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Home , 2020 NBA Finals, Andrey Rublev, David Ribbans, Jack Singleton, Jaume Munar, Ollie Thorley

GGOLFOLF | Page 6 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Garcia ends Wins for PGA Tour Kharaitiyat, drought with Gharafa, Arabi triumph in Ooredoo Cup

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 CYCLING Safar 19, 1442 AH Caicedo wins third GULF TIMES stage as Thomas suff ers blow SPORT Page 3 MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah and off -road legends all set for Andalucia Rally atar’s Nasser Saleh tinue with the Toyota Hilux he that the Buggy will be even bet- the all-conquering KTM team al-Attiyah and some has been helping to develop over ter. I have a new co-pilot sitting will be new recruit Daniel Sand- of the best rally-raid the past seasons and brought to next to me and I think Edouard ers of Australia. racers on the planet are victory at the 2019 Dakar. (Boulanger) has a lot of poten- “I’m really thankful that the or- comingQ to to compete in “We’re very happy to have this tial that he can certainly exploit ganisers have managed to arrange the brand-new Andalucía Rally opportunity to get back to rac- to the fullest at the Dakar. I am this rally in Spain, and we get to go starting today till October 10. ing rally-raid in Andalucia. Our also very much looking forward racing again. After all, it’s what we There are a host of Dakar Rally target is to go fast and to win this to Saudi Arabia – the landscape love to do,” Price said. champions in the pack as well as race, like we aim to do at every there is simply incredible.” Walkner added: “Testing has some intriguing rookies to keep rally we compete in. It will be There has been plenty of time been going well and the bike is an eye on over the fi ve days. great to get to work with the team for refl ection for the Red Bull feeling good, so now hopefully a Expect a heavyweight tussle again and get everything ready KTM Factory Team after they good result in Andalucía and then in the car category as Qatar’s al- for Dakar.” missed out on victory at the concentrate on Dakar.” Attiyah, Spain’s Carlos Sainz and Reigning Dakar champion Dakar earlier this year, ending an Racing in her homeland will Stephane Peterhansel of France Sainz will be at the wheel of a unprecedented winning streak be Laia Sanz with a GasGas bike engage in an exciting battle for MINI John Cooper Works Buggy. stretching back nearly two dec- while CS Santosh of India will be supremacy. This trio has won the “Despite the diffi cult time we ades. The team take their place onboard Hero hardware for the Dakar a staggering 19 times be- were able to fi nd some areas that in the bike race at the Andalucía 1,354-kilometre rally in southern tween them besides picking up a we could improve on. The team has Rally with a fi rm focus on getting Spain. host of other honours, including done a great job and I think we have back to winning ways. “Coming out of the last Dakar WRC and MERC titles, and Ol- become even better,” Sainz said. Former Dakar champions Toby I had two broken ligaments in ympic medals. Mr Dakar, Peterhansel, takes Price of Australia, Sam Sunder- my hand and these injuries take “It’s always great to test our- control of the 4x4 MINI Rally land of Great Britain and Mat- a long time to recover from. To selves against our Dakar rivals,” which he drove to victory at last thias Walkner of Austria will all be coming back now after a long al-Attiyah said. month’s Baja Poland. saddle up for the Red Bull KTM recovery and everything else that The Qatari, with his French co- “My motivation is still there Factory Team in Spain. Also has been happening feels good,” driver Matthieu Baumel will con- – maybe even more so as I know along for his fi rst ride as part of Sanz said.

TENNIS / Djokovic keeps title bid on track as Kenin survives Tsitsipas overcomes an eye problem and Dimitrov to become the first Greek man to reach the last eight at French Open

AFP Paris, France

ovak Djokovic defeated in straight sets to make the French Open quar- ter-fiN nals for the 11th consecutive year yesterday while Sofi a Kenin escaped trouble to also clinch a spot in the last eight. Top seed and 2016 champi- on Djokovic won 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 against Russian 15th seed Khach- anov to draw level with on a record 14 quarter-fi - nal appearances in Paris. Djokovic faced his toughest assignment so far but Khachanov was unable to derail his bid to be- come the fi rst man in half a cen- tury to win all four titles twice. The Serb hit 44 winners and has yet to drop a set in the tour- of the US returns the ball to France’s Fiona Ferro (not nament, losing only 25 games pictured) during their French Open fourth round match at Roland in four rounds. He improved his Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. (AFP) record in 2020 to 35 wins against just one loss. either Tunisian 30th seed Ons Badosa of Spain 7-5, 6-2. “It was a very even match, per- Jabeur and Danielle Collins. She became the fourth un- haps more diffi cult than the re- Their tie was rescheduled for seeded player to make the last sult showed,” said Djokovic, who today due to rain that restrict- eight this year, joining Iga is chasing an 18th Grand Slam ed play to just Court Philippe Swiatek, Nadia Podoroska and title. Chatrier for much of the day. Martina Trevisan. He will face Spain’s Pablo Car- Two-time Wimbledon cham- Siegemund won last month’s reno Busta, the man who ben- pion Petra Kvitova returned to US Open women’s doubles titles efi ted from Djokovic’s US Open the last eight at Roland Garros for alongside Vera Zvonareva. disqualifi cation, or German the fi rst time since 2012. qualifi er Daniel Altmaier for a Seventh seed Kvitova, who RESULTS spot in the last four. missed last year’s tournament Men (Round 4) overcame due to an arm injury, defeated 1- (SRB) bt an eye problem to become the China’s 6-2, 6-4 15-Karen Khachanov (RUS) 6-4, fi rst Greek man to reach the last and will next play German vet- 6-3, 6-3 eight of the French Open with a eran Laura Siegemund. 13- (RUS) bt 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-2 win over Grigor “After eight years to be in the Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-7 (4), Dimitrov. quarter-fi nal again, it’s great. 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (3) The 22-year-old will now take I’m really happy for that, that I’m 5-Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) bt on Andrey Rublev in a repeat of still able to play on all surfaces,” 18- (BUL) 6-3, 7-6 the recent Hamburg fi nal which ’s Stefanos Tsitsipas returns the ball to ’s Grigor Dimitrov (not pictured) during their French Open fourth round match at Roland said Kvitova, a semi-fi nalist eight (9), 6-2 was won by the Russian. Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. (AFP) years ago. Fifth seed Tsitsipas has won “When the roof is closed it’s Women (Round 4) 12 successive sets at the tourna- the fi rst time after battling past in recovered from a set down her towel after sealing victory. she reeled off six games on the like being indoors and I really 4-Sofia Kenin (USA) bt Fiona ment having been two sets down Marton Fucsovics of Hungary against Fiona Ferro, the last home “I’m excited to be in the quarter- bounce to grab the opening set. love to play.” Ferro (FRA) 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 to in the opening 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (3). player left in the singles draw, to fi nal.” But Kenin, who was taken to Siegemund, 32, advanced 7-Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt round. advance 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. The 49th-ranked Ferro, who three sets in the fi rst two rounds, to her fi rst Grand Slam singles Zhang Shuai (CHN) 6-2, 6-4 Rublev, the 13th seed, also ad- ‘IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK’ “I feel like I’m playing really won on clay in Palermo in Au- stormed back to move into a quarter-fi nal after defeating Laura Siegemund (GER) bt vanced to the quarter-fi nals for champion Ken- well,” said Kenin, who cried into gust, threatened an upset as quarter-fi nal match-up with former junior champion Paula Paula Badosa (ESP) 7-5, 6-2 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 6, 2020

FRENCH OPEN FOCUS Djokovic admits Boxer’s son ‘awkward deja vu’ aft er ball hits line Rublev refuses to judge again AFP just behind him, in the throat. Paris, France That disqualifi cation remains the only defeat Djokovic has suf- fered all year. ovak Djokovic ad- “My gosh, it was very awk- mitted he suff ered an ward deja vu. I’m actually trying “awkward moment of to fi nd the linesperson and see if be counted out deja vu” after unin- he’s okay because I saw he had a Ntentionally hitting a ball which little bit of a bruise, like redness, smashed into the of a line in that place in the head where Rublev is one of 2020’s in-form players with three titles — Doha, Adelaide, Hamburg judge at Roland Garros yesterday. the ball hit him,” said 33-year- World number one Djokovic old Djokovic who has now racked up his 35th win of 2020 reached the quarter-fi nals for an and a place in the Paris quarter- 11th straight year. fi nals for the 14th time with a “I hope he’s fi ne. I mean, he 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win over ’s defi nitely dealt with it in a very Karen Khachanov. strong and brave way. But it was However, he had a heart-in- a hit because I was very close. the-mouth moment when he “Obviously because of what stretched for a forehand in the happened in New York, people I fi rst set and the ball fl ew off guess are going to make the story the frame of his racquet before out of this. It has happened to me spearing into the unsuspecting and to many other players in the baseline judge sitting nearby. last 15 years that I’ve been on the The Serb went immediately to tour. the offi cial to check he was un- “I’ve seen it a lot when the hurt. ball ricochets from the racquet The incident came just weeks and the frame, hits someone after Djokovic was defaulted at in the stands, or someone that the US Open in New York for is close to you or line umpire. swiping angrily at a ball which Yeah, it was a very awkward hit a female line judge, standing situation.”

