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Sunday, November 15, 2020 FOOTBALL Rabia I 29, 1442 AH ‘Phenomenal Kane GULF TIMES can be highest scorer for England’ SPORT Page 2 RUGBY Argentina stun All Blacks for fi rst ever win over NZ ‘It’s surreal what happened, not just the result but playing, getting on the field after everything that has happened this year’

AFP their frustrations out on a sloppy Sydney All Blacks in a dominant fi rst- half. With New Zealand strug- gutsy Argentina gling to create chances with stunned the All Blacks poor kicking, ill-discipline and 25-15 yesterday to pull too many errors, they incredibly off one of rugby’s big- went to the break 16-3 in front. Agest upse ts, consigning an em- New Zealand staged a second- barrassed New Zealand to their half fi ghtback, but with their fi rst back-to-back defeats in al- eyes on a major upset, Argentina most a decade. grimly resisted intense pressure Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez to post their best-ever result. scored all the Pumas’ points to Argentina got the fi rst points hand them their maiden victory on the board in the fi fth minute over the rugby powerhouse in with Sanchez nailing a pen- the 30 Tests they have played. alty from the half-way line after Mario Ledesma’s side were some push and shove instigated given virtually no chance ahead by New Zealand’s Shannon of the Tri Nations match in Syd- Frizell. ney after the coronavirus hin- It didn’t take long for Richie dered their preparations to just Mo’unga to level the scores but two low-key practice games. Argentina were playing well, But in their fi rst Test since the stringing together plenty of World Cup last year, they pulled phases. off a miracle. Their pressure culminated in “It’s surreal what happened, dangerman Sanchez crossing for not just the result but play- the fi rst try of the game, getting ing, getting on the fi eld after on the end of his own chip kick to everything that has happened touch down under the posts. this year,” said Argentina coach He converted to give his side Ledesma. an unlikely lead which they “Some of the boys haven’t stretched to 13-3 when Sanchez seen their families for four drilled another penalty, with months but they have all been Argentina’s players celebrate their victory over New Zealand in their Tri-Nations rugby match at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney yesterday. Jordie Barrett the off ender. positive... they have been awe- Only a try-saving tackle from some. 24-22 by the Wallabies in Bris- ers and named what many re- “Obviously from an All Black rugby... they have come here toric day for them.” Aaron Smith prevented the Pu- “I think we will remember bane last week and have now garded as the All Blacks’ best view we are bitterly disappoint- with massive energy and a de- Unlike Australia and New mas going further in front after this for a long time, not only the lost back-to-back Tests for the run-on side after last week’s ed with the result, with the way sire to prove something to their Zealand, Argentina did not have Tomas Cubelli broke free, but game but because of the special fi rst time since 2011 when they game, but they were no match we played,” said Foster. country which has gone through a Super Rugby competition to more All Blacks ill-discipline situation,” he added. crashed to South Africa and for a Pumas team helped by “But what I think we saw was a heck of a hard time. help them prepare. But after handed them another penalty It was a humiliating defeat for Australia. former Australian coach Michael a team that despite the disad- “I want to congratulate them months of quarantine, they were which the laser-like Sanchez New Zealand who were shocked Coach Ian Foster axed 10 play- Cheika. vantage of not playing a lot of on the result, it is a bit of an his- chomping at the bit and took again put over.

FORMULA 1 Stroll takes maiden pole to upstage Hamilton

AFP declared the track was unsafe — fi rstly Istanbul due to the conditions and then, sec- ondly, when Romain Grosjean spun into a gravel trap in his Haas. ance Stroll upstaged Formula The interruptions added 50 min- One’s title-chasing Lewis utes to the schedule as daylight reced- Hamilton yesterday when he ed in the appalling conditions, but the Lgrabbed the fi rst pole posi- brilliant car control of Verstappen and tion of his career at the Turkish Grand his Red Bull teammate Albon was on Prix, the Canadian saying “it feels re- display as they topped the times, the ally good right now”. Dutchman 1.9 seconds clear. The 22-year-old Racing Point driv- In the drama, Leclerc slithered er made the most of drying conditions through to Q2 while Hamilton, his on a treacherous track to end Mer- best lap cancelled for exceeding track cedes’ 13 race domination of qualify- limits, struggled through in 14th ing this year. place. Grosjean was eliminated along Stroll delivered a dazzling fastest with his Haas team-mate Kevin Mag- lap in one minute and 47.765 seconds nussen, the two Williams of George in the closing seconds to usurp his Russell and Nicholas Latifi and Alpha teammate Sergio Perez and then resist Tauri’s Daniil Kvyat. a last surge from Red Bull’s Max Ver- In the severe conditions, the teams stappen. were making extreme use of their The disappointed Dutchman was tyre-warming facilities to ensure second, three-tenths behind Stroll, drivers could fi nd at least some mini- but ahead of Mexican Perez who The six-time champion wound up “It has been a pretty rough ride for mal grip before the rain relented, en- claimed his career-best starting posi- sixth behind Alex Albon in the second me so it feels good. Feels really good couraging some to try intermediates. tion after fi nishing fourth nine times Red Bull and Renault’s Daniel Ric- right now.” In Q2, both Mercedes were clearly in the past. ciardo whose teammate Esteban Ocon This is the fi rst time this season that struggling to keep any heat in their Stroll was the fi rst Canadian to take qualifi ed seventh. neither Hamilton (nine) nor Bottas tyres while Verstappen, oozing confi - pole since Jacques Villeneuve at the “Yes, Yes, Yes boys,” Stroll screamed (four) have topped qualifying. dence, set the pace. 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez and on the team radio. “I can’t really put it Hamilton can seal a record-equal- At the fl ag, the Dutchman was two it was the Silverstone-based Racing into words,” he added. “I’m shocked. I ling seventh drivers’ world title today seconds clear of Albon with Hamilton Point team’s fi rst pole since, racing as didn’t expect to be up here after FP3. if he prevents Bottas from outscoring 2.4 down in third and Bottas seventh Jordan, they did so at the 2009 Bel- “There were a lot of things we him by eight points. while both Ferraris failed to make the gian Grand Prix. weren’t sure about coming into quali- After Friday’s ice rink conditions on cut to the top-ten shootout. The outcome left Mercedes well- fying. We didn’t look that competitive the resurfaced circuit, heavy rain ush- In Q3 Verstappen went four seconds beaten on the weekend when Lewis in Q3.” His surprise qualifying per- ered in even more treacherous chal- clear of nearest rival Bottas before Pe- Hamilton bids to seal a record-equal- formance comes after a diffi cult few lenges in which most of the drivers rez, on intermediates, re-set expecta- ling seventh drivers’ champion- weeks when he had to miss the Eifel slithered and spun. Pole position winner Racing Point’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll (also at left, tions by topping the Dutchman and ship and draw level with seven-time Grand Prix, testing positive for coro- The Q1 session was interrupted driving) celebrates after the qualifying session at the Intecity Istanbul Park circuit prompting a switch of tyres for every- champion Michael Schumacher. navirus the next day. twice for red fl ags, when Race Control in Istanbul yesterday. one else for the fi nal surprising runs. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 15, 2020 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Man United speculation ‘Phenomenal’ Kane has not aff ected my form: Sancho

Reuters can be England record London ngland winger Jadon Sancho says his form has dipped slightly this season but dismissed suggestionsE that it is due to me- dia speculation about his club future. The Borussia Dortmund scorer, says Southgate player emerged as Manchester United’s number one transfer target during the close season, with British media reporting Forward is sixth on his country’s all-time scoring chart with 32 international goals that the Premier League side had bid around 100mn euros AFP ($120mn). London Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke ruled out the possibility of Sancho leaving areth Southgate says “phe- the Bundesliga team in the sum- nomenal” Harry Kane is ca- mer. The 20-year-old is yet to pable of becoming England’s fi nd the net in six league games record goal-scorer as the Tot- this season after scoring 17 in Gtenham striker prepares to win his 50th the previous campaign. Asked if cap against Belgium today. England the speculation had aff ected his captain Kane is sixth on his country’s form, Sancho said: “No I don’t all-time scoring chart with 32 inter- think so. I feel like every player national goals, 21 behind record holder has a little dip in their career and Wayne Rooney. I’m going through that at the Southgate believes the 27-year-old moment.” should be setting his sights on pass- Sancho scored in England’s ing Rooney. Kane has scored 13 times 3-0 friendly victory over Ireland for Tottenham already this season, but on Thursday and expressed con- drew a blank in each of his four appear- fi dence he will hit top gear for ances for England this term. both club and country. “It’s just Ahead of his side’s Nations League how I’m bouncing back and I’m visit to Belgium, England boss South- just happy to have managers who gate outlined the case for Kane to chase have faith in me and keep start- football immortality. “In terms of what ing me,” he added. is possible, the goalscoring record is “I expect a lot from myself the really interesting one because his personally. When I play, I always strike rate for us is phenomenal and try to assist and score and help he has time on his side to chase Wayne the team. A couple of games ago, Rooney’s record which would be a re- I hadn’t been scoring or assisting markable feat,” Southgate told a press but I knew I had a chance.” conference yesterday. England next play Nations “I know from his perspective, while League A Group 2 games against the personal achievement is some- Belgium today and Iceland three thing he is driven towards, it is the team days later. achievement. He is so focused on the team having success and he would want to look back over the next few years at the team achieving.” Kane has enjoyed a host of memo- rable moments since winning his fi rst England cap four years ago, including fi nishing as top scorer at the 2018 World Cup. Asked about his favourite memory of Kane in his fi rst 49 caps, Southgate picked out the striker’s fi rst interna- tional goal. Southgate was England Under-21 manager at the time and had worked with Kane at that level before he was given a debut by Roy Hodgson in March 2016 against Lithuania. “I think his fi rst goal for England with Roy be- cause we were with the Under-21s and whenever one of your players get called up, you always want them to do well,” Declan Rice has been as impressed by be the loudest on the pitch, but the way ing to fears he was targeted by a gang. launched a staunch defence of his Southgate said. Kane’s leadership qualities as by his he takes the ball under pressure and gets After Jack Grealish’s eye-catching teammate after criticism of his per- “I remember hearing he had scored predatory fi nishing. “With ‘H’, you feel defences scared, he is a real leader.” display in Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win formances on social media. “We don’t and that was a brilliant moment for all his presence all the time. If you look at While Kane was preparing for the over the Republic of Ireland, it has been speak about it but it is very harsh,” Rice of us because you want your boys to the other night, he was involved but Belgium match yesterday, it emerged widely suggested the Aston Villa winger said of Mount’s doubters. progress and do well. His goal at Hamp- beforehand he is in the changing room, that his £100,000 ($131,000) Range deserves a sustained run in Southgate’s “I know what his mentality is like. I den (against Scotland) as well and of getting everyone ready and talking to Rover was stolen from outside his house team. Chelsea midfi elder Mason Mount know how driven he is. It is no surprise course his goals at the World Cup. To the lads individually,” Rice said. on October 25. has been perceived as a rival for Greal- that Gareth picks him, Frank (Lampard) win the golden boot is an incredible “For a youngster like me, who is as- Kane is reported to have CCTV foot- ish’s place, despite playing against Ire- picks him and if you gave every Premier personal achievement.” piring to be a future captain, you have age showing a car driving past his luxu- land in a more central position. League manager the chance, they would England and West Ham midfi elder to look at what he does. He might not ry vehicle on multiple occasions, lead- But Rice, a lifelong friend of Mount, pick him as well.”

