Sport THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 08 Tour de France: Roglic retains overall lead, Bennett keeps green jersey Ewan wins stage 11 in thrilling photo finish
AFP — POITIERS exclusion should they have another positive test on Sunday. Australia’s Caleb Ewan won The race’s interim director stage 11 of the Tour de France Francois Lemarchand said yesterday by the narrowest of before the start of the 11th stage margins after a frantic bunch yesterday that teams who had sprint was decided on a photo received one positive test would finish, as Primoz Roglic retained be excluded if there was the overall lead. another from “the next battery The diminutive Lotto Soudal of tests”. rider who visualises various “But before there will be a sprint scenarios on the morning discussion between the health of the race edged Tuesday’s authorities, the Tour race man- stage winner Sam Bennett, who agement and the International retains the green jersey and Cycling Union to make the peloton superstar Peter Sagan. decision,” he added. Ewan won three stages in Lemarchand has been in 2019 and now says he will go charge since Tuesday, when for a third on this Tour too by race director Christian Prud- crossing the Alps to try his luck homme left the event after on the iconic Tour de France testing positive for the corona- climax on the cobbles of the virus. The affected teams Champs Elysees. remained tight-lipped over who “Once you get one you want had failed tests and over when two, and now I have two I want exactly the positive staff a third on the Champs Elysees member had been tested. in Paris,” said the diminutive The situation has left the sprinter who also won stage teams on edge. three at Sisteron. Cofidis team manager Ewan is a wily sprinter, Cedric Vasseur did not answer known for cool-headed analysis questions shortly before the in the heat of the action, and he start of the 11th stage, waving now has five Tour wins in total. reporters away because he was “I was really close to the Lotto Soudal rider Caleb Ewan of Australia and Deceuninck-Quick Step rider Sam Bennett of Ireland, wearing the green jersey, sprint outside of the race bubble on front, I was more forward than toward the line, yesterday. his way to pick up his car. I wanted to be, but I dropped AG2R-La Mondiale manager back into the bunch to watch,” to protect me, but I don’t mind, Teams race on a knife edge two members of a team test who had one staff member test Vincent Lavenu was fuming at the 26-year-old said. they got me there,” said the amid confusion over positive within a seven-day positive for the coronavirus are “those who would like to see a “I just kept calm and waited affable and popular rider. COVID-19 exclusion rules period, the whole outfit will be AG2R-La Mondiale, Cofidis and team go”. for the right gap to open. I didn’t The finish line at the Tour Four Tour de France teams, excluded from the race. Mitchelton-Scott. He said the team’s staff know if I’d won because I threw de France is equiped by including that of defending Yet a source with direct Half of each team was member who tested positive the bike and was looking down. cameras in either corner that champion Egan Bernal, are knowledge of the matter said tested last Sunday and the other had gone home to isolate and “But sometimes you can just can take thousands of images racing on a knife edge after one that organisers may backtrack half last Monday and they will his room mate was also sent feel it,” he added. per second, as with motor of their members tested positive and reset the day-count after be tested again next Sunday and packing despite testing neg- His win is doubly impressive cycling’s Grand Prix while each for the coronavirus amid con- consultation with the French Monday in the same way. ative. “We don’t plan further as his team have already lost bike is equipped with a micro- fusion over how exclusion rules government. This means that if any of the testing before the battery of three riders. chip, delivering the instant will apply. Apart from Bernal’s Ineos- positive tests were from last tests in Grenoble,” Lavenu “We no longer have the men results. The rules state that should Grenadiers, the other teams Monday then the team risks added. Heat oust Bucks to reach East finals; Lakers down Rockets
AFP — MIAMI against the defending NBA champion Raptors three games The Miami Heat punched their to two. ticket to the NBA Eastern In Western Conference Conference finals on Tuesday, action, LeBron James scored 36 beating top-seeded Milwaukee points and Anthony Davis 103-94 as injured Bucks star added 26 as the Los Angeles The giant Olympic rings are seen behind Japan’s national flag Giannis Antetokounmpo Lakers powered to the finish in in Tokyo in this August 6, 2020 file photo. watched from the bench. a 112-102 victory over the Jimmy Butler and Goran Houston Rockets. Dragic finished with 17 points The Lakers grabbed a 2-1 apiece as six Heat players series lead and James notched IOC confident of safe scored in double figures and an NBA record 162nd career Miami completed a 4-1 series play-off win. Tokyo Games, too early victory in a bruising encounter “It says that I’ve played with against the league’s top a lot of great teams,” said James, Jimmy Butler of the defensive team. who won two NBA titles with Miami Heat drives for deadlines: Bach Khris Middleton led the the Miami Heat and one with the ball against Bucks with 23 points. the Cleveland Cavaliers. REUTERS — LONDON March as the COVID-19 pan- Antetokounmpo -- tipped Wesley Matthews of James Harden scored 33 demic swept across the to scoop a second straight NBA the Milwaukee Bucks points with nine rebounds and The International Olympic globe. Bach said while Most Valuable Player award this during Game Five. nine assists and Russell West- Committee has confidence in several aspects of the Games’ season -- aggravated his brook added 30 points for its preparations and in organisation, such as inter- sprained right ankle in the first The Bucks declared him campaign that the Bucks built Houston in a back and forth Japanese government national spectators or qual- half of the Bucks’ game-four inactive less than an hour the best regular-season record battle that saw 16 lead changes. support for next year’s Tokyo ifications processes, needed overtime victory over the Heat. before tipoff on Tuesday. only to come up short in the The Lakers’ reserves scored Olympics, but said all to be finalised months in The loss of Antetokounmpo, playoffs. 42 points, with Houston’s only scenarios would be discussed advance, no deadline for NBA PLAY-OFF RESULTS who averaged career highs of In 2019 they fell to the points off the bench the 16 of in the coming weeks amid those had yet been set. Eastern Conference (Semi-finals) 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds eventual champion Toronto Jeff Green. the ongoing pandemic. “At some stage before the per game this season, was a Raptors in six games in the Rajon Rondo, who scored IOC President Thomas Games we will have to take Miami Heat 103 Milwaukee Bucks 94 huge blow for the Bucks, as they Eastern Conference finals. 21 off the bench for Los Angeles, Bach (pictured) said yes- these relevant decisions but (Miami win series 4-1) tried to do what no NBA team The fifth-seeded Heat will hit back-to-back three-pointers terday that his organisation right now I am not in a Western Conference (Semi-finals) has done before: come back face either the Boston Celtics or and came up with a steal and was committed to delivering position to give you a con-
