Al Sadd Gear up for Persepolis, Xavi Says Team Eager and Excited to Make Quarters Tribune News Network Doha

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Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Sochi after ‘horrible’ qualifying page 14 SUNday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 Al Sadd gear up for Persepolis, Xavi says team eager and excited to make quarters Tribune News Network Doha

Two-time semi-finalists Al Sadd are excited and eager to take on Iran’s Persepolis FC in the Round of 16 clash of the 2020 AFC Champions League at the Education City Stadium on Sunday. “We are very excited, we want to win and reach the quarter-finals.W e will play against Persepolis, which is the best Iranian team, and it will be a difficult game, like a final, for us,” said Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona player and legend added: “It will be an excellent game and a great opportunity to qualify for the quarter-finals. We re- spect Persepolis and we will not forget that they knocked us out in the 2018 semi-finals.” “We must play with bal- ance and great passion in order to get the win. We hope to achieve this by giving our best on the pitch. Our priority in the match against Sepahan was to rest some players after qualifying, but for Persepolis, Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (centre) and full-back Musaab Khidir during the press conference on Saturday ahead of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash with Iran’s Persepolis. they needed to qualify.” He added: “We will face a strong and difficult team. We will play for possession and control of the match, and this is a key point for us. We have an advantage with the rest that the players got, but we must be fully prepared.” Calling for passion from his players, Xavi said, “I’ve told the players that the most spirited matches that I have faced in my career are always against Iranian teams, including Persepolis, who play with great enthusiasm. So we need to play with a lot of passion, like it’s a final and always be focused throughout the match, Persepolis’ 4-0 win over Sharjah to make the pre-quarter-final was the first time they scored four in a even if we reach the penalty game since defeating Al Wahda 4-2 in the 2017 group stage. shootout. Otherwise, we will struggle to achieve what we said Persepolis captain Seyed Persepolis took home a on Matchday Six, they finished are looking for, which is going Jalal Hosseini. valuable 1-0 win from Jassim second in Group C behind Al to the quarter-finals.” “All teams in the AFC bin Hamad Stadium courtesy Nassr with nine points. The Al Sadd will be playing at Champions League are strong of a late Ali Alipour penalty, Qatari side boast the strongest full strength: “All the players and we know Al Sadd have and they were able to hold to attack in the competition with of the team are fully prepared some really good players espe- a 1-1 draw at Azadi Stadium 14 goals to their name so far. and there are no absentees,” Al Sadd will be playing at full strength and with the advantage of having received adequate rest, said Xavi. cially in attack, but we have in- three weeks later as Siamak Qatar’s most successful noted Xavi. telligent analysts who will do Nemati cancelled out Baghdad side in the AFC Champions As for playing at Education play. Everything is excellent; sixth time in their history, their day Six to confirm passage well to analyse the opponents Bounedjah’s goal for Al Sadd, League, Al Sadd have ap- City Stadium after playing the the conditions are perfect and most recent effort taking them from Group C, and they de- and the coaching staff will sending Persepolis into their peared in the competition on previous four games at Jas- the weather is very good and it all the way to the final of the livered in style after beating help us prepare well. It will be first-ever final. 13 occasions, reaching the sim bin Hamad Stadium, the is time to give our best to qual- 2018 edition, which they lost UAE Pro League side Shar- a tough game for both sides.” Al Sadd cruised to the knockout stage six times prior coach said: “Education City ify for the next round.” to Kashima Antlers of Japan. jah 4-0. “We face a difficult The two sides last locked 2020 AFC Champions League to 2020, winning the title in Stadium is a big stadium, but Persepolis have made it This time around, Perse- encounter against a strong horns in the 2018 AFC Cham- Round of 16 with a game to 2011 and reaching the semi- it does not change the way we to the knockout stage for the polis needed a win on Match- and organised Al Sadd team,” pions League semi-finals. spare, and after losing to Al Ain finals in 2018 and 2019. Familiar foes Al Nassr, Al Taawoun ready to battle again

AFC after a group stage exit in the Doha Today’s Matches 2017 edition. (At Education City “We have to be ready for Al Nassr and Al Taawoun lock all possibilities; We will pre- horns in an all-Saudi clash in Stadium) pare the players physically to the fourth 2020 AFC Champi- 4.40pm: Al Sadd (QAT) play 120 minutes and we will ons League Round of 16 match also practice penalties,” said at the Education City Stadium vs Persepolis (IRN) Al Taawoun head coach Pa- on Sunday. 