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Bale won’t be put at risk, says Iceland coach quits aft er failure to reach Euros celand coach Erik testing positive for coronavirus, left the struggling Champion- Hamren has announced he the Serie A club announced. ship club by mutual consent Wales caretaker boss Page is stepping down after the The Italian league leaders said yesterday. Former Barcelona small Nordic nation failed Pioli, 55, was not displaying any and Netherlands midfi elder Ito qualify for Euro 2020, the symptoms and that all other Cocu took charge of Derby last AFP London Icelandic Football Association test results for players and staff year following Frank Lampard’s (KSI) announced yesterday. The came back negative. move to Chelsea. 63-year-old Swede took over Milan cancelled a training The 50-year-old was unable ales caretaker man- the reins of Iceland, who had session scheduled yesterday but to mount the desired promotion ager Robert Page qualifi ed for Euro 2016 and the are due to resume preparations push and Derby fi nished 10th insists Gareth Bale’s 2018 World Cup, two years ago. for next weekend’s trip to Na- last season before slumping fi tness won’t be put The two Nations League poli on Monday, pending checks to the bottom of the table this Wat risk after Tottenham boss Jose fi xtures, today against Denmark set out in the health protocol. term. Derby had won only one Mourinho expressed concern and Wednesday against Eng- Pioli’s side are unbeaten in Serie of their fi rst 11 league games over the forward’s international land “will be the Swede’s last A this season, winning fi ve of this season as pressure mounted workload. Wales meet the Re- two games with the team,” KSI Hamren previously led Sweden their opening seven matches, on Cocu. public of Ireland in Cardiff today said in a statement. On Thurs- to Euro 2012 and 2016 but and are two points clear of Former England captain and face Finland on Wednesday, day, Iceland, who have failed to failed to make it past the group Sassuolo. Napoli, who lost their Wayne Rooney joined Derby with Bale expected to start both win any of their four matches stage each time. He also failed appeal over a 3-0 defeat and in January as the 35-year-old games as Wales chase promotion in the Nations League this year, to qualify Sweden for the 2014 one-point deduction for failing looked to take his fi rst steps into in the Nations League. missed out on a place in next World Cup after two play-off to turn up to play Juventus last coaching while also continuing Mourinho recently warned year’s delayed Euros, losing losses against Portugal. month, are another point back his playing carer. Wales to tread carefully with their qualifi er 2-1 in extra-time in third. Following Cocu’s depar- Bale’s fi tness following the knee in Hungary. MILAN COACH TESTS ture, it has been suggested the injury that delayed his Totten- Under Hamren, Iceland have POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 COCU LEAVES ex-Manchester United striker ham debut after his loan move played 26 matches, with nine AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli STRUGGLING DERBY could now be set to take over as from Real Madrid. “We don’t wins, fi ve draws and 12 defeats. is self-isolating at home after Derby manager Phillip Cocu manager. want to destroy the work every- body is doing for the last couple of months,” Mourinho said. But Page, standing in for ab- No Dutch concern over lack of recent goals sent Wales manager Ryan Giggs, Wales’ Gareth Bale during training yesterday. (Reuters) doesn’t believe burnout will be Amsterdam: Netherlands coach Frank de to be given a free role on the left hand side at PSV together and we know how best to an issue. “We’ve all got a job to “No diff erent from us when 0-0 friendly draw against the Boer and his key striker Memphis Depay of the attack, playing alongside central use each other’s qualities,” Depay added. do, we all want to win games of we’re on camp. We’ve got two United States in Swansea. But both insisted there was no alarm over the striker Luuk de Jong in the middle as the De Boer said he was confident about the football,” he said yesterday. “Of big games and we want our squad he has taken a full part in train- lack of goals from the Dutch team ahead Dutch look to keep alive their hopes in their quality of his strikers. “They know how to course we’re sympathetic to the and our players to be ready for ing this week and Page has been of today’s key Nations League tie against League A Group 1 game. score, so I’m not worried about it.” club managers and the demands that challenge. We’ve had a plan impressed with his fi tness levels. Bosnia in Amsterdam. They are on five points with two games Dutch goals this year have come against put on them with the current for all the players to get them “He’s been brilliant all week,” The Netherlands have netted only three left to play, two points behind Poland and Poland at the start of the Nations League situation with Covid. I’ve been in the best physical and mental Page said. “He’s probably the goals in six internationals this year but one behind Italy. Depay will reprise his old in September and their last two games a club manager myself and know place that we can to give them fi ttest I’ve seen him since I’ve Depay said the goals were certain to return. PSV Eindhoven partnership with De Jong, -against Italy away last month and on the demands and, from a self- the best chance to win the game. been involved with Ryan and the “They will return, I have full confidence in along with Georginio Wijnaldum behind Wednesday in a 1-1 draw with Spain in a ish point of view, you want your That’s what we’ve done all week.” fi rst team. He’s looking in great that,” he said yesterday. Depay is expected them. “We had good and successful times friendly in Amsterdam. players to be fi t every week. Bale was rested for Thursday’s shape.” Gulf Times Sunday, November 15, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

Al Thumama Stadium nearing completion

Latest images of Al Thumama Stadium, which is being built for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Set to be completed in 2021, Al Thumama Stadium’s design represents the gahfiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East. The 40,000-capacity stadium will host World Cup matches through to the quarter-finals.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER FOCUS Ooredoo Cup Brazil struggle to quarter-fi nals today By Sports Reporter face Sadd on December 18. Doha Sailiya made it to the quarters as the third team from Group A with eight points. In-form Al he Ooredoo Cup quar- Arabi will be wary of Al Sailiya, ter-fi nal matches will whose fi ghting spirit saw them be played today with pull off a last-gasp goal against beat Venezuela Al Arabi taking on Al Qatar SC in their fi nal group TSailiya, while Al Wakrah face Al match to secure a berth in the Kharaitiyat. The other two quar- knockout stage. Meanwhile, Al ter-fi nal matches between hold- Wakrah reached the quarter- ers Al Sadd and Al Gharafa and fi nal by topping Group A with 11 Al Khor versus Al Rayyan will be points. En route to the last eight, played tomorrow. Al Wakrah, the only side with an Arabi qualifi ed for the quar- unbeaten record in the group, without Neymar ter-fi nal as the runners-up from beat Al Khor, Duhail and Sadd. Group B with 11 points. Arabi had Kharaitiyat made the cut as the recently lost to Al Sadd in the fourth team from Group B with Firmino’s goal for the Selecao was enough to maintain their 100% record 2019-20 season Ooredoo Cup fi - six points. The Thunders, the nal, but they have made it to the promoted side in this season’s AFP Amir Cup title clash after a long QNB Stars League, are expected Sao Paulo gap of 26 years, where they will to give Wakrah a tough fi ght.

