Samson stars with skipper Smith in Royals’ win over CSK in IPL page 14 WEDNESday, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 Al must stay focused despite win over Persepolis,

Al Sadd coach Hernandez. says forward Almoez Ali

AFC Too early to

talk about Almoez Ali has called on Al Duhail SC to remain focused competing after the champions de- feated Persepolis FC to jump to the top of Group C of the for title, says 2020 AFC Champions League on Tuesday. Xavi as It was a result Al Duhail badly needed after suffer- make ing a 4-2 defeat to Sharjah on Matchday Four and they Round of 16 bounced back in style against Iran’s Persepolis, who had Tribune News Network gone into the tie at the Doha Education City Stadium as group leaders. Al Sadd have made it to the Ali scored the only goal knock-out stage (Round of of the match from the pen- 16) of the 2020 of the Asian alty spot in the 56th minute Champions League after their for his third goal of the com- Group D rivals Sepahan and Al petition as Al Duhail moved Ain could only manage a goal- to nine points, two ahead of less draw on Tuesday. Persepolis and UAE’s Sharjah, A 1-1 draw for Xavi Her- who defeated Saudi Arabia’s nandez’s side against Al Nassr Al Taawoun 6-0 in the group’s made no difference to their other tie on Monday. qualification and the coach Ali, while pleased with expressed satisfaction with his the win, said Al Duhail have team’s shpow against Al Nassr to remain grounded as they on Matchday 5. still have to play Al Taawoun Speaking at the post- where a draw will seal them a s match press conference, Xavi knock-out stage spot and a win said: “It was a tough game. We will see them emerging group were not good enough in the winners . first half, and in the second “We played well today, half we were better. which was great after our “We had to play in the first performance against Shar- Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali (right) termed his team’s Group C 2020 AFC Champions League win over Iran’s Persepolis on Tuesday as a good performance but wants the side to be half, like we did in the second. jah. We managed to recover ready for the Al Taawoun challenge. Al Duhail top Group C with 9 points while Al Taawoun have 6. Persepolis and Sharjah, both have 7 points. All teams have one game remaining. Today, we showed two faces of some of our level but we still the team in the two halves. I’m have some work to do in or- “We must forget this win and League debut with a clean feat against Sharjah propelled es but we still have a match to angry with the first half, and der to get to 100 percent,” prepare for Al Taawoun who sheet. them to victory. play and hopefully we can win happy with the second.” said the 24-year-old Al Du- are a good side. “The players gave their “It was a difficult match for in order to advance from the He added: “We have to hail captain soon after the “They defeated us previ- best today and we got three us because Al Duhail were ea- group. The next match will be change and improve our perfor- match on Tuesday. ously (2-0 on Matchday Two) important points,” said Al ger to make a comeback after With Persepolis and Shar- harder and we must avoid mance, but we are satisfied with “We could have achieved a in Saudi Arabia and we must Bakri. “However, it isn’t over losing the previous match,” jah tied on points, Article 10.5 being overconfident, as was the point. We played against a better result but at the end of ve fully focused in order to yet as we still have a match said the Iraqi midfielder. of the 2020 AFC Champions the case against Sharjah. strong team, which is one of the the day, the three points are have a positive result and and we will go into it to get an- “The experience of their League competition regula- We must forget this win and best in the competition.” really important for us.” bring joy to our fans.” other victory.” players made the differ- tions will be in place should Asked about what he told “The next match will be Al Duhail SC goalkeeper Persepolis midfielder ence because they knew how the match end in a draw, with prepare for Al Taawoun who the players at half time, the harder and we must avoid be- Mohammed Al Bakri was Bashar Resan said Al Du- to deal with the situations in the corresponding fixture hav- are a good side. coach said: “I have to be hon- ing overconfident, as was the ecstatic with the win, as he hail’s experience and desire the match. ing finished 2-2 at the Sharjah Almoez Ali est, I told the players that we case against Sharjah,” said Ali. marked his AFC Champions to bounce back from their de- “We missed several chanc- Stadium in February. had to change our values: the rhythm, and the mental- ity, and this happened in the second half. We scored the goal and we got a good point against a strong team.” Esteghlal coach Motlagh calls for calm With regards to the team’s defensive performance, Xavi said: “I don’t think that we have a problem with the defense. We as they face Al Ahli in must-win tie just conceded one goal in two games. We have other prob- lems. In the first half, we had AFC problems with our attitude, in- Doha tensity and rhythm.” As for his team’s chances Iran’s Esteghlal FC face of competing for the title, an all-or-nothing encounter Xavi said: “It’s too early to against confirmed Group A talk about competing for the winners Al Ahli Saudi FC at title. First, we have to qualify the on (for the next stage). We still Wednesday, needing three haven’t qualified. It needs points to secure passage to the one more game, and it also 2020 AFC Champions League depends on the result of the Round of 16. other game (Sepahan Al Ain). Six points were enough “We have to go step by to secure the top spot in the step; otherwise, we will make three-team group for Al Ahli a mistake. It’s very difficult to after Esteghlal and Al Shorta win the competition, and there played out a 1-1 draw on are many good clubs. Our first Matchday Five. objective is to reach the round The Sunday fixture was Esteghlal head coach Majid Namjoo-Motlagh. of 16, and then we will see.” Al Shorta’s last, meaning they ended the group stage with five ers fare against a strong team points. Esteghlal, who are bot- standings like Esteghlal. Today’s Matches tom with two points, can eclipse Iran’s Esteghlal FC will lock horns with Al Ahli Saudi FC in a crucial Group A clash of the 2020 AFC Group A “They are an opposite who At Al Janoub Stadium the Iraqis should they beat Al Champions League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday. Club M W D L GF GA GD pts will come in and fight hard, Group A Ahli by a two-goal margin. Al Ahli SFC 3 2 0 1 4 3 1 6 but I only care about my play- 6pm: Esteghlal (IRN) A 1-0 win for the Tehran- did not do well in set-piec- determined to win and go to one of Al Hilal, Pakhtakor or Al Shorta 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 