CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 RUGBY | Page 7 Smith England do channels enough to Barry Bonds in subdue Wales, quickfi re ton secure top spot

Sunday, November 29, 2020 FOOTBALL Rabia II 14, 1442 AH Lewandowski hits GULF TIMES 15th goal of season as Bayern stay top SPORT Page 3 BASKETBALL Saad shines as Qatar beat Syria in Asian Cup qualifi er

By Sports Reporter campaign for the continental inched their way up and began two free throws with just fi ve Doha championship next year. to take charge. seconds remaining. Fortunes fl uctuated rapidly And sure enough they turned Mustafa Fouda and Abdel- at the Al Gharafa Sports Club the tide with a 27-point eff ort in rehman Yehia had 10 points bdulrahman Mo- yesterday with Qatar narrowly the fi nal 10 minutes, while re- each for Qatar, while Syria’s Kell hamed Saad scored claiming the honours after the stricting the visitors to just 14. top-scored in the match with 35 23 points and Babacar fi rst quarter (20-18). Qatar took the lead in the fi - points to bag individual honours. Dieng chipped in with But Syria, aided by the bril- nal quarter for the fi rst time Qatar will take on Iran to- A16 as Qatar edged past Syria 79- liant George Earl Kell, fought with three minutes and nine morrow. 72 in their Asian Cup qualifi er back gallantly to ensure they seconds on the clock when yesterday. stayed ahead for most of the Nedim Muslic made two suc- Qatar, who are hosting Group time after that. cessful free throws to put the Qatar’s Abdulrahman Mohamed E of the qualifi ers, were bottom of The Syrians were 37-33 ahead hosts ahead 70-68. Saad (right) in action during the the table having lost their previ- after the second quarter and led From then on Qatar never lost Asian Cup basketball qualifier ous two matches, but yesterday’s 58-52 after the third but the Qa- their advantage and sealed the against Syria at Al Gharafa success helped them revive their taris were not done with as they match when Sadd converted Sports Club yesterday.

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Guangzhou keep campaign on track with win over Kobe Shanghai SIPG edges past Yokohama 2-1 to end the Japanese side’s three-game winning streak in the competition

Shanghai SIPG’s Ricardo Lopes (left) vies for the ball with Yokohama F Marinos’ Makito Ito during their AFC Champions League Group H match at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. (Reuters)

went just wide of the far past af- score,” said Miura. ter he had got past two defenders. Meanwhile in Group H, Shang- Cannavaro was breathing easy hai SIPG edged past Yokohama F. after the win. Mariners 2-1 to end the Japanese “We started very well and did side’s three-game winning streak well in the fi rst half. Anderson in the competition. Talisca scored and everyone was Shanghai had lost their fi rst happy,” the Italian said. clash against Yokohama on “I am not so happy about our Wednesday but made good of the Guangzhou Evergrande’s Ai Kesen (left) scores off a free kick during the AFC Champions League Group G match at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil second half performance because limited opportunities that came we controlled the game and only their way yesterday to go level on Agencies just three days ago and put them- second spot in Group G with four the continental competition. Yihao also saw his eff ort saved looked to see it through because points although the Mariners are Doha selves in contention for a spot in points, two behind Vissel Kobe. They had lost four of their past by Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Hiroki 2-0 can be sometimes a small and ahead on goal diff erence. the round of 16. The Japanese side had already six games against Japanese outfi ts Iikura. risky margin. Cai Huikang gave Shanghai Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro qualifi ed after two wins from as and knew full well another defeat Iikura, however, couldn’t keep “However, I am happy for the the lead in the 14th minute with a hinese giants had been at his wit’s end with his many matches after their group yesterday would have severely out a free-kick from Ai Kesen as players because winning the header from close following a cor- Guangzhou Evergrande team’s inability to crack open ri- was left with only three teams compromised their chances of Guangzhou increased their lead game can give you a lot of con- ner but their advantage was short- snapped a seven-game val defences, conceding he didn’t following the withdrawal of Ma- making the round of 16. in the 38th minute. fi dence. Now we have one more lived as Ado Onaiwu restored par- winless streak in the have an explanation as to what laysian outfi t Johor Darul Ta’zim. Guangzhou established con- Vissel Kobe managed to put game, so let’s go!” ity in the 21st with a shot from the AsianC Champions League with was wrong with them. Guangzhou, who won the Chi- trol over the match early yester- pressure on Guangzhou in the His Vissel Kobe counterpart edge of the six-yard box. a 2-0 victory over Japan’s Vissel But his strong words at press nese Super League eight times in day and went ahead in the 17th fi nal 15 minutes of the game, but Atsuhiro Miura regretted the fact Ricardo Lopes’ 55th minute Kobe yesterday. conferences - and probably in a 10-year period starting 2011 - minute with a perfectly taken Andres Iniesta saw his shot saved his team didn’t score. striker from a through pass by First-half goals from Brazilians the dressing room, too - fi nally they were also runners up when penalty by Talisca after he was while Douglas headed the ball “It was a very tough game, we Oscar put Shanghai ahead again Anderson Talisca and Ai Kesen seemed to have their desired eff ect they didn’t win the tournament fouled by Hirofumi Watanabe. just over the bar. conceded twice in the fi rst half, and Vitor Periera’s men hung on were enough for Guangzhou to as the 2013 and 2015 winners broke in 2018 and 2020, also had a poor Talisca went on to miss two Ai Kesen almost got his second but then signifi cantly improved to it for their third win in four avenge their defeat to Vissel Kobe their long-standing jinx to jump to record against Japanese teams in chances after that and Zhong goal late in the match but his shot after the break but could not matches. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 29, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SERIE A Reeling Inter end Liverpool left Sassuolo’s unbeaten start, Juventus held

