Sport

WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 WithW India series looming, Aussie star Steve SmithSm relieved to find his hands I hhave found my hands which I am extremely excited about. It’s just gettingget that feel of the bat behind my toe the right way, the way my hands comecom up the bat. But it just hasn’t quite been right until two days ago.

Australia batsman Steve Smith Sport |08

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Beijing 3-1 Melbourne Victory, Tokyo 0-1 Shanghai Shenhua, Perth Glory 1-2 Ulsan Hyundai, Seoul 5-0 Chiangrai United FIFA Arab Cup 2021 in Qatar to see 22 teams in action PARTICIPATING TEAMS: THE PENINSULA – DOHA FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a visit to the under- Qatar will unite millions of football construction Lusail Stadium, the ASIAN FOOTBALL fans from across the Middle East and venue of the 2022 FIFA World CONFEDERATION NATIONS: Arab world when it hosts the FIFA Cup final, yesterday. Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Arab Cup 2021 next December. Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi During a visit to Lusail Stadium yesterday, FIFA President Gianni Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates Infantino confirmed that the national and Yemen. first teams from all 22 Arab nations NATIONS FROM THE have signed up to take part in the CONFEDERATION OF AFRICAN tournament, which will be held from FOOTBALL: Algeria, Comoros, 1-18 December 2021 in the majority Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sta- Morocco, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia. diums, with a total of 32 matches being held over 18 days. The tournament will be delivered Through football, this tournament will unite over by FIFA, Qatar Football Association, The tournament will give our the Supreme Committee for Delivery 450 million people from across the region, and we are confident the FIFA Arab Cup will help to national team the chance to & Legacy and the FIFA World Cup enhance their preparations ahead Qatar 2022 LLC. Seen as a vital oppor- build excitement across the region as we edge tunity to test operations and facilities ever nearer to hosting the first FIFA World Cup in of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ahead of Qatar 2022, the tournament the Middle East and Arab world in 2022: by going up against some of the will take place in the same timeslot FIFA President Gianni Infantino best teams in the region: as the World Cup. The finals of both QFA President, the FIFA Arab Cup and FIFA World Cup will take place exactly one year Sheikh Hamad apart – each on December 18, Qatar bin Khalifa National Day, which is a public across the region, and we are con- one of the select teams that will expe- experience that awaits fans from bin Ahmed holiday. fident the FIFA Arab Cup will help to rience what Qatar has prepared to around the world when they flock to Al Thani Infantino, said: “We are delighted build excitement across the region as host the FIFA World Cup.” Qatar for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. that all 22 teams from across the Arab we edge ever nearer to hosting the "The tournament will give our We welcome our friends from the world have agreed to take part in the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East national team the chance to enhance Middle East and the Arab world to join FIFA Arab Cup 2021, and we are and Arab world in 2022.” their preparations ahead of the FIFA us in what will be an important mile- looking forward to seeing the region’s QFA President, Sheikh Hamad bin World Cup Qatar 2022, by going up stone and a final test of our prepara- best teams battle it out to see which Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, said: against some of the best teams in the tions, only one year away from us nation will become champion. “Qatar looks forward to welcoming region,” QFA President said. hosting the first FIFA World Cup in Through football, this tournament will 22 Arab national teams and their fans, “Fans from across the region will the region,” added the QFA unite over 450 million people from and giving them the opportunity to be be treated to the same world-class President. Champions League: United, Barca, Juventus through to last 16 stage PSG revive chances with Neymar penalty

REUTERS – PARIS After a sluggish first half, the Cat- Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford scoring a goal. alans took the lead early in the second Paris St Germain revived their hopes half as US international Sergino Dest of reaching the Champions League completed a flowing move with a knockout phase when an early near-post finish, scoring his first goal Neymar (pictured) penalty earned a for the club since joining from Ajax fortunate 1-0 home win against RB Amsterdam. Leipzig in Group H yesterday. 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WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 World Cup to present a real image of Qatari culture, Arab world: SC