8.45pm: Al Nassr (KSA) trice Carteron, who faces the Al Nassr reached the team he coached for a brief Round of 16 after topping vs Al Taawoun (KSA) spell in 2017. Group D with 11 points. Mo- “I cannot say I know a roccan striker Abderazzak lot about Al Nassr, plenty of Hamdallah contributed five winning the match.” things have changed since I goals to their campaign pro- On the other hand, Al coached them. But we know gress, scoring in each of their Taawoun needed a dramatic they are a huge team and first four games before being late goal from Australian in my opinion they are rested with qualification all striker Mitchell Duke against favourites for the title after but secured. Al Duhail on Matchday Six Al Hilal’s exit.” The Riyadh based side to secure qualification from The two sides have never have reached the knockout Group C as the second placed met in continental competi- stage three times, this being side behind Persepolis FC, tion before, but the past 10 the second time in a row. The having had their chances sig- domestic matches heavily fa- first time they reached the nificantly dented in the pre- vour Al Nassr who have won knockout stage was in 2011, ceding match when they got seven; including a 4-1 win when they lost 4-1 on aggre- beaten 6-0 by Sharjah. just over a month ago in the gate to Iran’s Zobahan in the Al Nassr and Al Taawoun will engage in an all-Saudi clash in the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 match in Doha on Sunday. This will be the Buraidah Saudi Pro League which saw Round of 16, while in 2019 based side’s first ever knock- Hamdallah bag a hat-trick, they went on to reach the very well and they know us small decisions can make the game, you cannot attack all chances to progress to the next out stage appearance in the while Al Taawoun have won quarter-finalsbefore exiting at too, the winners will be the difference,” said Al Nassr head the time or defend all the time. round. I don’t think there will AFC Champions League, in the other three matches, the the hands of Al Sadd. team that show more intel- coach Rui Vitoria. Both teams will have a chance be more pressure on us. We what is only their second par- most recent of which was in “We know Al Taawoun ligence on the pitch, because “In a one-legged knockout and will want to take their just need to stay focused on ticipation in the competition February 2019. Sports Sunday, September 27, 2020 13 Immobile on Al Ahli SFC edge Shabab Al Ahli on target as Lazio, Atalanta win Serie A penalties to seal last eight berth openers AFC AFP Doha Milan

Al Ahli Saudi FC advanced Ciro Immobile picked up to the 2020 AFC Champi- where he left off as Lazio got ons League quarter-finals their season off the mark with after beating Shabab Al Ahli a 2-0 win at Cagliari on Sat- Dubai FC 4-3 on penalties urday while Atalanta kicked after the 120 minutes of their off their campaign with a 4-2 Round of 16 clash ended in comeback against Torino. a 1-1 draw at Al Janoub Sta- Italy forward Immobile dium on Saturday. -- top Serie A scorer last sea- The two sides had met at son with 36 goals -- grabbed the same round in 2017 when Lazio’s second goal in the last Al Ahli emerged 4-2 winners quarter of an hour in Sardinia. on aggregate to reach the Lazio return to Champions quarter-finals, before exiting League football this season af- at the hands of Persepolis FC. ter finishing fourth in Serie A Al Ahli came racing out just behind Atalanta. of the blocks and within five Both Lazio and Atalanta’s minutes they thought they had scheduled season opener last already taken the lead. Marko week was pushed backed be- Marin’s whipped cross from cause of the Bergamo side’s the corner was met by Omar Al Champions League last eight Soma’s powerful header which appearance in Portugal. beat goalkeeper Majed Nasser The two teams will go but cannoned off the crossbar. head-to-head in Rome next Salman Al Muwashar slotted Wednesday. home the rebound but was “Today we have shown that flagged offside. we are still that tight group Despite suffering an early that can do well,” said Immo- blow with the injury of mid- bile. “Players have arrived who fielder Majed Hassan, who will give us a lift on the pitch was replaced by youngster and in the changing room, but Mohammed Jumaa, Shabab Al Ahli Saudi FC players celebrate during the penalty shoot-out against Shabab Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium on Satruday. Al Ahli SFC won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. the group is the same and there Al Ahli Dubai gradually grew is no lack of motivation.” into the match, getting their Hindi and left Al Owais help- feeding Al Soma at the edge his attempt went agonisingly but the Shabab Al Ahli captain was down to talisman Al Soma Lazio had Adam Marusic first sight of goal in the 26th less to rescue, nestling into the of the box. The Syrian for- close, ending up just wide. produced a fine save to send to send Al Ahli into the next to thank for their two goals. minute when Azizjon Ganiev back of the net to hand Shabab ward unleashed a powerful With cautioun taking over the game into penalties. round, but the Syrian inter- After setting up Manuel Laz- moved in space down the right Al Ahli Dubai the lead. left-footed drive that passed the proceedings from both Hussein Abdulghani con- national’s attempted Panenka zari for the opener after four and drove an effort that was Coach Vladan Milojevic’s inches wide off the post. sides, Veteran Ahmed Khalil, verted from the spot and Khal- hit the crossbar, handing the minutes, the Montenegrin parried away by goalkeeper words at the break seemed to Former Al Hilal forward who had replaced Pedro Conde il hit the crossbar for Shabab Emiratis a lifeline that Abdul- again broke down the left Mohammed Al Owais. have worked magic as Al Ahli re- Carlos Eduardo put his side in in the 76th minute, had Shabab Al Ahli for the Saudis to take lah Al Naqbi failed to take, flank to serve up the pass for Ganiev tested the Al Ahli turned into the second half with trouble with a misplaced back Al Ahli’s only major chance of the lead. Left-backs