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ible, I’m a big fan of Jimmy’s. “It doesn’t feel two minutes ago he AFP Just the fact he’s still playing now, broke Glenn McGrath’s record at Southampton in his 156th Test match, which in The Oval against India with such itself is just incredible. scenes of taking the final wicket ngland paceman James An- “The rigours, the stresses that fast to win the Test match. derson cemented his place in bowlers put on their body day in “He has got better with age and cricket history by taking his day out, to turn around and front up is someone who has inspired 600th Test wicket as the rain- and just work your backside off is me throughout my career, E marred third and final Test just absolutely incredible.” watching him. against Pakistan at Southampton After Anderson struck, Babar Azam The last five years in partic- ended in a draw yesterday. completed a 76-ball fifty featuring ular, since leaving South Fresh downpours prevented play on six fours. Africa in 2016, he’s just the last day until 1515 GMT, mean- But when it seemed the match gone from strength ing England, who were 1-0 up in the was petering out, part-time to strength and he’s a series, did not have enough time to spinner Root had Asad role model to follow force a victory. Shafiq caught by substitute for every English But despite the tame end to the se- fielder James Bracey at cricketer and young ries, all eyes were on Anderson and short leg to leave Paki- cricketer coming the 38-year-old did not disappoint, stan 172-4. through.” striking with his 14th ball of the day The next over saw England to reach the 600-wicket milestone. take the new ball to suggest Defying a docile pitch, he produced they might press for vic- a rising delivery that moved away tory but after just one Stuart from Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, a Broad delivery in the statutory first-innings century-maker, with last hour, a draw was agreed. England skipper Joe Root holding a Babar was 63 not out, with Paki- head-high catch at first slip. stan finishing on 187-4. There was applause and cheers from Anderson’s innings return of 2-45 Anderson’s team-mates, with the nick from 19 overs gave him match fig- off the shoulder of Azhar’s bat clearly ures of 7-101. audible at an empty Ageas Bowl. Zak Crawley, however, was named Azhar’s exit for 31 left Pakistan, man of the match for his stunning following on, 109-3 — still 201 runs 267 — the 22-year-old Kent batsman’s adrift of England’s first innings 583-8 maiden Test century. declared. Together After Anderson struck, the remain- with Jos ing energy in the contest appeared Buttler to drain away and a draw was agreed (152) he as the match entered the last hour. shared an The result meant England secured England record their first series win over Pakistan in fifth-wicket stand a decade. of 359. Anderson is only the fourth bowler Anderson had been left — and first paceman — to reach the just one wicket shy of mark of 600 Test wickets. 600 as a combination The only men ahead of him in the all- of poor catching, bad time Test list are three retired spin- weather and determined ners — Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitha- Pakistan batting thwarted ran (800), Australia’s Shane Warne him on Monday. (708) and India’s Anil Kumble (619). He might even have reached Kumble tweeted: “Congratulations the landmark late on Sunday @jimmy9 on your 600 wickets! Mas- but he was frustrated by a clutch sive effort from a great fast bowler. of dropped chances. Welcome to the club.” One of those at fault was long-time Former Australia paceman Glenn pace partner Broad, who paid tribute McGrath, whose tally of 563 wickets to his teammate on Tuesday. was passed by Anderson in 2018, “You can’t really put it into words, it’s told the BBC: “Absolutely incred- just phenomenal,” he said. Leading wicket-takers in Test cricket England’s James Anderson became the first paceman to from Azhar, on 31, to leave Pakistan 109-3 in their second take 600 Test wickets when he had Pakistan captain Azhar innings. Ali caught by opposing skipper Joe Root in the third Test at Southampton yesterday. THE TOP 7 The only bowlers with more Test wickets than the 38-year-old Muttiah Muralitharan (SRI/ICC) — 800 wickets in 133 matches Lancashire swing bowler are a trio of retired spinners — Sri Shane Warne (AUS) — 708 wickets in 145 matches Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia’s Shane Anil Kumble (IND) — 619 wickets in 132 matches Warne (708) and India’s Anil Kumble (619). James Anderson (ENG) — 600 wickets in 156 matches Anderson, appearing in his 156th Test — a testament to his Glenn McGrath (AUS) — 563 wickets in 124 matches stamina — took 5-56 in Pakistan’s first innings 273 and then, Courtney Walsh (WIS) — 519 wickets in 132 matches with the tourists’ following on, had Abid Ali lbw on Monday’s Stuart Broad (ENG) — 514 wickets in 143 matches rain-marred fourth day to move to 599 Test wickets. Root held a good head-high catch at first slip as Anderson, Note: Anderson and Broad’s figures correct at time of Ander- defying a docile pitch, produced a rising ball that cut away son’s 600th Test wicket England’s James Anderson celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Azhar Ali, his 600th Test victim, in the third Test match in Southampton yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, August 26, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Kumble, Warne welcome Jimmy James Anderson: to ‘600 club’