QNA — DOHA addition to serving the Arab region countries. That process will be relations at SC Youssef Al and the world. done in cooperation with FIFA, she Hammadi said that the World Cup The Supreme Committee for She added that hosting the added. 2022 in Qatar will be the most Delivery and Legacy (SC) said that World Cup means more to Qatar She said that the construction compact in history in addition to the main goal of organising the than building stadiums, as it will plan was moving along well, noting being the first edition hosted by a World Cup is to present a real help leave a legacy for the country that work on the World Cup facil- country in the Middle East. Qatar SC hope to image of Qatari culture and tradi- and the Arab world. ities began in 2014. He said that spectators will tions that changes the stereotypical She added that the designs of A total of three World Cup sta- enjoy a different footballing expe- view of the Arab world. the stadiums reflected different diums were already inaugurated, rience in 2022 as they will get to continue fine This was said at a panel dis- aspects of Qatari heritage and with another three stadiums enjoy the Qatari environment, cussion hosted by the SC. culture. waiting only for the start of desert, and traditions. form in Round 7 Communications Director at She highlighted that the com- operations. He revealed that the committee SC Fatma Al Nuaimi said that the mittee also thought about the The Lusail and Ras Abu Aboud will switch its focus in the next two committee is looking to host an legacy it will leave for the world, stadiums, meanwhile will be com- years from infrastructure to oper- THE PENINSULA — DOHA exceptional World Cup edition that as some stadiums will be dis- pleted in 2021. ations in cooperation with FIFA serves Qatar and its citizens, in mantled and donated to poor For his part, director of media and its local partners. Qatar SC will be hoping to continue fine performance when they take on Al Arabi A view of Al Thumama in Week 7 of the 2020-21 season QNB Stars Stadium, one of FIFA World League at their home turf tomorrow. Cup Qatar 2022 venues. Qatar SC made a big leap in the last round as they jumped from the bottom of the table to eighth position with six points following their 1-0 victory over Al Wakrah, with new recruit Youcef Belaili netting the winner. Qatar SC’s other victory was the 1-0 verdict over last season’s runners-up Al Rayyan in Week 3. The Kings, under ex-Qatar interna- tional midfielder Younis Ali, lost 0-2 to Al Gharafa, 1-2 to reigning champions Al Duhail, 1-2 to Al Kharaitiyat and 0-1 to Umm Salal. Al Arabi, coached by Icelander Heimir Hallgrimsson, are 10th with five points (one victory, two draws and three defeats). The Dream Team beat Umm Salal 2-1, but lost 0-2 to Al Ahli and 1-2 to Al Gharafa. They drew 2-2 with Al Khor and 2-2 with Al Wakrah before crashing to a 1-4 defeat against Al Sadd in the Qatar Derby in the last round. Guardiola AFC Champions League East Zone matches in Doha and Klopp welcome Beijing polish off rusty Melbourne as fan-return plan fellow Aussies Perth caught napping

AFP — DOHA AFP — LONDON Beijing Guoan have one foot in Pep Guardiola and Jurgen the last-16 of the Asian Cham- Klopp yesterday welcomed the pions League after a convincing UK government’s decision to 3-1 win against a rusty allow fans back into stadiums, Melbourne Victory side a move described by the yesterday extended their English Football League chief perfect record in Group E to as a “lifeline” for smaller clubs. three from three. Lower-league clubs, who Another Australian side, do not enjoy the TV riches of Perth Glory, also suffered an the Premier League, have been embarrassing defeat, going struggling to make ends meet, down 2-1 to Ulsan Hyundai with supporters shut out after the South Koreans struck during the coronavirus twice in the dying minutes of pandemic. their Group F game. But under plans unveiled, Also in Group F, Shanghai up to 4,000 people will be able Shenhua improved their to return to outdoor sports sta- chances of qualification with diums, depending on levels of their second win in three Covid-19 in the area, from matches, edging past FC Tokyo December 2. 1-0, courtesy of a late penalty. Manchester City boss But it was Bruno Genesio’s Guardiola welcomed the Beijing outfit who sent out a potential limited return of fans. strong warning to their rivals in “If they believe it is the the tournament by following up best, we will do it and hope- on their win over FC Seoul last fully it will work,” he said. “If week with another impressive Beijing’s players celebrate their goal during the AFC Champions League Group E match against Australia’s Melbourne Victory at the Jassim the government has decided, performance in Doha where the Bin Hamad Stadium, yesterday. RIGHT: Ulsan’s players celebrate their win against Perth Glory at the Education City Stadium, yesterday. they must have listened to the tournament’s eastern zone scientists and doctors.” matches are being played after nearly 25 yards appeared target in the 22nd and 34th RESULTS Shenhua coach Choi Liverpool manager Klopp a nine-month break due to the heading straight into the goal- minutes before Wang Zimin’s Group E Kang-hee. also welcomed the devel- COVID-19 pandemic. keeper’s arms. brilliant goal in the 74th minute Beijing FC 3-1 Melbourne Victory “Our players really opment, but said he had ques- Beijing clearly looked a Beijing allowed their Aus- to put the match out of Victory’s overcame their difficulties of FC Seoul 5-0 Chiangrai United tions about the logic being class above Melbourne Victory tralian rivals only 40 percent reach. fitness and fatigue. They per- Group F applied to the numbers who were largely lacklustre ball possession and that worked Frenchman Genesio, who sisted from the first minute until

