Sport

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2020 TokyoT Olympic Games organisers pplan to slash costs by $280m AsA we’re in the Covid-19 world, are we in a world where the flflashy event that we used to think of as normal before is still ssuitable? We’ve reached a turning point in this regard.

Tokyo 2020 CEO, Toshiro Muto Sport |09

NBA FINALS: (Game 4) Los Angeles Lakers 102, Miami Heat 96 (Anthony Davis 22 pts, LeBron James 28) * Lakers lead series 3-1 FIFA President Infantino 'speechless' after visit to Al Bayt Stadium

It is an absolute pleasure to play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA World Cup ever. Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium. It has a real football feel and a local touch. The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am speechless: FIFA The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino speaking to officials during a visit to the state-of-the-art Al Bayt Stadium, yesterday.Infantino was briefed on the facilities available President Gianni at the stadium by Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Nasser Al Khater and other Infantino officials during the visit. Qatar French Open: Djokovic survives gearing up for Ghana Carreno Busta scare to advance friendly AFP – FRENCH OPEN a position where I am today," said Tsitsipas. QNA – DOHA Novak Djokovic recovered MEN: QUARTER-FINALS "I'm chasing something from dropping his first set at Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Pablo Carreño- spectacular." Qatar national football team this year's French Open and Busta (ESP x17) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 "Despite not having a good continued its intensive prep- overcame a bothersome left Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) bt Andrey start and being a break down, arations for the friendly inter- arm to defeat Pablo Carreno Rublev (RUS x13) 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 I remembered what a big national match against Ghana Busta yesterday and set up a fighter I am," he added. which will be played on WOMEN: QUARTER-FINALS semi-final showdown with "It's also about fighting and Monday in Antalya, Turkey, as Sofia Kenin (USA x4) bt Danielle Collins Stefanos Tsitsipas. (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 trying to find solutions in dif- part of the preparation Djokovic beat Spanish 17th Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) bt Laura ficult moments. I managed to program for the double Asian seed Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-2, Siegemund (GER) 6-3, 6-3 put my brain to work." qualifiers for the 2023 AFC 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last four Tsitsipas, 22, has now won Asian Cup in China and the of a major for the 38th time as 15 successive sets at the tour- 2022 World Cup. he chases a second French nament having been two sets Qatar coach Felix Sanchez Open and 18th Grand Slam title. down to Jaume Munar in the focused on tactical and "It took all my strength and opening round. physical exercises to restore lots of patience, he's a very However that streak looked the players to their technical good player," said Djokovic. in peril when Rublev, also and mental fitness in light of "He doesn't make a lot of making his first French Open the long absence from the sta- errors so all the points were quarter-final appearance, diums due to the COVID-19 long. I started this match a bit served for the opening set at outbreak. badly with bad movement. 5-4. The national team training After I found rhythm and A loose game from the held an evening training confidence. Russian 13th seed allowed Tsit- session at the Aspire Academy, "It was important to stay sipas to recover and he rattled with the participation of 25 focused on the key points." off four consecutive games to players, who were called up The Serb now sits two wins take the lead. for the friendly encounter. away from becoming the first Serbia’s Novak Djokovic Tsitsipas, last year's ATP This gathering was the first man in half a century -- and reacting after winning his Finals champion, dominated for the national team in more only the third in history -- to French Open quarter-final the second set to leave Rublev than three months after the win all four Slams twice. match against Spain’s Pablo on the brink, profiting from a end of its previous camp on However, the world Carreno Busta, yesterday. favourable net cord to break at July 3, which was without number one required 3-2 after carving the opening friendly or official matches, but treatment on his upper left arm following a 28-shot rally. the goal is to restore the after losing the opening set