Food fault! Siegemund eats meal courtside at Roland Garros

AFP her chair while her opponent Paris, France was taking a medical time out Russia’s Andrey Rublev returns the ball to Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics (not pictured) during their French Open fourth round match at Roland Garros yesterday. (AFP) and as she waited, she eagerly tucked in with fork in hand. AFP In four matches at the tour- said the 13th seed who has now achieved it twice. I didn’t understand at that mo- ermany’s world number “I asked my physio to bring me Paris, France nament, his opponents have reached back-to-back quarter- ment what tennis is. 66 Laura Siegemund something else. I just wanted served for sets on eight occa- fi nals at the Slams after his sec- ‘I WAS NOT EVEN A PLAYER’ “I didn’t understand what you Greached her first Grand to get some carb, some potato sions but Rublev has been equal ond career run to the last eight at Rublev is also one of 2020’s in- need to do on court, what you Slam quarter-final yesterday or rice. ndrey Rublev has been to the task every time. the US Open last month. form players. His three titles — need to do out of court. I was after ordering a plate of food to “Probably looks weird having on the ropes numerous In the fi rst round, he had to “You always become men- in Doha, Adelaide and on clay in just hitting, practising, hitting, be delivered to her on court. a fork and eating like that, but times at Roland Gar- fi ght back from two sets down for tally stronger no matter what Hamburg — are second only to because I love it, but without The 32-year-old said she had better than low sugar anyway. ros, but so far nobody the fi rst time in his career to de- happened. If you take the les- Novak Djokovic’s four. thinking how to play, what you found it diff icult to find any- I preferred to try to get some hasA delivered the knockout blow feat American giant Sam Querrey. son in the right way, you can be He puts his success down to need to do, how to defend and all thing to eat before her match energy back in the body.” for the -born, battle- It’s a steeliness forged by the stronger mentally. So of course a new mindset compared to his these little details. I didn’t even against Spain’s Paula Badosa Siegemund has made the sec- hardened son of a boxer. heartache of missing the last in my case it helps me. But if you carefree early days when he was know how it works.” despite being in Paris, one of ond week of a Slam for the first Yesterday, Rublev reached two editions of the French Open ask me I would prefer to not have world junior number one and Standing in his way of a semi- the world’s greatest culinary time in 16 attempts in singles his fi rst Roland Garros quarter- — in 2018, he was sidelined for these injuries.” captured the 2014 boys title at fi nal place at Roland Garros is centres. although she did lift the US fi nal with a 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 three months with a lower back Rublev’s path to the last eight the French Open. Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the “I was trying to get some carbs Open doubles title last month. (3) win over Marton Fucsovics injury while last year it was a allows him to emulate some “I would say at that time I was fi fth seed who will also be play- in. I tried the bar. Couldn’t get Yesterday, energised by her of Hungary. In a match which wrist problem which required major heavyweight talents not even a player,” he insisted. ing in his fi rst Roland Garros it down really. I tried,” said food intake, she won 10 of the featured 12 breaks of , the six weeks of rest which kept him from Russia — former cham- “I was completely diff erent. quarter-fi nal. Siegemund after her 7-5, 6-2 last 12 games to set up a quar- 22-year-old had been a break again away from Paris. pion made I was a kid. I was doing stupid Rublev has a 2-0 record over win over Badosa on Court ter-final clash against seventh down in the second and third “For sure I appreciate much the quarter-fi nals fi ve times, things on court, off court. I re- his fellow 22-year-old, includ- Simonne-Mathieu. seed and two-time Wimbledon sets. He also had to save three more things now inside the four times ally loved tennis. I was working ing on clay in the Hamburg fi nal She had the food delivered to champion Petra Kvitova. set points in the fourth. court and outside the court,” and mercurial Marat Safi n really hard when I was a kid. But on the eve of the French Open.

SPOTLIGHT ‘Miracle worker’ Kvitova returns to Roland Garros quarter-fi nals

AFP “I’ve been playing really good. ine me to be in the quarter-fi nal Paris, France I think it’s been a miracle for me of this Slam,” she said. to make the semi-fi nal here in “Everything just came back to Roland Garros.” me. When I’m talking, I’m get- n emotional Petra Kvi- Kvitova, who missed last year’s ting emotional again. It’s been a tova hailed her fi rst ap- tournament due to an arm injury, long ride defi nitely. Everything pearance in the French will play German veteran Laura came to my mind when I had my Open quarter-fi nals Siegemund for a place in the last whole family, people who I loved Asince 2012 yesterday as a wel- four. to helped me through the tough, come reminder of the two-time “I got a bit emotional last tough time.” Wimbledon champion’s ability two points of my match. I re- Kvitova, a runner-up to Naomi on all surfaces. ally started to think still about Osaka at last year’s Australian The Czech seventh seed the match because in tennis we Open, has won the majority of cruised into the last eight at Ro- really never know when it’s the her 27 titles on hard courts but is land Garros for just the second end,” she said. a capable clay performer as well. time in her career with a 6-2, 6-4 Court Philippe Chatrier holds She has won fi ve of her six fi - win over China’s Zhang Shuai. special memories for Kvitova, as nals on the surface, with three “After eight years to be in the the site of her comeback in 2017 of her past fi ve titles coming on quarter-fi nal again, it’s great. six months after a knife attack clay including the most recent at I’m really happy for that, that I’m that almost ended her career. Stuttgart last year. still able to play on all surfaces,” Kvitova, now 30, suffered se- “One year I do remember I said Kvitova. rious injuries to her left play- won tournaments on all surfaces. Her best run in Paris came ing hand when she fought off I showed myself that I can really when she lost to eventual cham- a knife-wielding burglar at her play on every surface,” said Kvi- pion Maria Sharapova in the home in Prostejov in December tova, who will climb back into the semi-fi nals in 2012. 2016. top 10 following her performance “I think I wasn’t really the player “Happy memories, when I in Paris. who ever succeeded on the clay. At made my comeback here 2017, “When the roof is closed (on that time was such a great thing for when I step on the Philippe Chatrier) it’s like being indoors me to be in the semi-fi nals. Chatrier, I couldn’t really imag- and I really love to play.” Gulf Times Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3 SPORT

CYCLING / GIRO D’ITALIA INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Rabada bowls Delhi to Caicedo wins win over Kohli’s RCB stage, Thomas suff ers blow ‘In the end it was just a suff erfest until the finish... I’m really happy’

Kagiso Rabada (right) picked four wickets as Delhi Capitals beat RCB by 59 runs. (BCCI)

IANS Dubai Delhi Capitals’ Amit Mishra out of IPL aft er fi nger injury outh African speedster AFP Saturday),” Delhi Capitals said Kagiso Rabada picked New Delhi, India in a statement. “Mishra will four wickets for 24 runs now consult with a specialist to bowl Delhi Capitals over the next few days to de- (DC)S to a 59-run win over Virat ndia and Delhi Capitals’ termine the most appropriate Kohli’s Royal Challengers Ban- leg-spinner Amit Mishra course of management for galore (RCB) and move the team Ihas been ruled out for this unfortunate injury.” to the top of the points table the remainder of the Indian The world’s richest T20 here yesterday. Premier League season after league is being played in the Delhi Capitals now have eight injuring his finger against the United Arab Emirates after be- points from fi ve games, ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders, his ing shifted out of India due to Mumbai Indians and RCB who team said yesterday. rising numbers of coronavirus are on six points each. The 37-year-old, who last cases. Rabada’s haul included the played for India in a Twenty20 Other players, including wicket of Kohli (43), who was match against in Feb- Mishra’s Delhi teammate and the lone man fi ghting after RCB ruary 2017, has been one of Indian off -spinner Ravichan- had lost the rest of the top-or- the top performers in league dran Ashwin, have also faced der that struggled to keep the cricket. injury scares during this scoring rate high in chase of 197. “(Mishra) sustained a flexor year’s IPL. Apart from Rabada, pace tendon injury to the ring fin- Many players are returning bowler Anrich Nortje and left- ger of his bowling hand whilst to competitive cricket for the arm spinner Axar Patel took two attempting to take a return first time after a months-long wickets each. catch off his bowling (this virus lockdown in India. Earlier, Marcus Stoinis’s quick half century helped DC post a challenging 196 for four Shaw and Dhawan put on 68 ting six fours and two sixes. Be- Team Education First rider Jonathan Caicedo of Ecuador celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the third stage of the Giro d’Italia, a wickets in 20 overs. in just over six overs for the fi rst tween the 13th and 17th overs, 150-kilometre route between Enna and volcano Etna, Linguaglossa-Piano Provenzana, Sicily, yesterday. (AFP) Stoinis (53 off 26 balls) put on wicket. However, three wickets RCB scored 59 runs. 89 runs with Rishabh Pant for over the next 30 balls with the AFP 3km I was feeling good, I would Pogacar in September. which was enough to take his fi rst the fourth wicket in 6.5 overs as addition of just 22 runs brought BRIEF SCORES: Delhi Capitals Linguaglossa, Italy never expect to be in this position Giovanni Visconti, Victor ever Grand Tour leader’s jersey in the duo took charge after RCB RCB back. 196 for 4 wkts (M Stoinis 53 not and I’m really happy with this,” Campenaerts and Lawson Crad- his fi rst appearances in a three- had claimed quick wickets to Stoinis survived an early out, P Shaw 42, R Pant 37; M 22-year-old Almeida said. dock were part of an early break- week race. peg DC back following a strong chance with bowler Yuzven- Siraj 2 for 34) beat Royal Chal- eraint Thomas lost Thomas came off his bike in away within the opening 10km. start provided by Prithvi Shaw dra Chahal dropping him off lengers Bangalore 137 for 9 (V more than 11 minutes the approach to the offi cial start Less than 20km later Cai- STAGE 3 RESULTS (top 10) (42 off 23 balls) and Shikhar his own bowling. After that he Kohli 43; K Rabada 4 for 24, A as Ecuadorian Jonathan line and the incident ripped his cedo, 27, joined the breakaway 1. Jonathan Caicedo (EF1) 4:02:33 Dhawan (32 off 28 balls). clobbered the RCB bowlers, hit- Patel 2 for 18, A Nortje 2 for 22) Caicedo won the Giro Ineos jersey and he had a scar on along with Mikkel Bjerg and 2. Giovanni Visconti (VIN) +00:21 Gd’Italia’s third stage on Mount his left shoulder. Matthew Holmes and stayed in 3. Harm Vanhoucke (LOT) +00:30 Etna yesterday. Despite the early slip up the the eight-man group despite 4. Wilco Kelderman (SUN) +00:39 CRICKET Former Tour de France cham- damage to his ‘Maglia Rosa’ the rain on the flat roads ahead 5. Jakob Fuglsang (AST) +00:51 pion Thomas seemed to recover hopes came with 28km left as of the climbing. 6. Rafal Majka (BOR) despite falling off his bike before Thomas and Ganna dropped As the peloton slowly ate into 7. Vincenzo Nibali (TRE) the day’s racing even started, back from the back of the peloton the break’s lead Thomas slipped 8. Jonathan Castroviejo (INE) England cricket great Botham which caused the peloton to be as the Welshman slowed down away and kept falling behind be- 9. Domenico Pozzovivo (NTT) neutralised, but failed to keep up just before an early climb ap- fore fi nishing 12 min 19 sec be- 10. Steven Kruijswjik (JUM) +00:56 with the peloton with less than proaching Etna. hind Caicedo. takes up seat in Lords 30 kilometres to go. One of Thomas’ overall rivals, Visconti, Caicedo and Bjerg OVERALL STANDINGS (top 10) Portugal’s Joao Almeida took 2018 Vuelta a Espana champion then split ahead with 12.5km to 1. Joao Almeida (DEC) 7:44:25 AFP the overall leader’s pink jersey Simon Yates, was also dropped go and held a 2 minutes 30 sec- 2. Jonathan Caicedo (EF1) , from Thomas’ Ineos teammate by the peloton as the Mitchelton- onds lead over the peloton. 3. Pello Bilbao (BAH) +00:37 Filippo Ganna as Italian Gio- Scott failed to keep up with nine Three kilometres later it was 4. Wilco Kelderman (SUN) +00:42 vanni Visconti fi nished second kilometres to go and trails Alme- Yates’ turn to drop back on the 5. Harm Vanhoucke (LOT) +00:53 ngland cricket great Ian with Belgian Harm Vanhoucke in ida by 3 minutes 46 seconds. testing ascent. 6. Vincenzo Nibali (TRE) +00:55 Botham — a vocal sup- third. Thomas is racing in this year’s Caicedo broke free with less 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (NTT) +00:59 porter of Brexit — took “In the end it was just a suf- Giro after being omitted from than two kilometres to go as 8. Brandon McNulty (UAE) +01:11 up his seat in Britain’s ferfest until the fi nish. I knew I Ineos’ lineup for the Tour, won Visconti failed to stick with him HouseE of Lords yesterday. 9. Jakob Fuglsang (AST) +01:13 could take the lead in the fi nal by UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej as Almeida crossed in 11th place 10. Steven Kruijswijk (JUM) +01:15 He wore the traditional scar- let and ermine-trimmed robe for his brief formal introduction ceremony as a peer in the upper Lanning’s ton guides Australia to 20th consecutive ODI win house of parliament, which is unelected. IANS in their winning sequence, (82 from 89), she stitched a thwaite (69) helped them put 252 Botham, who will sit as a Brisbane, Australia Australia’s batters didn’t find 117-run second-wicket to help for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. non-party-political cross- themselves in any trouble as Australia women register their Jess Jonassen was the pick of bench peer, swore the oath of they chased down the 253-run 20th consecutive ODI win. If the the bowlers for Australia as she allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II kipper Meg Lanning yester- target with 29 balls and four hosts complete a clean sweep returned with brilliant figures of as part of the ceremony. day scored her 14th century wickets to spare, taking an un- tomorrow, it will see them equal 4 for 36 from her four overs. Lord Botham told the cham- Sas Australia defeated New assailable 2-0 lead to retain the Ricky Ponting’s 2003 Australian ber: “I, Ian Lord Botham, do Zealand by four wickets in the Rose Bowl trophy, something men’s team’s record for most BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand swear by almighty God that I second ODI of the ongoing three- which has been with them since consecutive ODI wins. 252 for 9 (Sophie Divine 79; Jess will be faithful and bear true al- Tests for England between 1977 after he stopped playing, was match series being played at the February 2000. Earlier, the White Ferns came Jonassen 4 for 36) lost to Aus- legiance to Her Majesty Queen and 1992, is considered one of knighted by the queen in 2007 Allan Border Field. Lanning (101 not out off 96) out with an improved batting tralia 255 for 6 (Meg Lanning 101 Elizabeth, her heirs and her the fi nest all-rounders in the for services to cricket and char- Despite being faced with their anchored proceedings and with performance as captain Sophie not out, Amelia Kerr 3 for 47) by successors, according to the history of the game. ity — he has raised millions of most daunting target at any the in-form Rachael Haynes Divine (79) and Amy Satter- four wickets. law. So help me God.” The 64-year-old, who be- pounds, mainly for leukaemia Botham, who played 102 came a leading commentator research.

