FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 RUGBY | Page 6 Spurs draw Ireland edge with Chelsea, past Georgia Cavani sparks in Autumn United Nations Cup

Monday, November 30, 2020 CRICKET Rabia II 15, 1442 AH Another Smith ton GULF TIMES helps Australia take ODI series vs India SPORT Page 7 FOCUS Securing Sport: Event goes virtual in a changing world The four-day flagship conference by ICSS will run from December 1-4 with eminent speakers from around the world

By Sports Reporter and leaders from organisations general work objectives and fu- and experts in the fi eld.” Doha across sectors united on a virtual ture endeavours in safeguard- The confi rmed speaker lineup platform. ing sport as a common good includes, Miguel Angel Morati- Given the times we live in, for humankind. I look forward nos, High Representative of the he International Cen- Montanari said that besides the for thought leaders coming to- United Nations Alliance of Civi- tre for Sport Security pandemic, “recession” is a con- gether next few days to analyse lizations (UNAOC); Staff an De (ICSS) will convene its cern to the sports industry too. some of the most pressing cur- Mistura, former Under-Secre- Tfl agship conference Se- “The type of conversation rent challenges facing the world tary-General and United Nations curing Sport on a virtual plat- we have will not be limited to of sport.” Special Envoy for Syria, Afghani- form under the theme ‘Building whether we will play or not play. Saleh Salem al-Eida, Special stan, Iraq and Lebanon; Con- Resilience in an Ever-Changing Conversation will be broader. We Advisory, Strategy and Partner- stantinos Filis, Director-General, World’ from December 1-4. believe it’s vital to see how the ship Development, ICSS added: International Olympic Truce As ICSS CEO Massimiliano sports industry will change in the “The Securing Sport 2020 is on Centre; Vladimir Voronkov, Un- Montanari put it in his remarks long term. The society is chang- course to be an exceptional edi- der-Secretary-General, United during a pre-event press confer- ing, world economy is chang- tion of the ICSS-hosted confer- Nations Counter-Terrorism Of- ence yesterday, “In the ’80s or ing, the way people are living is ence. The impact of the Covid-19 fi ce (UNOCT); Dr Cláudia Pereira, the ’90s, when we spoke about changing. So we cannot think pandemic and the new challeng- Secretary of State for Integration securing sport, our main concern about future of sport in the short es the pandemic has instigated and Migration, Portugal; Raff aele was sport and violence, hooli- term,” he said. with respect to the safety, secu- Chiulli, President of Sport Accord ganism. After 2001, after 9/11, it The four-day event features a rity and integrity of sport will be and the Global Association of In- was about protecting sport from multi-sectoral line up of inter- addressed under the conference ternational Sports Federations terrorism. But we were always national and national decision- theme ‘Building Resilience in an (GAISF); ambassador Thomas talking about man-made actions, makers who will take part in a Ever-Changing World’, given that Stelzer, Dean, International An- about behaviours and violence series of Policy Dialogues and the current circumstances have ti-Corruption Academy (IACA), by individuals. But now-a-days, Expert Debates to inspire collec- added yet another layer of com- ICSS Honorary Board Member; the concern is not just behav- tive action and identify solutions plexity to the threats the world of Azat Kadyrov, First Deputy Min- iour of individuals, but systemic to enhance the safety, security sport faces. ister of Sport of the Russian Fed- too. Now we talk about securing and integrity of sport, while pro- “At the ICSS we are proud to eration; Franco Frattini, Presi- sport from a pandemic, climate tecting its societal values. The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) CEO Massimiliano Montanari (right) and Saleh Salem al-Eida, bring back our fl agship confer- dent of the High Court of Sport change, systemic challenges.” conference will conclude with Special Advisory, Strategy and Partnership Development, are pictured at a press conference yesterday. ence again this year in a new vir- Justice of Italy, former Minister The past editions of the con- the organization of a Youth Fo- tual format after it was initiated of Foreign Aff airs, Chairman of ference were held in Doha, New rum hosted by ICSS’s initiative “Securing Sport has been 2020 edition aims at opening be more resilient in our fight nine years ago. Over the years, the Sport Integrity Global Alli- York and London, while the latest Save the Dream to gather the conceived to bring together all the conversation about the new for protecting the integrity of Securing Sport has become a glo- ance (SIGA); and Filomena Fortes, edition will be going online with contributions from youth leaders our allies and to stimulate the realms of this rapidly chang- sport. This event gives inspira- bally recognised and respected President of the Cape Verdean Ol- eminent international experts in shaping the future agenda. future work of the ICSS. The ing world and how we need to tion to the ICSS regarding the event by the international leaders ympic Committee.

FORMULA 1 Grosjean escapes from fi ery crash on raceday

Reuters Manama

omain Grosjean leaped to safety in a ‘miracle’ escape after his Haas car Rwas ripped in half and engulfed in fl ames in a fi rst-lap accident that halted yesterday’s Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. The 34-year-old Frenchman, who was able to free himself from the wreckage and jump clear of the fi re after the car penetrated the barriers, was taken to a near- by military hospital for checks. “It is a miracle he is alive,” said Britain’s 1996 world champion Damon Hill, expressing his “ab- solute shock and horror” at the images on Sky television. FIA medical delegate Ian Roberts rushed forward to as- sist Grosjean as marshals extin- guished the burning car. Stewards and medics attend to Haas driver Romain Grosjean (centre) The impact was measured at after a crash yesterday. (AFP) more than 50G, according to a spokesman for the sport’s gov- died at the 1994 San Marino Medical car driver Alan van erning FIA. Grand Prix. der Merwe, one of the fi rst on the “We just haven’t seen any- Jules Bianchi suff ered serious scene, said it had taken “a little thing like that since something head injuries in a crash at the while” to process the situation. like Gerhard’s accident in Imola Japanese Grand Prix in October “I’m sure it was only a second all those years ago,” said Hill, re- 2014, succumbing to them in July or so but it felt like ages. And ferring to a fi ery 1989 crash that the following year. then Romain just actually start- ruptured the fuel tank on Austri- Hill said the halo head pro- ed to get out of the car himself an Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari. tection device, introduced in which is pretty amazing after A Haas team spokesman said 2018, appeared to have saved an accident like that,” said the Grosjean had suff ered minor Fire marshals put out a fire on Haas F1’s French driver Romain Grosjean’s car during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir yesterday. (AFP) the Frenchman from serious in- South African. burns on his hands and ankles jury and Haas principal Guenther “The halo, the barriers, the and one or more suspected bro- end of the year, limping away. seventh title and was leading forget that we put our life on the HALO HELP Steiner agreed. seatbelts, everything worked ken ribs. The race was delayed for an from pole position when the red line for this sport and for what The death last year of Formula “When you see what is going how it should. Without just one Replays showed the Frenchman, hour and 20 minutes as track fl ags came out, shook his head in we love to do,” said Hamilton on Two racer Anthoine Hubert at on out there, if you see the bar- of those things it could have been whose Formula One career already workers removed the wrecked disbelief as he watched replays. Twitter. “Thankful to the FIA for the Belgian Grand Prix was the rier that is torn down, it’s unbe- a very diff erent outcome.” looked to be coming to an end with barrier and replaced it. “I’m so grateful Romain is safe. the massive strides we’ve taken fi rst fatality at an F1 race weekend lievable,” said Steiner. “I think we Haas having announced the de- Lewis Hamilton, who has al- Wow... the risk we take is no joke, for Romain to walk away from since Brazilian Ayrton Senna and were lucky by being unlucky... we Hamilton wins the race parture of both their drivers at the ready won a record-equalling for those of you out there that that safely.” Austrian Roland Ratzenberger got away with it, I think.” on Page 8 Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 30, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Al Janoub Stadium is magnifi cent, says Evergrande’s Ai Kesen AFC China PR in 2022 and play in the World the Chinese giants. Doha Cup.” “I am very happy to win today, and it Ai Kesen is chasing the dual objec- was important for me to score too,” said tives of a third AFC Champions League Ai Kesen, who helped Guangzhou to he Braziiian-born Chinese in- title and statistical immortality, after AFC Champions League glory in 2013 ternational Ai Kesen is im- his Player of the Match display against and 2015. “I will continue to do my best pressed by the Al Janoub Sta- Vissel Kobe on Saturday produced his and try to score as much as I can, fi rst dium after the Guangzhou 30th career goal in the competition. to help my team and then to reach that TEvergrande forward played at the FIFA He became just the fourth player in milestone. World Cup Qatar 2022 venue in the on- the competition’s history to reach the “The AFC Champions League is a big going AFC Champions League. 30-goal barrier, taking him to within competition and it is an honour for me Formerly known as Elkeson, Ai Kesen seven of the all-time record holder, to be able to compete against the best may well return to Qatar in two years Korea Republic legend Lee Dong-gook. in Asia. We are a big team and I will do as a Chinese national team player at The 31-year-old was at his brilliant my best to help my team win more titles the FIFA World Cup, with the forward best in Guangzhou’s 2-0 win, netting and if that comes by scoring the goals having already netted three goals for Li a magnifi cent free-kick after Anderson that will take me to all-time top scorer, Tie’s side in Asian Qualifi ers matches. Talisca had put Fabio Cannavaro’s side then that is great.” “It is an amazing feeling to score in ahead with an early penalty. Since arriving in China in 2013, Ai such a magnifi cent stadium,” he said Guangzhou’s win signifi cantly Kesen has gone on to become one of the after providing the moment of the boosted their chances of an eighth all-time greats of Chinese club foot- match at Al Janoub Stadium. knockout stage appearance in the past ball, scoring over 140 goals in two stints “As a national team player, it is my nine seasons, and Ai Kesen declared at Guangzhou and another at Shanghai dream as it is the dream of every mem- he will chase both team and individual SIPG. He could yet become a legend on ber of the team to come back here with success as long as he remains part of the international stage.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW Chiangrai United and Tokyo’s Hasegawa Melbourne Victory in last chance battle