AFP Southampton

owling greats Anil the King of Swing Kumble and Shane Warne welcomed James Anderson to ‘I absolutely love it — there is no better feeling than putting theB elite group of players who have taken 600 Test wickets as tributes to the England star the boots on, going out there and doing what I love doing’ poured in from around the cricketing world yesterday Anderson become the fi rst fast bowler to reach the land- mark when he had Pakistan’s Azhar Ali caught by Joe Root He’s a role model to follow on the fi nal day of the third for every English cricketer Test at Southampton. and young cricketer coming He joins a trio of retired through.” spinners — Sri Lanka’s Mut- Former Australia star Glenn tiah Muralitharan (800), Aus- McGrath has the second-most tralia’s Warne (708) and In- Test wickets by a fast bowler, dia’s Kumble (619). with 563. “Congratulations @jimmy9 Hailing Anderson’s land- on your 600 wickets! Massive mark, McGrath told the BBC: eff ort from a great fast bowler. “Absolutely incredible, I’m Welcome to the club,” Kum- a big fan of Jimmy’s. Just the ble tweeted. fact he’s still playing now, in Former Australia leg-spin- his 156th Test match, which in ner Warne said it was a “proud itself is just incredible. moment” for the England “The rigours, the stresses bowler. that fast bowlers put on their “It’s an outstanding body day in day out, to turn achievement from Jimmy An- around and front up and just derson, and his longevity, and work your backside off is just he should be extremely proud absolutely incredible. of what he has just done — 156 “Looking through my ca- Test matches is a lot of games,” reer, the two that really stand he said on Sky Sports. out skill-wise is Jimmy and Anderson’s achievement Wasim Akram. What they can has been 17 years and 156 ap- do with the ball, to swing it pearances in the making, a both ways, it’s a real art form.” journey that started when he Andrew Strauss, a former dismissed Zimbabwe’s Mark England captain and ex-team- Vermeulen in 2003. mate of Anderson’s, told Sky England paceman Stuart Sports: “You look at that ca- Broad, who has long been An- reer, you look at that achieve- derson’s strike partner, hailed ment and it is just extraordi- his team-mate’s longevity. nary. “You can’t really put it into “James Anderson, himself, words, it’s just phenomenal,” wouldn’t believe it if you had Broad told the BBC. said that a few years ago you “He has got better with age would get to 600 Test wick- and is someone who has in- ets, you would play 156 Test spired me throughout my ca- matches and get 29 fi ve-wick- reer, watching him. et hauls. England’s James Anderson (C) shows the ball as he is applauded by teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Azhar Ali, his 600th Test match wicket, on the fifth day of the “The last fi ve years in par- “There is still plenty of life third Test match at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton yesterday. ticular, since leaving South in the old dog yet. It doesn’t Africa in 2016, he’s just gone look like he is going anywhere. land’s only Ashes triumph in from strength to strength. A great moment for him.” AFP JIMMY ANDERSON FACTBOX Southampton Australia of recent times, tak- ing 24 wickets at 26 during their Born: July 30, 1982 in Burnley, Lancashire z Claimed his 400th Test wicket when he had New 2010/11 success. ANNOUNCEMENT ames Anderson did some- Major teams: England, Auckland, Lancashire Zealand’s Martin Guptill caught at slip by Ian Bell And when, in 2012, England thing no other paceman z Made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s later that year. achieved a rare series win in In- has achieved when he dis- in May 2003, having broken into the one-day z Became only the sixth bowler to take 500 Test dia, MS Dhoni said Anderson missed Pakistan captain international team the previous year. wickets when he ripped West Indies batsman had been the diff erence between England women AzharJ Ali in Southampton yes- z the two teams. Took his 100th Test wicket by dismissing South Kraigg Brathwaite’s middle stump out of the terday to reach 600 Test wickets. Africa’s Jacques Kallis in 2008 and his 200th by ground with an inswinger in 2017. By now he had formed a huge- After fellow England quick removing Australia’s Peter Siddle in the 2010-11 Stuart Broad has since joined the list of bowlers ly productive new-ball partner- to host West Indies Fred Trueman became the fi rst Ashes series. with 500 or more victims. ship with Stuart Broad, whose bowler to take 300 Test wick- z Had New Zealand’s Peter Fulton caught at z Took his 564th wicket in 2018 to overtake Aus- ability to seam the ball comple- ets, a then astonishing fi gure, second slip by Graeme Swann in 2013 to become tralia’s Glenn McGrath to become the leading fast ments Anderson’s late swing for fi ve T20s in 1964, he was asked whether only the fourth Englishman to reach the milestone bowler in Test history. through the air. he thought anyone would ever of 300 test wickets. z Claimed his 28th five-wicket haul against South And the fact England decided AFP of the women’s game was one break his record. z Became England’s highest wicket taker in his Africa in January to move past Botham on the all- to end Anderson’s white-ball ca- London of our four stated aims right at Trueman replied: “Aye, but 100th Test, claiming his 384th victim against West time list of Test five-fors in an England jersey. reer after the 2015 World Cup has the beginning of the pandem- whoever does will be bloody Indies in 2015. z After a frustrating start to the summer, during helped extend his longevity as a ic in March and I’m delighted tired.” Surpassed Ian Botham’s haul of 383 when he had which he had to dismiss talk of retirement, Ander- Test bowler. ngland women will that, despite the enormous If anyone could sympathise Denesh Ramdin caught by Alastair Cook at first son claimed his 600th test wicket by dismissing In September 2018 he sur- host West Indies diffi culties that Covid-19 has with those sentiments it is the slip. Pakistan’s Azhar Ali on Tuesday. passed Glenn McGrath’s 563 in fi ve Twenty20 created, we’ll see England 38-year-old Anderson, now ap- wickets to become Test cricket’s Ematches behind women in action this sum- pearing in his 156th Test. most successful fast bowler. closed doors next month, mer,” he said. What Trueman could not have 599) so I’d have been happy ei- He made his Test debut at as a bowler who thrived in home, The sheer physical strain of cricket chiefs announced yes- “It has been critical to us foreseen was the increase in ther way.” Lord’s later that year, taking 26 swing-friendly conditions but his trade saw Anderson break a terday. that our eff orts to deliver bio- the number of Test nations and Azhar, dismissed for 31 fol- wickets in seven Tests against he learned from that experience rib bowling against South Af- The games will be played in secure standards and support matches that would take place in lowing his fi rst innings 141 not Zimbabwe and South Africa. and an overseas record of 194 rica at Cape Town in January, Derby in a bio-secure envi- visiting opponents have been the intervening years. out, was happy to be a part of But his form wavered and for a wickets at 33.36 in 61 Tests is an yet he still bowled 37 overs in the ronment and replace sched- equal to those that have so And unlike Trueman, a stal- history. time Anderson found himself re- impressive return. match, taking seven wickets. uled series against India and successfully delivered in the wart performer for Yorkshire, “At least I will get more air duced to bowling at cones during Anderson tried to develop Anderson has become in- South Africa after both teams England men’s series.” the advent of England central time now because they will show England practice sessions. a more aggressive persona of creasingly savvy in his dealings were unavailable to travel due ECB managing director of contracts means Anderson has that wicket again and again,” he A stress fracture kept Ander- “Jimmy” when taking the new with the media — when it was to the coronavirus pandemic. women’s cricket Clare Connor not had to bowl hundreds of told the BBC. son on the outside looking in as ball against the world’s best suggested on Twitter that he The fi rst match will take thanked the Caribbean side. overs for Lancashire alongside “Hats off to him (Anderson), England, under the captaincy of batsmen before realising that, was on the wane this month, he place on September 21, with “We’re grateful to the West his international commitments. he’s a fantastic bowler. Michael Vaughan, assembled the as many great West Indies fast held a press conference in which further games to come on Indies for the pace and de- But nothing should detract “He doesn’t give you any- pace attack of Stephen Harmi- bowlers had before him, he did he made it clear he was far from September 23, 26, 28 and 30. termination with which they from Anderson’s endurance or thing, you have to bring your A- son, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew not need to say too much in the fi nished. England and Wales Cricket have worked with us over the skill. “I absolutely love it — there game. He’s still bowling at de- Flintoff and Simon Jones that middle. And while the paceman has Board chief executive offi cer last couple of weeks,” she said. is no better feeling than putting cent pace, with swing and seam.” would help them win the cel- A key moment in his career mellowed, there were fl ashes of Tom Harrison said he was de- “We’re all still adapting and the boots on, going out there and He burst on the scene as a ebrated 2005 Ashes series. came in 2008 when, after a 189- temper when three catches were lighted that the players would will need to continue to adapt doing what I love doing,” he told 20-year-old when, after just Anderson’s distinctive ac- run defeat by New Zealand in dropped off his bowling on Sun- be returning to action. to the sporting landscape left Sky Sports. three limited-overs county tion was also subjected to some the fi rst Test in Hamilton, then- day. Even so Anderson still took “Protecting the momentum by Covid-19.” “It felt amazing to get 600 games, he was summoned to unwelcome interference from England coach Peter Moores 5-65 — his 29th fi ve-wicket haul wickets. Australia for a one-day interna- coaches concerned over a poten- dropped Hoggard and Harmison in Tests. Only one seamer, New I went to bed last night not tional series. Anderson made his tial risk of injury. and gave Anderson the new ball Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, has Broadcaster ‘frustrated’ by Australia expecting to bowl a ball so credit England debut in Melbourne in But he was back for England’s for the Wellington Test. claimed more. board schedule uncertainty to the groundstaff , who have December 2002, taking a modest miserable 5-0 Ashes series loss Anderson took fi ve wickets in Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah worked tirelessly. 1-46 in six overs but he improved in Australia in 2006/07, taking the fi rst innings and was then Muralitharan’s record of 800 Melbourne: Channel Seven in March. Even if I didn’t get it today on the tour and won himself a just fi ve wickets at an average the unchallenged leader of Eng- Test wickets may be beyond even boss James Warburton fired “Ultimately, when you look at there are worse numbers to be place in England’s squad for the of 82.60. For some pundits, that land’s attack. Anderson but his place in cricket a broadside at Cricket Aus- the season, like the AFL and stuck on for a few months (than 2003 World Cup. series damned Anderson forever He played a key role in Eng- history is secure. tralia (CA) yesterday, saying to an extent the NRL, (CA) uncertainty over the summer need to look at what is pos- schedule was proving “frus- sible to deliver, stop talking APPOINTMENT trating” for the broadcaster. about international borders CA has pencilled in a four-Test being closed, or borders be- series with India starting in ing closed, and start to look December as well as dates at what really is the season McMillan becomes Bangladesh batting coach for the men’s and women’s we are going to deliver,” domestic Twenty20 tourna- Warburton said. AFP training camp in Sri Lanka, the national board said. ments but has yet to finalise “We have paid a huge price Dhaka The three-Test series, expected to start in mid- the schedule amid travel for the rights and we need October, will mark both countries’ return to inter- curbs and border controls to understand very quickly national cricket after the pandemic lockdown. due to Covid-19. what the season is. angladesh yesterday named former New McMillan scored more than 8,000 international Warburton told an investor It’s been a point of frustration Zealand Test player Craig McMillan as runs for New Zealand in 55 Tests, 197 one-day in- call on Tuesday that CA need- with Cricket Australia, that’s batting consultant for their series in Sri ternationals and eight Twenty20 internationals ed to follow the lead of Aus- for sure.” Lanka starting in October. before retiring in 2007. tralia’s major football leagues, Channel Seven is in the BBangladesh moved quickly to name McMillan He later became New Zealand’s batting and which moved quickly to rejig second year of a record five- after former South African batsman Neil McKenzie fi elding coach from 2014 to 2019. their schedules and restart year rights deal for Australian stepped down from the post last Friday because of He also had coaching roles with Canterbury in competition months after the cricket with pay TV provider the coronavirus crisis. New Zealand, Middlesex in England and Indian pandemic shut down all sport Foxtel. McMillan, 43, will join Bangladesh’s pre-tour Premier League team Kings XI Punjab. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 26, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A FOCUS Conte to remain Inter Dybala stays, Higuain out Milan coach next season

