Serena Willams withdraws from due to Achilles injury Thursday, OCTOBER 1, 2020 page 15

Qatar Olympic Isa Al Kasir brace sees Academy announces Persepolis past Pakhtakor its 2021 agenda QNA Doha

Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) announced the agenda through to semi-finals of its courses and programs for 2021, which will start on January 3 and continue till December 16. The 2021 agenda includes The 2021 agenda includes a variety of 21 programs, a variety of 21 programs, courses and workshops, ac- courses and workshops. credited by a number of in- ternational and continental in the field of rehabilitation bodies, foremost among which and sports science in its vari- is the Olympic Solidarity Com- ous fields, in addition to the mission of the International Academy’s interest and focus Olympic Committee. on educating the community The Academy’s programs about the Olympic and sports will include postgraduate culture, which is one of the programs, Olympic educa- most important goals of the tion workshops, training and Academy. management programs in the Al Nuaimi noted that a sports field and sports psy- number of programs and chologist preparation, in addi- courses will be taught through tion to various courses in many the distance learning system sports and Olympic fields. using the Microsoft Teams The Academy is keen on program, following the great diversifying its agenda every success of this method of year in order to reach the larg- learning during the past pe- est segment of those interested riod after the outbreak of the and to achieve its goals aim- coronavirus pandemic and the ing at spreading sports and application of the health pre- Olympic culture in the State of cautions and social distancing Qatar and abroad. Its agenda in all official headquarters in includes a master’s program the state, including education- in sports law for the fourth al institutions. year in a row, which is one of For his part, Head of the the strongest programs in the Sports Development Depart- region in general. The agenda ment and Director of the also includes the launch of the Sports Management Program Isa Al Kasir (left) and action from the Persepolis and Pakhtakor FC AFC Champions League quarter-final tenth edition of the advanced accredited to the International match played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday. diploma for management of Olympic Committee, Dr. Ali Olympic sports institutions, Abdulrahman Al Bakri, un- AFC behind for a corner. accredited by the Interna- derlined that Qatar Olympic Doha Both teams were going Persepolis doubled their tal- tional Olympic Committee, as Committee always strives to into their third AFC ly in the 66th minute and again well as a number of Olympic provide distinguished pro- A second-half brace from Isa Champions League quar- it was Kasir on the scoresheet. education workshops. On the grams and sciences that ben- Al Kasir earned Persepolis FC ter-final, a record for their The striker got on the end of an other hand, the courses covers efit the sports system in par- a 2-0 win over Pakhtakor in respective nations, and Aghaei cross, beating goalkeep- many fields, such as media, ticular and the whole society the quarter-final of the 2020 er Suyunov at the near post for law, management and plan- in general. AFC Champions League and a both boasted mean his fourth goal of the 2020 AFC ning, psychology and others. Dr. Al Bakri noted that place in the semi-final for the defences, with Persepolis Champions League. The distance learning sys- the Academy started in re- third time in four years. conceding just once in Pakhtakor worked hard tem has been adopted in a cent years offering intensive Both teams were going their last five games and to get back into the game, but number of agenda programs. and specialised courses in the into their third AFC Cham- Pakhtakor once in their their only sight of goal was a The system achieved a great sports field in cooperation pions League quarter-final, last four. 78th minute effort from sub- success and an unparalleled with the International Olym- a record for their respective stitute Hojimat Erkinov that turnout, therefore, the Acad- pic Committee. The beginning nations, and both boasted was comfortably handled by emy decided to adopt it for was with the Arab Trainers mean defences, with Persepo- squared for Kasir who con- goalkeeper who many courses in order to pro- Program at the foundation lis conceding just once in their off, making it the first VAR-re- a pinpoint cross for Kasir who verted first time past Eldorbek ensured his Persepolis side are vide an opportunity for those level, and then the advanced last five games