BOTTOMLINE English cricket bosses warn ‘bubble’ tough to recreate AFP al programme went ahead alongside carried out, a scale of testing that was on — it’s as stark as that,” Harrison said with the lack of down time. well-being of people spending sig- London, United Kingdom shortened county and women’s calen- not feasible in the long term. on Monday. “Looking forward to 2021 there nifi cant time in the bubble. Something dars. Chief executive Tom Harrison un- “(But) we can’t just keep losing hun- are different challenges,” said Steve we have to consider if we’re expanding That helped avert the worst-case derlined the ECB’s intention not to seek dreds of millions without an impact. Elworthy, the ECB’s head of special from three months to six months is that ngland cricket chiefs admitted scenario of a £380mn ($493mn) loss to bailout money from the government We don’t have a bottomless pit of re- projects. we need to mitigate as much of that im- the “bio-secure bubble” that the game but English cricket still took a but warned the losses would start to sources to tap into.” “This was a three-month inter- pact as possible.” saved the 2020 season could be £100-million hit. bite. The logistics of keeping teams, national summer and a two-month Peirce said there was a “ceiling of impossible to recreate next year A day after the end of the domestic The governing body announced last broadcasters and support staff in bub- domestic summer. Next season we probably three to four weeks”. dueE to fi nancial implications and men- season, the England and Wales Cricket month that it was to cut 62 jobs because bles for extended periods is also a major could be staring at a five or six-month “After that you need time out,” he tal health concerns. Board revealed it had spent more than of the impact of the pandemic. challenge. season. That’s a different proposition said. “If we could get away with moving The coronavirus pandemic initially £1mn on Covid-19 testing alone. “For the ECB, being able to deliv- Several players experienced family entirely. away from those bubble environments threatened to wipe out the entire 2020 ECB chief medical offi cer Nick Peirce er our broadcast commitments has, illnesses during the international sum- “Something we’ve certainly learned we really would, that’s how most of us campaign but a full men’s internation- said more than 10,000 tests had been frankly, saved us from fi nancial oblivi- mer, while others spoke of struggling about is the mental health and mental see the future going forward.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 SPORT

MLB Dodgers-Padres rivalry on high entering NLDS Reuters Top Padres starters Mike The Dodgers have their own in a game six times, along with New York Clevinger (elbow) and Dinelson issues. Buehler has pitched just Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. Lamet (biceps/elbow) are still twice since two separate stints Seager also hit a home run in that being considered for the NLDS on the injured list in September game. hey might both hail from roster after not participating in because of a blister on his right Tatis and Machado combined sunny Southern Califor- the wild-card round. index fi nger. He went just four for six extra-base hits, includ- nia, yet there is a bit of a In their just-concluded three- innings in the wild-card round ing four home runs against the dark side to the San Di- game series against the St. Louis against the Milwaukee Brewers. Dodgers. Tego Padres- Dodg- Cardinals, the Padres went with “Walker, right now, I think Tatis batted just.164 with ers matchup that will take centre starters Chris Paddack and Zach his fi nger is in a great place,” a.291 slugging percentage over stage starting today in the Na- Davies in the fi rst two games, said manager Dave Roberts, who his fi nal 16 regular-season tional League Division Series at then used nine pitchers to craft added that some extra days since games, but went 5-for-11 (.455) Arlington, Texas. a shutout in a deciding Game 3. the end of the wild-card round in the wild-card round, with two The teams with the two best Clevinger, acquired at the have been benefi cial. home runs in Game 2. records in the National League trade deadline from the Cleve- “We’ll keep an eye on him Tensions grew between the played 10 games against each land Indians to fortify the start- each inning and he’s probably Dodgers and Padres on Aug 3 other and the clashes were ing staff , has not pitched since going to be upset when the time when Tatis ran over Dodgers equally spicy and salty. Sept 23 and had a cortisone shot comes (to be removed). But catcher Will Smith and then The Dodgers won six of the 10, in his elbow two days later. we’re trying to win this start and again on Aug 11 when the Dodg- with action aplenty - from bat “We owe them (and) we owe the next series as well and have ers’ Chris Taylor made hard con- fl ips to home-plate collisions, the medical staff (time),” Padres him pitch.” tact with then-Padres catcher posing at home plate to a historic manager Jayce Tingler said. The pitching staff s will have to Austin Hedges. three-homer game from L.A.’s “I feel confi dent it’s going to work their way around formida- More barking between the Mookie Betts. be a last- decision on ble off ences. The Dodgers have teams occurred Sept 14 when the The upstart Padres made sure the roster. Trying to keep eve- been powered by leadoff hitter Padres’ Trent Grisham took his the old-guard Dodgers could rything in play, not ruling any- Mookie Betts, followed by No. 2 time leaving the batter’s box af- hear them arriving on the scene. thing out. hitter Corey Seager. ter hitting a towering home run While the Dodgers announced “Each one is day to day. It The Padres are led by No 2 against Clayton Kershaw. that right-hander Walker Bueh- feels like we’ll take a half-step hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. and No “Those guys play with a lot ler will start in Game 1 on Tues- forward, then another half-step 3 hitter Manny Machado. of energy and a lot of guys in day and Clayton Kershaw will forward, then we’ve been hav- Betts hit three home runs in an that lineup can hurt you with take Game 2, the Padres were ing a half-step back. We’ve got Aug 13 victory over the Padres, the long ball,” Roberts said of working on potential signifi cant to stack some good days and see becoming just the third player in the Padres. “It’s a momentum- San Diego Padres relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal (right) and catcher Austin Nola celebrate after defeating roster additions. where we’re at.” MLB history to hit three homers driven team.” the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park in San Diego. (USA TODAY Sports)

NBA NHL Kings acquire defenceman Maatta Butler wills Heat to from Blackhawks

By Jack Harris move, which was partially en- Los Angeles Times abled by the Kings’ more than $17 million in cap space. While the team has strong he Los Angeles Kings options on the right side of win over Lakers addressed one of their its blue line in Drew Doughty, biggest needs of the Matt Roy and Sean Walker, off season on Sunday, experienced left-handed de- ‘IT STARTS WITH MYSELF, BEING THE STARTING POINT GUARD FOR THE TEAM’ acquiringT left-handed de- fenceman had been short in fenceman Olli Maatta from the supply, especially with Ben Chicago Blackhawks. Hutton and Joakim Ryan set to Maatta, 26, had 17 points become free agents. (four goals, 13 assists) last sea- Maatta fi lls that hole. A son and comes to the Kings former fi rst-round pick, with two years remaining on the Finland native won two his contract. The Blackhawks Stanley Cups with the Pitts- will retain roughly $750,000 of burgh Penguins in 2016 and Maatta’s $4.08 million annual 2017 and had 107 points in 362 salary. total games with the Penguins “Olli is a well-rounded between 2013 and 2019. He has player who will fi t well with only had a negative plus/minus our group of defensemen,” rating once in his career. Kings vice president and gen- Maatta signed a six-year, eral manager Rob Blake said in $24.5 million extension with a statement. the Penguins in 2016 but was “He is a young player that traded to Chicago last June. already has a lot of valuable He helped the rebuilding NHL experience, including a Blackhawks qualify for the pair of Stanley Cups, and we expanded 24-team playoff s, look forward to having him where they defeated the Ed- join our organization.” monton Oilers in the qualifi ca- The Kings sent forward Brad tion round. He had six points Morrison, a 23-year-old pros- and a team-best plus-seven pect who spent last season in rating in their nine playoff the ECHL, to Chicago in the games.

