FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 CRICKET | Page 7 Al Gharafa face Rohit Sharma uphill battle to join India’s against Al tour in Sadd Australia

Sunday, December 13, 2020 FORMULA 1 Rabia II 28, 1442 AH Verstappen GULF TIMES claims last pole of the season SPORT Page 4 MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah fends off Sainz and Peterhansel to win Hail Baja 1 ‘It was a good day for us. We believed in our speed. We opened the road but we only had one way and that was to push’

Agencies eren delivered another polished Hail performance on his pre-Dakar test to crush his amateur rivals in the motorcycle category. The atar’s Nasser Saleh al- Frenchman won the stage by Attiyah held his nerve 23min 16sec from Konrad Dab- to set a second succes- rowski to record a winning mar- sive fastest time and gin over the Pole of 48min 25sec. sealQ victory in Hail Baja 1, round Saudi rider Mishal al-Ghuneim four of the FIA World Cup for fi nished a distant third. Cross-Country Bajas, yesterday. Riyadh Saud al-Shammeri Despite opening the road on won his second successive stage the 275.54lkm stage and hav- to confi rm victory in the quad ing the extra burden of naviga- category on his Yamaha. Former tion, the Toyota Hilux driver and Hail Rally winner Abdulmajeed his French navigator Matthieu al-Khulaifi was second, 3min Baumel stayed ahead of closest 52sec adrift, and Waliad al-Na- rivals Carlos Sainz and Stéphane hath came home in third place. Peterhansel to win the stage by 3min 20sec and seal a winning OVERALL CLASSIFICATION margin of 6min 10sec. Cars (top 3) Al-Attiyah said: “It was a good 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/ day for us. We believed in our Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota speed. We opened the road but Hilux 6hr 14min 27sec we only had one way and that 2. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz was to push. We made an in- (ESP) MINI JCW Buggy 6hr 20min credible stage without mistake, 37sec no problems and no punctures. I 3. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/ am happy to win Baja 1. Now we Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI have two days of rest. Baja 2 will JCW Buggy 6hr 23min 26sec be diff erent but we will try to do Selected our best. Third win in Hail and 15. Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT)/Paulo hopefully the fourth one is com- Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maverick X3 ing very soon.” 7hr 49min 05sec Sainz and Peterhansel were closely matched throughout the Bikes (top 3) challenging stage in the two new 1. Adrien van Beveren (FRA) Mini John Cooper Works Buggies Yamaha 450 WRF 5hr 38min and fi nished second and third 22sec overall. 2. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM “All is okay, no problem. We 450 Rally Replica 6hr 26min keep planning and we will try a Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (also inset) and French co-driver Matthieu Baumel in action during Hail Baja 1 yesterday. 47sec couple more things a day after 3. Mishal al-Ghuneim (SAU) KTM tomorrow,” double Dakar and tunity just before the Dakar to do Hail before looping through the the road and relying heavily on and sixth positions and the out- the Pole’s fi rst day woes had giv- 450 Rally 6hr 57min 33sec WRC series winner Sainz said. it.” desert to fi nish close to the vil- Matthieu Baumel’s precise navi- come of the title race will now be en Koolen a massive cushion and Third-placed Peterhansel said: Five-time Hail Rally winner lage of Q’na. There were two pas- gation. He gradually extended decided at the fi nal round on De- he duly closed the gap on his rival Quads (top 3) “Today was an interesting stage, Yazeed al-Rajhi had to settle for sage controls after 147.29km and that advantage as the stage pro- cember 14-16. for the FIA T4 title. 1. Riyadh Saud al-Shammeri a mix of fast tracks, sandy tracks fourth place on the fi rst of the 261.46km. gressed to seal the win. Dutchman Kees Koolen fi n- Khalifa al-Attiyah, the brother (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450 7hr and dunes with a very beautiful Bajas, the Saudi driver fi nishing The leading quartet were Russian Vladimir Vasilyev ished in 13th place and fi rst in the of overall event winner Nasser, 08min 14sec landscape. This two days of rac- 14min 48sec behind his winning closely matched through the moved ahead of Dutchman Bern- FIA T4 section in his South Rac- was third in the category but 2. Abdulmajeed al-Khulaifi (SAU) ing was interesting with a good Toyota teammate. opening checkpoints with al- hard Ten Brinke in the battle for ing Can-Am Maverick X3. He was technical issues thwarted Lor- Yamaha 700 7hr 12min 06sec level of organisation, good road The second stage began close Attiyah holding a slight advan- the FIA Baja Drivers’ title. The second best on the day’s stage to enco Rosa. 3. Waliad al-Nahath (SAU) Yamaha book and this is a great oppor- to Jubbah and headed west of tage over Sainz, despite opening duo fi nished Hail Baja 1 in fi fth a resurgent Aron Domzala, but Yamaha’s Adrien van Bev- Raptor 700 7hr 52min 08sec

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Debutants Kobe seek semi-fi nal joy against Ulsan

AFC nental campaign in Doha. of 16, and they proved equal to good game so we can go further,” Doha A two-time AFC Asian Cup the challenge as Andres Iniesta said Miura. winner with Japan, Miura led the and scored either “Having played 120 minutes team to top Group G with two side of the half time break to pro- last game, fi tness might be a aving plied their trade matches to spare. pel them past Shanghai SIPG. problem, but in this tournament, in the second tier of had arrived in The quarter-fi nal draw you cannot conserve your energy, Japanese football as Doha with three points to their brought about a replay of their you always have to give your best. recently as 2013, Vissel name from a 1-0 win over Su- encounter with Suwon Samsung No matter who will play tomor- HKobe have defi ed all odds to reach won Samsung Bluewings back Bluewings, and despite going row, they will do their best.” the 2020 AFC Champions League in February, and the withdrawal down to an early goal, Furuhashi “There is a lot of pressure in (East) semi-fi nal where they lock of Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim was again on scoring duty, send- tomorrow’s match, but it is not horns with Korea Republic’s Ul- meant the Japanese side needed ing an intelligent free-kick un- all negative, sometimes the pres- san Hyundai FC at Jassim Bin just three more points to top the derneath the wall for the equal- sure pushes you forward. Hamad Stadium today. group. iser. “A lot of our staff and fans in After winning their fi rst-ev- The points were duly se- All of 120 minutes were not Japan are pushing us forward, er Emperor’s Cup title in 2019 cured with an emphatic display enough to separate the sides but we are preparing for this and it to earn their AFC Champions against Guangzhou Evergrande Vissel Kobe players kept their means to us more than a title, League debut, Vissel Kobe had a as netted at composure, scoring all their ef- that pressure can help us, and we 2020 domestic season full of ups both ends and late goals from forts from the spot to seal a 7-6 hope the players will respond to it and downs. Douglas and Andres Iniesta penalty shootout win and book positively tomorrow and we can The port city club added the sealed a 3-1 win over Fabio Can- a date with Ulsan Hyundai in the get a result,” he added. Japanese in February, navaro’s men. semi-fi nal. Should Vissel Kobe reach the defeating F. Marinos With qualifi cation confi rmed, “Tomorrow we play against an 2020 AFC Champions League fi - on a penalty shootout, but ended coach Miura rotated his squad in Ulsan Hyundai team whom we nal, they would become the fi rst the season in a disap- consecutive 2-0 defeats which know is a strong team with qual- debutants to achieve that feat pointing 12th place. did little to impact their fi nal ity players. Our preparations for since Western Sydney Wanderers The league results contributed standing at the summit of the tomorrow’s match did not start in 2014. to the departure of German boss group. after the quarter-fi nal, we have They would also extend a , who was replaced Having edged Guangzhou been preparing for every step of proud record for Japanese clubs by former sporting director At- Evergrande in the group stage, this competition since we were who have been involved in every suhiro Miura just two months another Chinese powerhouse in Japan, so we want to show our AFC Champions League fi nal Vissel Kobe players celebrate after winning the AFC Champions League quarter-final against Suwon before the restart of the conti- awaited Vissel Kobe in the Round quality on the pitch and play a since 2017. Samsung Bluewings in a penalty shootout at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 13, 2020 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE PREMIER LEAGUE Al Gharafa face United, City fi re blanks in derby, uphill battle Newcastle’s Almiron scores against Al Sadd in 20 seconds ‘We will see what happens next. You know every match carries a diff erent story’ AFP London