and Pakhtakor viewed red card in the history headed just wide. Suyunov to put Persepolis in through to the next round hav- wishing to join the course but level, in addition to the sports once in their last four. of the AFC Champions League After the break, coach the lead. ing not conceded in three con- unable to attend. psychologist preparation pro- Pakhtakor suffered a huge after the introduction of the looked Pakhtakor had a rare secutive matches. Executive Director of Qa- gram (in both theoretical and blow just 15 minutes into the technology at the quarter-final to take advantage of his side’s chance in the 63rd minute af- The result means Persepo- tar Olympic Academy Saif applied parts) in cooperation match when talisman Jalolid- stage of the competition. numerical superiority, piling ter Dragan Ceran capitalised lis face Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Mohammed Al Nuaimi un- with Qatar University. These din Masharipov saw straight Persepolis created the big- the pressure on Pakhtakor and on some sloppy passing at the in the semi-final on Saturday, derlined the keenness of the programs constituted a great red following a challenge on gest chance of the first half the plan yielded results with- back, snatching the ball and having faced their city rivals Al Academy on diversifying the and strong addition to those . with just seven minutes to the in four minutes as Hossein squaring for OdiljonKham- Hilal SFC at the same stage in agenda every year to contain working in the sports com- Jordanian referee Adham halftime whistle when left- Kanaani supplied a through robekov at the edge of the box 2017, losing 6-2 on aggregate. many programs that focus on munity and to preparing pro- Makhadmeh referred to VAR back Saeed Aghaei advanced pass for down to send an effort that was de- Scoreline: Persepolis 2 (Issa Al the benefit of the sports com- fessional sports cadres in all before sending Masharipov into the byline and delivered the right and the number 88 flected off the defender and Kasir 49’, 66’) bt Pakhtakor 0. munity and those interested sports disciplines. Al Nassr make first semis with win over Al Ahli SFC AFC Nassr an early opener. the far post for Al Hindi whose Doha The two players combined header missed the target. again in the 13th minute, with After weathering the early Al Nassr reached the AFC Al Ghannam dribbling his way storm, Al Nassr responded Champions League semi-final centrally and found Martinez clinically with right-back for the first time in their his- inside the box. The Argentin- Sultan Al Ghannam finding tory after a convincing 2-0 win ian midfielder showed nimble Asiri with a low cross and the over compatriots Al Ahli Saudi feet to pass his marker and winger controlling expertly FC at Jassim bin Hamad Sta- slot home his maiden goal in to evade his marker and fire dium on Wednesday. Al Nassr colours. in against his former club to Both teams went into the The Riyadh-based side make it 2-0. quarter-final game with their continued their dominance Al Ahli huffed and puffed strikers looking to extend per- and came close to doubling but did not get a clear-cut sonal scoring runs; Al Ahli’s their lead halfway through the chance until two minutes from Omar Al Soma had scored 10 opening 45 minutes when for- time when Al Soma got on the goals in his 10 league starts mer Al Ahli player Abdulfat- end of an Abdulrahman Gha- against Al Nassr, while Abd- tah Asiri cut inside from the reeb cross, beating goalkeeper erazzak Hamdallah was level right and unleashed a power- Brad Jones but hitting the with Shanghai SIPG’s Hulk ful effort that narrowly missed crossbar. in scoring in nine consecu- the target. Hamdallah’s pursuit of tive AFC Champions League Hamdallah missed a the continental record looked matches, and was hoping to golden opportunity at the destined for success when the make the record his. half-hour mark. The Moroc- Moroccan forward rounded Al Nassr started on the can striker latched onto a de- goalkeeper Al Owais following front foot and within 60 sec- fence-splitting Asiri pass to go a counter-attack and aimed onds they had created their through on goal before drill- his shot at the empty goal- first big chance as Khalid Al ing an effort that crept inches mouth, but Al Ahli left-back Ghannam advanced down the wide of the post. Lime emerged out of nowhere left, exchanged passes with Al Ahli came back from the to make a goal-line clearance, Pity Martinez, and chipped Al halftime break with desire to to keep the score at 2-0 at the Owais from close range, but find an equaliser, and came final whistle. Abdelbaset Al Hindi interfered close seven minutes after the Scoreline: Al Nassr 2 (Gonzalo at the last moment, producing Al Nassr players celebrate their 2-0 win over Al Ahli SFC in the AFC Champions League quarter-final at the at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on restart when Lucas Lima bent Nicolas Martinez 13’, Abdulfat- a goal line clearance to deny Al Wednesday. This the first time that Al Nassr have reached the semi-final of the tournament. a cross from a free-kick into tah Asiri 55’) bt Al Ahli SFC 0. 14 Thursday, October 1, 2020 Sports Bayern and rivals await Champions League draw