AFP Milan as Pirlo vows to bring joy ntonio Conte will remain as Inter Mi- lan coach next season after a three hour cri- sisA meeting with club president Steven Zhang and management, the Italian team said. “The club back to tired Juventus and Antonio Conte had a con- structive meeting today focused on continuity and strategy, in ‘I think I’m in the right place at the which the two parties laid the foundations to continue working right time. I want to bring back to together on the club’s project,” Inter Milan said in a statement. Juventus some of that enthusiasm Conte, 51, had hinted that he might quit the Italian team after that has been lacking recently’ just one season after Inter lost the Europa League fi nal to Sevil- AFP but with just a one-point margin on In- la last week. “Now we’ll return Turin, Italy ter Milan, and they lost the Italian Cup to Milan, we’ll take a couple of and Italian SuperCup fi nals. days off . We will try to plan the Pirlo was promoted to the top job in future of Inter with or without aulo Dybala will remain at Ju- Turin just a week after having being ap- me,” said Conte after the team ventus but fellow Argentinian pointed coach of their U23 side, in the missed out on claiming a fi rst Gonzalo Higuain will not, new wake of their Champions League exit. trophy since 2011. “I didn’t like coach Andrea Pirlo revealed “I didn’t have time to think,” admitted some situations.” Pyesterday, as he vowed to bring joy Pirlo. “It was all very fast, I threw my- Nevertheless his fi rst season back to the Italian champions’ game. self into it, but if I made this choice it is in the San Siro was a success as Former Italy and Juventus star Pirlo because I am convinced that I am in the Inter fi nished second in Serie A took over this month after Maurizio right place at the right time.” just one point behind Juventus Sarri was sacked after just one season The former Italian midfi elder knows who claimed a ninth consecu- following the club’s Champions League Juventus and its players well after an tive Scudetto. Former Juventus last 16 exit to Lyon. Despite his lack of impressive four-year spell from 2011 coach Massimiliano Allegri was coaching experience 41-year-old Pirlo to 2015. He also won two Champions reported to be ready to succeed warned: “I think I’m in the right place Leagues and two league titles with AC Conte, who he had also replaced at the right time. I want to bring back to Milan. “If I was destined for the job will in Turin in 2014. Juventus some of that enthusiasm that depend on the results,” he continued. “I But a divorce would have has been lacking recently.” was told as a footballer and it came true, proved costly for Inter with Dybala, 26, will remain at the heart of I hope it can also happen as a coach. I Conte’s contract running until the Juventus attack alongside Cristiano am very convinced of my potential.” 2022 and worth a reported 12mn Ronaldo, but 32-year-old Higuain’s Pirlo said that the tactical model was euros ($14mn) a season. time in Turin is over. “He was a great not fi xed — “we can play both four and champion, a great player but the cycle three at the back” — but the main ob- is over,” Pirlo told his fi rst press confer- jective was to play “with joy”. “To bring ence in Turin. “We looked each other enthusiasm you have to work, talk to in the eyes, we talked and we made this the players, make them participate and decision. I admire him a lot, but we have make them understand our new way of decided that the paths will separate.” playing. I work on the pitch, but there Higuain joined Juventus in 2016 from has to be a lot of human and psychologi- Napoli and had two loan spells at AC cal relationships.” Milan and Chelsea before returning to Pirlo said he was looking for the Turin last season. Pirlo continued: “Dy- “desire and cohesion” which had been bala has never been on the market. For a part of Antonio Conte’s reign from me he is an important player. As soon as 2011-2014. “I want to bring back the he returns, he will be part of the project. DNA of work and sacrifi ce,” he added. We have already chatted with Ronaldo. Pirlo will be assisted by former Hajduk And we will have time to talk about tac- Split coach Igor Tudor. tics and roles.” “I needed an assistant with experi- Sarri, 61, took over on a three-year ence, who was a former player, a former contract last summer, but was often defender and above all else with a cer- criticised for his diffi culty communi- tain type of personality, plus he was a cating his vision to the team. Juventus former Juventus player, so he was the won a ninth consecutive Serie A title, perfect choice.” New Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo arrives at the Juventus Training Center in Turin, Italy on Monday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT PSG’S SEASON OPENER AT LENS Man United’s Maguire gets suspended PUSHED BACK TO SEPTEMBER 10 Paris: Paris St Germain’s open- initially scheduled for Aug. 29 to Covid-19 have been detected in ing game of the Ligue 1 season Sept. 10,” PSG said . its professional squad,” the club sentence over brawl on Mykonos island at Lens has been pushed back The LFP said Sunday’s match said in a statement. almost two weeks to Sept. 10 between Strasbourg and Nice Marseille, which had to cancel Reuters at the request of the club who had been brought forward to what would have been the Ligue Athens want the players to have more 9:00pm local time on Saturday, 1 season opener last Friday time to recover after the Cham- when PSG’s game at Lens was because of the five existing pions League final. originally scheduled to take coronavirus cases, added that it ngland and Manchester United de- French champions PSG, who place. had notified the French league fender Harry Maguire was handed lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in about the new infections. The a suspended sentence of 21 months the European showpiece on FRENCH FOOTBALL CLUB five players already infected, and 10 days by a Greek court yes- Sunday in Lisbon, had asked MARSEILLE REPORTS THREE whose names have not been terdayE after he was found guilty of multiple the domestic league’s govern- MORE VIRUS CASES divulged, are all asymptomatic, charges following a brawl on the island of ing body (LFP) to rearrange the French football giants Marseille according to the club. Mykonos last Thursday. fixture. “At the request of Paris announced yesterday that Besides Marseille, several Court offi cials said he had been found St Germain and in agreement three more people have tested other Ligue 1 clubs have been guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted with RC Lens and broadcaster positive for the coronavirus, aff ected by the coronavirus, bribery, violence against public employees Canal +, the LFP Bureau has following five players last week. including Nimes, Montpellier, and insult after his arrest Mykonos. The decided to postpone the meet- “Marseille has just learned that Lens, Nice, Angers, Monaco and 27-year-old England international was one ing between RC Lens and PSG three new suspected cases of Brest. of three people arrested on Thursday after an altercation with police. “Following the hearing today, I have in- structed my legal team with immediate ef- BOTTOMLINE fect to inform the courts we will be appeal- ing,” Maguire said in a statement. “I remain strong and confi dent regarding our inno- cence in this matter — if anything myself, Ibrahimovic ‘a priority’ for family and friends are the victims.” Maguire was arrested, along with brother Joe and friend Christopher Sharman, on AC Milan next season Thursday night after a brawl in which two police offi cers were allegedly assaulted on AFP start on September 19. “I think Mykonos. “What the policemen, who are the Milan that we can all see that Ibra has victims, are still waiting for is a simple apol- played an important part in our ogy from a man who says that he is a cham- England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (left) leaves a courthouse on the season and our growth,” said pion,” Ioannis Iakovos Paradisis, the lawyer Greek island of Syros, the administrative hub of the Cycladic island group that includes wedish star Zlatan Gazidis. “We are doing every- who represented the police offi cers, said. Mykonos on August 22. (Reuters) Ibrahimovic’s contin- thing we can to see that this can Joe Maguire was found guilty of repeated ued presence next sea- continue. We have a young team bodily harm, violence against public em- the matches against Iceland and Denmark," island followed his club’s semi-fi nal defeat son at AC Milan remains which has been growing in a very ployees and attempted bribery. Sharman Southgate told the FA's website. by Sevilla in the Europa League in Cologne. aS priority for the club, technical positive way during the last very was found guilty of insult, repeated bodily Maguire is being represented by Greek Maguire has earned 26 England caps since director Paolo Maldini said yes- strange season.” harm and violence against public employ- human rights lawyer Alexis Anagnostakis, making his debut against Lithuania in a terday. “Ibrahimovic is our pri- Maldini added that the club ees. Both were sentenced to 13 months in whose request for an adjournment was re- World Cup qualifi er in 2018. ority, but it is normal that there were working on renewing Ital- prison, suspended for three years. All three jected. Anagnostakis told the court that two United paid Leicester 80mn pounds should be a plan B, also C and D,” ian goalkeeper Gianluigi Don- men had denied the charges against them. Albanian men had approached Maguire’s ($105mn) — a world record fee for a de- Maldini told a press conference. narumma’s contract, and were in Manchester United captain Maguire, who sister Daisy — who fainted immediately fender — for Maguire in August 2019 and “We are all working hard to negotiations with Chelsea to sign was released from custody over the week- after being injected with an unknown sub- he was made captain at the start of this reach an agreement. We know it defensive midifelder Tiemoue end, was not present at the trial before a stance. year. “It should be noted that the prosecu- will be a short pre-season, so we Bakayoko, who spent last season judge on the nearby island of Syros yester- The defendants asked to be driven to a tion confi rmed the charges and provided want to try to close in a very tight on loan at Monaco. day. hospital, but were instead taken to a police their evidence late on the day before the time frame.” “We are confi dent that he Maguire was withdrawn from the Eng- station, he added. A police witness for the trial, giving the defence team minimal time Ibrahimovic rejoined Milan in (Donnarumma) wants to con- land squad for their Nations League match- prosecution told the court that Maguire at- to digest them and prepare,” United said in January on a six-month contract tinue with us. We are ready to es against Iceland and Denmark. Eng- tempted to bribe his way out of the situa- a statement. “A request for the case to be after leaving Los Angeles Gal- make adequate off ers for such an land manager Gareth Southgate opted to tion. “Do you know who I am? I am the cap- adjourned was subsequently denied. “On axy, on a deal worth 3.5mn euros 11th on his arrival to fi nish the important player,” said Maldini. take him out of the squad for September's tain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I this basis, along with the substantial body ($3.9mn) with the option for an season sixth. “There is some concern because matches, just hours after naming him in can give you money, I can pay you, please let of evidence refuting the charges, Harry additional season. The 38-year- AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis he is in his last year on his con- the group. "In light of this evening's devel- us go,” the witness told the bench. Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the old Swede had a big impact, said the club were “optimistic” tract. But fi rst let’s resolve the opments, I can confi rm I have withdrawn Former Leicester City player Maguire’s verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a scoring 11 goals in all competi- that Ibrahimovic will still be at Zlatan issue and then we’ll focus Harry Maguire from the England squad for ill-fated trip to the popular Greek holiday later date.” tions as the club moved up from the club when the new season to on Gigio.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, August 26, 2020 SPORT

PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester City confi dent over Guardiola’s future Guardiola took charge at City on an initial three-year deal in 2016 and extended that by a further two seasons in 2018

AFP club, to have a player like Sergio Aguero missed out because of the club they London to do the same — this is what tells me represent. we have it right,” he said. “It was a combination of being “They are part of the DNA of the club pleased but also a bit relieved,” he said. anchester City chairman now and the decision of them continu- “I was worried because we have seen Khaldoon al-Mubarak is ing or stopping, it’s the comfort zone it before with City players – them be- “comfortable”about Pep that they have to decide. It was the ing overlooked for this very important Guardiola’s future as the same way with Vincent (Kompany). We award – and I was worried that Kevin MSpanish boss enters the fi nal year of his will work it out together and it will be would be overlooked this year, because contract. Guardiola is yet to extend his very natural, whenever it is, this year or in my view it was unquestionable. My current deal with the Premier League the year after. It will play out in a com- vote was clear, obviously it is subjective club and speculation about his future is fortable way whatever Sergio decides.” because of who he plays for, but Kevin is sure to ramp up in coming months. Al-Mubarak said there is no grudge the best player in the league this year.” There were claims that Guardiola against UEFA after the club’s successful City have signed Ferran Torres, a might quit City if they did not win their appeal against a two-year ban from Eu- forward, and the defender Nathan Ake appeal against a two-year European ropean competition. City won the case for a total £65.5mn. Al-Mubarak stated ban, but that legal battle was success- in July at the court of arbitration for there would be more. “There are addi- ful. Al-Mubarak insists there is no rush sport, overturning the penalty imposed tional players we will be bringing in.” to resolve the future of the former Bar- by UEFA after its adjudicatory chamber Oleksandr Zinchenko interrupted his celona and Bayern Munich manager, concluded the club contravened fi nan- wedding day to clarify his wife’s claim but he is not panicking about a poten- cial fair play regulations. that City’s Champions League defeat tial exit. “This conversation with Pep is Yet al-Mubarak claimed there was by Lyon last month was Pep Guardi- a natural conversation. Pep and I have a no long-term damage. “Life is too ola’s fault. Guardiola’s team selection very clear understanding about what is short to carry grudges,” he said. “[The – leaving out Phil Foden, Bernardo and right for the club and what is not,” al- Champions League] is an important David Silva – and his 3-5-2 shape was Mubarak told City’s website. competition. It is one of the most pointed to. The defeat moved Vlada “We have a clear alignment in terms prestigious competitions and it is a Sedan, Zinchenko’s partner who is a of where we see the future and what we competition we want to win and it is a sports journalist, to criticise the man- want in terms of success for the club. competition we have to respect in or- ager on her YouTube channel. To put it I think, again, it will be a comfortable der to win. And this was a challenge, mildly, and in order not to swear, this is conversation and it will work out in it’s behind us, end of story as far as I completely Guardiola’s fault,” she said. the best way for Pep, for me and for the am focused on one thing. How I can Zinchenko responded via Instagram. club. I’m very comfortable about that.” help this club compete in this com- “We totally understand now that she Guardiola took charge at City on an petition and win it and how to have a shouldn’t post it on social media be- initial three-year deal in 2016 and ex- constructive relationship with UEFA, cause she is my wife but she was now tended that by a further two seasons Spanish coach Pep Guardiola is yet to extend his current deal with the Manchester City and speculation about his future is I think it’s the only way to go.” trying to make a journalist’s opinion on in 2018. The 49-year-old has won six sure to ramp up in coming months. (Reuters) Al-Mubarak welcomed Kevin De the manager of the team,” he said. major trophies with City, including two Bruyne being voted the EA Sports Pre- “She was simply reacting to her dis- Premier League titles. Guardiola still has al-Mubarak’s trust. Sergio Aguero, who missed the end of who has scored a club record 254 goals mier League Player of the Year, which is appointment as a fan. I’m writing right Despite City fi nishing 18 points be- “Everything will work out naturally and last season after knee surgery, is anoth- for City, has earned the right to leave decided by a fan vote and those of the now from my wedding and instead of hind Premier League champions Liv- in the right way,” he said. “We have the right er signifi cant fi gure entering the fi nal when he wishes. 20 club captains and a panel of experts. enjoying that unbelievable moment I erpool last season and crashing out of people involved. We have the right trust in year of his contract at City. Al-Mubarak “To have a player like David essen- The chairman expressed relief, sug- have to do this because I can’t skip it the Champions League against Lyon, each other and what’s best will happen.” said the 32-year-old Argentina striker, tially commit 10 years of his life to the gesting City players have previously and leave it like that.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Germany rest Bayern stars for Nations League games Bolt tests positive AFP Thilo Kehrer, who started for Paris Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is out fol- Berlin Saint-Germain in Sunday’s fi nal, was in- lowing knee surgery. cluded as was Julian Draxler, who made Germany Squad: Goalkeepers: Bernd for Covid-19 aft er an appearance off the bench for the Leno (Arsenal/ENG), Kevin Trapp (Ein- ermany coach Joachim Loew French club. “Draxler and Kehrer are part tracht Frankfurt), Oliver Baumann (Hof- omitted Bayern Munich’s of the squad because they’re coming off a fenheim) birthday party Champions League-winning long break in France where football was Defenders: Matthias Ginter (Borussia players from his squad an- stopped and need to fi nd some rhythm Moenchengladbach), Robin Gosens (Ata- Gnounced yesterday for upcoming Nations again,” said Loew. lanta/ITA), Thilo Kehrer (Paris Saint- League games against Spain and Switzer- Asked about a possible recall for Jer- Germain/FRA), Robin Koch (Freiburg), land, giving them extra time to recover. ome Boateng and Thomas Mueller, both Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea/ENG), Nico Captain Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kim- dropped from the Germany set-up after Schulz (Borussia Dortmund), Niklas mich, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka a disastrous 2018 World Cup, Loew re- Suele (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Tah were all left out for next month’s double- mained steadfast in his approach. “They (Bayer Leverkusen) header, although Bayern centre-back are exceptional players but we decided Midfi elders: Julian Brandt (Borussia Dort- Niklas Suele was selected along with after the World Cup to invest in new play- mund), Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund), Leroy Sane following his switch from ers by giving them the chance to develop. Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Manchester City. “My priority is the Eu- My role is to look to the future,” ex- Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/ENG), ros next year because I know how much plained Loew. Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni energy that will require, that’s why I’ve Atalanta full-back Robin Gosens and Kroos (Real Madrid/ESP), Florian Neu- decided not to pick the players from Bay- Borussia Moenchengladbach Florian haus (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Suat ern or Leipzig,” Loew said. defenders Marcel Halstenberg and Lukas Neuhaus received their fi rst Germany Serdar (Schalke) Germany host Spain in Stuttgart on Klostermann were not considered either call-up, while uncapped Hoff enheim Forwards: Luca Waldschmidt (Benfi ca/ September 3 and then travel to Basel four after their team’s run to the Champions goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was picked POR), Timo Werner (Chelsea/ENG), days later to play Switzerland. RB Leipzig League semi-fi nals in Lisbon. in the absence of Neuer and Barcelona’s Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