iverpool striker Roberto Firmino AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIERS scored the crucial goal as Brazil laboured to a 1-0 win over a well organised but limited Venezuela Lin their World Cup qualifi er on Friday. Sensational Sierra Firmino broke the deadlock on 66 minutes in Sao Paulo, poaching a goal af- ter Venezuelan defender Darwin Machis’ Leone comeback attempt to clear an Everton Ribeiro cross fell to him a few yards out. Firmino’s 16th goal in 47 appearances for the Selecao was stuns Nigeria enough to maintain their 100% record in the 2022 World Cup qualifi ers. Brazil have AFP to surrender and Kamara scored already beaten Bolivia (5-0) and Peru (4- Johannesburg either side of a Mustapha Bundu 2) and top the South American qualifying goal to secure a dramatic draw. table with Argentina second. Nigeria have seven points, Be- Venezuela, who lost their fi rst two ierra Leone staged one of nin three, Sierra Leone two and qualifi ers, were set up to contain and held the greatest Africa Cup Lesotho one with the second and the Brazilians scoreless at half time in the of Nations comebacks to fourth-place teams meeting in deserted Morumbi stadium. The hosts draw 4-4 with Nigeria on Porto-Novo late last night. missed the injured Neymar’s creativity in Friday.S Nigeria appeared to have Meanwhile, South Africa midfi eld, but even with an attack sporting three 2021 qualifying points in needed a Bongani Zungu goal on Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, the bag when they built a four- 90 minutes in Durban to seal a they could fi nd no way through the mass goal lead after 31 minutes in Be- laboured 2-0 win over minnows Venezuelan defence in the fi rst half. nin City against opponents 88 Sao Tome e Principe despite 110 Richarlison did have the ball in the net places below them in the world places dividing them in the world early on but the Everton striker’s celebra- rankings. rankings. It was another unim- tions were cut short when Firmino was But a sensational fi ghtback pressive showing by South Africa adjudged to have been narrowly off side that began just before half-time under coach Molefi Ntseki, who in the buildup. For all Brazil’s pressing, as Kwame Quee scored reached has achieved just three victories Wuilker Farinez had little enough to do in a climax fi ve minutes from time in six Cup of Nations and friend- the Venezuela goal, but the keeper made a Venezuela’s Junior Moreno (left) and Brazil’s Roberto Firmino vie for the ball during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup South when Al-Hadji Kamara equal- ly international outings. Ghana fl ying save to beat away a bouncing shot American qualifiers at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday night. (AFP) ised. It was the greatest Cup lead Group C with a maximum from Firmino just before the half-hour, of Nations comeback since the nine points, South Africa have the Liverpool striker heading the result- hacked away by Marquinhos. Rondon, chance when he fi red a 25-meter free kick team never to qualify for a World Cup. 2010 fi nals when Mali drew 4-4 six, Sudan three and Sao Tome ing corner well wide. formerly of West Bromwich Albion and over Ederson’s bar in injury time. The top four sides in the 10-team group with hosts Angola in the tour- are pointless. With 75% possession but short of ideas now plying his trade for Chinese Super A worried Brazilian coach Tite will have qualify automatically for the fi nals in Qa- nament opener after trailing by Morocco were the most im- in attack, most of Brazil’s threat came Lague club Dalian Professional, other- seen how sorely his side missed Neymar’s tar in 2022 and the fi fth-placed team go four goals 12 minutes from time pressive of the fi ve winning na- from the left and it was from there they wise cut an isolated fi gure when not busy invention. The Paris Saint-Germain star, into an inter-regional playoff . in Luanda. tions on Friday, hammering the worked their best chance on 32 minutes, with defensive duties. who suff ered a thigh injury in a Champi- Earlier in the night, Chile beat peru In Benin City, Nigeria made Central African Republic 4-1 in Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi whipping in Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, ons League match last month, is also set 2-0 thanks to a double from Arturo Vidal. a whirlwind start with Alex Rabat with Chelsea midfi elder a cross that Gabriel Jesus and then Rich- who hardly touched the ball during the to miss Tuesday’s match with Uruguay in Vidal struck twice in the fi rst half, the Iwobi (twice), Victor Osimhen Hakim Ziyech bagging a brace. arlison, at full stretch, failed to turn in to whole match, reacted quickly to scram- Montevideo. fi rst a glorious shot into the top corner and Samuel Chukwueze scor- The triumph under Bosnia & a gaping goal. ble the ball away when Rondon briefl y Venezuela host a resurgent Chile in from almost 30 meters out, to leave peru ing in a 26-minute Group L goal Herzegovina-born coach Vahid Venezuela’s only threat came from a threatened the Brazil goal at the death. Caracas tomorrow. Jose Peseiro’s side are with just one point from their fi rst three blitz. But Sierra Leone, who have Halilhodzic enabled Morocco to break up the left wing by Yeferson Sotel- Venezuela’s Corinthians star Romulo likely to maintain their uncomfortable matches. Chile, who missed out on Russia won only twice in 14 previous replace Mauritania as Group E do, whose cross for Salomon Rondon was Otero wasted Venezuela’s only other real record of being the only South American in 2018, are in sixth with four points. matches against Nigeria, refused frontrunners.

SPOTLIGHT Distancing ‘was maintained’ at wedding Salah attended before positive test

AFP pushed onto his chin at one point. The fi rst Egyptian to win the Premier League Nations qualifi er against Togo yester- Cairo mayor of Nagrig, Maher Shtiyah, told and the Champions League. The interim day. Egypt are only third in another sec- Egyptian media that the number of president of the EFA, Amr El-Ganainy, tion following draws with Kenya and the guests at the ceremony had been limited said on Friday: “He appeared in the cer- Comoros, and were hoping Salah could he mayor of MOHAMED to between 60 and 70 people and only emony for no more than fi ve minutes, lead them to home and away victories SALAH’S home town in Egypt relatives attended. entered a corridor alone, respecting so- over Togo. But instead of playing for the has insisted social distancing “There was social distancing,” the cial distancing and wearing a mask. He Pharaohs in Cairo last night and in Lome was observed at a family wed- mayor said. “Salah removed his mask received the award himself... according on Tuesday, Salah spent Friday isolated Tding the Liverpool forward attended only while taking photos. Even when to Liverpool’s requirements.” in a Cairo hotel room despite showing no before he tested positive for Covid-19. we embraced him, we kissed him on his The EFA said a second test had con- symptoms. The two-time African footballer of the shoulder, not his face.” fi rmed Salah had coronavirus and he Senegalese Sadio Mane and Guinean year has been in isolation in Egypt since Mahmoud Trezeguet of Premier was in isolation in the team’s hotel but Naby Keita, two Liverpool teammates of Friday following the test that was carried League side Aston Villa, an international was not showing any symptoms. Team Salah, have recovered after contracting out when he joined up with his interna- teammate of Salah’s, was also at the doctors are in contact with Liverpool’s Covid-19. Salah could miss Liverpool’s tional teammates. wedding. Salah, 28, had also attended medical team. He is not showing any next two matches, depriving the cham- Salah had attended his brother Nasr’s a ceremony organised by the Egyptian symptoms of coronavirus. pions of a player who has scored eight wedding in the town of Nagrig and pho- Football Association (EFA) in Cairo to Salah missed Record seven-time Af- times in eight league Premier League tographs show him dancing with a mask celebrate his achievement of being the rican champions Egypt’s Africa Cup of games this season. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 15, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CRICKET India get Saha Abusharib clinches boost; Ganguly says stumper to be fi t for Australia Tests Trap gold at Amir Reuters New Delhi

ndian cricket board (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has no doubt wicket-keeper Cup Shooting Wriddhiman Saha, currently Inursing a double hamstring inju- ry, will be fi t for India’s four-Test ‘It was a windy day, but I was confident after my qualifying round yesterday’ series in Australia beginning next month. Saha, considered technically the best wicketkeeper in India, injured both the hamstrings dur- ing the Indian Premier League and missed the playoff s in the United Arab Emirates. The BCCI last week said it would take a late call on Saha’s availability for the tour which begins with the fi rst of six short-form internationals at one of English cricket’s lead- on Nov 27 in Sydney. ing county clubs — an inquiry “I think people don’t know set up in response to his previous how the BCCI works,” Ganguly allegations — Rafi q issued a de- told The Week magazine, dis- tailed statement via his lawyers missing criticism of the board’s on Friday. The statement in- handling of player injuries. “The cluded complaints of non-white BCCI trainers, physio and Wrid- players being called “Pakis” and dhi himself know that he has two “elephant washers”, as well as hamstring issues. Wriddhi is being told to “go back to where travelling to Australia because he you came from.” will be fi t for Tests. He is not part The 29-year-old Rafi q, once of the shorter formats.” the youngest captain in York- Rishabh Pant is the other shire’s history, had previously wicket-keeper in India’s Test described how his experiences squad. Confusion was also rife had left him feeling suicidal on Rohit Sharma’s hamstring and led to his early exit from the Saeed Hamad Abusharib celebrates after injury which the opener had sus- professional game. “I have spo- winning the Trap event at the 2020 Amir tained during the IPL. Rohit was ken out about the racism I faced Cup Shooting &Archery Championships. Podium finishers of the men’s Trap event pose with the off icials at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. initially considered unfi t for the because I don’t want kids to go Australia tour, but continued to through what I did,” Rafi q said. By Sports Reporter I have competed with some of the top play, leading the Mumbai Indi- “I want to see kids starting off Doha Qataris shooters who have represented ans to their record fi fth IPL title their journey in cricket in a cul- the country in the past in top continental in Dubai. ture of acceptance and respect, events like Asian Games. Saeed is a very He was subsequently brought where they are judged on their aeed Hamad Abusharib won the good shooter and he did very well today to back to the Test squad. “Rohit is talent and not on their culture Trap event at the 2020 Amir Cup win the fi nal.” still 70 per cent (fi t),” Ganguly and identity. I hope that the in- Shooting and Archery Champi- In the women’s Trap event, Noura said. “That is why he is still not vestigation will result in mean- onships at the Losail Shooting al-Ali came fi rst, Noura al-Mohannadi picked for the ODIs and T20s ingful change at the club and in RangeS yesterday. claimed second place while Khouloud al- Down Under. He has been added the sport.” Tokyo Games-bound shooter Moham- Khalaf fi nished third. to the Test squad.” Yorkshire replied with a state- ed al-Rumaihi, who is the only Qatari In the youth Trap event, Ibrahim al- The four-Test series for the ment of their own. “We have to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games, Tamimi came fi rst, while Ahmed al-Khu- Border-Gavaskar Trophy will taken the claims made by our fi nished second. Khalid al-Mohannadi, laifi and Mohamed al-Kharraz fi nished begin with a day-night match at former player, Azeem Rafi q, very who was joint third place overnight, also second and third respectively. Adelaide from Dec 17. India cap- seriously and a full investigation qualifi ed for the fi nal and clinched the Meanwhile, Qatari archer Ibrahim al- tain Virat Kohli will miss the last conducted by an independent third spot. Muhannadi clinched the gold medal in three tests and return home to law fi rm, began in September,” In the medal round, Abusharib shot the Olympic competition while Ali al- attend the birth of his fi rst child. the statement said. down 45 targets, while al-Rumaihi hit 43 Yazidi won the 30m doubles competition “We realise that that this is a targets in windy conditions. on the fi rst day of the Amiri Cup Archery EX-SKIPPER RAFIQ diffi cult time for all parties in- “The conditions were tough today. It Women’s Trap event winner Noura al-Ali (centre), runner-up Noura al-Mohannadi Championships on Friday. CLAIMS ‘RACIST’ ABUSE volved but it is important that was a windy day, but I was confi dent after (second left) and third-placed Khouloud al-Khalaf (right) pose with their medals. Al-Yazidi won the silver in the Olym- IN YORKSHIRE CAREER these matters are investigated my qualifying round yesterday. I kept my pic competition ahead of Ahmed al-Abdi. Former Yorkshire captain Azeem thoroughly and swiftly. Racism nerves in the fi nal to win the gold medal round, said. Al-Rumaihi said the competition was Abdulaziz al-Abadi was placed second Rafi q went public on Friday with has no place in our society or in of this very prestigious event,” Abush- Al-Rumaihi was also satisfi ed with his a good tune up for shooters especially for behind al-Yazidi in the 30m event while details of the racist abuse he said cricket and we are hopeful that arib, who notched a perfect score in one outing after a long eight-month break. “I him who is looking forward to his fi rst al-Mohannadi won the third place. In the he suff ered during his time at the outcome of this investigation of the three rounds on Friday and re- am fi ne with my result. This is the fi rst Olympics. “The preparations for the To- Olympic Youth Competition, Mohamed Headingley. Prior to making a and the recommendations of the peated the feat yesterday morning in one competition I am taking part in since kyo Olympics have been good. The com- bin Khalid al-Thani won fi rst place ahead verbal submission to an investi- panel will drive positive progress of the two rounds to qualify for the medal March this year,” he said. petition in the tournament was tough as of Mohamed Mualla al-Mostafwi. gation into institutional racism which can be shared by all.”