anchester United failed to ease the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer afterM a limp display in their 0-0 draw against Manchester City, while Miguel Almiron scored in 20 seconds as Newcastle beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 yes- terday. Solskjaer faced calls for his sacking after United crashed out of the Champions League with a midweek defeat at Leipzig. The beleaguered United man- Newcastle United’s Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron celebrates ager desperately needed an up- scoring in the first minute against West Bromwich Albion at St James’ lifting result in the Manchester Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne yesterday. derby to win back some support. But, with Paul Pogba restored the build-up. Anwar El Ghazi’s last-gasp to the starting line-up, United De Bruyne saw his goal-bound penalty fi red 10-man Aston Villa laboured to a drab draw that left eff ort well blocked by United to a dramatic 1-0 win against them in seventh place. defender Harry Maguire and Wolves. United have won just one of Rashford shot wide after a good Villa had Douglas Luiz sent their last four games in all com- break, but chances were at a pre- off in the fi nal minutes for two petitions and have only one win mium in a dire encounter. bookings after the Brazilian mid- at Old Traff ord in six Premier At St James’ Park, Newcastle fi elder caught Daniel Podence League games this term. were playing for the fi rst time with an elbow. City weren’t much better than since their match against As- But Nelson Semedo’s stop- their bitter rivals and Pep Guar- ton Villa was postponed due to page-time foul on John McGinn diola’s team are one place behind a Covid-19 outbreak in their triggered El Ghazi’s penalty United in the table. squad. before Wolves midfi elder Joao Al Sadd are the only unbeaten side in this year’s QNB Stars League and will be keen to maintain that record when they clash with Slavisa However, in contrast to United Newcastle took less than a Moutinho was dismissed for Jokanovic’s (bottom) Al Gharafa today. there is not yet any sense of cri- minute to grab the lead when a second yellow card just mo- sis around City — who have kept Almiron swept his shot past ments from full-time in a frac- By Sports Reporter tain the title. Their coach Sabri six successive clean-sheets in West Brom keeper Sam John- tious local derby. Doha Lamouchi will be keen to see his all competitions to equal a club stone. West Brom drew level fi ve After two successive defeats, wards in better shape ahead of record. minutes into the second half at Villa will hope they are back on their FIFA Club World Cup en- City should have been ahead St James’ Park. track with just their second win l Gharafa’s 4-0 gagement in Qatar in February. in the fi rst half when Gabriel Je- Matt Phillips delivered a low in six games. thrashing of Al Ahli He should mainly have the serv- sus shot over from Riyad Mah- cross which was met by defender Villa have won four of their last week put them in ices of the likes of Almoez Ali, rez’s long pass. Darnell Furlong, who lashed an fi ve away league matches this second position in the Eduardo Rodriguez (Dudu) and The visitors’ best chance came unstoppable low shot past Karl season, while mid-table Wolves QNBA Stars League standings Ramin Rezaien. when Kevin De Bruyne found Darlow. have only one win in their last but will the confi dence stem- On the other hand, Al Arabi Mahrez, whose shot was saved Newcastle clinched the points fi ve games. ming from that huge victory coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will well by David De Gea before De in the 82nd minute when Dwight help them beat toppers Al Sadd count more on the attacking Bruyne squandered the rebound. Gayle met a superb cross by fel- RESULTS today? prowess of Abdulaziz al-Ansa- United were awarded a penalty low substitute Jacob Murphy to Manchester United 0 Manches- That is the question upper- ri, who netted their equaliser two minutes into the second half head past Johnstone. ter City 0 most in the minds of domes- against Al Rayyan in Week 7, and when Kyle Walker kicked Marcus Newcastle’s second successive Newcastle 2 (Almiron 1, Gayle tic football fans as Xavi’s Al Sebastian Soria. It will also be a Rashford, only for the decision victory lifted the gloom from 82) West Brom 1 (Furlong 50) Sadd and Slavisa Jokanovic’s Al good preparation for his wards to be overruled by VAR as the their virus issues, but struggling Wolves 0 Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi Gharafa clash in the ninth week ahead of their Amir Cup fi nal forward had strayed off side in West Brom stay second bottom. 90-pen) of action in Qatar’s top-fl ight against Al Sadd on 18th Decem- at the Abdulla bin Khalifa Sta- ber. “Facing Al Duhail is always dium. diffi cult, especially since they The match is being played at have distinguished players who Al Duhail’s turf as the Al Sadd are able to change the course of stadium will be playing host to the match in a short time,” said the Asian Champions League Hallgrimsson. semi-fi nal between Vissel Kobe mood. We will see what happens in what could be another enter- “But I think we are better pre- and Ulsan Hyundai Motors the next. You know every match taining clash. Al Duhail and Al pared than before to play against same day. carries a diff erent story. We will Arabi are placed sixth and 10th strong teams. We hope that the Jokanovic knows the enor- try to take advantage of the po- with 12 and six points respec- fi ghting spirit will be seen in all mity of the task at hand, say- sition that we are in at the mo- tively. matches and against all teams. ing his players will have to be at ment.” Both Al Duhail and Al Arabi I believe that the QNB Stars their very best to outwit an Al Al Gharafa goalkeeper Salah had dropped points in the previ- League is greatly improving and Sadd outfi t packed with several Zakaria said, “It is certain that ous round, the former crashing the teams appear stronger by national team stars. our next match against Al Sadd to a 1-2 defeat against Al Sailiya bringing in new or loan players. “This will be a diffi cult march will be strong, but our goal is to and the latter playing out a 1-1 All matches have become diffi - because we are playing a side win the three points to strength- draw with Al Rayyan. cult,” added Hallgrimsson. that has many national team en our spot in the points table. In the process, Al Duhail The game between Al Sailiya players. It is considered as the The diff erence between us and slipped two places even as Al and Qatar SC today is sure to best team in the league with Al Sadd is four points. We hope Arabi stayed in the 10th posi- evoke a keen interest as both solid players for every level they to win to achieve our goal of col- tion with six points. The Dream sides are coming off victories. compete in. Their players have lecting full points. Al Sadd cer- Team have one victory, three Al Sailiya, placed seventh been appearing together for a tainly have the strongest attack draws and four defeats against with 11 points, beat reigning long time,” said Jokanovic. in the league. We will do our their name to have a goal diff er- champions Al Duhail 2-1 and “From our side, the prepara- best to keep our slate clean.” ence of -8 (nine goals for and 17 Qatar SC, fi fth with 12 points, tions have gone well. I hope we Also today, defending cham- against). Al Duhail cannot aff ord defeated Al Khor 3-0 in the pre- Manchester United’s Paul Pogba kneels in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign before yesterday’s remain in a good competitive pions Al Duhail take on Al Arabi more slip-ups if they are to re- vious round. match against Manchester City.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Ciao Paolo’: Last farewell for Italy great Rossi AFP pouring of national grief and tributes, by Rossi’s son Alessandro carrying ternational Paolo Maldini, among the Vicenza, Italy and in particular in Vicenza, the north- the coffi n with his wife Federica and many past and present Azzurri stars in eastern city whose football team he daughters Sofi a Elena and Maria Vit- the congregation. lifted into Serie A. toria following. A slight winger who converted to undreds gathered to bid fare- Thousands had fl ocked to pay their A large replica of the Gazzetta dello centre-forward, Rossi won the hearts well to Italy’s 1982 World Cup respects at Vicenza’s Stadio Menti on Sport front page the day after Italy’s fa- of Italian fans when his goals propelled hero Paolo Rossi during an Friday where Rossi’s coffi n had been on mous 3-1 victory over Germany in the Enzo Bearzot’s Azzurri — who started emotional funeral ceremony public display. World Cup fi nal, where Rossi scored the the tournament with three uninspiring Hin Vicenza Cathedral yesterday. And yesterday, hundreds gathered opening goal, was placed at the Cathe- draws — to a third world title. Rossi’s World Cup-winning team- outside the city’s Duomo, with the cer- dral entrance. But he almost missed the whole mates carried the simple wooden coffi n emony broadcast live on national tel- The Azzurri team jersey with the tournament. of the forward known as ‘Pablito’ be- evision. number 20 was placed on coffi n, along In 1980, he was caught up in match- fore and after the ceremony in the city’s “I didn’t just lose a teammate, but a with the Vicenza team scarf. fi xing scandal known as “Totonero” — a Duomo. friend, a brother,” former Italy defender After the ceremony there was a long play on the Italian for football pools — “If I am world champion I owe it to Antonio Cabrini said during the cer- applause, accompanied by the bells of that also led to top teams including AC him,” said former Italy defender Fulvio emony. Vicenza Cathedral, while outside peo- Milan and Lazio being relegated. Collovati. “Together we fought and won, some- ple chanted “Paolo, Paolo...”. After protesting his innocence he Rossi fi red the Azzurri to their third times lost, always with the desire to get Rossi will be cremated with his ashes was cleared to play again and was re- World Cup triumph in Spain with his back up. We were part of a group. returned to his native Tuscany, his wife hired by Juventus, going on to earn his This picture taken on December 12, 2020 shows the front page of La Gazzetta six goals, winning the Ballon d’Or the “We did not think that you would said this week. spot in the World Cup squad. dello Sport dedicated to the victory of Italy in 1982 football World Cup during the same year. leave that group of ours so soon. Ciao “Paolo was a lot of things to me. He He scored a hat-trick in the 3-2 de- funeral of former Italy’s football player Paolo Rossi in Vicenza yesterday. His death after a long illness on Paolo!” was a hero as a 14-year-old. For all Ital- feat of Brazil, a brace in a 2-0 semi-fi nal Wednesday aged 64 prompted an out- The World Cup players were joined ians is a myth,” said former Italy in- win over Poland, and the opening goal in the 3-1 victory over West Germany in the fi nal. Gulf Times Sunday, December 13, 2020 3 SPORT