AFP “But to grow you have to fall and Milan have days like this.” Lukaku and Young came on in place of Lautaro and Sanchez frustrated as Man nter Milan powered back for the fi nal 10 minutes, with the from their midweek Cham- Belgian forward having a goal pions League defeat by ruled off side. Conte also brought Real Madrid to sweep aside on Christian Eriksen, who looks Ihigh-fl ying Sassuolo 3-0 yes- set to leave Inter in January after terday and move second in Serie just one year. The Danish mid- A. Antonio Conte’s side are on fi elder came on for Ivan Perisic the brink of elimination from for the fi nal fi ve minutes, his fi rst City click into gear the elite European competition, game in over a month. but infl icted this season’s fi rst A minute’s silence was ob- defeat on Sassuolo at the Mapei served before the game for Diego Stadium. Maradona with a photo of the Gross’s stoppage-time penalty salvaged a point for Brighton against the champions Inter move second ahead of former Argentina and Napoli star Sassuolo, with both teams on also projected on giant screens in 18 points after nine games, two the 10th minute of all matches in points behind league leaders AC Italy. Milan who host Fiorentina to- Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata day. Serie A titleholders Juven- gave Juventus a 21st-minute lead tus were held to a 1-1 draw away but was sent off as tempers aredfl to promoted side Benevento, at the end of a niggly second half. their fi fth draw in nine league Gaetano Letizia rifl ed in Ben- games this season, after resting evento’s equaliser in fi rst-half their talismanic forward Cris- stoppage time. tiano Ronaldo. The Turin side are Juve’s performance raised fi fth with 17 points, three behind more questions about the team’s leaders Milan. Benevento are in dependence on 35-year-old Ro- midtable with 10 points. naldo who is their leading scorer Inter’s top scorer Romelu Lu- in Serie A with eight goals despite kaku started on the bench along having played only fi ve matches. with Ashley Young, with Sassuo- Although they are still unbeat- lo without their star strike Franc- en in Serie A, Juve have yet to win esco Caputo. Sanchez opened a league game this season with- the scoring with his second goal out Ronaldo and their perform- in as many league matches in the ances have been laboured. fourth minute, following good Former Italy and AC Milan work from Lautaro Martinez and team mates Filippo Inzaghi and poor defending from Sassuolo’s Andrea Pirlo, coaches of Bene- Vlad Chiriches. vento and Juventus respectively, It was a nightmare match faced each other on the touchline for Chiriches who 10 minutes for the fi rst time. later accidently turned a pow- erful Arturo Vidal centre into SERIE A RESULTS his own net, with the Romanian Sassuolo 0 Inter Milan 3 later limping off with a muscular (Sanchez 4, Chiriches 14-og, problem. Filip Djuricic missed a Gagliardini 60); Benevento 1 chance to pull the hosts back into the game, rattling the woodwork (Letizia 45+3) Juventus 1 (Alvaro after 21 minutes. Morata 21) Roberto Gagliardini added a Playing today (all times GMT): third just before the hour mark, Lazio v Udinese (1130), Bologna sealing a win that will boost Inter v Crotone, AC Milan v Fiorentina Brighton’s Danny Welbeck (left) vies for the ball with Liverpool’s Fabinho during the Premier League match in Brighton, southern England, yesterday. (AFP) before Tuesday’s European trip (both 1400), Cagliari v Spezia to Borussia Moenchengladbach. (1700), Napoli v Roma (1945) Klopp named Neco Williams and pleted the scoring and his hat-trick. Vic- dragged a big chance wide for Everton “Two goals down Inter after 13 AFP Tomorrow: Torino v Sampdoria Nathaniel Phillips in a makeshift back tory propelled City to within six points early in the second-half. But it was Leeds minutes it gets tough,” said Sas- London (1700), Genoa v Parma (1945) four and Brighton took advantage when of Liverpool at the top of the table with a who had the majority of the chances as suolo coach Roberto De Zerbi. Williams wiped out Aaron Connolly for game in hand still to come. Jordan Pickford made a brilliant save to urgen Klopp again fumed at a Brighton’s fi rst spot-kick, but Neal Mau- “It’s important for us to score goals deny Patrick Bamford, while Raphinha “dangerous” schedule as Liverpool pay sent it wide. and keep going,” said Guardiola, who will and Jack Harrison failed to hit the target had two goals disallowed and con- Mohamed Salah was then denied an hope a favourable run of fi xtures over the with clear openings. ceded two penalties in a 1-1 draw opener by VAR for off side but the Egyp- next month can haul his side back into the Raphinha fi nally made the break- atJ Brighton, while Man City clicked back tian teed up Diogo Jota to keep his fl ying title race. Sergio Aguero was not involved through when he arrowed a low left-foot- into gear with a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley. start to life at Liverpool going with a fi ne for City, but Guardiola confi rmed that ed shot beyond Pickford from 25 yards to Liverpool edged back to the top of fi nish on the hour mark. was due to a small injury problem rather move Marcelo Bielsa’s men up to 11th. A the Premier League table, a point ahead Sadio Mane had a second for the visi- than his close family connection to Diego fourth defeat in fi ve games leaves Everton of Tottenham, but were left frustrated tors ruled out for off side before another Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednes- still in sixth. by Pascal Gross’s stoppage-time pen- VAR review went against Liverpool when day. Aguero was previously married to alty which salvaged a point for Brighton. Andy Robertson was adjudged to have and had a child with Maradona’s daugh- PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS ter Giannina. Klopp had voiced his displeasure all week kicked Danny Welbeck trying to clear. Brighton 1 (Gross 90-pen) Liverpool 1 at facing a lunchtime kick-off just three This time Gross took responsibility from Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti was (Jota 60); Manchester City 5 (Mahrez 6, days after a Champions League defeat to the spot and sent Alisson Becker the reduced to tears before his side’s 1-0 22, 69, Mendy 41, Torres 66) Burnley 0; Atalanta. wrong way. City shrugged off their prob- loss to Leeds as respects were paid to Already hit by a huge list of injuries, the lems in front of goal by hitting fi ve past Maradona before all Premier League Everton 0 Leeds 1 (Raphinha 79) Reds suff ered another setback when James Burnley for the fourth consecutive clash games this weekend with a minute’s Playing today (all times GMT): Milner had to be replaced with a hamstring between the two at the Etihad. Pep Guar- applause. An enthralling 90 min- Southampton v Manchester United problem in the second-half. “Congratula- diola’s men had scored just seven goals in utes followed at Goodison Park with (1400), Chelsea v Tottenham (1630), tions,” Klopp said sarcastically to a televi- their previous seven league games, but chances aplenty for both sides despite Arsenal v Wolves (1915) sion reporter for BT Sport. “You work for Riyad Mahrez’s early double opened the just one goal, scored by Raphinha 11 Playing tomorrow: Leicester v Fulham fl oodgates. minutes from time. them yeah? Hamstring, surprise. I’ve not (1730), West Ham v Aston Villa (2000) had a go at the broadcaster, I just say how Benjamin Mendy made it 3-0 before James Rodriguez and Richarlison had it is. After Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 is re- half-time and Ferran Torres got his fi rst goals ruled out for off side before the Played Friday: Crystal Palace 0 Newcas- Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring against Sassuolo ally dangerous for the players.” Premier League goal before Mahrez com- break, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin tle 2 (Wilson 88, Joelinton 89) in the Serie A yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT LIGUE 1 Marseille bounce Maradona’s death may trigger family inheritance battle back from AFP own football team. It threatens to make Buenos Aires the task of distributing his inheritance a Champions complicated one for his lawyer Matias Morla. The football icon has been forced League struggles iego Maradona’s tormented to acknowledge three children over the private life, with its tangled years, including Diego Junior, born a few AFP relationships and paternity months before Dalma. Marseille suits, suggests distributing his Conceived with Italian singer Cris- inheritanceD will be a complex task for tiana Sinagra, and born in 1986, months lawyers bracing for claims from a slew after he captained Argentina to World arseille put their hu- of children — those he recognised and Cup glory in Mexico, it took Maradona miliating losing run those he didn’t. 29 years to acknowledge his paternity. in the Champions “There’s going to be a big fi ght. Ill with Covid-19, Diego Junior was un- League to one side He didn’t leave a will,” according to a able to travel from Italy to his father’s Mas Florian Thauvin and Dimitri source close to the family who declined funeral. Payet were among the scorers in to be named. Maradona made and wast- In 2008, the football legend recog- a 3-1 win over Nantes in Ligue 1 ed millions over his years at the pinna- nized Jana, born in 1996 to her mother yesterday. Thauvin lobbed over cle of his fame with Barcelona, Napoli Valeria Sabalain, the former girlfriend the advancing goalkeeper and in and Argentina, and he also made some he was closest to during the last months for the opener inside two min- shrewd investments. of his life. Another son Diego Ojeda was utes at the Velodrome, and Payet Some reports circulating since his born in 2013 from his relationship with side-footed in the second for his death estimate his estate at around ex-girlfriend Veronica Ojeda. 50th goal in a Marseille shirt. $90mn. Angered over a dispute with his But others have staked paternity Dario Benedetto made it three daughter Giannina last year, he threat- claims against Maradona, including ac- from a penalty in the second half ened to donate all his wealth, including cording to his lawyer, at least three in before Ludovic Blas pulled a goal properties, luxury cars and sponsorship Cuba where Maradona spent years in a back for Nantes, who continue to contracts, to charity. drug rehabilitation program. Spats be- languish in the lower reaches of “I know that now, as you get older, tween the ex-partners and Maradona’s the table. It was a fourth straight people are more concerned about what The daughters of the late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, Dalma (left) and Giannina, leave the Casa Rosada children have been a recurring theme of Ligue 1 victory for Marseille, in you leave behind than what you are presidential palace at the end of their father’s wake in Buenos Aires on Thursday. (AFP) his life and have been given a full airing stark contrast to their European doing,” he was quoted as saying at the on social media and Argentine televi- form. They move provision- time. “And I tell them all that I’m not to the spouse or off spring of the de- October, Giannina lauding him in a se- Claudia Villafane was Maradona’s sion channels. ally up to third in the table, and going to leave them anything, that I’m ceased. ries of aff ectionate messages posted on childhood sweetheart since the age of His eldest daughters and their moth- continue to have games in hand going to give it all away. Everything I’ve Giannina, 31, had sparked the row by social media with her sister Dalma. 15. His only wife, they divorced in 2003. er appeared to be the ones in control on the sides around them. An- got in my life I’m going to give away,” he accusing the former star’s entourage of “He is my great example of all the Their two daughters, Dalma, 33 and Gi- of the funeral arrangements on Thurs- dre Villas-Boas’s team suff ered said. not taking proper care of him, which things to do and all the things not to do. annina — were the only children he rec- day. However, the World Cup winner a Champions League record 13th Under Argentine law, however, a per- seems to have been a recurring theme of I have admired him, yesterday, today ognised for many years. was in a legal dispute with his ex-wife straight defeat in the competi- son can only give away a fi fth of their their relationship. Father and daughter and always. He taught me to forgive, to But there were others, spawning the over ownership of hundreds of items of tion in midweek when they went assets. At least two-thirds must be left had reconciled by his 60th birthday in forgive myself,” Gianinna wrote. joke that Maradona had fathered his memorabilia from his career. down 2-0 at home to Porto. Gulf Times Sunday, November 29, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Lewandowski hits 15th goal of season as Bayern stay top Dortmund are third, four points behind Bayern, after crashing to a shock 2-1 home defeat against Cologne

AFP superb pass by 18-year-old Lazar Sa- Berlin mardzic split the Bielefeld defence. Just 60 seconds after coming off the bench, forward Christopher Nkunku netted obert Lewandowski claimed Leipzig’s second goal early in the sec- his 15th goal this season in all ond half. competitions as Bundesliga Much to Nagelsmann’s annoyance, leaders Bayern Munich came second-from-bottom Bielefeld fi n- fromR behind to claim a 3-1 win at Stutt- ished the stronger. Their captain Fabian gart yesterday. Stuttgart striker Tan- Klos pulled a goal back, just after Leip- guy Coulibaly, 19, fi red the hosts into zig striker Alexander Sorloth had his a shock early lead after a cross caught penalty attempt saved on 73 minutes. Bayern centre-backs David Alaba and Union Berlin are sixth after their ac- Jerome Boateng napping. tion-packed 3-3 draw at home to Ein- Kingsley Coman equalised with tracht Frankfurt. Max Kruse converted a superb low fi nish before Lewand- a penalty as Union raced into an early owski drilled home from 20 metres to 2-0 lead, only for Portugal forward An- put Bayern 2-1 up at the break. Brazil dre Silva to net twice as Frankfurt led winger Douglas Costa, a second-half 3-2 late on. replacement for Coman, grabbed Bay- Former Germany striker Kruse, 32, ern’s late third goal to seal a win which bagged a superb strike to claim his sixth leaves the holders two points clear of goal in nine games to equalise just be- RB Leipzig. fore the whistle. Freiburg are winless in Bayern coach Hansi Flick admitted their last eight games after a 1-1 draw at the dense fi xture list is taking a toll on Augsburg. his team who qualifi ed for the last 16 Wolfsburg are fi fth after their 5-3 win of the Champions League in midweek over Werder Bremen on Friday. Dutch as group winners with two games to striker Wout Weghorst struck twice for go. “I’m happy with the result – we all Wolfsburg while Bremen had goalscor- know that it’s not easy to play every er Kevin Moehwald sent off for a second three days and I know we can play bet- booking. ter,” said Flick. Bayern face Atletico Madrid away BUNDESLIGA RESULTS on Tuesday in Europe. Flick is waiting Borussia Dortmund 1 (Hazard 74) on Boateng, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Cologne 2 (Skhiri 9, 60); RB Leipzig Hernandez and Javi Martinez who all picked up knocks against Stuttgart. 2 (Angelino 29, Nkunku 47) Arminia Dortmund are third, four points be- Bielefeld 1 (Klos 75); Union Berlin 3 hind Bayern, after crashing to a shock (Andrich 2, Kruse 6-pen, 82) Eintracht 2-1 home defeat against Cologne, who Frankfurt 3 (Silva 27, 37, Dost 79); Augs- ended an 18-match winless run. Tu- burg 1 (Vargas 80) Freiburg 1 (Grifo nisia midfi elder Ellyes Skhiri tapped 64); Stuttgart 1 (Coulibaly 20) Bayern in both Cologne goals from corners by Munich 3 (Coman 38, Lewandowski ex-Dortmund winger Marius Wolf after 45+1, Costa 87) being left unmarked. Playing today: Bayer Leverkusen v With Dortmund 2-0 down on 60 Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton (centre) and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (right) vie for the ball during the Bundesliga match yesterday. (AFP) Hertha Berlin (1430), Mainz v Hoff en- minutes, coach Lucien Favre brought heim (1700) on three forwards – 16-year-old sen- After scoring six goals in his previ- on for their fi rst win in Dortmund since enough movement.” “worst performance this season”. “We sation Youssoufa Moukoko, Giovanni ous two games, Dortmund striker Er- 1991. “Cologne were very well organ- Leipzig climbed to second after a let fi ve of six clear chances go begging,” Played Friday Wolfsburg 5 (Baku 22, Reyna and Thorgan Hazard. Reyna, 18, ling Braut Haaland was held in check, ised and we weren’t patient enough,” 2-1 home win over plucky strugglers he added. Brooks 25, Weghorst 37, 76, Bialek set up Hazard to pull a goal back, but it squandering a golden chance to equal- said Dortmund boss Favre. “We need- Arminia Bielefeld. Leipzig head coach Manchester City loanee Angelino 90+5) Werder Bremen 3 (Bittencourt was too little, too late. ise just before the whistle. Cologne held ed a bit more tempo and there wasn’t Julian Nagelsmann described it as their gave Leipzig a fi rst-half lead after a 13, Moehwald 35, Brooks 47-pen)

