ‘Dad’s Army’ by the media, matches to seal the title. short-term cost-cutting league -- a year later. team’s plans and they expect him to keep Chennai returned to lift the title in 2018 The right-armer was spotted at measures, including furloughing “Dhoni played an instrumental role playing till the 2022 edition. and establish themselves as one of the the 2018 Global T20 Canada by West staff, significant pay reductions in kick-starting the IPL because of the The team has been under scrutiny most consistent teams in IPL history. Indian all-rounder , and a recruitment freeze at the way he brought a different dimension to after arriving in the UAE last month with “Dhoni is Chennai, Chennai is Dhoni. who brought him to the CPL. onset of the financial crisis, but the shorter format of the game because two players testing positive for the If Dhoni is doing well. Chennai is doing Khan, 29, played a key role in the Harrison said a long-term of his aggressive side with the willow,” coronavirus. well,” veteran commentator Harsha US gaining ODI status at the WCL solution was required. Karim said. Senior batsman Suresh Raina and Bhogle said on Cricbuzz.com. Division Two event in Namibia. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 Hamilton will not let up on MotoGP thinks about in-race radio but campaigning for justice riders tad cautious REUTERS - LONDON Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also made clear he had no problem AFP - MISANO ADRIATICO Six-times Formula One world with whatever Hamilton chose to champion Lewis Hamilton said he wear. MotoGP is contemplating copying Formula One and hooking would not let up on using his “It is entirely his decision. riders up to radio during races, even though it would pose platform to campaign for racial Whatever he does, we will support,” particular problems in motorcycling. justice as the sport’s governing body the Austrian told reporters last The main argument in favour is warning riders of danger confirmed there would be no inves- Saturday. areas, yellow warning flags or red flags that neutralise racing. tigation into his actions at the Tuscan “The team is fighting against any They currently receive those notifications through a display Grand Prix. kind of racism and discrimination on their handlebars. The Mercedes driver wore a black and it is Lewis’s personal fight for The system could also allow teams to tell riders of changes T-shirt on Sunday declaring “Arrest Black Lives Matter and with all the in race strategy, as happens in F1. the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” support we can give him. A first test took place before the San Marino Grand Prix at on the front of it and ‘say her name” “The much broader movement Misano on Sunday. There will be a second trial run, involving on the back over a photograph of the is obviously the fight against any a larger number of volunteer riders, on the same circuit today. slain emergency room technician. kind of racism and discrimination At the moment, teams pass information to riders by hanging In a post on Instagram, the -- and we as a team and as a cor- signs outside the pit lane on every lap. Briton told his 20 million followers: porate have always put an emphasis “We already have good information from the signs,” said “want you to know that I won’t stop, to fight against that injustice.” Frenchman Johann Zarco. “It will always be interesting to have I won’t let up, I won’t give up on using FORMULA ONE more, but we can’t do the same as in F1, we are bikers.” this platform to shed light on what I MotoGP races are much shorter than F1 races and there SCHEDULE-WINNERS believe is right. are no tyre-change pit, reducing the need to communicate “This is a journey for all of us to with the rider, Frenchman Fabio Quartararo pointed out. come together and challenge the July 5 - Austrian Grand Prix (Valtteri “It’s difficult enough as it is to race without having someone world on every level of injustice, not Bottas) to talk to you,” said the Yamaha-SRT rider, who is second in only racial,” he added. July 12 - Styrian Grand Prix (Lewis the world championships. Taylor, a 26-year-old Black Hamilton) “If someone talks to me in the middle of a bend, it might woman, was killed by police officers July 19 - Hungarian Grand Prix bother me. But I’m curious to see what happens. I’ve never who burst into her apartment in Lou- (Lewis Hamilton) heard anyone talking to me in my helmet when I’m riding, so isville, Kentucky, in March. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wears a shirt in reference to Aug. 2 - British Grand Prix (Lewis we’ll see”, he said. One police officer involved was Breonna Taylor on the podium as he celebrates after Hamilton) The bikes are noisier than F1 cars and riders might not hear fired by the city’s police department winning the Tuscan Grand Prix in Mugello, Scarperia e San Aug. 9 - 70th Anniversary Grand Prix the messages with the added noise of the wind in the helmet. in June. Two other officers have been Piero, Italy, in this file photo taken on September 13, 2020. (Max Verstappen) “If it doesn’t distract me, it’s a plus”, said Spaniard Mav- placed on administrative reas- Aug. 16 - Spanish Grand Prix (Lewis erick Vinales. “Sometimes it’s difficult to see the yellow flags signment. No criminal charges have Hamilton) and even the red flag that appears on our screen. When you been filed against any of the three. racism, with some taking a knee while Aug. 30 - Belgian Grand Prix (Lewis are in a state of maximum concentration you don’t always see A spokesman for the governing FIA said others stand. Hamilton) it.” there would be no formal investigation into Hamilton had knelt and worn a ‘Black Sept. 6 - Italian Grand Prix (Pierre Gasly) Italian Franco Morbidelli, the winner at San Marino Grand Hamilton’s actions and Formula One’s only Lives Matter’ shirt at races before Mugello. Sept. 13 - Tuscan Grand Prix (Lewis Prix on Sunday, likes the idea. Black driver, on the cusp of becoming the The FIA’s International sporting code Hamilton) “It is a good development for the future and also for most successful racer of all time, faced no bars “political or religious” advertising on Sept. 27 - Russian Grand Prix, Sochi. security,” he said. punishment. cars but makes no mention of what drivers Oct. 11 - Eifel Grand Prix, Barcelona. “We will see if we can use it for other messages or to make For that to happen, the race stewards are allowed to do. The spokesman said the Oct. 25 - Portuguese Grand Prix, Portimao, the rider talk.” at Italy’s Mugello circuit should have been governing body would consider whether a Portugal. “One of my favourite things about Formula One is to hear notified of a possible breach of the rules protocol was needed in future. Nov. 1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, the drivers talking to their team. It would be nice to have it in and that was not the case. Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka Italy. MotoGP too if it doesn’t bother the riders and create an extra Hamilton is actively engaged with the recently wore a face mask with Taylor’s Nov. 15 - Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul. danger,” said the Yamaha-SRT rider. FIA and Formula One on anti-racism and name at the US Open. Nov. 29 - Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir. Vinales, who rides for Yamaha, agreed that hearing the diversity campaigns, enjoys the full support Hamilton said on Sunday Osaka had Nov. 29 - Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, drivers in Formula One added to the spectacle. of his Mercedes team and has a profile far been “an incredible inspiration”. United Arab Emirates. “Sometimes I talk or shout under my helmet, especially above other drivers on social media. Race stewards did not open any inves- Dec. 6 - Sakhir Grand Prix, Sakhir. when I overtake another driver, so having a broadcast like in Every race is preceded by an officially- tigation into Hamilton’s actions at Italy’s Dec. 13 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, F1 could be good,” he said. sanctioned statement by all drivers against Mugello circuit. United Arab Emirates.

GOLF TALKING POINTS WORLD RANKINGS MEN WOMEN If you look at 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 10.16 1. Ko Jin-young (KOR) 7.97 McIlroy in the dad fathers in all 2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 9.85 2. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.68 (+1) different sports, 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 8.68 3. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.43 (-1) 4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.91 4. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 5.51 club as toughest golf, tennis, it’s not 5. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.68 5. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.43 a new lease of life, 6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.11 6. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.42 (+3) but it’s a different 7. Xander Schauffele (USA) 6.42 7. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 5.24 (-1) tournament looms perspective. It’s 8. Brooks Koepka (USA) 6.09 8. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.14 (-1) your career, but at 9. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 5.88 9. Park In-bee (KOR) 4.90 (-1) 10. Patrick Reed (USA) 5.79 10. Lexi Thompson (USA) 4.77 (+2) BABY BOOMERS the end of the day Rory McIlroy will play his first major as a dad at the US Open this you get to go home week, after his wife Erica gave birth to daughter Poppy on August to your family, 31, and now he can join in the baby talk with plenty of his rivals on which is the most course. important thing. World number one, FedEx Cup champion, PGA Tour player of the year and 2016 US Open champion Dustin Johnson has two sons with partner Paulina Gretzky, five-year-old Tatum and three-year- Rory McIlroy old River. Former World number 1 Defending champion Gary Woodland has three children with wife Gabby: three-year-old son Jaxson and year-old twin girls, Maddox and Lennox. Rory McIlroy