LA Lakers 112 Houston Rockets 102 from an 0-3 deficit to win a Toronto Raptors for a place in layup as the Lakers surged a safe Games and had the full crete answer. We don’t know (Lakers lead series 2-1) seven-game playoff series. the NBA Finals. ahead with a 17-5 scoring run support of the Japanese gov- how the world looks like It’s the second straight The Celtics lead their series to start the fourth quarter. ernment following the resig- tomorrow.” nation of Prime Minister Qualification for the Shinzo Abe, but the look of Games starts months before next year’s Games was still the event while international unclear. travel for the Olympics is also Knights blank Stars to level NHL series “In the coming weeks you usually booked months or will see important and even years in advance. intensive discussions taking “The situations are AFP — LOS ANGELES “We didn’t play our game in place with regard to different changing day by day when game one,” Golden Knights scenarios to COVID-19 you look at different travel Robin Lehner made 24 saves as coach Peter DeBoer said of the counter measures,”measures, Bach told restrictions around ththe the top-seeded Vegas Golden 1-0 defeat in the series opener. a news conference following world,”world,” Bach said. ““ButBuB t I ddo Knights shut out the Dallas Stars “Tonight, we got our game anan executive board meetimeeting.ng. notnot knknowow aaboutbout a 3-0 to level their NHL Western back, and once we got that first “We“We reremainmain ffocusedocused oonn deadlinedeadline forfor theth Conference final at one game goal, I thought we looked like deliveringdelivering safe and suc-suc- reasonreason tthathat wwe apiece on Tuesday. we normally do, which is cessfulcessful GaGamesmes nnextext don’t reareallyl It was Lehner’s second making plays and sticking year.”year.” know ttheh straight shutout and fourth in pucks in the net.” TheThe Tokyo 2020 environmentenvironme his past seven starts. Anton Khudobin allowed GamesGames were ppostponedostponed we will be in He had backed up Marc- three goals on 27 shots for toto next yeyearar in an next yyear,”ear,” BBacha Andre Fleury in a 1-0 defeat in Dallas. He was replaced to start unprecedentedu n precedented said.said. “I“Itt isis tooto game one on Sunday after Golden Knights goalie Robin the third period by Jake Oet- decisiondecision in early to set theth making 14 saves in a series- Lehner (right) makes a save tinger, who made his NHL debut deadline.”deadline.” clinching 3-0 win over Van- during game two. and saved all five shots he couver on Friday. faced. Paul Stastny, William Game three will be played Karlsson and Tomas Nosek from Max Pacioretty and finished off an exchange with today in Edmonton, the NHL’s scored for the Golden Knights. Karlsson made it 2-0 with a Chandler Stephenson and hub city for both the Eastern Stastny opened the scoring power-play goal from the left Nicolas Roy to make it 3-0 at and Western conference finals at 4:53 of the second off a pass face-off circle at 8:24. Nosek 14:32 of the second. and the Stanley Cup Final. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09
Barty wants virus-stranded Osaka, coach back for Australian Open build-up
Zverev into AFP - BRISBANE World number one Ashleigh Barty said she hoped to be reunited with her coach for her build-up to the Australian US Open Open tennis Grand Slam after coronavirus restrictions kept them separated for months. Australia’s Barty, a day after withdrawing from her French Open title defence because of last four Covid-19 concerns and a lack of preparation, said it was “really tough” to be without her Alexander Zverev coach Craig Tyzzer. of Germany returns Barty is based in Brisbane the ball to Borna but Tyzzer is in hard-hit Mel- Coric of Croatia bourne, which is under strict during their quarter- lockdown. Travel across Aus- final match of the tralia’s state borders is also 2020 US Open at tightly controlled, to prevent the USTA Billie Jean outbreaks. King National Tennis “To not have him up here Center in Queens in Queensland, it’s been really Borough, New York tough,” said Barty, who hasn’t City, on Tuesday. seen Tyzzer since March. “We tried to go through all the right (travel) applications, AFP - NEW YORK “I just tried to really stay calm and keep it cool as The 23-year-old German prevailed 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), tried to do all the right things, a cucumber out there,” she added. 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 in 3hr 25min. but unfortunately we were Japan’s Naomi Osaka sailed into the semi-finals of the Brady is yet to drop a set and has lost only 24 games He began playing more aggressively after finding rejected,” she said. US Open on Tuesday as Alexander Zverev of Germany during her march to the semis, the fewest of anyone himself a set down, and 4-2 behind in the second set. “We’ll try again for pre- booked his spot in the last four of the men’s draw. left in the draw. “I thought to myself I’m down 6-1, 4-2, I have season and hopefully he can Osaka, the tournament’s fourth seed, swept aside Osaka said Brady would be a formidable opponent. nothing to lose at the moment,” Zverev. come up here and we can unseeded Shelby Rogers in straight sets to set up a “I think she’s a really amazing player she has the The German will play Spain’s 20th seed Pablo prepare as best we can for the match with Jennifer Brady for a place in Saturday’s variety that I wish I had, so I’m a bit jealous,” said the Carreno Busta for a place in Sunday’s final. Australian summer,” added final. Japanese. The Spaniard defeated 12th-seeded Canadian Denis Barty. The 22-year-old Osaka required just 1hr 20 min Zverev bounced back from a shocking start to oust Shapovalov 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4), 0-6, 6-3 in an epic Barty said she spent “many inside an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium to defeat the 27th-seeded Croatian Borna Coric in four sets. five-setter that ended in the early hours of Wednesday. months” considering whether 27-year-old Rogers 6-3, 6-4. The disqualification of top seed to play the French Open, Osaka, the world number 9, said her victory was Novak Djokovic on Sunday has blown where she won her maiden payback for three previous defeats to the 93rd-ranked the men’s competition at Flushing Grand Slam title last year. Rogers. Meadows wide open. The fate of Barty’s home They included a 2017 loss on clay in Charleston that His departure means the US Open Grand Slam, the Australian Osaka said had left “a really bad aftertaste in my will crown a first-time Grand Slam Open in January, is yet to be mouth.” winner on Sunday. determined, with the possi- “Honestly, I just felt like she had the upper hand “I know that all the young guys are bility it could be moved out of because I’ve never beaten her,” Osaka said. “And those hungry for