By Sean Ingle tine by themselves just to be safe, ROUND-UP The Guardian and just to take it easy.” A Manchester City spokesman has confi rmed that Sterling, who he world’s fastest man attended Bolt’s party along with Roma sign former Chelsea winger Pedro on free transfer Usain Bolt is in quar- Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon antine after reportedly Bailey and cricketer Chris Gayle, S Roma have signed Spanish capacity of stadiums, from 400 fans to testing positive for Cov- was still in Jamaica and the club winger Pedro on a free transfer 5,000 fans will be allowed in to watch id-19T just days after a party for are in regular contact with him. with the former Chelsea their clubs, Belgian press reported, his 34th birthday, which was at- The City spokesman also pointed winger signing a three-year although the Pro League did not confi rm tended by England footballer Ra- out that as a Premier League and contract,A the Serie A club announced the larger fi gure when contacted said. heem Sterling and several other England player, Sterling would in a statement. The 33-year-old ended The fi rst day with fans will be September sports stars. be tested for Covid-19 before his fi ve-year spell at the west London 11, the championship having started on Jamaica’s health ministry said returning to a biosecure bubble club earlier this month, having scored August 8. Belgium is one the European late on Monday that Bolt, the in time for the start of the new 43 goals in 206 appearances and helping countries most aff ected by the coro- world 100m and 200m record football season. Sterling was Chelsea win the Premier League title in navirus pandemic, with almost 10,000 holder, had tested positive for named in Gareth Southgate’s the 2016-17 season and the FA Cup the deaths amongst its population of 11.5mn. the virus. He had earlier posted squad for England’s Nations following year. “I am delighted to be here a video on social media saying he League matches against Iceland at Roma,” Pedro said in a statement. “I’m FIFA RELAXES RULES ON RELEASE was waiting to hear back on his and Denmark in early September. excited for this challenge and to compete OF PLAYERS FOR INTERNATIONALS results – before urging anyone Videos on social media from to achieve our targets over the coming FIFA on Monday relaxed the rules on the who had come into contact with the party showed Bolt danc- seasons. I want to thank the fans for the release of players for the upcoming inter- him recently to enter quarantine. ing with dozens of other people, welcome they’ve given me. I hope to national window “in light of the recent Jamaica’s Minister of Health most of whom were not wearing make them happy.” evolution of the coronavirus pandemic”. and Wellness Dr Christopher masks or social distancing. Ja- Pedro started his career with Barce- Clubs are usually obliged to release Tufton reportedly confi rmed maica has had a confi rmed total lona, winning the Liga title fi ve times and players to national teams during those Bolt had been notifi ed of the of 1,413 Covid-19 cases and 16 Champions League on three occasions. parts of the calendar reserved for in- positive test and contact tracing deaths on the island of around He was also part of Spain’s squad which ternational games, however quarantine was underway. “I’m just wak- three million people. But there won the World Cup in 2010 and the Eu- rules in many countries will make travel ing up, and like everybody else are fears that cases could be on ropean Championship two years later. impractical, FIFA said in a statement. I checked social media which is the rise, especially in the capital Roma fi nished fi fth in Serie A last sea- fi rst half of Sunday’s 1-0 victory in Lis- the fi rst round of the German Cup on “Many national governments have saying I am confi rmed to have Kingston, with 410 new cases in son and will play in the Europa League bon, having been declared fi t days after September 11. They then host Schalke again implemented travel and immi- Covid-19,” said Bolt, who had a the last 14 days. next term. The club was taken over straining his hamstring in the semi-fi nal in the opening game of the Bundesliga gration restrictions due to a renewed surprise birthday party thrown Bolt, who won eight Olym- by US billionaire Dan Friedkin earlier win over Lyon. campaign a week later. increase in Covid-19 infections. Some of in his honour on Friday. “I did a pic titles before retiring in 2017, this month in a deal worth more than Bayern said the centre-back will these measures directly impact interna- test on Saturday to leave because also holds the world record in $700mn. The new Italian season begins complete a rehabilitation programme BELGIUM TO ALLOW FOOTBALL tional competition, such as mandatory I work. I am trying to be respon- the 100m and 200m events hav- on Sept. 19. prepared by the club during his holiday FANS FROM SEPTEMBER 11 periods of quarantine or self-isolation sible so I am going to stay in and ing clocked 9.58 seconds and but gave no indication as to how long he Belgian football fans will make a and travel restrictions,” the statement stay here for my friends.” 19.19 seconds respectively at the BAYERN’S BOATENG DOUBTFUL is expected to be sidelined. Boateng has progressive return to stadiums from explained. Clubs will not be obliged to “I’m having no symptoms so 2009 World Championships in FOR START OF BUNDESLIGA SEASON rediscovered his best form under Hansi September 11, the country’s professional release their players if there is a manda- I am going to quarantine myself Berlin. After quitting track and Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boat- Flick alongside David Alaba at the heart league announced. “We’re convinced tory quarantine in the country where the and wait on the confi rmation, to fi eld, Bolt attempted to make it eng could miss the start of the new Bun- of Bayern’s defence, helping the club to that our clubs and their fans will put club is based,in the country where the see what is the protocol and how as a professional footballer but desliga campaign after suff ering a thigh a second treble of Bundesliga, German everything in place so the return to the international will take place or there are I should go about quarantining gave up on his dream in January strain in the club’s Champions League Cup and Champions League titles in stadiums happens in the safest possible travel restrictions between the two loca- myself,” Bolt added. “Until then, 2019 after failing to agree a con- fi nal victory over Paris Saint-Germain. seven years. Bayern kick off their 2020/21 way,” said Pierre Francois, head of the tions and there are no specifi c exemp- I am saying anyone who has had tract with Australian side Central Boateng, 31, was replaced during the season against fi fth-tier outfi t Duren in Belgian Pro League. Depending on the tions for the players. contact with me should quaran- Coast Mariners. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 26, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Hill, James among NBA players LeBron’s Lakers outraged by Blake shooting