hits from the rough along the 18th fairway during a practice round for the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club in McIlroy’s Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood, the 2018 Mamaroneck, New York, US, yesterday. US Open runner-up, and partner Clare’s son Franklin will be three at the end of this month. While fellow Europe star and 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose has Leo, 11, and Lottie, eight, back home in the Bahamas with wife Kate. And of course McIlroy’s good friend World No.1 Johnson takes PGA Tour Tiger Woods is a doting dad to 13-year-old daughter Sam and 11-year-old son Charlie -- reportedly no mean junior golfer himself -- from his previous marriage to Elin Nordegren. “If you look at fathers in all different sports, golf, tennis, it’s not Player of the Year honours again a new lease of life, but it’s a different perspective,” said McIlroy after practice at the New York course at the weekend. “It’s your career, but at the end of the day you get to go home REUTERS - NEW YORK Scottie Scheffler took Dustin Johnson to your family, which is the most important thing.” PGA Tour Rookie of the smiles on the That perspective just might do the 31-year-old Northern Irish After three tournament wins Year honours. The world number four some good as he seeks to end a six-year major and a FedExCup title, Dustin 11th green during 24-year-old American drought this week and lift his second US Open after winning his Johnson added more hardware a practice round made 23 starts recorded maiden major at Bethesda way back in 2011. to his trophy case on Monday for the 2020 US six top-five finishes, when he was named PGA Tour Open at Winged including a fourth at the TREACHERY AFOOT Player of the Year for a second Foot Golf Club PGA Championship. This week will mark the sixth US Open at Winged Foot, rated as time. in Mamaroneck, Meanwhile, Sam Hors- the most treacherous host of all, with its notorious rough, vast Johnson missed the start of New York, US, field has withdrawn from bunkers and multi-crested greens so slick that 2006 runner-up the season while recovering yesterday. this week’s US Open at Colin Montgomerie regarded them as harder to master than Augusta. from a knee injury and also had Winged Foot Golf Club in Since it first played host in 1929, only one player has won with to sit out the COVID-19 New York after testing a score under par, Fuzzy Zoeller in 1984. shutdown like everyone else. positive for COVID-19, the Hale Irwin’s victory in 1974’s “massacre at Winged Foot” saw But he then had a blazing United States Golf Associ- him finish seven-over -- a score that remains the highest to win a end to the campaign with two ation (USGA) said major since the word “par” entered the golfing lexicon in 1911. wins and two runner-up fin- yesterday. “They had trouble finding their ankles, much less the golf ball,” ishes in his last four starts that The 24-year-old said one player that year as a succession of the world’s best lost pushed him back to the top of Briton had returned a neg- balls in the rough and watched putts run off the greens. the world rankings. ative test last Thursday but The last time Winged Foot staged the US Open, in 2006, Geoff Victories at the Northern tested positive after Ogilvy won without breaking par in any round after one of the Trust and Tour Championships arriving in New York, wildest finishes ever seen in a major. earned the 36-year-old FedExCup was a priority and his coming back from injury and forcing him out of the second A stroke behind were Montgomerie and Phil Mickelson, who American a first FedExCup title performances in the FedExCup his 2019-20 season speaks for major of the year which will both double-bogeyed the 72nd hole when needing a par to win, and the $15m payday that goes Playoffs were nothing short of itself in further bolstering his take place from Sept. 17-20. and Jim Furyk, who missed a five-foot putt to force a playoff. along with the trophy. spectacular with two wins and World Golf Hall of Fame “It goes without saying that Someone has bet $45,000 on Mickelson to win this week at His other win came at the a playoff runner-up at the BMW resume.” I am hugely disappointed to not odds of 75-1. If the 50-year-old does complete his career slam at Travellers Championship. Championship,” said PGA Tour The PGA Tour did not have the opportunity to play in Winged Foot, the payout would be an astronomical $3.375m. The Player of Year is voted commissioner Jay Monahan in release the results of balloting, my fourth US Open but clearly “Hoping for both of us I have a 3 shot lead on 18 tee,” Lefty tweeted. on by PGA Tour members who a statement. saying only that Johnson, who the safety of the tournament “The golf course gets tough on the first tee and never gets any played in at least 10 events “His demeanour and athlet- also won the award in 2016, and other players is para- easier,” Jack Nicklaus famously said. He should know. In 1974 on during the 2019-20 season. icism on the course make it look was selected over Collin mount,” Horsfield, who com- his opening hole of the tournament he had a downhill 25-footer “Dustin made it known very easy but behind the scenes, Morikawa, Jon Rahm, Webb peted in the 2015, 2016 and for birdie. He walked off four putts later with a double-bogey six. throughout the season that the he’s worked incredibly hard Simpson and Justin Thomas. 2019 editions, wrote on Twitter. WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 Superstar Messi tops wealth Pjanic delighted to play league ahead of Ronaldo alongside 'champ' Messi REUTERSREUTERS — BARCELONABARC