Blackhawks defenceman Olli Maatta handles the puck during a preseason game on September 18, 2019. (Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Sharks to acquire Donato from Wild The San Jose are 3.35 goals-against average expected to acquire forward and career-worst .890 save Ryan Donato from the Min- percentage this past season. (right) of the Heat dribbles against (centre) of the during the first half in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth nesota Wild in exchange for Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) a third-round pick in the 2021 MAPLE LEAFS’ SPEZZA NHL Draft, multiple media SIGNS 1-YEAR CONTRACT Reuters defi cit in the best-of-seven se- stra said. and hit 3-pointers. Los Angeles was up 37-33 in outlets reported yesterday. Toronto Maple Leafs signed Orlando ries. Herro did their part for Miami Los Angeles was within fi ve the second before Miami rattled The trade is expected to be centre Jason Spezza to a “I think we realized that we with 17 points apiece. at 105-100 on a Morris three at off an 11-0 stretch. The Lakers off icially announced later. one-year, $700,000 contract belong,” Butler said in his on- James had 25 points, 10 re- 2:11 before four straight Butler battled back within one, 47-46, Donato, 24, recorded career extension, the team an- hen court postgame interview. bounds and eight assists, while points restored Miami’s edge to but a pair of Butler baskets and highs in goals (14), points (23) nounced yesterday. Spezza, and Goran Dragic “They can be beat, as long as was saddled by nine. A Herro three-point play rare three from Solomon Hill and games played (62) this 37, recorded 25 points (nine went down in Game we do what we’re supposed to early foul trouble in scoring just and Duncan Robinson 3-pointer helped the Heat to a 58-54 half- past season. He did not notch goals, 16 assists) in 58 games 1 of the NBA Finals, do. Coming into the next game, 15 for the Lakers. in the fi nal minute sealed the re- time lead. a point in two games during this past season, which was Wthe ’s only hope to I know they’re going to be so and Kyle sult. Butler had 19 points, six re- Minnesota’s qualifying-round his first with the Maple Leafs. stay in the series became clear: much better, and we’ve got to be Kuzma each had 19 points off the The Heat used a 10-0 run to bounds and six assists at the loss versus Vancouver. He did not notch a point in the ride Jimmy Butler. able to match that energy.” bench, though Los Angeles was begin the third to go ahead 68- break. James scored 16, while Donato has collected 57 five games during the team’s It wasn’t enough in Game 2, Butler played 45 minutes for plagued by 20 turnovers. 54. The Lakers countered with Davis was held to fi ve in 11 min- points (29 goals, 28 assists) qualifying-round loss to the but Butler took his game a step the second straight game as “We know that we can’t turn eight unanswered, but Miami utes after drawing three quick in 130 career games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. further Sunday night, scoring 40 Dragic (foot) and Adebayo (neck/ the ball over versus this team,” regained control behind a pair of fouls. Bruins and Wild since being The Toronto native has re- points to go with 13 assists and 11 shoulder) remained sidelined. said James, who was responsible Olynyk threes to lead 81-70 with “It takes away that aggres- selected by Boston in the corded 940 points (341 goals, rebounds as the short-handed He became the third player in for eight. “It starts with myself, 2:55 left. The score was 85-80 siveness on both ends of the second round of the 2014 599 assists) in 1,123 career Heat held off the Los Angeles Finals history to score 40 points being the starting point guard entering the fourth. fl oor that I’m used to playing NHL Draft. games with the Senators, Lakers 115-104 to win Game 3 at in a triple-double, joining op- for the team.” The Heat took advantage of a with,” said Davis of the fouls. TSN reported that the Sharks Dallas Stars and Maple Leafs the NBA bubble near Orlando. ponent LeBron James and Lakers Game 4 will take place today. sloppy Lakers start to lead by as “Still have to be better and fi nd and Wild are separately since being selected by Ot- Butler completed his fi rst ca- legend . The Lakers came back from much as 13 at 22-9 in the fi rst. ways to aff ect the game on both working on a deal involving tawa with the second overall reer playoff triple-double with “This was a very urgent game, down 14 in the third quarter to Los Angeles turned the ball over ends of the fl oor. But it defi nitely Minnesota goaltender Devan pick in the 2001 NHL Draft. He six of his team’s fi nal 12 points, and he was doing it on both ends go ahead 91-89 on a Rajon Ron- 10 times in the quarter, one more took me out and put a little bit Dubnyk. also collected 70 points (25 appearing to tell the Lakers of the court. Just put his imprint do drive to the basket at 8:56 of than it had in Game 2 total. Still, too much pressure on the other Dubnyk, 34, posted a 12-15-2 goals, 45 assists) in 85 playoff they were “in trouble” as Miami on every important part of the the fourth. The Heat responded the Lakers ended the period guys.” record with one shutout, a games. (Reuters) pulled away late to avoid a 3-0 game.” Heat coach Erik Spoel- with an 8-0 spurt as Olynyk and within 26-23. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL MOTORSPORT Turkish F1 GP to be held without fans Brady throws 5 TDs due to Covid-19

Reuters and deaths in Turkey, based on a Ankara recommendation by the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Council. “It was decided that the race ormula One’s Turkish be held without fans,” the gov- as Buccaneers rally Grand Prix next month ernor’s offi ce said in a statement. will be held without Tickets went on sale in early spectators due to the September, with organisers coronavirusF outbreak, the Istan- and offi cials saying there was bul governor’s offi ce said yester- great interest in the race. Inter- day, as the event returns to Is- city Chairman Vural Ak said in tanbul after an absence of almost a statement yesterday that all a decade. tickets would be fully refunded, to beat Chargers The Turkish Grand Prix, and added “human health is all scheduled for Nov. 13-15, was of our priority.” put back on the Formula One “I am sure that even if it’s ‘HOW CAN YOU NOT BELIEVE IN HIM? HE’S THE GREATEST TO EVER DO IT’ calendar in August. Turkey last without fans, after the perfect hosted a race in 2011 at the Is- hospitality we will show here, tanbul Park circuit, which was we will bring the races here next AFP popular among drivers but at- year and fi ll the stands together,” Los Angeles tracted small crowds. Ak said. In order to boost attendances, Intercity has said it hopes to Istanbul Park’s operators Inter- achieve a lasting place on the F1 om Brady threw fi ve touchdowns city had sold tickets at record- calendar after this year’s race, to fi ve diff erent receivers to lead low prices for the 2020 weekend after several rounds of unsuc- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a and announced that as many as cessful talks between the sport come-from-behind 38-31 NFL 100,000 fans would be allowed and the Turkish government. Twin over the Los Angeles Chargers on in. The only current drivers to Sunday in Tampa, Florida. However, the Istanbul Gover- have won at Istanbul Park are Six-time Super Bowl champion Brady nor’s offi ce announced yesterday former champion Kimi Raikko- passed for a total of 369 yards, with his that the race weekend would be nen, six-times world champion favourite target being Mike Evans, who held without fans amid a ris- Lewis Hamilton and four-times caught seven passes for 122 yards and a ing trend in coronavirus cases champion Sebastian Vettel. touchdown for the Buccaneers. Brady led the Buccaneers back from a 17-point defi cit after they gave up 24 unanswered NBA points in the fi rst half. “Tom, he’s never behind in his mind. We can always make plays to win games,” coach Bruce Arians said. Reports: Lucas a Because of the global pandemic, which led to the postponement of two NFL Sunday games in week four, organisers candidate for allowed just 6,300 spectators into Ray- mond James Stadium. Rockets’ opening RESULTS Indianapolis 19-11 Chicago Cincinnati 33-25 Jacksonville Cleveland 49-38 Dallas New Orleans 35-29 Detroit Seattle 31-23 Miami Tampa Bay 38-31 Chargers Baltimore 31-17 Washington Carolina 31-21 Arizona Minnesota 31-23 Houston Rams 17-9 Giants Buff alo 30-23 Las Vegas Philadelphia 25-20 San Francisco Reuters Lucas has been the team’s de- New York velopment coach since 2016 and Ronald Jones led the rushing off ense has a strong relationship with with 20 carries for 111 yards. stars James Harden and Russell “How can you not believe in him? He’s ormer NBA head coach Westbrook and the rest of the the greatest to ever do it,” receiver Scotty and current team ex- Rockets players, per the reports. Miller said. “We just go in there and fol- ecutive John Lucas has Lucas has NBA head coach- low his lead.” emerged as a candidate ing experience. He compiled a Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert forF the ’ coach- 173-258 overall record with the Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at Raymond James Stadium in completed 20 of 25 passes for 290 yards Tampa, Florida. (AFP) ing vacancy, according to reports. San Antonio Spurs (1992-1994), and three touchdowns. Herbert also The Houston Chronicle and (1994-1996) threw an interception. Brady connected quarterback to throw for at least 300 proved to 4-0. Derek Carr completed 32 Medical staff conducted another The New York Times both re- and (2001- with rookie running back Ke’Shawn yards in three straight games. of 44 passes for 311 yards and two touch- round of tests overnight Saturday. Bur- ported that Lucas, who hasn’t 2003). Vaughn for a nine-yard touchdown pass Burrow hit on 25 of 36 passes for 300 downs for Las Vegas. ton’s follow-up test came up negative, led an NBA team in 17 years, Lucas played 14 seasons in the to give Tampa Bay a 35-31 lead with just yards against the Jags, with one touch- Darren Waller caught nine passes for causing doctors to announce a “false joins a growing list of candidates league, including three stints over 11 minutes remaining. down and one interception. 88 yards but also had a costly fumble. positive” and clear the way for the game to replace the departed Mike with the Rockets, who drafted Ryan Succop added a 26-yard fi eld He compiled 316 yards at the Cleve- Josh Jacobs rushed for 48 yards on 15 to go ahead. D’Antoni. him No. 1 overall out of Maryland goal with 2:44 left before Carlton Davis land Browns in week two, and 312 yards carries, and Daniel Carlson kicked three “Just a lot of emotions going on be- The Chronicle reported late in 1976. He averaged 10.7 points sealed the victory with an interception. at Philadelphia in week three. fi eld goals (54, 39 and 25 yards) for the cause you never want to be a distraction,” last week that Rockets have and 7.0 assists per game in 928 “We’ve got to keep building on the “We got the win, that’s all I care about,” Raiders. Burton said. “They had to wake up other scheduled meetings with former NBA games. confi dence in one another because Burrow said. Also, Drew Brees threw consecutive guys and test them.” Brooklyn Nets fl oor boss Kenny D’Antoni parted ways with the there’s nothing we’re doing out there “I can throw for seven or 500 yards – it touchdowns to Tre’Quan Smith as the Elsewhere, reigning league MVP Atkinson, as- club last month after turning that’s perfect,” Brady said. doesn’t matter to me.” New Orleans Saints rallied on short rest Lamar Jackson ran for a 50-yard touch- sistant coach Wes Unseld Jr., down extension off ers prior to “But we’re going to have to keep build- Elsewhere, Josh Allen passed for 288 to beat the Detroit Lions 35-29. down and threw for two scores in a Dallas Mavericks assistant the season. He guided the Rock- ing on the good things and learn from the yards and two touchdowns and ran for Brees and Smith connected for two bounce-back performance by the Balti- Stephen Silas and Los Angeles ets to a 44-28 record in 2019-20 bad things.” another as the Buff alo Bills remained un- scores just 2:19 apart in the fi rst half. more Ravens, who beat the Washington Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue. and a 217-101 (.682) mark since Also, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Bur- beaten by handing the Las Vegas Raiders “Everybody just persevered and we Football Team 31-17. has also been taking over in 2016-17. Houston row collected his fi rst NFL victory as the their fi rst home loss 30-23. found a way to get a big win,” Brees said. Philip Rivers passed for 190 yards and linked to the post. was 28-23 in the postseason host Bengals toppled the Jacksonville Allen completed 24 of 34 passes, Ste- The game was briefl y in doubt after a touchdown, and Rodrigo Blankenship Lucas, 66, currently the during D’Antoni’s tenure, los- Jaguars 33-25 at Paul Brown Stadium. fon Diggs caught six passes for 115 yards, Saints player Michael Burton tested pos- kicked four fi eld goals as the Indianapo- team’s director of player de- ing in the conference semifi nals First overall draft pick Burrow made and Devin Singletary rushed for 55 yards itive for Covid-19 on Saturday night after lis Colts handed the Chicago Bears their velopment, is poised to get an three times and the conference NFL history, becoming the fi rst rookie and a touchdown for Buff alo, who im- the team arrived in Detroit. fi rst loss 19-11. interview, too, per the reports. fi nals once (2017-18).