involved. both in attack and defence, with hugely in their favour as they has been in charge at Beijing FC Tokyo 0-1 Shanghai Shenhua the end and I thank them for “The problem is, I just even the Australian side’s con- created chances galore at the Guoan for almost 16 months, Perth Glory 1-2 Ulsan that.” Perth Glory meanwhile struggle to put faith in any kind solation goal late in the second Al Sadd Sports Club. was not in a very celebratory thought they would finally grab of announcements,” he said. half coming through a huge But once again, it was their mood despite his team’s 100 their first win after two losses “I don’t understand why it deflection from Kim Min-Jae Brazilian presence which percent win record so far. - are now third in the standings after enjoying a 1-0 lead after is only 2,000 people in a after substitute Gianluca played a pivotal role, with “In the first half we played and would need a herculean Daniel Stynes had scored in the 60,000 stadium. But I am not Ianucci’s powerful shot from Renato Augusto and A Lan on really well as we tried high comeback to qualify for the 74th minute. surprised. It’s good news, good pressing as we knockout phase. But Kim In-sung cancelled sign. I’ll take it, 100 percent.” trained before the “For us, It’s not the result we out Stynes’ goal in the 89th English Football League game and were suc- wanted,” said Victory’s Steve minute and Brazilian Junior chairman Rick Parry told the cessful in keeping Kean, whose side had no match Negao killed off the match in BBC he was looking forward control,” said practice for several months the third minute of stoppage to getting fans back in more Genesio. before heading to Doha. time. substantial numbers but it was “The only thing “This was our very first “I think we played a very a “welcome start”. I am disappointed match of any type, we did not good game,” said Glory’s “At League One and about is that we even play any friendlies and assistant coach Cristian Ola. League Two level (third and conceded one goal came against a Beijing side that “We stepped up in a number fourth tiers) it could be very towards the end. have played a full season. of areas from the first game but significant,” he said. We need to be more “We wanted to win and take the result was a bit cruel in the “It’s not just the money, it’s serious and cau- points but we can’t feel sorry end.” a very welcome return to an tious towards the for ourselves.” Elsewhere, FC Seoul atmosphere, and if we get end of the game.” Shanghai Shenhua were crushed Chiangrai United 5-0 4,000 at League Two level it Melbourne celebrating their success over with Yun Ju-tae scoring a brace would be very welcome. It can Victory, for whom Tokyo FC after Yu Hanchao’s in the second half in Group E. be a very welcome lifeline.” this was their successful penalty in the 74th Seoul are second on six The EFL is considering second defeat in minute proved the decisive points, three behind Beijing moving some of its fixtures three matches - moment in the match. Guoan while Chiangrai are on scheduled for December 1 to FC Seoul’s players celebrate their opening goal against Thailand’s their only win came “FC Tokyo is a great team the brink of elimination after the following day in order to Chiangrai United at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. in February against but today we really wanted to losing their third straight get fans in. Chiangrai United limit their opportunities,” said game. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 England’s Lawrence Basketball: Qatar gear up for to miss Wales clash Asia Cup qualifying campaign AFP – LONDON THE PENINSULA – DOHA

England centre Ollie Lawrence After months of waiting, Qatar’s We started our first will miss Saturday’s Autumn national basketball men’s team phase of preparation in Nations Cup clash against will step on the court this week Wales due to a hip injury. to continue its effort to qualify July after we received Lawrence featured in last at the final phase of Asia Cup the OK to start weekend’s victory over Ireland, 2021. practicing with the but the Worcester centre has Under the guidance of new national team. We had experienced niggling hip issues head coach Miodrag Perisic, with us 18 players and since then and will be rested for Qatar will go for its first victory England’s last Group A match. in the competition at the we completed 44 The 21-year-old made his debut upcoming “FIBA Asia CUP 2021 practice sessions strictly in England’s Six Nations title- Qualifier – Window 2”, which following the health clinching win against Italy. Law- will be hosted at Al Gharafa protocol. It was carefully rence has enjoyed an encour- Basketball Arena from planned by our aging start to his international November 28 to 30 against career and was given his most rivals Syria and Saudi Arabia federation and the prominent role yet in the win respectively. result was really good, it over Ireland at Twickenham. Assistant to the Serbian benefited all of us: In the injury-enforced head coach and a former Coach Hachim Zaidan absence of Manu Tuilagi, legend of Qatari basketball, England have been looking to Hachim Zaidan was also the Lawrence to dominate in mid- interim coach of the men’s field, but they will have to do team during the summer, once friendly match with Al Ahli fol- without him against Wales. Qatar Basketball Federation ASIA CUP 2021 QUALIFIERS lowed, a team with young, fast “Ollie has a little niggle received… the green light to from court. We had to be very A new beginning players to push us and speed GROUP E MATCH SCHEDULE: around his abductor and hip start training from the Ministry careful as we were starting from Resuming his role as first our game. The team now is fully area, nothing major but it is a of Health. zero action for four months. assistant to head coach Perisic, prepared to play these games niggle that is concerning him,” “We started our first phase Saturday, November 28: Gradually week after week coach Zaidan explained how and we know what we need to England defence coach John of preparation in July after we Iran vs Saudi Arabia the players were showing the team is functioning now. do," Zaidan said. Mitchell said yesterday. received the OK to start prac- (16:00pm) improvement, so we added bas- “We have started the 2nd Under the new coach we There are four changes to ticing with the national team. Qatar vs Syria (19:00pm) ketball: Some drills to give them phase of our program under play better, faster, organized the squad of 25 from the We had with us 18 players and again a sense of basketball and the supervision of coach basketball, close to the Ireland game, with Anthony we completed 44 practice ses- Monday, November 30: for them to get the sense of the “Misha”. On to… serious European style basketball . We Watson and Joe Marler both sions strictly following the Syria vs Iran (16:00 pm) court. Their improvement was business now, as we want to have a lot of young players, so returning from injury. health protocol. It was carefully Qatar vs Saudi Arabia evident at the fitness tests. win both games on our home this is how we should play: Watson comes into the planned by our federation and (19:00pm) After our… training camp court. The team is doing fine. Faster, control the tempo, be squad for Gloucester wing Ollie the result was really good, it was finished, the players were We played two friendly games more aggressive. We have Thorley, while Marler replaces benefited all of us”, coach Mitsopoulos (Greece) focusing ready. They returned to their against local clubs. The first improved a lot since the coach Lawrence as Jones bolsters his Zaidan said. on putting the players on shape clubs, played two Cups (Qatar one was against Al Wakra, the joined the team. We hope and pack with an additional “We had our plan with first, to make sure nobody got Cup and Amir Cup) and they did players were very serious, we we believe that we can win both forward and one back fewer. fitness coach Vasilis injured after this long absence really fine”. got great feedback. Another matches”. National Volleyball Championship draw at QVA headquarters today