and primal roar having fended off animated when he missed out avenging last month's loss to Only Djokovic has won players’ training conditions looked vulnerable against an two break points in the first a string of break points early the Russian in the Hamburg more than Rublev's three titles after a long hiatus due to the opponent who was the bene- game of the third set and in the fourth set, but he even- final. in 2020, but the world number COVID-19 pandemic. ficiary of Djokovic's disquali- appeared in control at 3-0 until tually landed the decisive blow The Greek fifth seed 15 was powerless to stop a Qatar’s mission will travel fication at the US Open. Carreno Busta clawed back to in the seventh game when downed Rublev 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 supreme Tsitsipas who closed to Turkey on Saturday. The Carreno Busta twice had 3-all. Carreno Busta pushed a to match his breakout run at out victory inside two hours. team will return immediately chances to break in the second But the top seed reclaimed forehand wide. the 2019 Australian Open. Tsitsipas, who was the first after the end of the match to set but could not capitalise, the initiative with another Earlier, Tsitsipas made his "I'm expecting since a Greek to have made the Doha, so that the players join instead losing his own serve on break at 4-3 on his way to second Grand Slam semi-final young age to potentially quarter-finals in Paris, their club training in prepa- two occasions. taking the third set. with a straight-sets win over triumph at these Grand Slams. crunched 35 winners and made ration for the resumption of Djokovic unleashed a Djokovic grew increasingly 13th seed Andrey Rublev, I'm happy that I'm able to be in just 17 unforced errors. the league on October 17. Katara to launch International Arabian Horse Festival next year

THE PENINSULA – DOHA "The hosting of this tour- major international festivals and nament in Katara reflects our exhibitions that symbolise the orig- The Cultural Village Foundation to be present with our inality of our heritage. Katara has signed a cooperation public in all forums, and until the For his part, Chairman of the agreement with the Qatar Racing creative, cultural and enter- Racing and Equestrian Club, Issa bin and Equestrian Club (QREC) to host tainment image that we present Muhammad Al Mohannadi, said: the Qatar International Arabian to our dear visitors is complete, “We are happy to be present in Horse Championship, as one of we hope that the Qatar Interna- Katara, this distinguished cultural, many events of the Katara Interna- tional Arabian Horse Champi- to sign this agreement that resulted tional Horse Festival, which will be onship will be a global event that in hosting the Qatar International held in February 2021. attracts all those interested in the Arabian Horse Championship. We In this context, General Manager horse and equestrian world," Dr strongly hope that this agreement of the Cultural Village Katara, Dr. Al Sulaiti said. will lead to the development and Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said: He also explained that this progress of sports in general and “Katara intends to launch the first important and distinguished inter- the championship." edition of the International Arabian national tournament will held be The Festival will be held in Feb- Horse Festival, in which the Qatar on Katara beach, which hosted the ruary 2021 at Katara Beach, and will The Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Issa bin Muhammad Al Mohannadi International Arabian Horse Cham- largest sports tournaments and include various events, such as the (left) and the General Manager of the Cultural Village Katara, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, pionship will be its most distin- competitions in the world, as Katara Qatar International Arabian Horse signing the agreement documents during a ceremony held in Doha, yesterday. guished event." has always organised and presented Championships. THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 11 Jones back Late Jones farewelled in last lap of empty MCG at work with AFP - MELBOURNE widow Jane said in a England, Former batsman tribute statement. Dean Jones has been fare- “We will forever welled in a poignant final lap miss Dean’s energy, discipline of an empty Melbourne Cricket his zest for life, Ground following his sudden passion for cricket high on death last month. and his love for us as The casket of Jones, who a family,” she added. agenda collapsed and died aged 59, The father of two, was draped in an Australia flag a colourful and and carried in a white hearse popular character AP - LONDON adorned with flowers spelling