AFP “Health is the number one Paris priority but we want to bring hope,” said UEFA president Less than six weeks after Aleksander Ceferin. Bayern Munich won last He added: “Fans and play- season’s delayed final be- ers are the essential part of hind closed doors, the draw football.” for the group stage of this But with rules on large season’s Champions League gatherings varying consider- takes place on Thursday with ably from country to country, the threat of the coronavi- UEFA must decide how to rus pandemic again hanging approach the issue of crowds over the competition. attending games in the Cham- Bayern were crowned Eu- pions League and Europa ropean champions for the League, the draw for which is sixth time after beating Paris on Friday. Saint-Germain at an empty UEFA’s current stance Estadio da Luz in Lisbon in is that games will be behind August. closed doors “until further The surreal occasion rep- notice”. resented a triumph of sorts It has adapted its rules. In for UEFA. European football’s the face of travel restrictions, governing body succeeded in it will allow matches on neu- playing its flagship competi- tral territory. tion to a conclusion despite If a club suffers a Covid-19 the long shutdown caused by Both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (players seen above) will be in the first pot of seeds along outbreak, a game can go ahead the health crisis, but the final with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus, Porto, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Sevilla, the Europa League stage for the first time in quar- much of the jeopardy from the as long as each team has at rounds were not the same as winners, in the draw for the group stage of this season’s Champions League on Thursday. ter of a century. early games. least 13 fit players including with packed stadiums. A glamour group could one goalkeeper. “A game like this without instead moved it to its own The permutations clubs all in the second pot, look something like this: Liv- Pitfalls ahead The group stage starts supporters is not the football headquarters in Nyon, Swit- Both Bayern and PSG will be and Inter Milan, Atalanta, RB erpool, Barcelona, Inter and As the pandemic continues to on October 20, more than a that we know,” lamented Bay- zerland, where the draw will in the first pot of seeds along Leipzig and Marseille among Borussia Moenchengladbach. cast a shadow, it seems hard to month later than usual, and ern coach Hansi Flick. “Per- go ahead without guests. with Liverpool, Real Madrid, the lower seeds. But the excitement of the imagine the final going ahead all six rounds of games will be haps they can be back again in It is further evidence that, Juventus, Porto, Zenit Saint- Other names to look out draw will be quickly tempered. as scheduled in Istanbul next packed into eight weeks. the future.” after the battle to get last sea- Petersburg and Sevilla, the Eu- for include debutants like First, there is the reali- May in a full stadium. However, in the event of Thursday’s draw ceremony son finished, things are not ropa League winners. Turkish champions Istanbul sation that – even allowing UEFA has experimented more delays, UEFA has set will also see the best men’s about to return to normal in There is the prospect of Basaksehir and French side for the added challenges of a with the return of fans when January 28 as the deadline to and women’s player of last Europe yet, and virus cases are plenty of enticing match-ups, Rennes, as well as Hungary’s packed calendar this year – around 15,500 attended last complete the group stage. season crowned. rising again. with Barcelona, Atletico Ma- Ferencvaros, a great European almost all the leading clubs week’s Super Cup between Pitfalls lie ahead, but the UEFA had to ditch plans to But this time the football, drid, Chelsea, Borussia Dort- name in the 1960s and 1970s should make it through to Bayern and Sevilla in Budapest draw offers a brief return to stage the event in Athens and it seems, will go on. mund and both Manchester who are back in the group the last 16 anyway, removing in Hungary. something like normality.