AFC reach the Round of 16 for the fi rst Doha time since 2016. “We prepared, we had a few good days on the calls for team training ground,” said Kean. hiangrai United face “After our last game, we stayed Melbourne Victory on behind and watched the Chian- Matchday Five of the grai vs FC Seoul game. We saw 2020 AFC Champions a completely diff erent side to CLeague Group E today as both the one that lost 5-0 a couple of sides battle for the last shot at days earlier. The result changes eff ort against Ulsan progression to the Round of 16. this game into what is practi- Both teams met back in Feb- cally a semi-fi nal for us. We have ruary in the group stage opener prepared very professionally. We with Melbourne Victory taking always give every game the same ‘They’re on the top of our group and they have top players’ all three points thanks to a pen- respect regardless of who the op- AFC alty converted by Swedish for- ponents are. We are doing our Doha ward Ola Toivonen. Nine months due diligence about their tactics and three games later, those and we work towards nullifying three points remain their only in the opposition.” C Tokyo’s AFC Champions the competition so far. League knockout stage prospects Meanwhile, interim head SEOUL PLOTTING REVENGE will rely on the eff orts of every coach Alongkorn Thongsaum’s AGAINST BEIJING FC player when they face group lead- led debutants Chiangrai United FC Seoul could secure qualifi ca- ersF Ulsan Hyundai, according to head to a historic fi rst win in the AFC tion to the 2020 AFC Champions coach Kenta Hasegawa. Champions League as Brazilian League Round of 16 with a win Their Round of 16 hopes back on track forward Bill scored twice to down against Beijing FC in Group E after a 2-1 win over Shanghai Shenhua FC Seoul 2-1 on Friday. The Thai should the other group game end on Friday, second-placed Tokyo now side are without the services of in a draw today. face the challenge of facing a red-hot Ul- Brazilian defender Brinner, Ko- The previous game between san Hyundai side who have won all their rean midfi elder Lee Yong-rae and the two was the fi rst after the re- matches in Doha and remain unbeaten in experienced centre-back Sarawut start, and ended with the Chinese the tournament. Inpaen, who are all suspended for Super League side picking up the In fact, Hasegawa’s side are the only accumulation of cards. points with a 2-1 win courtesy of team in Group F to have avoided defeat “It is disappointing to miss goals from Alan and Fernando, against the Koreans. The teams played those three players,” said Thong- while veteran striker Park Chu- out a 1-1 draw in February, but the Tokyo saum. “But the good thing is that young’s penalty served only as boss believes that match has limited rel- there is a chance for other players consolation for head coach Lee evance for the one to come at Education to prove themselves at this stage. Won-jun’s men. City Stadium, saying his side must all We plan game by game fi rst, FC Seoul’s hopes of sealing pitch in if they are to challenge Kim Do- starting with this game against early qualifi cation received a hoon’s in-form outfi t Melbourne Victory who are also a blow when they were stunned “Everybody is a key player,” said the good team, so should we get a re- 2-1 by debutants Chiangrai Unit- former Japanese international. “This is sult tomorrow, we can then think ed on Friday, but the K League 1 the third game with a three-day break. about qualifi cation.” side could still advance with a Nobody is in their best condition, so we Melbourne Victory assistant game to spare should they defeat need teamwork. We have to win as a team. coach Steve Kean was all about the group leaders today as long as “We played each other back in Febru- Second-placed Tokyo face red-hot Ulsan Hyundai side who have won all their matches and remain unbeaten in the tournament. planning and analysis of the op- Chiangrai United and Melbourne ary, but it’s a diff erent team now with a position ahead of the crucial Victory draw their game later in diff erent system and diff erent players. may seal their progression to the knock- Tokyo, and remain well and truly in the ing Friday’s costly 2-1 defeat to FC Tokyo, make-or-break tie in a bid to the day. They’re on the top of our group ranking out stage with a game in hand, but Ulsan race for a fi rst trip to the knockout stage but Choi revealed star imports Giovanni and they have top players, so we will have enter the match knowing that a win will since 2006, but it’s a target which may Moreno and Kim Shin-wook are still only to have the force to win.” be good enough for them not only to ad- slip out of reach by tonight should they partially fi t, despite both making second Tokyo were on the front foot for the vance, but to do so as group winners. lose to the Australians. half cameos against the Japanese side, majority of their previous matches That would not only give Kim the chance With so much at stake, Choi declared and with Moreno fi nding the back of the against Shanghai Shenhua, ending up to rest his stars in the fi nal group stage Perth a better side than their lowly posi- net. Perth will be hoping to add to Choi’s with one win and one defeat from their match on Thursday, but also ensure they tion on the group table indicates. “If you worries. While their maiden participation two back-to-back clashes. But Ulsan ap- avoid the Group E winners, likely to be the look at all of their games in isolation, they in Asian competition will end in a group pear to be a diff erent proposition. The K rampant Beijing FC, in the Round of 16. are not a team which has been completely stage exit, coach Cristian Ola said his League runners-up have had more than defeated in any game,” said the former charges are determined to fi nd a silver lin- 60 per cent possession in all three of their PERTH GLORY BETTER THAN Korea Republic boss. ing among the Champions League clouds. outings in Qatar, but Hasegawa declared THEIR RECORD SUGGESTS, SAYS “They have competed until the last “Except for the fact that we are not able his side will not change their tactical ap- SHANGHAI SHENHUA’S CHOI second (in every match) and then been to go further from the group, which is ob- proach in order to counter a side packed Shanghai Shenhua head coach Choi defeated. Still, with Perth Glory, we re- vious at this moment, there is absolutely with attacking talent. Kang-hee declared he will not fall into the main focused on the current situation in nothing we will change in our approach “We don’t have any special tactic for trap of underestimating eliminated Perth our team right now. It really depends a for the last two games,” said Ola, who is Ulsan,” he said. “We don’t change our Glory when the two sides meet in an AFC lot on how many players we can use and part of the Perth technical team led by Ri- plan based on our opponent’s players. Champions League clash at Education whether our injured players will be able to chard Garcia. “They are good at keeping possession, City Stadium today recover in time. We still have to focus on With Perth still chasing their fi rst and sometimes we can be good in pos- Appearing in the premier Asian com- ourselves in this game.” point, and falling victim to late hero- session too. They are very strong in their petition for the fi rst time, Perth have lost Stricken by a lengthy injury list and ics from Ulsan Hyundai in both of their transition between defence and attack, all four of their matches to date, leaving player unavailability throughout the past two matches, there has been little to and it’s important to stop that.” them out of Round of 16 contention with tournament, there is good and bad news cheer, but midfi elder Brandon Wilson be- Depending on the result of the clash two group stage matches still to play. for Shenhua ahead of today’s clash. The lieves the tournament has at least helped between Shanghai Shenhua and Perth Shanghai Shenhua, on the other hand, important Stephane M’Bia and Qian unearth some potential future stars for Glory – also today – an FC Tokyo win sit one point behind second placed FC Jiegei return from suspension after miss- the Western Australian clubs. Both Melbourne Victory and Chiangrai United have three points.

BOTTOMLINE AFC Champions League played in top conditions, says Abdullah al-Saai bdullah al-Saai, Director standards to ensure the success of plomas in their respective fi elds,” al- the country in September and Octo- plementing the approved medical of the Competitions De- the AFC Champions League for West Saai said. “We have professionally run ber,” al-Saai said. protocols when it comes to teams, ref- partment at the Local Or- Zone matches also,” he added. management teams in all stadiums,” “We had great teamwork, and we erees, administrators and LOC mem- Aganising Committee (LOC) He said the presence of this large he added. managed all tasks well. We benefi ted bers. “We are strictly implementing of the AFC Asian Champions League, number of teams meant that the LOC Regarding co-ordination with the a lot from working in most trying cir- the medical protocols at match sta- East Zone matches, said Qatar has had to keep ready four stadiums with AFC, al-Saai said he met with the AFC cumstances. That event gave us the diums, training venues and hotels,” once again provided the ‘best condi- state-of-the-art cooling technol- delegation before the tournament be- confi dence that we could do work in al-Saai said. tions’ for teams at all four match ven- ogy and the fi nal selection of the four gan and meetings are held daily dur- any situation,” he added. He stressed that everyone is ready ues. “Following the announcement venues was made in coordination with ing the competition. “Coordination “We have a big team handling all to deliver another tremendous con- that Qatar would host the East Zone the AFC. He said attendance and fi eld with the AFC continues daily,” al-Saai matters at every venue. And remem- tinental event through hard work. He matches, there was a timeline to pro- follow-ups are vital in tackling every reiterated. ber all the people working at the said completing the championship vide everything that would contribute matter at venues before the teams ar- When asked about the AFC Cham- stadiums know we are operating in remains at the core of LOC’s work to the success of the championship. rive for matches or training. “Such pions League, West Zone matches, the times of Covid-19. We are extra methods that are being implemented However, slick preparation from the events undoubtedly refi ne and devel- al-Saai said Qatar LOC members vigilant, and we know that top-notch daily. “Timely coordination between LOC helped us in providing great op young people, and also, it helps us gained a lot. “What we did during the professionalism is needed to get work workers of LOC and with members of conditions to host matches,” al-Saai gain experience. The young cadres we AFC Champions League, West Zone done,” al-Saai said. the AFC delegates are key to quick and said in an interview with QFA web- see have the capacity to organize such matches was the subject of admira- He pointed out that dealing with accurate solutions to any problems we site. “We provided the highest match matches, and some of them have di- tion and respect from those visiting what the current crisis requires im- may face,” al-Saai said. Gulf Times Monday, November 30, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Community league boosts grassroots football in Qatar More than 1,300 players from across the country participate in the competition, which hosts matches at Qatar 2022 training sites stablished in 2016 by the Su- ing pitches which feature a World Cup preme Committee for Delivery stadium as a backdrop. “We are getting & Legacy (SC), the Qatar Com- closer to fi nally seeing the world’s big- munity Football League (QCFL) gest tournament in Qatar – and playing isE taking huge strides. The competition on some of the training pitches makes is currently made up of 40 teams and it feel even more tangible,” said al-Su- 1,300 players. laiti. “It’s a great thrill to play in this Open to members of the public, in- league. Despite the players being ama- cluding youth and girls, the league teurs, it is brimming with talent and a brings together players of all abilities great platform for emerging players in to enjoy football on a weekly basis, with Qatar to show off their skills.” matches taking place at FIFA World QCFL matches are 11-a-side and Cup Qatar 2022 training pitches. played on full-size pitches. Games last “Having the opportunity to play on 60 minutes and involve players of all these beautiful pitches presents a mas- abilities. Omar Saad is responsible for sive opportunity for football lovers who managing the logistics of the league look forward to enjoying the beautiful – and he’s proud of its power to unite game as a break from their day to day people from all walks of life. “For the life,” said Mohamed Muntari, who plays past four years, the QCFL has off ered for Qatar Stars League champions Al an inclusive community platform for Duhail and manages QCFL side Qatar people to come together and enjoy the The Qatar Community Football League is currently made up of 40 teams and 1,300 players. Black Stars in his spare time. beautiful game, whilst promoting a “What is most striking about the healthier lifestyle,” said Saad. league is the high level of talent that can Another QCFL player is Matias Frei- be seen on the pitch. For some, a com- je, an Argentinian equine vet who plays munity league denotes a certain level of for Al Bidda, a fi rst division team which football, but once you come and watch includes a host of players from Latin these games in person, you will be America. “The league is organised at amazed by the quality of many of these a world-class level,” said Freije. “For players,” added Muntari, who is also a amateurs that play the game as a hobby, Qatar international. it provides us an incredible opportunity Weekly matches take place at the to be part of something so extraordi- training pitches adjacent to the Qatar nary, and that is why we make sure to 2022 stadium in Al Rayyan, which will come out and play every week.” be inaugurated on 18 December when SC Secretary-General Hassan al- it hosts the Amir Cup fi nal between Al Thawadi, is full of praise for the QCFL Sadd and Al Arabi. The 40,000-capac- and its impact on grassroots football in ity venue, which was built largely from the country. “People from diff erent na- reused and recycled materials from the tionalities and walks of life play in the deconstructed Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, league,” said al-Thawadi. which once occupied the site, will host “They retain the uniqueness of their seven matches during Qatar 2022 up to identity, and yet together, they come the round of 16 stage. and form Qatari society. What the Khaled al-Sulaiti plays as a defensive community league has done for grass- midfi elder for the College of the North roots football has been such a big boost Atlantic in Qatar. He is immensely and I wish it many years of success,” he Khaled al-Sulaiti, who plays as a defensive midfielder for the College of the North Atlantic in Matias Freije, an Argentinian equine vet, plays for Al Bidda, a first divi- proud to play on Qatar 2022 train- added. (SC.qa) Qatar, says he is immensely proud to play on Qatar 2022 training pitches. sion team which includes a host of players from Latin America.