BUNDESLIGA FIFA to SPOTLIGHT help run Koeman feeling Haiti comfortable at Barca Stuttgart federation Reuters despite poor results Zurich Reuters stand up and be counted in our Barcelona next few games after the recent IFA has appointed a results we’ve had.” committee to oversee Koeman, fi ercely critical of Fthe operations of Haiti’s arcelona coach Ronald the players after the Cadiz game, crush hosts football federation amid con- Koeman is not feeling defended his up-front approach cerns its former president under pressure despite and denied reports that players is still exerting influence his team’s poor results were unhappy with his coach- despite a life ban after the andB insists the players are behind ing style and the 4-2-3-1 forma- global sporting body found him as they look to return to win- tion he has favoured since taking him guilty of sexual abuse ning ways at home to Levante in charge this season, a break with and harassment. La Liga on Sunday. the 4-3-3 used by his predeces- FIFA had provisionally Barca fell 12 points behind sors. Dortmund 5-1 suspended Yves Jean-Bart leaders Atletico Madrid with last “I always try to respect the in May while it investigated week’s shock 2-1 defeat by Cadiz players but we’re at a club where Lewandowski rescues a draw for Bayern against Union Berlin multiple allegations against before losing 3-0 at home to Ju- you have to speak frankly,” he him by victims, their friends ventus to surrender top spot in said. and family members detail- their Champions League group “I speak to the players before I ing how he coerced girls and fi nish second for the fi rst speak in press conferences and if into sex by threatening they time since 2007. they were unhappy with me they would lose their places in “I’m feeling fi ne, even I’m not would have told me. Some sto- national team programmes. happy with how we are doing this ries have come out that they are Jean-Bart, who was cleared season in the league and we’re unhappy with my formation and by the Haitian justice system, trying to get the best out of the that was a lie. has denied the allegations, team while using lots of young “If I didn’t have the confi dence with a spokesman saying he players,” Koeman told a news of the players I wouldn’t be able would appeal against FIFA’s conference yesterday. to work. But I don’t need any- decision to sport’s highest “I feel comfortable but of one’s support. In a big side when court. course I’m worried about the re- results don’t go how you expect FIFA said in a statement on sults and we’re trying to improve them to the number one person Friday that multiple sources them and I believe we have to responsible is always the coach.” had asserted that Jean-Bart and his associates were seek- ing to prevent or discourage FOCUS victims and witnesses from giving testimony. “Furthermore, the Bureau (of the FIFA council) noted that Man Utd injury there are strong indications that the (Haitian Football Federation) President is still forced me to keep exerting his influence within the FHF by being involved in the running of its daily going: Ibrahimovic aff airs, despite his life ban,” FIFA said. marred by a career-threatening “It also noted that the failures injury in 2017 that kept him out in governance structures of action for almost a year. that have facilitated the The 39-year-old re-joined abuse of power at the FHF Milan in January after two sea- are severe and deeply rooted sons with Major League Soccer’s and that a lengthy reform LA Galaxy, and has thrived on his process of the FHF is now return, scoring 10 goals this sea- also needed. son to lift Stefano Pioli’s side to “In view of these circum- the top of the table. Stuttgart’s Silla Wamangituka (second from right) celebrates after scoring a goal past Dortmund’s Swiss goalkeeper Roman Buerki stances, the Bureau is of the “After my injury I said to my- (centre) during the match in Dortmund, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) opinion that it is very diff icult self that as long as I can play for the FHF to carry out its football, I want to play,” Ibrahi- Reuters “That was a catastrophe,” Fa- But a mistake by Guer- mund captain Marco Reus. operations, and that FIFA movic told BBC. “When you play Dortmund, Germany vre said. “We were not good in reiro on the edge of the box in “We are not a team that de- must now appoint a normali- Reuters on this level it’s all about per- getting possession. We made it the 53rd sent Wamangituka fends well, we have to say that. sation committee, which will Milan formance. If you perform, if you easy for Stuttgart. We had no pa- through for his seventh goal of Overall it was a deserved win also ensure that the ongoing bring results, then you are still at romoted VfB Stuttgart tience and they profi ted from it. the campaign. for Stuttgart and for us it was ethics investigations may the top. scored three times in 10 “It was not good. We were Philipp Foerster, in his sec- disgraceful.” continue unimpeded.” C Milan striker Zla- “As soon as you don’t do that, minutes to crush hosts just not there. That should not ond start for Stuttgart, made it The Ruhr valley club, who The committee will also be tan Ibrahimovic said someone else will come and per- 5-1 happen.” 3-1 on the hour before teenager have now gone three league responsible for running the recovering from the form. I like that pressure, I don’t Pin the Bundesliga yesterday and Stuttgart’s strong start added an- games without a win, slip to fi fth FHF’s daily aff airs, reviewing serious knee injury he want to be here because of what maintain their unbeaten run on earned them a 26th-minute other goal three minutes later place on 19 points, while Stutt- the federation’s statutes, as suffA ered at Manchester United I’ve done before. I’m here be- the road this season. penalty when Emre Can felled from a Jude Bellingham mis- gart move up to sixth on 17. well as organising and con- three years ago fuelled his desire cause of what I do at present. In their best performance and Silas take, with Dortmund’s defence Robert Lewandowski marked ducting elections of a new to prolong his playing career and That’s why I bring out the best of the season under American Wamangituka sent keeper Ro- in complete disarray. his 200th Bundesliga appear- Executive Committee. that he is not ready to hang up his every day. I’ll keep going until I coach , man Buerki the wrong way Nicolas Gonzalez added the ance for Bayern Munich with “All members will be subject boots just yet. can’t do these things any more.” Stuttgart rode roughshod over with his spot kick. fi fth goal in stoppage time after a second-half equaliser in a to an eligibility check carried Widely regarded as Sweden’s Milan are four points clear of the Dortmund defence. With the visitors pushing for yet another Dortmund error. 1-1 draw at Union Berlin which out by the FIFA Review Com- greatest player, Ibrahimovic ar- second-placed Sassuolo with a For Dortmund, it was the a second goal, the hosts, with- Dortmund have now lost six keeps the defending champi- mittee in accordance with rived at Old Traff ord in 2016 after game in hand as they seek their worst defeat under coach Lu- out injured top striker Erling of their eight games at home ons top on goal diff erence. the FIFA Governance Regula- winning league titles with Dutch fi rst league title since 2010-11. cien Favre, who is in his third Haaland, struck against the run without fans. They had lost just The result keeps Bayern tions,” FIFA said. side Ajax, Italian clubs Juventus, “We are in unbelievable form season at the club, with pres- of play when Giovanni Reyna one in 32 at home under Favre top, level on 24 points with RB A spokesman for Jean-Bart Inter and AC Milan, Spain’s Bar- — we are doing great,” Ibra- sure mounting on the Swiss as latched on to a pinpoint Raphael with fans in the stands. Leipzig, who briefl y led the was not immediately avail- celona and French giants Paris St himovic added. “But still we his team have won just one of Guerreiro cross to chip the ball “Stuttgart were better than table after their 2-0 win over able for comment. Germain. haven’t won anything, we have their last fi ve league games. over the Stuttgart keeper. us in every area,” said Dort- Werder Bremen earlier. But his time at United was to keep that in mind.”

EQUESTRIAN / HATHAB Haidan claims Big Tour win with Miss Chili

By Sports Reporter Doha

ohamed Saeed Haid- an topped the Big Tour charts with his trusted mount Miss MChili in the sixth round of the Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab, supported by The So- cial & Sport Contribution Fund, at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena yesterday. The close and absorbing con- test in the Table A, One round against the clock with jump off , 130/140cm class saw Haidan ride with aplomb on his grey mare, going faultless in both the fi rst round and the jump off with win in a time of 69.52secs and 31.89secs respectively. Nasser al-Ghazali on his bay gelding Quel Homme too was equally challenging but needed 32.44 secs in the jump off and had to settle for second place on the podium. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwai on bay gelding Aslan 69 was a shade Mohamed Saeed Haidan rides Miss Chili during the Big Tour action in round six of Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian slower in the jump off at 33.33secs Federation’s Indoor Arena yesterday. Amer Mohamed al-Hamidi, President, Qatar Endurance Committee, to claim the third position. presents the trophy to Open Class winner Rashid Towain al-Marri (left). Another seasoned rider, Sal- Earlier, Rashid Towain al- waidi on Guilder’s Empire of The Joker, Art. 269.5 | 115/120cm | 45.14secs; QR5,000 man Mohamed al-Emadi, on Marri, who had fi nished second Sun fi nished second. Prize-Money QR25,000 3. Saoud Mohamed al-Kuwari; Money: QR45,000 QR9,000 his well-known bay gelding The in the Medium Tour on Friday The Dressage leg of Longines 1. Rider: Rashid Towaim al-Marri; Goedele VDV Z; 65; 48.75secs; 1. Rider: Mohamed Saeed Haidan; 3. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi; As- Toymaker, erred in the jump off riding Lamm Addiction, topped Hathab round six will take place Horse: Lamm Addiction Z; Points: QR3,750. Horse: Miss Chili; Faults: 0; Time: lan 69; 0; 71.71secs; 0; 33.33secs; getting a fault. While he still was the Open Class on the same on December 26. 65; Time: 44.98secs; Prize: 69.52secs; J.Off : Faults:0; Time: QR6,750 the fastest in 29.83secs, the fault mount in the Accumulator with QR6,250 Big Tour | Table A, One round 31.89secs; Prize: QR11,250 4. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi; pushed him down to fourth in Joker, Art. 269.5 | 115/120cm RESULTS 2. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi; against the clock with jump off , 2. Nasser al-Ghazali; Quel Hom- The Toymaker; 0; 68.90secs; 4; this round. class. Mohamed Sultan al-Su- Open Class | Accumulator with Guilder’s Empire of The Sun; 65 Art. 238.2.2 | 130/140cm | Prize- me: 0; 68.87secs; 0; 32.44secs; 29.83secs; QR4,500. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 13, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 GOLF Verstappen claims Shibuno shoots 67, last pole of season surges to US ‘It was a tricky qualifying, but luckily everything came together for me in that final lap’ Women’s Open lead

Field Level Media the next-to-last one. Kerr said Houston after the round that if the tourna- ment had started on Monday, she couldn’t have answered the bell. ou’d never know Hinako A total of 66 golfers made the Shibuno is in control cut of 3-over par for the week- halfway through the 75th end, with no one doing it in more US Women’s Open. dramatic fashion than Ji Yeong Y“I feel like I’m not confi dent at Kim. She made it on the number all,” she said. “I feel like I am not with birdies on her fi nal three myself.” holes. Shibuno’s results and game Shibuno didn’t cut it that tell a diff erent story, though. Her close. Taking advantage of a 4-under par 67 Friday at Cham- par-5 hole to start her round, she pions Golf Club in Houston gave posted a birdie, then got another her a two-day total of 7-un- one at 6 before stumbling at 8 der 135, good for a three-stroke with a bogey. However, she pulled lead over Swedish amateur Linn away with birdies at 10, 12, 15 and Grant. Four birdies on the back 17 on the back nine. Shibuno hit nine enabled the 22-year-old 13 of 18 greens in regulation and Shibuno, aiming for her second required only 26 putts. AFP formances. We will give them a major title in as many years on Grant notched three birdies on Yas Marina good run for their money.” the LPGA Tour, to gain separa- the front nine and was tied for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates (top) after qualifying Kevin Magnussen was the tion from what was at one point the lead before a bogey at No. 11. in pole position yesterday. At bottom, he is seen in action fi rst man out, followed by his an extremely bunched fi eld. A Grant gained the stroke back with ed Bull’s Max Verstap- during qualifying. Haas teammate Pietro Fittipaldi, whopping 45 golfers were within a birdie at 12 and parred her way pen clinched his maid- as the sun began to fall at the Yas fi ve strokes of the lead at the sec- home for a second straight 69. en pole position of the Marina Circuit and, most prob- ond round’s midway point, but “I feel like I’m just trying to season yesterday for ably, on the Dane’s F1 career just 13 could make that claim at stay inside the fairways and pins,” Rthe season-ending Abu Dhabi in the American team’s 100th day’s end. American amateur she said. “That’s my game plan.” Grand Prix. Grand Prix. Kaitlyn Papp heads up a group Olson, who led the fi eld after The Dutch driver edged Val- Hamilton had his early best of three golfers at 139 after card- one round because of her steadi- terri Bottas in second and the lap deleted for exceeding track ing a 3-under 68 at Cypress ness, was all over the map to start Finn’s Mercedes teammate limits with a bumpy ride over Creek, which will be used exclu- her round at Jackrabbit. After a Lewis Hamilton, who is racing the kerbs. “Check the fl oor. I sively over the fi nal two rounds. birdie on the par-5 fi rst hole, she for the fi rst time since winning might have some damage,” he Shibuno and Grant played their promptly bogeyed No. 2 and 3 to the championship after con- told Mercedes. second round on the Jackrab- fall out of the lead before bagging tracting coronavirus, in third for After another run, the cham- bit layout, considered the easier a birdie at No. 4. A bogey at No. today’s Grand Prix. pion was seventh and in the of the courses played during the 9 dropped her from the leader- It was Verstappen’s fi rst pole comfort zone to proceed to Q2 as fi rst two days. However, fi rst- board’s top for the remainder of since the 2019 Brazilian Grand Verstappen, fastest in a Red Bull round leader Amy Olson wasn’t the round. Prix and the third of his career 1-2 in FP3, rose to second, three- able to translate her 18 holes at Defending champion Jeongeun after clocking his best lap in one tenths off Bottas. Jackrabbit into more success. Af- Lee6 is tied for 20th at even-par minute and 35.246 seconds to As Q3 began, under full fl ood- ter recording a 67 on Thursday 142. She carded a 69 on Friday. beat Bottas by 0.025 seconds. lights around the track, Stroll that included a hole-in-one on Among the golfers who missed The top three were separated went fi rst, but Norris set the No. 16, Olson settled for a 72 that the cut were Americans Nelly Ko- by only 0.086sec, but it was a early pace before being deposed included a double-bogey on the rda (4-over 146), Lexi Thompson disappointment for Mercedes by Sainz. par 4 15th. (147) and Morgan Pressel (151). who missed out on pole for only The Mercedes men, back to Olson and Papp are joined With rain in the forecast, the the second time this year. Lance full power, re-joined the fray by another American, Megan USGA moved up tee times by two Stroll of the Mercedes-powered with Bottas shading Hamilton Khang, at 139. Eight golfers are hours and 20 minutes in an at- Racing Point team claimed the for provisional pole, Verstappen drawn at 140, including one of tempt to get the round complet- other. splitting them for Red Bull and the tournament’s best stories in ed. As was the case on Thursday, Lando Norris, equalling his Albon taking fourth. 43-year-old Cristie Kerr. it sent golfers off the 1st and 10th previous best, was fourth for Only 0.156 seconds covered Playing about a week after dis- tees at Cypress Creek and Jack- McLaren ahead of Alex Albon in the top after their fi rst runs, locating three ribs in a golf cart rabbit to help fi nish the round. In- the second Red Bull and Carlos during which Hamilton made accident, Kerr constructed a bo- termittent showers arrived about Sainz in the second McLaren. It was a tricky qualifying, but so this was good for the whole been a diffi cult weekend getting a small error. It set up a classic gey-free 69 at Cypress Creek that halfway through the round but Having said on Thursday he luckily everything came to- team.” back in the rhythm,” the Briton fi nale in which Hamilton went saw her birdie her fi rst hole and didn’t seriously aff ect play. expected to claim ‘his seat’ for gether for me in that fi nal lap,” Hamilton said he gave it his said. top, only to be beaten by Bottas third place again, Verstappen he said. best, following his illness. “I gave it my all. Congratula- and then a breathless Verstap- was delighted. “It’s a long season for every- “Honestly, I am really grateful tions to Max. It’s a great way for pen with only seconds remain- FOCUS “I am very happy with that. one with a lot of races in a row to be back with the team — it’s him to seal a year of great per- ing.