REUTERS — LONDON According to a list My will was to play with Messisi reluctantlyreluctantly aagreedgreed MiralemMiralem PPjanicjanic iiss looking forward compiled by Forbes, Messi and I didn’t have any to stay at Barcelona forfor to playing withwi want-away Lionel Messi was denied a Messi’s total earnings anotherr season this BarcelonaBarcelona captaincapta Lionel Messi, doubts. potentially money-spinning this year are $126m -- month, despitedespite sayingsaying thethe mimidfielderdfielder said as he was Miralem Pjanic move away from Barcelona $92m from his salary and in the wakewake of anan 8-28-2 finallyfinally presentedpresent on Tuesday this month after a contract- $34m in endorsements. Championsions LeagueLeague followingfollowing hishis movemov from Juventus. dispute but the Argentine defeat byby BayernBayern TheT Bosnian was come here at the age of six, but maestro remains the world’s Cristiano Ronaldo comes Munich that he wantedwanted ddiagnosed with the transfer market is how it is,” richest soccer player. in second although out. the novel coro- said Pjanic. According to a list com- earnings of $117m will He arguedargued that a navirusn and had “I’ve had a good career and I Forbes, piled by Messi’s total soften the blow for the clause inin hishis contractcontract toto quarantine beforeb starting to respect my (former) clubs, but I’ve earnings this year are $126m Juventus forward, as will stating thatthat a €700m train with BarcelonaBarce last week, reached the biggest and I’m happy. -- $92m from his salary and releasee feefee wouldwould afterafter joining in June for €65m I read what happened with Messi. $34m in endorsements. his status as the most need too be metmet fforor (($77m).$77m). PlayingPlay alongside His story with the club has been Not surprisingly Cristiano followed soccer player him to joinjoin anotheranother talisman Messi wwas an attraction, incredible, he’s a champion, a Ronaldo comes in second in the world on social club wasas no longerlonger but the BBarcelonaarcelon No. 10 tried to winner, I think this is his home. We although earnings of $117m media. active andand thatthat hehe forceforce hhisis way out of the club will try to win trophies with him.” will soften the blow for the could leaveleave on a ffreeree duringduring the cloclosese season before While Messi was not allowed Juventus forward, as will his wealth table -- Liverpool’s transferr ---- a situationsituation ththatat eventuallyeventually rerelenting.len to leave Camp Nou, Barcelona are status as the most followed title-winning striker Mohamed would havehave allowedallowed hhimim ttoo “I can’tcan’t imagineim Messi in working on selling Arturo Vidal. soccer player in the world on Salah in fifth spot ($37m) and commandnd astronomicalastronomical wageswages anotheranother sshirt,hirt, I tthought it would Sporting director Ramon social media. Manchester United’s mid- from thee likes of Manchester allall end well,” ssaid Pjanic, who Planes, who sat alongside Pjanic Neymar comes in third on fielder Paul Pogba ($34m) in City. takes the No. 8 shirt worn by during the news conference, the Forbes list ($96m) with his sixth. Pogba’s team-mate, Messi,si, 3333,, is in tthehe ffinalinal AndresAndres Iniesta anda later Arthur, explained the Chilean midfielder Paris St Germain team mate, keeper David de Gea ($27m) year off his contract so whowho recentlyrecently jjoinedoi Juventus. is close to leaving, with Spanish 21-year-old Kylian Mbappe, up is 10th. could leaveave foforr ffreeree nnextext “My“My willwill wwasa to play with and Italian reports citing Inter in fourth spot ($42m). Barcelona’s Antoine summer.r. ByBy staying (Messi) and I didn’td have any Milan as his destination. The Premier League Griezmann was seventh and with thee Catalan club, doubts.”doubts.” “Arturo Vidal is in advanced remains the world’s richest Real Madrid’s Messi iss inin lineline forfor an AgedAged 30, Pjanic’sPja arrival has negotiations to leave, I want to domestic soccer league but eighth. Bayern Munich striker $83m loyaltyoyalty bonus soso been criticised iin some quarters give him thanks for what he has only two of its outfield players Robert Lewandowski, the only it is likelyly hhee wiwillll continue as Barcelona’sBarcelona’s first-team is done during the last two years, feature in the top 10 of the Bundesliga player, in ninth. to top thehe money charts. LionelLionel MMessiessi alreadyalready viewed as ageing. he’s a player with a big heart,” “II wouldwould haveha liked to had said Planes.