LA LIGA FOCUS Messi salutes Maradona as Sanchez names 23 players for Qatar’s Bangladesh qualifi er Barcelona trounce Osasuna oach Felix Sanchez has country, the team is competing to Abdelkarim Hassan, Boualam named 23 players for obtain qualifi cation for the 2023 Khokhi, Hassan al-Haydous, AFP points behind leaders Real Sociedad, who the upcoming match AFC Asian Cup as it aspires to de- Akram Afif, Musab Khidr, Madrid were playing late last night, and Atletico against Bangladesh in fend the title that it won in 2019. Mohamed Waad and Youssef Madrid. theC joint AFC Asian Cup and the Qatar is top of Group E (13 points Abdel Razzaq (Al Sadd). Almoez 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying from fi ve matches) while last- Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Ismail arcelona yesterday followed the ad- ZIDANE LAMENTS REAL’S AWFUL match. The match will be held placed Bangladesh has one point Mohamed, Abdullah Abd al- vice of coach Ronald Koeman and START, LACK OF CONSISTENCY on December 4 at Abdullah bin from four games. The previous Salam, Mohamed Imad Ayesh paid tribute to their former player Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zi- Khalifa Stadium. encounter between the two teams and Abdel-Rahman Fahmy Diego Maradona with an emphatic dane said he was concerned about his side’s The Round 8 match will be the saw Qatar winning 2-0 in Dhaka. (Al Duhail). Ahmed Alaaedin, returnB to form in La Liga and a 4-0 victory inability to turn matches around after they fi rst of the Asian qualifi ers to be Oman (12 points), Afghanistan (4 Humam Ahmed, Muayad Hassan over Osasuna. were beaten 2-1 at home by Alaves in La liga held during the year 2020 af- points) and India (3 points) are (Al Gharafa) Ahmed Fathy, Jasim Maradona, who played two seasons for on Saturday after what he described as their ter the approval by FIFA and the the other sides in the group. Jaber, Mahmoud Abu Nada (Al Barca, died on Wednesday aged 60. Before worst start to a game all season. National Federations. Although Arabi) Abdel-Aziz Hatem and the match, the club played ‘The Song of the Madrid should have been feeling con- Qatar national team has booked QATAR SQUAD Fahd Younis (Al Rayyan). Birds’ by Catalan cellist Pablo Casals as the fi dent after beating Inter Milan 2-0 on a direct qualifi cation ticket to the teams stood around the centre circle where a Wednesday in the Champions League but 2022 FIFA World Cup as the host Meshaal Barshim, Tariq Salman, Coach: Felix Sanchez Maradona shirt was laid on the centre spot. they fell behind in the fi fth minute to a Lucas Lionel Messi, who has inherited Marado- Perez penalty. The champions should have na’s legendary Argentina number 10 shirt, conceded again soon after when Perez beat BUNDESLIGA bowed his head. Flags at the Camp Nou fl ew the off side trap but the forward was foiled by at half mast, Maradona’s image was dis- Thibaut Courtois. The keeper made a terri- played on every screen and digital adver- ble error early in the second half by sending tising hoardings while a club offi cial held a a stray pass to Alaves forward Joselu, who Unbeaten Leverkusen held by Hertha framed Maradona Barcelona shirt. scored easily. “I have no explanation, the AFP The Catalans have been struggling in La defeat wasn’t down to our attitude or how Berlin Liga and started the game 14th. On Friday, well we played given out performance last Koeman said the best tribute his team could week, but you cannot aff ord to start a match pay Maradona was to “show what we can do like we did today. That was the worst start ayer Leverkusen missed on the pitch”. we have made this season,” Zidane said. the chance to go second He recalled Messi and Frenkie de Jong, “When you concede such an early goal in the Bundesliga with who were not in the squad for Tuesday’s you have time to get back into the game a 0-0 draw at home to 4-0 Champions League win at Dynamo but things got very diffi cult for us after the HerthaB Berlin as Jamaica forward Kiev, and also started Antoine Griezmann, fi rst goal. It’s very diffi cult to understand. Leon Bailey’s four-game scoring who was on the bench in Ukraine. Barcelona We were unable to change the path of the streak came to an end yesterday. took the lead after 29 minutes when the ball match, that annoyed me a lot and I’m sure In-form winger Bailey has lobbed into the net off Martin Braithwaite’s it annoyed the players too. We were a little found the net fi ve times in his knee following a scramble in front of goal. bit better in the second half but what we did last four games for Leverkusen in Messi seemed to be attempting a tribute was not enough, we did very little to change all competitions, but he and his to Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the game.” colleagues were left frustrated as against England in 1986 as he leapt after the a goal against Osasuna yesterday wearing Real were missing six players including Hertha took a hard-earned point fl oating ball stretching his left arm toward a Newell’s Old Boys shirt as a mark of Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema and lost back to the German capital. it but the referee deemed he did not make respect for Diego Maradona. (Reuters) Eden Hazard to injury, although Zidane said “Hertha were diffi cult to play contact. It was Braithwaite’s fi rst goal at the he believed the Belgian had only sustained a against, so there wasn’t much Camp Nou and followed the Denmark for- far corner. He celebrated by pulling off his knock. The Frenchman said he expected his more in it for us today. We had ward’s midweek strike in Kyiv. Barcelona shirt to reveal a vintage Newell’s side to improve once their injured players too few chances and didn’t use Griezmann scored with a powerful left- Old Boys jersey from Maradona’s one season returned. our set-pieces,” said Leverkusen foot volley from outside the box in the 42nd with the club in Rosario, Argentina. “It was midfi elder Julian Baumgartlinger. Hertha Berlin’s Matteo Guendouzi (left) and Bayer Leverkusen’s minute. The France World Cup winner then a great moment,” said Koeman. “Leo’s goal, LIGA RESULTS YESTERDAY: Leverkusen had scored 18 goals Julian Baumgartlinger battle for the ball in the Bundesliga. (Reuters) passed up a shooting chance in the 56th his gesture dedicated to Maradona. It was Barcelona 4 (Braithwaite 29, Griezmann 42, in their previous fi ve matches, minute to roll a pass across the goal and something very big. We Europeans don’t re- but their in-form attack was held Lars Bender almost snatched a behind Bayern and RB Leipzig. Coutinho 57, Messi 73) Osasuna 0; Getafe 1 set up a tap-in for Philippe Coutinho. As alise how big Maradona is in Argentina.” at bay by a suff ocating Berlin late winner for Leverkusen when Hertha, who have earned just (Angel 75) Athletic Bilbao 1 (Villalibre 9) Barcelona rediscovered their cutting edge, Earlier this week, Newell’s tweeted a pho- defence. Both Bailey and Kerem he fl icked Demirbay’s free-kick eight points in their fi rst nine Ousmane Dembele had a strike ruled out for tograph from Maradona’s debut showing a Played Saturday: Huesca 0 Sevilla 1 Demirbay tested goalkeeper Al- past the post from six yards out. A games, will hope to put their sea- off side. Messi got his goal in the 74th minute six-year-old local prodigy, in the same black (En-Nesyri 83); Valencia 0 Atletico Madrid exander Schwolow with long- win would have seen Leverkusen son back on course with a win in with a dazzling strike. He picked up the ball and red shirt, doing ball tricks for the crowd 1 (Lato 79-og); Elche 1 (Boye 38) Cadiz 1 range eff orts in the first half, move to within a point of league next Friday’s derby against high- in midfi eld, danced past two defenders and at half-time. That boy was Messi. (Gimenez 55); Real Madrid 1 (Casemiro 86) while Dodi Lukebakio twice came leaders Bayern Munich. fl ying cross-city rivals Union smashed a rising left-foot shot into the top Barcelona climbed to eighth, still nine Alaves 2 (Perez 5-pen, Joselu 49) close for Hertha at the other end. Instead, they remain in third Berlin. Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 30, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Spurs go top aft er draw with Chelsea, Cavani sparks United Chelsea, unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions, are third, two points behind Tottenham and Liverpool