ers and I want them to work based side would mean disci- es and we did not take our the Round of 16 as representa- Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in the Esteghlal 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2 hard and perform well to get vs Al Ahli (KSA) plinary record will be the tie chances, but of course those tives of Iran. Round of 16, will make some the win.” Group B breaker between them and Al are lessons we learned from “We will not look at our changes to their starting XI, The two teams had met on 9pm: Shahr Khodro (IRN) Shorta. that game and will look to opponents and their position and head coach Vladan Miloje- “I always say to my play- Matchday Two, with Al Ahli “I have to say this is a very show more focus in those two in the group being already vic has challenged his younger ers that you must always play walking away with the three vs Pakhtakor (UZB) important game for us and areas in the next game to get qualified, we only focus on players to prove themselves for the win. Of course, we have points in . At Khalifa Stadium we have to only think about the win.” our situation that we need the against top quality opponents. players who have yellow cards Salman Al Moasher netted Group B winning to qualify to the next “We need to be calm and three points to qualify to the “I like to win even in train- and are in risk of being sus- both Al Ahli’s goals either side round,” said Esteghlal head only focus on getting the three next round. This will be our ing, this is my mentality and pended and we have to protect of an Amir Arsalan Motahari 9pm: Al Hilal (SFC) coach Majid Namjoo-Motlagh. points. Al Ahli are a good and priority.” this game is no different. I want players from injury, but my strike for Esteghlal in a 2-1 win vs Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) “In the previous game, we respectable team, but we are Al Ahli, who are set to face to win it too,” said the Serbian. thought is to see how my play- for the Saudis. Sports Wednesday, September 23, 2020 13 Ex-Argentina and Shabab Al Ahli hoping for AS Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso the best as Al Hilal await on Generation AFC Amazing Live Doha standings Group B SC.qa Shabab Al Ahli Dubai coach Club M W D L GF GA GD pts Gerard Zaragoza is hoping Al Hilal (KSA) 5 3 2 0 6 2 4 11 ormer Argentina for a gift from Shahr Khodro Pakhtakor (UZB) 5 2 2 1 6 3 3 8 and AS Roma defender FC, with his side clinging on Nicolas Burdisso will Al Ahli (UAE) 5 2 1 2 4 4 0 7 F to hopes of qualifying for join Generation Amazing Shahr Khodro (IRN) 5 0 1 4 0 7 -7 1 the 2020 AFC Champions (GA) to share insights from League Round of 16 by a his outstanding career and string when they face Al Hi- do has spent five years at Al discuss the values which lal SFC on Matchday Six of Hilal, becoming the team’s have helped him to succeed Group B on Wednesday. all-time top non-Saudi goal- on GA’s Instagram Live on The reigning champions scorer with 81 goals, and on Wednesday (September 23 ) have already booked their Wednesday he faces his for- at 4PM Doha time. ticket to the next round, mer teammates for the first The former Boca Juniors and guaranteed the top spot time since his summer move player will share his advice on Nicolas Burdisso. of the group. to Shabab Al Ahli. how to stay active and inspired Meanwhile Shabab Al “Eduardo came back during the COVID-19 pan- scientious youth advocates to Ahli sit in third place, a point from injury recently and he demic – as well as answering embody and promote posi- behind Pakhtakor in second is slowly getting back to his questions from the audience tive values such as inclusion and should they beat Al Hilal, best. It is true, he was part of during the session. and gender equality, as well they will still need the Uzbek Al Hilal for a long time until Burdisso won four Serie as skills like leadership, com- side to drop points against recently, but he is a profes- A titles, a Coppa Italia and munication, organisation and Shahr Khodro FC. sional player and will give his a Supercoppa Italiana, with teamwork. “We took seven points all for his current team. Inter Milan before making a In last week’s live broad- from the past three games, A Bafetimbi Gomis’ transfer in 2009 to AS Roma, cast, the programme wel- and we are only thinking of Shabab Al Ahli sit in third place in Group B of the AFC Champions League, a point behind Pakhtakor in sec- brace at the Rashid Sta- Generation Amazing’s football comed 2019 AFC Asian Cup getting a win in this match to ond and should they beat Al Hilal, they will still need the Uzbek side to drop points against Shahr Khodro FC. dium in Dubai was enough club partner. and current QNB Stars League keep our hopes of qualifica- to seal a 2-1 win for Al Hilal The Argentina defender (QSL) champion Almoez tion on track,” said Zaragoza. though in games such as this will try to take full advantage name is enough to win them on Matchday Two, and the played 49 times for his na- Ali. Qatar´s record-break- “I personally think the one our focus should not of our attacking capabilities. matches. I wish them a full Saudi side boast the compe- tional team, representing his ing forward participated as most important part is not solely be on keeping a clean “Things are tricky for Al recovery; the players, staff tition’s best defensive record country at the 2006 FIFA the human and social legacy conceding, this will make sheet, we have to score as Hilal, but they have really and management.” with just one more goal con- World Cup Germany™ and programme celebrated 22 things a lot easier for us al- well and for that reason we good youngsters and their Midfielder CarlosE duar- ceded since. then again at the 2010 FIFA consecutive weeks of GA Live World Cup South Africa™. and 150,000 viewers since He reached the final of the April 2020. Copa America with Argen- The Qatar National Team tina in 2007 and made an- and Al Duhail striker made other appearance at the 2011 history last year with the Qa- No relaxing, warns coach Arveladze as tournament. tar team, scoring a sensational Ahead of the football leg- overhead kick in the 12th min- end’s participation in the ute against Japan to help his Pakhtakor brace for Shahr Khodro test GA Live programme, Moza team to a 3-1 victory in the fi- Al Mohannadi, Marketing & nal of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. AFC ing lost their first four games, Communications Director at The player, alongside a young Doha including a 3-0 defeat by Pa- GA, said, “It’s so important Qatar squad led by head coach khtakor on Matchday Two. to us at Generation Amazing Félix Sánchez Bas, went on to A place in the 2020 AFC “Tomorrow is an important that we not only ensure the lift the trophy for their country Champions League knockout game for us, probably harder