RUGBY Jones calls up 12 uncapped players for early England camp Reuters TRAINING SQUAD they arrive was pending with the New Eden Park set for Bledisloe with Auckland London Ali Crossdale, , Fraser South Wales government and SAN- Dingwall, Nathan Earle, , ZAAR – the body that oversees the George Ford, , George rugby Championship. Covid-19 curbs to be lift ed ngland coach Eddie Jones, Furbank, , Joe Marchant, Argentina are due to arrive in Syd- Auckland’s Eden Park has been con- of the novel coronavirus. restricted in his options by the , Alex Mitchell, , ney today and will undergo two weeks firmed as the venue for the second “We definitely want people scanning ongoing Premiership season, , Jack Clement, Alex Dom- quarantine under Covid-19 protocols. Bledisloe Cup test between New (their Covid-tracking app) and taking has included 12 uncapped play- brandt, , , Joe Pumas manager Marcelo Loff reda Zealand and Australia on October 18 note of where they are sitting,” she ersE in an initial 28-man training squad told the newspaper they wanted Chei- Heyes, , Simon Kerrod, Lewis after the government said it would lift told reporters in Christchurch. to begin preparations for the delayed Ludlow, Alex Moon, David Ribbans, ka, who stepped down as Wallabies Covid-19 restrictions for the city this “We want them washing their hands. Six Nations game away to Italy on Oc- , , Mako coach after last year’s World Cup, to week. The venue had been pencilled We definitely don’t want them attend- tober 31. Vunipola, Mark Wilson. join up with the squad as soon as pos- in pending the lifting of restrictions ing if they are feeling unwell.” England will also have a non-cap sible to prepare for the competition. imposed in August following an out- The August outbreak forced New match against the Barbarians the week ARGENTINA KEEN FOR CHEIKA TO “Cheika lives in Sydney, and it’s so break in the city after more than 100 Zealand Rugby (NZR) to cancel the before, and later roll into the new Au- JOIN CAMP IN QUARANTINE important that he could join the team days of no community transmission final match of Aotearoa tumn Nations Cup tournament. Former Wallabies coach Michael Chei- camp with us from the beginning or at nationwide. New Zealand Prime Minis- between the Auckland Blues and The new squad will convene today ka, who will act as coaching consultant the least four days later from our ar- ter Jacinda Ardern said yesterday the Canterbury Crusaders and shift the for a three-day training camp at a Lon- for Argentina in next month’s rugby rival, obviously with a strict protocol restrictions would be lifted at 11.59pm ‘North-South’ game to Wellington. don hotel. Championship, is awaiting approval to and testing negative (for Covid-19),” (1059 GMT) tomorrow, bringing the “Auckland fans missed out on both “Our preparation to build the team join the Pumas when they begin quar- he said. city in line with the rest of the country (matches)... so this is positive news for the Italy game starts now,” Jones antine in Australia today, The Sydney “So we’re asking that to the authori- and allowing Eden Park to host the that they will be able to enjoy test said in a statement. Morning Herald reported. ties of SANZAAR, the government and game with no restrictions on crowd match rugby,” NZR’s head of profes- “We have a three-day camp this Pumas coach Mario Ledesma had the police of Australia.” size. Otago Regional Stadium in Dun- sional rugby Chris Lendrum said in week and another one next week. We’ll be confi rmed ahead of England’s next previously worked as scrum coach un- The Argentine team, who are due to edin had been placed on standby if a statement. Wellington Regional be slowly building up, working on the training camp from October 15-17. der Cheika at Stade Francais and with arrive from Uruguay, did not imme- the restrictions were not lifted. Ardern Stadium will host the first game on basics and working on team cohesion.” After the Rome trip, where a win the Wallabies and had proposed re- diately reply to a Reuters request for added that while masks would not be Sunday and Lendrum said almost Jones’s options have been limited could secure the Six Nations title, Eng- newing the partnership at the start of comment. required under the new alert level, 28,000 tickets had been sold. The by many players still being involved in land face Georgia, Ireland and Wales the year. Argentina start their rugby Champi- those attending the game should be stadium has a permanent capacity of the Premiership playoff s as well as Eu- and then a “decider” against a team The report said Cheika’s application onship campaign against South Africa mindful of possible further outbreaks 34,500. ropean fi nals. An updated squad will from the other Nations Cup pool. to join up with the Pumas soon after in Brisbane on November 7. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT England’s Reid wins fi rst LPGA title Garcia ends PGA at ShopRite Classic AFP Leading scores aft er New York fi nal round (Par 71, USA unless noted) ngland’s Mel Reid won 265-Mel Reid (ENG) 68-64- Tour drought with her fi rst LPGA title on 66-67 Sunday, fi ring a four- 267-Jennifer Kupcho 69-65- under par 67 to capture 65-68 theE ShopRite Classic by two 268-Jennifer Song 65-69- strokes over American Jennifer 65-69 Kupcho. 270-Nasa Hataoka (JPN) The 33-year-old from Derby 64-67-70-69 made bogey at the par-3 17th 272-Nelly Korda 68-70-68-66 Mississippi triumph but closed with a birdie to fi n- 273-Mina Harigae 68-70-69- ish 72 holes at the Seaview re- 66, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 66- sort in Galloway, New Jersey, 71-70-66, Brooke Henderson ‘IT’S PRETTY SWEET. IT’S GREAT. OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF HARD WORK’ on 19-under 265. (CAN) 68-70-65-70, Ryann “Relief. It’s a huge relief,” O’Toole 64-71-67-71 AFP Reid said. “It’s so emotional.” 274-Christina Kim 69-65-72- Washington Kupcho was next on 267 af- 68, Katherine Kirk (AUS) 66- ter a fi nal-day 68 with Ameri- 69-70-69, Brittany Altomare can Jennifer Song third on 66-71-67-70 ergio Garcia made a tap-in birdie 268 and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka 275-Maria Fassi (ITA) 70- on the 72nd hole to win the Sand- fourth on 270 after closing 69s. 71-69-65, Jessica Korda erson Farms Championship on Together with compatriot 68-71-68-68, Lexi Thompson Sunday, taking his fi rst US PGA ti- Georgia Hall, a winner two 67-72-68-68, Megan Khang tleS since capturing the 2017 Masters. weeks ago at the Portland 69-70-67-69, Ally McDonald The 40-year-old Spaniard dropped his Classic, Reid’s victory pro- 69-67-68-71 approach inside 3 1/2 feet and eagled the duced the fi rst back-to-back 276-Minjee Lee (AUS) 70-69- par-5 14th to match US clubhouse leader LPGA triumphs by English 70-67, Brittany Lang 68-69- Peter Malnati, then landed an 8-iron from women since Trish Johnson 72-67, Kim Sei-young (KOR) 171 yards just 2 1/2 feet from the cup at 18 and Caroline Pierce in 1996. 69-71-68-68, Anne van Dam and made the winning putt. At Portland, Reid fi red a (NED) 67-68-69-72, Georgia “It’s pretty sweet,” Garcia said after a fi nal-round 74 to squander a Hall (ENG) 67-67-70-72, Kelly smile and fi st pump in celebration. “It’s two-stroke lead and settled for Tan (MAS) 68-69-65-74 great. Obviously a lot of hard work.” sharing fi fth while Hall took 277-Leona Maguire (IRL) 71- Garcia fi red a fi ve-under par 67 to fi nish the trophy. 69-70-67, Moriya Jutanugarn 72 holes at the Country Club of Jackson, “I just wanted to kind of re- (THA) 67-70-68-72, Lin Xiyu Mississippi, on 19-under 269 and edge deem myself,” Reid said. “I’m (CHN) 70-69-65-73 Malnati, who was in the clubhouse with proud how I handled myself.” 278-Hinako Shibuno (JPN) the lead for two hours, by a stroke. Reid, a European Solheim 68-72-69-69, Tiff any Joh “This game is my dream job,” Malnati Cup veteran, owns six titles 70-70-68-70, Liu Yu (CHN) said. “I get to do it every day. It beats me on the Ladies European Tour 68-68-72-70, Gaby Lopez up and it’s tough. To have a day like today, but had not won since the 2017 (MEX) 72-65-70-71, Nealimi what I did out there, just felt awesome. I Women’s Victorian Open in Noh 69-70-68-71, Amy Olson feel like I won the tournament.” Australia. 67-66-73-72, Lee Mi-hyang Garcia dedicated the victory to his fa- Reid’s best prior fi nish in (KOR) 63-69-72-74, Park ther, Victor Garcia, who has seen two an LPGA event was a share of Sung-hyun (KOR) 72-66- brothers die because of Covid-19. “It has third in last year’s Women’s 74-66. been tough,” Garcia said. “I lost two un- PGA Championship. cles because of Covid. It has been tough Kupcho, ranked 58th, had a for my dad. But this one was for him.” birdie-birdie fi nish but could greenside rough. Garcia, who won his fi rst US PGA title not collect her fi rst LPGA title Reid smacked a 6-iron as a father, has won three times on the after turning professional last within 15 feet of the cup on the European Tour since capturing the green year. Song, ranked 91st, also edge of the green to all-but seal jacket but is only ranked 51st in the world. missed out on her fi rst LPGA the victory. “Keep believing. Keep working hard. triumph in her 220th career “It came out better (than I Keep your mind right,” Garcia said of the start. expected),” Reid said. “We fi g- keys to his victory. “I’ve also been able to World number 74 Reid ured being short was fi ne. Ob- fi nd a couple things here and there that Sergio Garcia of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in stretched her lead to three viously was disappointed at 17. obviously have helped. “It feels great to Jackson, Mississippi. (Getty Images/AFP) strokes with an eight-foot We didn’t want to do anything stand there on 18 to rip a nice draw and hit birdie putt at the par-3 11th stupid.” an 8-iron and make a putt.” LEADING SCORES AFTER FINAL ROUND sixth, made his fi rst 3-putt of the week to reach 18-under while Song Kupcho missed a 50-foot Malnati fi red a bogey-free 63 - a career to bogey seven, then sank a 10-foot birdie missed a four-foot par putt and eagle putt but tapped-in for low and one off Roberto Castro’s course (USA unless noted, par-72) Cameron Davis (AUS) 66-73-63-72 putt at the 10th and a 16-foot birdie putt joined Kupcho on 15-under. birdie while Song settled record - to set the score to beat at 18-un- 269-Sergio Garcia (ESP) 68-68-66-67 275-Stewart Cink 69-69-72-65, C.T. Pan at the par-5 14th to pull one off Malnati. Reid rolled in another birdie for par. Reid rolled her eagle der 270. Malnati won his only PGA title at 270-Peter Malnati 70-67-70-63 (THA) 70-69-68-68, MJ Daff ue (RSA) But Poston found the rough and a bun- at the par-4 12th, her fourth putt inches from the cup and the 2015 Sanderson Farms, but he had only 272-J.T. Poston 66-67-69-70 65-69-72-69, Wesley Bryan 72-69-66-68, ker at 16 and couldn’t save par from 13 birdie in fi ve holes, to reach tapped in for birdie and the managed three PGA top-10s since then. 273-Henrik Norlander (SWE) 69-70-69-65, Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 72-68-66-69 feet, then closed with two pars to shoot 70 19-under, boosting her advan- victory, hugging her caddie The world number 312 birdied three of Keegan Bradley 66-65-73-69 276-Chase Seiff ert 70-68-69-69, Matthew and fi nish third on 272. tage to four shots. before friends sprayed her with the fi rst four holes on putts from nine to 12 274-Scott Stallings 67-72-68-67, Tyler Mc- NeSmith 68-71-68-69, Maverick McNealy American Keegan Bradley made a late Kupcho birdied the 13th to champagne. feet, rolled in a six-foot birdie putt at the Cumber 70-69-66-69, Charley Hoff man 69-71-67-69, Corey Conners (CAN) 67-70- charge thanks to a 60-foot eagle putt at pull within three, but Reid Reid birdied two of the fi rst eighth and began the back nine with three 64-69-72-69, Denny McCarthy 68-67- 69-70, Aaron Wise 68-69-67-72, Brandt the par-5 11th and birdies on 14 and 15, sank a clutch 12-foot par putt three holes but stumbled with birdies in a row and another at 15. 69-70, Kristoff er Ventura 67-68-68-71, Snedeker 70-66-67-73 but the 2011 PGA Championship winner at the par-3 15th and Kupcho bogeys at the par-4 sixth, after Malnati holed a 32-foot birdie putt at closed with a bogey and settled for a share made a three-putt bogey at leaving her approach in rough the par-4 17th and left the last groups of fourth on 273. the 16th, restoring Reid’s four- shy of the green, and par-3 a challenge. Malnati began the day fi ve Garcia birdied two of the fi rst three Garcia sought his fourth birdie of the Sweden’s Henrik Norlander was also shot edge. seventh, a tap-in par putt strokes adrift of co-leaders Garcia, J.T. holes and answered bogeys at the sixth week at 15 but found the right rough and on 273 after shooting 65, aided by eagles Reid found the rough at the horseshoe-ing the lip of the Poston and Cameron Davis, an Australian and eighth each time with birdies on the a greenside bunker before holing a four- at the par-4 15th, on a stunning 60-foot par-3 17th, chipped out to 20 cup and staying out to fall one who never recovered from three front- next hole, then made the eagle to match foot par putt, building the drama to the putt after driving the green, and the par-5 feet and missed her par putt, back of Song. nine bogeys. Malnati. fi nal hole. Poston birdied the fi fth and third on a 38-foot putt. taking a bogey and her lead was But Reid answered with down to two shots on the 18th birdies at the eighth and par-5 tee after Song and Kupcho each ninth to reclaim the lead by one SCOTTISH OPEN birdied 17 to reach 16-under. on 17-under at the turn. Song, Kupcho and Reid all Kupcho stumbled with a bo- found the right rough on the gey at the fourth and a double par-5 fi nishing hole. Kupcho bogey at eight, but birdies at blasted onto the front of the nine and 10 lifted her back into Rai in dreamland aft er thrilling win green while Song rolled into contention. AFP control of my game.” London Fleetwood heads off to this week’s PGA Championship aron Rai said he had determined to improve on his fulfi lled a dream in putting by then. winning the EPGA “Golf is like spinning plates so Tour Scottish Open on I’ll have to work on my putting a SundayA beating Ryder Cup star bit more,” he said. and fellow Englishman Tommy “No-one beat me over 72 Fleetwood in a play-off . holes. That’s the great thing Rai, 25, came into the tourna- about it. I’ll sulk for about fi ve ment on the back of a runner-up hours on the way home. fi nish in last week’s Irish Open. “I’m sure there are positives Rai recorded a sublime seven- when I get to Wentworth (for the under par 64 in the fi nal round PGA Championship), but it just only for Fleetwood to birdie the stinks right now.” last from 15 feet and join him at 11-under par for the tournament. LEADING SCORES AFTER It was the third time in the last THE FINAL ROUND four years the winner has bene (GBR and IRL unless stated, par decided in a play-off . 71): The bookmakers would have 273-Aaron Rai 70 69 70 64 (Rai had Fleetwood as the favourite wins play-off at 1st hole), Tommy for the play-off given his pedi- Fleetwood 69 68 69 67 gree but it was Rai who held his 274-Robert Rock 65 67 72 70 nerve to secure the £867,000 275-Lucas Herbert (AUS) 66 65 ($1.1 million) winners cheque. 79 65, Marc Warren 70 69 70 66 Whilst he parred the fi rst ex- 276-Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 66 tra hole, Fleetwood failed to hole 69 71 70, Ian Poulter 67 66 73 Mel Reid of England holds the trophy after winning the ShopRite out for par from three feet. 70, Erik Van Rooyen (RSA) 71 69 LPGA Classic presented by Acer on the Bay Course at Seaview “It’s incredible, it’s a dream a 71 65 Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. (Getty Images/AFP) come true,” said Rai. 277-Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 73 “It was a shame that it fi nished 68 67 69, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 65 that way and I was not expecting 70 74 68, Eddie Pepperell 68 70 Maitland, Rizvi emerge champions Tommy to make a fi ve there. 71 68, Matthew Southgate 68 71 “I think when you’re in the Aaron Rai pose with the trophy after winning the Scottish Open. 71 67, Padraig Harrington 71 70 DOHA: Bryan Maitland and Ali Rizvi emerged winners in the mode of playing, you’re just try- 69 67 Monthly Medal by The Hub Marquis tournament held at the ing to play golf as you normally in Scotland. seething at how it ended. “You always try to look at 278- Li Haotong (CHN) 68 70 74 Education City Golf Club on October 2. Maitland won the Divi- do, and it feels like it is starting “To be able to play in it was “I holed one on the last to get the positives but I cocked it up 66, Wang Jeung-hun (KOR) 73 sion A title (0-18 handicap) with a score of Gross 84 and Net to sink in now. incredible a couple of years ago, into the play-off but my putting on the fi rst play-off hole and 68 70 67, Robert MacIntyre 74 66. Rizvi won the Division B title (19+ handicap) with a score of “I played a lot in Scotland and to be able to go still further is really cost me this week,” said that’s that. I struggled with my 67 68 69, David Horsey 70 67 Net 60. Zander Stramrood came second in the Division A, while growing up and dreamed of an incredible feeling.” Fleetwood. “That last one game after Covid and playing in 72 69, Victor Perez (FRA) 69 69 Brandon Turner finished second in the Division B. playing in a European Tour event Fleetwood for his part was summed it up really. America but today I was in full 74 66. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 6, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Josoor Institute opens registration Kharaitiyat, Arabi for its upcoming and Gharafa post diploma courses Ooredoo Cup wins Kharaitiyat had defeated Al Rayyan 4-1 earlier in the tournament