LA LIGA Blatter, Platini probe shift s to fraud accusation Lausanne: Former FIFA president Sepp embezzlement and forgery”. The Swiss removed from off ice in 2015 after 17 years Own goal gives dominant Blatter and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini Public Ministry of the Confederation (MPC) at the head of FIFA. Football’s world gov- are now being investigated for “fraud” and in Bern has the power to use further legal erning body has been rocked by a number “breach of trust” in Switzerland, a source manoeuvres to call for the sum to be paid. of scandals over the last decade. with access to the probe said on Friday. Platini’s entourage said the Swiss In October, former FIFA number two Atletico sixth straight win The former power brokers of world prosecutors were “maintaining this five- Jerome Valcke was handed a suspended football were originally part of a legal year-old case artificially by widening the 120-day sentence and fined 1.65mn euros procedure opened in 2015 over a 2011 accusations”. FIFA deemed the payment ($1.92mn) by a Swiss court over the alloca- payment to Platini of 2mn Swiss francs. The authorised by Blatter a “disloyal payment” tion of World Cup TV rights. It was the first Swiss prosecutors have decided to change and suspended Blatter and Platini from all judgement handed down in Switzerland, the focus of their investigation, the same football-related activities, which prevented the seat of most international sports source said. Former Juventus and France the former UEFA chief from running for organisations, in the 20 or so proceedings midfielder Platini received the payment another term as president in 2016. opened in the last five years involving FIFA. from FIFA for advisory work completed in In a statement, Blatter said: “I have done Two former Latin American football leaders 2002. Prosecutors are investigating on sus- nothing wrong in making back payments have been jailed in the United States over picion of “complicity in unfair management, based on a joint agreement.” Blatter was their role in corruption.

SPOTLIGHT

Valencia’s Eliaquim Mangala (right) and Toni Lato (bottom) Barca coach Koeman hopes to see vie for the ball with Atletico Madrid’s Vitolo during the La Liga match at the Mestalla stadium revitalised Messi against Osasuna in Valencia yesterday. (AFP) Reuters day’s game, adding that his side are benefi t- Barcelona ing from opponents being more open in the Champions League than in La Liga. Reuters goalkeeper which says a lot about came closest to scoring but saw “It’s diffi cult to explain what is happen- Valencia what happened in the game,” said his shot beaten away by Atleti arcelona coach Ronald Koeman said ing. In La Liga we are struggling against Atletico coach Simeone, who keeper Jan Oblak, who also had he hoped Lionel Messi will have teams who are more tight in defence, while was visibly emotional during the to react quickly to catch a header reaped the benefi ts of being rested in Europe teams are playing with more free- tletico Madrid were minute’s silence before the game from his own team mate Lemar to in mid-week when his side host Os- dom and we fi nd it easier to dominate games rewarded for their de- in tribute to his old friend Diego prevent an own goal. asunaB today, bidding to revive their troubled that way. “But I think we’ve also not de- termination when they Maradona. “We felt very good Atletico, still missing Luis start to the La Liga season. served to drop so many points in the league.” snatched a 1-0 win at today, we played in their half for Suarez due to Covid-19 and Di- Messi, who has looked far from his usual ValenciaA thanks to a late own long periods and got very close to ego Costa with a muscle injury, best for most of the season and was poor in BARCA PLAYERS SET FOR 122 goal to go level on points with La scoring before we did. Winning turned to 126-million-euro for- last week’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, MILLION EUROS SALARY CUT Liga leaders Real Sociedad yes- in Valencia is not easy at all.” ward Joao Felix after the break was kept at home along with midfi elder Barcelona were close to securing an agree- terday. The visitors had carved Atletico had pulled off a mo- but Valencia continued to show Frenkie de Jong for Tuesday’s 4-0 win away ment on Friday for a 122mn euros ($145mn) out chance after chance with no mentous fi rst league win over resilience until Lato sent Car- at Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League. cut in players’ salaries this season to help recompense until Yannick Car- Barcelona last week but paid for rasco’s cross into his own net. “Messi has had a good rest as has Frenkie, off set the fi nancial hole left by the corona- rasco cut into the box and his their eff orts when they drew 0-0 Next up for Atletico is Tues- and they both needed it because they had virus pandemic. The deal, announced in a cross bounced off the flailing leg at home to Lokomotiv Moscow day’s crucial Champions League played almost every minute with us and statement by the club, must now be ratifi ed of Valencia defender Toni Lato in the Champions League on Group A game at home to holders their national teams, so we decided to leave by the players “in the coming days”. and trickled into the net in the Wednesday despite dominating Bayern Munich, which they need them at home to ensure they didn’t get any The reduction in their wage bill repre- 79th minute. the game. to win to keep them in the run- physical problems,” Koeman said. “I hope sents a welcome fi nancial lifeline for Barca, The own goal was fortuitous Their trip to Mestalla, where ning for a place in the last 16. tomorrow they’ll be fresh and can off er the hit hard by the loss of gate receipts at the but certainly deserved after Di- they had not won since 2016, best of themselves as we really need them.” Camp Nou and other eff ects of Covid-19 ego Simeone’s side had dominat- followed a similar script in the LA LIGA RESULTS Barca will also be helped by the return of prevention measures. ed possession and fi red 14 shots fi rst half as Jaume made two veteran midfi elder Sergio Busquets from in- Barca’s acting president Carles Tusquets Valencia 0 Atletico Madrid 1 at goal, denied by Valencia’s in- early saves to deny Lemar and jury. But Koeman said he may have to rest has described the fi nancial situation as “not (Lato 79-og); Elche 1 (Boye 38) form keeper Jaume Domenech also thwarted Angel Correa. Jose Sergino Dest, who is his only fi t rightback dramatic, but very worrying”. Tusquets as- and a goal-line clearance by de- Gimenez missed the target with a Cadiz 1 (Gimenez 55) after Sergi Roberto tore a muscle last week, sumed temporary control following Josep fender Daniel Wass. free header and Marcos Llorente Playing Today: Barcelona v as the US defender complained of tiredness Maria Bartomeu’s resignation last month. It gave second-placed Atletico fi red just wide of the post right Osasuna (1300) Getafe v Ath- after the win in Kyiv. Central defender Os- Restoring Barca’s fi nances will be one of a sixth consecutive La Liga vic- before halftime. letic Bilbao (1515) Celta Vigo v car Mingueza may get his fi rst league start the items on the top of the new president’s tory and saw them move on to 23 Valencia, who had beaten Real Granada (1730) Real Sociedad v after impressing on his debut in Kyiv along in-tray with the election for Bartomeu’s points after nine games. They are Madrid 4-1 in their last home Villarreal, Real Betis v Eibar with a host of other fringe players as Barca successor to be held on January 24. A new level with leaders Sociedad who game, could hardly cope with outclassed the Ukrainians despite making so candidate entered the race for the job on Fri- Played Friday: Real Valladolid have played 10 and are in action their opponents and had only a many changes. day in Joan Laporta, who occupied the posi- today at home to Villarreal. handful of attempts in the game. 1 (Marcos Andre 57) Levante 1 Koeman said he was open to rotating his tion between 2003 and 2010 and led the club “Their best player was their Serbian midfi elder Uros Racic (Campana 83-pen) squad more often after the success of Tues- to 12 major titles. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 29, 2020 CRICKET

INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA FOCUS Pandya working on bowling return aft er Smith channels sparkling in Sydney

Reuters he might yet be ready to fi t the Sydney bill. “It is a process,” Pandya said. “I am looking at a long-term goal Barry Bonds in ardik Pandya’s bat- where I want to be 100% of my ting was a big positive bowling capacity for the most for India in the fi rst important games. The World one-day international Cups are coming. More crucial againstH Australia on Friday and series are coming. the erstwhile allrounder also had “I am thinking as a long-term some good news about his bowl- plan, not short-term where I ing after the 66-run loss. exhaust myself. I can’t tell you quickfi re century The 27-year-old high scored exactly when I am going to bowl for the tourists with a confi dent but... in the nets, I am bowling. 76-ball innings of 90 at Sydney “It is just that I am not game- Almost 18,000 fans were on hand to watch the runfest at the Sydney Cricket Cricket Ground, hammering ready... It is all about confi dence seven fours and four sixes to keep and the skill has to be at an inter- Ground on Friday, which launched India’s long-awaited tour Down Under India in the contest deep into the national level.” match. Pandya said having an all- A lower back injury required rounder was essential for the surgery after ending his 2019-20 balance of any modern inter- season prematurely and Pandya national team in limited overs has not bowled in a match since, cricket. leaving India short of a sixth “It is always going to be diffi - option to take the ball for a few cult when you go with fi ve bowl- overs. ers,” he said. With World Twenty20 tour- “When someone is having an naments coming up in 2021 and off day you don’t have someone 2022, as well as a 50-overs World to fulfi l the quota. More than Cup in 2023, India will need to fi ll injury, the sixth bowler’s role is the allrounder role sooner rather when someone among the fi ve than later and Pandya suggested bowlers is having a bad day.”