who played regularly “324”, his Test cap number and for Victoria and Aus- With no England rugby match his highest first-class score, tralia at the MCG, died for seven months, coach Eddie achieved at the MCG. while working in Jones has had quite a bit of “Rocket Man” time on his hands during the by Elton John -- a coronavirus pandemic. friend of Jones -- He has spent a couple of echoed through days working with second-tier the club Ealing - “There’s no other 100,000-capacity teams to coach, mate!” Jones arena as the said on Tuesday - and hearse, followed attended some Premiership by only 10 This handout photo taken on October 3, 2020 and released by the Melbourne Cricket games since the league’s mourners due to Club yesterday shows a small group of family members attending a ceremony for restart in August to check on anti-coronavirus late Australian cricketer Dean Jones as a hearse transporting his coffin makes one the progress of his England rules, proceeded last lap around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne following his players. around the field death at the age of 59 on September 24 in Mumbai in India. LEFT: The scoreboard Otherwise, it’s all been on Saturday. at the MCG during the same ceremony. about planning for the “We have eventual return of the inter- been deeply moved by the out- Mumbai as a commentator for yielded 6,068 runs at an fierce competitor whose to score 210 in Madras and national game amid a pan- pouring of love for Dean over the Indian Premier League. average of 44.61. knockabout demeanour con- save Australia’s hopes in only demic and Jones is discovering the last week and can’t thank He played 52 Tests from Known universally as cealed a keen cricketing mind. the second tied Test in cricket quite a lot, on and off the field. everyone enough for their 1984-1992, amassing 3,631 runs “Deano”, and an inspiration In 1986, Jones, vomiting and history. He went on to win the Firstly, he has followed support and for sharing their at an average of 46.55, while for his aggressive batting, shaking at the crease, defied 1987 World Cup with closely how sports teams have memories with us,” Jones’s his 164 one-day internationals Jones was remembered as a severe heat and dehydration Australia. coped with living in a “bubble” - notably the England men’s cricket squad and teams in Australian rugby league - to give him a handle on how he Stokes says ill should deal with his own players. After all, England cricketer Jofra Archer and a slew of father backed England soccer players have fallen foul of coronavirus restrictions in recent months. “The main thing is that we his decision to understand the responsibility we have got,” Jones said in a video call ahead of England’s return to cricket return to action for a game against the Barbarians on October 25 and a trip to Italy REUTERS - LONDON in the final round of the delayed Six Nations. England all-rounder Ben Stokes has said he had his family’s “We’re the England rugby blessing to return to action in the Indian Premier League with the team, we’ve been given the Rajasthan Royals after taking compassionate leave to visit his opportunity to play rugby in father, who is ill with brain cancer. quite a difficult situation, and Stokes travelled from his father’s home in New Zealand to our responsibility is to make Dubai on Saturday and is currently in quarantine ahead of meeting sure we put a smile on peo- up with his new team to continue their campaign in the IPL, which ple’s faces. I anticipate every began in September and ends in November. player coming in will be com- Kolkata Knight Riders players Sunil Narine and Dinesh Karthik celebrate a wicket against Chennai “Sitting in a hotel room in quarantine once again after leaving mitted to that. Super Kings in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Pic: @IPL New Zealand is not how I thought I would be arriving at the IPL, “But like every other young but here I am and all things considered, I’m in a good place,” man around the world at the Stokes wrote in a column for British newspaper The Mirror. moment, they have discipline “Saying goodbye to my dad, my mum and my brother in issues and we want to min- Christchurch was tough. It has been a difficult time for us as a KKR stifle CSK in death imize them - but I can’t guar- family, but we’ve pulled together and supported each other as antee that we won’t. We’ll cer- best we can.” tainly be striving to be a very “And I was able to get on the plane with my parents’ love and overs, secure 10-run win disciplined team.” blessing after we reached the decision, for me to get back playing, That goes for on the pitch, as a family with no external influences.” too. Stokes took a five-week break from cricket to visit his family IANS - ABU DHABI BRIEF SCORES: Shane Watson Jones is a keen all-around in Christchurch and help care for his father, who he said had even- KKR 167 all out of Chennai sports fan, and has noticed tually encouraged him to get back to playing. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) (Rahul Tripathi 81, Super Kings in how the number of goals being “My dad was very strong on the responsibilities I have. He told yesterday beat Chennai Super Sunil Narine 17; action against scored in English Premier me I have a duty to do the job that I do and I have a duty as a Kings (CSK) by 10 runs in the Dwayne Bravo 3/37) Kolkata League football has soared this husband and father as well,” Stokes added. 21st match of the Indian beat CSK 157/5 Knight Riders season in empty stadiums. “We gave it all a lot of thought and talked it over at length, Premier League at the Sheikh (Shane Watson 50, in Abu Dhabhi Three weeks ago, there were and we came to a decision that now sees me back focusing on the Zayed Stadium. Ambati Rayudu 30; yesterday. 44 goals in a single round - a game.” While CSK did well in the Andre Russell 1/18) Pic: @IPL record since the Premier death overs to bowl out KKR for League began in 1992 - while 167, the latter responded with 41 were scored last weekend. a death over masterclass of With no crowds being their own to restrict CSK to allowed at England’s rugby 157/5. games for the foreseeable Chasing a target of 168 for future because of government- victory, CSK had the upper enforced restrictions, does hand until the start of the 17th Jones envisage a similar deluge over, when they had Sam of points in his sport? Curran and skipper MS Dhoni “I’m not sure,” he said. “But in the middle and needed 44 to Jadhav took five balls to get off Earlier, KKR's decision to what I see in sport at the win off the last four overs. the mark and could score no replace Sunil Narine with Rahul moment is that sides who are Dhoni fell to Varun Chakra- runs off the first two balls of the Tripathi at the top of the order getting beaten lack a bit of varthy in that over for a 12-ball last over in which they needed bore fruit as the Maharashtra fight. So you get an exagger- 11 after which Curran fell to 26 for victory. It meant that batsman smashed 81 off 51 ation of scores. And maybe the England’s Ben Stokes Andre Russell off the first ball KKR conceded only 33 runs in balls. reason you don’t get much celebrates after winning of the next over. the last four overs, of which 14 Narine came in at No. 4 and fight is because they don’t see the second Test against the Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra came from a six and two fours scored a quickfire 17 off 9 balls the consequences of defeat as West Indies at Old Trafford, Jadeja stayed in the middle for hit by Jadeja after it had become before being dismissed thanks strongly as maybe they would Manchester, Britain, in this CSK until the end but the mathematically impossible for to a blinder of a combined catch if crowds were there. The big July 20, 2020, file photo. former's inability to get going CSK to chase down the total in from Ravindra Jadeja and Faf thing for us is to work on our hurt the three-time champions. the last over. du Plessis. togetherness. On how hard we are going to fight for each other. The other common feature is sides who have that Amir Cup Table Tennis: Al Arabi defeat Al Rayyan togetherness, and that fight, stay in the battle when the crowd would give you a THE PENINSULA - DOHA Al Arabi will face Al Wakrah today at what is A player of Al Arabi in action against Al Rayyan during their group reminder to do that. You have the end of the group stage matches. The winning stage match in the 2019-20 Amir Cup Table Tennis Championship. to remind yourselves now.” Al Arabi yesterday took a big step towards qual- team today will have to get 7 points from this The biggest thing for Jones ifying for the semi-finals of the 2019-20 Amir stage to join Al Sadd in the semi-finals. is being able to do his job Cup Table Tennis Championship by beating Al In the event Al Wakrah wins, they will raise again, with England’s most Rayyan 3-2. their tally to 6 points and draw level with Al recent match coming way A tense battle ensued at Preparation and Rayyan who will qualify for the semi-finals with back in March in the next-to- Training Center in Ras Abu Aboud where strict Al Sadd having beaten Al Wakrah 3-2 in the fourth last round of the Six Nations. safety and health protocols are in place for the round. England selected a 28-man tournament. The matches yesterday were officiated by training squad that will With this