Quick read Messi says he wants to ‘put Coach Arteta urges Arsenal to reach Liverpool’s level London: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta challenged his players on Wednesday to match the standards set by Liverpool when they face an end’ to Barcelona feuding the Premier League champions for the second time in four days. Arteta’s side were beaten 3-1 by the Reds in the league on Monday AFP “I have seen in these four and they return to Anfield on Thursday for a League Cup fourth Barcelona weeks that he lives for foot- round tie. Although the League Cup is not high on either side’s ball, even in training matches agenda, it would be another sign that the Gunners are heading in Lionel Messi called for “an he does everything to win and the right direction under Arteta if they can beat Jurgen Klopp’s side end” to arguments at Barce- I think that winning matches for the third time in their last four meetings. They took the lead lona as he urged unity at the is the remedy for Leo to be on Merseyside at the start of the week when Alexandre Lacazette club he tried to leave before happy in this team.” netted, only for Liverpool to hit back with goals from Sadio Mane, the season. Dest will offer competition Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota. The Barcelona captain at right-back after Semedo was Arsenal overcame Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield spoke to Barcelona newspa- sold to Wolves. “Sergino is do- in August and beat them in the Premier League at the end of last per Sport in an interview pub- If any of them is bothered ing his medical and still the season. Arteta believes Klopp’s men are English football’s gold lished online late on Tuesday. for a second by something contract has to be signed so un- standard at present and he wants his players to strive to follow “After so many disagree- I said or did, they should til he has signed, I prefer not to their example. “I am happy that we competed throughout the game ments, I would like to put an never doubt that I am give an opinion,” Koeman said. and I think there are a lot of things that we can do better - and we end to it,” said Messi. “But it’s almost certain will do better - and that’s going to help us so much in the process,” “We must unite all Barce- always thinking about that he will be here and then Arteta told Arsenal’s website. “We tried and they believed. That’s lona’s people and assume that what is best for the club. we will have a young full-back. what I asked of them before the game, to believe. “To play here the best is yet to come.” It’s also a matter of changing with character and to play our way and now we just accept that they Messi referred to his at- Lionel Messi things, having young players were better and that they are better at the moment and that we tempt to force Barcelona to for the future of this Barca.” have to improve. “This is the level that we have to reach. We will release him from the final year Koeman said the future of come back on Thursday and try to win again.” (AFP) of his contract after the disas- Ousmane Dembele, who has trous end to last season left the been linked with a move to club without a trophy. Manchester United before the Maccabi Haifa apologise over Kane video “I take responsibility for end of the transfer window, is London: Maccabi Haifa were forced to apologise to Tottenham on my mistakes, that, if they ex- Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi smiles during the Spanish league match against Villarreal CF not up to him. Wednesday after one of their players made an offensive comment isted, were only to make a at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) “The first thing to say is it’s about England captain Harry Kane in a social media video. Haifa de- better and stronger FC Barce- up to the club and the play- fender Mohammad Abu Fani posted a short clip last week in which lona,” said the Argentine. Messi’s happiness not in arez, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal has come out like that ask- er,” said Koeman. “While the he appeared to suggest Kane would be “on” his genitals when the “I wanted to send a mes- my hands: Koeman and Nelson Semedo all to leave ing us to be united,” Koeman player is with us, I am going two clubs meet in a Europa League play-off on Thursday. The Israeli sage to all the club members Meanwhile, Barcelona coach as they try to reduce the wage said in a press conference on to count on him. He has not side were celebrating a victory over FC Rostov in the Europa League and to all the fans. Ronald Koeman has said Li- bill and refresh their squad. Wednesday. played the last match because when the video was made. Maccabi Haifa chief executive Assaf Ben- “If any of them is both- onel Messi’s happiness is not Messi was forced to stay “This was very positive there are other players and Dov attended the pre-match press conference to say sorry ahead of ered for a second by some- in his hands but admits he was and expressed his disappoint- and hopefully everything will Ansu (Fati) has shown he is a the tie in north London. “I do not usually attend