Steve Smith, also right

Reuters Sydney

teve Smith’s 63-ball century in Australia’s victory over India in the fi rst one day interna- Stional against India on Friday ranked among the very best in 50-overs cricket, according to Australia skipper Aaron Finch. Finch scored 114 but was happy to concede that there had been something special in the innings produced by Smith, who, he re- vealed, compared his best hitting to Major League Baseball’s great- est home run slugger. “He calls himself Barry Bonds when he gets into those sorts of moods,” Finch said of Smith. “He struck it beautifully, the SETBACK way that he moved, the intent that he showed was second to none, that’s as good a one-day catches and misfi elds that al- “If we take them chances we out off a Josh Hazlewood ball. one-dayers is at the same innings as you’ll see.” lowed India to stay in the match. probably could have put the Zampa redeemed himself ground on Sunday, but the Seventh Pakistan Almost 18,000 fans were on “You’ve got to take them,” he game beyond doubt a bit ear- with four for 54 to end any hosts could be without Mar- hand to watch the runfest at the said, brushing away a sugges- lier.” hopes of an Indian victory, cus Stoinis for the match af- Sydney Cricket Ground, which tion that the players were rusty The most costly miss could proving to Finch that he was his ter the all-rounder left the cricketer positive launched India’s long-awaited in their fi rst home international have been when Adam Zampa country’s top spinner in white SCG during Friday’s match tour Down Under. since March. dropped a relatively simply ball cricket. with an injury he picked up While Finch was happy with “Half the guys have been chance to remove Virat Kohli “Getting good players out while bowling. for Covid-19 Australia’s tally of 374, he de- playing (Sheffi eld) Shield and for one run, although in the under pressure is what it’s all Cricket Australia said Stoinis scribed the performance as the other half have been play- end the India captain only about and he certainly did that,” has suff ered left side pain and AFP seventh patient. “patchy” and was less im- ing IPL and training hard during added 20 more runs to his Finch said. will undergo scans to determine Christchurch “The remainder of the results pressed with a series of dropped quarantine. tally before Finch caught him The second of the three the extent of the injury. from the squad’s day-three swab testing, apart from the six who seventh Pakistan have already returned a positive cricketer tested posi- result, are negative.” Aussies will beat India in all formats, predicts former England captain Vaughan tive for Covid-19 as the All overseas arrivals to New A team remained con- Zealand must spend two weeks New Delhi: Hosts Australia are the two teams face off again today, at the Aussies on the other hand have been batting isn’t deep enough!!!” Vaughan fi ned to their hotel in Christch- in quarantine. favourites to win the series against same venue. Vaughan expressed his outstanding... Long tour for India me added. Former India cricketer Sanjay urch yesterday, unable to train The 53-man squad will under- India across all formats, former England opinion on Twitter and criticised India thinks,” added Vaughan. Manjrekar too criticised the balance, say- and with a question mark over go further tests tomorrow and in captain Michael Vaughan has predicted, heavily. As Australian batsmen prospered, none ing that India do not have an all-round their New Zealand tour. the meantime they remain con- pointing out that the Aaron Finch’s team “Early call... I think Australia will beat In- of the Indian bowlers looked good. option. “That’s why need pure batsmen The Pakistanis, who only ar- fi ned to their rooms after per- was outstanding in the first game on dia this tour in all formats convincingly,” Worse, India did not have a back-up who can bowl 3-4 overs. Big concern rived four days ago, are already mission to train while in isolation Friday. he tweeted. option to lend support to their bowlers, for India that none of their batsmen on a “fi nal warning” for breach- was revoked by New Zealand au- India lost to Australia by 66 runs at the “India’s over-rate is appalling... !!! Body who were leaking runs by the bucketful. can bowl a single over. Aus have Stoinis ing New Zealand’s tight quaran- thorities. Sydney Cricket Ground after the hosts language defensive... fielding is my “This Indian ODI team is too old school and Maxwell,” the former Test batsman tine restrictions, with the grow- The ministry said exemptions scored 374 for six in their 50 overs. The standard (shocking)... Bowling ordinary!!! for me.... Just 5 bowling options & the tweeted after Friday’s match. (IANS) ing number of coronavirus cases allowing teams to train while in adding pressure to preparations managed isolation “are very dif- for their opening match on De- fi cult to obtain” and Pakistan’s cember 18. exemption was put on hold af- BOTTOMLINE Despite all members of the ter several players were caught squad returning negative tests fl outing social distancing proto- before fl ying to New Zealand, six cols inside the quarantine hotel. came up positive after testing on New Zealand’s director-gen- Guha lashes out at Ganguly, India’s superstar culture day one in the country. eral of health, Ashley Bloomfi eld, “One additional member of said on Thursday that breaches IANS Guha said. Ganguly, saying that the former the Pakistan cricket squad has of the rules were taken very seri- New Delhi Guha also touched upon an India captain has capitulated. today tested positive,” the Min- ously and the Pakistan team “as incident during a CoA meeting “(Sourav) Ganguly (the BCCI istry of Health said in a state- a whole has been issued with a when he had asked the commit- president) has capitulated. I ment yesterday, confi rming the fi nal warning”. istorian Ramachandra tee to consider demoting Dhoni mean, there are things he should Guha, a former mem- in the central contracts sys- not be doing, given his extraor- ber of the Commit- tem as he had retired from Test dinary playing record and his Thunder thrash Stars to clinch Htee of Administrators cricket. The rest of CoA, he says, credibility, whether he should be (CoA) that ran the Board of Con- was too scared to do that. practising this shocking confl ict women’s Big Bash League title trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) “(MS) Dhoni had decided: I’m of interest. during the reforms process or- not going to play Test cricket. “The kind of example it sets AFP Jo Johnson (2-11) left the Stars’ dered by the Supreme Court, He was only playing one-day is abysmal. I say this with some Sydney top-order in tatters. has lashed out at the superstar cricket. And I said (in the CoA) sadness because I admired Gan- It was the Thunder’s second culture in Indian cricket that has that he should not get a Grade A guly as a cricketer and as a cap- title in the tournament’s sixth allowed top cricketers to have contract. Simple. That contract tain. I’m glad I’m out of it and ine bowling helped season, having won the inau- veto power over every decision. is for people who play through- I’m just a fan again. I can just propel Sydney Thun- gural championship in 2016. In an interview to www.es- out the year. He has said, ‘I’m enjoy the game and not bother der to an upset seven “It’s an incredible feeling. pncricinfo.com about his new not playing Test cricket’. Fine. about the murkiness within the wicket win over Meg It’s an amazing eff ort from book, The Commonwealth of That’s his choice and he can be administration,” he said. Lanning’sF Melbourne Stars everyone at the club,” said Cricket, Guha lavished praised picked for the shorter form if he Guha called Bedi a man of and claim the women’s Big Haynes. on former India captain Bishan is good enough. (They said) ‘No, character. Bash League title yesterday. “I’d like to thank all the in- Bedi but blames the Board, es- we are too scared to demote him “He is a person of enormous Rachael Haynes’ team re- ternational players and staff pecially the Vinod Rai-headed from A to B’. character, integrity and prin- stricted the Stars to just 86 who went through quaran- CoA, for not showing enough “And more than the board, the ciple. He never equivocates, he for nine off their 20 overs af- tine to get the tournament spine to stand up to the likes of CoA, appointed by the Supreme never makes excuses. And he ter losing the bat fl ip at North up and running.” The eight- M S Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Ganguly...under fire Court, chaired by a senior IAS calls it as it is. These kinds of Sydney Oval and chased down team tournament was played “When Bedi once gave a tel- offi cer, was too scared. I thought people are rare in public life in the total easily with more than entirely in Sydney over fi ve evision interview where he said properly, which took a very long ble and their rift (Kumble was it was hugely, hugely problem- India. To fi nd someone like Bis- six overs to spare. weeks due to Covid-19 bor- some sarcastic things, he was time. The generation of Bedi and forced to step down as coach atic. So I protested about it while han Bedi, who is ramrod straight England star Heather der closures and quarantine banned for a (Test) match in (Sunil) Gavaskar was not really after the 2017 Champions Tro- I was there. And when I got no- in his conduct, in any sphere of Knight (26 not out) and Hay- requirements. All players, Bangalore in 1974. Players had paid well till the fag end of their phy). How essentially Kohli had where, I wrote about it,” he ex- public life in India today is in- nes (21 not out) steered them coaches and support staff to get more power, they had to careers,” said Guha. a veto over who could be his plains. creasingly rare. He is also an home after fast bowlers Shab- were forced to stay in a hub at get organised, they had to be “One of the things I talk about coach, which is not the case in Guha also lashed out at the incredibly generous man,” Guha nim Ismail (2-12) and Sammy- the city’s Olympic Park. noticed, they had to be paid is (Virat) Kohli and (Anil) Kum- any sporting team anywhere,” current BCCI president Sourav said. Gulf Times Sunday, November 29, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL UPDATE NFL issues facilities closure for Monday Steelers shoot and Tuesday