BOTTOMLINE Reed, Canter and Concussion revelations a ‘watershed moment’ Fitzpatrick atop Reuters umn for the Daily Mail. “The most dangerous thing “I always felt supported by Dubai leaderboard London “In such a physical game, for rugby to do is to do nothing... the medical team because I felt player welfare is everything and, If rugby is considered too dan- we were operating with the Reuters were within fi ve shots of the lead, if rugby is to thrive, we must ac- gerous, participation will fall.” knowledge and information Dubai leaving Reed with a daunting task ormer England coach knowledge this fully, with a view Meanwhile, Former England we knew, it was just diff erent. I to be crowned European number Clive Woodward wel- to making the present and future fl anker Lewis Moody said he has would never be out for suing in- one. comed news that a group much safer at every level of the sympathy for his ex-team mate dividuals.” merican Patrick Reed “I’m trying not to really think of former players are set game. Steve Thompson, who is hold- Former Wales fl anker and carded a disappointing about that,” Reed said. “If it hap- toF take legal action against rugby “The physical nature of rugby ing the sport’s governing bod- captain Sam Warburton echoed third-round 71 to drop pens, it would be unbelievable. union’s governing bodies after is a huge part of its appeal but we ies responsible for concussion- Moody’s sentiments, saying a into a share of the lead It was always a goal to win golf suff ering brain damage they say have defi nitely gone so far down related impairments, but will lack of knowledge of the symp- Awith Laurie Canter and Matthew tournaments but to win this one was the result of concussions, that path that ‘physicality’ has not consider litigation without toms during his playing days Fitzpatrick at the European Tour’s and also to win The Race to Dubai calling it a watershed moment. overpowered the game.” proof of medical negligence. was to blame. season-ending DP World Tour and be the fi rst American would England’s World Cup-win- Rugby Players Association Moody said the lawsuit dem- “Like a lot of players, I did not Championship yesterday. be amazing. ning prop Steve Thompson (RPA) Chief Executive Damian onstrated that further change know that you could be con- Overnight leader Reed fi nished “We still have a full 18 holes left said this week that he had no Hopley said training methods was needed but that he would cussed without being knocked on 11 under for the tournament in and you can’t really sit back there memory of the 2003 fi nal and, should be reviewed as part of feel “uncomfortable going af- unconscious,” Warburton wrote Dubai after rolling in birdies on and think as much about that as along with several other former measures to help reduce con- ter people” such as medics in his column. the 15th and 18th holes after two just stay in the present and try to players, held the sport’s various cussions and Woodward con- who worked to the best of their “In fact, that is how most bogeys. play some good golf.” governing bodies responsible curred. knowledge. concussions come about. But Canter made fi ve birdies in a Fitzpatrick was happy with a for their failure to adequately “The workload needs to be “My decisions were my deci- as players we just did not know round of 68 while fellow English- steady performance. protect players from long-term controlled and quantifi ed and sions, I was a lunatic on a rugby that back then. man Fitzpatrick fi red a 69 on the “I limited the mistakes... didn’t mental impairment. aligned between club and coun- pitch. I did put myself in harm’s “We still do not know every- back of four birdies to join him at necessarily give myself too many Woodward said it pained him Steve Thompson, Alix Popham, try,” Woodward wrote. “Safety way for the benefi t of my team thing and we may have to wait the top at Jumeirah Golf Estates. chances, but the most important to see the plight of the players Michael Lipman and others, protocols must be policed. Every because that was the way I en- for the brains of some of the fi rst Former world number one Lee thing was I kept myself in touch and that the sport must take rugby must address the issues contact and scrummaging ses- joyed playing the game. That professional players to be ana- Westwood was in a group of four with the guys at the top and nice steps to improve safety. and take the initiative,” the sion must be independently re- was the only way I could be,” lysed when they pass away for players a stroke behind in tied- birdie on the last to fi nish,” he “After the stand taken by 64-year-old wrote in his col- viewed. Moody told The Times. that. But we know a lot more.” fourth and as many as 14 players said. Gulf Times Sunday, December 13, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Tart loses appeal on one-game Belichick done talking suspension ennessee Titans rookie defensive tackle Teair Tart lost his appeal of a one-game suspension Tfor stepping on the leg of Cleve- about status of Newton land Browns guard Wyatt Teller and will miss today’s contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Newton completed just 9 of 16 passes for 119 yards on Thursday night against Los Angeles Rams NFL senior vice president Michael Signora said that Reuters hearing offi cer James Thrash Los Angeles affi rmed the suspension. Thrash was jointly chosen to hear the appeal by the NFL and ne day after benching quar- NFL Players Association. Teller terback Cam Newton in the blocked Tart in the backfi eld in fourth quarter and then say- the second quarter of last Sun- ing the veteran still is his sig- day’s game between the Browns nal-callerO moving forward, New Eng- and Titans and fell to the turf. land Patriots head coach Bill Belichick As play moved upfi eld, Tart addressed the topic on again Friday. ran in that direction and stepped “I’ve answered that for the last time,” on the back of Teller’s right leg. Belichick said Friday after going over Tart was suspended for one the game fi lm of New England’s 24-3 game without pay on Monday loss to the Los Angeles Rams. However, for the unsportsmanlike con- he then did expand a bit on his decision duct. The discipline was handed to send in Jarrett Stidham to replace down by NFL vice president of Newton. “Sometimes there’s situations football operations Jon Runyan, in a game where you can put somebody who termed the act as unneces- in, but we’re trying to win the game,” sarily stepping on an opponent. Belichick added. “So, that’s what we’re Tart has two tackles in fi ve here for is to win the game.... I mean, games this season. Tennessee that’s what’s important to us.” also will be without cornerbacks Newton completed just 9 of 16 passes Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and for 119 yards on Thursday night against Breon Borders (hip). Jackson has one of the top defenses in the NFL. He yet to play this season but prac- threw one interception, which was re- ticed this week and is moving turned 79 yards for a touchdown by the closer to a return. Rams’ Kenny Young. “We knew exactly what they were going to do,” Newton FALCONS’ JONES OUT OF said after the game. “We just have to CHARGERS GAME be better and it starts with me person- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver ally.(I) just have to make more plays and Julio Jones has been ruled out of that’s what it comes down too.” today’s game at the Los Angeles Stidham came on and threw for 27 Chargers due to a hamstring yards on 5-of-7 passing. He was sacked injury, interim coach Raheem twice after Newton was sacked four Morris announced on Friday. times in the game. “Jarrett’s done eve- Today’s road contest will mark rything we’ve asked him to do and he’s the fourth game this season done everything that he can do, and I Jones has missed. Despite Jones’ don’t think you can ask any more than absence, the Falcons remained that,” Belichick said. New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (centre) looks on from the sidelines with head coach Bill Belichick (right) after being replaced in the fourth quarter 2-point favourites by BetRivers. Belichick also said he still sees signs against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) com with the Chargers coming of growth from Stidham. “(He is show- off a 45-0 home loss to the New ing the growth) true of most every forced the Patriots into a pass-heavy ing Thursday, tied for his second lowest if the quarterback change was perma- ter and that’s what I plan on doing.” England Patriots. Morris said second-year player — knowledge of attack and it went nowhere, which is total of the season. nent. “Yeah, great question, really glad Newton, who has been named to the Friday the Falcons will deter- our system, knowledge of the league, not a huge surprise. On a key fourth-and-goal situation you asked that,” Belichick said. “Cam’s Pro Bowl three times, has 2,172 yards mine at a later date whether to building good habits, building good The Patriots average 185.4 yards near the Rams’ goal line in the second our quarterback.” passing this season with fi ve touch- shut down Jones for the remain- fundamentals, gaining experience,” the passing per game in their fi rst season quarter, Newton tried to run but was Newton, 31, also was asked about a downs and 10 interceptions. In his pre- der of the season. coach said. The Patriots are just 6-7 on since 2000 without Tom Brady as the stopped for a 2-yard loss. In the fourth potential benching over the fi nal three vious nine seasons, all with the Carolina Jones, 31, had six receptions the season and are on the brink of being starter, and the total is third from the quarter, Belichick replaced Newton games. “That’s not my call,” the 10-year Panthers, he had 29,041 yards passing for 94 yards in the Falcons’ eliminated from playoff consideration. bottom in the NFL. Known as a dual with Jarrett Stidham for the fi nal three player said. “I’m just doing what I’m with 182 touchdowns and 108 intercep- 21-16 loss to the New Orleans They visit the Miami Dolphins on threat for his passing and running abili- drives. The Patriots didn’t score on any asked. I still go into each and every week tions. Newton accumulated 58 rushing Saints. Jones has recorded 848 Dec 20. An early 10-0 lead by the Rams ties, Newton added just 16 yards rush- of them. Afterward, Belichick was asked with the mentality to keep getting bet- touchdowns for Carolina. receptions for 12,896 yards.