victory, Al Arabi have raised their referees Saeed Abdullah Al Kathiri and Jamil convene for three days this tally to 5 points to secure the third place in Group Muhammad Muslim and Chief Referee Ali Abdel week in preparation for the B. Al Rayyan are in second place with 6 points. Moneim Nadi. Muhammad Ahmad Al-Rumaihi, games against the Barbarians Al Sadd with 8 points are at the top of the group. Executive Director of the Qatar Table Tennis and Italy. Jones said his players Al Sadd are already through to the semi-finals Association (QTTA), was also present. will not be allowed to leave after maintaining a winning streak of three The final of the tournament will be played their hotel to reduce the matches. on October 12. chance of communal infection. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2020 FIFA President Infantino visits Al Bayt Stadium

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his visit to the state-of-the-art Al Bayt Stadium, yesterday. The FIFA chief praised Qatar's preparations for the 2022 football spectacle and was briefed on the facilities available at the stadium by Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Deliveryy & Legacyegacy HaHassanssan Al ThawadiThawadi aandnd CEOCEO ofof FIFAFIFA WorldWorld CupCup Qatar 2022 Nasser Al Khater. RIGHT: Infantino is seen playing football with Al Thawadi and other top officialsofficials.. Belgium Messi returns to Argentina, wait for puts Barca drama behind him word on

AFP – BUENOS AIRES 39 during the following global showpiece on an ambitious regeneration of the squad quarantined in North . In the meantime, he has following the abject exit from Russia under Superstar footballer Lionel Messi a pair of qualifiers -- Argentina also travel the tutelage of Jorge Sampaoli. Mertens (pictured) will take a break from to Bolivia next Tuesday -- to distract him However, alongside Scaloni’s ‘new his Barcelona soap opera as he from his club travails. guard’ remain several old hats, like Messi. REUTERS – BRUSSELS bids to fire Argentina to the Messi tried to force his exit from the “We can say that there are seven or World Cup in Qatar and what Catalan giants in the close season but Barca eight “memory” players that are the foun- Belgium are still waiting on will probably be his last chance held firm and a €700m release clause dation,” said Scaloni, pointing out that with whether Dries Mertens will to try to win the coveted ensured he remained, albeit disgruntled. “only one day of preparation” they would be allowed to leave Italy trophy. Playing Ecuador in his homeland may need the experienced heads to help the and join up with his The 33-year-old, a record provide a welcome respite but it is also team hit the ground running. national team mates for six-time winner of the fraught with potential difficulty. He will be without the injured Man- three internationals over Four years ago at the start of qual- chester City forward Sergio Aguero, though, the next week, including a ifying for the 2018 World Cup in while Scaloni has left out Paris Saint- trip to Wembley at the Russia, Ecuador stunned Argentina Germain winger Angel Di Maria. weekend. 2-0 at River Plate’s iconic Monu- “Messi needs two players ahead of him Mertens’ club Napoli mental stadium in Buenos Aires. that he can assist, and sit deep, not at the are in quarantine at a It took a hat-trick by an inspired tip. That’s how we got results at the Brazil resort near Naples after Ballon d’Or, has won everything in Messi in Argentina’s final qualifier -- away 2019 Copa America,” added Scaloni in ref- two squad members tested the club game with Barcelona several to Ecuador -- to send the twice world erence to Argentina’s third-place finish. positive for COVID-19 last times over but his international champions to Russia. It’s been a turbulent covid period for week, forcing them to miss trophy cabinet looks bare in Tomorrow’s match will be in another Ecuador, who will be led by Argentine their clash at comparison. iconic stadium: ’ Gustavo Alfaro after Dutchman Jordi Cruyff Juventus on Sunday. “The only goal I have now is Bombonera. quit without ever leading the team. “Dries Mertens remains to win the World Cup with the But it will be a surreal experience in an Cruyff, the son of late Dutch legend uncertain. His situation national team,” he has said. empty ground that would normally be Johan Cruyff, was hired in January but depends on the decision of The closest he has come so bouncing with stands packed full of some football was put into lockdown over the local authorities far was as losing finalist against of the most fervent and passionate fans in covid-19 before he could take charge of his regarding COVID-19 