it. It’s going to be inter- Melbourne if the city’s out- memories are stuck in my head so I consider this a little esting,” said Zverev, who will play break has not eased. bit of revenge,” she added. either 12th-seeded Canadian Denis Barty announced in late Osaka’s dominant service game contributed to a Shapovalov or Spain’s Pablo Carrena July that she would sit out the comfortable runout for the 2018 US Open champion. Busta in the last four. US Open, currently underway She won 83 percent of points on her first serve and Zverev, who is in his second-con- in New York, while world 70 percent on her second. secutive Grand Slam semi-final after number two Simona Halep and In contrast, Rogers managed only 66 percent and reaching the last four at the Australian defending men’s champion 33 percent respectively. Rogers hit 29 unforced errors Open this year, said he was yet to kick Rafael Nadal also opted out compared to just eight committed by Osaka. into fifth gear. because of the pandemic. Brady conquered some serious nerves to defeat “I feel like I can still improve a few The French Open is due to Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva and reach the semi-finals more things and that only gives me start on September 27, with of a Grand Slam for the first time. confidence,” he told reporters. daily crowd numbers reduced The American 28th seed needed just 1hr 9 min to Yesterday, second seed Dominic to 11,500 from 20,000 and the blow away her 23rd-seeded opponent 6-3, 6-2. Thiem faces Australian Alex de Minaur Roland Garros complex “Coming into the match today, honestly I was feeling and third seed Daniil Medvedev plays divided into three independent like I was going to poop my pants. I was very nervous,” compatriot Andrey Rublev for the zones to aid social said the 25-year-old Brady. other semi-final spot. distancing. Return of fans at Carreno Busta tames erratic French Open will Shapovalov to reach semis be weird: Rogers REUTERS - NEW YORK Pablo Carreno Busta outlasted an erratic Denis Shapovalov 3-6 7-6(5) REUTERS - NEW YORK 7-6(4) 0-6 6-3 on Tuesday in a seesaw battle lasting over four hours to advance to his second US Open semi-final. Shelby Rogers (pictured) said it was “quite an expe- Naomi Osaka of Japan The 29-year-old Spaniard, the oldest of the men’s quarter-finalists rience” to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium without fans on reacts against Shelby at Flushing Meadows, looked to be heading for his first loss on hard- Tuesday and the American feels it will be “weird” to Rogers of the United States courts to his Canadian opponent after Shapovalov served him a bagel in have spectators in the stands at the French Open later in the singles quarter-finals the fourth set. this month. match on day nine of the However, after getting some treatment to his lower back, 2017 semi- The US Open is taking place without fans and with 2020 US Open at USTA finalist Carreno Busta fought back gamely to seal the deciding set in a strict protocols in place to curb the spread of the novel Billie Jean King National match that went past 1 am in New York. coronavirus but the Sept 27-Oct 11 French Open will Tennis Center. After spending just an hour on court in his previous round when allow up to 11,500 spectators per day. world number one Novak Djokovic was disqualified, Carreno Busta was “My first match on Ashe without fans, so that was understandably drained. quite an experience. Check that off the bucket list,” said “I’m destroyed, but you know I’m very, very happy,” he said in his Rogers after her 6-3 6-4 quarter-final defeat to Naomi on-court interview. “After this fight, this battle, it’s hard to say, but it is Osaka. “I played there before with a packed stadium, incredible to be back in the semi-finals again.” and it was very, very different.” Carreno Busta had won three of his previous four meetings with The American, who was unseeded at Flushing Shapovalov, including a win over the Canadian at Flushing Meadows in Meadows, was excited about getting back to the red clay 2017 when the Spaniard made the semi-finals. at Roland Garros, where she reached the quarter-finals The 20th seed had not lost a set to Shapovalov in his three hardcourt in 2016. It will be nice to go back, train on clay, get ready wins but that changed quickly on Tuesday as the 21-year-old broke his for Paris where I’ve had a lot of good memories,” she serve a second time before taking the opener. added. “On the flip side, I think it will be really weird to Shapovalov’s serve began to falter, though, as a dogged Carreno Busta have fans. Maybe a little standoffish from players not rallied to take the next two sets via tiebreakers. used to being around people. We’ve been scolded, if you The Canadian hit 26 aces but also committed 11 double faults -- many will, for doing the wrong things. It will be just another of them at crucial moments. adjustment.” Shapovalov, who has now lost in five sets in his last three visits to The 27-year-old said there were plenty of positives Flushing Meadows, struck 76 winners but she could take away it was the same number of unforced from her campaign at US OPEN RESULTS - COLLATED errors that proved his undoing. her home Grand The crucial break in the decider Slam. ABOVE: Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain hits the Results from US Open tennis championship came in the sixth game for Carreno “One is that I am ball against Denis Shapovalov of Canada in in New York on Tuesday (x-denotes seed) Busta, who could convert only five of able to adapt to these the quarter-finals. his 21 breakpoint opportunities, and he new conditions, the MEN’S SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS sealed the contest on his first match new normal,” she point when Shapovalov found the net ** Carreno Busta beat Shapovalov in five sets to Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP x20) bt Denis Shapo- said. “I know I can on his return. reach the US Open semi-finals for a second time. valov (CAN x12) 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4), 0-6, 6-3 handle it and make “I think I’m very comfortable on ** The 20th-seeded Carreno Busta expended Alexander Zverev (GER x5) bt Borna Coric the most out of that, a lot more energy and outlasted Shapovalov these courts,” said Carreno Busta. “I think (CRO x27) 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 which is 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 0-6, 6-3 in the quarter- the last few months during quarantine encouraging. finals at Flushing Meadows. WOMEN’S SINGLES QUARTER-FINALS were very, very tough for everybody. But “I feel healthy. ** The match lasted more than four hours. I worked very hard with my coach. When I’m happy with ** Carreno Busta also made it to the final four Jennifer Brady (USA x28) bt Yulia Putintseva you work hard, normally the results where my game is. in New York in 2017. (KAZ x23) 6-3, 6-2 arrive. The confidence is just ** He will face A Zverev in the semi-finals. Naomi Osaka (JPN x4) bt Shelby Rogers (USA) “Maybe not always in the first tour- building with each 6-3, 6-4 nament or on the second, and I was a bit match.” lucky and now I am in the semi-final.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Marsh relishing T20 finisher role Mercedes take the