LA LIGA TALKING POINTS Marseille coach SLOW START TO LA LIGA ‘I acted like a fool’: Neymar As well as missing the top four teams in the defends Alvaro country -- Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla -- after their European against Neymar exploits in August, La Liga got off to a de- layed start when the opening game was regrets Marseille red card complaint put back at late notice. Granada were due to welcome Athletic AFP — PARIS face another spell without Bilbao on Friday in the inaugural fixture Neymar whose first two REUTERS — BARCELONA but a long-running dispute between La Neymar said he “acted like a seasons in France were marred Liga and the Spanish Football Federation fool” following his red card by injuries. Olympique de Marseille coach (RFEF) meant the top flight had to put the against Marseille but called on They host Metz on Metz on Andre Villas-Boas has defended match back to Saturday at less than 48 football officials to do more to Wednesday in what was orig- Alvaro Gonzalez after Neymar hours notice. combat discrimination after inally scheduled to be their accused the centre back of accusing Spanish defender Ligue 1 season opener. racism. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Alvaro Gonzalez of racism. Meanwhile, Marseille Paris St Germain forward Valencia fans have endured a nightmare The Brazil forward was one issued a statement of their own Neymar said he was the target of close season as many of their best players of five players sent off after a defending Gonzalez. He denied a racist slur from Alvaro during were sold, including Ferran Torres to Man- mass brawl at the end of PSG’s racism and accused Neymar of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Marseille, chester City, Dani Parejo and Francis Co- 1-0 loss in Ligue 1 on Sunday, being a bad loser. in which he was sent off for quelin to Villarreal and Rodrigo Moreno to and later claimed Gonzalez had “Alvaro Gonzalez is not brawling along with four other Leeds United. called him a “monkey” in a racist. He has shown us that by players. The fans protested against the board be- series of furious tweets. his daily behaviour since “We are alongside our fore the derby with Levante on Sunday, PSG have stood by the joining the club, as his team- player, in the search for the where the visitors hoped to secure their world’s most expensive player, mates have already testified,” truth,” Villas-Boas told reporters first-ever win at the Mestalla in La Liga. saying the club “strongly sup- the statement read. yesterday. Despite Valencia’s disarray, new coach Javi ports” him, but Neymar con- The league’s disciplinary “We are sure that Alvaro is not Gracia oversaw an impressive 4-2 triumph, ceded he would accept his pun- commission, which will decide racist. Olympique de Marseille with a fine debut for 17-year-old Yunus ishment which is expected to the punishments, could inves- represents multi-culturality. Musah, taking Torres's place in the side. be revealed by the French tigate Neymar’s accusations “He (Neymar) suffered, too. league’s disciplinary com- against Gonzalez, who Mar- He knows precisely the impact The winger became the first English player Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (right) argues mission today. seille claim was spat on by of false accusations (after a rape in Valencia’s history and put on a fine with Marseille’s French midfielder Dimitri Payet during their “Yesterday I revolted. I was Angel Di Maria. case against him was dismissed show, striking the woodwork in an electric punished with red because I match on Sunday. Marseille pledged to “fully and the perpetrators charged display. wanted to hit someone who and Jordan Amavi. “In our “I accept my punishment cooperate” with any investi- with perverting the course of NO SILVA LINING offended me,” Neymar said in sport, aggressions, insults, because I should have followed gation and said the club would justice). Real Sociedad were one of the best teams a lengthy Instagram post. swearing are part of the game, the path of clean football. I remain at the disposal of the “It’s not correct towards to watch last season in Spain, in part “I thought I could not leave of the dispute. You can’t be hope, on the other hand, that commission. Alvaro. It’s a sensitive subject. thanks to playmaker Martin Odegaard, on without doing something affectionate. I understand this the offender will also be Any racist behaviour Marseille and PSG are here to help loan from Real Madrid. because I realised that those in guy partly, all is part of the punished. carries a maximum suspension find the truth.” Zinedine Zidane took the talented Norwe- charge would not do anything, game, but racism and intol- “Racism exists. It exists, but of 10 matches. Neymar struck Alvaro on the gian back in the close season so the did not notice or ignored the erance are unacceptable,” we have to stop it. No more. Spitting directed at another back of the head during the game Basque team filled the hole by swooping fact.” Neymar continued. Enough!” player can lead to a ban of up and later tweeted saying he to sign Manchester City great David Silva Neymar was dismissed for “Should I have ignored it? “The guy was a fool. I also to six matches. regretted not hitting the Spaniard on a free transfer. The midfielder should slapping Gonzalez on the back I don’t know yet... Today, with acted like a fool for letting me Kurzawa meanwhile could in the face. offer Sociedad the creativity they need, but of the head, with team-mates a cool head, I say yes, but in due get involved in that,” he added. be suspended for up to seven The Brazilian admitted on