AFP is what we are going to con- Miami tinue to talk about. steamroll Blazers, “With me having two boys and me being an Afri- ilwaukee guard can American in America and George Hill had continuing to see what is hap- more on his mind pening with police brutality Monday than the against my kind.” MBucks’ NBA playoff win over “It is very troubling. I am Orlando, calling the police never going to lose track of Heat close out Pacers shooting of a black man in what is going on in the world, Kenosha, Wisconsin, “sicken- especially here in America. My ing.” prayers go to that family.” ‘When I looked and saw 24-8, I was like OK, he’s here in the building’ Hill said the shooting un- Donovan Mitchell of the derscored the seriousness of Utah Jazz also spoke out on continuing racial injustice in Twitter. AFP America, and he feared the “THIS IS SICK AND IS A Miami resumption of the NBA sea- REAL PROBLEM WE DE- son in a quarantine bubble in MAND JUSTICE!” Mitchell Orlando, Florida, left players wrote. “ITS CRAZY I DONT eBron James fi nished without a way to stay engaged HAVE ANY WORDS BUT with 30 points and 10 as- with the issue. WTF MAN! THIS IS WHY WE sists to help the Los An- “We can’t do anything (from DONT FEEL SAFE!!!!” geles Lakers roll over the Orlando),” Hill said. The shooting comes amid LPortland Trail Blazers 135-115 in “I think coming here just worldwide protests against ra- game four of their Western Con- took all the focal points off cial injustice that followed the ference fi rst-round playoff series what the issues are.” May killing of George Floyd, an on Monday. Video showed police shoot- unarmed Black man, by police Anthony Davis tallied 18 ing Jacob Blake in the back in in Minneapolis. points, fi ve rebounds and fi ve as- front of his children, the inci- The NBA has embraced the sists before leaving the contest dent sparking violent protests Black Lives Matter movement in the third quarter with back in the city. during its restart, with social spasms as the top-seeded Lakers Blake, 29, was hospitalised justice messages featuring seized a 3-1 lead in the series. and was reported to be out heavily on the courts and on “I am proud of my team, the of surgery and improving on the uniforms worn by players. way we played tonight,” said Monday evening. The Bucks, whose home James. “It’s just sickening. It’s base of Milwaukee is 40 miles The Lakers wore special black heartless,” Hill said. “To al- (64 kilometres) north of Keno- and yellow-trimmed “Black most take a guy’s life, thank sha on the shores of Lake Mamba” jerseys to remember God he’s still alive. I know the Michigan, issued a statement former Laker great Kobe Bryant cops are probably upset he’s on the Blake shooting. still alive, because I know they “The Bucks organisation RESULTS surely tried to kill him.” is praying for the recovery of A chorus of NBA play- Jacob Blake, who was shot Milwaukee 121-106 Orlando ers joined in condemning the multiple times in the back by Miami 99-87 Indiana shooting. a police offi cer at point-blank Oklahoma 117-114 Houston Los Angeles Lakers super- range in Kenosha, Wisconsin, star LeBron James weighed in yesterday,” the Bucks said. Lakers 135-115 Portland after the Lakers defeated the “We stand fi rmly against re- Portland Trail Blazers in their occurring issues of excessive who died, along with his daugh- series. use of force and immediate ter and seven others, in a heli- “It is what we have been escalation when engaging the copter crash seven months ago. talking about,” said James. “It Black community.” Sunday would have marked Bryant’s 42nd birthday. “I am extremely blessed and Sixers fi re coach Brown aft er playoff sweep honoured ... to continue to re- member Kobe Bryant and Gigi The Philadelphia 76ers fired important off season for us as Bryant and all the fallen people head coach Brett Brown on we look to get back on track who were part of that tragic in- Monday, just one day after towards our goal of compet- cident,” said James. the team was swept out of ing for an NBA championship.” Bryant wore No. 24 for his last the playoff s by the Boston In the past three years, the Six- 10 seasons and No. 8 before that Celtics in the NBA’s quarantine ers have been unable to make with the Lakers. bubble. it past the Eastern Conference James said at one point in the LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Carmelo Anthony (left) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in Game Brown compiled a 221-344 playoff semi-finals. They were fi rst half he glanced up at the Four of the Western Conference NBA Playoff s at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP) record in seven seasons at the dealt a significant blow this scoreboard and noticed they helm of the Eastern Confer- year when Ben Simmons suf- were ahead 24-8. round, Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘SHOOT UNTIL YOUR ARMS The Magic, still without key the Indiana Pacers with a 99-87 ence franchise. He took the fered a serious knee injury in “When I looked and saw 24- scored 31 points and Khris Mid- FALL OFF’ contributors Aaron Gordon, win. team to the playoff s each of the seeding games. 8, I was like OK, he’s here in the dleton added 18 of his 21 in the Reigning NBA Most Valuable Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba, Tyler Herro tallied 16 points the last three seasons. Brand said they would begin building,” James said of Bryant. fourth quarter as the Milwaukee Player Antetokounmpo added 15 were led by 31 points, 11 re- and Bam Adebayo had 14 points “I have a tremendous level of the search for a new coach Portland star Damian Lillard Bucks dominated late to down rebounds and eight assists for bounds and seven assists from and 19 rebounds for the Heat, respect for Brett both person- immediately. also exited in the third quarter the Orlando Magic 121-106. the Bucks, who are trying to win Nikola Vucevic. Markelle Fultz who reached the second round ally and professionally and with a right knee injury. He was The Bucks, owners of the best their fi rst NBA title since 1971. added 15 points, seven assists for the fi rst time in four years. appreciate all he’s done for already nursing a dislocated record in the regular season, Wesley Matthews scored 12 and fi ve rebounds for the Magic Victor Oladipo had 25 points the 76ers organization and fi nger and fi nished with just 11 took a commanding 3-1 lead in points and Brook Lopez 10 for who made 18 three-pointers. and Myles Turner fi nished with the City of Philadelphia,” said points in 27 minutes. the best-of-seven playoff series, Milwaukee. “To start the fourth we went 22 points and 14 rebounds for the general manager Elton Brand. Kyle Kuzma scored 18 points with game fi ve on Wednesday in Middleton, who averaged just through a dry spell off ensively Pacers, who have dropped four “He did many positive things and Danny Green added 14 as the NBA’s quarantine bubble in 11 points per game in the fi rst and we didn’t execute well,” consecutive playoff series to Mi- during his time here, develop- the Lakers breezed to the domi- Orlando, Florida. The underdog three playoff games on 12-of-37 Vucevic said. ami since 2012. ing young talent and helping nating wire-to-wire win. Jusuf Magic, who stunned the Bucks in shooting, said Antetokounmpo “It’s tough when you play well Miami’s reserves outscored position our team for three Nurkic delivered 20 points and game one, kept it close through told him to “shoot until your for three quarters. You have to be Indiana’s depleted bench 38-3. straight postseason appear- 13 rebounds and CJ McCollum three quarters. arms fall off ”. able to execute and make shots In the West, Oklahoma City ances. scored 18 for the Trail Blazers. But Milwaukee, up 84-81 “At times I am too unselfi sh, and we didn’t.” erased a 15-point defi cit to “Unfortunately, we fell well The Lakers can clinch the heading into the fi nal frame, so I have to force the issue,” Mid- In another East contest, Goran record their second straight win short of our goals this year best-of-seven series with a win erupted for an 18-3 scoring run dleton said. “Giannis told just to Dragic scored 23 points and the with a 117-114 victory over the and I believe it is best to go in in game fi ve on Wednesday. to seize control. be aggressive and that is what I fi fth-seeded Miami Heat com- Houston Rockets. The series is a new direction. This will be an In the Eastern Conference fi rst tried to do.” pleted a fi rst-round sweep of tied 2-2.

NHL Varlamov blanks Flyers in series opener AFP series. The second game of the best- the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche Colorado defender Sam Girard and off Los Angeles of-seven series will be played Wednes- 5-2 on Monday in Edmonton to take a Radulov’s body before going into the day. Goaltender Carter Hart stopped 2-0 lead in their Western Conference net at the 15:34 mark of a wild second 25 shots for the top seeded Flyers, who semifi nal series. period. emyon Varlamov posted his eliminated the Montreal Canadiens in Dallas, led by Alexander Radulov’s An insurance goal came courtesy second straight shutout as the six games in the fi rst round. two-point night, will look to take a Esa Lindell with 45.2 seconds remain- New York Islanders used a bal- “They were the better team in the commanding lead when the teams ing in the frame. Lindell elected to anced scoring attack to beat fi rst, we were the better team in the sec- meet for Game 3 of the best-of-seven shoot on a two-on-one rush, and he theS Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 in the ond and couldn’t fi nd a way to capitalise set on Wednesday in Edmonton. buried the rebound attempt after Ava- opening game of their playoff series on on some of our real good looks,” Flyers The Stars have been impressive lanche goalie Pavel Francouz made the Monday. coach Alain Vigneault said. while winning fi ve straight games, in- original save. Andy Greene, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, “I believe if we get the same looks cluding their clinching victory over the Francouz was in net after No. 1 goal- Anders Lee and Devon Toews each sooner or later we’ll be able to put the Calgary Flames in the opening round, a ie Philipp Grubauer was injured in the scored in game one of their best-of- puck in the net. But the third period got game in which they erased a 3-0 defi cit series opener, leaving him out indefi - seven Eastern Conference semi-fi nal a little bit away from us. We lost a couple and won 7-3. nitely. Jamie Oleksiak iced the game series in the NHL’s quarantine bubble of battles that they were able to capital- This time, the Stars responded after with an empty-net tally in the fi nal in Toronto. ise on.” falling behind 2-0 nearing the midway seconds for the Stars, who received a Varlamov is the fi rst Islanders goalie The Islanders outshot Philadel- point of the second period. Only 70 38-save performance from goalie An- with consecutive shutouts in the play- phia 15-4 and scored once in the fi rst seconds after Mikko Rantanen put the ton Khudobin. off s. “We’re playing well defensively,” period before igniting for three goals Avalanche up by a pair, Dallas collected The loss was even more of a stunner Varlamov said. “The guys played un- in the third. Pageau, with his fi fth of a power-play goal, then added another for the Avalanche, who grabbed a 2-0 believable again in front of me. the playoff s, beat Hart from the front 43 seconds later to draw even. lead thanks to a dominating opening “It feels good to get back-to-back of the net early in the third to make it First, Joe Pavelski converted dur- 29 minutes, led by Nathan MacKin- shutouts, but at this point it’s not 2-0. Lee, on a pass from Canadian star ing a fi ve-on-three advantage by one- non, who opened the scoring with about shutouts. It’s playoff hockey; Mathew Barzal, and Toews, into an timing Radulov’s crossing pass at 9:54 a power-play goal at the 6:08 mark the most important thing for me is to empty net late, rounded out the scor- of the middle frame. and ran his point-scoring streak to get the win and get ready for the next ing in the fi nal period. Then, Radek Faksa tied the aff air 10 games. But after he and Rantanen game.” by pouncing on a loose puck. Radulov combined for another goal, it was all Varlamov made all 29 saves and STARS ESCAPE EARLY HOLE, ROUT took his turn lighting the lamp with a Dallas. On top of being without Gru- stretched his shutout streak to 136 AVS FOR 2-0 SERIES LEAD lucky goal that ended up as the game- bauer, the Avalanche were missing de- Semyon Varlamov (left) of the New York Islanders is congratulated by his teammate minutes, 20 seconds. He made 21 saves The Dallas Stars are making a habit of winner. fenseman Erik Johnson, who was in- Anders Lee after their win against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game One of the in a 4-0 win over the Washington Cap- roaring back from defi cits. Thanks to Jamie Benn’s cross-ice pass from the jured in the opener. Kevin Connauton Eastern Conference Second Round NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at Scotiabank Arena in itals in game fi ve of their fi rst round a four-goal, second-period outburst, side boards ricocheted off the stick of took his place. Toronto. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wedneday, August 26, 2020 SPORT

NFL Injury could make Chargers’ Williams miss opener By Jeff Miller nati. He is coming off his first ca- the past two years with Ten- No fans allowed at Vikings’ Los Angeles Times reer 1,000-yard season and led nessee. He led the NFL in kick the NFL with an average of 20.4 returns in 2018, averaging 31.7 fi rst two home games yards per catch on his 49 recep- yards. He also ran back a kick for he status of Los Angeles tions. The team’s No. 1 wideout a touchdown that season. The Minnesota Vikings’ first two home games Chargers wide receiver is three-time Pro Bowl selection “I’m a speed guy,” said Jen- will be closed to the public due to ongoing Mike Williams for the Keenan Allen, who has topped nings, who is 5 foot 10, 180 concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. start of the season is in 1,000 yards in each of the past pounds. “I’m hitting the crease The Vikings are scheduled to host the rival Tdoubt because of a shoulder in- three years. downhill. But I feel like I also Green Bay Packers in the season opener at US jury suff ered Sunday. After Allen and Williams, the have good vision. I can see the Bank Stadium on Sept. 13. They will face the Williams went down trying to experience at the position drops return setting up and hit it with Tennessee Titans in Minneapolis on Sept. 27. make a diving catch in a period dramatically. The remaining re- blind faith, trusting the other 10 “Ultimately, public health is our top priority,” after the players had removed ceivers on the roster have a total guys in front of me.” the team said in a news release on Tuesday. their shoulder pads in an at- of 29 career catches and 27 of The only other receiver on “Based on our conversations and the current tempt to scale back the intensity. those belong to Darius Jennings. the Chargers’ roster with an Minnesota Department of Health guidelines He attended practice Mon- A free-agent addition in the NFL catch is Jason Moore, who that specify an indoor venue capacity of 250, day in street clothes and wasn’t off season, Jennings was signed had two receptions for 43 yards we have determined it is not the right time to wearing a sling. Coach Anthony because of his speed and ability in 2019. Moore appeared in 10 welcome fans back to US Bank Stadium.” Lynn’s next scheduled session as a kickoff returner. “That’s part games last season with most of The enclosed stadium, which opened in 2016, with the media is Tuesday. The of the job,” Jennings said. “My his experience coming on spe- has a capacity for nearly 67,000 fans for team has made no announce- position isn’t kick returner. I’m cial teams. In practice Monday football. “We will continue to work with the ap- ment regarding Williams, the a receiver fi rst. Kick returner is – with Allen getting the day propriate off icials on our plans with the hopes NFL Network reporting that he just one of my abilities.” off – Jennings and Jalen Guyton of bringing fans back in a safe manner later suff ered a sprain. His most productive season as took the most snaps with the this season,” the team said. The Vikings joined The loss of Williams would be a receiver came with Cleveland fi rst-team off ense. Guyton is in a growing list of NFL teams who will begin the a signifi cant one for the Charg- in 2015 when he caught 14 passes his second year after playing in Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (right) turns upfield for a 51-yard reception season with no fans in the seats. ers, who open Sept. 13 at Cincin- for 117 yards. Jennings, 28, spent three games last season. against the Green Bay Packers at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Los Angeles Times/TNS)