Germany in 2014. the world. first match and he subsequently resigned measures in the Naples Tomorrow's clash with Covid-19 has put paid to any hopes of in July with no restart date yet fixed. area,” said a statement Ecuador gives him the chance to a paying public. Alfaro has coached 13 clubs in from the Belgian football start building towards one last tilt This is a much-changed Argentina from Argentina, winning the Copa Sudamericana association. at that goal. that which disappointed at the last World with Arsenal in 2007, but this is the The 33-year-old is a He will be 35 by the time the Cup. 58-year-old’s first job as a national team staple of the Belgian side, Qatar World Cup ends, and will turn Young coach Lionel Scaloni embarked coach. having won 92 caps for his country. Belgium meet the Ivory Coast in a friendly in Barca start process to reduce salaries Brussels tomorrow and then take on England at Wembley on Sunday and REUETRS – BARCELONA in the negotiations over the changes to their of 70% at the end of March in the height of Iceland away in Reykjavik salaries, added the source. the pandemic, lasting the duration of Spain’s next Wednesday in the Barcelona have begun a process to Barca have been forced to hold all home national state of alarm, which ended in Nations League. reduce the pay of players, coaches and matches without spectators since the pan- June. Spain already non-sporting staff to adapt to the huge demic began in March, destroying revenue Barca’s financial troubles also led them announced that Mertens’ losses suffered due to the COVID-19 from ticket sales. Income from merchan- to spend the close season lightening the Napoli team mate Fabian pandemic, a club source said yesterday. dising and stadium and museum tours has biggest wage bill in European football, Ruiz, who was called up for Staff have been notified by the club of also been badly affected by a huge drop in offloading Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and their friendly against Por- the need to reduce costs after posting a loss tourism to the city. Arturo Vidal for next to nothing, while tugal and two Nations of €97m ($113.98m) in their annual financial Barca’s accounts yesterday made for selling for €72m and Nelson League matches, was report, released on Monday. grim reading, showing a 14% drop in Semedo for €30m. unable to meet up with the The employees, including players, have revenue from the previous year and the They only brought in three players, rest of the squad due to the been asked to nominate a representative doubling of their net debt to €488m. Miralem Pjanic, Francisco Trincao and terms of the quarantine. over the next two weeks to represent them The club enacted a temporary pay cut Sergino Dest for a combined €112m. Ronaldo, Juve internationals reported for breaking isolation

AFP – MILAN

Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured) and other top Juventus players could face legal action for rejoining their national teams despite coronavirus rules after two positive cases at the Italian champions, local health authorities in Turin said yesterday. As well as the Portuguese star, several South Americans including , , Danilo and Rodrigo Bentancur also left the Juventus team hotel without awaiting test results this week, according to Italian media reports. Wales’ Jonny Williams and team-mates during training “The club itself told us that some players had left the place of isolation at the Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales, yesterday, ahead of and therefore we will notify the competent authority, that is the prosecutor, tomorrow's friendly match against England. of what happened,” said Roberto Testi, a director of the health authority in the Piedmont region, quoted by the Ansa news agency. The entire Juventus team and staff were isolating from Saturday, a pro- cedurecedure tthathat ddoesoes not prevent tthemhem ffromrom training or playing, but pprohibitsrohibits contact with the outsioutside.d Both virus case at Grealish aiming to be England's game-changer thethe club were among ththee team’steam’s non-playing staff. SeveralSe other interna- REUTERS – LONDON Denmark, impressing in a 14-minute "There is so much talent in there. tionalstiona called up to their cameo. Sometimes it is just tough for the nationalnat sides will be able Jack Grealish hopes to get the chance "I feel like I can definitely add to England team because there is a lot tot leave as soon as they to show England manager Gareth that," he told Standard Sport. "I bring of pressure and expectation but I getge the all clear, Southgate he can be a game-changer something different to what other wouldn't mind that, that is