MLB NBA Harden sits out Rockets Tanaka is perfect fi t for Mets rotation preseason opener aft er By Deesha Thosar New York Daily News requesting trade asahiro Tanaka has been a AFP Yankee for the better part of Los Angeles the past decade. All the Japa- nese right-hander knows is Mpinstripes. But that may change in 2021, ames Harden has ended as teams look to land the free agent amid his training camp holdout, a thin starting pitching market. but that hasn’t put a lid on If the Yankees are moving on from the controversy surround- Tanaka — and it seems like the club is in- ingJ the disgruntled Houston stead focused on securing a deal with star Rockets star. The 31-year-old infi elder D J LeMahieu — could he be a American appears likely to be- perfect fi t for the Mets? gin the season with the Rockets Yankees GM Brian Cashman generally despite a trade demand from the speaks at length to reporters about any team he has spent the last eight given topic, and his responses to LeMa- years with. hieu’s free agency on Thursday night Harden showed up late for were no diff erent. But when YES Network the Rockets training camp and clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits must have six straight negative asked Cashman if Tanaka fi ts into the Covid-19 tests before the league picture if the Yankees sign LeMahieu, will clear him to practice or play Cashman hedged. with the team. He was not in the “You know, I don’t think by rules with lineup when the Rockets opened Major League Baseball and the [Players’] the preseason with a 125-104 win I’m confi dent he’ll be here when Union I’m allowed to answer who does over the Chicago Bulls on Friday. we get started.” and doesn’t [fi t],” Cashman said. “I think It was one of fi ve contests to Harden has led the NBA in we’re supposed to be projecting complete begin the preseason following scoring each of the past three secrecy on what we can and can’t do, the shortest off season in NBA seasons. Last season, he aver- what is workable, what isn’t workable. I history. Just two months have aged 34.3 points per game, but think that’s not supposed to be a trans- passed since the Los Angeles he also reinforced his reputation parent transaction.” Lakers won their 17th NBA title as a playoff underachiever as his “The game is supposed to be set up in a by beating the Miami Heat in six one-season partnership with way that the players can benefi t from full games. Harden has reportedly Westbrook didn’t pay off with protection so they can extract as much requested to be traded to a con- postseason success. perceived competition as there is in their tender. Philadelphia, Brooklyn, The Rockets were blasted contract negotiations with other clubs Miami and Milwaukee are among out of the playoff s in the sec- and have everybody unknown about the teams that he could end up ond round when they lost in fi ve who’s capable of doing more or less. So I with if the Rockets grant his games to the Lakers. Harden gotta stay silent on that question.” Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has finished a seven-year, $155mn million contract with New York Yankees and is a free agent. wish. His future with the Rockets hasn’t spoken publicly since the All that word scramble is a long way of became murky with head coach reports but others have. Former saying the Yankees don’t yet know about er. Noah Syndergaard is due back from his been seven years — it’s been a quick seven 173 regular season starts and 1,054.1 in- Mike D’Antoni stepping down at NBA player Stephen Jackson Tanaka’s future on the team. An industry elbow surgery recovery by April-May. years. It’s kind of an end to a chapter in a nings. He’s pitched seven complete the end of last season. called out Harden recently say- source said Cashman would love to bring Tanaka, a two-time All-Star who has a way.” games and four shutouts since 2014, and Then the new Rockets general ing he doesn’t want to be held Tanaka back if they can aff ord both him 4.06 ERA and 1.187 WHIP over 68 starts He signed a seven-year, $155 million plenty of starting rotations are looking to manager Rafael Stone and head responsible for the Rockets’ wins and LeMahieu. since 2018, could represent the Mets’ No deal with the Yankees as a 25-year-old add an established veteran like Tanaka to coach Stephen Silas dealt Hard- or losses. “It’s just simple, James The Mets are concentrating on their 3 starter while they start the season with- before the 2014 season. At the time, the mix. en’s teammate Russell West- Harden doesn’t want to be held starting pitching depth behind Jacob out Syndergaard. Cashman had drawn up the largest ever The Mets have been linked to rumours brook to the Wizards accountable,” Jackson said on deGrom, which is among the team’s top Back in September, when the Yankees open-market deal for a right-handed free for 2020 NL Cy Young award winner for John Wall. They also signed social media. “D’Antoni is the priorities this off season. Marcus Stro- were on the verge of clinching the best- agent pitcher when he signed Tanaka. Trevor Bauer and, if they land him, the free agents Christian Wood and worst defensive coach in NBA man accepted the Mets’ qualifying of- of-three AL wild-card series against the His contract that year trailed only CC righty will eat up most of Steve Cohen’s DeMarcus Cousins. history... James is trying to con- fer and passed up on free agency, so he’ll Cleveland Indians, the 32-year-old al- Sabathia’s $161 million deal for the larg- winter budget. But the billionaire Mets Silas, however, is holding out tinue to be close to D’Antoni so remain in the mix after excusing himself lowed himself to think about donning est free-agent contract ever signed by a owner has cash to spare, as team presi- hope that Harden will remain he can’t be held accountable.” from pandemic baseball this past season. something other than pinstripes for the pitcher. dent Sandy Alderson pointed out last with the team. “I’m confi dent In other opening night exhi- David Peterson had a solid rookie year in fi rst time in his MLB journey. Tanaka’s value has since changed, and month that the team has money and will that he’ll be all in,” Silas said im- bition games Friday, the New 2020 and fi gures to return to the rotation. “The thought that this could be my he’s expected to land anywhere from $10- spend it on free agents rather than trade mediately following the West- York Knicks beat the Detroit Pis- It remains unclear if Seth Lugo will jump last regular-season game as a New York 15 million per year in his new contract. targets. Signing Tanaka in addition to brook trade. “That’s where I’m tons 90-84 and Orlando Magic back into the Mets bullpen or continue Yankee, that crossed my mind,” Tanaka He has a 78-46 record with a career 3.74 Bauer should not be an issue, like it would leaving it. As I’ve said, I’m giving downed the Atlanta Hawks 116- his professional goal of becoming a start- then said. “I just thought to myself, it’s ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 991 strikeouts over have been for the Wilpon-era Mets. him the space to do his thing, but 112. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 13, 2020 SPORT

CRICKET Jamieson’s fi ve-wicket haul leaves West Indies reeling The tourists end second day on the brink of another follow on as they struggle to 124 for eight, still 336 behind Kiwis

SCORECARD NEW ZEALAND I INNINGS WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS (OVERNIGHT 294-6) K. Brathwaite c Taylor b Southee 0 T. Latham c da Silva b C. Holder 27 J. Campbell c Latham b Jamieson 14 T. Blundell b Gabriel 14 D. Bravo c&b Southee 7 W. Young c J. Holder b Gabriel 43 S. Brooks b Jamieson 14 R. Taylor c da Silva b Gabriel 9 R. Chase b Jamieson 0 H. Nicholls c Brathwaite b Chase 174 J. Blackwood c Latham b Southee 69 B. Watling b Joseph 30 J. Holder c Boult b Jamieson 9 D. Mitchell lbw C. Holder 42 J. da Silva not out 2 K. Jamieson c J. Holder b Joseph 20 A. Joseph c Watling b Jamieson 0 T. Southee b Joseph 11 C. Holder not out 5 N. Wagner not out 66 Extras (lb3, w1) 4 T. Boult c Brooks b Chase 6 Total (eight wickets; 52 overs) 124 Extras (b2, lb7, w9) 18 To bat: Shannon Gabriel Total (all out; 114 overs) 460 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Brathwaite), 2-22 Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Blundell), 2-63 (Bravo), 3-29 (Campbell), 4-29(Chase), (Latham), 3-78 (Taylor), 4-148 (Young), 5-97 (Brooks), 6-111 (Blackwood), 7-117 5-203 (Watling), 6-286 (Mitchell), 7-336 (J. Holder), 8-117 (Joseph) (Jamieson), 8-359 (Southee), 9-454 Bowling: Southee 16-6-29-3, Boult (Nicholls), 10-460 (Boult) 12-4-32-0, Wagner 11-5-26-0, Jamieson Bowling: Gabriel 26-7-93-3, J. Holder 13-4-34-5 (1w) 27-6-85-0, Joseph 22-2-109-3 (7w), C. Series: New Zealand lead 1-0 Holder 26-1-110-2 (2w), Chase 13-1-54-2