AFP — SOUTHAMPTON Marsh could be the man to fill “I was thinking about it tonight, that role ahead of next year’s just loving the experience of blame for Hamilton’s Mitchell Marsh (pictured) said T20 World Cup in India. that again, getting out there and he had “loved finishing off the “I’ve played in this role for having that feeling of being error at Italian GP game for the boys” as he most of my career even though under pressure -- that’s why we marked his return to compet- for the (Perth) Scorchers I bat a play.” itive cricket by seeing Australia bit higher up the order and have Marsh, who might have REUTERS — LONDON to a five-wicket win over a bit more time to get in,” player been twice out for under 10, England in the third Twenty20 of the match Marsh told said starting his innings against Formula One leader Lewis international at Southampton reporters. Rashid -- who took an Hamilton (pictured) should not on Tuesday. It was his first senior impressive 3-21, had been have blamed himself for an Hamilton will always want Australia still lost the three- appearance since a one-day tough. error that denied him a 90th to improve and to put it match series 2-1 but this victory international against New “Adil Rashid’s a great career victory at last Sunday’s right himself and that was ensured they regained top spot Smith in 11 balls. But Marsh, Zealand at Sydney in March bowler. He’s got great numbers Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes probably why he took in the global T20 rankings from with a career-best 39 not out at after the coronavirus pandemic over a long period of time for said yesterday. the blame for this but arch-rivals England. this level, and Western Australia upended the global cricket England and he’s one of the best The six-times world really we need to put it on Set just 146 to win, Australia team-mate Ashton Agar (16 not calendar. spinners in the world in white- champion entered a closed our shoulders: Trackside were cruising at 86-2. out) shared an unbroken part- “I loved tonight, loved fin- ball cricket. pitlane at Monza after Kevin engineering director But having suffered a dra- nership of 47 as the tourists won ishing off the game for the boys Marsh’s view was endorsed Magnussen’s Haas was Andrew Shovlin matic collapse in the series with three balls to spare. and contributing to a great win,” by stand-in England captain stranded nearby, a mistake that opener, Australia then saw leg- Finishing a T20 innings has the 28-year-old added. Moeen Ali, who said: “Adil is an changed the race. spinner Adil Rashid remove proved a problem for an Aus- “It’s a hard spot to bat. Fin- amazing bowler for us. When Hamilton, who had led seconds after the safety car was Glenn Maxwell, skipper Aaron tralia side packed with top- ishing the game you find he is bowling like that he is the from pole, finished seventh deployed. Hamilton, com- Finch and star batsman Steve order talent. But all-rounder yourself in different situations. best in the world.” after a penalty dropped him to fortably ahead, entered the last and AlphaTauri’s French pitlane 10 seconds later. The driver Pierre Gasly took a shock strategy director said the key win instead. message was not noticed by the Hazlewood The Briton told reporters he team, who had only seconds to Malan replaces Azam had not seen electronic react, until it was too late. looks to take warning boards but Mercedes “We can hear from other said that was to be expected. team radio that it took them momentum Trackside engineering about 10 seconds to notice it as director Andrew Shovlin said well,” said Vowles. at top of T20 rankings Hamilton, who leads team mate “And that 10 seconds was into England Valtteri Bottas by 47 points the crucial period where Pakistan captain after eight races, had not been because Lewis was so far in the one-dayers best placed to spot something lead of the race he was just able AFP — SOUTHAMPTON Babar dropped down But with opener Jason that shouldd havehave beenbeen picpickedked toto come inin.”.” AFP — SOUTHAMPTON to number two, while Roy passed fit after a side up by the team.eam. VowlesVowles saidsaid England’s Dawid Malan has Australia captain Aaron strain and the promising Phil “The teamam takes responsresponsi-i- MercedesMer cedes Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood replaced Pakistan’s Babar Finch remained third in Salt also selected as a batting bility for it.. We’ll putput systemssystems wouldwould makemake hopes Australia can take their Azam as the world’s top- the batting standings. reserve, Malan will do well to in place to mmakeake sure we ddon’ton’t softwares o ftware winning momentum into the ranked Twenty20 batsman force his way into England’s do this again,”gain,” saidsaid changeschanges to one-day series against world after a fine series against ODI team. Shovlin. ensureensure champions England after Australia, the International T20 as it stands is phe- England leg-spinner Adil “He (Ham-Ham- ccriticalritical victory in the final Twenty20 Cricket Council announced nomenal and it seems to keep Rashid has climbed two ilton) will aalwayslways mmessagesessag es international against their yesterday. getting better the more he places to seventh in the global want to improveprove were seen arch-rivals. The 33-year-old left- bats,” said England coach T20 rankings. and to putut it faster.faster. Hazlewood, playing his hander is not a high-profile Chris Silverwood of Malan. Rashid took an impressive right himselfelf first T20 international in more figure in the world game but “It’s good to watch him. 3-21 against Australia at and thatt than four years, took 1-23 from has burnished his record after He’s worked hard to get into Southampton on Tuesday but was his four overs, including the scores of 66, 42 and 21 against the team and when he’s got could not prevent England probably wicket of dangerman Tom Australia saw him jump four his opportunity he’s taken it, losing by five wickets, why he Banton, as Australia beat places in the ICC standings. which is superb. His record is although they still won the took the England by five wickets in Malan now has eight brilliant at the moment, good series 2-1. blame for Southampton on Tuesday. scores of fifty or more in just on him.” The victory saw Australia this but Victory could not prevent 16 career T20 internationals, There was more good regain their status as the really we needneed to England winning the three- with an average of 48.71 and news for Malan yesterday number one ranked side in put it on our match series 2-1 but it meant an equally impressive strike when he was added as a the format after England shoulders.”” Australia leapfrogged the hosts rate of 146.66. reserve for the three-match briefly claimed top spot, with Vowles saidsaid thethe as the world’s top-ranked T20 Pakistan captain Babar one-day international series left-arm spinner Ashton Agar closed pitlanepitlane side. dropped down to number against Australia in Man- remaining third in the message came 11 “It feels great to get a win two, while Australia captain chester starting tomorrow. bowling standings and after such a long break,” Aaron