what inincluding France’s in their upcoming Nations League players do and, fingers crossed, I get comes being footballers and playing AAdriend Rabiot, Italians fixtures. a chance. for the national team." GGiorgioio Chiellini and The 25-year-old "That is what I want, I want the England host Wales in a friendly LeonardoLe Bonucci, received his maiden call-up to the chance to show the manager what I on Oct. 8 before Nations League Wales’W England squad in August and made can do. I can be that player who can matches at home against Belgium andan Poland’s Wojciech his debut in the 0-0 draw against change a game. and Denmark. Szczesny.Szc THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2020 SPORT 09 Tokyo Olympics organisers Giro d’Italia: Ganna ‘redeems Ineos’ set to cut costs by $280m with 5th stage win

AFP - TOKYO AFP - CAMIGLIATELLO SILANO , ITALY

The cost of the coronavirus- Italy’s gave the Ineos team a boost yesterday with a postponed Tokyo Olympics will breakaway win in the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia through the be slashed by $280m, organ- southern Calabria region with Portugal’s Joao Almeida tightening isers said yesterday, touting a his grip on the leader’s pink jersey. scaled-back Games with cuts Ineos lost their lead rider to a broken pelvis to everything from staffing to on Tuesday, and subsequently promised to target stage wins instead pyrotechnics. of the overall standings. But the final price of the “A success that partially redeems the team after Thomas’s unfor- event -- officially budgeted tunate retirement,” said 24-year-old Ganna after his second stage before the pandemic at 1.3 win in this year’s race. trillion yen ($12bn) -- remains It was also the time-trial specialist’s first ever win on a raod unclear because additional race and given his huge frame, is an astonishing result for a stage expenses caused by the post- where a slender climber had been expected to triumph. ponement have not yet been Ineos had a disappointing with defending made public. champion Egan Bernal’s withdrawal, while Ecuadorian Richard Plans for a lower-key Carapaz is not defending his Giro d’Italia title. Olympics were unveiled last The powerfully built world time-trial champion Ganna crossed month, with cost-cutting Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games President Yoshiro Mori attends the line alone 34sec ahead of a group of favourites including Dece- measures including fewer free a press conference regarding the Tokyo Olympics, which uninck’s Almeida, who finished third just behind Austrian Patrick tickets, scrapping athlete have been postponed due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, Konrad of Bora-Hansgrohe. welcome ceremonies, and in Tokyo, yesterday. Ganna won Saturday’s opening time-trial in Palermo, and on savings on banners, mascots his first Giro d’Italia has two more time-trials to target. and meals. “It was not planned for me to go in the breakaway,” said Ganna. “This work will help to new costs, from re-booking Organisers and officials are If held at all, the final shape “Then after some attacks this morning I told Salvatore (Puccio) to create a model for future global venues and transport to considering a long list of pos- of the Games remains unclear, stay on my wheel. We managed to go in the breakaway, then all events including forthcoming retaining a huge organising sible virus countermeasures with questions including went incredibly well.” Games amid the new normal in committee staff. that they hope will make it pos- whether spectators will be The race crossed to mainland Italy after four days in Sicily, cov- which we now live,” organisers With many countries expe- sible to hold the Games, even if allowed -- including foreign ering 225km from Mileto to Camigliatello Silano. said in a statement after a pres- riencing second or even third a vaccine is not available. visitors -- yet to be resolved. Ganna was the sole survivor of a breakaway launched before entation to the International waves of infection, there have But enthusiasm for the Organisers have made clear the 50km mark on the rolling slopes of the Valico di Montescuro, Olympic Committee Executive been doubts about whether the Games appears to have waned that at the very least it will be a attacking with 17km to go. Board. event can be staged, but organ- in Japan, with polls over the more sober event than the The Italian left Belgian Thomas De Gendt and Colombian Einer They said they would cal- isers and Olympic officials insist summer finding just one in four usually exuberant spectacle. Rubio in his wake, after the pair had counterattacked at the foot of culate an updated budget -- it can be