Reuters “understanding that a number of New York, United States players and staff celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with out- of-town guests” as a reason for he NFL is taking dras- the closure. for 11-0 as Ravens tic steps to try to halt The Denver Broncos, Los An- the impact of Covid-19 geles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals on its already battered and Arizona Cardinals were Tschedule. among the teams that saw a rise According to a league-wide in Covid-19-related issues Fri- memo distributed Friday, all day, according to NFL.com. team facilities will be closed to The NFL Players Association in-person activities on Monday also told players to let teams confront Covid-19 and Tuesday, ESPN and NFL. know if they had guests in for the com reported. holiday for the purpose of ad- Ravens had 10 players – including eight starters – on the reserve/Covid-19 list... but The facility lockout does not ditional testing when facilities apply to teams scheduled to play reopen. no starter is more important to the team than quarterback Lamar Jackson on either Monday or Tuesday, All team activities will be con- and the Sunday slate is also un- ducted in a virtual environment aff ected. Monday and Tuesday except for Citing a spike in Covid-19 medical treatment and rehab. cases across the nation, and the Covid-19 issues forced the possibility of an infl ux of expo- Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh sure resulting from the holiday Steelers game, originally set for weekend, the NFL is trying to Thanksgiving but pushed back stop more issues from arising. to Sunday, to be rescheduled an- Both NFL.com and ESPN report- other time. The teams are now ed that the NFL is taking the step due to meet Tuesday.

FOCUS Texans waive veteran WR Stills

Reuters on Sept. 1, 2019 along with a New York, United States 2020 fourth-round pick and a 2021 sixth-round pick and tack- le Laremy Tunsil. In return the he Houston Texans an- Texans sent Miami a 2020 fi rst- nounced on Friday that round pick, a 2021 fi rst-round they waived wide re- pick, a 2021 second-round pick, ceiver Kenny Stills one Johnson Bademosi and Julie’n Tday after he was inactive because Davenport. of a quad injury for the team’s The 28-year-old was a fi fth- Thanksgiving road win over the round draft pick of the New Detroit Lions. Orleans Saints in the 2013 NFL In 10 games for Houston this Draft. He spent two seasons with season Stills had just 11 catches the Saints before being traded to for 144 yards and one touch- the Dolphins in March 2015. down. He played in the Tex- His best season came in 2014 ans’ 10-7 loss to the Cleveland with New Orleans when he had Browns on Nov. 15, making just 63 catches for 931 yards and one catch for six yards in the loss. three touchdowns. Then he played just four snaps Stills is in the last year of his the next week against the New contract and will hit waivers England Patriots. fi rst. If he clears waivers he will Stills last season had 40 catch- become a free agent. es for 461 yards and four touch- If he is claimed on waivers Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (second from right) is pressured in the first quarter by Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans (second from left) at M&T Bank downs. a team will have to pay a pro- Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, on November 22, 2020. (USA TODAY Sports) He came to the Texans from rated portion of his salary worth the Miami Dolphins in a trade $6.975mn. Reuters forward to some rest was after out the organisation. Reports game is a chance to take another their running backs as of Friday. New York, United States one of the biggest PRIMETIME Friday said another player tested step toward a potential perfect Hill has played primarily on spe- games we no longer have. we positive, and a test to confi rm season and solidify their hold on cial teams and has no carries this keep getting screwed this year,” the preliminary result was ex- the division lead. For Baltimore year. n NFL Thanksgiv- Steelers tight end Eric Ebron pected later in the day. (6-4), it is a shot at spoiling “You look at Gus and Jus- ing tripleheader lost said Wednesday via Twitter. “It’s a crazy kind of time that Pittsburgh’s path toward per- tice, those two guys are incred- its main event on The Steelers are looking to we’re living in,” Baltimore tight fection and getting back into the ible athletes, incredible players, Wednesday when the sweep the season series and end Mark Andrews said. “It kind conversation for a division title. and they’re going to do their job AFCA North clash between the climb to 11-0 entering the home of goes with this year.” Baltimore is one of nine AFC just fi ne and hold that torch and undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers stretch of the season. The Ravens, also recovering teams as of Friday to have six or do their thing,” Andrews said. and Baltimore Ravens was shift- The Ravens are just looking from a gut-punch loss to the more victories. The playoff s are “There’s no worries there.” ed to today. to see how many healthy bodies Tennessee Titans on Sunday, no guarantee. Coach Jim Harbaugh also And now, it’s been moved are available as they attempt to were not expected to have ac- The Ravens dropped behind downplayed the absences. again as the number of cases of scrap to stay in the AFC wild- cess to their team facility until Cleveland into third place in the “The run game is a group ef- Covid-19 climbed again in Bal- card fi ght. Monday. division Sunday as they blew a fort,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll run timore – this time to Tuesday As of Thursday night, the The Steelers are neither feel- 10-point lead and fell 30-24 to the ball (against Pittsburgh).” night at 8 pm ET. Ravens had 10 players – includ- ing sorry for Baltimore nor ex- Tennessee, while the Browns Not if the Steelers can help it. That’s double the inconven- ing eight starters – on the re- pecting an advantage. beat Philadelphia. Baltimore “It’s not like we are laying off ience for the Steelers. serve/Covid-19 list. It wasn’t “This is just an unusual year trails the Steelers by four games the gas pedal by any stretch,” Already this season, the Steel- clear on Friday who could be when it comes to everything we with six to play. Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt ers had to shift their bye week to available to play Tuesday, but no have to do and everyone has to In the teams’ fi rst meeting in said. accommodate an outbreak of the starter is more important to the do,” Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Week 8, Pittsburgh pulled out a While Baltimore had players coronavirus among the Tennes- team than quarterback Lamar Roethlisberger said. “What are 28-24 win with Roethlisberger’s being added to the reserve/Cov- see Titans. By moving Thurs- Jackson, who landed on the list you going to do? You just have fourth-quarter touchdown pass id-19 list, Pittsburgh activated day’s division duel, that means on Thanksgiving. to do what they tell you and go to Chase Claypool in Baltimore. tight end Vance McDonald from Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills during practice drills at Pittsburgh won’t have any fans Also on the list are Ravens play ball.” Dobbins rushed for a season- that list. Baptist Health Training Facility in Davie, Florida, United States, on July at Heinz Field. Due to new regu- running backs JK Dobbins and Because of the short week, best 113 yards. Jackson passed Provided the game is played 25, 2019. (USA TODAY Sports) lations going into eff ect Friday, Mark Ingram, who tested posi- Roethlisberger didn’t expect to for 208 yards, with two touch- Tuesday, the NFL will move the Steelers went from limited tive for the virus. Defensive throw in practice. Still, he be- downs and two interceptions. the Ravens next game – set for fans Thursday night to zero fans tackle Brandon Williams is on lieves there is plenty of juice to The Ravens are down to next Thursday against the Dal- SPOTLIGHT allowed Tuesday. the list because of contact trac- the rivalry regardless of odd cir- Gus Edwards (376 yards, three las Cowboys – to the follow- “we had a week 4 bye cause of ing during an outbreak that ap- cumstances. touchdowns, 4.4 yards a carry ing Sunday (December 6), the this, now the only time we look parently is still surging through- For the Steelers (10-0), the this year) and Justice Hill as league said. NBA sets 49-game MLB December 11-19 Toronto Blue Jays exploring new stadium: report preseason schedule Reuters space. A potential snag to Reuters three preseason games, including New York, United States the plan is that the team does New York, United States a home game at Amalie Arena in not own the land where their Tampa, Florida The Raptors will stadium sits, as it belongs to begin the regular season with he Toronto Blue Jays Canada Lands Company. he NBA set in place a 49- home games at Tampa after the are exploring the pos- The report indicates a new game preseason sched- Canadian government ruled that sibility of a new sta- stadium could take fi ve years ule on Friday, with prac- the team would not be able to dium, in an ambitious to build, requiring the team tice games taking place host opponents in its own arena. Tplan that would put a new to fi nd a temporary home. TDec. 11-19 in advance of the Dec. The NBA season typically ballpark on the land where During the 60-game, 2020 22 start to the regular season. starts in October but was pushed their current retractable-roof season, the Blue Jays played Each team will play at least back to December after the stadium now sits, according home games in Buff alo, NY, two preseason games, with the 2019-20 season was delayed four to The Globe and Mail. in the stadium used by their NBA champion Los Angeles Lak- months by the Covid-19 pan- The Blue Jays have played at Triple-A affi liate, the Buf- ers playing four times before the demic. Each team will play 72 Rogers Centre since 1989, in a falo Bisons, because of travel delayed regular season gets un- regular-season games in 2020- ballpark that was considered restrictions into Canada that derway just before Christmas. 21, 10 shy of a typical season. far ahead of its time when it did not allow opposing teams Five games are scheduled for The NBA will release the regu- opened with a roof that could to enter the country. the Dec. 11 opening night of pre- lar-season schedule in two seg- open and close and with a ho- The NBA’s Toronto Raptors season games, highlighted by a ments. The schedule for the fi rst tel that has rooms overlook- are set to start the upcom- matchup between the Lakers and half of the season is expected to ing center fi eld. ing season by playing home Los Angeles Clippers. The ri- be released in the coming days. But Rogers Centre would games in Tampa, Florida, vals, who each play at the Staples A second-half schedule will be have to be demolished with a but that move is Covid-19- Center, will play each other two released later and include any new stadium built in its place, related and not connected to times. The Lakers also will play fi rst-half games that had to be along with retail, residen- the building of a new home the Phoenix Suns twice. postponed because of Covid-19 tial options and open public venue. The Toronto Blue Jays play an intrasquad game at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 9, 2020. (TNS) The Toronto Raptors will play concerns. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 29, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘Odd’ Polish golfer Meronk Online tests encouraging retains lead in South Africa AFP Johannesburg increased participation drian Meronk, once considered “odd” by Polish friends because he played golf, clung toA a one-shot lead yesterday af- ter three rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South in Hathab: al-Rumaihi Africa. The 27-year-old, born in Germany but reared in Poland, carded a one-under-par 71 at ‘We are happy to see riders like Maryam Ahmad al-Bonin, Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt, and Asmaa Leopard Creek Country Club for a 202 total in the European Tour/ Yasser Mohamed are competing in two disciplines of equestrian and doing a really good job’ Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned tournament. By Sports Reporter South African teenager Jayden Doha Schaper fi red a 67 for the equal best round of the day and second place, with partly cloudy condi- he increasing number of partic- tions easing the discomfort of ipating riders especially female playing in 29 degrees Celsius (84 riders who are excelling both fahrenheit) heat. in showjumping and dressage A further two shots back on Tin the Longines Hathab Qatar Eques- 205 is another South African, trian Tour Season 2020-21 supported Christiaan Bezuidenhout, one of by The Social & Sport Contribution only two competitors among the Fund is highly encouraging, says Ali al- fi rst nine on the leaderboard who Rumaihi, Event Director and Organizing have can boast of a European Committee Member, Longines Hathab. Tour victory. The other is Dane Speaking on the sidelines of the dres- Joachim B. sage event of Hathab Round 4 at the Hansen, winner of the Joburg Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor Open last Sunday, who was two arena yesterday, al-Rumaihi, himself a shots ahead of the fi eld at once former Olympian rider, said while the stage before a quadruple bogey young riders have bucked up and are eight at 11 severely dented hopes steadily improving in their perform- of back-to-back titles. Hansen ances they are also being encouraged to fi nished with a 73 to trail Meronk go for online tests competitions in dres- by fi ve shots going into the fi nal sage which has become quite a trend. round over a course that borders “It makes us happy to see riders like the world renowned Kruger Na- Maryam Ahmad al-Bonin, Maryam tional Park game reserve. Ahmed al-Semaitt, and Asmaa Yasser “My childhood friends Mohamed that they are competing in thought I was a bit odd because two disciplines of equestrian and do- we all played many sports, but ing a really good job. It also encourages I was the only one who played other young lady riders that can be in golf,” recalled Meronk. “I am both showjumping and dressage. All still considered a bit of an oddity these riders are also working quite hard at home and this is something I to stay in contention at this level. I hope am trying to change,” added the soon they will be ready for international Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin astride 11-year-old bay gelding Silvan won the Medium Level 1 dressage event during the fourth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian fi rst Polish golfer to top the lead- competitions and eventually aim for say Tour Season supported by The Social & Sport Contribution Fund. erboard during a European Tour the Asian Games. This is the goal to en- event. courage them to think of reaching such “From this we can fi nd a new genera- Meronk shared the fi rst round levels at the moment,” said al-Rumaihi. tion of riders, new juniors, and teams lead with Robin Roussel from He also revealed that the riders are which can only be based on such new France and moved three shots also competing in other competitions talent. You can’t do that with a hand- clear at the halfway stage. The in dressage overseas online. “They are ful of riders, you need to have a big base frontrunner started the third doing a great job participating here and to choose from which Hathab is help- round poorly with bogeys on two also online,” he said. ing produce. If we continue in the same and three before regaining his Elaborating on how they do it, he vein, in fi ve years’ time you can see a big composure to birdie 10, 11 and 13. said. “Online if you participate, they diff erence,” he concluded. give you the tests and you practice on LEADING SCORES AFTER it, record your performance and send it MARYAM AL-BOININ EXCELS THIRD ROUND to the judges who then assess it and give IN DRESSAGE EVENT (RSA unless noted): you points accordingly. Then you see Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin excelled on where you stand. her 11-year-old bay gelding Silvan to top 202 — Adrian Meronk (POL) “They also have special equipment in the Medium Level 1 dressage event 65-66-71 like cameras which can be placed at with a cumulative score of 67.672. Mar- 203 — Jayden Schaper 69-67-67 strategically to follow the rider and for yam Ahmed al-Semaitt on her mount the sensor to track the horse’s move- Rhythm fi nished second while Ali Mo- 205 — Christiaan Bezuidenhout ments. There are about nine from Qatar hammed al-Marri on Wait and See ZE 69-68-68 who are already competing, but you will took the third place on the podium. 206 — Adri Arnaus (ESP) see more and more soon,” he added. In the Prelim (Level 2) | Test 2A event, 70-67-69, Sean Crocker (USA) Competing in an online dressage Khalid Sanad al-Nuaimi riding stud 70-68-68 event means there is no need for travel- Dow Jones 54 topped with a best score 207 — Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) ling, no stress, no riding in public and of 68.676. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi on 70-64-73, Calum Hill (SCO) a whole month to get your test ridden, Andreas SPB Z was second while Asmaa videoed and submitted. Plus there are a Yasser Mohamed riding Quatro Junior 71-69-67 number of classes to choose from. fi nished third. 208 — Richard Bland (ENG) 67- Opining on the on-going fourth sea- Asmaa Yasser Mohamed riding Quatro Junior finished third in the Prelim Level 2. 67-74, Julian Suri (USA) 71-69-68 son of Longines Hathab and overall RESULTS 67.414; 67.414; 67.414; QR 3,375 Dressage | Prelim (Level 2) | Test 2A | 3. Asmaa Yasser Mohamed; Quatro 209 — Marcus Armitage (ENG) progress in equestrian since the event Dressage | Medium (Level 1) | Test 1B | was launched in 2017, al-Rumaihi said: Prize-Money QR10,000 71-71-67, Pedro Figueiredo (POR) Prize-Money QR15,000 3. Ali Mohamed al-Marri; Wait and See Junior; 67.353; 67.059; 67.206; QR1,500 72-68-69, Scott Jamieson (SCO) “The aim of Hathab has been this right ZE; 67.759; 62.414; 65.086; QR2,625 1. Khalid Sanad al-Nuaimi; Dow Jones 1. Rider: Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin; 4. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi; Casal 66-71-72, Robin Roussel (FRA) from the start to get people to know our 54; 66.176; 71.176; 68.676; QR 2,500 sport. You can see now so many young Horse: Silvan; A: 68.621; B: 66.724 Score: 4. Jassim Al Jaham al-Kuwari; Des Forets; 66.176; 67.059; 66.618; 65-71-73, Matthias Schwab (AUT) new faces who are competing, they 67.672; Prize: QR4,200 Monopoly; 64.655; 64.138; 64.397; 2. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi; Andreas SPB QR1,000. 70-71-68, Daniel van Tonder Z; 65.882; 70.882; 68.382; QR2,000 69-70-70 want to buy their own horses. 2. Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt; Rhythm; QR1,875