stepped sending his shot high. Immobile after 74 minutes. goalkeeper again a minute renewed confidence and within pass, gifting Al Ahli a three-vs- extra time as he rifled a long up next and both Lucas Lima Al Ahli reach the quarter- In Turin, Gian Piero Gas- later with an effort from out- eight minutes of the restart, they two situation on the break. Al range free-kick in the 96th and Youssef Jaber found the final for the fifth time in their perini’s Atalanta proved they side the box, but once more Al had won a penalty after Ganiev Soma supplied Al Muwashar minute, but his attempt was net. Abdulrahman Ghareeb history and the first since had lost none of their attacking Owais was up to the task and brought Al Muwashar down on the left and the winger set tipped over the crossbar by scored for Al Ahli and Ganiev 2017, while Shabab Al Ahli style from last season with the made the save. inches inside the box. Al Soma up Marin to shoot from the goalkeeper Al Owais. kept the margin at one goal crashed from the Round of 16 most goals scored in the Italian It was third time lucky for stepped up and fired from the edge of the area but narrowly Goalkeeper Nasser res- with three spot kicks taken. for the second time after 2017, top flight including 7-0 against the Uzbek midfielder in the spot into the top corner to equal- missed the target. cued his side at the death, Defender Hawsawi confi- which also came at the hands Torino last January in Turin. 29th minute as he collected ise for the Saudi side. Eduardo nearly made with Motaz Hawsawi setting dently extended Al Ahli’s lead of the same opponent. “We are stronger than last Jumaa’s pass 30 yards from Al Muwashar and Al Soma amends in the final moments of up Hussain Al Moqahwi in- and substitute Saeed Ahmed Scoreline: Al Ahli 1 (Omar Al year,” warned Gasperini. “You goal and lined a third power- combined again at the hour the second half, finding space side the box, the latter had the kept his composure to keep Somah 54’ (P)) vs Shabad Al learn a lot from playing in Eu- ful drive that was deflected off mark, with the former drib- inside the box and striking a goal at his mercy and struck Shabab Al Ahli’s hopes alive. Ahli 1 (Aziz Ganiev 28’); (4-3 on rope, and despite the difficulties, young defender Abdulbaset Al bling past two players before nodded pass on the volley, but on the half-volley with his left, With the score at 4-3, it penalties).. we haven’t given up.”

Pakhtakor rally to beat QFA president meets Chelsea hit back Palestine football chief to draw, Man Utd Esteghlal 2-1, make QF snatch 100th-minute win at Brighton

AFP one-two with Kai Havertz. London And Tammy Abraham secured a point in stoppage time Free-spending Chelsea when he rolled in the rebound came from 3-0 down to sal- after Sam Johnstone had par- vage a 3-3 draw at newly-pro- ried Mount’s initial effort. moted West Brom, while Man- chester United were rescued Man Utd ‘get away with it’ by Bruno Fernandes’s 100th- United bounced back from minute penalty, awarded after their 3-1 home defeat to Crys- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar the full-time whistle, to beat tal Palace last weekend, but Football Association (QFA), on Friday met with Jibril Rajoub, President Brighton 3-2 on Saturday. had a lot of fortune on their of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). During the meeting, the But it is Everton who are side after being outplayed by two officials discussed issues of common interest. They also talked setting the early pace in the Brighton. about strengthening cooperation between the two federations and Premier League as they se- The Seagulls hit the wood- working on mechanisms for activating the cooperation agreement cured a third straight win in work five times and thought that was signed earlier on. Both officials also reciprocated the designs controversial circumstances, they had earned a point them- to back the football development plans shared between them. In 2-1 at Crystal Palace. selves five minutes into stop- another context, QFA pledged to provide 100,000 medical swabs Chelsea manager Frank page time when Solly March Pakhtakor FC’s Eren Derdiyok celebrates scoring the second and winning goal against Esteghlal FC at the and 3,000 corona examination kits to PFA in order to help fight the Lampard handed the captain’s headed home at the back post. Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday. outbreak of the corona pandemic in Palestine. In this context, Jibril armband to Thiago Silva on However, there was just Rajoub praised the continuous support from the QFA, stressing the his Premier League debut, but enough time for United to AFC back of the net, leaving goal- and by the 54th minute, they PFA’s keenness to enhance cooperation between the two federations. the Brazilian had a nightmare mount another attack and Doha keeper Eldorbek Suyunov root- had a major goal scoring chance first 45 minutes as the Blues’ Neal Maupay raised his arm to ed to the spot. when Ghaedi cut inside from defensive deficiencies were block Harry Maguire’s header. Pakhtakor came from be- Two minutes before the the left and whipped a cross easily exposed. Referee Chris Kavanagh hind to defeat Esteghlal FC end of the half, Pakhtakor into the six yard box for Diabate Callum Robinson pounced initially blew for full-time, 2-1 in the 2020 AFC Champi- found their equaliser. Sardor who poked it goalward, but Su- on errors from Marcos Alonso but then awarded a penalty ons League Round of 16 at Al Sobirkhodjaev set-up Alijonov yunov was well positioned and and Silva to fire twice beyond after consulting the pitchside Janoub Stadium on Saturday, a to cross from deep at the far clutched into the ball to keep Willy Caballero, who replaced monitor and Fernandes confi- result which sent the Uzbekistan post where Ceran was first to his side in front. Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chel- dently converted. side to the quarter-finals for the the ball, guiding his diving Pakhtakor controlled pos- sea goal. Kyle Bartley then “We got away with one. first time since 2009. header past Hosseini to draw session for long stretches of made it 3-0 to the Baggies, Maybe one point we deserved, A physically intense open- Pakhtakor level. the second half and had mul- who had lost their opening two we didn’t deserve more,” ad- ing half of an hour saw little In the absence of COV- tiple half-chances; most no- games back in the top flight. mitted United boss Ole Gun- in the way of scoring chances ID-19 stricken coach Shota tably Jaloliddin Masharipov’s Chelsea have spent a re- nar Solskjaer. despite Pakhtakor’s clear Arveladze, it was down to his low shot from the edge of the ported £220 million ($280 After Leandro Trossard hit dominance. Dutch assistant Pieter Huistra box at the hour mark and the million) to try and close the both posts with shots from out- The Group B leaders had to deliver the halftime talk, and winger’s curled effort from a gap to Liverpool and Manches- side the box, while Adam Web- their best chance of the first his words set up Pakhtakor for free-kick that crept agonisingly ter City in the title race and ster’s looping header came back 30 minutes when Dragan Cer- a red hot start to the second wide off Hosseini’s goal with 15 even a spirited second-half off the crossbar, Brighton final- an tested the goalkeeper from half as they added their second minutes to go. fightback, which takes them ly got their reward when Fer- long range but Seyed Hossein within a minute of the restart. With just nine minutes to to just four points from their nandes clipped Tariq Lamptey Hosseini was alert and made A swift and progressive ex- go, Esteghlal had their last big first three games, could not inside the box and Maupay the save. change of passes in the opposi- chance to equalise as Ghaedi hide the embarrassment of his cheekily chipped his penalty With 32 minutes gone, Es- tion half allowed Sobirkhodjaev set up Diabate with a cute pass side’s defending for Lampard. down the middle of the goal. teghlal’s Mehdi Ghaedi looked to find Erin Deriyok with plenty inside the box and the Malian “It’s two points lost,” said Graham Potter’s men un- to make his way into the penalty of space down the right and the forward beat his marker and Lampard. did their good work three min- box but was brought down just Swiss striker drilled a half-vol- had the goal at his mercy, but Mason Mount got the utes later when Lewis Dunk’s outside the area by Khojiakbar leyed effort from the edge of the somehow fluffed his lines and comeback started to a swerv- own goal brought United level Alijonov. box into the bottom corner to sent the ball wide. The ball goes harmlessly past Chelsea’s Argentinian goalkeeper Willy ing long-range effort. before the visitors scored Ali Karimi stepped up to give Pakhtakor the lead for the Scoreline: Pakhtakor FC 2 (Ceran Caballero (centre) during the English Premier League match between Substitute Callum Hud- a stunning second through take the resulting free-kick and first time in the game. 43’, Eren Derdiyok 47’) bt against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns Stadium in West son-Odoi then swept home 20 Marcus Rashford early in the beautifully curled it into the Esteghlal looked to respond Esteghlal FC 1 (Karimi 32’). Bromwich, England, on Saturday. (AFP) minutes from time after a neat second-half. 14 Sunday, September 27, 2020 Sports

Nasser Al Attiyah assures everyone he’s safe after his car catches fire during Spain Rally C’ship 2020

Qatar’s ace rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s car caught fire during the second round of the Spain Rally Championship 2020. Attiyah and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France were taken by surprise as there were flames inside the car after they came down a hill on Saturday. Both Attiyah and Baumel got out of their vehicle and soon extinguished the flames. Later, Attiyah assured everyone of their safety by tweeting a message which said “I am fine”.(TNN/Pic s: Instagram/Twitter)

French Open Hamilton on Russian pole after Djokovic insists ‘won’t make same New York ‘horrible’ qualifying, Verstappen mistake twice’ AFP It was also his fourth tro- Paris phy in five events this year. He also took his total splits Mercedes pair Novak Djokovic insisted weeks spent in the world num- on Saturday there will be no ber one ranking to 287, pass- AFP repeat of his sensational US ing Pete Sampras on the all- Sochi (Russia) Open disqualification at Ro- time list and with just Roger land Garros as the world num- Federer on 310 ahead of him. Runaway Formula One series ber one promised: “I won’t “I really want to be my best leader Lewis Hamilton emerged make the same mistake twice”. version as a player, as a hu- from a “horrible” red-flagged Djokovic was defaulted man being on the court, and qualifying session at Sochi on in New York when a ball he win a tennis match,” added Saturday with a stunning pole swiped away in frustration Djokovic. position for Sunday’s Russian struck a line judge. “It is what it is. I don’t Grand Prix. As well as attracting wide- think significantly it (the de- In a crash-hit session the Lewis Hamilton is congratulated by his team after taking pole position ranging condemnation for his fault) does impact me (or) that Mercedes six-time champion following the