programme continues to im- for the first time in history. stage for the first time in a dec- than the previous games,” said pact the lives of people during The 24-year-old striker ade is at stake for Pakhtakor 24-year-old forward Hossein this difficult period, but also won the 2019 Asian Cup Gold- FC on Wednesday when they Mehraban who has spent his that we are able to join forces en Boot Award and went on to take on already-eliminated entire career in his hometown with inspiring figures from lift the 2019/2020 QNB Stars Shahr Khodro on Matchday club Shahr Khodro. the global footballing commu- League title with Al Duhail af- Six of Group B. “But I hope we can put in a nity to engage with our youth ter league games were paused A bright start to the 2020 good display. We do not have through this time.” during the pandemic. AFC Champions League cam- hopes of qualification now, Al Mohannadi added, Almoez Ali said, “My ad- paign saw Pakhtakor pick up but we must show we are a “We are delighted to welcome vice to young people, who wish full points from their first good team and can get a result the former Argentina and AS to follow in my footsteps, is to two matches back in Febru- against Pakhtakor tomorrow.” Roma player on GA Live to love what you do. Whether it’s ary, but since the resumption “Personally, playing in the share his recollections from football or all kinds of sport, of the competition in Qatar, AFC Champions League is a the game and also his insights ensure you practice to keep coach Shota Arveladze’s men very good experience for me. on the positive sporting values reaching a higher level.” only added two more points I played in the U16 and U17 we believe in here at Genera- GA has reached half a mil- from their subsequent three IR Iran national teams, but tion Amazing.” lion beneficiaries around the games, meaning they go into to play in the a competition of GA Live sessions ensure a world since being launched in their final encounter in need the size of the AFC Champions continuity to the programme’s 2010. The programme aims to of three points to advance to League is a very good experi- learning outcomes. They aim reach 1 million beneficiaries the next round. A bright start to the 2020 AFC Champions League campaign saw Pakhtakor pick up full points from their ence. I hope this is not the last to inspire a generation of con- by 2022. “This is match is definitely first two matches back in February, but since the resumption of the competition in Qatar, coach Shota time we are here, and I hope like a final for us,” said Arve- Arveladze’s men only added two more points from their subsequent three games, meaning they go into we can do well against Pakhta- ladze, a former striker for the their final encounter in need of three points to advance to the next round. kor in the next game.” likes of Ajax and Rangers and A win in the final match Georgia’s all-time top scorer. acter of Iranian players and petition yet, their statistics are pions League campaign for will secure a place in the next Hat-trick hero Welliton proud “We played against Shahr how they fight, while for us it good and even in the last game Shahr Khodro was always stage for Pakhtakor, but they Khodro and we saw each other is about whether we continue against Al Hilal, they had al- going to be a tough one, and could also qualify with a draw as Sharjah stay on track play twice here in Qatar, so in the competition or not.” ready been eliminated, but the Iran side were finally able or even a defeat, provided they there are no surprises. For “We cannot relax against they put in a fight and played to pick-up their first point match or better Shabab Al Ahli AFC them this is about keeping Shahr Khodro. Even if they did really well to get a point.” on Matchday Five against a Dubai’s result against Al Hilal Doha their prestige. I know the char- not win any games in this com- A first-ever AFC Cham- depleted Al Hilal side, hav- in the other clash in the group. Sharjah hat-trick hero Welliton was beaming with joy following his side’s 6-0 win against Saudi Arabia’s Al Quick read Taawoun in Group C of the Thiago Silva brushes off age concern 2020 AFC Champions League Bayern fans return on Monday. Super Cup tickets The Brazilian striker played as he prepares for Chelsea debut a starring role in the emphatic Berlin: Around 800 Bay- win as he notched his hat-trick ern Munich supporters have AFP in helping Chelsea’s young squad reach in the space of 12 minutes as returned tickets for Thursday’s London their peak after Lampard’s expensive Sharjah maintained their win- Brazilian Welliton (right). UEFA Super Cup in Hungary rebuild. ning form following the 4-2 tri- amid fears the showcase match New Chelsea signing Thiago Silva has Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is umph over Qatar’s Al Duhail on players and he had to be re- could become a “super spread- shrugged off concerns that he might set to become the seventh senior signing Matchday Four. placed after 70 minutes be- er” event. Budapest will host struggle to adapt to the extreme pace of of a hectic summer. More importantly for the cause of injury. the match between Champions the Premier League, insisting “age is just “If you want someone to run they UAE Pro League side, the “It is very difficult to fully League winners Bayern Munich a number”. would have signed Usain Bolt,” he said. back-to-back wins keep them recover in this short amount and Europa League holders The veteran Brazil defender joined “With the experience and the excellent firmly in sight of a place in the of time,” said Welliton. “I felt Sevilla, however the fixture is Frank Lampard’s side from Paris Saint- young players here, I hope to help these Round of 16, with Sharjah fac- a bit of a muscular strain and facing growing criticism. Germain on a free transfer last month af- young players in this new adventure.” ing Persepolis of Islamic Re- needed to go out, but I hope Germany has declared Buda- ter suffering defeat to Bayern Munich in Last season, Lampard’s side finished public of Iran on Thursday. that our fitness coaches will be pest a risk zone, after new the Champions League final. 