Finch remained third Malan replaces Joe Denly paceman Kane Richardson Hazlewood said yesterday. in the batting standings. in the 50-over world cham- breaking into the top 10 “Being the number one “Obviously his form in pions’ three-man standby list. rankings. Rugby: Farrell gets T20 side is always a great feeling and yes, the win will give us momentum heading five-game ban after into the ODI series.” The 29-year-old paceman added: “It was good to be playing T20 high tackle red card cricket again for Australia. It’s been a long time.” REUTERS — LONDON Once Australia’s three- England’s Scores of 66, 42 match one-day international Dawid Malan England captain Owen Farrell series against England is com- in action and 21 against (pictured) was given a five- pleted, Hazlewood is set to during the first match ban following his red play in the Indian Premier T20 against Australia help card for a dangerous high League for the Chennai Super Australia in Malan jump four tackle playing for Saracens on Kings. The IPL could give Southampton, Saturday -- leaving him free to Hazlewood an early glimpse in this places in the ICC feature for his country in their of future opponents ahead of September October and November inter- Australia’s home Test series 4, 2020 file standings. nationals. with India. photo. The suspension means he “It is going to be interesting will miss Saracens’ European playing with a few of the guys Cup quarter-final at Ireland’s who we will come up against Leinster, further potential this (Australian) summer,” said games in that competition and Hazlewood. several matches in the Pre- England play Australia in miership, from which the club the first of the three ODIs at will be automatically relegated Old Trafford tomorrow. this season after breaching salary cap rules. Farrell was sent off after 61 minutes of Saturday’s defeat by “Testimonials provided by Teams continue to prepare ahead of IPL Wasps after a wild, high tackle Mark McCall, Eddie Jones and that caught 18-year-old the founders of a charity with replacement flyhalf Charlie which the player works very Atkinson in the face as the closely were of the highest England captain tried to react quality. to the teenager’s side-step. “The Panel concluded that After a four-hour hearing applying the off-field mitigating on Tuesday, Independent panel factors, notwithstanding his chair Mike Hamlin said: “It was suspension four and a half accepted by the RFU, the player years ago, the player was and the Panel that the offending entitled to a reduction from 10 was reckless and not matches to five meaningful intentional. matches. The player is free to “This was a totally unac- play again on 5 October.” ceptable contact with the neck/ England travel to Italy in head of Charlie Atkinson as a their rearranged Six Nations result of a reckless tackle which game at the end of October and had the consequences of him then play a “mini” Six Nations, being knocked unconscious probably also including and sustaining a concussion. Georgia, in November. “This resulted in the Panel England have a game concluding that this was a top against the Barbarians before end offence with an entry point the Italy match, though Farrell of 10 matches. There were no would have been unlikely to aggravating features. feature. The suspension means he will miss Saracens’ European Cup quarter-final at Ireland’s Leinster, further potential games in that competition and several matches in the Premiership, from which the club will be automatically relegated this season after Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni (right) takes part in the team's training session yesterday. RIGHT: A glimpse of Mumbai Indian's net session. The teams are preparing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) which will be played in the UAE from September 19. breaching salary cap rules. THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 Qatar Stars League signs MoU with Qatar SportsTech
THE PENINSULA – DOHA growth of sports industry in will offer great benefits to the Qatar. QST is initiated by Qatar sportstech community in Qatar The Qatar Stars League (QSL) Development Bank (QDB), and globally. QST aims to con- has announced that it had powered by Startupbootcamp, tribute to the positioning of signed a Memorandum of and supported by the Supreme Qatar as a global sports hub.” Understanding (MoU) with Committee for Delivery & QSL was also part of the Qatar SportsTech (QST), the Legacy, beIN Media Group, sports entrepreneurial continuing to drive innovation sports technology as well as the Selection Committee dedicated region’s first startup accel- Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar ecosystem. in football with the main aim wider business scene, we to selecting the top 10 startups erator and hub for innovative Financial Centre (QFC) and the Commenting on the signing for QNB Stars League to become believe that Qatar SportsTech who will be invited to join sportstech companies. Ministry of Commerce & of MoU, Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, the top league in Asia.” is paving the way for a new QST’s Accelerator Program. As part of this exclusive Industry. Executive Director of Compe- Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al generation of innovators, Held in Aspire Zone, QST’s partnership, QSL will support QSL and QST will be col- tition and Football Devel- Mannai, Executive Director of whilst creating the perfect eco- intensive three-month Accel- upcoming sportstech startups laborating closely to attract opment at QSL, said, “I would Advisory & Incubation at QDB, system to enhance entrepre- erator programme will run by offering mentoring sessions sportstech startups from Qatar like to extend my appreciation commented, “QDB has always neurship in the sports sector from mid-September, 2020. and running proof of concepts. and around the world who can to Qatar SportsTech for their been a frontrunner in bringing regionally and beyond.” The programme is designed to QSL’s support will allow entre- revolutionize the football active role in promoting and the best local and international Heba Q. Al Masri, Managing help innovative startups accel- preneurs with innovative industry and contribute to the developing the sportstech expertise to help promote Director at QST, commented, erate their growth and further sportstech ideas to test their growth of global sports industry in Qatar. I am pleased innovators and entrepreneurs “We are honoured to collab- develop their solutions in the concepts and compatibilities industry. Moreover, the new to announce this partnership, to support their ideas and orate with QSL and are excited industry, in line with QST’s in the Qatari market. partners will co-host a series as this initiative originates from enhance their skills. With Qatar to help drive forward their vision to be a catalyst for QSL will be joining QST’s of community events, with the QSL’s keenness towards serving gearing up to be regional vision to be innovative. We’re reshaping sports technology in myriad of partners, leading the main aim to flourish the local the sports community by leaders in entrepreneurship in positive that this partnership the region and beyond.
