Sport TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2020 USU Open winner Dominic Thiem admits tought fight ahead to replace ‘Big 3' I think it’s (the decline in ratings for the US Open champi- onshipo match) normal, because Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, theyt are like global superstars, and we are not yet.

Dominic Thiem Sport |11

NBA: (EAST. CONF. FINALS) Game 6: Miami Heat 125, Boston Celtics 113 (Adebayo 33 points, Butler 22) * Miami Heat won series 4-2 Serena digs deep to Record-chasing Nadal off find way past Ahn to a flying start in Paris into second round REUTERS – PARIS

Spain’s Sixth seed Serena Williams battled sluggish conditions REUTERS – PARIS in action during his to defeat fellow American Kristie Ahn 7-6(2) 6-0 to first round begin her French Open campaign yesterday. Claycourt master Rafael Nadal started I want to play matches match against ’ Playing an opponent she beat in straight sets at the his quest for a record-extending 13th with a positive attitude. It's Egor Gerasimov in Paris same stage at the US Open less than a month ago, Wil- French Open title with a straight- yesterday. liams found herself struggling to win points on Court forward 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 first-round win a different Roland Garros Philippe-Chatrier where the roof was opened just before against Belarusian Egor Gerasimov with challenging weather the match. yesterday. conditions. Williams started with three aces to win her opening The Spaniard, looking to equal game but the 102nd-ranked Ahn started moving better Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand and chased down her opponent’s heavy groundstrokes, Slam men's singles titles, is used to Rafael Nadal which on most surfaces would have ended up as slow starts at Roland Garros and this winners. year's debut was no different. Ahn, who was making her main-draw debut at On the revamped court Philippe Roland Garros, went up 3-1 and served for the set at Chatrier, whose roof stayed open serve again in the third game of 5-4 but the 39-year-old Williams rallied each time to throughout, Nadal converted all of his the second. force a tiebreaker. five break points to set up a meeting With a mountain to climb Williams, who has won three of her 23 with American Mackenzie McDonald. after falling two sets behind singles titles at Roland Garros, raised her level in the The second seed, who had com- and as blue skies ate away the tiebreaker and did not look back from there, handing plained about the new balls being too dark clouds, Gerasimov broke the hapless Ahn a bagel in the second set. heavy, did not appear too bothered for 2-0 in the third set. “The biggest difference was just confidence,” Wil- in front of some 200 fans, wrapping Nadal quickly regained control, liams told reporters. “I just need to play with more up the match with a service winner. however, and levelled for 2-2, with confidence, like I’m Serena. So that was it. "I want to play matches with a Gerasimov twisting his ankle on the The American, bidding to match Margaret positive attitude. It's a different Roland last point of the fourth game. Court’s record 24 Grand Slam titles, hit her 11th Garros with challenging weather con- The physiotherapist taped the ace on her fifth matchpoint to seal the victory ditions," said Nadal. Belarusian's ankle and play resumed in an hour and 41 minutes. "I played quite a solid match when after a short interruption with Nadal Williams had 28 of her 36 unforced errors in I was serving, no? I was playing some breaking again for 3-2. the opening set while she hit 26 winners in all. good points. I did some good fore- Gerasimov's challenge was Next up for the American will be a second-round hands, winners down the line, that's fading as Nadal piled on the meeting against fellow mother Tsvetana Pironkova, a key shot for me," he said. pressure to seal a routine win, who earlier beat Andrea Petkovic 6-3 6-3. With his topspin having less of a moving a step closer to the “She’s playing well but I am too. I’m ready to play devastating effect on the heavier clay, semi-final. her. She’ll be ready to play me,” Williams said of her next Nadal had to adapt and play more Austria’s Dominic Thiem opponent. “It will be a long match, she will get a lot of aggressively than usual, taking the ball showed no sign of a hangover balls back but so will I. I’ll be ready.” Williams and earlier to unsettle his opponent -- a from his US Open triumph as Pironkova met in the quarter-finals of the US Open this tactic that worked perfectly. he began his Roland Garros month, when the Bulgarian went down in three sets. He broke in the fifth game as he campaign with an “It’s always exciting to face her, especially after our bagged the opening set in solid impressive 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 last match,” said Pironkova. “We played three sets, it fashion, and he stole his opponent's win over Marin Cilic. was very exciting match, so we’ll see. I’m definitely very excited.”