ROUND 7 FIXTURES THE PENINSULA – DOHA from December 11-16, 2020 and the Tomorrow second one between January 23-30, 2021. Al Sailiya VS Al Wakrah The official draw for the fourth Men’s To participate in the national tour- Al Ahli Stadium 5:30pm National Volleyball Championship will nament, it is permissible for a player to Al Ahli VS Al Rayyan Al Ahli Stadium 7:45pm be conducted today, it was announced change a federation or for whom the QVA Qatar SC VS Al Arabi yesterday. is considered his original association. Qatar SC Stadium 7:45pm The Qatar Volleyball Association has One player under the age of 21, a Friday Al Rayyan revealed that the draw ceremony will take Qatari citizen must be present on the field Al Gharafa VS Al Khor players place at the QVA Hall Meeting Room at at all times during the matches - except Al Gharafa Stadium 5:30pm in action 6pm. for the change with the Libero, and Al Sadd VS Umm Salal during a The annual tournament will see teams another Qatari player under the age of 21 Al Gharafa Stadium 7:45pm divided into two groups for group round- as a substitute player for the first player, Al Duhail VS Al Kharaitiyat practice Al Duhail Stadium 7:45pm session. robin preliminaries, while the top team must be present in order to provide an from each group advancing to the final opportunity for contact and experience. showdown. Meanwhile, the official draw for the The competition will be split into two General Beach Volleyball League will be QSL Round 7: Al Ahli-Al Rayyan periods, with the first session being held held at the conference at 6.00pm. clash the highlight on opening day Qatar SC, Al Arabi clinch wins THE PENINSULA – DOHA The Lions lost 0-1 to Qatar SC in Al Sailiya are sixth with eight Week 3, but put their campaign back points. The Peregrines have two vic- Al Ahli who have emerged as a strong on track with a 1-0 win over Al tories to their credit (2-0 over Al contender for the QNB Stars League Wakrah in Week 4. Kharaitiyat and 4-2 over Al Gharafa). title this season, face former cham- They could not sustain the Al Sailiya, under the tutelage of pions Al Rayyan in the seventh round momentum and lost 1-2 to defending Sami Trabelsi, had held last season’s which kicks off tomorrow. champions Al Duhail in Week 5. runners-up Al Rayyan to a creditable The match will get underway at Al Ahli are second with 15 points. 1-1 draw in their opener, but lost 1-5 7:45pm at Al Ahli Stadium. Their victories were against Al Wakrah to Al Sadd and 0-2 to Al Ahli. The high-profile encounter, (2-1), Al Arabi (2-0), Al Khor (1-0), Al Al Sailiya, who had recently probably the marquee clash of the Sailiya (2-0) and Umm Salal (2-0) in reached the semifinals of 2020-21 week, will be an important one for that order. The only time The Briga- season Ooredoo Cup by edging Al Al Rayyan who found their winning diers, coached by Nebojsa Jovovic, Arabi in sudden death, played out a momentum in the previous week to dropped points was when they lost goalless draw with Al Khor in the last make it to the top four. 1-7 to Al Sadd. round. Last season’s runners-up Al Al Ahli have in their ranks players Al Wakrah are seventh with seven Rayyan stormed back into the top- of caliber, such as Nabil El Zhar, who points. The Blue Wave, coached by four by blanking Al Kharaitiyat 2-0 scored both their goals against Umm Spaniard Marquez Lopez, won two in the last round, with goals coming Salal, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim and matches (1-0 over holders Al Duhail from Abdulaziz Hatem and Yohan Hernan Perez. and 2-0 over Umm Salal). They lost Boli. Al Rayyan had recently made it In other matches tomorrow, Al three games (1-2 against Al Ahli, 0-1 to the semi-final of 2020-21 Ooredoo Sailiya face Al Wakrah while Qatar SC against Al Rayyan and 0-1 against A Qatar SC player scores a point against Al Wakrah during their Senior Volleyball Cup by defeating Al Khor by a sol- host Al Arabi. Qatar SC in the last round). League match played at the Qatar Volleyball Association's indoor court yesterday. itary goal. The Al Sailiya-Al Wakrah match Al Wakrah’s other point came Qatar SC beat Al Wakrah 3-2 (25-21, 27-25, 22-25, 22-25, 15-10). BOTTOM: Al They have 10 points in their will kick off at 17:30 at the Al Ahli from their 2-2 draw with Al Arabi. Arabi players blocking an attempt made by an Al Rayyan player during the account after being held 1-1 by Al Stadium. Al Sailiya and Al Wakrah had Al Wakrah too had progressed to second match of the day. Al Arabi beat Al Rayyan 3-2 with a 25-23, 20-25, 26-24, Sailiya in the League's opener, but dropped points in Week 6, so both the semifinals of 2020-21 season 22-25, 31-29 scoreline. put that behind them by defeating Al teams, placed in the middle of the Ooredoo Cup by beating Al Gharafa 3-1. table, will be keen to win Kharaitiyat in tie-breaker recently. Al Sadd's new kits up for grabs