ATHLETICS PSL Manangoi accepts Hafeez leads Lahore to eliminator, Karachi in fi nal Agencies 25 runs and his exploits with Karachi the ball followed a blistering 25 AIU ban decision not out of 13 balls. That Sultans bowlers had something to bowl ahore Qalandars beat at was largely due to Sohail’s Peshawar Zalmi by fi ve late onslaught which brought 28 wickets in eliminator 1 runs off the last two overs, in- as the Pakistan Super cluding 19 off the last six balls. LLeague resumed eight months The 35-year-old struck two six- after being halted due to the es and a four. pandemic. Qalandars now take Sultans were dealt with blows on Multan Sultans in the second earlier in their innings as they qualifi er today, with the winner had Adam Lyth, Shan and Rilee securing a place in the fi nal. Ear- Rossouw back in the hut inside lier, Karachi Kings entered the the powerplay overs. When Ros- fi nal after beating Sultans in the souw was run not on the sec- fi rst qualifi er. ond last powerplay delivery, the Mohamed Hafeez was the star scorecard read 36 for three. Reuters take on my whereabouts failures of the show as he led the run Their problems compounded Nairobi and I have accepted their deci- chase with a 46-ball 74 after with the dismissal of opener sions, though it will be diffi cult to once Lahore were struggling at Zeeshan Ashraf, who scored forgive myself,” Manangoi said in 33 for 3. Hafeez formed a cru- 19-ball 21, fi ve balls later. An enya’s former 1,500 a statement shared by his coach. cial partnership with Ben Dunk, 40-run stand between Bopara, metres world cham- “I’m a clean athlete and I will be then Samit Patel and lastly with who made 40 from 31 balls, and pion Elijah Manangoi back on track and win right.” David Wiese as Lahore chased Khushdil Shah (17 off 21) pro- said he accepted the Manangoi became the lat- down 170 with six balls to spare. vided stability to the Sultans in- KAthletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) est Kenyan athletes to be sanc- Earlier, Hardus Viljoen nings before the latter was dis- decision to hand him a two-year tioned in recent years, a list that smashed 37 off 16 balls as Zalmi missed by Arshad Iqbal. Arshad ban for anti-doping violations includes 2008 Olympic 1,500m posted a challenging target. Zal- returned two for 21 as he took but insisted that he was a clean champion Asbel Kiprop, former mi had slipped to 54 for 3 but Faf the prized wicket of Shahid Af- athlete, according to a statement Boston and Chicago Marathon du Plessis (31) and Shoaib Malik ridi, who made run-a-ball 12, in yesterday. Manangoi, who will winner Rita Jeptoo and 2016 Ol- (39) staged a recovery. Dilbar the 17th over. For Kings’ Waqas be ineligible to compete at next ympic marathon champion Jem- Hussain picked up three wick- Maqsood was the other bowler year’s Tokyo Olympics, was pro- imah Sumgong. ets, while Shaheen Afridi fi n- who took two wickets. visionally suspended in July after The 27-year-old Manangoi ished with two wickets. missing three tests under where- won the world title in 2017 in Earlier, Mohamed Amir de- Lahore Qalandars’ David Wiese (left) celebrates with Mohamed Hafeez after their win over Peshawar BRIEF SCORES abouts rules and the AIU said on London and bagged gold at the fended 14 runs in the Super Over Zalmi in Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League in Karachi yesterday. Peshawar Zalmi 170/9 in 20 Friday his ban would be eff ective Commonwealth Games a year against Multan Sultans in the overs (Shoaib Malik 39; Dilbar from Dec. 22, 2019, which was later. A stress fracture prevented fi rst Qualifi er to guide Karachi of progressing to the fi nal as hind on the third ball. Following boundary. In their pursuit of Hussain 3-33) lost to Lahore the date of the third “wherea- him from defending his world Kings to their fi rst-ever fi nal of they play Lahore Qalandars in the dismissal, Kings slipped to 141, Babar provided Kings a Qalandars 171/5 in 19 overs 135 for eight from 117 for three. solid start with a brilliant 65 off bouts failure”. crown last year. the tournament. the Eliminator 2 today evening. (Mohamed Hafeez 74*) by five 53, which was studded with fi ve The ruling means the dis- Manangoi’s ban comes af- In the nail-biter played at Ka- That the match had to be de- Kings needed seven runs off wickets. qualifi cation of all Manangoi’s ter American 100 metres world rachi’s National Stadium, the cided on the Super Over was the last over with Amir and fours and two sixes. He stitched competitive results since then champion Christian Coleman left-arm pacer gave away only because of Sohail as he sent Ba- their captain, Imad Wasim, at a 42-run partnership with Alex Multan Sultans 141-7 in 20 “with all resulting consequenc- was suspended for two years last nine runs as his immaculate bar Azam and Chadwick Walton the crease. Sultans’ pacer Mo- Hales (22 off 19, four fours) for overs (Ravi Bopara 40, Sohail es, including the forfeiture of any month for breaching wherea- bowling denied boundaries to back to the hut in a span of three hamed Ilyas gave away only two the second wicket after Sharjeel Tanvir 25 not out, Zeeshan titles, awards, medals, points bouts rules. The AIU said on Fri- Sultans’ batsmen. Kings’ made balls in the 17th over to spark a runs in the fi rst fi ve balls – and Khan (four of seven) was dis- Ashraf 21; Arshad Iqbal 2-21, prizes and appearance money”, day that Manangoi had accepted 13 runs as Shane Rutherfold hit collapse. dismissed Amir on the second missed early in the proceedings. Waqas Maqsood 2-26) lost to AIU said. the punishment for his violation Sohail Tanvir for a four and a six Kings were on their way to a ball – before Imad, who scored Babar then stitched 29-run and Karachi Kings 141-8, 20 overs “I have received the verdict and waived his right “to have after Sharjeel Khan was caught comfortable run chase before a fi ghting 16-ball 27 not out, 27-run alliances with Iftikhar (Babar Azam 65, Imad Wasim from AIU and as I sit here, I have those consequences determined at long-on on the third ball. Babar, who stroked his 45th T20 fl icked the ball off his legs at Ahmed (13 off 12) and Imad. 27 not out, Alex Hales 22; Sohail acknowledged that I made a mis- by the Disciplinary Tribunal”. Sultans have another chance half-century, was caught-be- the backward square leg for a Sohail took three wickets for Tanvir 3-25) in Super Over Gulf Times Sunday, November 15, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL NBA Warriors present $30 million plan to Carr and surprising test, host fans