Jamieson — immediately extracted life line and replied with two consecutive from the wicket. They moved the ball maidens although the one opportunity in and away and it took the tourists four to claim Blackwood’s wicket became overs to get their fi rst runs on the board, a spilled caught-and-bowled chance. by which stage Southee had already Southee tied up Shamarh Brooks at the dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite caught at other end and the West Indies faced 27 fi rst slip by Ross Taylor. dot balls before Blackwood broke the After Southee caught and bowled drought with a single. Darren Bravo for seven, Jamieson The pair put on 68 for the fi fth wick- stepped up with the back-to-back et before falling in quick succession. wickets of John Campbell 14 and Ros- Brooks faced 92 deliveries for a stub- New Zealand’s paceman Kyle Jamieson bowls during second Test against the West Indies at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday. (AFP) ton Chase to have the West Indies at born 14 before he shouldered arms to four for 29. It was familiar territory a good length Jamieson ball that jag- AFP Only Jermaine Blackwood provided happen,” said the 2.08 metre (6ft 8in) et that seems good for batting. It was for Blackwood whose century in the ged back into the stumps. Southee Wellington any serious resistance but he fell late Jamieson. “It was just a matter of doing a hard day to watch,” he said, blaming second innings of the fi rst Test started then accounted for Blackwood with a in the day for 69 as Jamieson and Tim it for long enough and if you do that you poor shot selection. with the West Indies at four for 27. sharply rising delivery that was fended Southee wreaked havoc. Jamieson, the tend to get rewarded.” Unlike the West Indies batsmen, He survived Jamieson’s hat-trick to Latham in the slips. Jamieson closed yle Jamieson bagged fi ve rising star in the Black Caps, got fi ve After a demoralising innings defeat Nicholls and Neil Wagner were able to ball, and the one after, which both the day with the wickets of Jason Hold- wickets in a masterclass of for 34 for his second fi ve-wicket haul in in the fi rst Test, West Indies coach Phil plunder runs when the New Zealand slammed into the pads but vocifer- er for nine and Alzarri Joseph without swing bowling as New Zea- only his fourth Test. Simmons found it diffi cult to see an- innings resumed yesterday morning. ous appeals were turned down and re- scoring. Along with Jamieson’s fi ve, land struck hard and fast to The Basin Reserve strip continued other batting collapse. “It’s something Both scored personal bests, untroubled plays showed the deliveries swinging Southee has taken three for 29. Unlike Khave the West Indies on the ropes on to provide all the ingredients on a fast that we brought on ourselves,” he said, whether the West Indies bowled full or away down the leg side. When Jamie- the West Indies, New Zealand did not day two of the second Test in Welling- bowler’s wish list — pace, bounce and adding the problems started in the fi eld short, as Nicholls advanced from his son boasted fi gures of three overs, two struggle for runs and their fi nal four ton yesterday. The tourists ended the movement — and New Zealand ex- when Henry Nicholls was dropped fi ve overnight 117 to 174 while Wagner fi n- maidens and two for four, Blackwood wickets added 166 runs in 30 overs. day on the brink of another follow on as ploited this perfectly. “The way the times on his way to making 174 for New ished unbeaten on 66. mounted a counterattack with three Joseph removed Jamieson for 20 and they struggled to 124 for eight, still 336 ball’s moving we knew if we got it in Zealand. “Then, we didn’t bat as well as The New Zealand pace quartet — boundaries in the tall right-armer’s Southee for 11 before Wagner joined behind New Zealand’s 460. good enough areas then things would we should have been batting on a wick- Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and next over. Jamieson readjusted his Nicholls in a rollicking 95-run stand.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Athletes must take their place in Ferguson, Patel, de Grandhomme still injury concerns: Larsen the vaccine queue, says Coe Reuters Wellington Reuters London ast bowler Lockie Fergu- son, all-rounder Colin de ealthy athletes should take their Grandhomme and left- place in the Covid-19 vaccine arm spinner Ajaz Patel are queue behind people with more Fstill causing some injury worries pressing needs despite events such for New Zealand’s cricket team, Has next year’s Olympics looking set to be selector Gavin Larsen has said. highly dependent on competitors arriving De Grandhomme and Ferguson free from the virus, the head of world ath- have been ruled out of the Twen- letics Seb Coe said on Friday. ty20 series against Pakistan that Most athletes in their 20s and 30s, across starts next week in Auckland, all sports, would be just about last in line in while the all-rounder is doubtful most countries when it comes to handing for the Test series that follows. out the vaccine but the pressure to create a Ferguson’s injury appears to be Covid-safe environment at sporting events the most troubling, with Larsen has raised the question of whether they confi rming that scans on Friday should be treated as a special case. had revealed a stress fracture in Coe trod a careful line when asked about his back. the issue at a media conference on Friday. “I’m gutted for Lockie,” Larsen Veteran Ross Taylor was dropped from New Zealand’s T20 squad for “We have to be sensitive here — there are told reporters at the Basin Re- the series against Pakistan. many claims on that priority,” he said. “Most serve yesterday. “He has an X- of us are dependent on our frontline work- factor with the pace at which he We’d like to think he gets through stan series, which starts at Eden ers and our emergency services and we also bowls. He has grown his role... some good work up there then we Park on Dec. 18, was important recognise that there are vulnerable people in and is a pivotal member of our can chuck him back into consid- in terms of helping fi nalise their the community and we want to make sure bowling lineup in Twenty20 eration for the Boxing Day Test.” thinking for next year’s Twen- that we look after them as much as possible. cricket. This is a major setback, Meanwhile. veteran Ross Tay- ty20 World Cup in India. “I’m not sure that it is for sport to be but we will keep our fi ngers lor was dropped for the Twen- “We have still got the Australia pressing the case for fi t young people. I crossed that when the prognosis ty20 series against Pakistan, series (from late February) and would like, on the other hand, that when the comes through that we’re talking while Kane Williamson and Trent I would like to think when that vaccine does become available and that the weeks not months.” Boult have been recalled after does roll around we are getting athletes have the opportunity to make use De Grandhomme was ruled they were rested for last month’s pretty close to where we are just of it that they do. I’m not mandating it and out of the ongoing series against series against West Indies. fi ne tuning,” he added. “We still I don’t think it’s my job to tell people what West Indies with a foot injury and Taylor’s omission was because have a little bit of information to they should or shouldn’t do in that area — I was unlikely to be risked for the of the form of Devon Conway and gather over the Pakistan series.” think that has to be a very personal and indi- Pakistan series, while Patel was Glenn Phillips, Larsen said. Williamson’s inclusion for the vidualistic view. I hope they do avail them- still battling with a calf strain. “Ross has done a great job for second and third match only, selves of it, I certainly would if I had the op- Larsen said de Grandhomme will us over the years,” Larsen said. however, was conditional on the portunity in the lead up to a Games like that, likely be out beyond the Pakistan “He has been very consistent in birth of his fi rst child, which had but it’s very much a personal decision.” Test matches. “The last thing we that number fi ve role but what seen him withdraw from the on- Coe, who won double Olympic gold over the Games, though there is a recognition imagine what I would have been saying if want is to put him back on the Glenn Phillips and Devon Con- going second Test against West 1,500 metres and was the driving force be- that we are still in uncertain territory. Yes, someone had knocked on my door in March park and he’s not quite ready and way have done against West Indies in Wellington. hind Britain’s hosting of the 2012 Games, the vaccine will help, but I guess for athletes 2012 and said ‘We’re not going until 2013’ — we lose him for the season.” Indies was compelling. It’s the Mitchell Santner would cap- was confi dent next year’s event, in the village and warm up track etc, there it’s an enormous challenge. Patel, however, may come brand of Twenty20 cricket that tain the side for the fi rst match, postponed from 2020, would go ahead, and are going to be some adaptations. “I think we should be very grateful, and I into consideration if he can get we want to move forward with.” with Williamson potentially re- said that if any country could respond to the “What nobody is across at the moment — wake up grateful most days, that it’s the Jap- through a New Zealand A match Larsen added, however, that it turning for the other two games challenge of a re-arranged Olympics it was and I certainly hope it happens — is whether anese who are dealing with this because this next week in Whangarei, Larsen was not the end of the road for on Dec. 20 in Hamilton and Dec. Japan. “I think the Games will go ahead. I we are going to have a stadium populated by is a fi rst class organising committee. They said. “Ajaz is tracking well. Bowl- Taylor in the shortest form of the 22 in Napier. was in Tokyo a week ago and spent 48 very good, passionate fans. Those are some of have the intellectual ability and certainly the ing is not an issue, but with a calf game and that he expected the None of the players currently intensive hours talking to the organising the things that are up in the air, along with resilience to see their way through this com- it’s the explosive work needed 36-year-old would “fi ght” to get involved in the second Test in committee and the government,” he said. athlete management in the village We are all ing six months to deliver what I think will be while fi elding, sharp turning that his place back in the squad. Wellington would be available for “There is a cast-iron determination to stage pretty resolute about those changes. I can’t a fantastic Games.” is more of a concern at this stage. Larsen added that the Paki- the fi rst Twenty20 game. Gulf Times Sunday, December 13, 2020 7 CRICKET