SWIMMING F1 Aussie McKeown smashes short Hamilton puts in record lap to take pole Reuters course 200m backstroke record Manama

Reuters Sydney even-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole position for the Bahrain okyo Olympic hope- Grand Prix with a record lap in yes- ful Kaylee McKeown terday’sS qualifying session ahead of team- has confi rmed her rich mate Valtteri Bottas who completed a front- vein of form by claiming row lockout for Mercedes. Ta 200 metres backstroke short The Briton lapped the 5.4-kilometre course world record at the virtual fl oodlit Sakhir desert track in one minute, Australian national champion- 27.264 seconds, beating his Finnish team- ships in Brisbane. mate by 0.289 seconds. Max Verstappen The teenager clocked one took third place for Red Bull. It was the 98th minute 58.94 seconds on Fri- Australia’s Kaylee McKeown. PICTURE: Delly Carr (Swimming Australia) pole of Hamilton’s career and puts him on day to take nearly half a second course to complete a century, with the Bah- off Hungarian Katinka Hosszu’s peting simultaneously in pools her personal bests in the 100m rain race the fi rst of a season-ending Middle 2014 mark (1:59.23). “Short in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, to 58.11 and the 200m to 2:04.49 Eastern triple-header. course is something we don’t get Perth and Hobart. to take the Australian records in It was his 10th pole this season and third to do very often, so I was excited In long course meets, McK- Brisbane earlier this month. in Bahrain, which puts him level with Sebas- to see what I could put up after eown won gold in the 50m, sil- The health crisis also forced tian Vettel as the most successful qualifi er Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the qualifying session for the Bahrain some solid training this year,” ver in the 100m and bronze in the postponement of the Tokyo at the Sakhir track. “I think with the pres- Formula One Grand Prix in Sakhir yesterday. (AFP) said 19-year-old McKeown. “I the 200m backstroke at the 2018 Olympics by 12 months, but that sure a little bit off it was a release to go and headed over to my teammates Youth Olympics before claiming has not diminished McKeown’s drive like that,” said Hamilton, who equalled ond row of the grid. Sergio Perez was fi fth 10 this time around. and my coach and they said, ‘You a senior world championship sil- determination to earn a place at Michael Schumacher’s record haul of seven for Racing Point ahead of Renault pair Dan- They will start with Vettel in 11th and just got a world-record!’, and I ver in the 200m in Gwangju last the biggest swimming meet of championships at the last race, in Turkey. iel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon, while Pierre Charles Leclerc 12th. Lance Stroll, on pole in was like, ‘What?’. I didn’t actu- year. them all. “In Australia, we have “I am on the ragged edge, naturally, and it is Gasly was eighth for AlphaTauri ahead of Turkey, was only 13th. The hour-long ses- ally know till a few minutes later.” She swam the seventh-fast- some of the top women in the about trying to fi nd that perfect balance and McLaren’s Lando Norris. sion was interrupted by a brief halt after a Australia’s national short est 200m (2:05.83) and ninth- world racing in my events, so chipping away.” Daniil Kvyat in the other AlphaTauri spin for Carlos Sainz. course swimming champion- fastest 100m (58.62) of all time it’s tough,” she told the Olympic Alexander Albon recovered from his crash rounded out the top 10. Ferrari, dominant in The Spaniard’s McLaren appeared to suf- ships were moved to a virtual in January before the Covid-19 website last month. “But being in Friday’s practice to go fourth-quick- Bahrain last year when they locked out the fer a locked rear axle under braking for the platform this year because of the pandemic put her season on able to go to the Olympic Games est. Running a new chassis, he will line up top two spots in every session of practice fi rst corner, which left him stranded at the pandemic, with swimmers com- hold. She returned to improve is what I’ve been dreaming of.” alongside team mate Verstappen on the sec- and qualifying, failed to make it into the top edge of the track. Gulf Times Sunday, November 29, 2020 7 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Fearless Burns has England do enough Georgia on his mind in Ireland’s Autumn Nations clash