Reuters done and show the world how Los Angeles we can do it now, I’m willing to spend the money to do it,” said Lacob in an ESPN inter- olden State Warri- view. “This is a serious, seri- Raiders host Broncos ors owner Joe Lacob ous problem. It cannot go on is willing to pay the for multiple years... because if price to bring fans to this were to go on for several ‘HE CAN MAKE EVERY THROW, AND HE HAS SOME ELITE TALENT AROUND HIM’ GChase Center during the 2020- years, the NBA is no more. You 21 NBA regular season. cannot sustain this league with Reuters Lacob’s plan to allow fans in no fans. You can do it for a year. Las Vegas the new San Francisco home We’ll all get by for a year. But arena of the Warriors includes suppose we’re in this situation rapid testing at a cost of ap- next year. Now we’re talking he Las Vegas Raiders proximately $30 million. The some serious, serious fi nancial begin the second half of plan calls for the new area to damage to a lot of people.” their season today after- operate at 50 percent capacity Rapid PCR, or polymerase noon against the visiting for 2020-21. chain reaction, tests or equiva- TDenver Broncos with back-to- State and local offi cials lent tests measure the genetic back victories and in the thick of heard Lacob’s pitch before the material of the virus. the playoff picture. current 14-day travel shut- Critics quickly pointed Not bad considering the origi- down was announced Thurs- to ethical issues, including nal off ensive line has played a to- day night. The plan, created claiming large numbers of rap- tal of just 10 snaps together. starting in March when the id tests that could otherwise go Consider that both starting NBA shut down due to the to at-risk segments of the pop- tackles, Trent Brown (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic, is in- ulation, nursing homes, health and Kolton Miller (ankle), as well ternally known as “Operation care workers and more. The as road-grading left guard Richie Dub Nation.” NBA and MLB used rapid test- Incognito (Achilles), missed last The NBA is permitting ing during the 2020 seasons, Sunday’s 31-26 victory against teams to discuss attendance but often results were only the Chargers in Los Angeles. plans and protocol with state available overnight. Lacob said Incognito remains on injured and local offi cials in their home the latest test produces “accu- reserve, and reports this week market, but no fi nal decision rate results within 15 minutes.” suggested Brown might miss a at the league level on attend- California has not approved month with Covid-19 complica- ance policies has been fully fan attendance at any capacity. tions, yet, the Raiders continue approved. Lacob believes his own to have quality off ensive line The NBA lost more than background and expertise can play with nine diff erent players $1 billion in revenue last sea- be the diff erence in getting ap- having started so far. son without fans for the fi nal proval on all fronts. The Raiders (5-3) have still weeks of the regular season “Let us prove the concept. managed to win three of their and playoff s, which were held Let us use our money, our last four games, including a 40- in the “bubble” near Orlando. resources, our seven-eight 32 win at defending Super Bowl “We’re going to lose a lot of months of work, our expertise champion Kansas City, behind money,” Lacob told Bay Area to prove the concept,” Lacob the standout play of quarterback News Group. “But I think it’s said. “That’s what I’m trying Derek Carr. the right thing to do.” to get the state, the city and the Carr has completed 180 of Lacob, a UCLA masters government to entertain.” 258 passes for 2,002 yards, 16 graduate in public health (Epi- The NBA said in a memo re- touchdowns and just two inter- demiology), said every player, leased Wednesday that all fans ceptions. His 110.0 passer rat- employee and fan would be “within 30 feet of the court” ing ranks fi fth in the NFL behind tested using the most accurate must not only socially dis- Aaron Rodgers (117.5), Russell test currently on the market. tance, but prove they’ve re- Wilson (117.1), Patrick Mahomes “I not only want to get this ceived a negative test result. (115.9) and Drew Brees (110.3). But in an AFC West that fea- tures the reigning Super Bowl Marlins name Ng as MLB’s fi rst female MVP in Mahomes and the front- runner for Rookie of the Year general manager honours in Justin Herbert of the Chargers, Carr has been some- The Miami Marlins have year as they made the playoff s what overlooked. Not by the named Kim Ng as general for the first time since 2003. Broncos, however. Denver (3- manager, making her the first MLB Commissioner Rob 5), coming in off a 34-27 loss at woman to hold such a posi- Manfred commended Ng’s ap- Atlanta, has allowed an average tion in Major League Baseball, pointment, which the Marlins of 35.7 points over its last three the team said on Friday. said they believed made games and knows it needs to fi nd Ng has worked as an execu- her the first woman hired as a way to slow down the seven- tive in the MLB Commission- general manager by any of year veteran from Fresno State. er’s Off ice since 2011 as senior the professional men’s teams “I’ve seen (Carr) since he vice president of baseball in the major North American came into the league,” safety operations and previously sports. “Kim’s appointment Kareem Jackson said. “Obvi- served as an assistant general makes history in all of profes- ously he’s playing at an elite level manager for the New York sional sports and sets a signifi- right now in his career, but even Yankees and Los Angeles cant example for the millions when he was a younger he was Dodgers. “This challenge is of women and girls who love doing some great things.” and the right plays, and they’re big blow anytime you lose one of Tim Patrick (hamstring) and X-rayed, was back to full prac- one I don’t take lightly. When baseball and softball,” he said Carr had a season-high 391 rolling. And he’ll run a little bit your better players,” said Denver guard Austin Schlottmann (ribs) tice mode on Friday while rookie I got into this business, it in a statement. yards and a touchdown in the as well. He’s an elite talent and a coach Vic Fangio. are all expected to be active this cornerback Damon Arnette, seemed unlikely a woman “The hard work, leadership, last meeting between the teams great leader for that team, and it “I think he’s probably having weekend after being limited ear- placed on injured reserve on Oc- would lead a Major League and record of achievement in Week 17 last season, but shows on Sunday.” the best season of his career.” lier in the week. tober 2 with a thumb injury, ap- team, but I am dogged in the throughout her long career Denver held on for a 16-15 vic- Carr won’t have to worry Broncos rookie receiver Jerry For the Raiders, starting tackle pears set to return after pursuit of my goals,” Ng said in the National Pastime led tory when defensive end Shelby about Harris batting down any Jeudy (shoulder), wideout Dion- Kolton Miller (ankle) is listed being removed from the in- in a statement. to this outcome, and we wish Harris batted down Carr’s two- of his passes this time around. tae Spencer (shoulder), corner- as doubtful after sitting out his jury report. “My goal is now to bring Kim all the best as she begins point conversion pass for Hunter Harris, who sat out the loss to back Bryce Callahan (ankle) and third consecutive practice on “He’s been out a long time,” championship baseball to Mi- her career with the Marlins.” Renfrow with seven seconds left. Falcons while in self-quarantine tackles Demar Dotson (groin/ Friday. Defensive tackle Maurice Las Vegas coach Jon Gruden said ami. I am both humbled and Ng, who first broke into MLB It was the Raiders’ fi nal game following close contact with hand) and Jake Rodgers (shoul- Hurst (ankle) has been declared of Arnette, a fi rst-round pick out eager to continue building as an intern, has a previous before departing Oakland for Sin someone who had contracted der) were also listed as question- out for Sunday with guard Gabe of Ohio State. the winning culture our fans connection to Marlins chief City. Covid-19, tested positive for the able for Sunday. Jackson (illness) questionable. “No guarantee he’ll play, or expect and deserve.” executive Derek Jeter, as she “He can make every throw, and disease on Wednesday morning Linebacker Joe Jones (calf) Fullback Alec Ingold, who start, or be a factor in the game Ng joins a rebuilding Marlins was with the Yankees organi- he has some elite talent around and will not play Sunday. He is was ruled out. Cornerback A J watched the second half of Sun- yet. He’s got to determine that team that were one of MLB’s sation during his playing days. him,” Jackson said. “He’s get- third on the team with 2.5 sacks Bouye (concussion), tight end day’s win over the Chargers himself and show us (in practice) biggest surprise stories this (Reuters) ting those guys in the right sets to go along with 15 tackles. “It’s a Noah Fant (ankle), wide receiver in the hospital getting his ribs tomorrow and Friday.”

FOCUS Oladipo says he’s committed to staying with Pacers

Reuters season, he made a comeback Finch joins Raptors as Los Angeles after a ruptured quad tendon in January 2019 ended his 2018-19 assistant season and averaged 14.5 points The Toronto Raptors will fill the vacancy uard Victor Oladipo is in 19 games (16 starts). on Nick Nurse’s coaching staff with Chris committed to remain- Originally, Oladipo was go- Finch, ESPN reported on Friday. ing with the Indiana ing to sit out the Pacers’ return Former assistant Nate Bjorkgren, who Pacers in the last sea- to play in the bubble in Orlando spent the past two seasons with the Gson of his four-year, $85 million this summer, but he played and Raptors, was hired as the head coach of contract, the two-time All-Star averaged 17.8 points per game the Indiana Pacers in October, creating told The Athletic. while the Pacers were swept in the opening. Earlier this month, the Indi- four games by the Miami Heat in Finch leaves the New Orleans Pelicans, anapolis Star reported that three the fi rst round of the NBA play- where he assisted coach Alvin Gentry league sources with knowledge off s. before he was in the running for the of the situation claimed Oladipo Since the Indianapolis Star re- Pacers’ coaching slot. He also coached was asking players on other teams port, Oladipo has been the sub- alongside Mike Malone with the Denver during games if he could come ject of trade rumours. The NBA Nuggets in 2016-17 and spent five sea- play with them. He denied he was transaction freeze has not been sons (2011-16) with the Houston Rockets. looking for a way out of Indiana- lifted yet, although it’s expected Nurse and Finch have a history polis in his comments Friday. to end sometime before next after coaching in the British Basketball “I know there have been peo- Wednesday’s NBA Draft. Free League at the same time in the late ple saying that I have asked play- agency will begin next Friday. 1990s. They both later moved on to ers to trade for me. That’s just If Oladipo were to sign an the D-League, where Finch led the Rio not true, period. I love my team- extension with the Pacers this Grande Valley Vipers to the 2010 cham- mates, I cherish the state of In- off season he could make up to pionship. Nurse replaced Finch as the diana and I’m focused on leading $112.9 million on a four-year Vipers’ head coach in 2011 when Finch this franchise to a title,” Oladipo deal. left for the NBA’s Rockets. told The Athletic. If he waits until next off sea- Nurse was Finch’s assistant for the Great Oladipo, 28, has averaged 17.3 son, he could make up to $195.6 Britain men’s basketball team at the points per game in seven career million on a fi ve-year deal or sign FIBA EuroBasket 2009, FIBA EuroBasket seasons, including the past three a max deal with another team for 2011 and the 2012 Olympics. seasons with the Pacers. Last four years and $145 million. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 15, 2020 SPORT

QATAR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: Al ARABI, Al GHARAFA NOTCH WINS

Al Arabi defeated Al Sadd 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 25-19) in their Qatar Volleyball League match at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. (Right) Al Gharafa beat Al Shamal 3-2 (20-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-17, 15-11) in the second match of the day.