Djokovic seeks French Open The biggest difference was just confidence. I just need to play with more confidence, like I’m Serena. So that was it. I just started playing like that. I love the clay and I started playing like it, opening the court and moving and redemption after US drama sliding. I do think her level dropped a little bit in the beginning of the first REUTERS – PARIS on. Of course, it was a shock for Djokovic after sealing his record set and I took advantage of that. I think her level was so high in the first set me and a lot of people,” Djokovic 36th Masters trophy. that I just needed to lift my level more than what I did. Three weeks after an acrimo- told reporters. Ymer, ranked 80, will be nious exit at the US Open, world The incident raised question facing a world number one for Serena Williams believes the key to levelling the all-time number one Novak Djokovic will marks over Djokovic’s volatile the first time when he walks out resume his pursuit of an 18th on-court behaviour in an oth- to play Djokovic and will take Grand Slam record of 24 titles is to 'play like Serena Williams' Grand Slam title when he takes erwise perfect 2020 season, in some heart from that fact that the on Sweden’s Mikael Ymer in the which he has assembled a tour- Serbian lost to a lower-ranked first round at the French Open leading 31-1 record. player in a Grand Slam when he today. Djokovic was relieved to turn fell to number 117 Denis Istomin The Serbian had started as a a page on the New York chapter in the second round of the 2017 heavy favourite to win the title at and looked right at home on his . Flushing Meadows but was dis- claycourt return in Rome, It would represent a huge qualified from his fourth-round dropping just one set en route to shock though as the damp clay- match against Pablo Carreno his fifth title. courts, featuring a lower bounce Busta after inadvertently striking “I don’t want to sound than during the tournament’s usual a line judge in the throat with a arrogant. I am very satisfied and May/June slot, appear tailor-made ball. pleased to win a title. I know I still for the precision baseline power “I had to accept it and move have a couple of gears,” said and accuracy that Djokovic boasts. Al Nassr to meet Al Ahli SFC, Persepolis to face Pakhtakor in ACL quarters THE PENINSULA – DOHA Group A, advanced to the quarter- berth in dramatic fashion on Sunday “All three teams would have been finals after defeating UAE’s Shabab Al with Isa Al Kasir scoring an 88th difficult opponents,” said Pakhtakor Al Nassr will face Al Ahli Saudi FC in Ahli Dubai 4-3 on penalties, with the minute winner for the Iran Pro League assistant coach Pieter Huistra. an all-Saudi Arabia tie while Iran's Round of 16 match having ended 1-1 champions against Qatar’s Al Sadd SC “Persepolis are a great team and Persepolis FC and Pakhtakor of after extra-time on Saturday. in their last 16 tie. we know them quite well because we Uzbekistan will square off in the 2020 “I did not have a preference prior “Coming to the draw ceremony we faced them last year in the group stage AFC Champions League (West) to the draw as all teams are very strong, knew it wasn’t going to make a big dif- and they are champions of IR Iran, so quarter-finals following the draw in but it is interesting because we face a ference for us, because here there are we have to be ready and have to be in Doha yesterday. fellow Saudi club,” said Al Ahli Saudi four strong teams,” said Persepolis good shape but we are confident. We Both quarter-finals will be played head coach Vladan Milojevic. team manager Mohammad Ali played some good games already here at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium “Al Nassr are a good team. A good Peyrovani. and we are looking forward to tomorrow, with Saturday’s semi-final QUARTER-FINALS: club that of course we respect, but we “Our target is to be champions of Wednesday to play again," Huistra also to be played at the same venue. WEST REGION are not afraid. Asia, so if we want to be champions, said. The two quarter-finals and semi-final Venue: Jassim bin Hamad Stadium “We came here to give our all, so we cannot worry about which team None of the four West Zone will be one-legged affairs. we will fight, play and we will see what we will face next. quarter-finalists have won the AFC Abderrazak Hamdallah’s sixth goal Al Nassr (KSA) vs Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) happens. My philosophy is to prepare “Pakhtakor have been a really good Champions League before, with Al Ahli of the campaign saw Group D winners Tomorrow at 16:40 for any opponent in the same way. We team, so we know we will have a tough Saudi and Persepolis finishing runners- Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia edge domestic Persepolis FC (IRN) vs Pakhtakor (UZB) treat this game the same way we would game against them, but on the other up in 2012 and 2018 respectively. Al rivals Al Taawoun 1-0 in their Round Tomorrow at 20:45 any other, Milojevic said. hand it will be a tough game for them. Ahli Saudi were also runners-up in the of 16 tie on Sunday. “The Round of 16 is behind us now, This is football, but we are confident 1985-86 season of the Asian Club “It will be a difficult game; we know extra day of rest compared to us, and and we focus on Al Nassr. I have to con- that we will take to the pitch with only Championship. that because we played against Al Ahli one day more in this type of compe- centrate on the state of my players the aim of winning the match.” Pakhtakor were semi-finalists in in the Saudi Pro League and we know tition will be very important, but we because we had a lot of injuries, but I Pakhtakor, in the quarter-finals for 2003 and 2004 while Al Nassr, their qualities,” said Al Nassr head are ready and we have players who believe in my team and club. I always the first time since 2009, defeated runners-up in the 1995 Asian Club coach Rui Vitoria. want to play and are prepared for the want to enjoy the game first.” Iran’s Esteghlal FC 2-1, with the Championship, will be appearing in “Al Ahli may have played extra time game.” Persepolis - who finished top of Uzbekistan side having advanced to their second successive AFC Cham- in the Round of 16, but they had one Al Ahli Saudi, who finished top of Group C - sealed their quarter-final the Round of 16 as Group B winners. pions League quarter-finals. TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

Doha AGM: Durban wins right to host 2023 ITTF World Championships

Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, speaks during the 2020 International Table Federation (ITTF) AGM held in Doha, yesterday. Durban won the hosting right for the 2023 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships during the meeting. The South African city won 90 votes (69.77%) to beat off competition from the other candidate city, Düsseldorf, Germany, who won 39 votes(30.23%). CENTRE: ITTF officials pose for a group photo during the meeting. RIGHT: President of Qatar Table Tennis Association and the Arab Tableennis T Association, and Vice-President of the Asian Table Tennis Union and the International Table Tennis Federation, Khalil Ahmed Al Mohannadi revealing Durban as host city for the 2023 ITTF World Championships. Thiem admits tough fight Run glut as Bangalore defeat Mumbai in ahead to replace ‘Big 3' Super Over thriller