Al Sadd Sports Club has unveiled a new range of training kits. The new kits, jerseys and the other additions to their branded product range can be bought at their official online store through https://store.al-saddclub. com in addition to the official store at the Club premises. WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Doha to host 2021 Diamond League meet on May 28

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Eugene host its first Wanda 2021 DIAMOND LEAGUE Doha hosted the final meet of Diamond League meeting, CALENDAR 2019 World Championships the 2020 season that saw while Sunday, August 22 will May 23 - Rabat (MAR) host Doha will stage the second host the first edition of a brand participation of the 27 Olympics May 28 - Doha (QAT) meet of next year’s Wanda new Diamond League meeting Jun 4 - Rome (ITA) Diamond League on May 28, it and World medallists, including in China, details of which are Jun 10 - Oslo (NOR) was announced yesterday. six reigning world champions. to be announced in due course. Jul 4 - Stockholm (SWE) Doha hosted the final meet Athletes will return to Jul 9 - Monaco (MON) of the 2020 season that saw Europe for the final leg of the Jul 13 - London (GBR) participation of the 27 to a full schedule of 14 meetings season, with meetings in Aug 14 - Shanghai (CHN) Olympics and World medal- culminating in a winner-takes- Lausanne, Paris and Brussels lists, including six reigning all season finale in Zürich. before the season finale in Aug 21- Eugene (USA) world champions. Rome will host the first Zürich from 8-9 September. Aug 22- TBC (CHN) Over 115 athletes made it to European meeting of the In the first 13 meetings, ath- Aug 26- Lausanne (SUI) Doha for the season-ending season on 4 June, before ath- letes will earn points in a bid Aug 28- Paris (FRA) event despite the global coro- letes head to Oslo a week later. to qualify for a place in the Sep 3- Brussels (BEL) Dustin Johnson of the US is presented with the green jacket by navirus pandemic, reposing Following stops in final, where they have the Sep 8-9 - Zurich (SUI) Tiger Woods after winning The Masters at the Augusta National confidence in Doha’s Stockholm, Monaco and chance to win the Diamond Golf Club in Georgia in this November 15, 2020, file photo. organisers. London in the first two weeks Trophy and be crowned Wanda The Doha Diamond League of July, there will be a month- Diamond League champion in The Wanda Diamond will be the second meet of the long pause for the Olympic their chosen discipline. League added World Athletics The golf talking points: 2021 season, with the opening Games in Tokyo. The calendar is strictly pro- and meeting organisers con- competition scheduled for The series will resume in visional at this stage and tinue to monitor the situation Rabat (Morocco) on May 23. Shanghai on August 14 before remains subject to changes and remain committed to Young Woods, happy The Diamond League a continent-spanning double- depending on the global health delivering high-quality com- announced yesterday that the bill the following weekend. situation in 2021, Diamond petitions while prioritising the Kim and big-hitter Wilco provisional calendar for the August 21 (Saturday) will League said in a statement health and safety of athletes 2021 season will see a return see the new Hayward Field in yesterday. and fans.

AFP - HONG KONG

A family affair, celebrations and some very, very long drives feature in our Sport’s golf talking points this week:

- TIGER AND CUB - Much excitement is being generated by the news that Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie will team up for the first time on a golf course at the PNC Champi- onship over the weekend of December 19-20 in Orlando, Florida. And judging by footage on social media, young Charlie is a chip off the old block when it comes to swinging a club with an action eerily reminiscent of his 15-time major-winning father. But though the all-conquering Woods senior and son have been installed among the favourites for the event, where 20 major- winners partner a family member, they face some stiff competition. Also teeing up will be world number three Justin Thomas and his father Mike, who is a golf teaching professional in the fam- ily’s home state of Kentucky. Matt Kuchar and his 13-year son Cameron and Tom Lehman and 25-year-old Tom Junior are expected also to be among the challengers. A file photo of Qatar SC Stadium during an earlier But don’t rule out the defending champions, 63-year-old edition of the Doha Diamond League Bernhard Langer and son Jason, 20, who plays on the University of Pennsylvania team. Bernhard is in tip-top form having just become the oldest player to make the cut at the Masters, where he finished tied 29th at three-under par, and Jason will be raring for some action after his collegiate season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mets abandon president search,

