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MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 OliveiraOliv claims fairytale win in MotoGP finale It'sIt's uunreal.n You dream about these kinds of races and to finally be ablablee ttoo do it is incredible. It's a great day and a huge accomplishment foforr me. It's extra special because my family didn't get to see my first win livlivee but they are here today so it's an incredible day for me, very emotioemotional.n I'm just glad to finish the season on such a high.

Miguel Oliveira Sport |10

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Suwon Samsung Bluewings 0-0 Guangzhou Evergrande FC, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC 1-2 Shanghai SIPG FC Hulk nets late winner for Shanghai SIPG; Guangzhou and Suwon draw

AFP – Shanghai SIPG players Player of the Year as well as the celebrate after Ballon d'Or winner in 2006. Brazil star Hulk scoring their opening South Korea's Suwon, who converted a late goal during the AFC had lost their opening game to second-half Champions League Japan's Vissel Kobe nine penalty as Group H match months ago, were quick to Shanghai against Jeonbuk adapt to the conditions. SIPG Hyundai Motors at the With the match 15 minutes defeated Khalifa International old, Suwon, back-to-back two-time Stadium, yesterday. champions in 2001 and 2002 champions when the tournament was Jeonbuk known as the Asian Club Hyundai Championship, had their first Motors 2-1 chance at goal but Kim Tae- in their Asian Hwan's low shot narrowly Champions missed the mark. League clash Guangzhou made their yesterday. first real foray at the It was the 30-minute mark when the Chinese side's second Brazil-born Ricardo Goulart, straight win in the com- now known as Gao Late after petition having scored an becoming a naturalised identical victory over Chinese citizen, unleashed a Sydney FC in Group H, half-volley from a long pass, while Jeonbuk suffered their but was foiled by the defence. second loss in three matches Suwon had a great chance and are faced with an uphill Meanwhile Hulk, who Goalkeeper Chen Wei's competition despite being immediately after the break battle for survival. recently completed 100 long clearance found Lyu dethroned as Chinese Super with a well-coordinated move In an earlier match yes- appearances for Shanghai SIPG Wenjun and the forward stayed League champions by first-time but Guangzhou goalkeeper Liu terday, Chinese giants since he joined them in 2016, cool to control the ball and drill winners Jiangsu Suning earlier Dianzuo was fully alert to the Guangzhou Evergrande and was a constant source of threat it home with a crisp low finish. this month. situation and thwarted Park South Korea's Suwon for the Jeonbuk defence at the Shanghai SIPG's lead didn't At his pre-match press con- Sang-Hyeok's effort from the Samsung Bluewings had Khalifa International Stadium, last long as Brazilian Gustavo ference in Doha on Saturday, left of the box. scrapped their way to a rebuilt for the FIFA World Cup struck on his competition debut Cannavaro had talked about Late in the match, sub- goalless draw in Group G, in 2022. in the 24th minute following an how Guangzhou's standing as stitute Luo Guofu almost the first stalemate wit- The long-haired forward excellent move down the right two-time continental winners broke the deadlock but much nessed in the bio-secure stepped up to blast the ball into flank followed by a defence- in the past 10 years made them to his agony his brilliant bubble in Doha in four the net after fellow Brazilian splitting cross from Kim "one of the best teams in Asia". curling shot from more than days of action. Oscar, who had a clear path to Bo-Kyung. But after their opening 25 yards just missed the mark. The result left the goal, was brought down as Both sides had opportu- draw in Group E, Cannavaro Suwon coach Park Guangzhou coach a last resort in the 82nd nities after that before Hulk's seemed highly perturbed. Kun-Ha seemed pleased with Fabio Cannavaro minute. strike sealed the contest in the "Of course I am not happy, the result. fuming, who took his The fast-paced match saw Chinese side's favour. not about the result, but about "I think we did well today players to task, saying both sides creating chances but Guangzhou meanwhile, had the performance because this although it was a shame we Hulk in action "this is not our style" of it was SIPG who struck first to been brimming with confidence is not our style," fumed Can- couldn't score a goal," he play. take the lead after 11 minutes. ahead of their first match in the navaro, who was FIFA World said. Hatem, Boli shine QSL: Dominant Al Sadd in Al Rayyan’s crush Al Arabi to go top