AFP — PARIS AGENCIES — DUBAI Iyer-led Delhi Capitals (DC), Austria’s Dominic high on confidence after two Thiem in action during US Open champion Dominic Royal Challengers Bangalore wins on the trot, will be up Thiem admitted yesterday that his French Open first (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) against SunRisers Hyderabad he faces a stiff challenge to keep round match against played out the second Super (SRH), the only team without a tennis high up in the public Croatia’s Marin Cilic, Over thriller of the Indian point, in the 11th match of the consciousness once Roger yesterday. Premier League (IPL) 2020 and IPL today. Federer, Rafael Nadal and it was Virat Kohli and Co. who While DC will aim for a hat- Novak Djokovic call it quits. emerged triumphant to win the trick of wins, the David Thiem, 27, captured his game at the Dubai International Warner-captained SRH would maiden Slam title in New York Cricket Stadium yesterday. aim to register their first win of with a breathtaking five-set win AB de Villiers and Kohli the season, having lost two of over earlier chased down the target of 8 in their previous outings against this month, the first major final Super Over. Royal Challengers Bangalore in six years not to feature at Hardik Pandya and Kieron (RCB) and Kolkata Knight least one of the ‘Big Three’. Pollard scored 7 runs for Riders (KKR). However, US broadcaster Mumbai Indians in Super Over. In their first game against ESPN said that ratings for that Chasing a target of 202, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), which championship match were Mumbai Indians managed 201 went into the Super Over, Marcus down 48%. for 5 after Ishan Kishan (99 off Stoinis and Kagiso Rabada Both Federer and Nadal 58 balls) and Kieron Pollard (60 ensured a win for DC before they opted not to play the US Open off 24 balls) nearly pulled off comprehensively defeated a star- while Djokovic was disqualified an incredible chase but could studded Chennai Super Kings in in the last 16. manage 8 off the required 19 the next match. “I think it’s normal, because runs in the last over. Brief Scores Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, they When RCB batted, half cen- Royal Challengers Ban- are like global superstars, and turies from De Villiers, Aaron galore 201/3 (AB de Villiers 55*, we are not yet,” said Thiem Finch and Devdutt Padikkal pro- Devdutt Padikkal 54; Trent after reaching the second round like they did. I think there is a followed by Nadal with 19 and different things going on this pelled them to 201 for 3 after Boult 2/34) tied Mumbai of Roland Garros with a 6-4, chance to do it, but it comes auto- Djokovic, currently the world year with way less crowd, with being put into bat. Indians 201/5 (Ishan Kishan 99, 6-3, 6-3 win over Croatia’s matically with a lot of success. number one, with 17. the tournament going on three De Villiers scored 55 off 24 Kieron Pollard 60*; Isuru Marin Cilic, who was cele- That’s our challenge to do. Thiem has finished runner- or four months later. It’s cold balls while Finch (52 off 35 balls) Udana 2/45) brating his 32nd birthday “But I think that we are not up to 12-time French Open conditions. and Padikkal (54 off 40 balls) aso Super Over: yesterday. going to have a problem, winner Nadal, 34, at the last two “But with his name and with contributed handsomely. Royal Challengers Bangalore “I guess we have to build it up because for me, like the new Roland Garros finals. his past here at the tournament, Meanwhile, the Shreyas 11/0 beat Mumbai Indians 7/1 generation, or also my gener- Djokovic, meanwhile, is the he’s still the huge favourite.” ation, they are super-good 2016 champion. The 33-year- Next up for Thiem is characters, interesting char- old and is bidding to become American qualifier Jack Sock, a acters, a lot of star potential the first man in the modern era former top 10 player who is I guess that there are less there. The only thing we are to win all four Slams twice. now ranked 310. viewers or less interest if missing is the huge success. Thiem is 27 so has time on Sock reached the fourth Roger, Rafa, and Novak “I guess that there are less his side when it comes to round in Paris in 2015 where he are not there much. It’s viewers or less interest if Roger, further Grand Slam potential. even took a set off Nadal before normal, because as I said, Rafa, and Novak are not there However, he is seeded to losing in four sets. much. It’s normal, because as I meet Nadal in the semi-finals “I heard he’s pretty good they are global said, they are global superstars, this year with the Spaniard only on clay. I heard he played all superstars, and I hope we and I hope we are on the way having lost twice in 95 appear- right a few weeks ago in New are on the way there. there.” ances at the tournament since York. I think he’s being called Federer, 39, who is sitting his title-winning debut in 2005. the new king of clay after Dominic Thiem out the rest of 2020 to rehab “For me, Rafa is the huge Nadal. He loves it here,” said knee surgery, is the record Slam favourite here,” said Thiem. Sock, making light of the chal- title holder with 20 triumphs, “Obviously there’s a lot of lenge ahead. Kvitova pleased to see Royal Challengers Bangalore's openers Devdutt Padikkal (left) and Aaron Finch fans at Roland Garros run between the wickets during their IPL Petra Kvitova match against Mumbai Indians, yesterday. REUTERS — PARIS in New York, said she was surprised with the decision of French Open Two days after Victoria Azarenka organisers and a bit nervous about it. questioned the presence of fans at the The French Open, pushed back to French Open, Czech Petra Kvitova start in late September from its Bangladesh cancels SL said she was very glad she could play normal May-June slot because of the in front of spectators at Roland novel coronavirus pandemic, initially Garros. planned for 11,000 fans per day. series over virus policy The claycourt Grand Slam in Paris That was cut to 5,000 and on is allowing 1,000 fans each day Thursday it was reduced further to AFP — DHAKA international matches under despite rising COVID-19 infection 1,000 by the French government. their tough coronavirus iso- rates in France while the recent US German Alexander Zverev, the Bangladesh yesterday called off lation policy. We will tour Sri Open Grand Slam in New York was losing finalist to Dominic Thiem at the forthcoming Test series in Lanka at a later date when played in front of empty stands. Flushing Meadows, praised the Sri Lanka because of corona- there will be no restrictions,” “I think we are very glad and very organisers of both the French and the virus restrictions imposed by said BCB spokesman Jalal pleased, honestly, that we are here US Opens. the hosts they say make Yunus. and we can play here, even with few “Here maybe is a little bit dif- preparing impossible. “We respect their corona- spectators,” Kvitova said yesterday ferent,” Zverev said on Sunday. The Bangladesh Cricket virus policy but, honestly after her opening win over French- “Here the hotel, there are other Board took the decision after speaking, international woman Oceane Dodin under the guests staying. But still I think Roland Sri Lanka refused to ease matches cannot be held in closed roof of Court Philippe Chatrier. Garros is doing everything they can stringent quarantine measures these circumstances,” he “I really miss them, so it’s really to make it as well run as possible. -- which included players being added. nice that they could come. I know it’s “Here the plus side is that we do confined to their rooms for 14 The three Tests in October- not full, but it’s still better than have spectators, a little bit. Not obvi- days, with no training allowed, November were meant to mark nothing, for sure,” she said. ously the full crowd. But we do still after arriving in the island the return to international Azarenka, who reached the final have spectators, which is quite nice.” nation. cricket by both nations after a “It is impossible to play months-long lockdown. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2020