osoor Institute has egates, from Qatar and beyond, opened registration in 2021.” ahead of the fi fth year of She added: “As we enter the Jits fl agship Professional fi fth year of our professional di- Diploma Programmes in Sports ploma programmes, we will con- and Major Events Management, tinue to work closely with SDA which will welcome delegates to Bocconi School of Management commence their studies in Feb- to deliver a unique programme ruary 2021. that will set our delegates up for Delivered in collaboration professional success.” with SDA Bocconi School of Earlier this year, Josoor In- Management, the programmes stitute successfully switched to combine best practices from the online delivery mode during the sports business world and aca- Covid-19 outbreak. Three week- demic rigour, with the goal of de- long blocks of the programmes veloping the expertise and skill have been delivered online, com- sets of industry professionals to bining virtual classes with group deliver the FIFA World Cup Qa- work in Zoom breakout rooms, tar 2022 and other major events, in-class discussion, case studies over six one-week study blocks and talks by high-profi le guest throughout the year. speakers. Delegates’ feedback The programmes are designed captured through comprehen- to enhance the knowledge of sive surveys confi rmed the qual- young professionals seeking to ity of the distance learning expe- pursue a job in sports and major rience and their satisfaction with events management, as well as the programme’s content, deliv- mature professionals keen to ad- ery, faculty and guest speakers. vance their careers. All the lec- Professor Dino Ruta, Aca- tures and activities are delivered demic Director of Diploma in English, with simultaneous Programmes and Professor of interpretation in Arabic. Practice of Leadership & Sport Action from the Umm Salal vs Al Arabi match in the Ooredoo Cup yesterday. Josoor Institute and SDA Boc- Management at the SDA Boc- coni will guarantee delivery of coni School of Management, By Sports Reporter Second Division champions, Mensah skied his free-kick in Round of 16 by a late goal. are in the process of a big tran- the programmes and the con- said: “SDA Bocconi will consoli- Doha continued from where they left the fi rst half. The Wolves, currently placed sition in terms of technical staff tinuity of the delegates’ edu- date the innovation brought in off in the opening round, where It was Al Kharaitiyat more second in the 2020-21 QNB and players. cational experience even if the the previous cohorts in terms of they defeated Al Rayyan by a with the ball in the second ses- Stars League which has taken a Subsequently, Frenchman Covid-19 pandemic prevents content, speakers and learning l Kharaitiyat defeated 4-1 margin. sion as well and they were re- break after three weeks’ action, Hantz Frederic has taken charge faculty and participants from activities. Our global network Al Ahli 2-0 in Round Moroccan spearhead Tiber- warded with two goals, the fi rst will defi nitely prove a handful of the side. physically gathering in Doha. of leaders coming from sports 2 (Group B) of the kanine, who had scored two coming around the hour mark for Qatar SC who too have play- Al Khor had beaten Al Sailiya Afraa al Noaimi, Executive Di- and events industries is strong AOoredoo Cup at the goals in Al Kharaitiyat’s open- and the second deep into the ers of calibre to face up to the by a 5-1 margin in Round 2 of rector at Josoor Institute, said: and it has been growing for 20 Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. ing-round win over Al Rayyan, game.Today, Al Sadd face Qatar challenge. the 2020-21 Ooredoo Cup with “Our journey continues stead- years. With two programmes In other games yesterday, was the architect of their - SC in Round 2 (Group A) of the Qatar SC, coached by ex- goals from Khaled Radwan, ily with the new edition of the interconnected where events are Al Gharafa defeated Al Rayyan tory this time around as he gave Ooredoo Cup at the Qatar SC Qatar international midfi elder Mohammed El Sayed, Helal Diploma Programme in Sports at the base of the value-creation 2-0, while Al Arabi beat Umm assists for both goals. Stadium. Younis Ali, had played out a 1-1 Mohammed, Said Brahimi and and Events Management. My process of many industries, from Salal 3-0. Al Kharaitiyat, who are en- Al Sadd are going into their draw with Al Wakrah in Round Jassim Al Muraikhi. colleagues and I look forward to sport and entertainment, to arts Evans Mensah (59th minute) joying their return to the First fi rst match in the tournament 1. The Kings are now in eighth The Knights will be eager to soon welcoming our new del- and culture.” and Abdulhadi Amin (90+3) Division this season, seemed a as their fi xture against Al Du- position in the 2020-21 QNB sustain the momentum when scored for Al Kharaitiyat, who determined lot and dominated hail in Round 1 was postponed Stars League table. they meet Al Wakrah, who had raised their points tally to six, possession with 66 per cent. owing to both teams’ cam- Meanwhile, Al Khor face Al played out a 1-1 draw with Qa- Platini backs ‘best fit’ Giroud for France whereas Al Ahli have yet to They attacked from the be- paigns in the 2020 AFC Cham- Wakrah today at the Al Arabi tar SC in the opening round. open their account as they ginning, with Tiberkanine, pions League. Stadium. The Blue Wave, placed third ormer France captain and coach Michel Platini defended Ol- had lost 1-5 to Al Arabi in their Mohammed Osman and Men- Al Sadd had progressed from Al Khor, who had to keep in the 2020-21 QNB Stars ivier Giroud ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Ukraine, say- opener. sah leading the charge. Tiber- the group stage of the conti- their place in the 2020-21 sea- League after three weeks of ac- ing the out of favour Chelsea forward “has the quality” to lead In fact, Al Kharaitiyat, who kanine sent his shot wide of the nent’s premier club tourna- son QNB Stars League through tion, are sure to put up a stiff the French line. were promoted to this season’s target, Osman was thwarted ment, but lost out to Iran’s play-off win over Second Divi- fi ght and that will make the FGiroud, 34, has played just 17 minutes out of Chelsea’s three Pre- top fl ight by virtue of being the by goalkeeper Yazan Naim and Persepolis in the knockout sion runners-up Al Markhiya, contest thrilling. mier League games this season with Frank Lampard preferring Tam- my Abraham or Timo Werner but is tipped to feature in France coach Didier Deschamps’ starting line-up in spite of criticism for his overly physical style. Barca feeling the strain aft er intense week, says Koeman “Giroud, if he plays up front it’s because more than anything else he has the quality to play centre-forward,” former UEFA president Platini told AFP. coach Ronald Koeman said this was yet another exhausting game,” sharper than his team. tional duty only a week after starting the “And if Deschamps plays him, it’s because he thinks Giroud de- his side were suff ering from fatigue in Koeman told reporters. “They played superbly, they pressed well season and Koeman said he was satisfied serves to play. It doesn’t interest me that he is criticised. Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla in La “We ran ourselves into the ground in Vigo and were physically stronger than us. with what he had seen since the competi- “Deschamps knows how to do his job, he knows what he should Liga after an eventful first week of com- with one player less and today we were They are an outstanding team,” he said. tion began. do and if he thinks Giroud is the best fi t, then he plays him. After all, petitive action. The Catalans were playing lacking freshness, spark and presence in “It was a very diff icult game, they pressed “We can be happy with how we’ve done, if Giroud’s criticised, we have all been criticised, even Pele!” Platini their third match in a week and were still attack.” Sevilla went ahead early through us hard and we weren’t able to move we gave a positive display but we need added.Giroud is in line to make his 100th appearance for les Bleus this feeling the eff ects of their 3-0 win at Celta a strike from Luuk de Jong but Barca the ball around as we wanted. I think we more time to work together,” he added. week and is likely to line up alongside Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann Vigo on Thursday, when they had to play quickly levelled thanks to a goal from played well but we lost a lot of balls in the “We have had three tough games, we’ve in a game where the visitors will be without six players who are in self- the entire second half with 10 men after Philippe Coutinho. second half and when you do that you won two and drawn one so I’m happy. Our isolation due to coronavirus cases at their club Shakhtar Donetsk. Clement Lenglet’s red card. Koeman paid tribute to Julen Lopetegui’s cannot dictate the rhythm of the game.” opponents have been tough but we can Griezmann has scored just 15 times in 51 games since joining the “It’s been a very intense week for us and side and admitted they were fitter and Barca’s players now head off for interna- be pleased to have seven points.” Catalans from Atletico in July 2019.