press conference thing I said or did, they pleased to hear the Argentine ment at the way Suarez was be a bit quieter than it has very good player for this team but this time I felt it necessary to speak up,” he said. “Following should never doubt that I am saying he wants to end his dis- pushed out to Atletico Madrid been recently.” so he has to wait for his chance the match in Rostov, Russia, one of our players (made an) inap- always thinking about what putes with the club. but in an interview with Diario Koeman was asked if he to play. propriate comment that does not respect Tottenham Hotspur player is best for the club.” Koeman also confirmed Sport published on Tuesday, thinks Messi is happy at Bar- “He was better physically Harry Kane. “Our club condemns such behaviour. We are a club that “Adding passion and de- Ajax defender Sergino Dest is the 33-year-old said he want- celona. “I don’t know if I have in the first few weeks, he had advocates the person before the player. I would like to take this op- sire will be the only way to “almost certain” to join Barca, ed to “put an end” to the “disa- that sort of thing in my hands. a little dip last week, but today portunity to apologise to Tottenham and Harry Kane, who we greatly achieve our objectives, always with the 19-year-old expected greements”. As a coach we have to look to he has trained well, so I want respect. We wish them a successful season, thank you very much.” united and pulling in the same to complete his medical on “I don’t know if after Mes- make a better team for him, to say I am counting on him.” Haifa manager Barak Bakhar claimed the video was not relevant, direction,” said Messi, who Wednesday before completing si’s words I will have a quiet where he can shine, and look Barcelona play away at saying: “This is not really the most important thing, the most impor- last Friday criticised the way the move. life as coach of Barcelona, I for a position in the team Celta Vigo on Thursday af- tant thing is the football and this is not something that is interesting Barcelona had let Luis Suarez The signing of Dest would don’t think so, there is always where he can deliver the best ter winning their opening La or relevant.” But Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho was aware of the go saying “the truth is nothing continue the shake-up at Barce- something, but of course it is performances that he has al- Liga game 4-0 against Villar- video and said several of his players were as well. (AFP) surprises me anymore.” lona, who have allowed Luis Su- very positive that the captain ways delivered for this club. real on Sunday. Mavi, Nagarkoti star in Kolkata Kinght Riders’ big win over Royals

AFP games for the two-time IPL selves with the ball and bat lot (from him). For all fast Dubai winners in the 2018 season was incredible.” bowlers around the world, before being sidelined with in- Kolkata, co-owned by Bol- Cummins is an extraordinary Indian quicks Shivam Mavi juries, returned figures of 2-20 lywood superstar Shah Rukh role model.” and Kamlesh Nagarkoti including the prized scalp of Khan, kept faith in their young Opener Shubman Gill top- Wednesday led Kolkata Knight Jos Buttler. pacemen and facilitated their scored with 47 and England’s Riders to a big IPL win after The 20-year-old Nagarkoti rehabilitation process. Eoin Morgan hit an unbeaten the franchise had persisted made his debut for Kolkata The young pace pair 34 to guide Kolkata to 174 for with the bowling duo through in their previous win against bowled alongside Australian six while batting first. injury layoffs since 2018. Sunrisers Hyderabad after paceman Pat Cummins – the The bowlers then com- Both Mavi and Nagarko- staying out of the cricket field most expensive foreign player bined to keep down Royals ti, who were brought by Kol- for more than a year due to a for the 2020 season with a to 137 for nine with spinner kata two years ago after an back injury. $2.17 million fee. Varun Chakravarthy also tak- eye catching performance “It’s a very special thing - Cummins, who was eco- ing two wickets. in India’s Under-19 World these boys, the journey they’ve nomical, returned figures of Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders Cup win, claimed two wick- gone through when not play- 1-13 in his three overs. 174 for 6 (Gill 47, Morgan 34*, ets each in the 37-run win ing,” Kolkata skipper Dinesh “A player like Cummins Archer 2-18) beat Rajasthan over Rajasthan Royals at Karthik said after his team’s around is a confidence boost- Royals 137 for 9 (Curran 54*, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium second successive win. er. He is so good with the Mavi 2-20, Nagarkoti 2-13, in Dubai. “And for them to just young kids,” said Karthik. Chakravarthy 2-25, Cummins Mavi, 21, who played nine come out and express them- Kolkata Knight Riders won by 37 runs. “The boys are learning a 1-13) by 37 runs. Sports Thursday, October 1, 2020 15 Qatar National Sprint Round 3 to be held on October 10th Tribune News Network the season before March but Doha when the COVID-19 restric- tions were applied by the gov- The Qatar Motor and Motor- ernment of Qatar, we quickly cycle Federation (QMMF) will halted our events,” he had hold the third round of the informed. Qatar National Sprint from “We want to complete the October 10 (Saturday), it was remaining part of the season, announced. seal the season with strict The QMMF had made it medical protocols announced known earlier that it was set to resume its domestic 2020 sea- son in October after the events The Schedule were brought to a sudden halt Qatar National Sprint Round 3 Tiger Touch on way to winning Prix Chateau Landon at Fontainebleau in France on Tuesday. (Pic: Scoopdyga) in March due to the coronavi- Saturday (October 10, 2020) rus (COVID-19) pandemic. 