AFP sent him back 10 metres.” to subdue Wales Burns’ display of author- London ity that day has transferred it- self into professional rugby. He illy Burns’ ability to di- made more than 100 appearances rect Ireland’s play in his for English Premiership side fi rst Test start against Gloucester before the bold move Georgia should not be in to Belfast-based Ulster in 2018. and secure top spot doubtB given the fearless manner The impending arrival of the he showed in dealing with his fa- mercurial Danny Cipriani forced ther as a teenage referee. his hand but the decision proved ENGLAND TOPPED THE GROUP WITH 13 POINTS FROM THEIR THREE WINS Burns has a golden opportuni- the right one. ty to stake a claim to be the long- The calm authority he exudes, term successor to Johnny Sexton which he has shown in his two when the fl y-half fi nally decides Tests so far, is referred to by Ul- to call time on his career. ster and Ireland teammate Iain The 26-year-old has im- Henderson. pressed in his two performances “I’ve great admiration for him coming off the bench in the Au- taking a leap of faith and backing tumn Nations Cup, including himself and coming over,” said against England, where he was Henderson. born, and has earned a starting “He’s worked incredibly hard spot for today’s match. for what he’s got over the last Burns played for the England couple of years at Ulster. Under-20 side that won the 2014 “He’s really fi tting into 10, into world championship, “batter- that commander role if you like, ing” the Irish along the way, in and a lot of the players up in Ul- his words. ster respect him.” But Ireland have always been Henderson said Burns was ex- on his radar. perienced for a player of his age “My father has always worn and had the knack of getting on the Ireland shirt,” Burns said be- with others. fore last week’s England game, “I think his ability to mix in which Ireland lost 18-7. with all the players and get on Jerry, whose father hailed from with them so well gives the play- Cork, gave his each of four sons an ers a reason to follow him or a Ireland shirt along with an Eng- reason to follow the example he land one when they were young. sets,” he said. It was in another shirt that Jerry Burns is the youngest of his and Billy had their contretemps, brothers but is not the fi rst to play when he was asked to referee his international rugby for a country father’s club side’s game at the other than that of his birth — Sam age of 15 after the offi cial referee was capped by Cyprus, where he failed to show up. served with the Royal Air Force. “I said ‘dad I’m so scared, Freddie, who won fi ve caps for I don’t want to do it — I’m so England, says his youngest sib- scared’,” Burns told the Irish In- ling will forever be “Little Bill”. dependent. “He’s (Billy) very assured and “He said ‘don’t worry about it never looks too fl ustered,” Fred- — if anyone gives you any back- die told the Daily Telegraph. chat, I’ll come over and sort it “I guess, maybe, the diff er- out’. ence between us might be that “First kick-off it goes off and he’s happy to go through games I give a penalty against Oldfi eld almost unknown. (Jerry’s club) to the other team, “You’ll look back at his game and who’s the fi rst one to come and he’ll have managed it very over shouting in my face but my well, happy being the puppeteer England’s Maro Itoje in action during the line out against Wales yesterday. old man. “So I blew him up and pulling the strings.”

Reuters England stretched the lead when Vu- Llanelli, Wales nipola cleverly spun off the side of a tryline ruck but they were unable to build on that score in a messy period for both Scotland plan for 25,000 ngland did just about enough teams. to subdue a spirited but limited Wales did gain some territory and fans at Six Nations home Wales with a 24-13 victory in earned two penalties that Biggar slot- games next year ELlanelli yesterday to secure top ted to move within fi ve points and spark spot in Autumn Nations Cup Group A hopes of an upset. and set up a probable title decider against However, England regained control Reuters lifted on Dec. 2. France at Twickenham next week. on the scoreboard as Farrell landed two Glasgow “We believe we are ready as A Johnny Williams try gave new-look more penalties to take them safely clear soon as the government allows Wales an early lead but they were sec- and they fi nished in comfortable control. to welcome spectators back,” ond-best for most of a messy, largely for- “Today was like a bit of an arm wrestle, cottish Rugby are plan- Scottish Rugby said in a state- gettable match as Henry Slade and Mako it was a tough old game and I don’t think ning to welcome back ment. Vunipola crossed for England and, after we’ve accelerated our rugby as much as 25,000 fans at Mur- “We have made a specific ask their powerful bench wrested control, we’d like to,” said England coach Eddie rayfi eld when the Six for a crowd of 5,000 at the captain Owen Farrell brought them home Jones. NationsS begins next year, the 1872 match between Edinburgh with four penalties. “There was one phase in the second country’s governing body has Rugby and Glasgow Warriors England topped the group with 13 half when we moved it really well but said in a proposal. on Jan. 2. points from their three wins. Ireland, who England’s Jamie George runs with the ball during their match against Wales. then lost our shape a bit and space is Scottish Rugby said they “(We) are looking to work up play Georgia today, are on four points and hard to fi nd. We weren’t as precise as we welcomed the news of specta- to 10,000 for a Pro-club game are likely to fi nish second, with Wales there,” Farrell told Amazon Prime. kicked ahead, with centre Williams — would have liked to be out wide but we tors returning to stadiums in at Murrayfield prior to the Six third, also on four. “They are a tough side and they who scored a try for England in a non- are showing signs of where we want to England in limited numbers and Nations, at which we would England’s opponents in the fi nal at showed that today. We’ve stuck to our cap game against the Barbarians last year go.” Wales coach Wayne Pivac described plan to initially allow 5,000 fans hope to have 25,000 spectators Twickenham next Sunday will be decided guns and came down here to get a result — fi rst to the ball. himself happy with the energy and de- when Edinburgh host Glasgow at each of our home matches v later on Saturday when France host Italy, and we have done that.” Slade made amends with England’s fensive eff ort of his team but complained Warriors in the PRO14 league in Wales, Italy and Ireland.” with the home side expected to win and England were fi elding their most expe- fi rst try after man of the match fl anker about a missed in-the-air tackle ahead of January. The 2021 edition of the Six secure top spot. Scotland, whose game rienced starting team, boasting 807 caps, Sam Underhill and Kyle Sinckler made England’s fi rst try. This week, the government said Nations is scheduled to begin against Fiji was called off due to Covid while the Welsh, who broke a run of six deep inroads and Farrell shifted the ball “We’re pretty disappointed with some that in England up to 4,000 on Feb. 6, and Scotland play issues, are likely to fi nish second, ahead successive defeats with an unimpressive wide. of the decisions out there,” he said. “But fans can attend outdoor elite England at Twickenham in the of Italy. victory over Georgia last week, had very England were on top for most of the there were a lot of young guys having a sports events in the lowest-risk first round. Their first home “It was a dogged game, no-one could much a side building to a new era. half, though it was a disjointed eff ort, good game against the number two team areas when a national lockdown game at Murrayfield is against really get a foothold and we couldn’t re- The hosts struck fi rst when Dan Big- and could manage only two Farrell pen- in the world so they will have learned a to contain the coronavirus is Wales on Feb. 13. ally get any momentum until the end gar charged down a Slade clearance and alties to take them to halftime 11-7 ahead. lot.”

BOTTOMLINE All Blacks bounce back to crush Argentina AFP there were also missed opportunities Defeat brought Argentina’s fairy-tale He shuffl ed his forward pack to bet- Newcastle with two tries disallowed. run to a shuddering halt in the tourna- ter deal with Argentina’s physicality Argentina, playing just days after the ment’s penultimate round after they and they responded well. death of football legend Diego Mara- beat New Zealand 25-15 then battled to With temperatures above 30 Celsius he All Blacks crushed Argen- dona, lacked cohesion after making 10 a 15-15 draw with Australia. (86 Fahrenheit), fullback Beauden Bar- tina 38-0 yesterday to restore changes to the team that drew with the It proved extra painful for Mario rett went over the try line early on, but a some pride as they roared back Wallabies last week. Ledesma’s men, who were hoping to lift video review showed a knock-on. Tfrom two straight defeats to Two tries in quick succession from the spirits of their nation after Mara- But the initiative was with the All put one hand on the Tri-Nations tro- young fullback Will Jordan in the fi nal dona’s death aged 60 this week. Blacks and the breakthrough soon phy. quarter sealed the victory and a crucial Cane laid an All Blacks jersey embla- came with hooker Dane Coles power- The three-time world champions bonus point for winning by three tries zoned with Maradona’s name and shirt ing over in the corner in his 50th Test, were under enormous pressure after or more. number, 10, in the centre circle ahead of with Richie Mo’unga nailing a diffi cult slumping to the Wallabies then the Pu- “It’s extremely satisfying. There’s no the kick-off as a mark of respect. conversion. mas, leaving them facing the prospect hiding that we’ve had tough few weeks, “We were not clinical, there were too Mo’unga kicked a penalty to put of losing three in a row for the fi rst time we felt the pain of the losses and I’m re- many handling errors when we got the them 10-0 as Argentina struggled to in more than 20 years. ally proud of the work we have put in ball, some mistakes in defence as well, get their hands on the ball. But spurred on by a backlash from the last two weeks,” said All Blacks cap- so not a good thing for us,” said Pumas Powerhouse winger Caleb Clarke their notoriously demanding fans, Ian tain Sam Cane. skipper Pablo Matera. should have put them further in front Foster’s team bounced back emphati- “The way that the Pumas defended “I don’t think that was the problem,” but his try was ruled out after his hand cally with a fi ve tries to nil win in bru- and kept us out numerous times is a real he added, when asked about the team’s went into touch as he slid for the line. tally hot and humid conditions at Mc- credit to their desire. But I’m proud of New Zealand’s Will Jordan (L) celebrates with teammates scoring a try against wholesale changes. “It was a whole After almost 75% possession in the Donald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, the way we were able to stay patient and Argentina at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle yesterday. team thing. There were many, many fi rst 40 minutes, New Zealand again north of Sydney. we got there in the end.” mistakes.” Victory eased the pressure dominated the second stanza and de- It was a far more disciplined All It all but secured the silverware for Australia play Argentina next week point win and by a huge margin given on Foster, who had been facing calls for servedly got another try from a lineout Blacks who dominated the fi rst half, New Zealand, who have 11 points from and either side could feasibly edge New Zealand’s vastly superior points his axing after just fi ve games in charge when the ball was fed to Ardie Savea, going to the break 10-0 ahead, but four games. them out, but it would take a bonus diff erential. following their twin defeats. who bulldozed across the line.