2-1 victory THE PENINSULA – DOHA position – just a few feet away from the goalline. THE PENINSULA - DOHA Trust a champion side like Al Moments later, Al Arabi Sadd to deliver the goods when found a breakthrough from Al Rayyan defeated Al Kharaitiyat 2-0 in their the going is good. Former relentless Al Sadd attacks and QNB Stars League Week 6 clash at the Al Khor champions and arguably the created a slight flutter when Stadium yesterday. strongest football side in the ageless Sebastian Soria slipped (44th minute) and Yohan Boli country, Al Saad yesterday YESTERDAY'S in a low cross to Ahmed Fathi (70th-minute penalty) scored the goals for Al crushed Al Arabi 4-1 in their RESULTS Abdoulla who could not control Rayyan, who moved on to 10 points and fourth Round 6 clash of the QNB Stars Al Gharafa 3-0 Al Duhail his deflection from close range place. League at the Grand Hamad Al Sadd 4-1 Al Arabi sending the ball away from the It was the third victory for last season’s Stadium. Al Rayyan 2-0 Al target. runners-up Al Rayyan, while promoted side Al Kharaitiyat In the 24th minute, veteran Kharaitiyat crashed to their fourth defeat to remain Two goals on either side of striker Soria produced a classic on six points. the two halves powered Al for Al Arabi off a deflected header on a loopy corner kick Al Rayyan players exhibited a show of support Sadd to their fifth win of the free-kick in the 74th minute. but his deflection was timely for their team captain , who missed season. In just the third minute, Al saved by keeper Meshaal Aissa the match due to his illness. In the Algerian Yesterday’s resounding win Sadd star went Barsham. attacking midfielder’s absence, Boli led their has taken Al Sadd - coached long-range on a shot some 10 Exactly at the half-hour charge. by Barca legend - to the meters away from the edge of mark, attacking Al Sadd went Al Kharaitiyat had a goal scored top of the points table with a Al Arabi box. The swinging shot 2-0 up. Al Haydos - unable to by their spearhead Rachid Tiber- tally of 16. Al Ahli are in second got deflected off the shoulder find space at the corner of Al kanine disallowed in the 18th place with 15 points from six of Al Arabi skipper Ahmed Arabi box - tapped the ball to minute. The Thunders’ woes were rounds. Fathi Abdoulla and went high defender Hassan who pro- compounded in the 69th minute by For Al Sadd, Baghdad before dipping over the duced fast speed from the right the red card to their player Mohammed Shabaan Bounedjah (12), Santiago crossbar. before clipping in a pass to for making a goalline save with his hand off a shot Cazorla (30), AbdelKarim Five minutes later, Al Sadd Cazorla, the former Arsenal from Al Rayyan’s Mowafak Awad. Hassan (61) and Rodrigo captain Hassan Al Haydos also player. In the process, his team also conceded a Tabata (81) scored the goals as got into the act as he curled a Cazorla volleyed home penalty, which Boli easily converted. the Wolves picked up three cleverly taken free-kick that from a few feet into Al Arabi Al Rayyan had earlier taken the lead points whereas Al Arabi, narrowly missed its target as box on first attempt to cele- when Hatem headed in a cross from the coached by Heimir Hall- Al Sadd started picking up brate his fifth goal of the right by Gabriel Mercado who had been grimsson, failed to add to their momentum with their attacks. season. helped by Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud and five points from six matches. In the 12th minute, Algerian In the 61st minute, Afif . Al Sadd exhibited a fast star Bounedjah completed a found Hassan ready to charge In hindsight, Al Kharaitiyat had their attacking from the get-go and slick low cross from Hassan into the Al Arabi box after cov- chances, but their efforts were not delivered a commanding show with a slick header that sent ering a short distance from the enough to fetch them a goal. that delighted defender the ball into the net with Al right flank. Hassan picked up Tiberkanine and Evans Mensah Hassan. Arabi keeper Mahmoud the short cross and tapped the were unlucky on more than one “It was a positive outing for Abunada unable to block the ball over keeper Abunada who occasions. It may be recalled that Al us. We played well and with shot. It was Bounedjah’s third had charged out of his position. Rayyan had recently made it to the good speed,” Hassan said after goal of the new season. Icelandic star Aron, 31, semifinal of 2020-21 season the match. Two minutes later, reduced the deficit in the 74th Ooredoo Cup by defeating Al Khor Al Sadd's “The team gelled well for defender Hassan swiveled minute when his free-kick was by a solitary goal, whereas Al vies for the ball with an most part and I am sure we can inside the Al Arabi box but his deflected into the net by Tabata Kharaitiyat had lost to Al Arabi player during get better,” he added. shot from close range was who later produced a brilliant in the quarterfinal via yesterday's match. Iceland’s Aron Einar blocked by keeper Abunada – direct free-kick for Al Sadd’s tie-breaker. Malmquist scored the only goal who had charged out of his fourth goal in the 81st minute. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 Ronaldo levels up with Zlatan Proud to contribute in battle of evergreen strikers towards resumption REUTERS — LONDON of ACL, says Abbassi Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo moved level Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after on eight Serie A goals for the scoring his second goal during THE PENINSULA — DOHA season with AC Milan’s Zlatan the Italian Serie A football match Ibrahimovic on Saturday as he against Cagliari on Saturday. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi and the Swede continue to defy (pictured), Director of Team their advancing years and show Services Department in the the youngsters how it is done. Local Organizing Committee of With a combined age of 2020 AFC Champions League’s almost 75, you could forgive (ACL) East Zone tournament, both Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic has said is honoured to for at least showing signs of contribute towards the weariness, but the goals show resumption of AFC Champions no signs of drying up as the pair League, which was hit by the drive their teams to the top two COVID-19 pandemic. spots in the standings. After hosting the West Coming into Juve’s clash Region event of the top Asian cooling technology. Three with Cagliari on Saturday, league, Qatar is currently training sites have also been Ronaldo had just returned from though, the 35-year-old minutes later, showing great are lucky that he plays at staging the East Zone matches, used (training complexes at three games with Portugal to Ronaldo cannot be stopped, as athleticism with the ball seem- Juventus.” with the final also slated to be Qatar University, Al Oqla and make his fourth league start of Cagliari found out. ingly heading behind him to Now it is over to Ibrahi- held in Doha next month. Al Ersal) and they are equipped the season. With