- CELEBRATING SUCCESS - Having shaken off the tag of being the best player never to win a women’s major when she broke through at the PGA Championship last month, South Korea’s to look for General Manager Kim Sei-young wasted no time in adding a 12th LPGA Tour title on her next tournament outing last weekend. AP - NEW YORK candidate had a family issue president when Van Wagenen Alderson said “there’s an The 27-year-old Kim’s remarkable consistency -- she also that prevented a move. He did was hired, will be Alderson’s additional amount of money has 51 top-10 finishes since making her LPGA debut in 2015, and The New York Mets have not contact Theo Epstein, who “right-hand person” inter- to be spent in 2021, which is has not finished lower than tied 18th this year -- means she is abandoned their search for a quit on Friday as the Chicago facing for Alderson with both already earmarked for ‘22 and now within a whisker of becoming world number one for the first president of baseball opera- Cubs’ president of baseball the baseball and business ’23, so it’s not quite as easy as time. tions and will instead focus on operations after leading the departments. He is not a GM just an add-on. On the other Kim is now the third most prolific South Korean LPGA player hiring a general manager who Cubs to the 2016 World Series candidate. hand, it does provide us some of all time, trailing only Park In-bee who has 20 wins and Pak will report to team president title, their first in 108 years. Alderson was the Mets’ additional flexibility” finan- Se-ri (25) whose PGA Championship victory in 1998 inspired an Sandy Alderson. “Theo has indicated a general manager from cially and in roster space. As explosion of female Korean golfing talent. In the meantime, Alderson desire to take a year off,” October 2010 until he left in for deciding whether to So Kim could be forgiven for wanting to celebrate a little, after told Luis Rojas on Monday he Alderson said. July 2018 following a recur- release Canó after the sus- victory at the Pelican Championship in Florida on Sunday, she will return for a second Alderson, who turned 72 rence of cancer that no longer pension, Alderson said “it’s giggled afterwards. season as manager. on Sunday, said yesterday he is a problem. something that will entertain “A person who’s able to will have a greater role in He said the team had further down the road.” - MOVE OVER BRYSON - Everyone has been fixated by Bryson relate to his players both in baseball operations than orig- much work ahead after a Michael Conforto DeChambeau’s quest for speed and power this year but a young terms of their professional inally planned. Alderson orig- fourth-place finish at 26-34. The outfielder turns 28 in South African has smacked a drive that echoed around the world. work as well as their personal inally said he planned to have “I don’t think we’re a March and is eligible for free Wilco Nienaber’s 439-yard rocket off the tee at the 597-yard lives,” Alderson said. a seat at the table but not at player away,” he said. “I think agency after next season. “At par-five fourth hole in the opening round of the European Tour’s “I think he’s exceptional the head. we need more than that. Do some point, I’m sure we will Joburg Open -- albeit heavily altitude-assisted -- launched the in that regard. I think that on “Maybe it will be a round we have a good foundation? broach that topic and take 20-year-old into global golfing headlines. the professional side of man- table and I’ll be the only one Yes, I think we have an their temperature and see But South Africa’s Nienaber, the longest hitter on the European aging a game, I think that he with a chair with arms,” he excellent foundation. But I where things stand, but right Tour with a driving average of 336.81 yards, found on the 72nd will be better. We need to quipped. think that our needs are mul- now those conversations have hole that length isn’t everything. make sure that he has all the “I hope that we are able to tiple at this point.” not taken place.” One shot adrift of eventual winner Joachim B Hansen, an necessary resources to be hire someone who will be able On other topics: Tim Tebow adrenalin-fuelled Nienaber managed to find a fairway bunker better and make good deci- to handle most of the tradi- Robinson Canó Alderson said the 33-year- almost 300 yards from the tee with an iron at the uphill 507-yard sions based not only on his tional general manager role,” The second baseman’s old league outfielder, a former par four closing hole. own judgment but infor- Alderson said. season-long suspension for Heisman Trophy-winning It enabled Denmark’s Hansen to claim his maiden European mation that’s available. He’s “I would expect that I will performance-enhancing quarterback, is wanted back Tour title by two strokes -- a bitter end for big-hitter Nienaber, very open to that.” be a little more involved in drugs relieves the Mets of for 2021. whose downfall came from a shot that flew too far. Alderson returned to the decision-making and men- $24m in salary. Cohen “This is not a quest team November 6 when toring. But I don’t expect to get tweeted he would like to without end. At some point it WORLD RANKINGS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 23, 2020 Steven Cohen completed his down in the weeds either.” “spend it on players” but will culminate, but I think that Men $2.42bn purchase from the Alderson said he had will be at a time when Tim 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) 12.91 Wilpon and Katz families and interviewed six GM candi- and the organization come to 2 Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.36 that day fired general dates and will decide whether some agreement about where 3 Justin Thomas (USA) 9.55 manager Brodie Van second and third interviews he is, what his potential is. But 4 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.55 Wagenen. are needed before presenting I didn’t want him to go out 5 Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.33 Alderson said then he one or two candidates to based on some COVID-related 6 Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.32 (+1) wanted to hire a president of Cohen. interruption.” 7 Webb Simpson (USA) 7.24 (-1) baseball operations but said He hopes the new GM Designated hitter 8 Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.20 yesterday he had been could grow into a president of Alderson hopes it is 9 Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.42 thwarted in attempts to gain baseball operations role. extended to the National 10 Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.21 permission to speak with offi- John Ricco, who shifted League for 2021 after its Selected: cials on other teams for lateral from assistant general first use throughout 116 Robert Streb (USA) 1.39 (+264) moves and another possible manager to a senior vice MLB. 152 Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) 1.11 (+78) 209 Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 0.85 (+86) Women 1 Ko Jin-young (KOR) 7.79 2 Kim Sei-young (KOR) 7.38 3 Nelly Korda (USA) 6.59 4 Danielle Kang (USA) 6.40 5 Park In-bee (KOR) 6.18 6 Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.81 (+1) 7 Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.71 (-1) 8 Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.25 9 Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 4.99 10 Kim Hyo-joo Kim (KOR) 4.90 Sport WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020 08 Pakistan invite Afghanistan on first official tour