33 points behind champions Liverpool, “It was a great result against able to help me recover in time infections in the Hungarian capi- The centre-back, who turned 36 on who beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge a difficult team,” said Man of for the next match.” tal climbed above the threshold Tuesday, brushed off concerns he would on Sunday to underscore the gap between the Match Welliton. “We really Al Taawoun forward Mo- of 50 new cases per 100,000 struggle to come to terms with the speed the teams. showed our best performance hammed Al Sahlawi said the people. “Everyone should think of the English top-flight. But Silva said he could help instil a and we are really happy.” attacking effectiveness of twice before going there,” said “Physically I feel really good,” he told winning mindset at the club. The 33-year-old forward Sharjah was the difference be- Markus Soeder, state premier reporters on Tuesday. “Age is just a num- “I think about all my experience in praised compatriot Igor Coro- tween the two teams. for Bavaria, on Tuesday after ber on your document. Physically, I feel my career and everything I’ve won,” he nado, whose assists were deci- “We had several chances in tightening the region’s regula- very young. I’m very well prepared for this.” said. “I think it’s important to show to the sive for Sharjah. the first half but couldn’t score tions. Any Bayern fans returning The former AC Milan player, who is But he said he felt the nature of the younger players to see that just playing “I get on very well with while our opponents scored from Budapest must “either expected to make his debut in Chelsea’s football played in England had changed, matches isn’t enough. Coronado as we know each from their chances in the sec- be tested or be quarantined”, League Cup match against Barnsley on with more emphasis on technical quality “They need preparation to be as ready other’s style very well,” said ond half,” he said. “Their at- Soeder added. Wednesday, said the Premier League had and the ball played on the ground. and in the best state possible and I think Welliton. “That really helped tack was precise. As a pilot project towards the not previously held great appeal for him. “Little by little, Premier League foot- they need to see how important it is to win me to settle quickly and show “I hope that the heavy return of fans in stadiums, Bay- “My impression of the football ball won me over,” he said. “Anyone that things. my best performance tonight.” defeat will be a wake-up call ern and Sevilla were both given played was that it was long balls, high knows me can confirm that and now, at “It’s people who are successful win- The former Russian Pre- for us before the next match 3,000 tickets for the game in balls, long shots and at the time I 36, I’m arriving to play in the best cham- ners that are remembered. For example, mier League top scorer re- (against Al Duhail), especially Budapest. (AFP) couldn’t really see myself playing in pionship in the world.” our manager, Frank Lampard, he’s won vealed that playing matches as all four teams still have a that championship,” he said. Silva believes he can play a key role so much.” in a short period affected the chance of going through.” 14 Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Sports Samson, Smith help Royals down Chennai in IPL feast of sixes Agencies Bangalore in the 2018 edition than 16 an over. That proved too in eight overs. It took another ates when he joined his IPL Dubai that also saw 33 sixes. much on the night despite a late three overs - with three more team after missing three one- Australian Smith opened attack from Du Plessis. straight sixes off spin bowling day matches in England follow- Skipper Steve Smith cracked the innings for Royals, inau- The Royals got to 54 for 1 that continued to be too full - ing a hit on the helmet during a match-winning 69 in Ra- gural IPL winners in 2008, in the Powerplay, and in the before the partnership ended practice. jasthan Royal’s opening Indian and after the loss of the first immediate over after, Sam- via a short ball from Lungi The much-delayed IPL, Premier League game on Tues- wicket it was raining sixes son took to Ravindra Jadeja’s Ngidi that Samson could only which was originally scheduled day that produced a record- with Samson hitting nine of quick, overpitched deliveries chip to sweeper cover. to start in March, moved out equalling 33 sixes in the Twen- them in his 32-ball blitz. like they were throwdowns in Skipper Steve Smith with Samson. “Absolute pleasure to bat of India due to the coronavirus ty20 tournament. The tournament’s first training. Two sixes off his first with him. He is the world’s best pandemic and is being played Smith, who faced con- 200-plus score was fueled by two balls against him - one batsman,” said Samson, who behind closed doors. cussion fears coming into Samson’s 32-ball 74, Smith’s over long-on, one over long- brought up his 50 in just 19 balls But Jay Shah, secretary of the IPL, put on a key 121-run balanced 47-ball 69, and off - started Samson off, and and hit nine sixes in his knock. the Board of Control for Cricket second-wicket partnership Archer’s four sixes in a row the exact feat was repeated “And when he goes out and in India, said the popular league with Sanju Samson, who in the last over and proved against Piyush Chawla next bats 20 overs, it becomes easy had the highest ever opening smashed 74, to guide Royals to be too much for the Super over. Chawla, who was also hit for the others coming in.” day viewership for any sporting to 216 for seven and a 16- Kings whose chase mean- straight off a full length, did try Smith got four hits over the league across the globe when run win over Chennai Super dered into near-surrender to pull his length back the next fence and Jofra Archer smacked 200 million people tuned to Kings in Sharjah. in the middle overs before ball along with a wider line; four in the final over to help watch Chennai beat Mumbai South African veteran Faf bursting to life at the end. even so, Samson produced one Royals get 30 runs off South Af- Indians on September 19. du Plessis made a valiant 72 Rahul Tewatia’s three wick- of his best shots of the night, rican quick Lungi Ngidi. Scores: off 37 balls with seven sixes but ets played a big role in that, but reaching out to slap him over “They batted really well. Rajasthan Royals 216 for 7 Chennai, led by Mahendra Sin- Royals’ defence was aided by extra cover without even man- Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson slammed as many as nine sixes in Steve and Sanju. You have to (Samson 74, Smith 69, Archer gh Dhoni, ended on 200 for six the Super Kings’ experimental aging to get to the pitch of it. his 74-run knock. give credit to their bowlers too,” 27*, Sam Curran 3-33) beat in 20 overs. batting order and an ostensible That turned out to be the Dhoni, who remained unbeaten Chennai Super Kings 200 for Chennai were involved lack of purpose in chase; by the last real challenge until he got the Royals’ second fastest one Smith six, had five sixes in his on 29, said after the loss. 6 (du Plessis 72, Watson 33, in another six-hitting fest time MS Dhoni came in, at No. out. He completed a 19-ball - and by the end of that over, last nine balls. The Royals went Smith passed a concussion Dhoni 29*, Tewatia 3-37) by against Royal Challengers 7, they needed to score at more fifty - equalling Owais Shah for which went for 28 including a into the first time out 96 for 1 test in the United Arab Emir- 16 runs.