AFP grabbed the equaliser from his team- London mate’s defl ected shot. The 33-year-old netted again in the fi nal moments as his third goal since ottenham moved to the top signing as a free agent in October ex- of the Premier League with a tended United’s winning to four games 0-0 draw against title rivals in all competitions. “Great impact of Chelsea, while Edinson Cavani course. He is a number nine who wants Tinspired Manchester United’s thrilling to be in between the posts, he is always 3-2 win at Southampton yesterday. on the move. I’m very pleased with Jose Mourinho’s side climbed above him,” Solskjaer said. previous leaders Liverpool on goal dif- “On the training pitch, in the dress- ference after a sterile London derby at ing room and during meal times, how Stamford Bridge. Tottenham are un- meticulous he is. He knows what he beaten in nine league games and Mour- wants to eat, how much he wants to inho seemed happy to frustrate his recover — everything! It was top move- former club as they adopted a cautious ment and his timing is fantastic. His approach with little attacking ambi- hunger to get on the end of things is the tion. Chelsea have not lost in their last key for a centre-forward. Sometimes it 11 games in all competitions and sit in hurts and sometimes it doesn’t but to third place, two points behind Totten- score you have to be in there.” ham and Liverpool, who drew 1-1 at It was exactly the kind of infl uential Brighton on Saturday. Fourth-placed display Solskjaer was hoping for from Leicester would go second if they beat Cavani when he moved for him af- Fulham today. ter United’s failed pursuit of Borussia Timo Werner thought he had put Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. Written off Chelsea ahead early in the fi rst half with as a panic buy in some quarters, Cav- a superb fi nish, only for an off side fl ag ani proved his age should be no bar- to thwart the Germany striker. Chel- rier to making an impact in the Premier sea’s Mason Mount forced a good save League. He is only the second player from Hugo Lloris in the second half, to be directly involved in three goals while substitute Olivier Giroud should in a Premier League game after com- have done better than shoot straight at ing on as a substitute for United since the Tottenham keeper in stoppage time. Solskjaer scored four against Notting- The drab clash in west London was ham Forest in 1999. United climbed to a stark contrast to United’s dramatic seventh place, two points adrift of the fi ghtback from two goals down at St Champions League places, after setting Mary’s. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side a club record of eight successive away were facing a dismal defeat after fi rst- Premier League wins. “I was quite calm half goals from Jan Bednarek and James at half-time. We must have had fi ve or Ward-Prowse put Southampton in six clear-cut chances, so it was about control. taking them when we got the chance,” Manchester United’s striker Edinson Cavani (right) scores during the Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton. (AFP) But Uruguay striker Cavani sparked Solskjaer said. United goalkeeper Dav- United’s escape act after coming on id de Gea came off at half-time with a PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS 74, 90+2) Played Saturday: Brighton 1 (Gross Leeds 1 (Raphinha 79); West Brom 1 at the interval. Cavani set up Bruno knee injury and Solskjaer said: “Hope- Chelsea 0 Tottenham 0; Southampton Playing today: Leicester City v Fulham 90-pen) Liverpool 1 (Jota 60); Man- (Gallagher 13) Sheff ield Utd 0 Fernandes to reduce the defi cit and fully he can be okay for Wednesday but 2 (Bednarek 23, Ward-Prowse 33) Man- (1730), West Ham United v Aston Villa chester City 5 (Mahrez 6, 22, 69, Mendy Played Friday: Crystal Palace 0 New- the former Paris Saint-Germain star I’m not sure.” chester United 3 (Fernandes 59, Cavani (2000) 41, Torres 66) Burnley 0; Everton 0 castle 2 (Wilson 88, Joelinton 89)

FOCUS SERIE A Former Senegal midfi elder Diop dies aged 42 Impressive AC Milan Agencies Cup hero, always a World Cup Lions side that stunned reigning London hero,” the world governing body world champions France 1-0 in pull fi ve points clear said in a statement on Twitter. the opening match of the 2002 Diop made 129 appearances World Cup, scoring the only goal ormer Senegal midfi elder in the Premier League, scor- of the game to secure one of the Papa Bouba Diop, who ing eight goals, and had spells biggest shocks in the history of scored the fi rst goal of the in England with West Ham, the competition. 2002 World Cup against Birmingham City, Fulham and Senegal ultimately reached the France,F has died at the age of 42, Portsmouth. A post on Fulham’s quarter-fi nal of the tournament, world governing body FIFA said Twitter account said the club with Diop going on to score twice yesterday. was “devastated” and, using in the West Africans’ 3-3 group- “FIFA is saddened to learn of Diop’s nickname, added: “Rest stage draw with Uruguay before the passing of Senegal legend well, Wardrobe.” they were eventually eliminated Papa Bouba Diop. Once a World Diop was part of the Teranga by Turkey in the fi nal eight.

LIGUE 1 AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli celebrates after scoring against Fiorentina at the San Siro in Milan yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP when Argentine Roberto Pereyra Lyon see off Reims to climb second, Monaco cruise Milan set up Turkish midfi elder Tolgay Arslan for Udinese’s fi rst goal AFP table Bordeaux, who deserved their draw. against Lazio in the Stadio Ol- Décines-Charpieu, France It is a setback for the reigning French C Milan shrugged off impico in six years. champions, a week after they lost 3-2 at the absence of injured Rodrigo De Paul then set up Monaco, and nearest challengers Lille can star Zlatan Ibrahimovic fellow Argentine Ignacio Pus- yon continued their fi ne form move level on points at the top of the table to consolidate their setto for the second just before with a 3-0 win over Reims yester- with victory at Saint-Etienne on Sunday. leadA in Serie A yesterday with a the break, and provided the as- day which lifted them to second in “If we don’t improve it’s going to be 2-0 win over Fiorentina. Milan sist for another compatriot Ligue 1, while Monaco beat Nimes diffi cult for us in the league and in the pulled fi ve points clear of city Fernando Forestieri’s third mid- Lto also move within two points of leaders Champions League,” Neymar said ahead rivals Inter Milan and Sassuolo, way through the second half. Paris Saint-Germain. Karl Toko Ekambi, of the trip to Old Traff ord on Wednesday. with AS Roma and Juventus six After his goal, Pussetto opened Bruno Guimaraes and Moussa Dembele PSG were again missing key players, as points adrift. his two hands wide, to symbolise scored for Lyon as they made it 16 points has often been the case this season, with But Lazio slumped to a 3-1 the number 10, Maradona’s jer- from their last six matches to sit two goalkeeper Keylor Navas and captain home defeat to Udinese, days sey number. Lazio looked weary points behind PSG and above Monaco Marquinhos among those absent. Yet, before their Champions League after the 3-1 Champions League and Montpellier on goal diff erence. regardless of that, the performance will trip to Borussia Dortmund, in a win over Zenit Saint Petersburg, “We must continue in this vein and do little to ease concerns that have been victory paved by the visitors’ Ar- but pulled a goal back through a look upwards. We must put a run of vic- growing since they succeeded in beat- gentina players on a day Serie A Ciro Immobile penalty after 74 tories together,” said Lyon coach Rudi ing RB Leipzig in midweek despite a dis- paid tribute to Diego Maradona. minutes. The Romans are mid- Garcia. “This is the fi rst time that we jointed display. “We know how important Serie A top scorer Ibrahimovic table in ninth, nine points behind have won three times in a row. As in An- Wednesday’s match is. It’s decisive. We watched from the stands after AC Milan. gers (last week), we had an opportunity to didn’t play well (against Leipzig) but we picking up a muscle injury last Maradona’s former club Na- (move up the) table. We seized it.” won. On Wednesday we will try to play weekend. Head coach Stefano poli were hosting Roma late last Lille can leapfrog Lyon, Monaco and our best game. We need to play more as a Pioli was absent recovering from night with tributes planned for Montpellier if they win at Saint-Etienne team and be better organised, otherwise coronavirus, but Milan extended their legendary No 10 who led later on Sunday. PSG gave the chasing it will be diffi cult,” Neymar added. their unbeaten run in the league the club to their only league titles pack a chance to cut the gap with a 2-2 A failure to beat United at Old Traf- this season. Franck Kessie set up in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA home draw against Bordeaux on Satur- Lyon’s Maxwell Cornet (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against ford could leave last season’s Champions Alessio Romagnoli for the opener Cup in 1989. Napoli will wear a day, having blown a two-goal lead to lose Reims in the French Ligue 1 in Decine-Charpieu near Lyon yesterday. (AFP) League runners-up staring at a group- after 17 minutes with the Ivorian jersey reminiscent of Argentina’s to Monaco last week. stage exit from the competition for the forward adding a second from for their fi rst league game since Reims, who had Moreto Cassama sent victory over Nimes to notch their fourth fi elder Teji Savanier’s missed penalty in fi rst time in the Qatar era. the penalty spot 10 minutes later. his death. The launch of this new off on 33 minutes, remain fourth from straight league win. Young midfi elder the fi rst half. Fiorentina goalkeeper Bartlomiej jersey had already been planned bottom and look destined for a relegation Sofi ane Diop gave the hosts an early lead FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Dragowski denied Kessie a sec- before Maradona’s death, Na- dog-fi ght. Toko Ekambi, returning from at the Stade Louis II, before Gelson Mar- ond in the fi rst half after Martin poli said. A minute’s silence has NEYMAR REACHES Lyon 3 (Toko Ekambi 22, Guimaraes 49, suspension, proved the key for Lyon, hit- tins and Kevin Volland struck in the sec- MILESTONE BUT PSG HELD Caceres fouled Theo Hernandez. been observed before all games Dembele 66) Reims 0; Lens 1 (Kalimuen- ting the post early on before scoring in ond half to see off Nimes, who had Lucas On Saturday, Neymar scored his 50th Franck Ribery missed chances in memory of Maradona with a the 22nd minute with a header at the back Deaux dismissed in the 69th minute. league goal for PSG but warned the Ligue do-Muinga 34) Angers 3 (Pereira Lage for Fiorentina. New Fiorentina photo of the former Argentina post from a cross by Memphis Depay. Germany striker Volland has scored fi ve 1 leaders needed to improve quickly as 22, Bahoken 49, Capelle 90+2); Lorient 0 coach Cesare Prandelli fell to his and Napoli star projected on gi- Toko Ekambi also created the second Ligue 1 goals for Monaco since his close- they prepared for a crunch European Montpellier 1 (Skuletic 79); Metz 0 Brest second defeat in as many games, ant screens in the 10th minute, as — Guimaraes’s fi rst for Lyon — four min- season move from Bayer Leverkusen. The clash with Manchester United by drawing 2 (Cardona 12, Boye 64-og); Monaco 3 with his side above the relegation players stopped to applaud. utes after the break, the Brazilian’s shot principality outfi t have fi nished ninth 2-2 with Bordeaux. (Diop 19), Gelson Martins 75, Volland 77) zone without a goal in their last taking a defl ection off Marshall Munetsi. and 17th in the last two seasons and coach The world’s most expensive player Nimes 0; Nice 1 (Gouiri 80-pen) Dijon 3 four games. SERIE A RESULTS Toko Ekambi also teed up Dembele for the Niko Kovac was eager to play down any scored a penalty to cancel out an early (Balde 21, 66, Ngonda 31) In Rome, Lazio’s players took Lazio 1 (Immobile 74-pen) Udi- third. Dembele had just come on as a sub- thoughts of a repeat of their shock 2017 Timothee Pembele own goal and be- to the pitch with special edi- Played Saturday: Marseille 3 (Thauvin nese 3 (Arslan 18, Pussetto 45+3, stitute for Tino Kadewere who had hit the title triumph. come the quickest to reach a half century 2, Payet 35, Benedetto 60-pen) Nantes 1 tion ‘AD10S’ jersies in honour post in the fi rst half and had a goal ruled Fourth-placed Montpellier also ex- of league goals in a PSG shirt, outdoing of former Argentina and Na- Forestieri 71); Bologna 1 (Soriano (Blas 73); Paris Saint-Germain 2 (Neymar out for off side. Cassama was sent off for a tended their winning streak to four Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Moise Kean then put poli great Maradona who died 45+2) Crotone 0; AC Milan 2 foul on Depay who looked to be in on goal. matches as Petar Skuletic scored late on PSG in front only for Yacine Adli to fi re in 27-pen, Kean 28) Bordeaux 2 (Pembele last week aged 60. But the hosts (Romagnoli 17, Kessie 27-pen) Later yesterday, Monaco eased to a 3-0 to grab a 1-0 win at Lorient, despite mid- a superb second-half equaliser for mid- 10-og, Adli 60) trailed after quarter of an hour Fiorentina 0 Gulf Times Monday, November 30, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Browns’ coach San Francisco 49ers to make history need temporary against Jaguars home due to ban Santa Clara off icials have banned professional sports through December 21