RUGBY/AUTUMN NATIONS CUP FOCUS Four-try Scotland take bonus point Hat-trick hero George win against Italy

AFP penalties as the Scottish pack, Florence, Italy who lost prop Rory Sutherland after just 15 minutes, strug- gled. cotland made it fi ve Scotland hit back when Ed- stars as England wins in succession with inburgh wing van der Merwe a hard-fought 28-17 collected from Ali Price to bonus-point win over skate over from fi ve metres for ItalyS in the Autumn Nations his second try in successive Cup in Florence yesterday. games. The Scots played on the Weir converted to put Scot- backfoot for most of a fi rst land 7-6 up but the lead was half which saw tries for Italy short-lived as it was the Ital- thump Georgia 40-0 full-back Matteo Minozzi and ians’ turn to strike back quickly Scotland wing Duhan van der with a stunning try that moved Merwe. 60 metres up the pitch. Hooker scores three tries from rolling mauls, Willis scores try on debut But after slipping 14-7 down It started with Garbisi who early in the second half, Gregor triggered a great break from Reuters Townsend’s side hit back with outside centre Marco Zanon. London tries from prop Zander Fager- He handed off Duncan Weir son, lock Scott Cummings and and Darcy Graham, before replacement hooker George feeding Marcello Violi. Wing ooker Jamie George Turner to complete the win. Mattia Bellini stayed on his feet scored a hat-trick of Italy’s 20-year-old fl y-half long enough to pop the ball up identical rolling maul Paolo Garbisi fi red over four for Minozzi to score. Garbisi’s tries as England swept penalties but missed the con- conversion, though, came back Haside a spirited but limited version. With the France v Fiji off the post. Georgia 40-0 in their opening matched called off because Italy stretched their 11-7 Autumn Nations Cup match at a of coronavirus, Scotland lead half-time lead early in the sec- rain-lashed and eerily quiet fan- Group B. Their next match is ond half with another Garbisi free Twickenham yesterday. against France next week while penalty. But Scotland were re- Flanker Jack Willis marked Italy are due to face the affl ict- gaining control. Weir had a try his debut with a try, while Elliot ed Fijians. ruled out for a forward pass Daly, in a rare moment of back- Scotland went into the game but shortly after Scotland were line enterprise, and replace- looking for their fi fth succes- level. The home side stopped ment scrumhalf Dan Robson also sive win but missing both fi rst playing after they thought crossed in a predictably one- choice fl y-halves Finn Rus- there had been a Scotland sided contest. sell and Adam Hastings. That knock-on but prop Fagerson England will consider it a job meant a fi rst start since 2016 continued and trundled over well done – an effi cient victory for 29-year-old Duncan Weir the line. Weir’s conversion lev- where they nullifi ed the famed whose previous experience elled it at 14-14 with 30 min- Georgian scrum threat and never against Italy included kicking utes to play. looked remotely like conceding a match-winning drop goal 20 Italy nudged back into the a try – but it was a performance seconds from time in 2014. lead when Scotland went off - that certainly lacked sparkle, al- Italy, meanwhile, were des- side under pressure and Garbi- beit in a game played in diffi cult perately in need of a win, hav- si banged over another three- conditions. ing had a terrible four years pointer but it was the Scots, “It was great team perform- since beating the Springboks who beat Italy 17-0 in the Six ance,” George said. “We were at the same Florence ground Nations earlier in the year, who fully aware of their ability up in 2016. Their record in the fi nished the stronger. front, how much pride they take Six Nations alone since then Lock Cummings ploughed in their set piece and how physi- showed 27 straight defeats. over from close range to give cal they would be. Most pleasing But it was the Italians who them the lead before Turner for me was forwards-wise was came out quickest, Garbisi, completed with win with the that we stepped up to the plate. winning his third cap, putting Scots’ fourth try three minutes “We are back here at Twick- them ahead with two early from time. enham, missing the crowd mas- sively, but we constantly try to push it with our set piece so it was great to get over the line.” It was a bizarre atmosphere in the cavernous 82,000-capac- ity stadium, the triple-decker stands of green seats punctuated only by two giant cloth poppies and a colourful collection of club England’s hooker Jamie George (centre) in action during the Autumn Nations Cup match against Georgia at Twickenham in London. (AFP) shirts. After 15 minutes of vir- tual non-stop, but uninspired, ting restless. However, once the and having to go off just before George was mauled over for his will be something of a landmark England forward pressure, the forwards took control again, his team mates jogged off 26-0 hat-trick after 58 minutes and game, but few of the absent Eng- sturdy Georgian defence fi nally two powerful lineout drives sent up. Robson, one of a host of re- land fans are likely to be talking cracked when fl anker Willis George over for two tries in three The rain started to lash down placements Eddie Jones sent on, about it in the days to come, let bundled over for the opening try. minutes. harder in the second half and threw a neat dummy from a ruck alone years. England continued to domi- The backs fi nally got going Georgia got their hands on the to score 10 minutes later. England will face a stiff er test nate possession but too often shortly before halftime when ball for a while, albeit without There was no late fl urry of next week when they host Ire- kicked it away with speculative Jonathan Joseph carved a lovely ever threatening the England tries, however, as the game drib- land, while Georgia, revelling in chips and grubbers and, had line to set up Daly to score in the line. bled to a close. a rare opportunity for a series of there been the usual November corner, unfortunately Joseph The hosts then reverted to For the Georgians, playing at games against Tier One opposi- crowd, it would have been get- picking up an injury in the act their most eff ective weapon as Twickenham for the fi rst time, it tion, play Wales.

Pivac confi dent he can help Wales return to winning ways again Wales coach Wayne Pivac said he is still and England. Wales were then beaten by room and among the players. respond. “... Obviously we’re concerned the right man to take the team forward France in a friendly international as action “I think if you were in the changing room, about any performance where we don’t after they crashed to a sixth straight de- resumed following the COVID-19 hiatus you’d see a very disappointed team but get the result we’re after. And we’ve had a feat in a 32-9 loss to Ireland in the Autumn before slumping to another Six Nations a team that has put in a hell of a shift. We few on the bounce,” Pivac said. Nations Cup opener on Friday. defeat by Scotland last month. had asked for that after the Scottish per- “It’s taking a bit of time for us to click and Pivac took over from Warren Gatland after Asked at a news conference if he remains formance and the positives were the work make sure we eliminate the errors that are last year’s World Cup in Japan, where confident he is the person to turn their that we put in without the ball.” hampering us. We’re looking to change Wales were semi-finalists, and began the fortunes around, Pivac said: “Yes. From a Pivac, whose side face Georgia on Nov. 21, what’s been done for over 10 years and Six Nations with a 42-0 win over Italy on head coach’s point of view in these situ- said their poor form this year was a bitter change mindsets and it doesn’t happen Scotland’s wing Duhan Van Der Merwe is tackled during the Feb. 1, only to then lose to Ireland, France ations it’s about the vibe in the changing pill to swallow, but his players will look to overnight.” Autumn Nations Cup rugby union match against Italy at the Artemio-Franchi Stadium in Florence, Tuscany, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, November 15, 2020 7 SPORT

TENNIS MOTORCYCLING Morbidelli on Valencia MotoGP Djokovic eyes record pole and relief for title-chasing Mir