Juventus struggling to flick home a fine finish. movic, with Milan playing “We’re honoured towards to serve the same purpose In his last match for get going in Turin and wasting “We have to keep our young Napoli. contributing to the continuation during the FIFA World Cup Juventus before the interna- several chances, Ronaldo netted man like this,” Juventus coach The tall Swede has scored of football competition by Qatar 2022. That allows the tional break, Ronaldo had to be a trademark opener, firing into Andrea Pirlo said of Ronaldo. a goal in every Serie A match hosting the AFC Champions players to train at modern facil- substituted with an ankle injury, the bottom corner after “He gave me great availa- he has started this season and League for Asia’s East Zone ities complying with the and that was after he had to skipping inside twice. bility in training, in games, for Ronaldo may be playing catch clubs as well as the tourna- standards of world governing self-isolate due to COVID-19. Not finished, the Portuguese anything. His goals and goals. up again come the next ment’s final, which will be body FIFA, so all participants Even with those disruptions, added a brilliant second four His talents are not natural, we weekend. played at the , have the opportunity to get one of the venues for 2022 FIFA familiarized with the many fea- World Cup in Qatar, on 19th of tures of the 2022 World Cup. December,” said Abbassi. Regarding the timing of the Lyon move “This tournament is being start of the matches, the official : Sixth win in a held in exceptional and unprec- said: “The timing of the matches second in edented circumstances due to in the tournament is similar to the outbreak of COVID-19, as the date of the 2022 World Cup Ligue 1; competitions are held in matches, which will be held row for Real Sociedad accordance with strict health after two years." protocol and precautionary "The time difference for the Montpellier measures with the aim of pre- continent’s East Zone has also REUTERS — MADRID serving the health and safety been taken into account, so it win thriller of everyone.” does not affect the clubs, reit- La Liga leaders Real Sociedad He pointed out that all erating the fact that our sta- were rewarded for their requirements of the partici- diums are ready to host any AFP — PARIS persistence as they eventually pating teams were met and match at any time of the year," edged out Cadiz 1-0 away their needs were well taken he added. Zimbabwe striker Tino yesterday to earn a sixth care of, through complete co- In his concluding remarks, Kadewere scored a late winner consecutive league win. ordination with the clubs and Abbassi highlighted that as Lyon beat Angers 1-0 to Sweden forward Alexander in co-operation with the LOC hosting such tournaments con- move second in Ligue 1, just Isak gave the dominant visitors and AFC. tributes towards the continu- four points behind leaders the lead midway through the With regard to the stadiums ation of development process Paris Saint-Germain. second half, rising highest at the that host matches and training on the path of success, leading Montpellier beat Stras- far post to head in a cross from facilities, Abbassi confirmed up to the most important event bourg 4-3 in a dramatic match Adnan Januzaj. that the competitions are being — the FIFA World Cup Qatar earlier in the day and sit joint- The Basques had goals by held at venues that have 2022. third with Monaco, behind Isak and Mikel Merino ruled out Lyon on goal difference. for offside either side of Defending champions PSG halftime before Isak struck, blew a two-goal lead to lose while Merino also had a shot Inter win as Lukaku 3-2 at Monaco on Friday and cleared off the line by Cadiz hand the chasing pack the defender Fali. chance to close the gap. Imanol Alguacil’s side also double inspires Lyon, semi-finalists in last barely allowed their opponents season’s Champions League, a sight of goal, conceding only took advantage, but needed an two shots in the 90 minutes, Torino comeback 80th-minute winner from neither of which hit the target. Kadewere. The 24-year-old, a The victory kept Sociedad REUTERS — MILAN close-season arrival from top of the standings and took second-tier outfit Le Havre, them on to 23 points after 10 Romelu Lukaku (pictured) has scored four Ligue 1 goals games, three ahead of second- admitted that his flawed Inter this term. Montpellier, the 2012 placed Atletico Madrid but Real Sociedad’s players celebrate after a goal against Milan side still can’t be champions, led 2-0 through having played two games more. Cadiz CF during their La Liga match in Cadiz, yesterday. considered a great team after early goals from Pedro Mendes Cadiz are sixth on 14 points his double helped to complete and Andy Delort, but Stras- and are still waiting for their a thrilling second half bourg hit back with a brace of first home victory since LA LIGA RESULTS The loss of the two comeback from two goals penalties from Kenny Lala and returning to the top flight. defenders add to previous down to beat Torino 4-2 Habib Diallo. Barca’s injury woes Eibar 0 Getafe 0 injuries to Samuel Umtiti and yesterday, ending a four-match Former Wigan Athletic Meanwhile, Barcelona were Cadiz 0 Real Sociedad 1 (Isak 66) Ronald Araujo and leave coach winless run in all competitions. striker Delort restored the facing an injury crisis as well as Played on Saturday Ronald Koeman with only three Simone Zaza struck late in hosts’ advantage, and although a results crisis yesterday after Levante 1 (Melero Manzanares 12) Elche 1 defenders (Clement Lenglet, the first half to give the visitors Ludovic Ajorque levelled on defenders Gerard Pique and (Morente 64) Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest) a deserved lead, and Cristian the stroke of half-time, Gaetan Sergi Roberto were ruled out Villarreal 1 (Gerard 76-pen) Real Madrid 1 available for tomorrow’s Cham- Ansaldi doubled their to get a result after a sluggish Laborde had the final say for significant periods following (Mariano 2) pions League trip to Dynamo advantage from the penalty start. midway through the second injuries sustained in Saturday’s Sevilla 4 (Kounde 5, En-Nesyri 45+3, Kiev. spot after the break. “Honestly, we aren’t a great period. Sixth-placed Marseille 1-0 La Liga defeat by Atletico Escudero 85, Munir 87) Celta Vigo 2 (Aspas Barca will also be without A hitherto limp Inter per- team yet because we get our- are only six points off the pace Madrid. 10, Nolito 36) forward Ansu Fati for the next formance was sparked to life selves into trouble like this,” with two games in hand. A Barca medical report Atletico Madrid 1 (Carrasco 45+3) four months after he underwent by the goal and Alexis Sanchez Lukaku told DAZN. said veteran centre back Barcelona 0 knee surgery earlier this month, and Lukaku both scored within “For the first hour we LIGUE 1 RESULTS Pique, who limped off the Played on Friday while midfielder Sergio Bus- five minutes of the spot kick to played badly and were in