New faces to Liverpool, City face tough battle watch in PL
REUTERS – LONDON from Premier League challengers Lionel Messi will not be lighting up the Premier League next AFP – LONDON season after reluctantly Liverpool players taking part in a deciding to stay at Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City training session yesterday, ahead but some of the world’s most remain the teams to beat after of the kick off of the new Premier sought-after talent has arrived. three seasons of total dominance League Season as coach Jurgen Here are six who could but a rejuvenated Manchester Klopp looks on. make the biggest impact. United and free-spending PIC: WWW.LIVERPOOLFC.COM Chelsea could force themselves KAI HAVERTZ (Germany) into a four-way race for the title. Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea - £72m Here is a look at how last ($94m) season’s top four are shaping up Chelsea have been active ahead of the new season. in the market as owner Roman Abramovich backs manager LIVERPOOL Frank Lampard but the After a first league title in 30 21-year-old Germany interna- years, Liverpool’s challenge will tional Havertz is the most change radically. The club have exciting addition. freed themselves from the Scorer of 18 goals in all burden of history but must competitions last season, ensure the 2020/21 season does Havertz gives Lampard several not become a huge options either as a striker, a anti-climax. winger, a ‘false 9’ or even a A lack of fresh blood for the deep midfielder. second consecutive season is a Along with fellow new risk for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who signings Hakim Ziyech and have amassed 196 points over Timo Werner, Havertz could the past two seasons. unlock a Chelsea title Left-back Kostas Tsimikas challenge. is the only addition so far, as back up to Andy Robertson. FERRAN TORRES (Spain) The financial fallout from the from a disappointing campaign. by their desire to finally claim rivals, Liverpool and City, for leaky defence with the signing Valencia to Manchester City - £20m coronavirus pandemic meant Despite scoring 17 more goals the Champions League in what much longer. of former PSG and Brazil captain Man City fans were sorry to the arrival of Timo Werner never than Liverpool, the dethroned could be Guardiola’s final season However, the manner in Thiago Silva on a free transfer. see Leroy Sane sold to Bayern transpired as the German champions finished 18 points in charge. which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s More could still be to come Munich but in 20-year-old instead headed for Chelsea, behind in second last season. The Catalan is entering the men ended the season in mid- with Rennes’ Edouard Mendy right winger Torres they have again leaving Liverpool with One addition to the defence final year of his contract and has August, physically exhausted reportedly top of Chelsea’s list a player who potentially could little as back-up for the front has already been made, with the been heavily criticised for failing after a Europa League semi-final in their hunt for a new goal- make an even bigger impact. three of Roberto Firmino, £40m ($52m) signing of Nathan to get City beyond the quarter- defeat to Sevilla, raises questions keeper. Frank Lampard Torres boasts blistering Mohamed Salah and Sadio Ake from Bournemouth to finals of Europe’s top club com- over whether they can maintain achieved his main goal during pace and enjoys nothing more Mane. provide cover at centre-back petition over the past four years. a title challenge in a crammed his first season in charge by than running at full backs, However, ahead of a season and left-back. MANCHESTER UNITED calendar over the next nine securing a place in the Cham- although his dribbling can that will offer precious little time A marquee central defender United shot up to third in the months. An ambitious attempt pions League despite a transfer sometimes frustrate. for respite, Klopp has at least had is expected to arrive at the second half of last season on the to land Jadon Sancho from ban and the loss of Eden Hazard longer to prepare his squad, with Etihad before the window closes back of a 14-game unbeaten run Borussia Dortmund has stalled, to Real Madrid. DONNY VAN DE BEEK his three major title rivals in October, with Napoli’s Kalidou in the Premier League after the leaving Solskjaer short on But expectations on the (Netherlands) involved in European action in Koulibaly top of their wishlist. January signing of Bruno options beyond his preferred former England international Ajax to Manchester United - £35m August. Spanish international Ferran Fernandes. front three, while there is also a will be far higher this season as The 23-year-old could MANCHESTER CITY Torres had been added to a A flourishing young front lack of cover in defence. owner Roman Abramovich will prove to be an astute piece of City will not have Lionel stellar cast of attacking talent to three of Marcus Rashford, CHELSEA demand to see a return on his business, giving manager Ole Messi to take the title fight to Liv- replace Leroy Sane, while David Anthony Martial and Mason By far the biggest spenders investment. Gunnar Solskjaer a different erpool after the Argentine opted Silva’s departure opens the door Greenwood and more midfield of the transfer window across Lampard cannot afford for midfield option. to remain in Barcelona, but it is for 20-year-old Phil Foden to depth with the signing of Donny Europe, the Blues have splashed the attacking talents of Werner, He has an ability to find at the other end of the pitch that build on his impressive perform- van de Beek offers United some out nearly £200m on Werner, Havertz and Ziyech to take their pockets of space either as an Pep Guardiola’s men needed to ances in the final stretch of last hope that they will not be left in Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and time to adjust to the Premier advanced playmaker or in a improve anyway to bounce back season. City could be distracted the shade of their two biggest Ben Chilwell and bolstered a League. deeper role, predominantly on the right. Not lightning fast, one of his strengths is his decision- making, rarely choosing the Camavinga breaks France wrong option when advancing attacks.