Cleveland Browns’ chief of staff Callie Brownson. (Twitter/Browns)

Reuters of his fi rst child on Saturday. New York, United States Her job as an interim coach comes a day after kicker Sa- rah Fuller of Vanderbilt became he glass ceiling in foot- the fi rst woman to compete in ball will be shattered for a football game for a Power Five a second day in a row on conference team. Missouri shut Sunday when the Cleve- out the Commodores 41-0 on Tland Browns face the Jaguars in Saturday, and Fuller’s only op- Jacksonville. portunity was the kickoff to start Callie Brownson, who works the second half. as the Browns’ chief of staff , will Brownson, who previously coach tight ends, making her the played in the Women’s Football fi rst woman to serve as a posi- Alliance with the D.C. Divas, was tional coach in an NFL game. She a coaching intern with the Buf- will be fi lling in for tight ends falo Bills in 2019. Browns coach coach Drew Petzing, who is miss- Kevin Stefanski named her the ing the game following the birth team’s chief of staff in January.

SPOTLIGHT NBA begins daily virus testing ahead of 2020-21 campaign Agencies New York, United States

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington, United States BA players begin daily earlier this month. (USA TODAY Sports) Covid-19 tests this weekend ahead of next Reuters sports directive, will temporar- more home games: December according to the Mercury News. peated Covid-19 issues within month’s start of the ily suspend activities that require 7 against the Buff alo Bills, De- The 49ers haven’t had fans in their football squad in recent N2020-21 season under health and San Francisco, United States direct physical contact or inter- cember 13 against the Washing- the stands of Levi’s Stadium in weeks. As of Saturday, San Fran- safety procedures outlined by the action in Santa Clara County,” ton Football Team and January 3 Santa Clara due to county health cisco had fi ve players on the league to clubs. he San Francisco 49ers County Counsel James Williams versus the Seattle Seahawks. orders. reserve/Covid-19 list and re- The guide unveiled Saturday appear in need of a tem- told reporters on Saturday. “So Santa Clara County health of- Another complicating fac- moved three from the list during details protocols regarding the porary home after Santa that means for those teams, they fi cial Dr. Sara Cody is deeply trou- tor for the 49ers is a new travel the week. upcoming campaign, set to start Clara County offi cials will not be able to play games or bled by the recent uptick in cases. ordinance going into eff ect that As for Stanford, the pro- December 22 with pre-season Ton Saturday banned profes- have practices where they have “I am gravely concerned by will require a 14-day quarantine gramme has a home football contests opening December 11 sional, college and youth sports direct contact within the county.” the continuing surge in Cov- for people travelling in and out game scheduled for December 12 and training camps launching games and practices through The 49ers issued a state- id-19 cases and hospitalisa- of the county from more than against Oregon State. next week. December 21. ment that read, “We are aware tions,” Cody said in a statement. 150 miles away. San Jose State has upcom- Last season was completed in The strict health mandate was of the Santa Clara County Public “The number of patients hos- The 49ers could elect to re- ing home games against Hawaii a bubble at Orlando after being Veteran forward Udonis Haslem announced due to the “severe Health Department’s emergency pitalized with Covid-19 in our main in Los Angeles after Sun- (December 5) and Nevada (De- halted in March by the Covid-19 has signed a one-year deal with surge” of Covid-19 in a county directive. We are working with county has doubled in just the day’s game as they sort out cember 11). pandemic. This season will see Miami Heat. that is also home to college pro- the NFL and our partners on past couple of weeks, and we are destinations. Oakland and the The NHL’s San Jose Sharks 72 games per club which are to be grammes Stanford and San Jose operational plans and will share at risk of exceeding our hospi- Phoenix area — perhaps Sun could also be aff ected in terms staged at empty home arenas. it has high as $195mn, multiple State. The mandate goes into ef- details as they are confi rmed.” tal capacity very soon if current Devil Stadium in Tempe — could of preseason practice sessions. The league is to announce its outlets reported. Escalators in- fect today. The 49ers (4-6) play at the trends continue.” be possible sites for upcoming Their upcoming regular-season upcoming season schedule in the clude earning a spot on the All- “The update today, to the pro- Los Angeles Rams on Sun- The county had a single-day home games. schedule hasn’t yet been an- next few days. NBA team, or earning an MVP or fessional sports and collegiate day, but are slated for three record of 760 cases on Saturday, The 49ers also have had re- nounced. Individual workouts through defensive player of the year in the today will be voluntary, followed upcoming season. by required individual workouts The deal tops the previous MOVE tomorrow through Saturday and high when Jimmy Butler signed a Ravens TE Andrews among 22 on required group workouts set for $141mn pact with the team. Covid list: report December 6-10. “One of the most important Among the key provisions of things a franchise can do is to make Colts defensive tackle Stewart The Baltimore Ravens had two more players test positive the protocols, which mention sure that your best, youngest, cor- for Covid-19 on Saturday, making it seven straight days no criteria that might cause the nerstone players sign on the dotted with at least one positive test for the franchise, according NBA to suspend the season, were line,” Heat president Pat Riley said lands $30.75mn deal to ESPN. Tight end Mark Andrews and outside linebacker a small number of cases or inde- in a statement. “Getting Bam his Matthew Judon, both Pro Bowl selections last season, pendent Covid-19 positives not extension was a no-brainer for us Reuters tested positive for the virus on Saturday, ESPN reported, requiring a season shutdown. because we know he will be around New York, United States bringing the Ravens’ total to 22 players on the reserve/ Anyone testing positive can for years to come. That’s great for Covid-19 list. At least eight staff members also have return to work by going 10 or the Heat, great for the fans and tested positive. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running more days after the fi rst posi- great for Bam.” he Indianapolis Colts backs Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins are among those tive test or onset of symptoms Adebayo will make $5.1mn in announced Saturday on the list. The outbreak in Baltimore forced the NFL to or produce two negative tests at the upcoming season on the fi - that they have signed move the initially scheduled game between the Pitts- least 24 hours apart. nal year of his rookie deal before run-stopping defensive burgh Steelers (10-0) and the visiting Ravens (6-4) from Any player who tests positive, his season-salary jumps north of Ttackle Grover Stewart to a con- even if without symptoms, must $28mn for the 2021-22 season. Thanksgiving night to Sunday afternoon to now Tuesday tract extension. night. NBC will televise the game, set for 8pm ET. If this wait 10 days and then be moni- Adebayo had a breakout 2019- Published reports pegged game occurs as now planned on Tuesday, the NFL will tored in solo workouts for two 20 season when he averaged 15.9 the extension as being worth move the Ravens’ Week 13 game as well. more days before returning to points with 10.2 rebounds and 5.1 $30.75mn over three years with the team. assists. He was even better in the $20mn guaranteed. Saints fi ned $500K for Week 9 An anonymous tip line will be playoff s with 17.8 points and 10.3 The 27-year-old Stewart was established to report possible rebounds, while adding 4.4 as- slated to become a free agent fol- celebration: report safety protocol violations, some- sists in 19 of the team’s 21 playoff lowing the season. thing that was also used in the games. Stewart has emerged as a force The New Orleans Saints reportedly will pay a hefty price for Orlando bubble. The Heat fell just short of an this season with a career-best 36 celebrating a blowout win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team travel parties will be NBA title this past season, losing tackles for a unit that ranks sec- in Week 9. The NFL fined the team $500,000 and stripped limited to 45 people, 17 of them to the Los Angeles Lakers during onds in total defense (298.1 yards year,” Indianapolis coach Frank ble heart, yet he is a fi erce com- them of a seventh-round draft pick next season for not players, as they visit arenas a six-game Finals series. per game). He has four tackles for Reich said of Stewart. “He’s ex- petitor. I love guys like that — wearing masks during their postgame celebration after across the nation. Miami re-signed Haslem to a loss. plosive. He came in in the best guys that are fi erce competitors. beating the Bucs 38-3 on Nov. 8, ESPN reported yesterday. $2.6mn veteran minimum deal, Stewart has received a lot of shape of his life. He kind of So, he’s having a monster year.” The Saints are said to be appealing the decision, asserting HEAT SIGN ADEBAYO AND according to the Miami Herald. credit for Indianapolis’ success transformed his body — made Stewart started just one of 30 that the league has not punished other teams as heavily HASLEM The deal means the 40-year-old at stopping the run this season. him quicker and faster. He lost a games played over his fi rst two for celebrating in a similar manner. A video of the team’s The Miami Heat reached deals will return for his 18th season, all The Colts rank third at 89.2 yards lot of weight, put on lean mass. NFL seasons before starting 13 of locker room celebration was posted to Instagram after the Saturday with two players from of them with the Heat. per game. “Then Grover in a diff erent 16 contests in 2019. He recorded game and showed coach Sean Payton, linebacker Demario their NBA Finals squad, signing Haslem scored 3.0 points with The Colts also are tied for way is one of the true leaders of 30 tackles and a career-best Davis and quarterback Jameis Winston celebrating without center/forward Bam Adebayo to 4.0 rebounds in just four games fourth in passing defense (208.9) this team. This guy, he’s not al- three sacks last season. masks. It has been removed. The Saints previously were the richest deal in franchise his- this past season and is valued and rank fi fth in scoring defense ways the loudest or the most vo- Stewart has 106 tackles (12 for fined $250,000 and Payton was fined $100,000 when he tory, while also coming to terms more for his leadership skills. In (20.8). cal leader, but if you talk about loss) and three sacks in 56 games was spotted not wearing a mask during a loss to the Raiders on a one-year deal with veteran 858 career games, Haslem has Stewart’s improved play also in the locker room who gets the (24 starts) with the Colts. He was in Las Vegas in Week 2. The Patriots also reportedly were forward Udonis Haslem. averaged 7.6 points with 4.8 re- came after he cut his weight from most respect, Grover is in that a second-round pick in 2017 out fined $350,000 on Sunday for violations in October that led Adebayo, 23, offi cially agreed bounds and is the franchise’s 345 to 308 pounds last off season. top tier of guys because of his of Albany State, a Division II pro- to an outbreak within the team. to a fi ve-year, $163mn deal with all-time leading rebounder with “He’s having a really good humble heart. He’s got this hum- gramme located in Georgia. escalator clauses that could take 5,754 boards. Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 30, 2020 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Reshuffl ed France see off Ireland edge Italy to set up England fi nal Reuters Paris