Nantes 1 (Kolo 29) Metz 1 pitch in the second half in Osasuna 1 (Garcia 69) SD Huesca 1 quets is out with a knee draw the hosts level. trouble, we didn’t have enough

tears, had sprained the problem but is due back by the The Belgian striker then fight and desire. (Leya 45+4-pen) (Ramirez 5) internal lateral ligament in his end of the month. netted a penalty of his own with “Then we woke up and we Dijon 0 Lens 1 (Kalimuendo 23) right knee as well as sus- Yannick Carrasco’s goal for six minutes remaining, before won, which is the most Montpellier 4 (Mendes 8, Delort 13, 31, taining a partial injury to the out for between three and five Atletico inflicted a third defeat setting up substitute Lautaro important thing.” Laborde 68) Strasbourg 3 (Lala 22-pen, anterior crucial ligament. months. in eight league games on Barca, Martinez for a last-minute Inter, who face Real Madrid Diallo 26-pen, Ajorque 45) The statement did not state Right back Sergi Roberto, who are 10th in the standings, fourth. in the Champions League on

Reims 0 Nimes 1 (Ripart 62-pen) how long Pique would be out meanwhile, ruptured a muscle nine points adrift of second- But the former Manchester Wednesday, move up to fifth Angers 0 Lyon 1 (Kadewere 80) for but reports in the Spanish in his thigh and would be out placed Atleti and leaders Real United man was frustrated that place on 15 points, while Torino media estimated he would be for two months, added Barca. Sociedad. Inter required a strong finale are 18th with five points. 10-man Arsenal hold out for draw at Leeds LEEDS AFP — in the circumstances will be to turn their dominance into scoring goals, Arteta has con- Arsenal’s welcomed by Mikel Arteta after goals. Bamford had scored centrated on making them Nicolas Leeds missed the chance to Pepe’s moment of madness with seven times in his first eight defensively more robust and Pepe move above Arsenal in the a headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski left appearances of the season, but they held out despite the leaves as the Gunners his side to play out 45 minutes twice he was denied by smart numerical disadvantage. the pitch held on with 10 men after a man down. stops by Bernd Leno. Leno was required to make PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS after he is Nicolas Pepe’s dismissal for a Pierre-Emerick Aubam- and Stuart a brilliant save from Dallas sent off. 0-0 draw at Elland Road. eyang started as the central Dallas also fired off target when before Bielsa turned to Leeds’ Rodrigo, striker for the first time in the well-placed a the edge of the record signing, Rodrigo, for an Fulham 2 (Decordova-Reid and Raphina hit the woodwork league under Arteta, but the area, while the closest Arsenal extra goal threat. 15, Loftus-Cheek 70) for ’s men, who Gunners captain was starved of came before half-time was a The Spanish international had 25 attempts on goal without service as his own wait for a mishit Pepe cross that came nearly provided the moment of Everton 3 (Calvert-Lewin 1, success. non-penalty goal since the back off the top of the crossbar. inspiration his side needed with 29, Doucoure 35) A point leaves both sides opening day of the season goes The Ivorian gave his side a a thunderous strike off the bar. still in the bottom half of the on. Conceding goals has been mountain to climb six minutes However, Arsenal also came Sheffield United 0 West table as Arsenal edge up to 11th Leeds’ issue on their return to into the second-half with an close to a winner in the final Ham 1 (Haller 56) with Leeds two points back in the top-flight after a 16-year unnecessary headbutt on stages as they began to counter- 14th. absence. Alioski that left referee Anthony attack effectively. Aubameyang Leeds 0 Arsenal 0 Arsenal have now not No side had let in more in Taylor with no option but to had a claim for a penalty turned scored from open play in five the Premier League prior to the show a red card once he saw down when his shot struck the Premier League games. weekend, but it was at the other the incident on a VAR review. arm of Leeds captain Liam But a point end they struggled on Sunday For all Arsenal’s problems Cooper. 10 SPORT MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 Oliveira claims fairytale win in MotoGP finale

AFP – PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL

Miguel Oliveira made the most of home advantage to win the last MotoGP race of the season in Portugal yesterday. Jack Miller’s second place ensured that Ducati sealed the constructors’ title. PORTUGAL MOTOGP RESULTS Oliveira followed up his maiden victory in Styria in August by taking the 1. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM- title at Portimao in what was his first race Tech3): 41mins 48.163sec in the premier class in his home country. 2. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) The KTM Tech 3 rider’s triumph at 3.193 means there was no record-breaking 3. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha/ 10th race winner, with Fabio Quartararo, SRT) 3.298 Brad Binder, Andrea Dovizioso, Franco 4. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 12.626 Morbidelli, Maverick Vinales, Danilo 5. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Honda- Petrucci, Alex Rins and Mir making it LCR) 13.318 nine victors at the end of a highly unpre- 6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 15.578 dictable World Championship. 7. Stefan Bradl (GER/Honda) 15.738 Morbidelli came out on top of a 8. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 16.034 six-way battle for the runners-up spot, Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s 9. Alex Marquez (ESP/Honda) 18.325 despite being pipped to second place on Portuguese rider Miguel 10. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati) 18.596. the last lap by Australian Miller. Oliveira celebrates Italian Morbidelli finishes in the on the podium after MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP overall standings 13 points behind Mir, winning the MotoGP STANDINGS who had confirmed his first world title race of the Portuguese 1. Joan Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 171 in Valencia last weekend. Miller’s strong Grand Prix at the Algarve finish meanwhile ensured Ducati International Circuit in points - Champion claimed the constructors’ title for the first Portimao, yesterday. 2. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha- time since 2007 at the expense of Suzuki, SRT) 158 whose hopes were dashed after a disap- 3. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 139 pointing weekend for Mir. won the first two races of the season, Oliveira still celebrated by carrying career. He enjoyed a bright start but 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 135 Mir started the race in 20th and had ended up fifth. a Portuguese flag around his lap of faded, dropping back to 13th. 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 135 to retire due to electronic problems but Portimao was hosting the country’s honour. Australian Remy Gardner secured 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 132 the Spaniard will not worry too much, first race in the championship since 2012, Nine-time champion Valentino his first Moto2 victory in Portimao with 7. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 132 having already become the first Suzuki with Oliveira already posting a record Rossi, meanwhile, continued a disap- Italian Eenea Bastianini crowned 2020 rider to be crowned champion since time in qualifying on Saturday. pointing end to the season for Yamaha world champion. 8. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamha- 2000. He started in pole position and led by finishing 12th, in what was Rossi’s Spaniard Raul Fernandez won the SRT) 127 Alex Rins took third place overall and all the way through to complete a fair- final appearance before he switches to Moto3 race with compatriot Albert 9. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM-Tech3) 125 Maverick Vinales fourth, meaning Spain ytale victory, the only shame being that the satellite team in 2021. Arenas taking the title after finished 10. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Honda- boasted three of the championship’s top there were no fans in the Algarve to Britain’s Cal Crutchlow was also 12th after a thrilling finale to the LCR) 116. four. Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, who see it. bidding farewell to his full-time MotoGP season. Medvedev wins ATP Finals title Koolhof and Mektic claim REUTERS – LONDON doubles title Russian Daniil Medvedev claimed the biggest title of his career as he came back REUTERS – LONDON to beat Dominic Thiem 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in an absorbing Dutch-Croatian duo Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic climax to the ATP Finals in claimed their first title together by winning the ATP Finals London yesterday. yesterday, edging Jurgen Melzer and Edouard Roger-Vasselin Thiem looked on 6-2, 3-6, 10-5. course to add the ATP’s The fifth seeds, in their maiden season together, had lost prestigious season-ender in their other two finals, including at the U.S. Open, but it to his recent US Open title, proved a case of third time lucky. but 24-year-old Medvedev “It was a dream come true just to have qualified here for turned the tide in superb this event,” Koolhof, the fourth Dutchman to win the doubles fashion. title at the season-ender, said. The final was a farewell “It’s our first title together. Not bad for a first one,” Mektic to the tournament for Lon- said. don’s O2 Arena which has Austrian Melzer, a former top-10 singles player who is hosted it for 12 years -- the retiring, had hoped to end his career on a high. first edition in 2009 also “It was a hell of a ride,” the 39-year-old said. won by a Russian, Nikolay “We have been fighting hard since Roland Garros, played Davydenko. almost every week to get here. It stings today, and it hurts, but in the end we’re going to look back at being runners-up here.” Moiad nets brace as Al Gharafa