MLB RUGBY Cash-strapped Southern Kings quit A’s fall short in the Pro14, Currie Cup

AFP lieved that further investment Johannesburg in 2020 with zero commercial return would be reckless in the extreme. ro14 strugglers the “We now have time to con- ninth, Rangers Southern Kings have sider what is the best way for- offi cially withdrawn ward for Rugby in the Eastern from the 2020 edi- Province (Cape) in this fl uid Ption to avoid incurring further and fi nancially challenging debts, the South African fran- environment.” chise announced yesterday. The decision to pull out of The Port Elizabeth team will the Pro14 and not compete in also not take part in the Cur- the Currie Cup is the latest of take series opener rie Cup or any other domes- many blows to eastern Cape tic competition when Rugby Rugby. In June, SA Rugby was resumes after a shutdown forced to inherit a 74 percent ‘He’s not spinning, he’s sitting back through the middle of the field. He’s adjusting to since March due to the coro- stake in the Kings after the navirus pandemic. majority shareholder, GRC, how they’re pitching him. Came up last year, started out really good’ Kings were bottom of Con- failed to meet fi nancial com- ference B in the Pro14 – a com- mitments. By Shayna Rubin petition involving Irish, Ital- “I cannot stress enough how The Mercury News ian, Scottish, South African reluctant we are to resume and Welsh sides – with just control of the Southern Kings,” one win and 12 losses. SA Rugby president Mark Al- he Oakland A’s played Apart from fi nancial prob- exander said at the time. their fi rst game at the lems, the Kings would not SA Rugby incurred losses new Globe Life Park have been able to fulfi l fi x- in 2016 and 2017 before mak- in Arlington, Tex. Still tures with European teams ing small profi ts in the last two Tfeeling out how the unfamiliar as the South African borders years and had to slash 1.2 bil- grounds plays, the A’s lost 3-2 have been closed to combat lion rand off the 2020 budget to the Texas Rangers Monday the Covid-19 outbreak. Kings due to the coronavirus. night. chairman Andre Rademan said The Eastern Cape province The A’s loaded the bases in the “it would require additional is the hotbed of black Rugby ninth inning with one out, but loans or extra shareholder in- in South Africa with current Rangers reliever Rafael Montero vestments of 6.5 million rand Springboks captain Siya Kolisi took advantage of a low strike ($385,000/325,000 euro)” to born near Port Elizabeth, the zone to strikeout Matt Olson continue playing this year. regional hub. looking with three pitches at his “This may not be a popular Kings were coached this shins. Matt Chapman fl ied out decision, but in the current year on a caretaker basis by the other way to end it. circumstances it is the right Robbie Kempton, a former The Rangers had lost eight decision,” he said. South Africa prop forward. straight games before beating “It is obviously very disap- The South African outfi t the A’s to begin this four-game pointing news for the players joined the Pro14 in 2017 af- series. and management who, like ter being dumped from Super Jesus Luzardo held the Texas all Rugby professionals, were Rugby when the elite southern Rangers to three runs in his fi fth desperate to resume playing, hemisphere competition was start of the year. He had a rocky “However, the board be- trimmed from 18 teams to 15. start, all three runs came in the fi rst two innings.

RESULTS World Cup winner Snyman set for Astros 11-4 Angels long spell on sidelines Blue Jays 6-4 Rays RG Snyman, part of the South Africa side that won last year’s Twins 3-2 Indians Rugby World Cup, is likely to be out for several months after his Irish province Munster announced the second-row forward had Rangers 3-2 Athletics torn a knee ligament on his debut for them over the weekend. Brewers 4-2 Reds The 25-year-old suff ered the injury just seven minutes into Cubs 9-3 Tigers his first appearance for Munster in their Pro14 27-25 defeat by Leinster on Saturday. Cardinals 9-3 Royals “It has been confirmed that the province’s newest debutant, Marlins 11-8 Nationals RG Snyman, sustained an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear Rockies 3-2 D’Backs in the opening minutes of Saturday night’s Pro14 encounter Giants 6-1 D’Backs against Leinster,” read Munster’s statement. “The lock will meet with the specialist next to discuss surgery and management.” After striking out Leody Tav- The 23-times capped Snyman, a towering presence at 2.05 eras to kick off the fi rst inning, metres (6ft 9in), featured in every game of South Africa’s suc- he allowed back-to-back singles cessful World Cup campaign. to Nick Solak and Danny San- Snyman, who signed on a two-year contract from Japanese tana. outfit Honda Heat, is one of two members of the Springbok Veteran Todd Frazier reached squad to join Munster with centre Damian de Allende also sign- out and poked a two-strike ing post the quadrennial showpiece. changeup into center fi eld to Munster need to beat rival Irish province Connacht this week- score the Rangers’ fi rst two end to secure a place in the Pro14 semi-finals. runs. Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s fi rst home run of the season gave the Rangers their third run. Luzardo struggled to fi nd feel for his slid- er early in the season, but had it Texas Rangers first baseman Danny Santana (38) hits the ball short of the plate as Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy attempts to retrieve down pat Monday. and throw him out at first during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday. (The Dallas Morning News/TNS) All seven of his strikeouts were off his slider. He was one home run of the season and 22nd four batters stealing this season. justed, as they do. And Murphy in the middle of the fi eld and keep out shy of completing seven in- RBI in the month of August. His defense stands out. But his seemed to strike out every other his direction in the same way.” nings, departing after issuing his Every once in a while, Sean Mur- off ense has quietly improved, at bat. But, he’s adjusted his ap- He started to send breaking second walk at 96 pitches. phy likes to remind us that he too. proach, and he’s seeing results. balls up the middle, and use the Against Rangers right-hander can catch just about anyone try- Murphy introduced himself “He’s been much better in his fi eld. Between August 9 and Au- Lance Lynn – he of a 1.37 ERA – ing to steal a base. to the big leagues by showing off pitch selection,” Bush said. gust 21, Murphy tallied a .308 the A’s swung early at his fastball He had Mike Trout out by a his considerable power. Pitchers “He’s not spinning, he’s sit- average and upped his walk rate and struck gold. mile trying to stealing second dared him with their best fast- ting back through the middle of to 16.7%, among the best in the Mark Canha, who entered the over the weekend, but Marcus balls, and he knocked four out of the fi eld. He’s adjusting to how league. game with a .410 OBP ranking Semien fumbled the laser throw. the park in 60 games. they’re pitching him. Came up But, he also maintained his sixth in the league, singled to Monday, Murphy’s rifl e throw “He proved quickly he could last year, started out really good. power stroke. His 92.5% exit ve- score Marcus Semien from third got to Tony Kemp at second base throw the fastball,” A’s hitting “They adjusted, they contin- locity average ranks among the in the fi rst inning. before Todd Frazier could even coach Darren Bush said on a call ued to adjust, and now he’s start- top 5 percentile in the league and Stephen Piscotty gave the A’s get a knee down to slide. with reporters Friday. ing to adjust to them and he’s his 61.5% hard hit percentage their second run with his fi fth With that, Murphy has caught Opposing pitchers have ad- starting to fi gure out how to stay ranks in the top 1 percentile. Gulf Times Wednesday, August 26, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT ‘The Sir Alex of cycling’, Brailsford Turkey back on plots 8th Tour title