Ambitious Qatari club partners with Cosette Solutions in new move Lusail Sports Club and Academy logos unveiled THE PENINSULA – DOHA LEFT: Lusail Sports Club's (LSC) President, Nawaf Al Mudhahka; The Lusail Sports Club CEO of Cosette Solutions, Omar yesterday unveiled the new club Shamiyeh; LSC CEO Muhammad and academy logos and also Saeed Al Misnad, team captain announced details of its stra- Khaled Nawwaf and the club’s tegic and commercial partner- official spokesman Abdulhadi Al ships in the coming period Sahli posing for a photograph after during a press conference held the official logo unveiling and at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. sponsorship signing ceremony The press conference was yesterday. attended by the club’s Pres- ident Nawaf Al Mudhahka, CEO Student athletes in action Muhammad Saeed Al Misnad, during a training session at team captain Khaled Nawwaf, the Lusail Sports Club in this the club’s official spokesman file photo. Abdulhadi Al Sahli, and CEO of Cosette Solutions, Omar Shamiyeh, the club’s sponsors. players could compete that this joint cooperation Addressing the gathering, internationally. will extend and continue in Al Mudhahka stated the Lusail The President said that the the future and help develop Sports Club is the first com- goal of the club is to attract all the game among mercial club in Qatar that was residents in Qatar without youngsters. launched in 2014. screening as the club continues “Lusail Sports Club is the “The club was launched to work on its ‘Vision 2026’. first club in Qatar that was from an idea to educate and “We have established the set up as commercial entity. train Qatari youth of Aspire Lusail Football Academy in the This is an opportunity for graduates and amateurs. At the Doha Golf Club to support the Cossete Solutions to be the beginning the club members youngsters falling in the age first marketing company to participated in the Ramadan groups of 4 to 16 years old. The benefited a lot from it. In order sponsor a sports club and to be tournaments and amateur training period is divided into to teach youngsters all about part of a club that is keen to competitions.” Al Mudhahka three stages. Each stage consists football skills, I encourage them develop the game among said. of a period of three months and to be part of a competitive and youngsters,” he added. Al Mudhahka also said that the door is open to residents of sporting atmosphere like the “One of our most important Lusail Sports Club, as a com- all nationalities,” Al Mudhahka one seen at the academy.” goals is to develop community mercial club, is primarily con- said. Shamiyeh, CEO of Cosette sports and to help develop cerned with investing in sports On his experience with Solutions, the sponsors of Lusail Qatari players in all sports and players, refining them and Lusail Sports Club, team captain Sports Club, said: “We are proud fields. We sponsored world introducing them to the big Nawwaf said: “Playing in the of our sponsorship of Lusail champion Mutaz Barshim, and clubs and eventually the Qatari side has been a good expe- Sports Club and the Lusail we seek to help develop future national teams so that the rience. Me and my players have Football Academy. We hope stars also,” Shamiyeh said. Messi on I would like to fight for the Carabao (League) Cup but I Icardi ends goal drought don’t think I can. We have a target game on Thursday that gives us not as much money as the Champions League but the in dream group phase of the Europa as PSG beat Reims 2-0 League gives us a certain amount that for a club like us is AFP – PARIS start for very important. Mauro Icardi broke a long Koeman Tottenham Hotspur manager scoring drought by netting both Jose Mourinho goals in Paris Saint-Germain’s REUTERS – BARCELONA believes their packed fixture comfortable 2-0 Ligue 1 win at Reims on Sunday night. schedule will force them to Earlier, Monaco hung on was back in prioritise the more lucrative desperately to beat Strasbourg scoring business for Barcelona Europa League over the League 3-2 after having two players on Sunday, leading them to a Cup in a bid to avoid further sent off and Lille moved into resounding 4-0 win at home injuries in the squad. second place a more straight- against Villarreal in a near- forward 2-0 win over Nantes. perfect La Liga opener for the PSG, who opened the league Catalans under new coach season with two losses, won 2-0 Ronald Koeman. for a third straight league game Teenage forward Ansu Fati and are now seventh, four was in inspirational form for points behind leaders Rennes. Barca, combining with Jordi “It’s important for a striker Paris Saint-Germain’s Alba to side-foot home first to score goals,” said Icardi after Argentinian forward Mauro time into the net in the 15th making the scoresheet for the Icardi heads the ball during minute and then striking again first time since February. the French L1 football match four minutes later with another For the first time since the against Reims at the Auguste ice-cool finish. French Cup final on July 24, PSG Delaune Stadium in Reims, Fati, the 17-year-old in his started their all their ‘Fantastic eastern France, on Monday. second season in Barca’s first Four’, of Kylian Mbappe, team after a stunning rise last Neymar, Angel di Maria and year from the club’s youth Icardi. Icardi stayed cool after nine struck to seal the points. After Mehdi Chahiri pulled Stras- set-up, then won the penalty The quartet have been kept minutes when Mbappe’s pass a neat move, Mbappe rolled a bourg back into contention just which captain Messi dispatched Portuguese apart by positive Covid-19 tests, was a little behind him, defying pass to the unmarked forward, after the break before Ben to score the third in the 35th. an injury to Mbappe, a sus- his long dry spell by controlling who tapped the ball in. Yedder struck again on 47 Villarreal defender Pau team walk pension to Neymar and coach the ball neatly with his heel Monaco coach Niko Kovac minutes. Torres scored an own goal right Thomas Tuchel’s decision to and then driving a low shot described his side as “heroic” Disasi was dismissed for at the end of the first half to back from drop Icardi to the bench for the inside the far post. as they resisted a comeback bringing down Ludovic Ajorque, heap more pain on Unai Champions League semi-final Reims, who went to extra from battling Strasbourg who scored from the penalty Emery’s side and Barca con- stadium after and final. time on Thursday as they were despite the dismissals of spot to make it 3-2, setting up tinued to dominate the game Even so PSG excercised eliminated from the Europa Aurelien Tchouameni and Axel a breathless last 20 minutes. in the second half without their option to turn Icardi’s loan League on penalties by Hun- Disasi at the Stade Louis II. Lille went ahead through a managing to add to their hefty Cup defeat from Inter Milan into a per- garians Fehervar, almost lev- Wissam Ben Yedder put Nicolas Pallois own goal before advantage. Koeman succeeded manent deal and the