9-10:45am: Registration/Scrutineering Amro Al Hamad, QMMF’s 10:00 Hrs to 10:30am: Track Walk Al Shaqab Racing’s Tiger Touch opens Executive Director, had said 11am: Drivers’ Briefing the motorsport body was in 11:15am: Formation Lap touch with FIA (international 11:45am: Practice Run his scorecard at Fontainebleau automobile federation) and 1pm: 1st Official Run FIM (international motorcy- 2pm: 2nd Official Run Tribune News Network (Kamsin) set a moderate pace American Pharoah (Pioneerof cling federation) and will fol- 3pm: 3rd official Run Doha in the early stages, with Tiger The Nile), the American Tri- low the medical protocols put 4pm: Podium/Prize Giving. Touch just in behind before ple Crown hero. He is the first in place by both the world fed- Tiger Touch (American dropping back to fourth posi- runner of Osaila (Danehill erations and by the Qatar gov- The second round round of the Qatar National Sprint was held in Pharoah x Osaila), in the col- tion. The ground was declared Dancer), winner of five races, ernment before zeroing in on for everyone’s safety.” February after which QMMF events were brought to a sudden halt in ours of owner-breeder Al as soft and when Stephane including the Princess Marga- the resumption dates. As expected, the popular March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Shaqab Racing, landed his Pasquier asked Tiger Touch, ret Stakes (Gr3) and the Nell “We hope to resume the Qatar National Sprint champi- first victory in the Prix Cha- the Nicolas Clement-trained Gwyn Stakes (Gr3). season with the 2020 Qatar onship will see a large number category of the second round egory went to Mohamed Al teau Landon at Fontainebleau colt took his time to get into The third dam is the fa- National Sprint Champion- of participants. ahead of Fakhreddein Bejaoui Khayarin. on Tuesday. The 3-year-old his stride. He then took the ad- mous Detroit (Riverman). Af- ship, a series that is very popu- The Qatar National Sprint and Eli Daccashi. Qatar Motor and Motor- came into the race off a fourth vantage with ease before hold- ter her Qatar Prix de l’Arc de lar in Qatar. had a record participation of In the O2 category, Mo- cycle Federation president place against Stakes horses ing off a strong finish from Triomphe (Gr1) victory, she “The dates of the 2020 64 entries in the last round hamed Al Khayarin came first, Abdulrahman Al Mannai in a conditions race at Saint- Boy Davier (Soul City). Tiger produced Carnegie (Sadler’s Qatar National Sprint will staged in February. followed by Mohamed Al Basti had praised the strong level Cloud on 31 August. Touch won by a head. Wells), himself a winner of the be announced in the coming Abdulaziz Al Jabri had and Mohaed Al Delaimi. The of competition in second At Fontainebleau, ZARYA Tiger Touch is a son of best turf race in the world. weeks. We wanted to complete emerged victorious in the O1 top three places in the O3 cat- round of the championships.

Family matters Ukraine’s Elina Korda, Ruud Svitolina celebrates and Gomez play Injured Serena withdraws after winning against generation game Mexico’s Renata Zarazua at the hen Sebastian Korda French Open in Paris reached the Roland Gar- on Wednesday. (AFP) Wros last 32 on Wednes- from French Open as day, the first calls of congratula- tion came from four people who all know about winning. On the line were father Petr, a former world number two who Nadal, Halep cruise won the in 1998 Roland Garros star and was a runner-up in Paris six years earlier. AFP His mother Regina Rajchrtova, Paris thought ‘something a former top 30 WTA player, also took the Serena Williams suffered phone from another blow in her bid for a bad happened’ with their home in 24th Grand Slam title as the Florida. American withdrew from the Then there French Open on Wednesday jet’s sonic boom were his golf with an Achilles injury, while pro sisters 12-time champion Rafael Na- AFP plane, so it was very strange, Sebastian Korda. Nelly and Jes- dal and women’s top seed Paris very loud, like something big sica, respec- Simona Halep eased into the dropped.” tively the world number two and third round. Ukraine tennis star Elina The noise, which was 22 on the LPGA rankings. The 39-year-old Williams, Svitolina said she thought heard all over the city and “They watched the whole match. a three-time winner at Roland “something bad had hap- neighbouring suburbs and My sisters, as well,” said 20-year- Garros, pulled