AFP Paris

ough, unsentimental F1 calendar as and dominant in cy- cling for more than a decade, Dave Brails- fordT wielded his axe ahead of the Tour de France this week and was then compared by one of his earlier victims to former Manchester United boss Sir Chinese GP is axed Alex Ferguson. Brailsford is the mastermind behind both British cycling’s ‘SADLY, WE WILL NOT BE RACING IN CHINA THIS SEASON’ massive Olympic gold haul, and a staggering seven Tour de France titles in the past eight years, fi rst with Sky and now general classifi cation. under the name of the Ineos Bernal, for example, only Grenadiers. The 56-year-old took the yellow jersey on stage began his run clinching the 19 of 21 in 2019. Marginal gains 2012 Tour de France with Team has become a little more con- Sky’s Bradley Wiggins, who he troversial. “If you broke down had already guided to multiple everything you could think of Olympic gold medals. that goes into riding a bike, But jaws dropped the fol- and then improved it by one lowing season when Brailsford percent you’ll get a signifi cant axed his popular star in favour increase,” Brailsford explained. of the shy but determined Applying it to tactics, tech- Chris Froome. nology, communications, For the 2020 Tour, Brailsford health and psychology the again took out his cleaver as team overstepped the line ac- he dropped Froome, who has cording a British government four titles, and his other Brit- committee who described ish star Geraint Thomas who some of their prescription won in 2018 and was runner up drug use as unethical. last year. Once again Brailsford The inquiry came after put his hopes in a young in- leaked reports of so called form rider, in this case the de- TUE’s, therapeutic use exemp- fending champion Colombian tions, in this case cortisone in- 23-year-old Egan Bernal. jections for asthma. “He manages Ineos like Sir While the inquiry cast a Alex Ferguson,” Wiggins said cloud over British cycling and comparing Brailsford to the Team Sky’s achievement, no man who led soccer’s Man- legal lines were crossed. chester United to 13 Premier His run at the top continues League titles. “Egan is clearly on Saturday as the 2020 Tour the man now,” Wiggins said on de France embarks from Nice his podcast this week. over two months late with In- “But if Bernal is clearly the eos again the team to watch man they are putting their “We’ve been looking at how money on he’s told the other we think we can win this race,” guys, and found fresh chal- said the fl uent French speaker lenges for them,” Wiggins said. who grew up in Wales. Thomas has been named “We’ve got some ideas as Ineos captain for the Giro about maybe a slightly diff er- Turkey’s Intercity Istanbul Park will host a Grand Prix for the first time since 2011 this year. (formula1.com) d’Italia and Froome at the ent approach,” he said. “We’ve Vuelta a Espana. “They want got a good game plan and we Reuters and hospitality, will be able to be cancelled and a new calendar since the circuit is on the Asian won there are Kimi Raikkonen, to win all three Grand Tour in think that these are the guys to London attend some of the races. Rus- drawn up with a mix of old fa- side of Istanbul.“We feel great six times world champion Lewis a single year,” Wiggins sug- deliver.” sian Grand Prix organisers are vourites and new venues. Chi- happiness and honour to have Hamilton and four times cham- gested. “The decision we’ve come already selling tickets for their na’s race in Shanghai had looked brought Formula One, the big- pion Sebastian Vettel. This kind of ambition comes to, and what we’re very excited ormula One fl eshed out race in Sochi in September. doubtful for some time due to gest motor sporting event in the “It’s an old-school circuit, as no surprise for the Brails- about, is that we’re going to get its 2020 calendar to 17 All six grands prix held so far the virus. The fi rst Vietnam- world, to Turkey once again,” something I was watching on ford, who introduced the Egan and Richard (Carapaz) to races yesterday, with the since the delayed season started ese Grand Prix, postponed from said Vural Ak, chairman of Inter- TV when I was younger. (That) concepts of ‘Mission Clarity’ target yellow,” Brailsford said Chinese Grand Prix can- in Austria in July have been held April, will not be happening ei- city, which operates the Turkish massive left-hander, fl at-out, is and ‘Marginal Gains Strategy’ when unveiling his Tour roster. celledF due to the Covid-19 pan- behind closed doors. ther although its cancellation circuit.“One of the most impor- going to be pretty impressive,” to cycling. ‘Mission Clarity’ Wiggins had a simple anal- demic but Turkey back on for the Formula One had confi rmed has yet to be confi rmed offi cially. tant factors behind the Formula Renault’s Esteban Ocon told re- means the team ignores stage ysis. “Winning has become fi rst time since 2011 and Bahrain only 13 races until Tuesday, all “Sadly, we will not be racing in One administration adding Is- porters recently. victories at the Tour and fo- their norm,” said the man who handed two rounds. of them in Europe after those in China this season,” Formula One tanbul to the calendar is that in Bahrain’s two races on No- cuses solely on winning the got it all rolling back in 2012. The sport said in a statement the Americas were cancelled, said, adding that it looked for- the nine years races weren’t held, vember 29 and December 6 will that Turkey’s Istanbul Park cir- but teams and drivers now have ward to returning next year. the circuit was active and ready be designated the Bahrain Grand cuit would host a race on Nov. a clear idea of how many the Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan at all times as if a race was going Prix and the Sakhir Grand Prix, FOCUS 15 before a Bahrain double in late championship will have. and Australia have already been to take place.” after the name of the desert cir- November and early December The original schedule, pub- cancelled.Turkey will be the only Istanbul’s circuit was popu- cuit. Sakhir will be the third cir- and Abu Dhabi ending the sea- lished before the pandemic, en- race on this year’s calendar that lar with drivers if not the locals cuit to host two races this season son on December 13 at Yas Ma- visaged a record 22 races, but could be considered a non-Eu- whose attendance was limited. after Austria’s Red Bull Ring and British Gymnastics rina. A limited number of fans, fi xtures such as Monaco had to ropean or Middle Eastern round, The only current drivers to have Britain’s Silverstone. coach steps aside TENNIS as investigation Ailing Djokovic, Serena advance launched AFP straight games in the second set AFP a fair and independent system New York against the hard-hitting left- London that protects integrity for all hander, who has never won a parties involved.” WTA title. Tinkler, who has retired orld number one After rallying from 0-40 ritish Gymnastics from the sport, tweeted on Novak Djokovic down in the opening game of the head national coach Tuesday: “I can confi rm that battled through third she looked to have turned Amanda Reddin is to part of the complaint I sub- neck pain on the the tide with a service break on temporarily step aside mitted in December 2019 re- Wway to a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 vic- the way to a 3-0 lead. whileB claims about her con- lated to my experiences with tory over Ricardas Berankis at Serving for the match at 5-3 in duct are investigated, the gov- Amanda Reddin and the na- the Western & Southern Open, the third, Williams was broken erning body announced yes- tional performance coaching where second seed Dominic to love, Rus winning the next two terday. Amy Tinkler, who won set-up at British Gymnastics Thiem crashed out. to give herself a chance to serve a bronze medal in the fl oor between 2016-2019.” Djokovic, who pulled out of it out. competition at the 2016 Rio She said she had been told doubles with a sore neck on She was broken, and Williams Olympics, said on social me- on Friday that her complaints Sunday, made it through to the crushed her in the tiebreaker to dia that Reddin was one of the had been dealt with and the round of 16 despite the ailment, wrap up a bruising victory in two coaches she issued a complaint matter closed, with no expla- for which he received treatment hours and 49 minutes. about in December last year. nation given, adding the way on court. “That was tough. It was a real Tinkler is one of a number of she had received the informa- “It’s getting better,” he said physical match out there,” said gymnasts in recent months to tion had made her “sick”. after the 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win. “It’s Williams, who tried to pump have alleged mistreatment by A complaint against Reddin, been four days. It’s not yet where Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania during the Western & Southern herself up on the spectator-free coaches in the British set-up. dating back to the 1980s, was I’d like it to be but it’s heading in Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP) Grandstand court with fi st- “British Gymnastics has not upheld by British Gymnas- the right direction.” pumping cries of “c’mon” and agreed with Amanda Reddin tics and she denied the allega- That’s good news with the US draw, as 32nd-ranked Filip Kraji- “I had really troubles with re- the former world number one is squeals of triumph and frustra- that she will temporarily step tions levelled against her in a Open starting on August 31 on novic of Serbia toppled Austria’s turning.” now ranked 129th after a string tion. aside from her role as head na- statement to ITV Sport. the same New York hardcourts Thiem 6-2, 6-1. Krajinovic lined up a meeting of injuries, including a pelvic It was Williams’ fourth three- tional coach to allow an inves- “I completely refute the his- hosting this week’s tournament, “I think I started really well with Hungarian Marton Fuc- injury at the Davis Cup last No- set match since she returned at a tigation to proceed into claims torical claim, and the investi- which was moved from Cincin- today. I was aggressive and I’m sovics, who ousted 14th-seeded vember that, combined with the tournament in Lexington, Ken- about her conduct as a coach,” gation by British Gymnastics nati to establish a quarantine really happy that I’m in the third Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, ATP’s pandemic shutdown, kept tucky, in the wake of the WTA’s its statement read. did not uphold the complaint,” bubble for the upcoming Grand round,” said 32nd-ranked Kra- 4-6, 6-2. him out of competition until this coronavirus shutdown. “The investigation will be she said. Slam. jinovic, who dropped just two Former world number one week. “I’m actually super fi t and I’m completed by an external in- “I completely refute these Djokovic twice went down service points on the way to vic- Andy Murray also notched an In women’s action, third- super ready,” she said. dependent expert and any out- claims, it is wrong that my a break in the second set, but tory. upset, surprising world number seeded Serena Williams bucked Fifth-seeded Aryna Sabalenka come actioned immediately. reputation within the sport broke back both times. He let out Thiem, who pushed Djoko- seven Alexander Zverev 6-3, the upset trend that saw top seed of Belarus fought her way into Our processes and investiga- that I love is now subject to a roar when he broke for a 5-4 vic to fi ve sets in an Australian 3-6, 7-5 for his fi rst win over a Karolina Pliskova and number the third round, downing Amer- tions will also be scrutinised a trial by media rather than lead then calmly served it out. Open runner-up fi nish in Janu- top-10 player in more than three two Sofi a Kenin ousted on Sun- ican Cici Bellis 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, by the independent review. through the proper processes. He next faces American Ten- ary, couldn’t fi nd his rhythm years. The Scot was facing de- day. The 23-time Grand Slam 7-5. “There is no place for abuse “I would welcome the alle- nys Sandgren, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, in his fi rst match since the ATP feat when Zverev served for the champion battled back from Eighth-seeded Briton Johanna in our sport. Those that speak gations be submitted to the in- 7-6 (7/5) winner over 15th-seed- tour resumed after a fi ve-month match at 5-4 in the third, but the brink against Dutch quali- Konta moved on, but two-time out about mistreatment in dependent review into alleged ed Canadian Felix Auger-Alias- coronavirus hiatus. reeled off three straight games to fi er Arantxa Rus, dominating a Wimbledon champion Petra gymnastics must be heard. abuse in gymnastics to ensure sime. “It was just a horrible game by seal the win. third-set to win 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, Kvitova, the sixth seed fell 2-6, “It is vital, however, that the integrity of the process is The upset of the day was at myself,” Thiem said. Didn’t play Murray won the Cincinnati 7-6 (7/0). 7-5, 6-2 to fellow Czech Marie such claims are made through protected for both athletes and the opposite end of the men’s well at all, didn’t get any rhythm. Masters in 2008 and 2011, but Williams dropped four Bouzkova. the proper processes to ensure coaches.” Wednesday, August 26, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL Barca in turmoil aft er Messi tells club he wants to leave Under the terms of the contract which expires in 2021, the only way Messi can leave without the club’s consent is if a rival side pays his release clause of 700mn euros ($828mn)