Argentine elled when substitute Boulaye Monaco ahead with a ninth- Turkish international Burak Quique Setien in August after REUTERS – LISBON took over the number nine shirt Dia hit the post in the 61st minute strike before Ruben Yilmaz wrapped up the three the crushing 8-2 defeat to from the departed Edinson minute. Aguilar made it 2-0 late in points with an 87th minute spot Bayern Munich in the Cham- Third tier team Lusitania Cavani. But seconds later Icardi first-half stoppage time. kick. pions League. Lourosa left the stadium on foot following a Portuguese Cup defeat after the club allegedly sent the team bus away, an Ronaldo nets double to rescue Juventus at Roma incident described by the foot- ballers’ union yesterday as REUTERS – MILAN The hosts went in front after half “lamentable.” Lourosa lost their an hour when Rabiot was penalised first round tie 1-0 to local rivals ’s second goal of for handball, allowing Veretout to Sao Joao de Ver on Sunday and the night rescued a 2-2 draw for convert from 12 yards. videos on showed the 10-man Juventus away to AS Roma Juventus levelled in almost iden- squad walking back to their in Serie A on Sunday, after Jordan tical fashion when Lorenzo Pel- training ground, around five Veretout had twice put the capital legrini’s trailing arm blocked the ball kilometres away. club in front. Veretout and Ronaldo and Ronaldo fired home the subse- Club president Hugo netted penalties after both teams quent spot kick. Mendes told the Jornal de were penalised for handball, and the But the lead lasted just two Noticias that the team took the French midfielder then struck his minutes before Juve were caught on decision as a form of self-crit- second of the night in first-half the break and Mkhitaryan squared a icism. “There was no pun- stoppage time. pass to Veretout for a composed ishment,” he said. Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot finish. However, the Portuguese was shown a second yellow card to Roma captain Edin Dzeko, who players’ union (SAFP) said the leave his side a man down for the was close to joining Juventus in the club had ordered the team bus final third of the match, but a tow- close season, was inches away when to leave. ering Ronaldo header earned a point his shot struck the foot of the post. “The union expects nothing for the Italian champions in Andrea Pirlo’s side were left with a less from the president of Pirlo’s second game in charge. mountain to climb when a clumsy Lourosa than an immediate Roma's Henrikh Mkhitaryan challenge from Rabiot on the 62nd apology to the squad for this almost scored a spectacular indi- minute earned him a second booking. lamentable episode which vidual goal early on, dribbling from But they found an equaliser from does nothing to dignify Portu- inside his own half before his shot a familiar source when Ronaldo hung Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (right) scoring a goal past Roma’s Italian guese football,” it said in a was smothered by Wojciech in the air in trademark fashion to goalkeeper Antonio Mirante during the Italian Serie A match in Rome, yesterday. statement. Szczesny. head in a cross. TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Stewards acted fairly against Hamilton: FIA

AFP - SOCHI reconnaissance lap. The sanctions, Mercedes were fined €25,000 ($29,000) widely seen as too severe, effectively for each infringement. Race director Michael ended his hopes of winning in Sochi and Meanwhile it has been reported that Masi has hit back at Lewis levelling with Michael Schumacher’s Mercedes knew Hamilton was going to Hamilton’s claim that record of 91 Grand Prix victories. be in trouble with Formula One stewards Formula One’s rulers are trying Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff and when they saw where he was practising to stop him winning races -- and said described it as “far-fetched” but the his starts for the Russian Grand Prix, Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix stewards team’s track engineering director Andy according to engineering director acted fairly by penalising him. Shovlin admitted he was not surprised Andrew Shovlin. Hamilton had asked Hamilton, who led from pole “We didn’t see the first one (start) Mercedes on his way to the grid whether position, was hit with two five-second and when we saw the second one, we he could practise starts further out of penalties for pre-race misdemeanours thought ‘they’re not going to like that’, the pit lane where there was less dis- that wrecked his bid for a record- but we didn’t think it was dangerous,” carded rubber, and was told to proceed. equalling 91st Grand Prix win. Shovlin said. “We hadn’t realised quite how far Masi, who took over as the top “When we saw the car position, it he was he was going to go,” said Shovlin. official at races representing the Inter- wasn’t a complete surprise that they “We didn’t see the first one. When national Motoring Federation (FIA) in didn’t like it and, no doubt, there may we saw the second one we thought the aftermath of Charlie Whiting’s have been teams who flagged it up -- as ‘they’re not going to like that’. sudden death in Melbourne last year, much as whether the FIA or the stewards “We thought it might have been flatly rejected Hamilton’s post-race spotted it themselves.” ambiguous enough that we would have comments. Hamilton finished a furious third just got a telling-off. But when we saw “I think from an FIA perspective we behind Mercedes team-mate Valtteri the car position, it wasn’t a complete sur- are there as a sporting regulator to Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, prise that they didn’t like it.” administer the regulations,” the Aus- his lead in the drivers’ title race trimmed Shovlin said rivals could also have tralian said late Sunday. from 55 to 44 points by the Finn. flagged it up to the governing FIA or “We have the stewards as an inde- Masi ruled out any bias against Ham- stewards as much as the officials spotting pendent judiciary to adjudicate those," ilton and said his door “is always open”, for themselves. he said. a phrase he used after a similar spat at Hamilton, surprised by the penalties, “There was an infringement and it the Italian Grand Prix at Monza where told reporters afterwards he did not doesn’t matter if it was Lewis Hamilton the Briton received another penalty that think he had done anything out of the or any one of the other 19 drivers -- if a prevented him winning. ordinary. breach has occurred they will consider “From my perspective, it’s very “If you look at probably every race it on its merits. simple that if Lewis wants to raise some- that I’ve done this year, at least, I always “Further to that, I would say they thing -- as I have said to him before and start further down. Never, ever had a adjudicate it equitably and fairly in the said to all of the drivers numerous times problem, done it for years,” he said. circumstances, taking all of the key ele- -- the door is always open,” said Masi. “I don’t like to be on the rubber, ments into account.” “I’m more than happy to discuss that’s where everyone has done all their Hamilton was penalised for per- anything.” starts so it’s not representative of what forming irregular pre-race practice Hamilton was also given two penalty it’s like on the grid, so I try to get onto starts in the pit lane exit road and for points on his racing license, but this was the surface that doesn’t have any inconsistent speed on the cancelled after a review. Instead, rubber.”