AFP cia, after his brother and as- as Nadal seeks fi rst Madrid sistant had also tested positive. THE GRIDS talian Franco Morbidelli MotoGP will start in pole position Front row for the Valencia MotoGP, 1. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yama- with Joan Mir’s clos- ha-SRT), 2. Jack Miller (AUS/ Iest challengers for the World Ducati-Pramac), 3. Takaaki Championship unable to capi- Nakagami (JPN/Honda-LCR) ATP Finals crown talise on the Spaniard’s un- 2nd row derwhelming performance in 4. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati- qualifying yesterday. Avintia), 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP/ ‘I think I am able to play a little bit better the last couple of years indoors than what I did at the Morbidelli of Petronas KTM), 6. Maverick Vinales Yamaha recorded the fast- (ESP/Yamaha) beginning of my career without a doubt but that’s the numbers. I can’t say something diff erent’ est qualifying time of 1min 3rd row 30.191sec at the Ricardo Tor- 7. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/April- AFP mo circuit while Australian ia), 8. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/ London Jack Miller and Japan’s Takaaki Ducati) 9. Brad Binder (RSA/ Nakagami joined him on the KTM) front row for Sunday’s race. 4th row ovak Djokovic is bid- On an unexpectedly damp 10. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM), ding to win the ATP day on Spain’s east coast, Mir 11. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ Finals for a record- was able only to secure 12th Yamaha-SRT), 12. Joan Mir equalling sixth time as and last place in Q2 but he (ESP/Suzuki) NRafael Nadal chases the biggest would have been relieved to Moto2 title missing from his glittering see Frenchman Fabio Quar- Front row resume at London’s O2 Arena. tararo and Spanish rider Alex 1. Stefano Manzi (ITA/Agusta), The top eight available play- Rins, who sit second and third 2. Hector Garzo (ESP/Kalex), 3. ers in the men’s rankings - with respectively in the standings, Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Kalex) Roger Federer absent - will fail to take advantage. 2nd row compete at the end-of-season Mir’s 37-point lead means 4. Fabio Di Giannantonio (ITA/ tournament, which starts on the Suzuki rider only needs Speed Up), 5. Jorge Martin Sunday behind closed doors de- to fi nish on the podium in the (ESP/Kalex), 6. Marcos Rami- spite a coronavirus lockdown in championship’s penultimate rez (ESP/Kalex) England. The two round-robin race today to secure the title, 3rd row groups have been named To- while fourth would be enough 7. Marcel Schrotter (GER/ kyo 1970 and London 2020 on if neither Rins nor Quartararo Kalex), 8. Lorenzo Baldassarri the 50th anniversary of the fi rst win. Quartararo will start 11th, (ITA/Kalex), 9. Bo Bendsneyder staging of the event. just ahead of Mir, with Rins (NED/NTS) World number one Djokovic is behind him in 14th. Moto3 in Group Tokyo alongside Daniil France’s Johann Zarco se- Front row Medvedev, 2018 winner Alexan- cured fourth spot on the start- 1. Darryn Binder (RSA/KTM), 2. der Zverev and Argentine debu- ing grid while another Span- Kalto Toba (JPN/KTM), 3. Raul tant Diego Schwartzman. iard, Pol Espargaro completes Fernandez (ESP/KTM) Second-seed Nadal will com- the front fi ve. 2nd row pete against defending cham- Iker Lecuona will not race 4. Jaume Masia (ESP/Honda), pion Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic for the second week in a row 5. Andrea Migno (ITA/KTM), 6. Thiem, and Andrey Rublev, who after the Tech 3 KTM rider Albert Arenas (ESP/KTM) is appearing for the fi rst time, in tested positive for coronavirus. 3rd row Group London. Lecuona missed last week- 7. Ai Ogura (JPN/Honda), 8. The four best-placed players In this file photo taken on November 12, 2019, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns against Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their singles round-robin end’s European Grand Prix, Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/Honda), 9. from the round-robin stage will match on day three of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London. (AFP) which was also held in Valen- Celestino Vietti (ITA/KTM) progress to the semi-fi nals of the event, taking place in London month to pull level with Federer Despite his lack of indoor suc- sport. I’m very privileged to be of them being just untrue and for the fi nal year before a move on 20 Grand Slams, has qualifi ed cess, the shortened season could part of it.” continue to deny them,” said the to Turin. Six-time champion for the ATP Finals for a record 16 count in Nadal’s favour -he has Austria’s Thiem broke his German. Federer, recovering from knee consecutive years. The Spanish been forced to withdraw from Grand Slam duck at the US Open Medvedev, who lost all three surgery, is the most notable ab- world number two is well aware the ATP Finals six times previ- in September, beating Zverev in matches on his debut in London sentee after a global tennis sea- of his shortcomings on indoor ously. Last year’s winner Tsitsi- the fi nal, and the world number last year, comes into the tourna- son truncated by the Covid-19 hard courts - only one of his 86 pas, who beat Thiem in the fi nal, three said he now felt as com- ment as one of the form horses pandemic. trophies has come on the surface. comes into the tournament after fortable on hard courts as he after winning last week’s Paris Five-time champion Djoko- “I think I am able to play a lit- early exits in Vienna and Paris. does on clay. Masters. vic, who recently equalled Pete tle bit better the last couple of “Very happy to be back, that’s Zverev, who has won two ti- Rublev, who has had a break- Sampras’s record of six year-end years indoors than what I did at for sure,” said the Greek world tles this season, has been dogged through season, winning fi ve number one fi nishes, has lost the beginning of my career with- number six. “Every year I get to in recent weeks by domestic titles, and world number nine just three matches this season, out a doubt but that’s the num- experience being back here is assault allegations made by a Schwartzman complete the fi eld. with one of those his default at bers and I can’t say something thrilling. former girlfriend but he insists The ATP Finals also features the US Open. diff erent,” said the 34-year-old “It’s like a meeting spot for they are untrue. the top eight doubles teams. The The Serbian, who has not two-time fi nalist. those that had a good year to be “While I very much regret top seeds are US Open champi- won the London event since “I hope to change that this back here, celebrate their hard that those accusations are made, ons and French Open fi nalists 2015, said he was looking to end week.” work, their dedication to the I have to stick to my initial thing Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares. his season on a high at the elite eight-man event. Venus slams New Zealand over ‘unfair’ virus restrictions “Coming into the tourna- ment and knowing that I have Michael Venus has slammed New Zealand’s part, Venus now has to quarantine for two home, it just doesn’t make sense. clinched the year-end number government for coronavirus travel restric- weeks in a hotel room, which would take the “It’s quite unfair that there are some sports one releases some of the pres- tions that mean the doubles star may not 33-year-old virtually to the start of the new that are actually going on there, where other sure, defi nitely,” he said. be able to go home after the ATP Finals in season, before he will be able to return to countries have come in - the West Indies are “But at the same time it London. New Zealander Venus will play with his family. Venus tried pleading his case to playing cricket there - so other nationalities doesn’t change what I hope to Australia’s John Peers at the prestigious the New Zealand government but has been are allowed to come in yet the citizens from achieve in this tournament and season-ending event as one of the world’s left disillusioned after help was given to the their own country aren’t able to get back. why I’m here. top eight doubles teams. But, while the other likes of the West Indies cricket team but not “I think right now they’ve kind of got their pri- “I really want to win every players will head home after the tournament to domestic athletes. The country has been orities wrong. We went to the deputy prime single match that I get to play concludes next weekend, Venus is likely widely praised for its handling of the crisis minister, he’s the minister of sport in New Zea- and try to get my hands on the to find himself living out of a suitcase for a having managed to keep cases very low, but land. “We basically got told that he doesn’t trophy and I want this trophy as while longer. Venus, who reached the final of Venus told Britain’s Press Association: “It’s get involved in these things or influence it much as anybody.” the ATP Finals last year with former partner great once you’re there and you’re able to be but I’ve heard things where he has helped out Raven Klaasen, had considered pulling out of free and have no worries about things, but I with the rugby team and cricket team so it’s NADAL DROUGHT the event due to issues with New Zealand’s think the oversight on the amount of spaces just one of those politics things where they Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Italian rider Franco Morbidelli celebrates Nadal, who pulverised Djoko- strict pandemic rules. Having decided to take and how they’re working that system to get do what they want to help who they want.” after clinching the pole position at the MotoGP Valencia Grand vic in the French Open fi nal last Prix in Valencia yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Sinner becomes youngest player in 12 years to win ATP title AFP win than winning 6-1 6-1. ‘I couldn’t look at a tennis court’, Kyrgios Sofia “I am happy about the match, how I tried to stay there every resets during layoff point and I think it is a very spe- eenager Jannik Sinner cial week for me.” Nick Kyrgios was already consider- desire to be out there. I had no yesterday became the Sinner is also the sixth player ing taking a year off from tennis motivation. I had no need for growth youngest ATP champion this year to lift his maiden tour- before the Covid-19 pandemic and out there. in 12 years when he de- level title joining Ugo Humbert, the shutdown of the sport provided “I was just going through the mo- Tfeated Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in Casper Ruud, Miomir Kec- him with the “perfect” opportunity tions. It wasn’t making me happy. the Sofi a fi nal. manovic, Thiago Seyboth Wild for a reset. If anything it was decreasing my The 19-year-old, ranked at 44 and John Millman as a fi rst-time The world number 45 last played a energy. It was a negative impact on in the world, racked up a 6-4, champion. competitive match in early February my life.” 3-6, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Pos- This time last year he won the in Acapulco after deciding to remain The “unfortunate circumstances” pisil, his 19th win of the season. NextGen title in Milan. at home in Australia when the of the global health crisis could not Sinner, the youngest Ital- “It is a nice feeling to win the circuit resumed in Europe and North have suited him better, Kyrgios said. ian winner of an ATP title in the fi rst title like last year in the same America. “This time has been perfect,” he modern era, withstood 14 aces week. It is good,” he said. The 25-year-old, who has previously added. “I’ve had it off where I can and won 75 percent of his fi rst- “I felt well the whole week said that he does not have a passion completely reset and dabble in a serve points (45/60) to become here. It is beautiful playing here. for tennis, said he was considering couple of areas where my passion the youngest man to capture an The crowd was amazing and it is a lengthy spell away from the game was, be back in my community, ATP Tour title since 18-year-old a nice achievement.” after seeing a psychiatrist before the be back in my home and just get a Kei Nishikori won the 2008 Del- start of the season. complete reset. That’s what I was ray Beach Open. “I was thinking maybe it was time for thinking about doing.” “It is always special when you me to just take a year off ,” Kyrgios Kyrgios once said he would quit win tournaments,” said Sinner. Italian player Jannik Sinner said in a typically frank interview in tennis altogether at the age of 27 “I felt well this week. It is spe- celebrates with the trophy after yesterday’s Sydney Morning Herald. and, while not ruling out an early cial. Playing fi nals like this, 7-6 winning the ATP 250 Sofia Open “I couldn’t look at a tennis court. retirement, thinks he will probably in the third... is always tough. But tournament in Sofia yesterday. I had no happy feelings. I had no play on longer. when you win, it is an even better (AFP)

Sunday, November 15, 2020 GULF TIMES GOLF

SPOTLIGHT Rahm grabs share of lead while Tiger edges closer Second-ranked Rahm completed a bogey-free six-under-par 66 to join Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas in the lead