Union Berlin’s German stun QSL title holders Al Duhail forward Max Kruse (centre) THE PENINSULA – DOHA celebrates with Al Gharafa players celebrate. team-mates. Former champions Al Gharafa yesterday stunned Al Duhail 3-0 in a Round 6 clash of the Kruse grabs winner after QNB Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium. Moiad Hassan (41 and 59) missing penalty record scored two goals while Ahmed Alaaeildin Abdelmotaal (87) AFP – BERLIN added one in the second half as Al Gharafa posted their fourth Union Berlin striker Max Kruse endured a bittersweet evening win from six rounds. yesterday as he scored the winner in a 2-1 win away to Cologne Al Gharafa – coached by but missed the chance to break a 37-year-old Bundesliga record. Slavisa Jokanovic - have 12 Having never previously missed a penalty in the league, the points while Al Duhail – 32-year-old looked set to become the first player ever to score coached by - 17 out of 17 spot-kicks in the German top flight. are pegged at 9 points from six Kruse’s hopes of making history were dashed when his second- matches. half penalty was saved by Cologne keeper Timo Horn, but he In the 6th minute, Al bundled in the rebound to seal the three points for Union. Gharafa’s Ahmed Abdelmotaal “It’s always worked out for me from the spot in the last seven – stationed close to the edge or eight years. It’s a shame I didn’t break the record, but it went of the Al Duhail box - received in at the second attempt, which makes it easier to swallow,” said a long cross from the half-line. Kruse. Despite being chased by a The win sees high-flying minnows Union defend fifth place couple of Al Duhail markers, and extend their unbeaten run to seven games. Abdelmotaal ran a little wide a dive to deflect the ball away Mohamed Emad Aiash and Almahdi Mukhtar – camped Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi gave the Berliners the lead and then fired a shot that sailed in the 17th minute. Muntari also jumped in to stop inside the Al Duhail box – could midway through a scrappy first half, the Nigerian striker holding above the Al Duhail crossbar Seven minutes later, Al Hassan who after reaching not generate angle on his off two defenders in the box to prod home his first goal for Union in what was the first real Duhail’s Muhammed Muntari inside the box produced a left- header. since joining from Anfield last summer. attempt at goal. curled in a free kick that was footed drive to score to the left In the 59th minute, Hassan Cheered on by the eerie sound of crowd noise being played A couple of minutes later, once again spiritedly saved by of the keeper. beat Al Duhail star Boudiaf with over loudspeaker by a handful of creative supporters outside the Al Gharafa’s Sofiane Hanni young Hassan. It was celebration time for pace by grabbing a long cross ground, the home side snatched an equaliser through Ellyes Skhiri got the chance to aim at the In the 41st minute, Al Al Gharafa as Qatar national first. After running a couple of shortly before half-time. goal from inside the box but Gharafa opened the scoring coach Felix Sanchez watched yards with the ball, Hassan fired With 20 minutes to go, Marcus Ingvartsen was brought down the Algerian midfielder had with a miraculous run by from the stands. from the edge of the box to in the Cologne box, giving team-mate Kruse the chance to make little pace on his shot to Hassan who ran solo for almost Six minutes into the second score his team’s second goal history from 12 yards. worry keeper Mohammed one third of the entire pitch. half, feared striker with a right-foot drive that Despite ruining his spotless record from the spot, Kruse kept Albakri. After receiving a cross from the looked for the net from inside stayed low on its way into the a cool head to restore Union’s lead on the rebound. After a few hits and misses, center, Hassan – stationed on the Al Gharafa box but keeper net. Cologne, who hit the post in stoppage time, are now without Al Duhail’s Eduardo Rodrigues the flank- charged ahead with Hassan palmed away the fast- Abdelmotaal tapped one in a win in 18 league games, in a barren run which stretches back fired a bullet from the edge of the ball with Sultan Hussain Al- paced shot. Three minutes from late in the second half from to March. With just three points from eight games this season, the box but young Al Gharafa Brake giving hot chase. the hour-mark, Hanni curled in close range. It was his second Markus Gisdol’s side sit second from bottom. keeper Salah Hassan produced and a long-range free-kick but goal of the season. MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Dressel and Peaty set world records

REUTERS – BUDAPEST

American Caeleb Dressel and Britain’s Adam Peaty set short course world records in the men’s 100m Individual Medley and 100m breaststroke respectively at the Interna- tional Swimming League (ISL) finals in Budapest yesterday. Dressel’s IM time of 49.28 seconds shaved six tenths off the record 49.88 he clocked The national handball team last Monday. players and officials Peaty touched the wall with a time of 55.41 in the breaststroke, beating the record 55.49 he set in the same Handball: Qatar to play two friendlies pool a week ago. Jones returns in build-up to World Championship to USA national