FIT-AGAIN SPOTLIGHT Labuschagne Rohit to join India willing to open in Australia’s interest IANS warm-up tie. “Spoke to Joe a Adelaide couple of nights ago. He is go- ing alright. We all have been there where you want the runs tour in Australia ustralia batsman Mar- badly. (But) a few innings aren’t nus Labuschagne, who a judgement on a player’s abil- bats at No 3, says he is ity and how he is going. I have Rohit's fitness satisfactory, but must continue work on endurance, says BCCI ready to open in the in- got full faith in Joe that if he is terestA of his national team which selected, he will be right to go. Reuters faces a dearth of opening options He is a man for big moments and Mumbai following a groin injury to David getting in the contest. I hope he Warner and a concussion scare to gets runs in second innings and Will Pucovski. quietens everyone down. Like I ndia batsman Rohit Sharma has re- Both Warner and Pucovski said he is a very good player,” said covered from a hamstring injury and have been ruled out of the fi rst Labuschagne. will fl y to Australia to join the Test Test at Adelaide with the se- The 26-year-old South Afri- squad Down Under, the Indian crick- lectors bringing in left-hander ca-born player, who has played Iet board (BCCI) said yesterday. Marcus Harris as replacement. 12 Tests for Australia and made Rohit was initially ruled out of the There are also concerns over Joe his debut just over two years entire Australia tour with a high-grade Burns, the other opener, who is ago, has provided the Aussies left hamstring injury, which kept him enduring poor form. with extra bowling option over out of four Indian Premier League (IPL) “Look, whatever the team the last few games. While he matches in the United Arab Emirates. The needs I think that is our job to do has scored 1459 runs at an aver- 33-year-old, who opens the batting for as cricketers. It is about making age of 63.43 with four centuries India, returned to lead the Mumbai Indi- sure that we do what is best for and eight half-centuries, he has ans to a record fi fth IPL title, prompting the team. If the team needs me also picked 12 wickets. He picked questions about the extent of his injury. to open, then that is what I’ll do. three for 45 against Pakistan at The BCCI subsequently added him to But we’ll just have to wait and see Abu Dhabi two years ago in what the Test squad, while monitoring his re- how things pan out with the few is his best spell in a Test innings. covery at the National Cricket Academy other moving parts currently. “It is no diff erent from what (NCA) in Bengaluru, having deemed him Like I said it is a team sport and it we have been playing for the last still unfi t to travel with the rest of the is about winning games and if it few series. You know I have been team to Australia. (him opening) is the best way to the fi fth bowling option for the “The NCA medical Team was satisfi ed win games, that is what we’ll do,” last fi ve series. So it is no diff er- with the physical fi tness of Mr Sharma said Labuschagne during the in- ent from any other Test match I after assessing him on diff erent metrics teraction with media yesterday. have played. Yeah, I am making that tested his skills related to batting, Labuschagne said that he is sure I am always ready to bowl fi elding and running between the wick- preparing to bat at practice ses- and I like when I get the opportu- ets,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a sions and is not worried if he nity to bowl and am making sure statement. “Mr Sharma’s physical fi tness opens or bats at three. “I think that when that time comes I am has been satisfactory, however, he will be that (my opening position in Test ready,” said Labuschagne. required to continue work on his endur- match) will be communicated if “We traditionally have gone ance.” that is the option we are going to with three fast bowlers and a Rohit will have to undergo a manda- go down with. For me, I am just spinner for probably all tests I tory 14-day quarantine on arrival in Aus- preparing to bat if that is at one have played. I can’t see us vary- tralia, which will rule him out of the fi rst or three, it doesn’t matter for me. ing from that but obviously with two tests in Adelaide and Melbourne. “He I am just making sure I am ready the likes of Cameron Green - that has been given a detailed programme to to face the ball no matter what defi nitely adds a bowling dimen- follow for the duration of the two weeks the circumstances are,” the bats- sion to our side and that can be he will be quarantined for,” Shah added. man added. really nice,” added Labuschagne. “He will be reassessed by the Team In- Opener Burns is going through Labuschagne is confi dent that dia medical team post his quarantine to a poor patch, having scored four, both Green, who provides an ad- establish his fi tness status and a call on zero and zero in the three in- ditional bowling and batting op- his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Indian opener Rohit Sharma will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in Australia, which will rule him out of nings of the two warm-up games tion, and opener Pucovski will be Trophy will be taken accordingly.” the first two Tests in Adelaide and Melbourne. (BCCI) against the touring Indians. ready soon. The lack of information on Rohit’s fi t- Burns has not even crossed 30 in “Hopefully he (Green) will be ness status prompted skipper Virat Kohli cons and implications of the injury have tralia which he wasn’t on...we had no Kohli set to return home for the birth of his last nine innings and has just fi ne and the same with Will. As to speak to media on the issue. “Well, be- been explained to him and he understood information on the reason why he is not his child at the conclusion of the match a century and a fi fty in 14 fi rst- I said it is not a skill thing, they fore we had the selection meeting with that, and he was unavailable for selection travelling with us and after that the only in Adelaide, which starts on Thursday. class innings, including Sheffi eld are both good enough. They are selectors in Dubai, we were told that he and that is the information we got on mail other information we received on mail is There is a gap of seven days between the Shield matches, this season. making sure that they are go- (Rohit) is injured and unavailable for se- before the selection meeting,” Kohli had that he is in the NCA and he is being as- end of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne Labuschagne is hoping that ing through things that we need lection and it mentioned a line that there said before the start of the ODI series. sessed,” Kohli had said. and the start of the third Test in Sydney Burns scores in the second in- to do post concussion,” said La- is a two-week rest and rehab period (they “After that, he played the IPL so we all Rohit will be a welcome addition for from Jan 7, which should allow Rohit nings of the ongoing second buschagne. had to undergo). It said that the pros and thought he will be on that fl ight to Aus- India with captain and batting mainstay enough time to integrate with the squad.

WARM-UP MATCH Gill pushes Test claims, Vihari and Pant hit tons Reuters due to concussion on Friday, the local side Sydney also lost seamer Sean Abbott to injury as India moved on to 386 for four, extending their lead to 472 in the three-day match. ndia’s Shubman Gill pushed his Vihari accumulated his runs patiently claims to make his debut in the open- at number four, a position which will be ing Test against Australia in Adelaide vacant after Adelaide when India captain with a classy 65 in the warmup match Virat Kohli fl ies home for the birth of his Ias the touring side’s batsmen made merry child, to remain unbeaten on 104. Pant against their injury-hit opponents yes- provided the fi reworks with his unbeaten terday. The 21-year-old Gill, who has 103, which was studded with nine fours played three One-Day internationals, and six sixes under the lights at the Syd- looked solid during his 78-ball knock at ney Cricket Ground. number three to build on the 43 he scored The diminutive batsmen was on 81 in against Australia A in the day-night the fi nal over of the day but smashed four tune-up before Thursday’s fi rst Test. fours and a six off the last fi ve deliveries to Gill, who opened for India last week in complete his hundred in 73 balls and put the Canberra one-dayer, could replace his name in the mix for the wicketkeep- Prithvi Shaw, who fell to a rash shot for er’s spot in the Test side. three after making 40 in the fi rst innings. Captain Ajinkya Rahane made 38 but Regular India opener Mayank Agarwal it was after his dismissal that the Indians also spent time in the middle during his again turned it on knock of 61 while Hanuma Vihari and India were bowled out for 194 in the Rishabh Pant made unbeaten centuries. fi rst innings but responded well to dis- After Australia all-rounder and Test miss the Aussie A side for 108 as 20 wick- hopeful Cameron Green was ruled out Rishabh Pant (right) scored quick-fire 103, while Hanuma Vihari made 104. ets fell on the fi rst day on Friday. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne.

FOCUS Pucovski ruled out, Harris draft ed into injury-hit Australia squad Agenices replace Warner in the fi rst Test XI but coming yesterday opening the batting cussion, plunging their Test prepara- Sydney the 22-year-old is still recovering from with incumbent Test opener Joe Burns. tions into further disarray. a mild concussion he sustained bat- Harris’s elevation came after another Green, who was fi rming for a debut in ting for Australia A on the last day of Test hopeful, Cameron Green, suff ered next week’s opening day-night Test in pening batsman Marcus Har- the tour match against India at Drum- a concussion after being struck on the Adelaide, took a fi erce blow to the head ris has been called into Aus- moyne Oval. head in a tour game against India on on Friday from a powerful drive by Jas- tralia’s squad as the hosts “Given the spate of injuries in re- Friday. “I’m in the right place at the prit Bumrah. count the cost of a number of cent weeks, we’re fortunate to be able right time,” Harris told Fox Sports. Cricket Australia team doctor Pip injuriesO ahead of the fi rst Test against to bring a player of Marcus’ calibre into “It’s been good, not to be the one Inge said the 21-year-old was diagnosed India in Adelaide. the test squad,” national selector Trevor that’s spoken about too much. I feel with mild concussion and his availabil- David Warner had already been ruled Hohns said in a statement yesterday. pretty ready to go... like I’ve been play- ity for Adelaide would be determined in out after a groin injury in the one-day “Marcus has been in outstanding ing really well. I knew coming here that coming days. “This is Cameron’s fi rst series, while Will Pucovski suff ered a form for Victoria this season and has if I went okay I'd put myself in a posi- concussion,” he told Cricket.com.au concussion after being hit on his helmet had the benefi t of facing India’s bowl- tion to maybe play, the way that things late Friday, adding that he would not while batting for Australia A against the ers in both three-day tour matches. We have been going. But this season I've play the remaining two days of the tour tourists. have taken a conservative approach in just been focused on what I need to be match in Sydney. “We will continue to Warner did not travel with the Aus- managing Will since he sustained the focused on. I obviously wasn't in the monitor him and provide an update on tralians to Adelaide as he continues his concussion and hope he and David will Test side last summer so I didn’t have his condition in due course.” rehabilitation and is targeting a come- be back to full health ahead of the Box- that distraction coming into this sum- Compounding Australia’s problems back in the second Test in Melbourne ing Day Test.” mer and I've just been focused on what is Burns’ miserable form. He fell for an- on Boxing Day. Harris has been in fi ne With Warner and Pucovski out, Har- I need to do, so that's been good. Now other duck on Friday evening and has form this summer, posting 239 against ris looks set to play his 10th Test and I've found myself where I am, and I feel now made just 61 runs from eight in- South Australia in his fi rst innings of fi rst since the fi nal Test of the 2019 Opener Marcus Harris averages 25.06 with two half-centuries since debuting pretty ready to go and I'm looking for- nings this season. this season's Marsh Sheffi eld Shield as Ashes. The left-hander averages 25.06 against India at the Adelaide Oval two summers ago. (AFP) ward to it,” he added. “The footwork is just not there for part of the highest-ever Shield stand of with two half-centuries since debuting Meanwhile, Green was ruled out Joe, he’s just not confi dent at all at the 486 alongside Pucovski. against India at the Adelaide Oval two Against the touring Indians this of 35, 25 not out and 26 in three innings of the rest of Australia A’s pink-ball moment,” former Test captain Allan The uncapped Pucovski looked set to summers ago. summer, Harris has put together scores for Australia A, his most recent knock warm-up against India with mild con- Border noted.

Sunday, December 13, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING / THE LATE SHEIKH JASSIM BIN MOHAMMED AL THANI TROPHY — QATAR NATIONAL DAY TROPHY Al Shaqab’s Al Naama, Injaaz’s Al Mustafi z shine under Saadi HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, crowned the winners at Al Rayyan Park yesterday

HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali (third from left), Minister of Culture and Sports, crowned the winners of The Late Sheikh Jassim Bin HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali (second from right), Minister of Culture and Sports, presented the Mohammed Al Thani Trophy after Al Naama won the Group 2 PA race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Also present during the ceremony was Asian owner’s trophy to Injaaz Stud representative Sheikh Abdullah bin Mishal al-Thani after Al Mustafiz won the and Qatar Equestrian Federation President and QREC Vice-Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. PICTURES: Juhaim Qatar National Day Cup yesterday.