IPL’s foreign stars laud Rebooted Roland Garros Indian young guns AFP Dubai struggles to escape Overseas stars including Australia’s white-ball captain Aaron Finch praised young Indian talent in the IPL after batsman Devdutt Padikkal shadow of coronavirus smashed a half-century for Royal Challengers Bangalore. AFP Having been defaulted The 20-year-old left- Paris from the US Open, Djokovic handed opener proved his bounced back in Rome with worth for Virat Kohli’s team Having been pushed back a final victory over Diego with a 42-ball 56 that set up four months to September to Schwartzman -- the conqueror an opening Indian Premier Devdutt Padikkal. escape the worst of the coro- of Nadal -- giving the world League win for last year’s navirus, the French Open number one a record 36th wooden spooners in Dubai Warner’s team, winners gets underway on Sunday still Masters crown. on Monday. of the 2016 IPL, have also struggling to loosen the grip of Djokovic now has four tro- Bangalore trumped Sun- fieldedup-and-coming In- the deadly pandemic. phies in five events in 2020 with risers Hyderabad, led by Da- dian talent in former U-19 As a result, Rafael Nadal’s a win-loss record of 31-1. vid Warner, and Padikkal’s skipper Priyam Garg and all- bid for a 13th Paris title, and a Victory in Rome came on confidence and flair did not rounder Abhishek Sharma. record-equalling 20th Slam, the day that he notched up his go unnoticed by his opening Garg attempted a hor- and Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of 287th week as world number partner Finch. rific scoop shot on his IPL a second triumph in the French one, passing Pete Sampras on “Dev is a brilliant young debut only for the ball to hit capital, to take him to 18 majors, the all-time list and with just player,” Finch told reporters his helmet grill and land on are vying with health concerns Roger Federer on 310 ahead in a virtual press conference. the stumps as he was bowled in the battle for public attention. of him. “I think he has shown for 12. Having optimistically toyed There is no Federer in Paris over the last couple of years But Warner advised the with allowing 20,000 fans to this year as the Swiss star con- in Under-19 cricket, domes- youngsters to carry on play- squeeze into the compact Ro- tinues to rehab after knee sur- tic cricket, how talented he is ing their natural game. land Garros site, that figure was gery which forced him to write- and how destructive he can “Exciting times for Indian downsized to 11,500 only to be off his 2020 season. be at the top of the order, so I cricket and I can’t wait to see slashed again to 5,000 as Cov- Also missing is US Open loved opening with him. what the young players pro- id-19 infections rose. winner Naomi Osaka, yet to get “He is such an exciting duce,” Warner said after his On Sunday night, the beyond the third round in the young player. My advice is team’s loss. French Tennis Federation said This year’s French Open at the Roland Garros is scheduled from September 27 to October 11. French capital, who is nursing a just play your natural game, “There were three bizarre that five players due to take part thigh injury. if you are feeling it against a dismissals, but I encourage in men’s qualifying had been Miralles of Spain and Serbia’s had been withdrawn. ter-final exit in Rome last week Serena Williams is sched- particular bowler keep go- them to keep playing the way, stood down. Pedja Krstin. Fears over the spread of the prompting speculation that a uled to play as the 38-year-old ing.” not think too much about it. Two had tested positive Popovic told L’Equipe it virus had already prompted de- dethroning is imminent. continues her quest for an elu- South African veteran AB We will rely on our senior while three others had been in was a “scandal” and had “Na- fending champion and women’s However, the Spaniard sive 24th major. de Villiers also contributed players to guide those guys in contact with a coach who had dal been in our shoes, he would world number one Ashleigh knows that when he lost at the However, the 2002, 2013 with a 30-ball 51 for Banga- the middle. also returned a positive test. have had the right to a second or Barty to skip the tournament. same stage in the Italian capi- and 2015 Roland Garros lore, who are searching for “Play your natural game One of the five players was third test”. The Australian had also tal in 2017, he quickly swept champion hinted she was un- their maiden IPL title. and the that’s the only way former top 30 Bosnian Damir Between Thursday and opted out of the recent US Open to a 10th French Open without decided after organisers in- De Villiers too was im- you can learn.” Dzumhur who has been forced Sunday, around 900 Covid-19 as had Nadal and 2018 French dropping a set. sisted that all players stay in pressed with Padikkal and the Teenage leg-spinner Ravi to quarantine after his coach tests had been carried out. Open champion Simona Halep. “It’s a completely special tournament hotels. new crop of players who have Bishnoi also had a good out- Petar Popovic tested positive. Some were left in no doubt At Roland Garros, play- year and unpredictable year,” Williams says she prefers made an early impression in ing with Kings XI Punjab on “We’re sure it was a false as to their thoroughness. ers and their entourages said Nadal whose Rome ap- to use her Paris apartment the 53-day tournament. Sunday when he returned im- positive because my trainer has “French Open is play- will be confined to two bio- pearance was his first on the instead. “Very competitive, the pressive figures of 1-22 from anti-bodies,” Dzumhur wrote ing no games with that Cov- secure hotels. tour since February. Meanwhile, Roland Garros young players coming and his four overs. on Instagram. id test,” tweeted America’s - ‘Special year’ -On the red Djokovic, meanwhile, re- will debut its new retractable looking like international Kings XI lost the game to “He was not allowed to take Sachia Vickery. “I felt that clay of Paris itself, where he mains Nadal’s biggest threat roof on the showpiece Philippe players is really exciting to the Delhi Capitals in a super a second test. I am devastated.” deep in my thoughts!” has only lost twice in his career, even if recently-crowned US Chatrier Court. watch,” said de Villiers. over but Bishnoi’s exploits The other players were To compound the event’s Nadal will target a 13th title in Open champion Dominic Fading light -- a real issue “Padikkal is a shy and with the ball earned him rich named in Spanish