Sunday, November 29, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Great contests at Aspire Academy cross country race Around 60 youth runners from local clubs, Al Ahli, Qatar SC, Doha Athletics Club and Sherborne School, participated

By Sports Reporter Doha

he picturesque Aspire Park and perfect weather for running provided the stage for the 4th Aspire TAcademy Cross Country race early morning on Friday. A fi eld of around 60 male and female youth runners from local clubs, Al Ahli, Qatar SC, Doha Athlet- ics Club and Sherborne School, joined Aspire Academy student- athletes aged from 12 years to 18 for the competition. It was a good display of some of the fi ne running talent in Qatar with strong races that delighted the sizeable watching crowd and early morning fi tness enthusi- asts who work out at Aspire Park. Athletes lined up to run 2km for mini cadet, 3km for cadet and 4km for youth and junior rac- es. Ahmed Alharbi from Qatar Sports Club clocked 6 minutes Doha Athletics Club athletes sweeped the honours for the girls cadet race with Anna Sanchez (centre) winning the run ahead of second-placed Girls cadet race winner Anna (left) with father and Qatar national 52 seconds to win the boys’ mini- Lily Schnurman (right) and third-placed Zoha Siddiqui (left) at Aspire Cross Country in Aspire Park on Friday. football team head coach Felix Sanchez at Aspire Cross Country. cadet race. Aspire Academy student-athlete Ahmed Ibrahim Othman Dani of Al Ahli club. ter and said, “It’s wonderful to fi nished second while Hassan Ib- There was a home win when see this colourful crowd outside rahim of Qatar SC was third. Aspire Academy student-athlete doing sports, something that has In the girls’ mini cadet race, Housam Hrabi completed the been diffi cult lately due to the all three podium places went 4km in 12 minutes 30 seconds pandemic. Aspire Academy does to Doha Athletics Club runners to win the Junior race. Suber these kind of sporting events so with Gabriella Franklin’s time of Jama of Qatar Sports Club took well and it’s lovely to be able to 8 minutes 5 seconds min winning silver and another Aspire Acad- join in at this cross country this her gold. Vera Tramullas took sil- emy student-athlete Omer Elfadi morning.” ver and bronze went to Amelia claimed bronze. Aspire Academy athletics Wichert. Speaking after the race, Hrabi coach David McCarthy expressed The cadet race for girls was said, “It was really good to come his satisfaction with the morn- another all-Doha Athletics Club out and run after months of ing’s performance and eff orts sweep. Anna Sanchez’s time of training without competition. I of all the participants. “Athletes 14 minutes 14 seconds beat Lily enjoyed running against a strong train for competition and look Schnurman and Zoha Siddiqui group of athletes and very happy forward to applying learnt tac- into second and third respec- to win gold.” tics in races and battle it out with tively. Running in the cadet race was other athletes. Today they got that Ashraf Hyder of Al Ahli club Anna, daughter of Qatar national opportunity and met that chal- won the 3km boys cadet races football team head-coach Felix lenge and l am pleased with the with a time of 10 mins 3 sec- Sanchez. way they ran in the cross-country onds. He was followed by the After her win, she said, “I am races and we managed to get some Aspire student-athlete duo of happy to win this morning and podium places too which all bodes Abdulsalam Alawi and Ibrahim found the run a good challenge well for the work Aspire coaches, Abdalla. Amelia Bennet was the and enjoyable. I am happy to be staff and athletes have put in only female runner in the female running in an Aspire event which training. There were some strong youth section. In the boys’ youth feels like home with my dad hav- runners in today’s event, and they race, Qatar Sports club locked ing been with Aspire Academy gave our boys a good contest and the front two places with Mo- for many years and l have grown something to think about ahead hamed El Alami winning gold up around Aspire.” of forthcoming National Cross- and his club mate Moatasem al- Sanchez senior himself was at Country competition,” coach Mc- Raei taking silver. Bronze went to the event cheering on his daugh- Carthy said.

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Runner al-Khulaifi off to set fastest All Blacks pay tribute to known time for a run around Qatar Maradona ahead of Pumas tie

By Sports Reporter Doha

esterday, Mubarak Ab- dulaziz al-Khulaifi set- off from the Corniche on his attempt to set a FastestY Known Time (FKT) for a run around Qatar. He aims to complete the run, which is approximately 500km, with an aim of completing it in under seven days, which is the current mark set by Qatar resident and adventurer Pierre Daniel in February 2018. Daniel tackled the run in a self-sup- ported manner. Mubarak, who is an execu- tive manager in corporate bank- ing with Masraf Al Rayyan, and a father of four, aims to cover over 80km a day in his record New Zealand captain Sam Cane lays on the pitch an All Blacks jersey (inset) with Maradona’s name and attempt. He is being supported the number 10 printed on it as a tribute to the late Argentinian footballer before the start of the Tri-Nations by a crew of friends, all of whom match against Argentina in Newcastle, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) are either taking time off work or juggling day-to-day com- AFP tions clash for the tribute. any Argentine sporting team, mitments to make sure he has Newcastle, Australia It saw Cane symbolically place and Ledesma met him several access to food and drink as he the shirt on the ground as a mark times. pushes himself to the limits of of respect ahead of their tradi- “He came to many games, and human endurance. ew Zealand captain tional haka. he came once to our changing His team includes Abdulaziz Sam Cane laid an All There were suggestions that room after a game against the All al-Abdulla, Fahad al-Buenain, Blacks No 10 jersey the 10 shirt of the Pumas’ Nico- Blacks in La Plata; we’d lost on the Fahad al-Hadfa, Faisal al-Za- Mubarak al-Khulaifi is aiming to complete the approximate 500km route around Qatar in under 7 days. emblazoned with Di- las Sanchez could be retired for last ball,” he said on Thursday. man, Talal al-Emadi, Ali al- Nego Maradona’s name in the cen- the game in honour of Marado- “I crossed paths a couple of Mansouri, Rashid al-Hajri, Noel Sri Lanka 2018 and Tarawera 100 starting his endeavour. Around Qatar is a signifi cant tre circle ahead of their match na, who wore that number when times, but not many. He had an Cuaton and coach Ryan Sosna- Mile Endurance Run 2019. He is “I hope that this challenge in- challenge and will test him un- against Argentina in memory of playing for Argentina. attraction, the world stopped Bowd. the fi rst Qatari to fi nish a 100- spires more Qataris to push their like anything he has done, he has the football legend yesterday. But he donned it as normal. when he was there. Al-Khulaifi was the fi rst elect- mile trail race. limits whether it be in sport, the unique spirit of an adventurer, The 1986 World Cup winner, “I think he’s a legend for eve- “He would watch tennis, hock- ed Qatari runners’ representa- “This challenge is the culmi- art, culture, business or serving looking to push his limits and en- a rugby fan, died in his sleep on rybody, but in Argentina he was ey, rugby, football, whenever there tive in the International Trail nation of a journey that was in- their community, and to live the joy the natural beauty of Qatar in Wednesday aged just 60, plung- almost a god,” Pumas coach was an Argentina jersey he was Running Association (ITRA), spired by trailblazing Qatari ath- fullest lives they can.” a way that can only be done dur- ing his South American home- Mario Ledesma, who played 84 there and he was an example of and also organised the fi rst ul- letes, like Abdulla al-Hammadi Daniel, the fi rst and current ing such a challenge. It will be my land and football globally into times for his country, said short- how to represent that jersey.” tra-trail race in Qatar (THEEB who inspired me into sport and record holder of the Run Around joy to see him at the fi nish line and mourning. ly before kick-off . Maradona was laid to rest on 2019). He has also participated athletes like Pierre Daniel and so Qatar, said, “It’s fantastic what celebrate his success.” Both teams gathered in the “He had the capacity of get- the outskirts of Buenos Aires af- in many global trail races, in- many more who opened my eyes Mubarak is attempting and has Al-Khulaifi ’s progress can middle at McDonald Jones Sta- ting everybody together so we ter a ceremony attended by fam- cluding Trans Jeju 2017 (50K, to the possibilities within each achieved for the Qatari trail- be followed on Instagram @ dium in Newcastle, north of will miss him.” ily and close friends, following a Mountain Range), Ironman 70.3 of us,” al-Khulaifi said before running community. The Run Trailssports. Sydney, ahead of their Tri Na- Maradona was a huge fan of chaotic public wake.