AFP — KARACHI could be a harbinger of love Scotland and Hong Kong. one-day match and one and peace between the two A cricket series between But Afghanistan beat international -- Pakistan have invited Afghan- countries,” he said. Pakistan last year in a friendly both in the United Arab istan’s national cricket team An Afghan national side Pakistan and ahead of the World Cup in Emirates. on a recognised tour for the toured Pakistan in May 2011, Afghanistan could be a England, sparking wild scenes Relations between the two first time, officials said although they only played a in Kabul where jubilant fans national cricket bodies are yesterday, following a visit to second-string side and harbinger of love and fired machine guns into the strong, however. Kabul by Prime Minister Imran matches were not given first- peace between the two night sky, triggering security “A strong Afghanistan Khan -- one of the game’s class status. Pakistan premier lockdowns in foreign means a strong Asian block... greatest players. Khan visited Afghanistan on countries. embassies. so Pakistan will continue to “We’ll try to look for a pos- Thursday, where he vowed to Wasim Khan Most Afghans only became play its part and help Afghan sible window for this tour -- help reduce spiralling violence familiar with the game from cricket,” said Wasim. and if not 2021, we’ll definitely and push for a ceasefire PCB Chief Executive the 1980s, when millions were Afghanistan are scheduled try to plan a series in 2022 between the Taliban and exiled as refugees near the to host Pakistan for three season,” said Pakistan Cricket Afghan forces. Pakistan city of Peshawar, just one-day internationals as part Board (PCB) chief executive Before entering politics, all-rounder with a devastating As a member of world 50 kilometres (36 miles) from of World Cup 2023 Super Wasim Khan. the Oxford-educated Khan ability to swing the ball and cricket’s second tier, Afghan- their border. League, most likely to be “A cricket series between was one of the world’s leading brutally attack the opposition’s istan’s usual opponents are The two countries have played in the United Arab Pakistan and Afghanistan cricketers -- a destructive bowling. teams such as Ireland, played only a single official Emirates. Shastri backs ‘fabulous five’ With India series looming, Aussie quicks to rule Down Under star Smith relieved AFP — NEW DELHI to find his hands Coach Ravi Shastri believes India’s pace attack can conquer Australia “in their own den” in REUTERS — SYDNEY better and able to place it the upcoming Test series where he wanted. between the world’s top two Australia batsman Steve Smith “The past few days I have sides. (pictured) says a training found something... I have found India’s quick bowlers, led by breakthrough during a stint in my hands which I am extremely Jasprit Bumrah, will face a pow- isolation has helped him find excited about,” Smith told erful home batting line-up his hands again and he is reporters yesterday. including David Warner and confident his Indian Premier “It’s just getting that feel of Steve Smith when the four-Test League struggles are behind the bat behind my toe the right series begins on December 17. him as he prepares to face India way, the way my hands come But Shastri said his team’s on Friday. up the bat. pace unit was the best in the Smith had a relatively quiet “But it just hasn’t quite been world, despite being likely to be IPL in the United Arab right until two days ago. I found without the injured Ishant Emirates, scoring 311 runs at a little something and every- Sharma who is receiving 25.91 in 14 matches. He thing just clicked in. treatment India for a muscle averaged 41.40 in the previous “I had a big smile on my tear. three years of the face after training the other “His absence does make a tournament. day.” difference to the fast-bowling The 31-year-old said he had The smile will no doubt department, but then we have hardly picked up a bat during spread to the faces of Aus- the capacity among the young the early months of the tralian fans if Smith has indeed bowlers to deliver,” Shastri told COVID-19 pandemic and then rediscovered his form. Indian magazine Sportstar. struggled on Australia’s limited He averages 84.05 against Shastri dubbed Bumrah, overs tour of England, where India in Tests and 60.46 in Mohammed Shami, Mohammed he scored 31 runs in three one-day internationals. The last Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Twenty20 innings. time Smith said he had “found Navdeep Saini the “fabulous Smith’s batting woes were his hands” was ahead of the five”, adding, “Yadav has the Virat Kohli (left) and KL Rahul (second left) look on as Jasprit Bumrah (right) of India shows the ball a major concern for Australia, 2017/18 Ashes Test series, experience. Saini is young and to supporters during Test against West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, in this August 31, 2019 file photo. whowho areare set to face IndiaIndia wherewhere hehe tore apart England’sEngland’s fast. Bumrah one of the best in in sixsix llimitedimited ooversvers attackattack fforor 687687 runsruns at business. Shami is raring to go. Rohit, who led Mumbai matches before the 137.40. Siraj is an exciting prospect. India’s quick bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will face a powerful home batting Indians to their fifth Indian mouth-wateringmouth-watering “In bibigg series I trytry “You put up runs on the line-up including David Warner and Steve Smith when the four-Test series begins Premier League title on Test series. andand standstand up andand getget board and watch these fast on December 17. But Shastri said his team’s pace unit was the best in the world, November 10, has a hamstring But back inin the best out ofof bowlers hunt the opposition. despite being likely to be without the injured Ishant Sharma who is receiving injury and will miss the limited- iisolationsolation in myself,”myself,” SmithSmith said.said. They can beat Australia in their treatment India for a muscle tear. overs matches which start on Sydney after “Whether“Whether therethere iiss own den.” November 27 with the first of rreturningeturning from somethingsomething more Australia last week overtook three one-day internationals. the UAE,UAE, Smith insideinside mmee thatthat ccomesomes India at the top of the inaugural Shastri said that if the pair saidsaid he felt like out,out, I’mI’m not sure.sure.”” world Test championship when requires travel bubbles and iso- Second World War. “We are were not able to board a flight he hadhad foundfound hishis the scoring system was lation because of the going through the drills of within a few days then the strict rhythmrhythm anandd was amended due to the corona- pandemic. staying mentally tough and 14-day quarantine rules would strikingstriking thethe virus pandemic, but Virat “You have to back your self- approaching the series by “make it difficult for them to ball Kohli’s men enjoyed a historic belief and take the field with a taking one step at a time.” play the first Test”. first Test series win Down fearless attitude,” said the India, who are undergoing Kohli will lead the side in Under on their last tour in former India all-rounder. a two-week quarantine in three ODIs, three 2018-19. “We are prepared and let Sydney, are hoping senior and the opening Test -- a day- Shastri is confident his team me remind you that never has batsman Rohit Sharma and night game in Adelaide -- can stay focused on and off the cricket, or a cricket team, faced Ishant will be able to join them before taking on paternity leave pitch during the tour, which such a situation since the for the Tests. and returning home. NZ's Taylor keen to Sri Lanka's new Twenty20 league keep playing until 2023 World Cup takes off after turbulent build-up