BOTTOMLINE United grab Telles, Bayern make double move

Reuters time and his performances over the past Ghana midfi elder Thomas Partey. Arse- with Olympique Lyonnais’ Dutchman Manchester few years are exactly what we are looking nal’s Uruguay midfi elder Lucas Torreira Memphis Depay known to be a favourite for. He is a fi ghter and a winner and will could move in the opposite direction on of Koeman’s. add real determination and competition loan. Manchester City’s Spanish defender uropean clubs entered the fi - to the squad,” said Solskjaer. The right back position had long been Eric Garcia has been linked with a move nal stretch of the transfer win- United were also expected to sign a focus for Bayern, who won the Bundes- back to Barcelona all through the win- dow yesterday with Manchester 33-year-old Uruguay striker Edinson liga and Champions League last season dow. EUnited and Bayern Munich mak- Cavani, who is a free agent, after leaving and the 28-year-old Sarr joins from Mar- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane ing the early moves. Paris St Germain. seille on a four year contract. has been insistent that he is happy with United expected to be among the busi- England winger Jadon Sancho of “Bouna Sarr is a dynamic right back his squad, after off -loading forward Ga- est on Deadline Day, signed Brazilian left Borussia Dortmund was the Old Traff ord who fi ts in very well with the way we reth Bale back to Tottenham on loan. back Alex Telles from Porto while Euro- club’s number one target but there are no approach our game. He’ll help us in an In Italy, the biggest move of the day is pean champions Bayern signed right back signs of a late breakthrough in that chase. important position,” said Bayern’s board Juventus signing Fiorentina winger Fed- Bouna Sarr from Olympique de Marseille United are also reported to be keen member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic. erico Chiesa. and brought back Brazilian winger Doug- on 18-year-old Uruguayan winger Fa- Douglas Costa left Bayern for Juve Napoli signed striker Tiemoue Bakay- las Costa on loan from Juventus. cundo Pellistri, who plays for Penarol three years ago and will add to the clubs oko from Chelsea on loan, re-uniting United’s 6-1 thrashing at home by Tot- in his homeland. Everton, who have had already impressive options in the wide with manager Gennaro Gattuso, who was tenham Hotspur on Sunday has increased a 100% start to the season and lead the areas. In Spain, new Barcelona coach at AC Milan when the Frenchman spent a the pressure on chief executive Ed Wood- Premier League, added another defend- Ronald Koeman is also keen to bring in spell on loan at the San Siro. ward to give manager Ole Gunnar Solsk- er to their squad with centre-back Ben a central defender and another striker Milan have been linked with Stras- jaer some new options, with attacking Godfrey joining from Norwich City. to replace Luis Suarez who has joined bourg defender Mohamed Simakan while full back Telles now joining Netherlands Media reports suggested Arsenal could Atletico Madrid. Ousmane Dembele Fiorentina are also looking to France with Alex Telles has moved to Manchester United from Porto for a reported midfi elder Donny van de Beek. “He is a make one of the most expensive deals of would need to leave if Barca were to be Antonio Barreca of AS Monaco, on loan initial fee of $14.8mn. player we have been tracking for some the day with a move for Atletico Madrid’s able to clear space for another forward at Genoa last season, a target.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Man United mired in crisis again aft er 6-1 rout by Spurs