qualifying session on Saturday. (AFP) perceived petulance, the in- I’m unable now to show the fist held his nerve to clock a best lap cident also went down in the pump or scream or something in one minute and 31.304 sec- out, with the German even record books as a defeat -- the like that. It has happened in onds to outpace Max Verstap- picking up a stray wing of his Serb’s only loss in 32 matches Rome already and everything pen of Red Bull by half a second. Ferrari and helpfully handing in 2020. is fine.” His Mercedes team-mate it back to the officials attend- “Well, obviously I am go- Now the 33-year-old takes Valtteri Bottas, 55 points being his stricken car. ing to be extra careful of hit- aim at a second French Open hind Hamilton in the title race, For Ferrari it might have ting a tennis ball around the title to add to his 2016 victory, was third-quickest with Sergio been worse, but Leclerc - on a court,” said Djokovic. a triumph which made him Perez of Racing Point sharing fast lap behind his team-mate “That’s something that is just the third man in history the second row. - managed to slow and veer staying in my mind after what after Don Budge and Rod La- Hamilton is bidding to between Vettel and his debris. happened in New York. It’s ver to hold all three Slams at claim his fifth win at the Sochi After the delay, Hamilton going to stay there for a long the same time. track where Mercedes have Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton steers his car during the qualifying session for the Formula One faced a race against the clock time. Of course, I will make Victory in Paris would also dominated winning all six races Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom Circuit in Sochi, Russia, on Saturday. (AFP) to deliver a timed lap, on cold sure I don’t make the same take Djokovic to 18 career since 2014. softs, and did so within 1.25 mistake twice.” Grand Slams, one behind Nad- If he translate pole into seconds to go fourth. The aftermath of his New al and two off Federer’s record. victory, he will equal Michael Hamilton, a great champion and a close friend, says Serena His lap pushed Leclerc York brain fade hasn’t, howev- Djokovic is seeded to face 12- Schumacher’s career record of down to 11th and out of the er, slowed down the Djokovic time Roland Garros champion 91 Grand Prix wins. SOCHI: Lewis Hamilton received warm and emotional support from Serena Williams on Saturday ahead ‘top ten shootout’ along with juggernaut. Nadal in this year’s final. The action was interrupted of his bid to equal Michael Schumacher’s record 91 wins in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix. Kvyat, Lance Stroll of Racing He captured the Italian On Friday, Nadal com- for 10 minutes in Q2 when four- The runaway Formula One series leader and six-time champion is a friend of the American tennis Point, Russell and Vettel. Open in Rome on Monday for plained of the new Wilson time champion Sebastian Vet- star and has often praised her - while the pair also share feelings on diversity and equality. Ricciardo led the way into a record 36th Masters title, balls being used this year in tel crashed his Ferrari - he was “Lewis and I are super close,” said Williams, speaking in Paris on the eve of the French Open. Q3, but it was the Mercedes breaking out of a tie with Ra- Paris, claiming they are too unhurt and climbed from his “I’ve known him for years. I love that guy. He’s a really good friend of mine. The guy is such a men who roared back to life, fael Nadal. heavy for a clay court. wrecked car - leaving Hamilton, champion - has such a champion’s mindset. I look at what he does training, physically, his job. Really no ahead of the final dramas. only 15th fastest, racing against words for it, to be honest. He is for me the greatest driver that our generation has seen. Sunday’s race is due to the clock to reach Q3. “I’m confident that he will break the record of Michael Schumacher, who was also a fabulous driver. be watched by the biggest In close liaison with his “But Lewis is so intense. If you know anything, even if you’re a fan, you know he lives his life on his sporting crowd in the Cov- team, he squeezed through with sleeve. He’s very emotional. He says what he says. That’s just who he is. He doesn’t care who you are. id-19 era with 30,000 fans only seconds remaining before That’s one thing I’ve grown to really appreciate about him, as well.” allowed to attend. going on to take pole with a Hamilton has led Formula One’s anti-racism campaign this season, leading the drivers in taking a flawless fastest lap. knee before races and drawing attention to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign. (AFP) Starting grid Russian Grand Prix: On a topsy-turvy day, Ham- 1st row: Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes), Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda); 2nd row: Valtteri ilton was called to the stewards, Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) Sergio Perez (MEX/Racing along with three other drivers, starting on the soft tyre which is Turn Two!” The second runs had Point-Mercedes); 3rd row: Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ after the session for missing not good. Bottas said: “I just brought immediate drama Renault), Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault); bollards at Turn Two during Q2. “I will probably get out- couldn’t go any quicker in the when Kimi Raikkonen spun 4th row: Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault), Lando Norris “It was one of the worst dragged as this is one of the end, but P3 is a good place to at the troublesome Turn Two, (GBR/McLaren-Renault); 5th row: Pierre Gasly (FRA/ qualifying sessions,” said worst places to start from pole start here and I think I am on wrecking his hopes of a good AlphaTauri-Honda), Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull- A player takes part in a warm-up session on the court 2 at the Roland Hamilton. “It was horrible, and the two drivers I am racing the right tyre.” position for his record-equal- Honda); 6th row: Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari), Garros ahead of 2020 French Open in Paris which begins on Sunday. (AFP) heart in my mouth the whole are on the other tyre.” Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo ling 322nd start. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/AlphaTauri-Honda); 7th row: way. I lost my first (Q2) lap by Verstappen is counting on a was fifth, Carlos Sainz sixth Hamilton swiftly put in a Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes), George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes); 8th row: going wide for the first time quick start. for McLaren, ahead of Esteban 1:32.085, but it was deleted Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari), Romain Grosjean this weekend and I wanted to “On the final run, it wasn’t Ocon in the second Renault, for exceeding the limits at (FRA/Haas-Ferrari); 9th row: Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/ stay out for another lap. too bad - to be second, I didn’t Lando Norris in the second Turn 18, forcing him to do it Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari), Kevin Magnussen (DEN/ Svitolina heads to Paris after “They said I had new tyres, expect it. If we have a decent McLaren, Pierre Gasly of Alpha all again. Haas-Ferrari); 10th row: Nicholas Latifi (CAN/ but then there was the red flag. start, the tow effect is very big so Tauri and Alex Albon in the sec- Vettel’s smash thankfully Williams-Mercedes), Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa winning in Strasbourg It was a risk and ultimately I am who knows what can happen at ond Red Bull. looked far worse than it turned Romeo Racing-Ferrari). AFP Strasbourg (France)

World number five Elina Svitolina will head to Roland Morgan lauds Shubman Gill in Kolkata’s big IPL win Garros buoyed by success after coming through a tough three- AFP Kolkata recorded their first vic- 2020 season with a $2.17 mil- set final against Elena Rybaki- Dubai tory in two matches. lion fee -- got Jonny Bairstow na in Strasbourg on Saturday. “I didn’t have to tell Gill a bowled for five and kept down Svitolina won 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 England’s Eoin Morgan great deal to be honest, beau- the lid on Hyderabad scoring but she had to contend not heaped praise on young Indian tiful to watch,” Morgan, Eng- with an economy rate of 4.75. only with some feisty compe- opener Shubman Gill after the land’s limited-overs captain, “Patty Cummins, as he tition from the young Kazakh, batting duo led Kolkata Knight said of his 21-year-old batting does, (bowled) Test match line who came back strongly in Riders to a comprehensive win partner who was named man of and length,” said Warner, who the second set, but some grim Elina Svitolina. (AFP) in the Indian Premier League the match. made 36. conditions. on Saturday. “Good bat swing, very Manish Pandey top-scored The match, which was 15th WTA title. Gill and Morgan put on an languid style, magnificent to with 51 for 2016 winners Hy- delayed by rain, was played “Normally the tourna- unbeaten fourth-wicket part- watch. He’s good kid, very hun- derabad, who have lost both partly in drizzle and a temper- ments are playing in really hot nership of 92 as Kolkata chased gry to learn and I would love to their games so far, before being ature close to 10 degrees Cel- conditions. We were happy to down their target of 143 with bat with him once again.” caught and bowled by West In- sius, something which affected finish today. In the end we got two overs to spare and win by Kolkata’s Australian pace- dian quick Andre Russell. both players over the course lucky to play.” seven wickets against David man Pat Cummins returned Scores: Kolkata Knight Rid- of a contest that lasted seven Svitolina, who reached the Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad. impressive figures of 1-19 from ers 145 for 3 (Gill 70*, Morgan minutes shy of two hours. quarter-finals at Roland Gar- Gill top-scored with 70 his four overs to help keep down 42*) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad “It was not easy, but it’s ros in 2015 and 2017, opens Kolkata Knight Riders’ Shubman Gill during his unbeaten knock of 70 off 62 deliveries and the left- Hyderabad to 142 for four. 142 for 4 (Pandey 51, Russell the same for everyone and you her campaign in Paris against runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2020 Indian Premier League handed Morgan hit the winning Cummins -- the most ex- 1-16, Cummins 1-19, Chakravar- have to adjust quickly,” said the Russian Varvara Grache- in Dubai in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. boundary in his 29-ball 42 as pensive foreign player for the thy 1-25) by seven wickets. Svitolina after claiming her va, ranked 94 in the world. Sports Sunday, September 27, 2020 15

Sweden’s Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, world record holder Champions fly high at Wanda in the men’s pole vault competes during the Wanda Doha Diamond League athletics Doha Diamond League meet meeting at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar Sports Club) in Doha on Friday. (AFP)