By Sports Reporter 00:57.96. Owner: Al Thumama Doha Racing. Trainer: Mohamed Hus- sain. Race 5: THOROUGHBRED PLATE l Shaqab Racing and (3 Year Olds) (Class 3) (Far trainer Alban de Mieulle Bend) (Distance: 1,400m) had the fi rst and last 1. Think Big (Tomas Lukasek), 2. laugh at an action- Taxiwala (Mickael Berto), 3. Chat- packedA meeting at Qatar Racing tanooga Boy (Ivan Rossi), 4. Fu- and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan wayrit (Soufiane Saadi). Won by: Park yesterday, as jockey Soufi - ¾, 1 ¼, 2. Time: 1:23.40. Owner: Al ane Saadi had a spectacular day Wasmiyah Farm. Trainer: Georges at the offi ce riding the winners in Mikhalides. both the big ones. Race 6: THOROUGHBRED While the day began with a HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) maiden win for Al Shaqab fi lly (75-95) (Distance: 1,600m) Al Efreeta, Al Naama led a one- 1. Al Mohalhal (Alberto Sanna), two in The Late Sheikh Jassim 2. Monsieur Noir (Ivan Rossi), 3. Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy Gangland (JP Guillambert), 4. (Group 2 PA) for the owners and Hajaj (Killian Leonard). Won by: the handler. ¾, 1 ¼, No. Time: 1:33.18. Owner: Also impressive on the day Rashid bin Mubarak al-Jafali al- was Injaaz Stud’s Al Mustafi z, Naimi. Trainer: Majed Seifeddine. who held off another De Mieulle- Race 7: THOROUGHBRED schooled duo, Aahil and Barra, to HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, crowned the rider Mohamed CONDITIONS (Class 2) (Far land the National Day Cup in the al-Khayareen for his Al Maseela victory yesterday. Bend) (Distance: 1,200m) penultimate start yesterday. 1. Dark Pursuit (JP Guillambert), 2. Saadi, who rode both Al Naa- Barra in the fi nal 50m to register a Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Think Big as they passed early leader Kha- Soufiane Saadi celebrates as he rides Al Naama to victory in The Late Arabic Channel (Alberto Sanna), ma and Al Mustafi z, now has 17 thrilling neck win yesterday. has only won with Lukasek in fooq. In the last 50-odd metres, Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy yesterday. 3. Izzthatright (Ronan Thomas), wins this term so far. In the Class 2 Thoroughbred the saddle in Qatar, and the duo a few other contenders joined 4. Shobrom (Ivan Rossi). Won Al Naama started on the rails Conditions sprint, Abdulhadi was at it again as the Georges the fray but ran out of real estate al-Jehani too celebrated a one- Al Neksh (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam). by: Nk, 1, 1. Time: 1:10.97. Owner: and Saadi had her stuck to the Mana al-Hajri’s prolifi c sprinter Mikhalides-saddled colt landed as Mohamed Hussain-schooled two sweep as Suprematism was Won by: 1 ¼, 1, 1. Time: 1:41.87. Abdulhadi Mana al-Hajri. Trainer: inside line taking the lead early Dark Pursuit overcame a not- the Class 3 Thoroughbred Plate Life Of Riley landed the race by a a close second on the heels of the Owner: Salman Mohamed al- Stefano Ibido. on in the 2000m black type. so-perfect start to put on dis- event for three-year-olds. nose from The Singer. winner in the 2000m Thorough- Emadi. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Race 8: NATIONAL DAY CUP The Majd Al Arab mare had little play some amazing turn of foot In the seven-furlong sprint, Qatari riders Saleh Salem al- bred Handicap event for horses Ghazali. LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN trouble keeping her lead right till in pursuit of the leaders on the Lukasek had the colt in the rear Marri and Bughanaim rode a rated 70-90. Race 3: THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS (Far Bend) the end as Saadi tightened his fi st rails in the fi nal stretch to win half coming off a wide start. Once winner each yesterday. HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) (Distance: 1,400m) and pointed at the grandstand for the fi rst time in two starts on the home straight, though, Al-Marri, an apprentice jock- RESULTS (70-90) (Distance: 2,000m) 1. Al Mustafiz (Soufiane Saadi), celebrating the win. A little more this season. J P Guillambert had Think Big needed little prodding ey, guided his 13th winner of the Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN 1. More Than A Dream (Faleh 2. Aahil (Ronan Thomas), 3. than a length behind was sta- the gelding move steadily up the as he surged forward eventually season as Salman Mohamed al- MAIDEN PLATE (4 Year Olds) Bughanaim), 2. Suprematism (JP Barra (Michael Forest), 4. Ennab blemate Gtnah, ridden by Faleh order in the six-furlong run and catching up with Mickael Berto- Emadi’s Djalnor led a one-two (Far Bend) (Distance: 1,600m) Guillambert), 3. Mount Fuji (Ivan (Alberto Sanna). Won by: Nk, 1 ½, Bughanaim, in the runner-up kept exploiting gaps on the in- ridden Taxiwala in the front and sweep for trainer Mohamed Jas- 1. Al Efreeta (Ronan Thomas), 2. Rossi), 4. Saint Roch (Ronan Tho- 2 ¾. Time: 1:32.17. Owner: Injaaz spot. side. At the post, they edged out edging the latter by a little less sim Ghazali in the handicap race Al Malhouf (Michael Forest), 3. mas). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, No. Time: Stud. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. Doha Triple Crown winner Alberto Sanna and his partner than length. for Arabians rated 95 and below. Goldamer (Soufiane Saadi), 4. 2:05.10 Owner: Ahmed Hassan Race 9: THE LATE SHEIKH Ebraz, owned by His Highness Arabic Channel by a neck. Al Thumama Racing’s Life Of An impressive run on the outside Mahima Ygoloon (Saleh Salem al-Malki al-Jehani. Trainer: Hamad JASSIM BIN MOHAMMED AL Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Majed Seifeddine’s ward, Al Riley won a thrilling fi ve-furlong saw Djalnor beat Marco Casa- al-Marri). Won by: 5, 3 ¼, ¾. Time: Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani. THANI TROPHY (Gr2 PA) (Far al-Thani and trained by Julian Mohalhal, entered the winner’s sprint handicap for Thorough- mento ridden Al Junood by a little 1:43.21. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. Race 4: THOROUGHBRED Bend) (Distance: 2,000m) Smart, had to settle for third un- circle for the fi rst time in Qatar breds, the colt’s maiden win in more than a length. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far Bend) 1. Al Naama (Soufiane Saadi), der Tomas Lukasek. when Sanna, in the colours of Qatar and fi rst since May 2018. Bughanaim has had a quiet Race 2: PUREBRED ARABIAN (75-95) (Distance: 1,000m) 2. Gtnah (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. In the penultimate race of the Rashid bin Mubarak al-Jafali al- Killian Leonard had his mount season so far with Ahmed Hassan HANDICAP (Far Bend) (95 & 1. Life Of Riley (Killian Leonard), Ebraz (Tomas Lukasek), 4. AJS day, Zuhair Mohsen-trained Al Naimi, guided the seven-year- stay close to the front and upped al-Malki al-Jehani’s More Than below) (Distance: 1,600m) 2. The Singer (Carlos Henrique), Moaddie (Alberto Sanna). Won Mustafi z wrested the victory old gelding to a close win in the the pace coming off the bend. A Dream being just his fourth 1. Djalnor (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 3. Clan Royale (Michael Forest), by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, ½. Time: 2:14.79. from Ronan Thomas-ridden Aa- Class 3 handicap for Thorough- Carlos Henrique ridden The winner of the season. However, 2. Al Junood (Marco Casamento), 4. Cool Exhibit (Ronan Thomas). Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. Trainer: hil and Michael Forest-helmed breds yesterday. Singer too joined them up front trainer Hamad Ahmed al-Malki 3. Gold Amer (Soufiane Saadi), 4. Won by: No, Nk, Shd. Time: Alban de Mieulle.

FORMULA 1 BOXING Russian Kremlev Hamilton still feeling eff ects of Covid-19 elected AIBA chief Reuters the icing on the cake of anoth- London, United Kingdom er stellar season that has seen AFP AIBA’s debt will be the fi rst pri- Mercedes take both titles for the Lausanne, Switzerland ority”, adding he was confi dent seventh year in a row. he could chart a clear path for even-times world cham- “One of the (Covid) symp- AIBA to be reinstated by the In- pion Lewis Hamilton toms is it really drains you so I’m ussian Umar Kremlev ternational Olympic Committee said he was still feel- trying to sleep as much as I can,” was yesterday elected (IOC) in time for the Paris Olym- ing the after-eff ects of said Hamilton. “Recharging is president of the trou- pics in 2024. Covid-19S after qualifying third not as easy as it perhaps nor- bled International box- The AIBA was last year stripped for Formula One’s Abu Dhabi mally has been in the past.” ingR Association (AIBA), vowing by the IOC of its right to run box- season-ender but vowed to give Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff to restore the body’s Olympic ing at the Tokyo Games, post- his all in today’s race. defended his driver when asked status. poned by a year to 2021 because of The 35-year-old Mercedes whether he should be racing. Kremlev won 57.33% of the the coronavirus pandemic, due to driver has returned after testing “I think that’s expected after vote to become new head of the serious mismanagement. positive for the new coronavirus 10 days of Covid-19, you are not sports body that represents ama- Boxing competition at the and missing the Sakhir Grand going to be on your A game. But I teur boxing worldwide. Tokyo Olympics is instead be- Prix in Bahrain last weekend. He think absolutely good enough to “Let me make it clear: the path ing organised by the IOC Boxing has tested negative repeatedly race,” he said. to rebuilding AIBA is not easy,” Task Force. this week. Pressed further on whether said Kremlev, head of the Russian “Boxing is the sport of fi ghters. The Briton did not want to go there was still a chance Hamil- boxing federation since 2017. Our fi ght today is against fi nan- into medical detail but said the ton might not start, the Austrian “It will not happen overnight. cial debt, against incompetence, virus had to be taken seriously Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton (left) and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen chat after the qualifying session for said it was Hamilton’s call to de- We have to unite together and against corruption, against dop- and he felt for all those who had the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP) cide whether he was fi t enough. work with one mission, and one ing, against poor training, and suff ered from it or were mourn- “He’s a very experienced mission alone: rebuilding the against poor safety,” the 38-year- ing loved ones. off . That’s what we do as racing lutely everything I’ve got.” He has won 11 of 16 races this driver, he knows very well about credibility and trust that AIBA old Kremlev said. “I am not 100%, I still have drivers and luckily that’s not the Hamilton clinched his record- year, equalling his best season his health and he’s been tested once had in the minds of sports “Strengthening AIBA’s gov- some feeling within my lungs,” case,” he added. equalling seventh championship performance, and had been negative. And sometimes driv- people worldwide and that in- ernance structures, and ensuring he said. “It defi nitely won’t be the in Turkey last month and is the aiming for a 99th career pole on ers are not perfectly well but cludes, of course, restoring our checks and balances work, “Normally, I would drive even easiest of races physically but most successful F1 driver of all Saturday. they still race and I think this is AIBA’s Olympic status.” will be the focus of my tenure as if one of my arms was hanging I will manage and give it abso- time. A 12th win of 2020 would be the situation.” Kremlev said “getting rid of president.”