on the day he was presented Silva was di- Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro course, my companions and I PSG have lost their opening matches for violent conduct Instagram that it was a mistake agnosed with coronavirus. Paredes also sent off, as well as asked the referees for help and two games of the season for the after aiming a punch at oppo- to attack Alvaro but defended his Marseille’s Dario Benedetto we were ignored. first time since 1984/85, and sition full-back Amavi. own stance against racism. Pandemic hits demand for English PL: Clinical Chelsea sink Brighton REUTERS — BRIGHTON Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Reece James Brighton’s brave approach was club kits, says Chelsea got their Premier League (left) is rewarded in the 54th when Leandro campaign on track after 20-year-old congratulated equalised with a 20-metre strike online platform right back Reece James helped them by Kai Havertz which bounced in front of the often to a 3-1 win at Brighton & Hove after he criticised Arrizabalaga, who should Albion with a spectacular goal. scored a have done better, although the home LONDON REUTERS — New signings Timo Werner and goal against side’s joy was short-lived. Kai Havertz made their debuts up Brighton and James restored Chelsea’s lead Fans barred from English football grounds during front after the German interna- Hove Albion. two minutes later with a goal any the COVID-19 pandemic has had a knock-on tionals joined Frank Lampard’s side of the forwards would have been effect on replica kit sales, according to figures from the Bundesliga during the close proud of as he teed himself up for from an online shopping platform. season. But it was James who gave an unstoppable shot which left Ryan The sight of English supporters squeezed into the visitors a 2-1 lead with a thun- clutching thin air. Brighton defender shiny replica shirts, either in stadiums, pubs or derbolt into the top corner from 25 Lewis Dunk missed a sitter soon on holiday abroad, has become a feature of the metres before a deflected shot by after and the hosts were punished Premier League era. central defender Kurt Zouma sealed again in the 66th as Webster turned But with fans watching matches at home on the points. a tame Zouma effort past the TV, demand for kits has slumped to a five-year “It was a hard game after 1-1 but stranded Ryan after James had low with a 63% drop in online searches compared swung in an inviting corner. to 2019, data from lovethesales.com show. Right back Reece James Brighton right back Tariq UK fans spent an estimated £23.9m ($30.85m) shines for Chelsea in 3-1 win Lamptey produced a superb indi- on Premier League kits alone last season, but top- in their opening game of vidual performance as he gave flight clubs could now be facing a 15 million Premier League. fullback Marcos Alonso a roasting pounds drop in revenue from the sale of replica then Reece scored an amazing goal. the 23rd minute when goalkeeper on his flank and Chelsea were kits, the website said. New signings Timo Werner We are very happy that we won Mat Ryan fouled Werner in the area forced to make several desperate “It’s no secret that big money signings, pre- and Kai Havertz made their today,” said Werner. and Jorginho coolly converted the clearances to keep the Seagulls at season tours and fans at games have a huge debuts up front after the “We had a lot of players not in penalty. bay. impact on August shirt sales for English clubs,” German internationals joined the rhythm now but I think we will Werner latched on to a through But ultimately the London side’s Stuart McClure, co-founder of lovethesales.com get better and better when we play ball by Jorginho after a sloppy pass superior technique made the dif- which tracks sales from 1,000 online retailers, Frank Lampard’s side from more games together.” by Brighton midfielder Steven ference although Werner and added. “Without the last two factors in 2020, the Bundesliga during the Brighton had taken the game to Alzate, who nearly made amends in Havertz, the latter in particular, had demand across the board for English football kits close season. Chelsea in the first half but fell the 35th minute with a dipping low a fairly quiet evening on the south has dropped by 63% year-on-year." behind after a defensive blunder in shot that was parried by Chelsea coast. Sport

WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 PSG's Neymar regrets Marseille red card Should I have ignored it? I don’t know yet... Today, with a cool head, I say yes, but in due course, my companions and I asked the referees for help and we were ignored. I accept my punishment because I should have followed the path of clean football. I hope, on the other hand, that the offender will also be punished.