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Qatar Athletics Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who finished with a world leading time of Federation President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari 8:22.54 in the women’s 3000m, leads the pack on Friday. (AFP) watch the proceeedings at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar Sports Club) on Friday. World athletes excel in QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan’s presence at Qatar Sports Club

Tribune News Network Jamaica who breezed to victo- ten do due to obvious reasons. meeting in Zagreb, USAs Payton Doha ry in the women’s 100m dash Tonight’s win is for my sister Chadwick notched up another in 10.87secs ahead of multiple who is celebrating her 18th victory in the women’s 100m In the presence of HE Sheikh world medalist Marie-Josee birthday,” he added. hurdles. Cindy Ofili started well Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Ta Lou (11.21) of Ivory Coast, The expected three-way but faded over the final few bar- President, Qatar Olympic and USAs Kayla White (11.25). clash in the mens 110m hurdles riers, while Taliyah Brooks fin- Committee (QOC), the fourth In the much-awaited didn’t quite materialise after ished strongly, but Chadwick round and finale of this year’s women’s 3000m, it looked as USAs Freddie Crittenden was held on to win in 12.78. Brooks Wanda Doha Diamond League though Hellen Obiri would a non-starter and Frances Wil- was second in a PB of 12.86. concluded with some excep- register a rare defeat in the hem Belocian was disqualified Earlier in the evening, Ar- tional performances from Qatari capital. for a false start. But US indoor thur Cisse took almost half a world athletes at the Suhaim A day earlier, the world champion Aaron Mallet put second off his PB to win the Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar cross-country champion from Double Olympic champion Elaine together the race of his life to 200m in an Ivorian record of Sports Club on Friday evening. Kenya had explained how Thompson-Herah of Jamaica cel- win in a PB of 13.15 (0.3m/s). 20.23 in his first race over the Providing home joy were Doha was one of her favourite ebrates after winning the wom- Qatar’s Mohamed Nasir Abbas after finishing third in the men’s 400m Swiss record-holder Jason Jo- distance since May 2018. Qatari athletes Mohamed Ab- cities to race in, having set her en’s 100m in 10.87secs. (AFP) clocking a personal best time of 45.96secs. seph was third in 13.40. Since the start of 2019, Cisse bas and Mohamed Al Garni. 3000m PB here in 2014 and World silver medalist Mary- has now set national records While Abbas excelled in the retained her world 5000m ti- the pace having slowed slightly. final stages, but Obiri held three attempts. It meant the trio na Bekh-Romanchuk saved her for 60m, 100m and 200m all of men’s 400m race finish- tle last year at the Khalifa In- Eight women were still in con- on to win in 8:22.54, the sec- equaled the meeting record that best for last in the long jump which had previously been held ing 3rd with a personal best ternational Stadium. But when tention with two laps to go with ond-fastest time of her career had been set by Greek Konstan- which proved doubly beneficial by Ben Youssef Meite, the only time of 45.96, Mohamed Al world steeplechase champion Obiri, Chepkoech, Tirop and behind the 8:20.68 African tinos Filippidis back in 2013. as the event adopted the last other Ivorian man to win at a Garni was runners-up in the Beatrice Chepkoech breezed Kipkemboi still occupying the outdoor record she set on this They were all unsuccess- round counts format. Diamond League meeting. men’s 1500m B race clocking into the lead with about 550 first four places. very track six years ago. ful at 5.92m; Duplantis saved The Ukrainian leapt 6.91m As many as 117 athletes 3:44:30secs behind Moroc- metres left in tonight’s 3000m Chepkoech made her In the sizzling pole vault his final effort for an attempt (0.6m/s) to beat world bronze participated in Doha, 10 of co’s Ilyass El Ouali (3:43.66). race, Obiri kept her cool for move as she entered the home competition, world record hold- at 6m plus mark, but brought medalist Ese Brume and Khaddi whom had won medals at the American Kahmari Montgom- another 200 metres before she straight for the penultimate er Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis the bar down. Yet, he was all Sagnia. Brumes superior final- 2016 Rio Olympics and 17 at ery (45.55) topped the 400m unleashed her trademark kick time, but Obiri responded with of Sweden emerged on top with smiles having won. round effort (6.68m) meant she the 2019 World Champion- race while Kuwait’s Yousef Kar- for home, eventually winning about 350 metres remaining, 5.82m –identical to that of his “It’s been a fantastic season finished ahead of Sagnia, even ships in Doha. am was second in 45.96. in a world-leading 8:22.54. her head rocking and arms arch-rivals Sam Kendricks of and I enjoyed sharing the mo- though the Swede had jumped The organising committee Among the star athletes to The field of 15 women, fighting, as is often her style at the US and Frenchman Renaud ment tonight with the guys,” he farther (6.85m) earlier in the made extraordinary efforts to light up the Doha show was loaded with world and Olympic the end of races. Lavillenie. But while Duplan- said. competition. ensure the competition was double Olympic champion medallists, Obiri led the pack Tirop and Chepkoech tis cleared on his first try, Ken- “We’ve not been able to see Ten days after winning held with all health and safety Elaine Thompson-Herah of and reached 2000m in 5:39.70, made up some ground in the dricks and Lavillenie needed each other this season as we of- at the Continental Tour Gold precautions in place. Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: City of Light prepares to host the coveted annual event