WELLINGTON REUTERS — REUTERS — in a bio-secure bubble in Hambantota. New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor gave The organisers of Sri Lanka’s League promoters Inno- his side a boost ahead of their Twenty20 new Twenty20 league are vative Production Group series against West Indies after the bullish about the franchise- (IPG) said they hardly had 36-year-old said he hoped to prolong based tournament despite a any choice. his career through to the next one-day slew of teething problems “These are tough times World Cup in India in 2023. that preceded its scheduled for everyone,” said IPG chief Taylor had said earlier this year he start tomorrow. executive Anil Mohan. would probably have a better idea about Multiple postponements, “Every country is doing his plans after this season. However, the venue uncertainties and late their best to keep their people novel coronavirus pandemic forced the withdrawals marred the safe. Whatever is the pro- cancellation of New Zealand’s mid-year build-up for Sri Lanka tocol, we have to follow.” tours and prompted organisers to Cricket’s (SLC) ambitious The tournament lost SLC decided to host reschedule the Twenty20 World Cup, tournament which was orig- some sheen with the late the entire tournament which had been due to be held in Aus- inally scheduled to begin in withdrawals of players like in a bio-secure bubble tralia in October. late August. South African in Hambantota. “You’ve got to have short-term goals SLC vice president Ravin and West Indian Chris Gayle. and long-term goals and the one-day Wickramaratne dismissed However, the league World Cup is definitely on the radar,” suggestions that the board this is the ‘New Normal’, we health ministry. Nothing to former England bowler landed a title sponsor last Taylor said. should have waited for the need to adapt to it. illustrated the league’s Kabir Ali. Ali then contacted week and lined up an “It doesn’t mean I will make it, but COVID-19 pandemic to “A T20 league of this chaotic build-up like Her- COVID-19 and was una- impressive list of domestic it’s definitely one of my goals.” subside before launching the nature has been a long-felt schelle Gibbs’ association vailable and Gibbs was roped and international But with the tournament being league. need for , with it. in. broadcasters. pushed back until later in 2023, Taylor “The game of cricket was and postponing this for a The former South Africa “Been an interesting day Sony Pictures Networks acknowledged it might be out of reach. stopped for a while following further year or two is not player was first unveiled as or two but so grateful to be will broadcast the league “(It) was going to be a stretch ... at the the pandemic outbreak, going to help SLC’s forward a commentator but ended up head coach of @Colom- through much of south Asia, best of times, when it was February and however, we cannot keep it journey.” being the Colombo Kings boKings,” an amused Gibbs including India, while Sky March,” he said. on hold for more than this,” The SLC even considered head coach following a series tweeted after his Sports have taken the rights “And now the World Cup has been Wickramaratne, also the hosting the five-team league of coincidences. appointment. for United Kingdom, Mohan dragged out to October and November league’s tournament director, in Malaysia or the United was ini- Earlier this month, said. The league will be ‘23, it’s another six or seven months to said in an email interview. Arab Emirates while final- tially named the Colombo Pallekele was dropped as a played behind closed doors hang around.” “None of us know for sure ising quarantine arrange- coach but following his with- second venue as SLC decided with the final scheduled on when this is going to end... ments with the country’s drawal, the job was offered to host the entire tournament December 16.