AFP “Eat fast, change clothes and get Augusta after it,” Woods said. “There are go- Mexico’s Abraham Ancer, ranked ing to be low scores out there. The golf 21st, and 45th-ranked Australian course is defi nitely gettable.” Cameron Smith completed the on Rahm grabbed a share of the DeChambeau, who many feared lead group ahead of round three lead, Tiger Woods stayed in the would overwhelm Augusta National in cool and cloudy at Augusta Jhunt and US Open winner Bry- with his power-driving game, bare- National, where greens were son DeChambeau barely made the ly avoided a humiliating early exit fi rming up aft er two days of cut in yesterday’s completion of the despite a two-over 74, making the rain-soaked vulnerability darkness-halted second round of the record-low Masters cut of par 144 on Masters. the number. seeking his sixth green jacket to equal econd-ranked Rahm completed Sixth-ranked DeChambeau said he the record set by Jack Nicklaus, birdied a bogey-free six-under-par 66 underwent a Covid-19 test after feel- the par-5 15th and parred in to share Sto join world number one Dustin ing dizzy on the course on Friday. 17th on 139 with, among others, three- Johnson and third-ranked Justin Tho- “I don’t know what was going on, time Masters winner Phil Mickelson mas in the lead pack of fi ve on nine- a little something weird. So I got and four-time major champion Brooks under 135 — the fi rst time in major golf checked for Covid last night and I Koepka. The former world number one history the world’s top three shared was fine, nothing,” DeChambeau had matched his best Masters start the lead after any round. said. with a 68 and was on level par after 10 “This weekend is going to be a good Spaniard Rahm returned to the holes in round two when he resumed. one to watch with the course getting course just after sunrise and sank a Woods, who turns 45 next month, better and the leaderboard we have fi ve-foot birdie putt on the par-5 13th also chases an 83rd career PGA Tour going on,” Rahm said. to match the leaders, having left the victory to break the record he shares Mexico’s Abraham Ancer, ranked crucial putt overnight for better con- with Sam Snead. 21st, and 45th-ranked Australian ditions to make a tricky read. World number 18 Hideki Mat- Cameron Smith completed the lead “The only reason why I didnt putt it suyama made three pars to fi nish a group ahead of round three in cool and was darkness,” Rahm said. “It felt like bogey-free 68 and join a sixth-place cloudy at Augusta National, where a diff erent putt. The green speeds were pack one stroke back on 136 that also greens were fi rming up after two days much better this morning. It was per- featured Taiwan’s 176th-ranked C.T. of rain-soaked vulnerability. fect. I’m glad I waited.” Pan, South Korea’s Im Sung-jae and “The greens are getting faster,” Rahm also rescued par at the par- Americans Patrick Reed and Patrick Rahm warned. “If they can keep up 5 15th, sending a fl ier approach over Cantlay. these green speeds for the afternoon, the green and chipping short of the “It was a good fi nish for me,” said Augusta National is going to play more putting surface before holing the chip Matsuyama. “I’m pleased. Just try to like Augusta National.” Spain’s Jon Rahm in action on the 16th during the second to stay level for the lead. keep on doing what I’m doing.” Defending champion Woods com- round of the Masters in Augusta yesterday. “It was huge, keep that bogey-free The English trio of Tommy Fleet- pleted a round of 71 to stand four strokes round going,” Rahm said. “A chip-in wood, 2016 Masters winner Danny off the lead on 139 and said while greens is always a huge boost of confi dence.” Willett and 2016 Olympic champion were faster, low scores were still on off er. Woods, a 15-time major winner Justin Rose were another stroke adrift.

FOCUS At 63, Langer becomes Covid-19 scare, body issues dim oldest to make cut DeChambeau’s Masters hopes AFP has struggled and now has health blood work and get checked out Augusta issues he can’t explain, especially and fi gure out what’s going on for tough on a golfer who uses statis- this off season.” tics and details to plot his every DeChambeau has been incon- ryson DeChambeau’s golf move. sistent and unlucky. He closed fears he had contracted “It’s no respiratory anything. birdie-birdie to shoot an open- BCovid-19 proved wrong, It’s more of just very dizzy and ing 70, but a lost ball on Friday led but the US Open winner who I’ve got a pain in my stomach, so I to a triple-bogey. He rallied with bulked-up during the virus layoff don’t know. Just some weird stuff four birdies in a fi ve-hole span now wonders what is causing his going on,” DeChambeau said. late in round two only to close Masters health issues. Sixth-ranked DeChambeau, bogey-bogey and make the cut on After overwhelming Winged who explored body changes to the number. Augusta: Double Masters pays off .” Foot in September to win the US heal a back injury, packed on 40 “I don’t know what it is or champion Bernhard Langer Langer has followed Player’s Open with his power-driving pounds to boost power when the what happened, but these past made the halfway cut at the example and parlayed that style, DeChambeau has fi zzled PGA Tour was idled by Covid-19 couple days, I’ve felt really odd, Masters at age 63 and sup- discipline into a dominant at the Masters, barely making a from March to June. Now his pre- just not 100%,” he said. “Some of plant Gary Player as the oldest second act of his career that record-low cut on level par 144. cisely enlarged body is faltering. that has played into it. I just feel ever to qualify for the final two has brought him 41 Champi- When he felt dizzy in the start “It’s the fi rst time,” he said. kind of dull and numb out there, rounds. ons Tour titles and made him of the second round Friday, De- “I’ll go fi gure it out, just like any- just not fully aware of everything, After shooting 68 73, Langer its top money winner in six Chambeau worried he might have thing. I’m more concerned for the and making some silly mistakes posted a three-under-par 141 seasons between 2008 and the coronavirus. health, the way I’m going about for sure.” score on Friday that left him 2014. “As I kept going through the that. The pressure of the moment, equal 27th with half the field “I do stretching and I do round, I started getting a little “Golf is golf. You’re going to being a favorite at a major for the yet to complete the round at workouts,” said the slender dizzy. I don’t know what was go- have stuff go on, but I want to fix fi rst time just as his meticulous Augusta National. German, who said his perform- ing on, a little something weird,” my body. Last time I had back is- technique was gaining attention, However, with the top 50 and ances at Augusta do not make he said. sues, I went and fi xed that, and I could be part of the problem as ties making the cut, it is aca- him feel younger. Bryson DeChambeau “So I got checked for Covid haven’t really had any body issues well. demic that he will advance. “Actually, it makes me feel of the United States last night, and I was fi ne, noth- since, until now, internal, so I’ve “There’s just something in my Langer, the 1985 and 1993 older when I play with these plays his shot from ing. But I had to do the right thing got to go fi x that.” stomach that’s not doing well,” Masters champion, will young guys and I see how far the 17th tee during and make sure there was nothing An off -season approaches he said. And Augusta National overtake South African Gary they can hit it but I know this the continuation of more serious.” that will give DeChambeau time wasn’t making his life any easier. Player, who was 62 when he golf course and feel I know the second round DeChambeau said those to fi nd out why he began feeling “It just seems like there’s a lot made the cut and finished how to get it around. of the Masters at around him also tested negative. dizzy on Thursday night. of things going not in the right 46th in 1998. “It’s a long hitter’s place. That’s Augusta National Golf While he has displayed mo- “Every time I’d bend over and way,” he said. “I’ve certainly “Gary was my golfing idol,” why Jack (Nicklaus) won six Club yesterday in ments of the ball-bashing form come back up, I’d like lose my played worse golf than this and Langer said on Friday. “He’s times and Tiger (Woods) five Augusta. he said made Augusta National stance a little bit,” he said. “I won. It’s one of those things. You worked on his fitness and times, because they were the play like a par-67 layout instead don’t know what’s going on. can’t control everything as much flexibility his whole life and it longest hitters of their era.” of a par-72 course, DeChambeau “I’ve got to go and do some as you try.”

BOTTOMLINE Mickelson says he is driving like a ‘stallion’ Reuters Mickelson is swinging a 47.5-inch portant supporter is all the gallery he blazer sometime in the future before Augusta driver at the tournament and has needs — his wife Amy. adding “maybe” — a sign that at the been long and accurate from the tee “She is the most charismatic, intel- age of 40 it might be a bit presumptu- box but is putting well below the field ligent, dynamic person I’ve ever met, ous to make such a defi nitive call. hil Mickelson has been explo- average, highlighted by an ugly three and her energy and support means The Englishman could hardly be sive off the tee but will need to putt on par-four third for bogey on more to me than anything,” he said. blamed for his reaction considering the Pbe better on the greens if the Friday. “To be able to see her out here and dramatic fi nales he has had to endure American is to add a fourth Green “I’m very frustrated and disappoint- have her on holes that she’s never been at Augusta, including a pair of runner- Jacket to his wardrobe at the Masters ed with the way I’ve putted,” he said. able to see before, like 12 and 13, is an up fi nishes — a playoff loss to Sergio this weekend. “I’ve let eight, nine, 10 shots on the experience of a lifetime for both of us. Garcia in 2017 preceded by a four-shot The 50-year-old fi red a second green, and it’s pathetic. I’m going to fi x I’m so happy she’s here.” defi cit to Jordan Spieth in 2015. round two-under 70 to sit four strokes that and hopefully make a run. But you And Rose is back in the mix this behind the leaders and said if he can can’t make those mistakes in this fi eld. ROSE HOPES HIGH year, two shots from the second-round get a better feel for the course’s large, “But we’ve got 36 more holes, and After a number of near misses at the clubhouse lead after shooting 67 and sloping greens, he has a shot at win- I’m playing well enough to keep me in Masters, Justin Rose remained con- 70 for seven-under-par 137. ning his sixth major title. it.” This year’s Masters is truly like no fi dent that he would eventually get a He was upbeat after three birdies in “I’m driving like a stallion. I’m hitting other, having been pushed from April Phil Mickelson of the chance to slip his arms into a Green his fi nal four holes, his mood further the ball great,” Mickelson told reporters. to November with no fans are in at- United States plays a shot from Jacket — before the doubts started to helped by the knowledge he would not “And I’m putting awful. If I get that tendance due to the Covid-19 pan- a bunker on the seventh hole creep in again. be among the 48 players who will be fi xed for the weekend, I’m going to demic. during the third round of the “For sure,” Rose said when asked up well before dawn to complete the make a run.” But Mickelson said his most im- Masters yesterday. whether he expects to wear the famed round on Saturday morning.