TIMO WERNER (Germany) record in repeat of WC final RB Leipzig to Chelsea - £47m Werner was nothing short AFP – PARIS Former Liverpool centre-back Dejan of sensational at Leipzig last Lovren opened the scoring for the visitors in season, scoring 34 goals in all Eduardo Camavinga said he was “proud for a near-empty ground due to the coronavirus competitions. his family” after becaming France’s youngest pandemic with a half-volleyed effort inside Strong, agile and boasting international in 96 years as les Bleus won a the hosts’ box after a quarter of an hour of great awareness, Werner is also repeat of the 2018 World Cup final in a 4-2 play. flexible and would likely Nations League victory over Croatia on Griezmann, who missed a penalty in the flourish either as a sole out- Tuesday. weekend’s victory, equalised with two minutes and-out striker or in a 4-3-3 Midfielder Camavinga, aged 17 years and of the first half remaining by side-footing home formation sometimes nine months, replaced Ngolo Kante at the Stade Martial’s low cross. Manchester United’s Martial employed by Lampard. de France in the second half and is only sur- was involved in the next les Bleus goal a minute passed by Julien Verbrugghe, aged 16 years into injury time. JAMES RODRIGUEZ and 10 months in 1906, and Maurice Gastiger, Dominik Livakovic fumbled Martial’s (Colombia) at 17 years and 4 months in 1914. attempt into his goal after Ben Yedder’s dan- Real Madrid to Everton - £12m “Firstly I feel joy and pride for my family gerous ball. James won the Golden Boot and all the French population,” said Camavinga, The sides were equal once again 10 minutes award at the 2014 World Cup who was born in Angola to Congolese parents, into the second half as Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic but his stock has fallen to such but who moved to France at the age of two and split the home side’s defence in half with a tidy an extent that he will try to re- only received French nationality in November. through ball. ignite at Everton, rather than a Didier Deschamps’ World Cup winners are Substitute Josip Brekalo held up possession Champions League club. second on goal difference in Group A behind well before sliding his effort past Hugo Lloris. If anyone can get a tune out Portugal who beat Sweden 2-0 as Cristiano Camavinga’s historic moment came 27 of the 29-year-old playmaker Ronaldo crossed the 100-goal mark for his minutes from time as he substitued Chelsea’s it is Carlo Ancelotti who first country. Kante. French midfielder took him to Real Madrid. After Deschamps made seven changes from Sat- Deschamps’ side claimed all three points Eduardo Camavinga some of the sterile stuff served urday’s win in Solna with Wissam Ben Yedder with two goals in the final 25 minutes. (right) heads the ball up by Everton last season, a and Anthony Martial leading the attack after Upamecano claimed the third goal, and his during the UEFA Nations rejuvenated James linking up Kylian Mbappe contracted Covid-19. first in international football, with a header League Group C match with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano, from a Griezmann corner. against Croatia, at the should he sign from Watford, Olivier Giroud as well as an own goal from the Chelsea’s Giroud then converted a 77th- Stade de France in would at least give the fans visitors’ goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic secured minute penalty for the fourth before France Saint-Denis, on Tuesday. something to feel hopeful a repeat result from Russia two years ago. closed out the game. about. Sport
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 Japan’s Naomi Osaka says Brady would be a formidable opponent in semi-final I think she’s (Jennifer Brady, her opponent in tomorrow's US Open semi-final) a really amazing player she has the variety that I wish I had, so I’m a bit jealous.
Naomi Osaka Sport |09 NBA: PLAY-OFFS (SEMI-FINALS) EC: Miami 103, Bucks 94 (Heat win series 4-1). WC: Lakers 112, Rockets 102 (Lakers lead series 2-1) Pole vault record ‘Fighting mom’ Williams holders set to face off in Doha moves into US Open semis – DOHA THE PENINSULA
AFP – NEW YORK The world champion, the Diamond League record champion and the world record holder will all go Serena Williams came from a set head to head in the men’s pole vault at the Wanda down to beat fellow mother Diamond League meeting in Doha later this month. Tsvetana Pironkova and reach the 2019 World Championship medallists Sam Ken- semi-finals of the US Open dricks (USA), Mondo Duplantis (SWE) and Piotr Lisek yesterday. (POL), as well as London 2012 Olympic gold med- The American third seed allist Renaud Lavillenie (FRA), will battle it out in the overcame the unseeded Bulgarian pole vault at the Wanda Doha Diamond League on 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in 2hr 12min inside September 25. Arthur Ashe Stadium. Two-time world champion Kendricks is the Rio Williams will play either former 2016 Olympic Games bronze medallist. He finished world number one Victoria Aza- second to Duplantis with a 6.02m jump at the renka or 16th seed Belgian Elise Diamond League meeting in Lausanne on September Mertens on Thursday for a place in 2, the second highest vault of his career. Saturday's final. World record holder Duplantis, runner-up to The 38-year-old Williams is Kendricks in Doha at the World Championships last chasing a 24th singles Grand Slam year and European champion (2018), is in outstanding title that would equal Margaret form. Court's record. His exceptional indoor season – which peaked But a sluggish start to the match with an incredible 6.18m clearance in Glasgow in almost saw her hopes dashed as a Serena Williams of the February – has continued outdoors, and he jumped more energetic Pironkova broke United States waves to the a national outdoor record and world lead of 6.07m, Williams in game five to take an Jumbotron as she walks off the best outdoor vault in the world for 26 years, to early lead. court after winning her US take the victory in the fading light of Lausanne. "I'm happy to be standing here Open singles quarter-final Lisek was second to Kendricks in London and talking to you because at one point match against Tsvetana third behind Kendricks and Duplantis in Doha. He I think I was pretty close to not Pironkova of Bulgaria at the has a season’s best of 5.90m from the Wiesław Maniak being here," Williams told an on- USTA