LEFT: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton before the race at the Russian Grand Prix inside Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia, on Sunday. Hamilton finished third. Tokyo Olympics Q&A: Should athletes be priority for vaccine?

AP TOKYO Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike (right) relay stays, driven by major New start reacts next to a screen showing sponsors Toyota and Coca-Cola. It’s been six months since the Tokyo International Olympic Committee All athletic events and the quota date for Olympics were postponed until next year (IOC) President Thomas Bach of 11,000 Olympic and 4,400 by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last during a video meeting of the Paralympic athletes is virus-delayed few weeks, everyone from new Japan IOC Coordination Commission for unchanged. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to IOC the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Muto said he does not know Olympic President Thomas Bach have tried to in Tokyo in this September 24, the cost savings of the simplifi- assure the Japanese public and deep- 2020, file photo. cation. Last week, the Mainichi torch relay pocketed sponsors that the Olympics will newspaper said it would be take place. between 1-2% of overall official Exactly how the Games will happen costs - several hundred million AFP - TOKYO is another story, and it’s likely to be dollars. The Tokyo 2020 torch unclear well into next year. Bach said “We have no figures at hand relay, which was put on last week that the International Olympic at this juncture,” said Muto, a hold when the Olympics Committee will not be “pressured” to former deputy governor of the were delayed over the give details early on how this can be Bank of Japan. He said cost esti- coronavirus, will start next pulled off. This includes questions about mates would be presented next March from Japan’s Fuku- fans from abroad, fans in the venues, month at an IOC executive board shima region, organisers vaccines, and so forth. meeting. said yesterday. “Nobody can expect from us that we Q: Under what conditions The Olympic flame had know already exactly what needs to be will athletes be able to enter already arrived in Japan done 10 months from now to ensure a Japan for the Olympics? from Greece and the relay safe environment for everybody,” Bach A: Tokyo Olympics officials was days from beginning said speaking remotely from Switzerland are proposing the government earlier this year when to Japanese government officials, organ- for COVID-19 would need to be removed Tokyo says it is spending $12.6bn on the relax immigration regulations to allow organisers and Olympic izers, and sponsors. from the Games. They said new rules will Olympics. But a government audit says athletes to enter the country before next officials took the historic So where do the Tokyo Olympics be needed for this, and rules that might the cost could be twice that much. year’s postponed Games and train during decision to postpone the stand? Here’s a quick look. also compel athletes to be vaccinated. And this month a study from the Uni- a 14-day quarantine period, Muto has Games by 12 months. Q: Is a vaccine needed for the “If an athlete tests positive for versity of Oxford says Tokyo is the most acknowledged that athletes might have The flame is currently Olympics to happen? COVID, then there has to be a provision expensive Summer Olympics on record. to use public transportation in Japan, on display in Tokyo. A: Everyone from Bach on down is to take that athlete out of the Games in On top of this, estimates suggest the suggesting a complete “bubble” would The relay will now start saying “no.” But Bach last week said he the same way - not the same stigma, but cost of the one-year delay could be be impossible. on March 25, 2021, expects “hundreds of millions of doses” in the same way we replace athletes with several billion more. Organizers have He also noted the pandemic is at very beginning in the Fukushima of a vaccine to be available in the first doping problems,” Coates said. yet to give any official numbers, and the different stages in many countries - as region hit by nuclear dis- half of 2021. That could solve many Q: Are domestic sponsors staying meter is running. is testing. Athletes would be expected to aster after the 2011 earth- problems. But it also raises giant ethical on board? Recruited by giant Japanese Q: Organizers say they are simpli- be tested before they leave home, and quake and tsunami. questions. advertising company Dentsu Inc., fying the Tokyo Olympics to save then be tested again in Japan. He also The relay, which will Should young, healthy athletes be a domestic sponsors have contributed a money. What has been cut? raised questions about the reliability of see the flame travel to all priority for the vaccine, which would record $3.3bn to the organizing com- A: The simplifications so far looks tests, depending on the country. 47 prefectures of Japan, is help the IOC hold the Olympics and fulfill mittee’s privately funded operating modest. A preliminary list was presented Q: How has COVID-19 affected being organised under the lucrative contracts with broadcasters budget - about 60% of its income. on Friday and includes: fewer shuttle Japan? slogan “Hope Lights Our who have paid billions for the rights? A: Organizing committee CEO buses; smaller banners and decorations A: Japan has handled it better than Way” and was intended to Should athletes be at the front of the Toshiro Muto acknowledged for the first around the venues - except areas visible most countries. It has attributed about highlight reconstruction in line ahead of health-care workers and time on Friday that some domestic on television; a 10-15% reduction in the 1,600 deaths to COVID-19, a relatively areas devastated by the vulnerable populations? And, should ath- sponsors have backed out. “I can’t say size of delegations; downgrading hos- low numbers in a country with 126 2011 disaster. letes be compelled to take a vaccine? that all contracts have been renewed,” pitality lounges; 14% reduction in office million people. Almost everyone wears “In the wake of the What if an athlete gets vaccinated and he said. space, and so forth. masks in indoor spaces, and also out- Covid-19 pandemic, it will gets ill and misses Olympics? Any shortfall in this privately funded Big items are unchanged. The doors. Japan has strict travel measures additionally symbolise the Both Bach and IOC Vice President operating