THE PENINSULA – DOHA QATAR’S WORLD bobsled team CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s national team is set to SCHEDULE: AP – LAKE PLACID play two international friendly GROUP C games next month as it Qatar, Croatia, Japan, Lolo Jones is back on the USA prepares for the 2021 IHF Angola Bobsled women’s national World Men’s Handball Cham- team, the three-time Olympian pionship to be held from Jan 13 QATAR VS ANGOLA making the 10-person roster to 31 in Egypt. January 15, 2021 announced on Saturday night. Currently the squad is at 5:30pm It’s the fifth bobsled training at Duhail Indoor national term berth for Jones, Sports Hall, the Qatar Handball QATAR VS JAPAN who competed for USA Track Association (QHA) has January 17 at 5:30pm and Field at the 2008 Beijing announced. Olympics and 2012 London The two friendlies in CROATIA VS QATAR Games, then pivoted to bobsled December will precede an January 19 at 8:00pm and made the team that com- international friendly series (Qatar time) peted at the 2014 Pyeongchang involving Spain, Argentina and Games. She qualified after two Tunisia. championships and it will be It is worth mentioning that QATAR SQUAD FOR 2021 IHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP days of team-trial races at The Four-Nation Interna- Qatar’s 8th participation in the Qatar featured in Portugal Mount Van Hoevenberg that tional Series will be held from premier handball event. 2003, Tunisia 2005, Germany Mahmoud Ahmed Zaki, Omar Khaled Abdel Fattah (Al Ahli) ended Saturday. The push ath- Dec 25-29 at Duhail Indoor The Qatar squad is cur- 2007, Spain 2013, Qatar 2015, Ahmed Mohamed Meddi, Raphael de Costa Capote, Shadi Hazem Hamdoun, Firas letes selected were Jones, Sports Hall. rently training in two sessions France 2017, Germany and Mustafa Al Shayeb (Al Duhail) Gibbs, Sylvia Hoffman, Emily Qatar, the host nation of the under Spanish coach Valero Denmark 2019. Mustafa Ali Al Karrad, Daniel Search, Youssef Al Tayeb Ali, Wajdi Ibrahim Senan, Zain Renna, Lake Kwaza, Colleen four-team event, is aiming to Rivera. Qatar finished the 2015 Al Din Boumengel, Ali Jarba, Mutasim Abdul Wahid Muhammad (Al Arabi) Fotsch and Nicole Brungardt. get the national squad to get The players are undergoing World Championship in second Kamal Al Din Malash, Amin Mowafak Zakar, Jofu Damjanovic Wilder Memesevic, The US is not expected to maximum top-flight match extensive physical training, a place as France won the event. and Ali Inad Al Dairi (Al Rayyan) Ahmed Majdi Abdel-Rahim, Hassan Awad Mabrouk compete on the World Cup practice as it prepares for the team official said. Coach Rivera Qatar are in third group of and Mustafa Amir Heiba (Al Wakrah) Muhammad Amin Abidi and Marwan Ali Sassi circuit until at least January world championships. will announce the trimmed 2021 World Championship (Qatar SC) Franks Carroll (Sportage Lisbon, Portugal) because of the pandemic and A total of 32 teams will squad for the Four-Nation along with Angola, Japan and Coach: Valero Rivera travel concerns. World Cup feature in the world Series later. Croatia. racing started this weekend. Fans return for ITTF finals, boost players’ morale Australia’s McDonald