Reuters grown increasingly unhappy in the last Mundo Deportivo, picturing Suarez, Barcelona 12 months with how the club is being midfi elders Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vi- run. dal and defender Samuel Umtiti.”The In February, he lashed out at then clear out begins”, said newspaper AS, aptain Lionel Messi has told sporting director Eric Abidal on social while Marca showed Suarez walk- Barcelona he wishes to leave media and a couple of months later ing out of a door below the headline the club immediately, a source turned his anger on the club hierarchy ‘Clean up at Barca’.Barcelona and Sua- confi rmed yesterday, deepen- for the way in which players were forced rez’s representative did not wish to Cing the turmoil within the Catalan side to take a pay cut to cope with the fi nan- comment on the reports, although the less than two weeks after their humili- cial hit of the coronanvirus pandemic. Uruguayan made his discontent known ating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich. The After Barca surrendered the La in a Sunday interview with newspa- club source said Messi, who has spent Liga title to Real Madrid in July, Messi per El Pais.”People are talking about his entire career at Barca, informed the slammed the team as being “weak” and the names the president gave, of the club about his desire to leave by send- “vulnerable” during an uncharacter- changes that could happen, but no-one ing a burofax, a service used in Spain to istically fi ery post-match interview. has told me they want to get rid of me,” urgently dispatch a document that re- Former Barca captain Carles Puyol he said.”I’ve spent six years at Barca — quires proof to third parties. backed Messi’s wish to leave the club enough time for them to tell me what A second source added that the bu- by writing on Twitter: “Respect and they think.” rofax referred to a clause in the last admiration, Leo. You have all my sup- Suarez has scored 198 goals in 283 contract the 33-year-old Argentine port, friend.” games for Barca and overtook Laszlo signed with the club which allowed him Kubala as the club’s third-highest scor- to leave for free, a clause that expired on SPECULATION GROWS OVER er of all time last July, only trailing the June 10 this year. Under the terms of the SUAREZ’S FUTURE AT BARCA late Cesar and runaway leading scorer contract which expires in 2021, the only Meanwhile, After six years sprinkled Messi. way Messi can leave without the club’s with goals that have brought Barcelona Suarez recognised that he was among consent is if a rival side pays his release 13 trophies, Suarez may be heading for those blamed for the humiliating loss to clause of 700mn euros ($828mn). an unceremonious exit from the Camp Bayern, the club’s heaviest defeat ever The second source said the player’s Nou. The Uruguayan was Barca’s sec- in European competition, but said the lawyers had informed the club that ond-highest scorer last season behind answer was not to get rid of every player Messi wished to unilaterally rescind captain Lionel Messi But speculation who had spent a long time at the club. his contract in line with a clause in his about his future has grown since he was “Everyone looks at those who have contract. “The club considers that the absent from a list of players Barca pres- spent the most time at the club. That’s contract is fully binding until 30 June ident Bartomeu declared were not for normal, but it’s also foolish,” added Lionel Messi has grown 2021,” added the second source. sale as he promised big changes after Suarez, who joined Barca from Liver- increasingly unhappy in the The Argentine’s request to leave the side’s seismic 8-2 defeat to Bayern pool in 2014 for a then club record fee last 12 months with how the Barca comes a day after Spanish media Munich in the Champions League. of 82mn euros. club is being run. (Reuters) reported that new coach Ronald Koe- Catalan radio station Rac1 reported “Look at when Real Madrid were man told Messi’s close friend and strike on Monday that the striker had been beaten by Ajax last year and they said partner, Luis Suarez, that he does not told by new Barca coach Ronald Koe- Toni Kroos was fi nished, they wanted wish the Uruguayan to stay at the club. man that he was not in his plans for to retire Luka Modric, they said Sergio Barca are in the midst of overhaul- next season. Ramos was a disaster and no-one was ing their squad following the 8-2 defeat Spain’s sports papers followed suit worth anything. Then the next year by Bayern in the Champions League yesterday: “Adios Suarez” read the they did better, and everyone was say- quarter-fi nals earlier this month, front cover of Barcelona-based Sport, ing they were all superstars. Everyone which condemned the club to a trophy- while the 33-year-old also appeared knows when there is a defeat people less season for the fi rst time in 12 years. on the front of the other three national take shots at everyone. I honestly be- Messi, who has been named world sports dailies. lieve there is a lack of coherence, pa- player of the year a record six times, has “Koeman doesn’t want them”, said tience and above all memory.”

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS QSL meets to discuss arrangements for next season Sheikh Hamad is s part of preparations and ar- members. Abdullah al-Balooshi as well as 2020-21 season’s league championship, pit 11th-placed team in the just-conclud- rangements being made ahead Khaled Saleh. which will start on 3rd September, was ed QNB Stars League (Al Khor) against new president of of the launch of 2020-21 QNB The attendees thanked the eff orts reviewed. Second Division runners-up of this sea- Stars League season, the Qatar made by all clubs during the 2019-20 Preparations being made by the clubs son (Al Markhiya). StarsA League (QSL) held a co-ordination league championship and for their com- and the health protocol for the next stage The match, to determine which team Qatar Sports Club meeting with club coaches at its head- mitment to the protocol that led to suc- were discussed in addition to the remarks will feature in next season’s top fl ight, quarters in Al Bidda Tower, in accordance cessful resumption of football activity by some coaches and attendees, which will be played this Friday, 28th August, QNA with the precautionary measures and and matches. were taken into account, and queries were 2020 at the Al Janoub Stadium. The kick- Doha general plan. The importance of such meetings was answered. off is at 6:30pm. The meeting was held in the presence emphasised, in line with the continuous The match regulations stipulate that in of Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Di- communication process and co-ordina- PLAY-OFF MATCH SCHEDULED FOR the event of a tie, extra time of 30 minutes E Sheikh Hamad bin Su- rector of Competitions and Football De- tion with the aim of developing football THIS FRIDAY (15 minutes in each half) will be played. If haim al-Thani is the new velopment at the QSL, Neji Jouini, Exec- and raising the technical standards of The Qatar Stars League announced the that also ends in a draw, penalty shoot- president of the Qatar utive Director of the Referees Department tournaments and players. date and kick-off time of the play-off out will decide the winners, the QSL said Sports Club after his of Qatar Football Association, and its At the meeting, the general plan for the match for the 2019-20 season, which will in a statement. opposingH candidates HE Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser al- Thani and Ali al-Mannai with- SPOTLIGHT drew from the elections before the General Assembly meeting that was held on Monday. Football Association (FIFA). The outgoing president Sheikh The members’ proposals were Dominant Dustin, stunning Sophia: golf talking points Jassim announced during the also discussed, and the election General Assembly meeting his and membership aff airs commit- AFP of the restart, Popov found out she had offi cial withdrawal in support tee was formed for the next ses- Hong Kong made the fi eld for the following week’s of Sheikh Hamad. The meeting, sion, consisting of fi ve persons, Marathon LPGA Classic, despite her low which was attended by a number headed by Ahmed Mohammed ranking. of members of the General As- al-Kuwari, and the membership t’s all change at the top of men’s golf “A lot of players didn’t want to come sembly, discussed many items on of Mohamed Rabia al-Kuwari, — again — while Sophia Popov cap- to the States, either from Europe or from the agenda, including the fi nan- Mohamed Hamid al-Midfa, Mo- tured headlines and hearts at the fi rst Asia,” Popov explained.”I took advan- cial report, during which Sheikh hamed Ali al-Kubaisi and Talal women’s major of the year. Here are tage of it and used the opportunity to get said that the club’s fi nancial po- Ali al-Mawlawi. The list of al- Igolf talking points: here.” A tied ninth in Ohio earned one of sition was good and there were ternate members included Fahad 10 qualifying spots for the British Open no cases fi led against the club in Abdullah al-Maliki, Khalifa bin REVOLVING DOOR and two weeks later she made history as the Federation Internationale de Abdulaziz and Khaled Abdullah. In just over four months of PGA Tour golf the fi rst German woman to win a golf ma- played so far in a coronavirus-ravaged jor. Fairytale stuff indeed. year, there have already been fi ve world number ones. Dustin Johnson was the REFS REACH FINAL GREEN Korea’s top golf event moved to latest to enter through the revolving door The world of professional golf will mark after leaving an elite fi eld trailing a very the end of an era in October when two Vegas as virus hits ‘Asian swing’ distant second in Boston at the weekend. unsung heroes retire. John Paramor and Johnson’s romp to an 11-stroke vic- Andy McFee, two of the most respected Seoul: South Korea’s biggest it was in talks over the fate of tory after fi nishing a scarcely believable rules offi cials in the global game, an- golf tournament was moved to Japan’s Zozo Championship 30-under par for 72 holes, his second win nounced they will be calling time on ca- Las Vegas because of corona- and the WGC-HSBC Champions since the restart in June, saw him leapfrog reers that have spanned more than 80 virus restrictions yesterday, as in Shanghai, which are sched- from fourth to the top spot for the fi rst years. Paramor, 65, started with the Euro- the rest of the US PGA Tour’s uled to be held in consecutive time since May 2019. pean Tour in April 1976 while McFee, 62, $30mn ‘Asian swing’ also weeks after the CJ Cup. With Brooks Koepka started 2020 on top, but Dustin Johnson’s 11-stroke victory in Boston saw him leapfrog from fourth to the top was later to the party in September 1983. looked in doubt. The CJ Cup, combined purses of $29.75 mn, was overtaken by Rory McIlroy in Febru- spot for the first time since May 2019. (AFP) They have been patrolling the world’s originally due to take place on the PGA Tour’s three-stop swing ary. Spain’s Jon Rahm took number one fairways at almost every leading event Jeju island from October 15-18, has been the highlight of Asia’s for the fi rst time with victory at the Me- for a total of 91 weeks, the fi fth-most of the LPGA Tour, just hoping for a chance from majors to Ryder Cups since, off ering will now be played at Las Ve- golf calendar in recent seasons. morial last month only to lose it to Jus- all time. The only American with more to tee up, but now she fi nds herself ranked advice to players on the game’s bewilder- gas’s Shadow Creek course on “We are currently engaged in tin Thomas, who then relinquished it to weeks at the top is Tiger Woods, with 683. in the elite world’s top 25. The 27-year- ing rule book. They have been called in the same dates, the PGA Tour discussions with the stakehold- Rahm a week later. old until recently had endured a three- to deal with everything from the routine, and sponsors CJ Group said in a ers of both the Zozo Champion- Now it’s Johnson’s time again. “It’s CADDIE TO MAJOR-WINNER year undiagnosed battle with the tick- such as penalty shots and slow play, to joint statement. ship and World Golf Champion- something that I’m very proud of, to be Someone in Hollywood should sign up borne Lyme disease, causing her to lose the bizarre, such as wasp stings and relief South Korea — which had ships-HSBC Champions and will number one in the world and I’d like to the fi lm rights to Sophia Popov’s story, 11 kilogrammes (23lb). “It took about 20 from burrowing animals. brought its outbreak largely make an announcement shortly stay there for a little while,” Johnson said. and quickly, after her shock victory in doctor visits three years later to fi gure it Their fi nal event together will be the under control, but is now on the status of both events,” “It’s been jumping around a bunch here the Women’s British Open at Troon. The out,” she told reporters. European Tour PGA Championship at tackling several clusters of the PGA said in a statement. the last few months, but the last time I German, who started the tournament Popov lost her LPGA card and then Wentworth in October. infections — has imposed strict The $10.25mn Shanghai was number one, I think I stayed there ranked 304th in the world, was in tears as came the global pandemic and a decision “The word I use about John is gravitas,” limits on travel, with all arrivals tournament has been under a for quite some time, and that’s another she recalled how chronic illness and the to freeze players’ statuses, leaving her McFee said.”He has empathy with the required to spend two weeks in cloud since Chinese authori- goal of mine: to see how long I can stay at loss of her tour card had left her contem- facing two years on the second-tier Sym- players and he is honest and fair. When quarantine. ties banned most international number one.” plating giving up the game. etra Tour. Reduced to caddying for friend John Paramor speaks about the rules of Separately, the PGA Tour said sports events this year. Overall, Johnson has been number one Three weeks ago she was caddying on Anne van Dam at the fi rst LPGA event golf, people listen.”