media re- problems, it was then revealed what will be just his fifth tour- Thiem begs to differ having with the event ending this year quiet guy but I don’t have to praise from pundits including ports as Ernesto Escobedo of on Monday that a female play- nament of 2020. finished runner-up to the on October 11 -- should at least say much really, he looks like former Indian captain Sunil the United States, Uzbekistan’s er, set to feature in qualifying, The 34-year-old arrives a great Spaniard in Paris in the be compensated by having four a really good talent.” Gavaskar. Denis Istomin, Bernabe Zapata had also tested positive and little under-cooked with a quar- last two years. floodlit courts. Former US Open winner Return of fans to English stadiums on hold: UK PM Bianca Andreescu to AFP there have already been calls clubs and communities. London from governing bodies for the “Football is not the same miss rest of 2020 government to provide emer- without attending fans and the Prime Minister Boris Johnson gency funding. football economy is unsustain- AFP ing unable to properly pre- announced on Tuesday that the Professional sport, includ- able without them,” the league Paris pare, in part because of the planned return of spectators to ing the Premier League and said in a statement. global health crisis. sports venues in England could Test cricket, has largely been “Last season, Premier Last year’s US Open cham- “I have come to the diffi- be on hold for six months due played behind closed doors League clubs suffered £700 pion Bianca Andreescu said cult decision to skip the clay to a sharp rise in coronavirus since it returned following the million in losses and at pre- Tuesday she will sit out the re- court swing this year and cases. coronavirus shutdown earlier sent, our national game is los- mainder of the season to focus will be taking the remainder A number of pilot test this year. ing more than £100 million per on her “health and training” af- of the season off to focus on events, in which capacities have The Department for Digital, month. This is starting to have a ter a year beset by injury. my health and training,” An- been capped at 1,000, have Culture, Media and Sport con- devastating impact on clubs and Andreescu, who beat Ser- dreescu wrote on Twitter. taken place and it was hoped firmed all pilot events sched- their communities. ena Williams at Flushing “As hard as it was to come venues would be allowed to wel- uled for September had now “We are confident that Pre- Meadows 12 months ago to to this conclusion, I have so come more spectators from the been cancelled. They will now mier League clubs, using inno- become Canada’s firstG rand much to look forward to in start of October. Football fans gather to catch a glimpse of the players through a gate take place with no fans. vative ways to get supporters Slam singles champion, has 2021, including the Olym- But Johnson set out a range outside the stadium ahead of the English League Cup third round safely back into grounds, will not played a match since hurt- pics; I want to use this time of tough new restrictions for match between Luton Town and Manchester United at Kenilworth Stark warning enable revenues to return to ing her knee last October at to focus on my game so I can England designed to limit the Road Stadium in Luton, Bedfordshire, on Tuesday. (AFP) The English Football all levels of the game, as well the WTA Finals in Shenzhen. come back stronger and bet- spread of Covid-19. League has estimated its clubs as maintain solidarity arrange- Last week the world num- ter than ever.” “We have to acknowledge this from October 1 and I rec- He said the measures being will lose a collective £200 mil- ments, current tax contribu- ber seven withdrew from the Andreescu, 20, joins de- that the spread of the virus ognise the implications for our announced on Tuesday would lion ($255 million) without fans tions and financial support for French Open, rescheduled to fending Roland Garros cham- is now affecting our ability to sports clubs which are the life remain in place for “perhaps six in stadiums for the whole of the local and national economies.” start on Sunday from May due pion Ashleigh Barty and new- reopen business conferences, and soul of our communities, months”. 2020/21 season. The Football Supporters’ to the coronavirus pandemic. ly-crowned US Open winner exhibitions and large sporting and... the Chancellor and the It is a devastating blow to The Premier League warned Association said it was “crucial” She had already been Naomi Osaka on the absentee events,” he told the House of Culture Secretary are working sporting organisations, many of the “devastating impact” the to the survival of clubs to get forced to skip the defence of list for the September 27-Octo- Commons. urgently on what we can do now of whom rely heavily on match- continued absence of support- spectators back into grounds as her US Open crown after be- ber 11 Grand Slam in Paris. “So we will not be able to do to support them.” day revenue for survival, and ers was beginning to have on its soon as it was safe to do so. Sports Wednesday, September 23, 2020 15 We are all set to host Doha Diamond League: QAF chief QNA Doha

The Organising Committee of the Doha Diamond League, Qatar’s Asian Games medal winning 800m athlete Jamal Hairane. the fourth round of the Wanda Diamond League, announced full readiness to host the inter- national sporting event sched- Hairane to lead uled to be held on Friday even- ing, with the participation of a large number of champions on Qatar athletes’ the field and track at the Su- haim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club. At a press conference held show at DDL by the committee on Tuesday, President of Qatar Athletics Tribune News Network (22.08). She was also runner- Federation (QAF) and Chair- Doha up in the 100m, this time to man of the Organising Com- the USA’s Tori Bowie. mittee Dr. Thani bin Abdul- Middle-distance runner Thompson-Herah’s sea- rahman Al Kuwari affirmed Jamal Hairane will lead Qatar son’s best of 10.88 set in King- that the preparations for this athletes at the Wanda Doha ston on August 8 is the second exceptional event, which will Diamond League Athletics fastest of the year to date. She take place in light of the coro- Qatar Athletics Federation President Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, QAF Board Member Talal Mansour, Doha Diamond League Meeting meeting to be held at the Qatar will race outside of Jamaica navirus (COVID-19) crisis, Director Director Khalid Al Marri, and Consultant of the Ministry of Public Health Dr Abdulwahab Al Musleh address the media on Sports Club on Friday. for the first time in 2020 when have been completed and with Tuesday, ahead of the Wanda Doha Diamond League to be held at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday (September 25). The finale of the world series she lines up in Doha. no public attendance. athletics meeting will see stellar “I’ve been fortunate to be He pointed out that the or- will not leave the hotel except Olympians and world champi- able to race at home over the ganising committee accepted Organising the championship (Wanda Doha Diamond League) at this when they go to the stadium onship medallists in action. summer, but nothing beats this challenge and cooperated of the Qatar Sports Club that Hairane, an Asian Games the thrill of lining up in an with all concerned agencies time confirms to the whole world the extent of Qatar’s ability to host will host the competitions, medallist and who participat- overseas, international meet. and the Ministry of Public international events even in the most difficult of circumstances, given its whether to conduct exercises ed at the IAAF World Cham- I can’t wait to get back on the Health (MoPH) to put in place advanced health system and great organisational capacity as recognised by all. or participate in competitions. pionships 2019 at the Khalifa circuit, especially as part of all appropriate precautionary Tournament director International Stadium, will a quality field in Doha where measures in order to ensure Qatar Athletics Federation President Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari Khalid Al Marri affirmed that hit the track in men’s 800m I’ve really enjoyed competing the success of the tournament the Wanda Doha Diamond event. With a personal best of in the past,” she said recently. as done every year. League this year comes at a 1:45.67, Hairane will aim to In the men’s action, pole “Organising the champi- the global event. It also sends the tenth edition that is suc- the Qatar Olympic Committee very delicate time, indicat- produce his season’s best in vault world record holder Ar- onship at this time confirms to messages to the world that the cessfully organised annually. and the Qatar Athletics Fed- ing that it was held annually these challenging times of the mand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis of the whole world the extent of global capital of sport always On his part, Advisor Con- eration and a special protocol on the first of May and at the coronavirus pandemic. Sweden (World Championships Qatar’s ability to host interna- meets the expectations of ath- sultant to the Minister of Pub- has been drawn up for such beginning of the Diamond Other Qatar athletes in- silver medallist in Doha 2019) – tional events even in the most letes around the world in all lic Health Dr. Abdul Wahab Al tournaments, stressing that League rounds, but it was clude sprinter Abdelaziz Sa- will be the star attraction. difficult of circumstances,circumstances. Musleh affirmed that the State QAF and the organising com- postponed this year due to lem in men’s 200m, Nasir Having set an outright given its advanced health sys- He thanked all state agen- of Qatar possesses capabilities mittee of the tournament have the coronavirus pandemic. He Mohamed Abbas in 400m and world record of 6.18m at the tem and great organisational cies and the Ministry of Pub- in the field of health that qual- implemented all precaution- added that the Doha edition is Hamza Darwish, Musab Abdul World Indoor Tour meeting capacity as recognised by all,” lic Health for the contribu- ify it to confront diseases, and ary measures. only fourth and last round this Rahman, and Yasser Bagharab in Glasgow in February, he is he said. tion and cooperation to host because it has become a global Those arrived in the coun- year of more than 14 rounds in the men’s 1500m. now officially the best vaulter Dr. Al Kuwari stressed that this global event after it was hub for hosting international try were put in the hotel quar- that were supposed to be held The revised 12-event pro- in history following his in- hosting this Doha Diamond postponed several times this sporting events, exceptional antine and have been exam- around the world. gramme has the following credible 6.15m clearance at League round will be the first year due to the epidemic that measures have been taken at ined and will also be examined Al Marri explained that events scheduled: Men: Pole the Wanda Rome Diamond and last in the Middle East is affecting the whole world, the highest level through the before they go out to partici- this year’s edition will see the Vault, 110m hurdles, 200m, League on 17 September. region this year, and confirms but they are committed to the protocol of the Ministry of pate in the competitions on participation of 117 athletes 400m, 800m, 1500m; Wom- His outdoor best exceeds the confidence of the world’s International Association of Public Health to achieve the Friday to make sure that eve- and runners, including 10 me- en: Long jump, 100m, 110m Sergey Bubka’s previous re- champions in the measures Athletics Federations (IAAF), required safety and ensure ryone is free from COVID-19, dalists of the Olympic Games hurdles, 800m, 3000m. cord of 6.14m which stood for taken by the State of Qatar and it was agreed with them success in the championship. and it was agreed with the (Rio 2016) and 17 medalists of Double Olympic sprint a remarkable 26 years. to ensure the safety of every- on September 25. He pointed He pointed out that coor- organizing committee that the last World Athletics Cham- champion Elaine Thompson- Duplantis is joined in Doha one and ensure the success of out that this championship is dination has been made with the participating champions pionships (Doha 2019). Herah of Jamaica and mul- by reigning world champion tiple World Championships Sam Kendricks (USA), in addi- medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou tion to London 2012 Olympic of Ivory Coast will go head to gold medallist Renaud Lavil- head in the women’s 100m. lenie (France). Celtics closer than ever after Heat meltdown: Smart Thompson-Herah, the first In total, six reigning world woman to win gold in the 100m champions and three reign- AFP to fly, but we’re a family and that and 200m at the same Olym- ing Olympic champions will Miami happens.” pics (Rio 2016) since Florence return to Doha for the Wanda Smart added that the dressing Griffith Joyner achieved the Doha Diamond League. Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart room row had helped him see his team- feat in Seoul 1988, finished Timothy Cheruiyot (Ken- says the locker-room bust-up following mates in a different light. fourth in the 100m at the ya), world 1500m champion, last week’s defeat to the Miami Heat “I knew we were emotional. I knew World Athletics Champion- will race over 800m. has brought the team closer together we were passionate, and I knew we all ships in Doha in 2019. The 24-year-old, who has as they chase a series-levelling victory loved each other. But I also learned a Talou finished third in the a best of 1:43.11 from August on Wednesday. lot .... we grew up even more through 100m at the World Athletics 2019, clocked an impressive Smart reportedly stormed out of that adversity,” he said. Championships in Doha, but 3:28.45 to win the 1500m in the Celtics dressing room after Boston “I’ve always been saying that before was second in London 2017 Monaco, just four one-hun- blew a 17-point lead before slumping you see the rainbow it has to storm. For – behind the dominant Schip- dredths of a second outside his to a 106-101 loss to Miami in game us that was a storm that we had to go pers – in a National Record lifetime best. two of the NBA Eastern Conference through. We found our happy place. finals last Thursday. “Like I said, families fight, but for Boston fought their way back into us to be able to respond like we did the best-of-seven series in game three and to be able to have that growth, it on Saturday, defeating Miami 117-106 shows a lot. Quick read to cut the Heat’s lead to 2-1. “The way I responded and my China team cuts ex-NBA guard Lawson That victory leaves the series teammates responded, it showed that finely balanced as Boston prepare to we’re as close as ever. We say what we Beijing: Former NBA point guard Ty Lawson said he meant “no disre- face Miami in game four in Orlando Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts with Kemba Walker during their fourth have to say. We all come together, we spect” after lewd social media posts about Chinese women stirred an on Wednesday. quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the get our emotions out and we go take it outcry and saw him axed by China’s Fujian Sturgeons basketball team. Speaking to reporters on Monday, 2020 NBA Playoffs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, last Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) out on the other team.” The Sturgeons said they will not renew Lawson’s deal for the upcom- Smart compared the locker room re- The Celtics are bidding to return to ing Chinese Basketball Association season, which starts next month, criminations that followed game two time. But at the end of the day, we can “We’ve got a lot of guys who play the NBA Finals for the first time since over “inappropriate remarks” by the 32-year-old. Lawson, a former to a family argument, describing it as fight with each other, nobody else can. with their heart on their sleeves, night 2010, when they lost to the Los Angeles Denver Nuggets star who has played three seasons in the CBA, posted “electrifying.” “You know, it happens between in, night out, and we weren’t supposed Lakers in seven games. the offending messages on Instagram during a night out. The posts “We’re a family. Family fights all the families, especially a family like ours to be happy down 2-0, especially those The Lakers lead the Western “were not in line with the club’s long-held social responsibility and core time,” the 26-year-old point guard said. who’s been together for so long. It’s go- two games that we gave up. Conference finals 2-0 against the values”, the Sturgeons said on Saturday in a statement. (NBA) “I fight with my brothers all the ing to happen. “Of course emotions are going Denver Nuggets. NBA legend Jordan starts NASCAR team, Bubba Wallace will be driver DPA “The timing seemed per- The incident was deemed driver of the new team “was Washington fect as NASCAR is evolving racist and NASCAR rallied be- easy - it had to be Bubba Wal- and embracing social change hind the 26-year-old driver. lace.” The 39-year-old noted NBA legend Michael Jordan has more and more ... I see this But after an investigation the younger driver’s “im- formed a new NASCAR team as a chance to educate a new the FBI said the episode was provement since joining the which will begin competing in audience and open more op- not a hate crime as the rope Cup Series” as well as praising 2021 with Bubba Wallace, the portunities for Black people was installed last year and, him for being “a loud voice for only full-time black driver on in racing.” NASCAR banned while formed like a noose, was change in our sport and our the circuit, as its driver. the Confederate flag, seen by to be used to open the garage country” off the track. Jordan purchased a NAS- many Americans as a sym- door. Wallace and NASCAR, Wallace has made 105 ca- CAR Cup Series Charter in part- bol of racism, from its events however, insist it was a noose. reer starts at NASCAR’s top nership with driver and friend in June following protests “This is a unique, once-in- level. In 2018 he was runner- Denny Hamlin, they said in sep- against discrimination and a-lifetime opportunity that I up in the Daytona 500, his ca- arate statements on Monday. police violence against black believe is a great fit for me at reer-best finish so far, and has “Historically, NASCAR has people in the US and across this point in my career,” Wal- five top-10 finishes this year. struggled with diversity and the world. lace tweeted on Monday. “I’m Jordan is set to serve as there have been few Black own- Also in June, a noose grateful and humbled that principal owner of the new ers,” the six-time NBA cham- was found in the garage they believe in me and I’m team with Hamlin as a minor- pion said in a statement carried stall of Wallace, who has spo- NBA legend Michael Jordan (right) has purchased a NASCAR Cup Series Charter in partnership with driver super pumped to begin this ity partner while he continues by the Charlotte Hornets, the ken out in favour of the ban, and friend Denny Hamlin (left). The team which will begin competing in 2021 with Bubba Wallace, the adventure with them.” Ham- to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing NBA team he also owns. in Alabama. only full-time black driver on the circuit, as its driver. lin said that deciding on the in the NASCAR Cup Series.