Neymar Jr. Sport |11

TOUR DE FRANCE: OVERALL LEADER: Primož Roglic (SLOVENIA) 70:06:47 - STAGE 16 WINNER: Lennard Kämna (GERMANY) 4:12:52 AFC Champions League: Al Sadd, play out thrilling draw Al Duhail clinch victory over Sharjah

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Reigning QNB Stars League champions, Al Duhail edged Sharjah FC in a close game while Al Sadd played out a thrilling draw against Al Ain as the top Qatari clubs resumed their 2020 AFC Champions League campaign strongly yesterday . At Education City Stadium - the FIFA World Cup Qatar Al Duhail’s 2022 venue - a fiercely con- players YESTERDAY'S tested tactical battle saw Al celebrate their RESULTS Duhail emerge 2-1 winners over goal during the GROUP C Sharjah FC in Group C, while Al AFC Champions AL DUHAIL SC (QAT) 2 (Almoez Ali 41', Ain FC put an end to a run of League group C Ramin Rezaeian 51') - SHARJAH (UAE) 1 five consecutive losses in the match against (Igor Coronado 58') competition when they shared UAE’s Sharjah, the spoils in an exciting 3-3 yesterday. Persepolis FC (IRN) 1 draw with Al Sadd in Group D. ( Sharjah went into the game 83') - Al Taawoun FC (KSA) 0 in pursuit of their first win in the AFC Champions League GROUP D since 2004, having collected AL SADD SC (QAT) 3 (Akram Afif 35', Santi one point from their first two Cazorla 55', 60') - games. Al Ain FC (UAE) 3 (Kodjo Laba 5', Bauyrzhan Al Duhail, meanwhile, were Islamkhan 38', Boualem Khoukhi 67' (OG) looking to make amends having lost to Al Taawoun on Matchday Sepahan FC (IRN) 0 - Al Nassr (KSA) 2 Two to freeze at three points. (Abderazak Hamdallah 29', 48') Igor Coronado had the first chance of the match for Sharjah after eight minutes, but his free- kick from all of 30 yards out sailed over the crossbar. Lucescu hails Al Duhail’s best chance of the opening period came just Al Hilal fighting before the half-hour mark, attacking players in Khalid to meet it to no avail as the ball when Ahmed Yasser rose Bawazir, Saif Rashid and Salem Al Sadd’s midfielder crept just under the crossbar. spirit in late highest to meet a cross from a Saleh, Al Duhail stood tall to see Santi Cazorla (left) Al Sadd drew level when free-kick. Al Hosani did enough off the match and move up to celebrates his goal Santi Cazorla scored on his AFC to initially parry it then followed six points, five points ahead of during the AFC Champions League debut; the Pakhtakor win through with a sweeper-style their opponents. Champions League Spaniard hammered in a low clearance. Sharjah’s chances of group D match shot with his right foot from THE AFC.COM — DOHA Five minutes before the end progress to the next round are against UAE’s Afif’s cut-back from the left side of the first half, Sharjah were now hanging on their ability to Al Ain at the of the pitch. Al Hilal SFC head coach Razvan caught napping after a mis- collect the three points in the Jassim Bin Hamad Not long after, Baghdad Lucescu hailed his players after placed pass from Mohammed reverse fixture on Friday. Stadium in Doha, Bounedjah got his first goal of the side’s hard fought 2-1 win Abdulbaset allowed Luiz Junior Meanwhile, Group D of the yesterday. the current edition and put his over ’s Pakhtakor FC to collect the ball deep into his 2020 AFC Champions League side ahead after he tapped in on Matchday Three of the 2020 own half and supply an impec- took off to a fiery start with a Nam Tae-hee’s low cross, the AFC Champions League Group cable pass to Almoez Ali who thrilling draw between Al Sadd latter having beaten Bandar Al B on Monday. expertly applied his finish into and Al Ain FC. Ahbabi to assist his With a draw looking the like- the bottom corner from the The two sides went into the team-mate. liest possibility at the Al Janoub edge of the box to put Al Duhail game with contrasting fortunes, The match sprung to life Stadium deep into stoppage time, in the lead. with Al Ain needing to pick up again after the flurry of goals, midfielder ’s Al Duhail picked up from points after opening their cam- with chances at both ends being deflected shot settled matters in where they left off after the paign with two losses while Al missed. Khoukhi missed a the game against a 10-man restart and within six minutes, Sadd needed to consolidate golden opportunity to increase Pakhtakor. Abdullah Al Ahrak had won a their position at the top of the difference when he missed The result took defending free-kick just outside the Group D. a header at the far corner, while champions Al Hilal to the top of Sharjah penalty box and new Despite not