Billie Jean King National Memorial in Szczecin on August 16. court interviewer. Tennis Center, yesterday. Lavillenie, the most experienced of the quartet, "I keep fighting and that's one backed up his London triumph with Olympic silver thing that I'm super excited about. in Rio 2016 and over the last decade has won a mul- I never give up and you know I just It has been more than three baby honestly you can do anything Williams said she was in awe of titude of global medals, including seven Diamond gotta keep going," she added. years since Williams won her 23rd and I think we saw that with Pironkova's run to the last eight. "I Trophies. Williams blamed her early Grand Slam title at the 2017 Aus- Tsvetana today. She played unbe- couldn't even do that. I could barely Duplantis, unbeaten this season to date, said: struggles on tiredness. tralian Open -- when she was lievable," said Williams. win a match when I came back so “After Lausanne I was desperate to get back out and "I was feeling a little in my legs already pregnant with daughter Pironkova's last tournament she's incredible. It's like you play a compete, I felt like I was in the zone and it’s hard to and for whatever reason an hour Olympia. appearance before this year's US match and you go home and you're take a step back in those situations, but I had to play in I get more energy so I guess that's Williams has come close since, Open had been the 2017 Wim- still changing diapers. It's like a safe. a good thing," said Williams. reaching four major finals only to bledon championships when she double life, it's really surreal," she Doha’s Qatar Sports Club will host the revised "In the beginning I was a little come away empty handed. exited in the second round. added. Williams smashed 20 aces, 12-event programme - the fourth and final compet- fatigued for whatever reason so Pironkova, herself a mother, She gave birth to her son during taking her tally for the tournament itive meeting of the truncated 2020 Wanda Diamond obviously I can't do that if I want only returned to tennis this year her break from tennis but elected to 64 so far. The record for the most League season - which includes sprint hurdles and to keep winning. following a three-year absence to return in 2020, only to see her number of aces in a US Open in the 800m for both men and women; 100m, 3000m and "So I'm going to try to figure from the circuit. comeback plans disrupted by the women's singles is 70, set by Serena long jump for women; and 200m, 400m, 1500m and that out," she added. "Whenever you can birth a coronavirus shutdown. in 1999 when she won for first time. pole vault for men.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the opening goal, his 100th for Portugal, Empty stadiums are like a circus during the UEFA Nations League football match against Sweden in Solna, Sweden, on Tuesday.
without clowns, says Ronaldo PORTUGAL CAREER OF RONALDO: AP – STOSTOCKHOLMCKHOLM “We“W don’td ’ likelik thath as players,l butb I’mI’ months”h ” fansf couldld beb Makes Portugal debut in 1-0 friendly win over already used to it. I do my pre-match med- back because they are Cristiano Ronaldo compared empty football itation already knowing that the stadium the “joy” of the game. Kazakhstan in August 2003. stadiums to a circus without clowns. will be empty.” Ronaldo said he even missed With his goals The Portugal great scored his 100th and opposing fans. against Sweden, Ronaldo Selected for Portugal’s squad at Euro 2004. 101st goals for his country in a 2-0 win over “It’s sad,” the Juventus forward said. became only the second Scores his first international goal in their Sweden on Tuesday in the Nations League. “I like when I’m jeered in away matches, male player to reach the century opening game, a 2-1 defeat to Greece. “It’s like going to a circus without it motivates me. But health has to come first mark in international soccer. He clowns, going to a garden without flowers,” and we need to respect that. But it’s sad.” trails only former Iran striker Ali Daei, Makes his World Cup debut at the 2006 Ronaldo said. Ronaldo said he hoped that “within a few who scored 109 goals for his national team. finals in Germany. In March 2014 overtakes Pauleta’s tally of 47 goals to become Portugal’s record scorer. Messi back in full training with Helps Portugal to win Euro 2016, their first major trophy.
Scores a hat-trick in their opening 2018 Barca as departure saga fades World Cup game against Spain and becomes the fourth player to score AFP – BARCELONA in four World Cups. Nets his 85th international goal against Morocco Lionel Messi was back in full training with to become Europe’s all-time top Barcelona yesterday for the first time since international scorer. conceding defeat in his battle to leave the club. Unlike Monday, when the 33-year-old Scores a hat-trick against Argentine superstar had to train alone under Switzerland as he helps Portugal La Liga’s coronavirus protocol, he joined up win the inaugural Nations League, with the rest of the squad in the session taken in 2019. by new coach Ronald Koeman. A club statement reported that others Scores twice in a 2-0 win away returning to the main group were Philippe to Sweden in the Nations League Coutinho, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong group stage to become only the and Ansu Fati. second male player to score Messi faces another season with the over 100 international goals after Iran’s Ali Daei (109). Catalan club after losing his stand-off with Barcelona's Lionel Messi Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu over (centre) during a training a €700m release clause. session yesterday with The Argentinian superstar hit out at Bar- team-mates ahead of the tomeu in his bitter announcement last week kick off of La Liga. that he was staying and warned he was PIC: TWITTER/@FCBARCELONA expecting to see progress, saying: “There is a new coach and new ideas. That’s good, but then we have to see how the team responds closest friends at Barcelona, Luis Suarez and in the aftermath of lastt month’s humiliating and whether or not it will allow us to compete Arturo Vidal, are expected to join Juventus 8-2 Champions Leaguee poundingpounding by BayernBayern at the top level.” and Inter Milan respectively. Koeman’s first Munich is a friendly agagainstainst third division Adding to Messi’s discomfort his two match in charge since replacing Quique Setien opposition on Saturday.y.