the Purebred Arabian World Large participation Championship race. Qatar Arabian Trophy of Qatari-owned des Juments (Gr1 PA) is a 2,000m event where the horses in Arabian Queen of the 4-year-old fillies races; Exciting will be decided. There are 12 fillies in the entry list, includ- contenders in ing HH Sheikh Mohammed Ventura Rebel wins QREC Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Arte- Qatar Arabian mis and Min’ha, Al Shaqab Club Renaissance Stakes World Cup with Racing’s Ajaweed, Almajdah, Meethag, Ryme Al Cham and Tribune News Network tar Racing & Equestrian Club- Ebraz seeking Um Taj, Sheail Bin Khalifa Doha sponsored race and Ventura Al Kuwari’s Lady Princess, Rebel, who was wearing cheek- an encore winner of the Qatar Arabian The Qatar Racing & Equestri- pieces for the first time, sat Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 an Club Renaissance Stakes, a handily on the near side, with Tribune News Network PA) last year, and Mohamed Group 3 race over 1,200m for the runners spread out across Doha Bin Fahad Al Attiyah’s Miss 3-year-olds and up, was won the track. They began racing Boum Al Maury. by British raider Ventura Re- early and Ventura Rebel pulled The current circumstanc- bel at the Curragh racecourse into the lead in the final 100 es, which the world is going Purebred Arabian World in UK on Saturday. metres. He held of Forever In through due to the outbreak Championship race The Richard Fahey-trained Dreams (Dream Ahead x Dora of the new coronavirus (COV- Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 3-year-old colt, who is by de Green) by half a length ID-19) pandemic has had Ebraz winner of Qatar Arabian World Cup 2019 will be seeking a repeat in Paris on October 4. PA) will be run over 2,000m as speedy sire Pastoral Pursuits to win this prestigious prize. a negative impact on many well, but for 4YO+. and out of the Firebreak mare Joint-favourite Summerghand sporting events. However, scale this year due to the 2 October. The Qatar Ara- The young ladies race The entry list is studded Finalize, had previously fin- (Lope de Vega x Kate The global horse racing events as- current circumstances. bian Trophy des Pou- has nine entries, including with world-class stars, includ- ished 3rd in the Group 1 Com- Great) came in third. sociated with Qatar are still in lains (Gr1 PA) – 3YO Al Shaqab Racing’s Alalwsj, ing HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin monwealth Cup at Royal Ascot Ventura Rebel was a place in more than one Euro- Feature races colts only – and the Alkedri and Jalela and Ali Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Tayf, HH this summer. This was his first £28,000 yearling at the Tat- pean country. The 2020 renewal Qatar Arabian Tro- Hamad Al Attiya’s My Belle Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khali- win at Group level and his first tersalls Ascot Yearling Sale, Following the Qatar Good- of the Qatar Prix phy des Pouliches Du Soleil. fa Al Thani’s Ebraz, who will be win as a 3-year-old having bought by Frederico Barberini wood Festival in late July and de l’Arc de Triom- (Gr1 PA) – 3YO fil- returning to defend his title fol- won twice at 2. from Bearstone Stud. He was early August this year and the phe weekend will lies only, both run QREC’s vision lowing his victory last year and Eleven lined up in the Qa- bred by Crossfields Bloodstock. Arc Trials and the Arc Trials be on October 3rd over 2000m, will As part of QREC’s vision to will be crowned this time with at ParisLongchamp two weeks and 4th with 17 races, crown the leaders of promote Qatar as a leader in another title as the champion ago, it is now time for the Qa- including ten group 1 the 3-year-old colts and the pure Arabian breed, the of the Doha Triple Crown, and tar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe races on the cards, featuring 3-year-old fillies. weekend involves other two Al Shaqab Racing’s Khataab, weekend at the same famous the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- There are 18 colts in the races for Purebred Arabians Snan and Zalej Al Cham. Parisian racecourse in continu- omphe and the Qatar Arabian entry list of the boys races, in- at ParisLongchamp. The Qatar Until 4 October, the ation of Qatar’s sponsorship World Cup on the second day. cluding HH Sheikh Abdullah Arabian Trophy des Juments question will remain: Can since 2008. However, two associated Ara- Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Abbes (Gr1 PA) - 4YO fillies only – Ebraz repeat on last year’s The event will be staged bian races will be held at St. and Sir Monlau, HH Sheikh will be on Saturday, 3 October. stunning victory or one of with all precautionary and pre- Cloud on October 2. Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Then, the peak of world’s his tough rivals will have ventive measures to ensure the Thani’s Alsaher and Asiak, Purebred Arabian racing ex- another say? The only thing safety of everyone at ParisLon- Entries of Arabian races Al Shaqab Racing’s Alhafar, cellence will be on display that can be confirmed at this champ. The global event is usu- Action for Purebred Arabians Emberator and Hazzam and on the finale with the Qatar time is that all eyes will be ally broadcast worldwide and will get underway with two Abdullah Bin Fahad Ah Al At- Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA), on ParisLongchamp on Oc- this is expected to be on a larger races at St. Cloud on Friday, tiyah’s Munir Du Soleil. which is simply known as tober 4th for the answer!