revamped France beat Italy 36-5 at home on Saturday to top Au- tumn Nations Cup past Georgia AGroup B and set up a bizarre fi nal with England next week- end. Billy Burns’ 15 points on his first Test start was the highlight of the match Following an agreement be- tween the federation and the league, coach Fabien Galthie had to made 13 changes to his A-team and the same play- ers will have to face England at Twickenham next Sunday. Les Bleus, however, did the job at the Stade de France fol- lowing a poor start, scoring fi ve tries through Jonathan Danty, Gabin Villiere, Baptiste Serin, Teddy Thomas and Sekou Ma- calou, the other points coming from the boots of Matthieu Jal- ibert and Louis Carbonel. Italy scored a try through Carlo Canna, as they fi nished third on fi ve points with France on 14 and Scotland on 11. There was a minute’s silence in memory of former France international Christophe Do- France’s wing Gabin Villiere runs with the ball to score a try against minici, who died on Wednesday Italy at the Stade de France stadium, in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts at the age of 48. of Paris, on Saturday. With fi ve uncapped play- ers and only two from the team Jalibert converted and Les been sin-binned following an who beat Scotland last week- Bleus reached the break with a illegal tackle. end, France lacked cohesion 10-5 lead. France scored three Macalou capped a decent and discipline. Canna burst tries within nine minutes be- performance with a last-sec- through the defence to put Italy tween the 55th and 63rd min- ond try converted by Carbonel. ahead after Matthieu Jalibert utes. Winger Villiere scored at With players allowed to fea- had opened the scoring with an the end of a 35-metre slalom, ture on a maximum of three early penalty. Serin sneaked through to add match sheets for the autumn Les Bleus regained the ad- his team’s third just before tests, France will still be with- vantage shortly before the in- Thomas dived over after being out the likes of scrumhalf An- terval when Danty touched set up by Brice Dulin. toine Dupont and usual captain down after being set up by Bap- Italy were down to 14 on the Charles Ollivon at Twicken- tiste Serin from a scrum. pitch after Jacopo Trulla had ham.

Ireland’s fly-half Billy Burns kicks a conversion against Georgia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin yesterday. FOCUS

AFP Burns took less than 10 min- A superb passage of play from It left the Ireland captain shak- Dublin utes of his maiden Tests start to the hosts, beginning with Conor ing his head and the visitors slen- score his fi rst try for Ireland run- Murray’s box kick collected bril- der hopes of a famous win alive. Yehualaw runs second-fastest ning onto a brilliant pop pass by liantly by Hugo Keenan was just That was about as good as it reland secured an Au- Chris Farrell. The Ulster fl y-half the pep the Irish needed. got for Ireland as their perform- tumn Nations Cup play-off converted for 7-0. Ireland hooker Rob Herring ance fell away in the second- women’s half marathon ever against Scotland next week- Burns added a penalty soon went close to scoring their second half. Agencies Iend with an edgy 23-10 vic- after as Irish pressure provoked try but a Georgian player succeed- Burns impressive fi rst start New Delhi tory over tenacious Georgia at Georgia into conceding penalties. ed in preventing him touching the came to a premature end in the Lansdowne Road yesterday. However, a bit of individual ball down on the line. 45th minute, replaced by Ross Billy Burns’ 15 points on his brilliance by Giorgi Kveseladze Hugo Keenan did secure their Byrne after taking a knock. thiopia’s Yalemzerf fi rst Test start was the highlight saw the Georgians score their second try as the wing was picked Irish nerves were kept jangling Yehualaw ran the sec- of the hosts’ performance. fi rst points of the competition out by Stockdale’s long pass and as Abzhandadze slotted over a ond-fastest women’s It was a much improved per- taking full-back Soso Matiash- went in at the corner. penalty for 20-10. Ehalf marathon in his- formance by the away team after vili’s pass inside his half. Burns boot converted from Byrne put Ireland 13 points tory yesterday, completing failing to register a point in their He went on a mazy run send- wide out on the right for 20-7. clear with a penalty as the hour the 21.09-kilometre course in previous two matches and they ing Jacob Stockdale the wrong The Irish looked to have put mark approached with the Geor- New Delhi in one hour, four will hope Covid-aff ected Fiji are way and breaking a Burns tackle the game to bed when Stuart gians tenaciously hanging on. minutes and 46 seconds. able to fi eld a side next weekend to touch down and being mobbed McCloskey marked his fi rst cap The Irish pressed hard to score The 21-year-old, whose in their play-off . by his teammates. for two years touching down but a third try but C J Stander was previous personal best was The game was preceded by Once the Georgian celebra- Stockdale’s pass was ruled for- again held on the line and the 1:05:19 set during the world a minute’s silence for the late tions had died down fl y-half ward. visitors cleared. half marathon championships French great Christophe Do- Tedo Abzhandadze collected The Irish went close again as A refl ection of the match was it in Gdynia last month, shaved minici with a photo of him on one himself and converted for 10-7. the clock ticked into over-time was the Georgians who had smile one minute and 14 seconds off Ethiopian athlete Yalemzerf Yehualaw (R) celebrates with a of his jinking runs and the words Burns gave the Irish some in the fi rst-half but Georgian son their faces at the fi nal whistle the event record at the Airtel competitor after winning the women’s 2020 Airtel Delhi half Rest In Peace showing on the big breathing space converting a fl anker Tornike Jalagonia held up and the hosts who looked down- Delhi Half Marathon. marathon in New Delhi yesterday. screen. penalty for 13-7. James Ryan. cast. She won $27,000 in prize money and an additional More than 60 professional day to prevent overcrowding. $10,000 as an event record bo- runners took part in the race, The route was sprayed with BOTTOMLINE nus. The overall women’s half while several hundred enthu- chemicals to minimise the ef- marathon record of 1:04:31 siasts ran in other cities on fect of Delhi’s annual toxic was set by Ethiopia’s Ababel routes of their choice, using a smog, which blankets the Yeshaneh at Ras Al Khaimah mobile app to post race tim- megacity in winter due to traf- Williams urges Wales fans to keep faith in the United Arab Emirates in ings, organisers said. fi c and industrial pollution, February. It was one of the country’s crop stubble burning and cold AFP Yehualaw’s compatriot fi rst major sporting events temperatures. The air qual- Llanelli, United Kingdom Pumas aim Amdework Walelegn won the since the pandemic started. ity index — which monitors men’s race in the Indian capi- Forty-seven professional tiny PM2.5 and PM10 particles to go out tal yesterday with a time of 58 runners hit the 21-kilometre that get into the bloodstream ohnny Williams pleaded minutes and 53 seconds, the (13.1-mile) course in the men’s and vital organs — was at 244 for patience from Wales with a bang third-fastest time of the year and women’s event, while am- and in the “poor” category, fans following another loss and also an event record by 13 ateur participants raced be- the Central Pollution Control under coach Wayne Pivac. Sydney: The sacrifices seconds. tween Wednesday and yester- Board said yesterday. JSaturday’s 24-13 Autumn Na- Argentina have made to play tions Cup defeat by England in in the Tri-Nations will ensure Llanelli was Wales’ seventh loss in they will do their utmost to GOLF nine Tests since Pivac succeeded go out with a bang in next Warren Gatland, his fellow New week’s tournament finale Zealander, as coach after last against Australia, coach year’s World Cup. Mario Ledesma said. Composed Bezuidenhout Nevertheless, it was Wales’ The Pumas had followed strongest showing of the Nations their first test win over New Cup, with Williams stunning Zealand with a draw against wins Dunhill Championship Six Nations champions England the Wallabies but their hopes by scoring the opening try at his of a first southern hemi- AFP the Andalucia Masters in Spain the roof of a moving buggy and Scarlets home ground in what was sphere test championship Johannesburg last year. fl ew out of bounds. just the centre’s second Test ap- title were eff ectively ended “It is a tournament that I des- The visibly upset American pearance. by a 38-0 loss to the All perately wanted to win so this is hit his fourth shot into the wa- England go forward to a tour- Wales’ Johnny Williams celebrates after scoring the first try against Blacks on Saturday. outh African Christiaan a very special day for me. I am ter surrounding the green and nament fi nal against France at England on Saturday. They face Australia again Bezuidenhout kept calm proud of myself for pulling it off . ended with a three-over eight. Twickenham next weekend,while next week in their fourth test while other challeng- “Apart from a double bogey Meronk, who had topped the Wales must make do with a play- turn to professional rugby follow- number of other players that have in four weeks, arduous for ers faltered and won the fi ve at seven — my fi rst slip at leaderboard for three rounds as off against Italy. ing a testicular cancer diagnosis been at the forefront of the selec- AlfredS Dunhill Championship that hole after three pars be- he sought to become the fi rst any team but especially one But Williams insisted Wales in 2019. tors’ minds that are unavailable,” that had not played a interna- by four shots at windy Leopard tween Thursday and Saturday Polish winner on the European were making progress ahead of “I have come a long way in the said Pivac. tional rugby for more than a Creek Country Club in north- — I was very happy with my fi - Tour, faded after dropping three the 2023 World Cup in France. past 18 months, and I can look “I sound like a broken record, year and spent much of the eastern South Africa yesterday. nal round.” shots in two holes. “I know fans have been going back with pride,” he said. “If you but we are looking at this (Nations season training in lockdown. The 26-year-old triumphed Bezuidenhout, the lowest He needed four shots to reach nuts and stuff , but just keep your had told me at the time that in Cup) series as an opportunity and “It’s been a big eff ort to come for the second time on the Eu- ranked golfer in the fi eld at 61, the green at 13 and two putted patience with us. We will keep 18 months I would be starting to look at the depth of the squad over here and it’s a lot of sac- ropean Tour by carding a three- holed long birdie putts at 14 and for a bogey before double bo- building,” he said. against England and getting my going forward.” rifice not to finish the way we under-par fi nal round 69 for a 15 to build a two-shot advan- geying 14 following an overhit “We are building for 2023, and fi rst try, I wouldn’t have believed The former Scarlets boss add- deserve to finish,” Ledesma 274 total over a course that bor- tage. approach shot on the par four. there is defi nitely a good mix of you. I am grateful for that.” ed: “If we look at the World Cup said in Newcastle after the ders the Kruger National Park Playing cautiously as a strong Meronk, born in Germany youth and experience. We are just Last year, Wales won the Six squad from 2019 to 2023, there loss to the All Blacks. game reserve. wind troubled many rivals, the and reared in Poland, found wa- going to get better and better. Nations with a Grand Slam and would be a lot of guys in the age “We’ll go out there and try to Richard Bland (70) from Eng- South African parred the fi nal ter at the fi nal hole and a bogey “It was a big improvement reach the semi-fi nals of the World bracket of 33 to 38. have a great game.” land, American Sean Crocker three holes for an ultimately six cost him sole occupancy of (against England). We were ready Cup in Japan. “We know that there will have Ledesma felt the scoreboard (72), Adrian Meronk (76) from comfortable triumph. second place. for that physical battle, and I Injuries have not helped Wales to be change, and some of that is had not accurately reflected Poland and South African He turned in level par 35 after The three-event South Afri- think we were physical ourselves. as Pivac tries to change their ap- happening at the moment.” the game and that but for a Jayden Schaper (75) shared sec- three birdies, a bogey and a dou- can swing of the European Tour Of course we are not happy with proach in attack. Meanwhile England prop El- string of handling and other ond place on 278. ble bogey, then picked up three concludes next week with the the scoreline, but we are happy “We are learning about the guys lis Genge denied butting Tomas errors, the Pumas might have “This course is close to my birdies on the inward nine. South African Open, which was with how we are building.” that are available, but there were Francis after footage of the pair’s produced another stunning heart,” said an emotional Bezui- Crocker was only one shot fi rst held in 1903 and is the sec- Williams’ performance was all fi ve British and Irish Lions una- tussle at Parc Y Scarlets appeared result. denhout after adding to his Eu- behind as he teed off at 18, but ond oldest national golf cham- the more creditable given his re- vailable (against England), and a on social media. ropean silverware having won a booming drive veered left, hit pionship after the British Open. Gulf Times Monday, November 30, 2020 7 CRICKET

INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA FOCUS Malan returns to roots and takes Another Smith ton England to victory

AFP Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes. Paarl, South Africa Malan, batting at number three, admitted that he struggled to time the ball at the start of the helps Australia awid Malan returned to innings but he found his touch the town where he grew in a fi fth-wicket stand of 51 with up and guided England captain Eoin Morgan before fall- to a series-clinching ing to an athletic catch on the victoryD over South Africa in the long-on boundary. second Twenty20 international Reeza Hendricks leapt to stop at Boland Park in Paarl yesterday. the ball going for six, landing The left-handed Malan made over the boundary but returning take ODI series 55 off 40 balls to anchor a tricky to the fi eld to complete the catch. chase. England reached a target Morgan had been critical of a of 147 with four wickets and one “pretty average” eff ort in Eng- It was India’s fifth consecutive ODI defeat – for the first time since January 2016 – with the ball to spare. land’s fi ve-wicket win in the Malan, 33, was born in Eng- fi rst match, but said yesterday’s tourists now bidding to prevent a series whitewash in Wednesday’s final game land but grew up in Paarl and at- performance was a big improve- tended the local high school. He ment. made his fi rst-class debut for the “Everyone in the change room Boland provincial team at Boland will be applauding the bowling Park in February 2006 before go- eff ort, holding South Africa to a ing back to England and playing score a long way under par.” for Middlesex. Morgan said that he was al- “My cricket was learnt in the ways confi dent that England’s nets at the back here,” he told Su- batting depth would prevail de- perSport television. “It was nice spite the tourists falling below to come home and win a game for the required run rate for much of England.” the chase. South Africa could only man- “Experience helps,” said Mor- age 146 for six after being sent gan. “Holding your nerve, having in on a slow pitch, which off ered been there a number of times.” help to the spinners. Leg-spin- South African skipper Quinton ner Adil Rashid took two for 23. de Kock said he believed his team England struggled in reply, had been unlucky in another with left-arm wrist spinner tight match. Tabraiz Shamsi taking a career- “Dawid played really well. best three for 19, dismissing Once again our guys played really England big guns Jos Buttler, well. It’s just unfortunate for us.”

Australia’s Steven Smith celebrates his century against India in Sydney yesterday.

“They have outplayed us. We Finch and Warner brought AFP AUSTRALIA V INDIA ODI SCOREBOARD Sydney were ineff ective with the ball, up their 12th century opening and didn’t hit the areas,” Kohli stand off 16 overs before Finch Australia K.L. Rahul c Hazlewood b Zampa ...76 said. mistimed Shami and spooned a England’s Dawid Malan plays a shot during the second T20 nother pulsating Steve D. Warner run out (Iyer) ...... 83 H. Pandya c Smith b Cummins...... 28 “They have a strong batting catch to Kohli via his pads. international against South Africa at Boland Park stadium in Paarl Smith century and two A. Finch c Kohli b Shami ...... 60 R. Jadeja c Maxwell b Cummins ...... 24 line-up, they know the condi- Finch’s 60 came off 69 balls yesterday. fl ying outfi eld catches S. Smith c Shami b Pandya ...... 104 N. Saini not out ...... 10 tions and the angles well. with the fi rst wicket falling at Aclinched the one-day M. Labuschagne c Agarwal b Bumrah ..70 M. Shami c and b Maxwell...... 1 “The chase felt steep. They 142, following the pair’s 156-run international series for Australia G. Maxwell not out ...... 63 J. Bumrah lbw b Zampa ...... 0 took the chances that they cre- stand in the fi rst ODI. WARNER INJURY SCARE FOR AUSSIES with a 51-run victory over India M. Henriques not out ...... 2 Y. Chahal not out ...... 4 ated in the fi eld, which was the Warner chanced his luck on in Sydney yesterday. Extras: (lb2, nb1, w4) ...... 7 Extras (nb2, w8) ...... 10 diff erence.” Australia’s win may 83 but was run out by a brilliant Smith tormented India with Total: (50 overs; for four wkts) ...... 389 Total (50 overs; for nine wickets) ..338 have come at a cost, however, direct throw from Shreyas Iyer at Sydney: Australia’s David test in the four-match series. his second blistering hundred Did not bat: A. Carey, P. Cummins, M. Fall of wickets: 1-58 (Dhawan), with David Warner injuring his long-off . Warner was taken to hospital Warner, who missed India’s last in as many matches as Australia Starc, A. Zampa, J. Hazlewood 2-60 (Agarwal), 3-153 (Iyer), 4-225 groin in a fi elding tumble and India lost Shikhar Dhawan for scans on a groin strain tour Down Under while serving posted another huge target, Fall of wickets: 1-142 (Finch), 2-156 (Kohli), 5-288 (Rahul), 6-321 (Jadeja), likely to be out for the next ODI in the eighth over of their in- yesterday, prompting a nerv- a ban for his part in the New- reaching 389-4 off 50 overs. (Warner), 3-292 (Smith), 4-372 (La- 7-321 (Pandya), 8-326 (Shami), 9-328 – and possibly the following T20 nings when he miscued Josh ous wait for the hosts ahead lands ball-tampering scandal, The Australians then restricted buschagne) (Bumrah) series. Australia’s top order made Hazlewood and was caught of the start of the Test series is one of the first names on the India to 338-9 from their 50 overs Bowling: Shami 9-0-73-1 (1w), Bowling: Starc 9-0-82-0 (1nb), India pay after skipper Aaron by Mitchell Starc for 30 off 23 against India in Adelaide on team sheet for Australia’s test with Virat Kohli falling on 89 to Bumrah 10-1-79-1 (1w), Saini 7-0- Hazlewood 9-0-59-2 (1w), Cummins Finch won his second toss of the balls, and fellow opener May- Dec. 17. team. a magnifi cent Moises Henriques 70-0 (2w 1nb), Chahal 9-0-71-0, 10-0-67-3 (5w 1nb), Zampa 10-0-62-2 series to subject the tourists to ank Agarwal went in the next The opener looked in fine The 34-year-old has been an catch when the master batsman Jadeja 10-0-60-0, Agarwal 1-0-10-0, (1w), Henriques 7-0-34-1 (1w), Maxwell another afternoon of toil under over. form as he scored 83 to help ever present at the top of the was closing in on a century. Smith Pandya 4-0-24-1 5-0-34-1 a hot sun. Pat Cummins had Agarwal the home side to an imposing order for the best part of a followed up his 105 off 66 balls Result: Australia won by 51 runs Warner hit 83 off 77 balls, caught behind for 28 off 26 to 389-4 in the second one-dayer decade when fit and eligible, in Friday’s fi rst ODI victory with India Series: Australia 2-0 Finch 60 off 69, Marnus La- leave India 60 for two and a sen- against the tourists at the Syd- scoring 7,244 test runs at an an equally dominant 104 off 64 S. Dhawan c Starc b Hazlewood ...... 30 Toss: Australia buschagne 70 off 60 and Glenn sational catch by Smith at mid- ney Cricket Ground. average of 48.94. balls as the Indians couldn’t stem M. Agarwal c Carey b Cummins ...... 28 Umpires: Paul Reiff el(AUS) and Maxwell bludgeoned a crowd- wicket ended Iyer’s knock of 38, Four overs into India’s reply, India won their first ever test the runs on a slow-paced Sydney V. Kohli c Henriques b Hazlewood .89 Gerard Abood (AUS) pleasing unbeaten 63 from 29 giving Moises Henriques a wick- however, he rolled over in clear series on Australian soil in the Cricket Ground pitch in searing S. Iyer c Smith b Henriques ...... 38 TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) balls. Smith put on a batting et. Henriques proved Australia’s pain clutching his groin after 2018-19 season when Warner conditions. The total surpassed clinic with a full array of quirky hero with his athletic horizontal fielding a shot from Shikhar and former captain Steve Smith, Australia’s 374 for six which set up shot-making as he raced to tri- catch to dismiss Kohli off Hazle- Dhawan and had to be helped who scored a second succes- Friday’s 66-run crushing win in ple fi gures, laced with 14 fours wood for the prized wicket in the from the ground by the team sive century in Sunday’s match, the fi rst ODI on the same ground “It was another great foun- tive ODI defeat – for the first and two sixes. 35th over. physiotherapist. were banned. and was the third-highest total dation set by Finchy and Davey time since January 2016 – with He fell two balls later stretch- K.L. Rahul hit an enterprising A severe groin strain requires All-rounder Marcus Stoinis scored against India. (Warner). That enabled myself the tourists now bidding to ing for a wide slower delivery 76 off 66 balls before he sliced up to six weeks on the sidelines suff ered a side injury in the first “I felt good from ball one. Got and Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) to go prevent a series whitewash off Hardik Pandya and getting a leg-spinner Adam Zampa high for recovery, which would rule one-dayer on Friday and missed myself in and went hard,” Smith hard at the back end.” in Wednesday’s final game in thick edge to Mohamed Shami at to Hazlewood at short third man Warner out of all but the final yesterday’s match. said. It was India’s fifth consecu- Canberra. third man. in the 44th over.