out ahead of her pened” when a French fighter shook windows, rattled Paris- old Korda after knocking out 21st- second round match against jet flew over Roland Garros ians already on edge after a seeded compatriot John Isner 6-4, Tsvetana Pironkova citing the on Wednesday, breaking the knife attack outside the for- 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. “Everybody is pretty injury that prompted her to sound barrier. mer offices of satirical weekly hyped up right now.” skip the Rome tune-up event. The thunderous noise that Charlie Hebdo last week that Korda took up tennis at the age “The Achilles didn’t have panicked residents of Paris was the government has called an of eight. In January 2018, he enough time to heal after the caused by the sonic boom, po- act of terror. claimed the Australian Open boys US Open,” said Williams, who lice in the French capital said. Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 title and took the world junior admitted last week she was The military said the jet champion, shrugged off the number one ranking. Until this not fully fit after her run to the Serena Williams handed a walk over to Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova during their women’s singles second had been scrambled to go to incident as he was on his way week, he had never won a main semi-finals in New York. round of The Roland Garros tennis tournament in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) the aid of another aircraft to defeating Dominik Koepfer draw match at the Slams but after “I’m struggling to walk, so that had lost radio contact, of Germany 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 coming through qualifying he went that’s kind of a telltale sign three set points to close out and was authorised to travel on Court Suzanne Lenglen. on to knock out Italian veteran that I should try to recover.” the match. at supersonic speed. “I was shocked like Andreas Seppi in his opener. The injury likely means The Austrian third seed “Yeah, I heard it. I was a everybody. For sure, we asked “My dad is a really big help, he she will miss the rest of 2020, will play Norway’s Casper bit worried because I thought the umpire to let me know oversees everything,” Korda, leaving the Australian Open Ruud for a place in the last 16. something bad happened,” said what was it. Everybody had who stands at 6ft 5in (1.96m) in 2021 as her next chance to “I’m very happy with my Svitolina after defeating Mex- the answer quite early, so was said after his first round win. “He equal Margaret Court’s all- game in the first two rounds. It ico’s Renata Zarazua 6-3, 0-6, all good,” said the 35-year-old doesn’t really travel with me that time majors record. was not an easy draw at all and 6-2 on the tournament’s show- Swiss. much, but we’re always in contact “I need four to six weeks of I’m very happy not to drop a piece Court Philippe Chatrier. Koepfer added: “It was like and whenever I’m home we’re al- sitting and doing nothing,” she set,” said Thiem, who defeated “I looked at the chair um- some microphone that some- ways on the court together. “He’s said. “It’s more than likely that 2014 US Open winner Marin pire. He was little bit shocked one dropped. It was a weird a really big help and I don’t think I won’t play another tourna- Cilic in round one. as well because you never feeling. For one or two points I would be anywhere near where I ment this year.” Sixth seed Alexander know these days what can I thought about it. Nobody am right now without him.” Her decision to pull out Zverev was taken the distance happen, what’s going on. freaked out, so I wasn’t too Korda, ranked 213 in the world, handed Pironkova a walkover by home hope Pierre-Hugues “Yeah, it was the air- worried, to be honest.” earned glowing tributes from Is- and left Williams searching Herbert but advanced 2-6, ner. “Good to see him having suc- for a first major since the last A woman wears a protective face mask and sits next to a Spanish 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4. cess. That’s a very, very athletic of her 23 titles at Melbourne national flag both reading a supporting message for Spain’s Rafael Dutch fifth seed Kiki family, no doubt about that.” in 2017. Nadal as she attends the men’s singles second round match between Bertens had to be taken off Korda is not the only son of a “I always give 100 percent, Nadal and Mackenzie McDonald of the US on Day 4 of the French court in a wheelchair after a Results tennis playing father at Roland everyone knows that. Maybe Open in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) tetchy win over former finalist Men Singles 2nd Round Garros this year. Norway’s Casper even more than 100 if that’s Sara Errani. Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) bt Alexander Bublik (KAZ) 7-6 (10/8), 6-1, 7-5; Taylor Fritz (USA x27) bt Radu Ruud, seeded 28, also made the possible. I take solace in that,” his title at a tournament post- However, her next oppo- Bertens triumphed 7-6 Albot (MDA) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4; Norbert Gombos (SVK) bt Jurij Rodionov (AUT) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4; third round on Wednesday, seeing she told reporters. poned four months by the nent is American 25th seed (7/5), 3-6, 9-7 in a three-hour Diego Schwartzman (ARG x12) bt Lorenzo Giustino (ITA) 6-1, 7-5, 6-0; Stan Wawrinka (SUI x16) bt off Tommy Paul of the US 6-1, “I think the Achilles is a coronavirus pandemic as his Amanda Anisimova, the teen- 11-minute clash which left her Dominik Koepfer (GER) 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1; Hugo Gaston (FRA) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-4, 7-6 1-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Last year at the real injury that you don’t want toughest yet. ager who dumped Halep out in cramps and Italian Errani (7/4), 3-6, 6-2; Casper Ruud (NOR x28) bt Tommy Paul (USA) 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3; Dominic tournament, Ruud was beaten in Thiem (AUT x3) bt Jack Sock (USA) 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6); Alexander Zverev (GER x6) bt Pierre-Hugues to play with because that is not “When you win like today in straight sets in last year’s screaming an obscenity as she Herbert (FRA) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4; Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) the last 32 by Roger Federer who good if it gets worse.” it’s not bad, it means you don’t quarter-finals. left the court. 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2; Federico Coria (ARG) bt Benoit Paire (FRA x23) 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; Pedro had also played at the 1999 tour- Nadal looked in ominous make many mistakes and “I remember the match “After one hour, she’s in- Martinez (ESP) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-3, 6-1, 6-0; Sebastian Korda (USA) bt John Isner (USA nament which featured Christian form as he stepped up his pur- manage to make a difference,” from last year, I remember jured but then she’s running x21) 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4; Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN) 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 4-6, 6-2; Ruud – Casper’s father. suit of Roger Federer’s 20 ma- he added. also that I didn’t play what around like never before,” said Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Mackenzie McDonald (USA) 6-1, 6-0, 6-3. Christian reached the third round jor titles with a crushing win The 34-year-old needs one I wanted, so I will do some Errani. “It made me very an- that year when Casper was just over 236th-ranked American more major to pull level with changes and I will just try to gry.” Women Singles 2nd Round five months old. Like Korda, Mackenzie McDonald. long-time rival Federer and play better and to take my Bertens hit back at Errani Simona Halep (ROU x1) bt Irina Begu (ROU) 6-3, 6-4; Amanda Anisimova (USA x25) bt Bernarda Emilio Gomez of Ecuador came The Spaniard batted aside owns an astonishing 95-2 re- chance,” said Halep. who she said had squandered Pera (USA) 6-2, 6-0; Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3; Iga Swiatek through qualifying for a first ap- McDonald 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 and cord in Paris going back to his a series of opportunities to (POL) bt Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 6-1, 6-4; Maria Sakkari (GRE x20) bt Kamilla Rakhimova (RUS) 7-6 (7/0), 6-2; Katerina Siniakova (CZE) bt (RUS) 6-3, 6-4; Kiki Bertens pearance in the main draw of a Bertens wins stormy will meet Stefano Travaglia of triumph on debut in 2005. wrap up the tie. (NED x5) bt Sara Errani (ITA) 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 9-7; Elina Svitolina (UKR x3) bt Renata Zarazua (MEX) Slam. However, he fell to Lorenzo Italy for a spot in the last 16. Women’s favourite and Errani tussle “She can say whatever 6-3, 0-6, 6-2; (RUS x27) bt Astra Sharma (AUS) 6-3, 6-3; Caroline Garcia Sonego of Italy in the 1st round of “Today was not that cold, 2018 champion Simona Halep US Open champion Dominic she feels like and if I was (FRA) bt Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2; Elise Mertens (BEL x16) bt Kaia Kanepi (EST) an event which his father, An- so that’s the main thing. Not beat compatriot Irina-Camelia Thiem swept into the third (faking) then maybe I should 6-4, 7-5; Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK) bt Victoria Azarenka (BLR x10) 6-2, 6-2; Nadia dres, won in 1990 beating Andre that cold, the conditions are Begu 6-3, 6-4 to extend her round with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 take up acting classes – I am Podoroska (ARG) bt Yulia Putintseva (KAZ x23) 6-3, 1-6, 6-2; Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) bt Barbora Agassi in the final.(AFP) not that bad,” said Nadal, who career-best winning streak to (8/6) victory over American not sure what she was think- Strycova (CZE x32) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3; Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt Serena Williams (USA x6) walkover. has described the defence of 16 matches. qualifier Jack Sock, saving ing,” said Bertens.