budget will have to be made opening and closing ceremonies might in place and denies entry to visitors from light at the end of the dark John Coates have said that an athlete up from somewhere else. Overall, in be more somber, but will be untouched 159 countries. Restrictions will be relaxed tunnel; a beacon of hope for testing positive at the Tokyo Olympics combined private and public money, - a staple of television. The 121-day torch starting in October. the world in the run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Games, themselves a symbol of the resilience, the unity and the IOC President warns Italy over government interference solidarity of humankind,” organisers said in a statement. AP - ROME previously controlled by an arm of the Italian The route and the Olympic Committee (CONI). schedule for the relay will Italy’s Olympic team risks the humiliation of being “We are very concerned about the situation remain the same “in prin- placed on probation for the Tokyo Games if the of CONI and the functioning of CONI, and these ciple,” though the statement country’s sports minister does not back down concerns are growing, because the IOC executive noted that the route and amid a two-year-long dispute that amounts to board had to address these questions,” Bach said celebration venues “may be government interference, IOC President Thomas during a meeting with Italian media on Sunday reviewed in light of the Bach said. at the cycling world championships in Imola. Covid-19 situation.” In an extraordinary step designed to put A proposed new law would strengthen Spada- The postponement of People use pressure on Vincenzo Spadafora, Italy’s sports fora’s power even further, according to CONI. the Games has caused umbrellas to minister, Bach also suggested that the alleged “At the beginning of the month we had to major logistical problems shelter from interference could - under extreme circumstances write a letter to the minister of sport expressing and extra expense for the rain while - result in the country being stripped of hosting these serious concerns,” added Bach. “With this organisers. crossing a rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and law CONI is not compliant with the Olympic The postponed street in Tokyo. Cortina d’Ampezzo. Charter.” Olympics Games are Bach has taken issue with the Italian govern- CONI says that funding issues have negatively scheduled to open in Tokyo ment’s creation of a new organization, Sport e affected Italian athletes’ preparation for the on July 23, 2021. Salute, that was created at the start of last year Tokyo Games, which were postponed a year to to run the country’s sports finances, which were 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sport TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2020 08 NHL: Bubble Colts’ Philip Rivers won’t be throws 400th career back for full 2020-21 touchdown pass REUTERS — NEW YORK 400-touchdown club are season Peyton Manning (539), Brett Philip Rivers became the sixth Favre (508) and Dan Marino AP — EDMONTON quarterback in NFL history to (420). throw 400th career touchdown The same five players have The 64 days spent in the passes when he connected with topped 60,000 yards -- Brees NHL play-off bubble feel Indianapolis Colts teammate (78,176), Brady (75,324), like six months to Barclay Mo Alie-Cox on a 1-yard Manning (71,940), Favre Goodrow. scoring pass in the second (71,838) and Marino (61,361). “It’s tough,” the quarter against the New York Meanwhile, Philadelphia Tampa Bay Lightning Jets. Eagles coach Doug Pederson forward said. “It’s been a The pass to his tight end on shot down speculation about a grind.” first-and-goal from the Jets possible quarterback change It’s a grind he and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra hands the Eastern Conference 1-yard line gave Indianapolis a Monday. players won’t do again Championship trophy to forward Bam Adebayo after defeating the 14-7 lead with 14:13 left in the Fifth-year starter Carson next season. The league Boston Celtics in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals. first half. Wentz has thrown two inter- and Players’ Association Rivers also became the ceptions in all three games will meet within the next sixth player to reach 60,000 during the Eagles' 0-2-1 start. two weeks to discuss the career passing yards when he Rookie second-rounder Jalen many possibilities of what completed an 11-yard pass to Hurts took his first snaps under the 2020-21 season could Heat defeat Celtics Nyheim Hines on the Colts’ center during Sunday's 23-23 look like, but there’s no final offensive play of the first tie at home against the desire to stage it entirely half. Cincinnati Bengals. within quarantined He finished with 217 "No. You don't go there. bubbles. passing yards and the one TD That's a knee-jerk reaction," “Certainly not for a to reach NBA Finals pass in the Colts’ 36-7 rout of Pederson said Monday morning season, of course not,” the Jets, leaving him with on 94.1 WIP when asked about NHLPA executive director REUTERS — NEW YORK a 13-0 run to put the game 60,065 passing yards. making a switch. Don Fehr said Miami Heat book their away for the Heat. Herro gave Rivers is in his first season "Carson's our quarterback. “Nobody is going to do Bam Adebayo had a career- trip to the NBA Finals Miami the game’s first double- with the Colts after spending We're going to get it fixed. He that for four months or six high 32 points and 14 rebounds, digit lead at 112-102 with 3:31 16 seasons with the Chargers is going to get it fixed." months or something like Tyler Herro came alive with 11 with a 125-113 Game 6 to go, and the score was 116-102 -- the first 13 in San Diego, the The Eagles are winless that. Whether we could points in the fourth quarter and win over the Boston before the Celtics snapped a last three in Los Angeles. through three games for the create some protected the Miami Heat booked their Celtics. They face the Los nearly four-minute scoring Drew Brees of the New first time since 1999. Wentz, 27, environments that people trip to the NBA Finals with a Angeles Lakers in Game 1 drought. Boston got no closer Orleans Saints is the all-time has thrown twice as many picks would be tested and 125-113 Game 6 win over the of the Finals tomorrow. than 12 down the stretch. leader with 553 touchdown (six) as touchdowns and is com- they’d be clean when they Boston Celtics on Sunday night “Miami deserves a lot of passes following his three-TD pleting a career-low 59.8 came in and lasted for near Orlando. credit,” Celtics coach Brad performance Sunday night. percent of his passes. some substantially shorter Jimmy Butler added 22 Stevens said. Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay His 63.9 passer rating ranks period of time with people points, Herro had 19 and Andre Walker, who joined Boston last “They’re super physical, Buccaneers is second with 547 last in the NFL, behind the cycling in and out is one Iguodala scored a season-high offseason as its prized free super tough and very savvy. I after throwing three scoring winless New York duo of Sam of the things I suspect we 15 as the Heat advanced to the agent acquisition. think they’re the best team in passes Sunday. Darnold (70.7) and Daniel Jones will examine.” Finals for the first time since “Tough pill to swallow, but the East and deserve to be rep- The other players in the (69.2). Not long after the 2014. Duncan Robinson also we fought hard. That’s all you resenting the East, the way that Stanley Cup is awarded, scored 15, and Goran Dragic can ask for.” they’ve played.” the two sides will talk had 13. Miami moves on to face the A 7-0 Celtics spurt late in about when next season Adebayo, who led the team Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 the third quarter knotted the might start, how many with an average of 21.8 points of the Finals tomorrow. score at 86. games might be possible, per game during the series, had “We’ll have a very healthy Dragic’s basket with 26 what testing and protocols shouldered the blame for respect for our next opponent,” seconds left gave Miami an might be required and Miami’s Game 5 loss after being said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, 88-86 lead entering the fourth. whether fans might be held to 13 points. who won championships in Tatum had 12 points in the allowed into buildings at “I put that weight on my 2012 and 2013 when Lakers star second quarter after a scoreless some capacity at some shoulders, and I got to perform,” LeBron James played for Miami. first in which the Celtics trailed point. he said. “We know who we’re facing,” by as much as nine. A week after Commis- “At the end of the day, I left he said. His layup with 1:56 left gave sioner Gary Bettman said it all on the court and we ended The Heat erased a six-point Boston a 56-55 edge, but the a mid-to-late December up with a W.” deficit in the fourth when Butler Heat went back ahead on an Indianapolis Colts or January start was pos- Jaylen Brown had 26 points, made 1 of 2 foul shots before Adebayo layup with 42.6 quarterback sible, Fehr agreed that the Jayson Tatum 24 with a career- Herro nailed a 3-pointer and seconds remaining and led Philip Rivers tentative December 1 high 11 assists and Marcus added another bucket to knot 62-60 at the break. passes the ball opening night target date Smart and Kemba Walker 20 the score at 96 with 7:40 “I believe in our group -- I in the first half was the “earliest con- apiece for the Celtics, who remaining. Miami pulled ahead know that we can still win four against the New ceivable date” the season couldn’t come all the way back 104-102 with 5:31 left as Daniel more,” Butler said. York Jets at could start and there’s from a 3-1 deficit in the best- Theis fouled out for Boston, “We’re not satisfied, we’re Lucas Oil Stadium good reason to believe it’ll of-seven Eastern Conference Adebayo hitting 1 of 2 at the not complacent. We know on Sunday. be later. finals. line. we’ve got a really good team to “It was a fun run,” said That free throw kicked off go up against.” Cardinals defy odds to book place in expanded play-offs

AFP — LOS ANGELES among the players on the team. Harrison Bader blasted a “You had to throw some home run as the St. Louis of the expectations out the Cardinals clinched a play-off window not knowing what spot with a 5-2 win over the to expect after taking those Milwaukee Brewers, who couple weeks off and all also punched their ticket to those doubleheaders and so the postseason party on many new guys,” Cardinals Sunday. first baseman Paul Gold- Bader scored twice and schmidt said. hit a triple for the Cards, who The Brewers earned will face the San Diego their third straight playoff Padres in a best-of-three berth. National League wild-card The Giants’ loss meant series, beginning tomorrow. they finished with the same With the Philadelphia record as the Brewers, but Phillies and San Francisco they lost out on a tiebreaker Giants also losing their final due to an poorer intradi- regular season games, the vision record. Brewers snuck into the “It’s fitting for 2020 and number eight seed spot in Harrison Bader everything we went the NL, setting the field for through,” Brewers left MLB’s 16-team 2020 fielder Christian Yelich said. expanded play-offs in the “This year’s a unique pandemic-shortened season. one.” A half dozen Los The Brewers made the play- team because of the corona- Angeles pitchers threw a three- offs despite finishing with a virus pandemic which also hit shutout to power the 29-31 record. caused 45 game Dodgers to a 5-0 win over the Milwaukee and the postponements. Los Angeles Angels at Dodger American League’s Houston This will be a postseason Stadium on Sunday. Astros are the first teams ever like never before in American AJ Pollock homered twice to make the playoffs with a baseball. Besides having two to propel the Dodgers, who fin- losing record. The Brewers have teams with losing records, the ished with the best record in the unenviable task of facing games will be played without American baseball at 43-17. the top-seeded Los Angeles fans in neutral site ballparks The Angels finished with a Dodgers in a best of three which after the first round. 26-34 record and missed the starts tomorrow. The World Series will be play-offs for the sixth consec- The Brewers haven’t had a played at the Texas Rangers’ utive year. The team then winning record at any point this new state-of-the art ballpark sacked general manager Billy season. in Arlington, near Dallas. Eppler. “There’s no reason to apol- The Cardinals finished with The New York Yankees lost ogise for getting into the play- a 30-28 record. St. Louis com- six of their last eight regular- offs,” said Brewers manager pleted the regular season with season games, which included Craig Counsell. 23 games in 18 days as it made series losses to Toronto and The 2020 season was up a number of postponements Miami, but they still staggered limited to 60 games for each caused by a COVID-19 outbreak into the wild-card round.