IANS – ZHENGZHOU “Hearing the cheers of the audience and It has been 10 months since Dong Yanan says Smith can handle seeing everyone waving passionately, a long- was sitting in the venue to watch live table “We are back,” Steve Dainton, CEO of the lost sense of familiarity returned,” said World tennis. India’s bouncer barrage International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Table Tennis (WTT) Council Chair Liu Dong hopes that more sports events can simply put it when mentioning that fans are Guoliang. bring fans back in the near future. Obviously, REUTERS – SYDNEY returning to the venue. “Our players are back on the playing field, it’s not an easy task. As a part of the ITTF #RESTART series, and this time, our fans are also back in the According to Chinese table tennis chief India are welcome to subject the 2020 ITTF Finals is underway from house,” Liu, President of the Chinese Table Liu, “Every event we delivered and every Steve Smith to a bouncer Thursday to Sunday at the Zhengzhou Tennis Association (CTTA), noted. result we achieved brings the world of com- barrage but the batsman is Olympic Sports Center in central China’s “When they applaud and cheer for you, petitive sports one step closer to being free well-equipped to succeed Henan province, Xinhua news agency you feel this is the real competition.” to play. Behind all this is the firm belief of eve- against such strategy, reported. It marks the first international tour- During the Finals, Yao Zhiying, a table ryone in the table tennis family: no winter is Australia assistant coach nament that is staged in China with spectators tennis fan aged around 60, came to the venue invincible; no spring is forever lost,” the Andrew McDonald (pictured) on-site since the coronavirus outbreak. every day to support the Chinese team. sport’s legend added. said yesterday. Smith was concussed by a short-pitched delivery from Jofra Archer at Lord’s last approaching it that way if Australian Open organisers optimistic year and was also bounced they want.” out several times by New Virat Kohli and his men Zealand speedster Neil did try it when Australia Wagner last summer. played three one-day inter- despite strict COVID-19 measures The top-ranked Test nationals in India earlier this batsman can expect similar year, and a repeat of the ploy treatment from India but wouldn’t surprise. REUTERS – MELBOURNE A general aerial view of the Melbourne Park during an earlier edition of the Australian Open. McDonald is unfazed by the “It’s going to be a tactic a PIC: HTMI – THE CENTRE FOR EVENTS MANAGEMENT TRAINING SWITZERLAND. prospect, pointing out that lot of bowling units will use Australian Open tournament Smith bounced back from the against our top-line batters, director Craig Tiley has moved Lord’s concussion with a especially with four men out to allay fears the season- double century at Old in one-day cricket,” opening tennis grand slam and Trafford. McDonald said. its buildup tournaments could “Even in one-day cricket “They’ve used that tactic be hampered by strict biose- and T20 cricket, he’s been before and he’s (Smith) done curity protocols to curb the able to score runs with that well on it before. I’m sug- spread of the novel corona- plan being adopted by oppo- gesting that plan hasn’t nec- virus. nents,”nents,” said McDonaldMcDonald.. essarily worked to its full Tiley said yesterday that “So, I don’t effect.”effect.” Tennis Australia was still nnecessarilyecessarily IndiaIndia andand AustraliaAustralia willwill “doing everything we can to see it as a clashclash in tthehe firfirstst ooff tthehe tthreehree finalise the summer of tennis weaknessweakness one-day internationals in as soon as possible” after the ...... theythey SydneySydney on Friday.Friday. Victorian state government (India)(India) TheyThey will also plaplayy three said this week nothing had can Twenty20Twenty20 matches before been confirmed around the kkeepeep a four-test series getsgets tournaments. underway at “We are working closely Adelaide on with the Victorian Government Dec. 1717.. on a plan that takes into Australia is effectively closed Tiley, however, remained account the needs of the to international arrivals. optimistic yesterday. Our intention is to deliver a players, fans, our partners and Tennis Australia (TA), “Our intention is to deliver summer in conditions that staff, and is a major benefit to however, said earlier this week a summer in conditions that the Victorian and Australian they had planned for players allow the players to prepare allow the players to prepare economy,” Tiley added in a and their entourages to start and perform at their best and and perform at their best andd statement. arriving Down Under in mid- the fans to enjoy their efforts the fans to enjoy their efforts “We are continuing our December, spend two weeks in - all in an environment that is - all in an environment that is urgent talks with local health mandatory quarantine and then safe for all concerned,” he safe for all concerned. Tennis authorities regarding quaran- begin playing in early January. said. Australia is acutely aware of tining and bio-security They had also planned to “Tennis Australia is acutely the need for certainty but alsoo requirements and are con- move all of the buildup tour- aware of the need for certainty conscious of reaching a solutionon fident we will have decisions naments to Victoria, but the but also conscious of reaching with the state Government. soon.” state government gave that a solution with the state Australian Open Victoria has just emerged notion short-shrift and said Government.” Tournament Director from a lengthy lockdown fol- they had not even confirmed The Australian Open is Craig Tiley lowing a rampant re-emer- whether the Grand Slam could scheduled to begin at Mel- Steve Smith gence of the coronavirus, while go ahead. bourne Park on Jan. 18. Sport MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 08 Blazers FIBA's Asia President praises Qatar agree to for staging World Tour blockbuster retain forward THE PENINSULA Fans attending a DOHA FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters match at Al Gharafa Sports Complex. Anthony The Qatar Basketball Feder- ation (QBF) won the praise from REUTERS — NEW YORK top international officials and players for delivering a highly The Portland Trail Blazers successful FIBA 3x3 World Tour have agreed to re-sign 10-time Doha Masters despite the chal- All-Star forward Carmelo lenges due to the coronavirus Anthony to a one-year pandemic. contract for next season, The QBF hosted as many as multiple outlets reports on 14 teams during the two-day Saturday. event, which witnessed thrilling Anthony, the NBA’s matches with team Riga (Latvia) second-leading active scorer retaining their title. The com- (26,446 career points) behind petition, which was held by only close friend LeBron implementing all the health James, will return to Portland protocols strictly, was also for a league-minimum deal, hailed as a blockbuster by the sources told ESPN. participating teams’ players. The Blazers and Anthony H E Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al have been a seamless match Thani, First Vice President of since agreeing to a non-guar- the Qatar Olympic Committee anteed one-year, $2.16m con- and President of the FIBA - Asia, tract last November. who crowned the winners was The veteran forward, who impressed with the organisation played in just 10 games the of the event and praised the in the success of the event. He hosting the world tour and round would be in better con- previous year in 2018-19 organisers for their hardwork said Qatar gained a lot from added that the great praise from ditions to reach the best pos- before being released by the the officials of the The QBF hosted as many as 14 sible results. Houston Rockets, rejuvenated The two-day event international feder- teams during the two-day event, Al Muftah noted that the his career as the third scoring witnessed thrilling ation is what pleased which witnessed thrilling matches International Basketball Fed- option on the high-octane matches with Riga him most in terms of with team Riga (Latvia) retaining eration family praised the Trail Blazers behind guards retaining their title. the distinguished their title. The competition, which organization of the tour in all Damian Lillard and CJ organisation as well aspects, and stressed that this McCollum. as a large audience in was held by implementing all the tour is the best, as they were Last season Anthony, after the tournament. health protocols strictly, was very impressed by the atmos- seeing his scoring average dip Secretary General hailed as a blockbuster by the phere in which it was held, as in each of his previous three of the Qatar Olympic participating teams’ players. well as the large audience that seasons, put up 15.4 points Committee Jassim bin contributed to its success and over 58 games (all starts) while Rashid Al Buainain, its organization in a very dis- recording his best shooting President of the Qatar tinctive way. marks (43.0 percent on all Basketball Federation happiness with the success of Soriano said FIBA relishes field-goal attempts, 38.5 Ahmed Al Muftah, and the Doha tour both at the tech- partnership with Qatar. percent on 3-point tries) since Director of 3x3 Events nical and organisational level, “We see Qatar as a solid his All-Star campaigns with his at FIBA Ignacio noting that everyone enjoyed partner for 3x3 and our associ- hometown New York Knicks. Soriano also gave the atmosphere and the high ation dates back to 2013. We In his previous 17 seasons, thumbs up to the QBF technical levels presented by have contract for one more year Anthony has averaged 23.6 for organising the some of the world’s best players with another tournament in points in his 1,122-game career. event in a befitting in these competitions. 2021," said Soriano. Portland has been active already manner. He pointed out that Qatar’s "We know that Qatar Bas- since the start of free agency, President of the representative in the champi- ketball Federation and the trading for center Enes Kanter Qatar Basketball Fed- onship (Lusail) presented a dis- Qatar Olympic Committee have and forward Robert Covington eration Ahmed Al tinguished level, hoping that great plans for 3x3 in the and also re-signing guard Muftah expressed his their participation in the next country,” he added. Rodney Hood. MLB minimum salary Hansen claims first European Tour title