playing a com- Laba missed the chance to Group B on nine points, with signing Ramin Rezaeian curled petitive match in the past six equalise when he hit the post. their opponents staying put in it perfectly into the top corner months, the inaugural AFC A few minutes after the second place with six points. to double the Qataris’ lead. Champions League winners hour mark, Khoukhi put the ball “This win was of paramount Five minutes later, took just five minutes to open past his own keeper after rising importance to us in this difficult Coronado used his trickery to the scoring, when Togolese to clear a lofted ball into the time,” said Lucescu. dribble his way past two Al striker Kodjo Laba met deb- area but instead headed in to Pakhtakor boss Shota Arve- Duhail players before being utant ’s low gift Al Ain the equaliser. ladze rued the ‘small details’ brought down by Ali inside the cross to slot past Qatar interna- Chances came left, right, that gave Al Hilal the advantage box, prompting the referee to tional Saad Al Sheeb. and centre for both teams as over his side, while remaining point to the spot. The former It was end to end from that they looked to break the defiant and acknowledging the Palermo playmaker stepped up moment on, as Al Sadd looked deadlock before the final need to put the defeat behind and coolly converted in his to reply in kind with the biggest whistle, in one of the most lively them. trademark style to half the chance coming down to captain Al Sadd equalised just after through Kazakhstan interna- games so far in the “Both sides spent the past deficit. Hassan Al Haydos on the right, the half hour mark when 2019 tional midfielder Bauyrzhan competition. four weeks preparing for this Despite relative dominance but he slipped before managing AFC Footballer of the Year Islamkhan, who controlled the Al Ain collected their first competition, yet small details for SharjahSharjah and coach Abdulaziz a shot. At the other end of the Akram Afif fired in a right ball a few yards outside Al point to remain in contention, and minor mistakes are the Al AnbariAnbari pitch,pitch, Al Sheeb needed to comeco footed shot into the bottom Sadd’s area, before firing in a while Al Sadd moved up to five reason we lost this match,” said throwing in outout of his area to head a longlo corner. shot that took Al Sheeb by sur- points ahead of the two sides’ the former Ajax and Rangers a triotrio ofof ballball away fromfrom LLaba.aba. Al Ain replied instantly prise - the Qatari keeper rose rematch on Friday. striker. Qatar star Almoez to join Generation Amazing Live THE PENINSULAPENINSULA — DDOHAOHA marksm 22 consecutive weeks of 2019 Asian Cup Golden Boot The star will talk about his him on our Live session this week GAG Live sessions by featuring Award. The 24-year-old striker career successes so far as well as as he is a role model to the next AsianAsian CuCupp and QNB Stars Qatar´sQ record-breaking forward. experienced another triumph this using sporting values in times of generation and will highlight just LeagueLeague championchampion The Qatar National Team and year as he helped his team Al adversity. In the lead up to the what it takes to be a success, both Almoez Ali will appearappear AlA Duhail striker made history last Duhail win the QNB Stars League Live segment, Moza Al on and off the pitch.” on Generation Amazing yearye with the Qatar team, scoring title. Mohannadi, GA’s Marketing & In last week’s Instagram Live (GA)’s(GA)’s Instagram Live a spectacular overhead kick Almoez Ali wearing Gener- Communications Director, said, sessions, Al Gharafa and Mexico today,today, as the againstag Japan to help his team to ation Amazing kit Almoez Ali will “We are delighted to be hosting national team star Hector Moreno hhumanuman andand a 3-1 victory in the final of the 2019 go live with GA from 4 PM Doha a Qatari record-breaker and appeared as a guest. Moreno played ssocialocial legacy AFCA Asian Cup to lift the trophy time today in what will mark GA’s Asian Cup winner in Almoez Ali, for RCD Espanyol, PSV Eindhoven programme forfo his country for the first time. 22nd week of online streams a young player who inspired the as well as AS Roma and Real Almoez Ali broke the record during the pandemic to help audi- nation during the team´s suc- Sociedad before joining Qatar AlmoezAlAlmomoezez AliAlili forfo the most goals scored in the ences at home stay connected, cessful Asian run last year." major league side Al Gharafa in Almoez Ali tournamentto and was awarded the active and inspired. "We look forward to having 2019.