BOTTOMLINE Pollard slams West Indies ‘mindset’ as Phillips blasts Black Caps to series win

AFP fours on his way to 108 as New Zealand how I performed out here. You go in were in control when the Black Caps Mount Maunganui, New Zealand posted a mammoth 238 for three and with more confi dence against guys reached the halfway mark at 84 for two then restricted the West Indies to 166 that you’ve played well against be- “But between overs 10 to 15 we sort for nine. fore,” said Phillips, who also took two of lost it there,” Pollard said. est Indies captain Kieron “You never know when the next op- catches and ran out opener Andre “In terms of the energy and feel and Pollard accused his side portunity is going to come and I came Fletcher in a brilliant all-round dis- erraticness in the fi eld, that’s not the of not performing to in- into this going ‘let’s go in as hard as I play. standard that we want to set for our- ternational standards possibly can. I know I can do it’,” Phil- New Zealand stand-in skipper Tim selves, and not the standard anyone Wyesterday after New Zealand compre- lips said. Southee called Phillips’s perform- wants to see in international cricket. hensively won the second Twenty20 The 23-year-old, who was born in ance “incredible”, adding that his two “I think it’s attitude and I think it’s international by 72 runs on the back of South Africa but moved to New Zea- catches, one diving at full-stretch on our mindset. a record century by Glenn Phillips. land at the age of fi ve, took just 46 the boundary, and the sharp run out “If we had stayed in the contest a bit New Zealand wrapped up the se- deliveries to reach his century, the showed “he’s got that X-factor about longer, try to limit the damage to 200, ries at Mount Maunganui with a game 10th fastest in Twenty20 internation- him”. 190 or so, we’d have been for the chal- to spare, after winning the opening als and one ball faster than the previ- But while Phillips, along with Devon lenge but we were behind the eight ball match on Friday by fi ve wickets, as ous New Zealand record held by Colin Conway who produced an unbeaten after that 10th over and it just went Phillips provided a batting master- Munro. 85, put the game fi rmly in New Zea- pear-shaped from there.” class. Phillips plays in the Caribbean in land’s hands, opposing captain Pollard Phillips and Conway put on 184 for Called up to the Twenty20 side the New Zealand off -season and said was left fuming. New Zealand’s third wicket while the while regular skipper Kane William- familiarity with the West Indies attack After winning the toss and sending best West Indies partnership was 34 son focuses on the upcoming Tests, was a big help. New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips celebrates his century against the West Indies at New Zealand into bat under overcast between Pollard (28) and Shimron Phillips plundered eight sixes and 10 “Defi nitely, that has a lot to do with the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. skies, Pollard believed the West Indies Hetmyer (25).

Monday, November 30, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

BOXING Tyson comeback fi ght at 54 ends in draw with Jones ‘Sometimes two minutes felt like three minutes. I’m glad I got this under my belt and I’m looking forward to doing it again’

AFP Los Angeles, United States

ike Tyson’s return to boxing at age 54 ended in a draw with 51-year-old Roy MJones Jr. on Saturday in an eight- round exhibition battle of former heavyweight champions. Fifteen years after retiring with a 2005 loss to journeyman Kevin McBride, Tyson made his comeback at Staples Center in Los Angeles without spectators in a pay-per-view matchup that mixed curiosity and nostalgia. California State Athletic Commission offi cials required two-minute rounds instead of the usual three-minute rounds, mandated larger than normal 12-ounce gloves, said neither fi ghter could seek a knockout and declared there could be no offi cial winner in safety moves for the over-50 fi ghters. “Sometimes that two minutes Mike Tyson (right) and Roy Jones, Jr. pose with their belts after a split felt like three minutes,” Tyson draw during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout on Saturday. said. “I’m glad I got this under my belt and I’m looking forward son told Jones. “We have to do hooks to the body but Jones tied to doing it again.” this again.” him up and they fi nished trading An “unoffi cial” panel of former A hard left to the head stung inside punches. World Boxing Council champi- Jones in round two and he spent “I was very happy to go the ons at ringside scored the bout much of the third and fourth eight rounds,” Tyson said. “I’m a draw, an outcome that Tyson rounds holding and moving into more happy with going the dis- applauded despite appearing to clenches with Tyson. tance. I was afraid I might get dominate. “It’s something in there taking hurt. Why is nobody worried “I’m good with that,” Tyson punches from Mike,” Jones said. about my a**? I haven’t done this said, admitting he thought he “Once I go in there, I’m game. I’ll in 15 years. had won the fi ght. “Yeah, but I’m go to the end. I know when he hits Tyson ruled the heavyweight good with a draw. The crowd was me it’s going to hurt.” division in overwhelming fash- happy with that.” Tyson landed an inside right ion in the late 1980s but strug- Jones, who looked tired and and a hard left to the head of gled through the 1990s, losing grabbed Tyson much of the fi ght, Jones in the fi fth round, then his title, being convicted of rape was unhappy at a draw. connected to the body with a sol- and serving a ban after biting “I ain’t never happy with a id right and left in the sixth, Jones a chunk out of Evander Holy- draw. I don’t do draw,” Jones said, Mike Tyson (left) lands a punch on Roy Jones, Jr. during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt at the Staples Center in evading a right uppercut and ty- field’s ear. admitting that Tyson hurt him Los Angeles, United States, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) ing up Tyson before he could land He faded from the scene after throughout the bout, particularly major combinations. a 2002 world title loss to Len- with body blows. Tyson, who entered 50-6 with Jones, who entered 66-9 with mixed martial arts star Anderson ing often to the body of Jones, Tyson stung the midsection of nox Lewis and has returned now “If he hits you with his head, 44 knockouts, lost 100 pounds 47 knockouts, had not fought Silva. who was able to hit and evade at Jones in round seven but was held to help launch his Legends Only punches, body shots, it don’t mat- and began training again, his since a February 2018 cruiser- times, then hugging Tyson often before he could press the advan- League for over-age star athletes. ter, everything hurts. Body shots desire to get back in shape be- weight victory. He hoped a solid ‘IT’S GOING TO HURT’ when all else failed. tage. “This is bigger than fi ghting defi nitely took a toll. Body shots coming a hunger to strap on the eff ort against Tyson might set up Tyson came out aggressive and “You came back. I hit you with In the eighth and fi nal round, for championships,” Tyson de- are what makes you exhausted.” gloves once more. a fi ght with 45-year-old Brazilian fast, swinging and connect- good shots and you took it,” Ty- Tyson pounded a pair of left clared. “I’m helping people now.”

FORMULA 1 Triumphant Hamilton praises safety rules for saving Grosjean

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton steps out of his car after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP)

AFP But after securing a record- “When I get in the car, I know Formula One and the FIA have Manama increasing 95th career victory I am taking risks. I respect the done for him to be able to walk ahead of Red Bull’s Max Ver- dangers that are in this sport. I away from something like that, stappen during a late safety car posted about it during the break but it will be investigated – and Racing Point’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll crashes during the race yesterday. (AFP) victorious Lewis Ham- intervention, he was quick to because it is horrifying. they will do an awful lot of work ilton kept his compo- compliment the sport’s modern “The car, the cockpit. I don’t to make sure something like that thought that is not a good thing, teammate Carlos Sainz with championship, which he has won sure and then praised safety standards for saving the know what Gs he pulled, but I’m does not happen again.” but luckily he is ok.” Pierre Gasly taking sixth for Al- already. Formula One’s safety Frenchman whose Haas car broke just so grateful the halo worked. Grosjean extricated him- Hamilton came home at con- pha Tauri and Renault’s Daniel Gasly said he had texted com- systemsA yesterday after Romain in two on impact before erupting “It could have been so much self from his blazing wreck and trolled pace behind the safety Ricciardo seventh. patriot Grosjean after the race. Grosjean escaped from a fright- in fl ames. worse, but I think it is a reminder climbed through fl ames to leap car at the fi nish, followed by Hamilton’s Mercedes team- “It was horrible, when I saw ening fi reball after a crash at the “It was such a shocking im- to us and hopefully to the peo- a barrier to safety with F1’s chief Verstappen and his Red Bull mate Valtteri Bottas fi nished the images I was shocked. It was Bahrain Grand Prix. age to see,” said Hamilton, who ple that are watching that this medical offi cer Dr Ian Roberts’ teammate Alex Albon, who prof- eighth, having suff ered a punc- really scary, but I had no idea an The newly-crowned seven- like all of the drivers had a near is a dangerous sport. We are out help. ited after an engine failure forced ture, ahead of Esteban Ocon in F1 car could break that way. The time champion cruised to his 11th 90-minute wait for the restart there pushing to the limit and “It was scary,” Verstappen Racing Point’s Sergio Perez to re- the second Renault and Ferrari’s halo really proved to be working. win this year in his Mercedes with after the horrifi c opening lap playing with that limit, but you said. “We saw a red fl ag, which tire with three laps left. Charles Leclerc. I have texted him to wish him a a masterful drive in challenging crash. He used the pause to tweet always have to respect it. doesn’t mean it’s immediately a Lando Norris came home Hamilton’s win lifted him good recovery. I think he is fi ne, and chaotic circumstances. on safety. “It shows what an amazing job bad thing. I saw a lot of fi re and I fourth ahead of his McLaren 131 points clear of Bottas in the but (it was) a really scary thing.”