to get a hike of AFP — JOHANNESBURG Joachim B. Hansen of Denmark plays a shot from the green side bunker on the 18th $7,000 next season Dane Joachim B. Hansen recovered during the final round of the Joburg Open from trailing South African Wilco in Johannesburg, yesterday. Nienaber by three strokes with nine AP — NEW YORK holes remaining to win the Joburg Open yesterday and end a 10-year The major league minimum salary will rise to wait for his maiden European Tour $570,500 next season, a hike of $7,000. title. Under Major League Baseball’s collective Rock-solid Hansen did not drop bargaining agreement with the players’ associ- a shot in the final round and parred ation, the minimum was $535,000 in 2017, the final two holes at Randpark $545,000 in 2018 and $555,000 in 2019. Golf Club in suburban Johan- In the final two seasons of the five-year deal, nesburg while Nienaber bogeyed the increase is calculated as the rise from both, giving the Dane a two-shot October to October in the Consumer Price Index victory. for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Hansen fired a four-under-par The October 2020 figure was announced final round of 67 for a 265 total Nov. 12 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and while Nienaber, who won rave the MLB rise was confirmed by the commis- reviews since Thursday for his sioner’s office after it conferred with the players’ remarkable long drives, finished association. with a 70 and a 267 total. the South African swing of the Success for Hansen came after straight holes from the fourth while Because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, South African Shaun Norris European Tour. a topsy-turvy October for him in Hansen could manage only one, MLB and the players’ association agreed to pro- carded a 66 for 268 and third place Hansen battled to hold back the which he missed the cut at the giving the 20-year-old South rated salaries for 2020, which reduced the major in the first of three tournaments on tears after his triumph, saying it Scottish Open, then improved dra- African a three-shot advantage by league minimum from $563,500 to $208,704. was “a struggle keeping up with the matically to share seventh at the the turn. Hansen overcame some The minor league minimum for a player JOBURG OPEN SCORES long-hitting Wilco”, who struck a BMW Championship a week later. stray tee shots to birdie 10, 12 and signing his first major league contract increases 439-yard (401.5-metre) tee shot The first to congratulate the 14 and draw level with four holes from $46,000 to $46,600 next season, and the 265 - Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) 66-68-64-67 during the opening round. Dane was his caddie Andrew remaining in a tournament last minor league minimum for a player signing a 267 - Wilco Nienaber 63-67-67-70 “I am very emotional after Drummond, who arrived in Johan- staged in 2017 and won by Indian second or later major league contract goes up 268 - Shaun Norris 63-70-69-66 winning my first European Tour nesburg after a 20-day coronavirus Shubhankar Sharma, who failed to from $91,800 to $93,000. 271 - Aaron Cockerill (CAN) 64-68-71-68, Bran- competition, but this is why we play quarantine in Italy. Then, there was make the cut this week. MLB announced last February that it is raising don Stone 70-68-64-69, Steve Surry (ENG) 67-71- every week all over the world and a surprise for Hansen as he stepped Both contenders parred 15 and 2021 minimums for minor league contracts, from 66-67 endure good times and bad. off the 18th green to by greeted by 16 before a loose tee shot by $290 weekly to $400 at rookie and short-season 272 - Jacques Blaauw 66-63-73-70, Richard “Putting played a key part in my his wife Elizabeth and young son Nienaber at the par-three 17th

levels, from $290 to $500 at Class A, $350 to $600 Bland (ENG) 67-67-68-70, Bryce Easton 69-69- victory. I holed just about every one and daughter in a video link-up. landed millimetres from water and at Double-A $502 to $700 at Triple-A. 67-67, Lars van Meijel (NED) 70-69-67-66 inside six feet this week, and a few One stroke ahead entering the he needed a chip and two putts to further from the pin." final round, Nienaber birdied three fall one shot behind. Deflated Wallabies mauled by coach, players and media

REUTERS — SYDNEY Wallabies to play all the rugby and feed could still be in with a chance to clinch off mistakes. the Tri-Nations. The side, however, Australia scrumhalf Nic White has indi- “That game was there for us to were also reminded on Sunday they cated that enough is enough as far as close out,” a dejected White told could have already had one hand on his team’s performances are concerned reporters. the trophy and could have given the and they need to stop talking about "We’re pretty disappointed that we under-pressure sport some confidence learning how to win test matches and didn’t. Moments like these we need to heading into 2021. actually do it. learn (from). We can’t make these mis- “Win that match and Dave Rennie The Wallabies escaped with a 15-15 takes again. would have finished his first season as draw in their Tri-Nations clash against “(But) we can’t be going day in day coach with a major piece of sil- Argentina in Newcastle on Saturday out, week in week out saying ‘look guys verware,” the Sydney Morning Her- despite dominating territory and pos- we have spoken about this’. ald’s Sam Phillips wrote. session and holding a nine-point lead “We need to start owning it.” “The Tri Nations trophy sitting with less than 20 minutes to go. White said the team expected a pretty in Rugby Australia’s Moore Park Coach Dave Rennie was scathing “tough two weeks” of training under headquarters and 2021 would have afterwards, blaming his side’s lack of Rennie’s coaches ahead of their final started with levels of optimism not A file photo of clinical ability to finish off the Pumas, clash of the season, against the Pumas seen in Australian rugby circles for Australian rugby team. who seemed content to allow the in Sydney on December 5 where they many years, if not decades.”