AFP strengthening, United have in- London stead spent most of the summer in a forlorn pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho anchester United and seem set to bring in Totten- slumped to their ham boss Jose Mourinho, who worst defeat in nine was sacked by United in Decem- Myears on Sunday ber 2018, rubbed salt into his old as Tottenham’s 6-1 rout at Old club’s wounds by praising Spurs’ Traff ord plunged the Red Devils structure “that made it possible Aston Villa’s English striker Ollie Watkins (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his third goal against Liverpool at Villa Park in Birmingham on Sunday. back into a familiar state of crisis. to have this squad” after signifi - United have not contended for cantly bolstering his options in the Premier League title since recent weeks. ROUND-UP legendary former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. SPOTLIGHT ON However, hopes were high that SOLSKJAER the club were on the up as they The ire of most fans may be secured a return to the Champi- on his superiors, but there are ons League on the back of a 14- doubts United can ever rediscov- game unbeaten run to fi nish the er their former glories with Ole Premier League last season. Gunnar Solskjaer as manager. That optimism has proven Solskjaer was initially seen as Klopp shocked by misguided inside the fi rst month a spot-gap until the end of the of the new campaign as United 2018/19 season after Mourinho’s were also soundly beaten 3-1 at sacking before a blistering run home to Crystal Palace and were of form earned him a three-year incredibly fortunate to escape deal. with a 3-2 victory at Brighton Progress was made last season last weekend. to fi nish third last season, but United were still 33 points adrift Liverpool collapse YEARS OF GLAZER of champions Liverpool. OWNERSHIP If results do not improve, the United’s owners and decision- roles could be reversed with The Reds were not beaten until their 28th game while winning the title last season makers have been fi ercely criti- United swooping for a former cised for failing to strengthen as Tottenham manager. AFP their rivals have splashed out in Mauricio Pochettino remains Birmingham the transfer market despite the without a club since he was economic cloud caused by coro- sacked by Spurs a year ago just navirus. months after leading them to a urgen Klopp admitted his sur- However, United’s fi nances fi rst ever Champions League fi - prise at Liverpool’s stunning col- have been hamstrung by the nal. lapse to lose 7-2 at Aston Villa on Glazer family’s leveraged buy out Sunday. of the club in 2005. DODGY DEFENCE JOllie Watkins scored a fi rst-half hat- Unlike most of their Premier United’s defensive record trick as the Reds became the fi rst reign- League rivals who can count on could be even worse had Bright- ing English champions to concede seven net investment from their own- on not hit the woodwork fi ve goals in a league match since 1953. ership, over £1bn has fl owed out times in defeat last weekend. “It was unexpected but it happened of United over the past 15 years in Harry Maguire may be the tonight,” said Klopp. “We put all our rub- dividends. world’s most expensive defend- bish things and mistakes in one game and Thanks to huge revenues on er, but he does not look it after an hopefully we can start again.” the back of the club’s success close season dogged by off -fi eld Liverpool’s high line was torn apart by during Ferguson’s 27 years in troubles. Villa’s counter-attack, while the absence charge, United have still spent Solskjaer dropped Victor Lin- of goalkeeper Alisson Becker to injury heavily in the transfer market delof in favour of Eric Bailly on and Sadio Mane due to a positive corona- and on wages since the Scot’s de- Sunday, but the Ivorian was one virus test was notable. parture. of the biggest culprits for the The Reds were not beaten until their But with executive vice-chair- defeat and was lucky to stay on 28th league game in romping to the title man Ed Woodward the man do- the fi eld for a couple of petulant last season and had won their opening ing the deals and no sporting di- kicks on Harry Kane. three games of the new campaign. rector, United lack the structure The failure to fi nd the right Alisson’s absence made a telling im- behind the scenes to get the best partner for Maguire threatens to pact after just four minutes to get Villa return on their investment. derail their season, while former in front as Adrian’s poor pass was seized While a defence that has con- United defender Patrice Evra upon by Jack Grealish, who squared for ceded 11 goals in their opening questioned why the Maguire’s Watkins to score his fi rst Premier League three league games badly needs place is also not up for grabs. goal. “The fi rst goal had an impact, but it shouldn’t,” added Klopp. “Adrian made a mistake but we conceded goals like this in the past. We lost the plot then.” Despite a two-week layoff until they play again, Klopp has little time to make corrections on the training fi eld with former Brentford striker cut inside be- you you know you’ve done something fl ected goals when his shot hit Fabinho to most of his squad away on international fore blasting into the top corner. right,” said Villa boss Dean Smith. “The wrong-foot Adrian again. duty. On their return, Liverpool travel to Mohamed Salah seemed to have got lads were superb, they executed the game Watkins missed two huge chances to top-of-the-table Everton, who will be the visitors a foothold back in the match plan perfectly. We were at our best to- score his fourth as Adrian saved a one- looking to win a Merseyside derby for the when he slammed home on his trusty day.” Fortune favoured Villa’s desire not on-one before he hit the crossbar. fi rst time in a decade. left-foot. to just sit on their lead after the break as Grealish, though, was more clinical “I would love to have a training session But Villa quickly restored their two- Ross Barkley’s long-range eff ort looped when he raced through to round off a re- tomorrow and Tuesday and to talk about goal cushion when John McGinn’s eff ort over the helpless Adrian to make it 5-1. markable victory. it, but the boys go back off to interna- from the edge of the area defl ected in off Salah remained razor sharp in front of Villa stayed up by a single point on the tional duty,” said Klopp. “Hopefully they Virgil van Dijk. goal to move one away from 100 for Liv- fi nal day of last season, but they have come back healthy and we use the two Liverpool’s high line was being caught erpool with a brilliant fi nish from Rob- now won their opening three games of days to prepare for Everton.” out even from set plays as six minutes erto Firmino’s pass. the new league campaign to move up to before the break Trezeguet broke the off - Klopp moved midfi elder Firmino into second. ‘Wow’ side trap to cross for Watkins to become his back four early in the second-half, “We won’t get complacent but we’ll Grealish was again the creator for the fi rst player in a decade to score a hat- but it did nothing to stem the fl ow of enjoy tonight because results like that Watkins’ second with a long ball down trick against Liverpool. Villa attacks cutting through his defence. don’t come around too often,” added the side of the Liverpool defence and the “When Jurgen Klopp says ‘wow’ to Grealish completed a hat-trick of de- Smith. Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watches the match on Sunday.

BOTTOMLINE Emotional Evra slams Man Utd aft er Spurs defeat

Manchester: Former Manches- “I’m passionate and I love my Defeat by Villa ‘embarrassing and unacceptable’ ter United defender Patrice club, but I know you have to Evra says his former side are have some filter when you talk Reuters never won our challenges, we never 26-year-old Scotland international Rob- a “shambles” after their 6-1 on TV, but it’s a shambles. London scored from the chances. All credit goes ertson added. defeat by Tottenham Hotspur “I feel sad for the manager... to Aston Villa, unfortunately. They were “But the fact we then go out and con- on Sunday. What about the board? It’s how better than us.” cede (almost) as many goals in the second Evra, who played for United many years since Ferguson iverpool defender Andy Robert- Liverpool started badly at Villa Park half as well, that scoreline becomes em- between 2006 and 2014 and left? How many managers have son has said their embarrassing after a poor pass from stand-in keeper barrassing when you play for this club, won nine major trophies, been sacked?” added Evra, 7-2 thrashing at Aston Villa in the Adrian gifted Watkins a fourth-minute it’s not acceptable and that’s something sympathised with manager Ole who said talking about the Premier League on Sunday was opener. we all have to deal with. Gunnar Solskjaer with the club club’s struggles made him want Lunacceptable and vowed that the players Watkins went on to complete his hat- The Scotland left back said that a two- failing to land their transfer to end his contract as a Sky will react positively after the internation- trick inside 39 minutes, becoming the week gap in the Premier League due to targets and questioned the role pundit. al break. fi rst player to score a Premier League tre- the international break will be frustrating of the board in the years since “We don’t know because he Ollie Watkins’ hat-trick coupled with a ble against Liverpool in over a decade. for Liverpool’s players, who will be eager Alex Ferguson’s departure as wants players like (Jadon) double from Jack Grealish gave Villa a re- Mohamed Salah got Liverpool’s two bounce back when they visit in-form lo- manager in 2013. Sancho but they don’t go for markable victory as Liverpool became the goals — to make it 2-1 and 5-2 — but the cal rivals Everton on Oct. 17. “I’m a positive person, but I the right price. What’s going fi rst reigning English top-fl ight champi- visitors were outplayed by Dean Smith’s “It’s up to us to be as fi t and fresh as never want to talk about United on with my club? I’m really ons to ship seven goals in a league game side in both halves. possible with all the international games, because every time you tell the emotional. It’s diff icult to break since Arsenal in 1953. Liverpool player is embarrassing,” Rob- “We were 4-1 down in the fi rst half and but we’ll stick together and make sure truth, it can hurt,” the French- a man like me, I’m a positive “At times we couldn’t believe it. We ertson told the club website. this Liverpool side believes that we could this performance hopefully never hap- man told Sky Sports. person.” weren’t good enough... That result as a “We never won our second balls, we have come back — of course we did,” pens again,” Robertson said.