done safely. Japanese people wanted to see They have said the size of the climb, cresting the summit one minute ahead of his pursuers. including additional costs “We’re aware some people them happen, and most backing behind-the-scenes delegations In the descent, uneven and slippery in the rain, Italian two-time linked to postponement and are of the opinion that it should either a further postponement will be reduced by 15 percent, Giro winner set the pace and tested his rivals. coronavirus counter-measures be cancelled,” Tokyo 2020 CEO or outright cancellation. and perks also cut back. The Italian held on for the stage win, while his compatriot Nibali, -- by the end of the year. The Toshiro Muto said yesterday. Muto acknowledged the “As we’re in the Covid-19 winner in 2013 and 2016, remains well positioned in sixth, one- 2020 Games were pushed back “But if we’re not able to importance of public support world, are we in a world where minute adrift of Almeida. a year as the deadly new overcome Covid-19, is there for the event. the flashy event that we used to “It was a very cold stage, with some rain,” said Almeida who disease spread around the anything positive about the sit- “It’s not our intention to think of as normal before is still nevertheless extended his two-second overnight advantage to 43 globe, and are now set to open uation? I think we can all agree hold the Games without gaining suitable? We’ve reached a seconds on second-place Spaniard . on July 23, 2021. But the delay that this is not a desirable understanding” of people in turning point in this regard,” Today’s sixth stage stays in the foot of Italy with a 199km run has thrown up a plethora of situation.” Japan, he said. Muto said. between Castrovillari and Matera in the Basilicata region.

Giro d’Italia results and standings * INEOS Team UK to launch new Results and standings in the Giro d’Italia after the 225km fifth stage boat third week of October yesterday: * America’s Cup World Series runs Stage Dec. 17-20 in Auckland 1. Filippo Ganna (ITA/Ineos) 5hr 59min 17sec (average: 37.5 km/h), 2. Patrick Konrad (AUT/BOR) at 34sec, 3. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 34, 4. Wilco Kelderman * Challenger to be decided in Jan. (NED/SUN) 34, 5. Lucas Hamilton (AUS/MIT) 34, 6. Jai Hindley (AUS/SUN) 34, 7. 15-Feb. 22 Prada Cup Harm Vanhoucke (BEL/LOT) 34, 8. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 34, 9. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 34, 10. Fausto Masnada (ITA/DEC) 34, 11. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) * New Zealand to defend America’s 34, 12. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) 34, 13. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/NTT) 34 Cup March 16-21, 2021 Selected: 15. (NED/JUM) 34, 20. (GBR/MIT) 34 * Challengers from Britain, Italy and United States Overall standings 1. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 17hr 06min 23sec, 2. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) at 43sec, 3. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) 48, 4. Harm Vanhoucke (BEL/LOT) 59, 5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) 1:01, 6. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/NTT) 1:05, 7. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 1:19, 8. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/JUM) 1:21, 9. Patrick Konrad (AUT/BOR) 1:26, 10. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 1:32 UCI asked to investigate crash at Giro d’Italia

AP - VILLAFRANCA TIRRENA

The International Cycling Union was asked yesterday to open an investigation into French skipper Yannick Bestaven sails his Imoca 60 monohull ‘Maitre Coq’ in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of La Rochelle, western a crash at the Giro d’Italia France, a few weeks prior to take the start of the Vendee Globe round-the-world solo sailing race. The 2020 edition of the Vendee after it was said to be caused Globe begins on November 8, 2020. by a helicopter flying too low near the riders. Vini Zabu team-mates Luca Wackermann and Ainslie readies radical America’s Etienne van Empel crashed on the finishing straight of the fourth stage on Tuesday Cup redesign as quarantine ends when wind, initially believed to be coming from the sea, blew a barrier REUTERS - WELLINGTON “We’ve really across the road. had a hard look at Vini Zabu said “the bar- Gazing out over Auckland’s historic harbour our design phi- riers flew across the road from the hotel where he is in quarantine, losophy... and because of a helicopter Ben Ainslie felt waves of envy and made some pretty flying too low near the excitement watching the New Zealand and major changes. riders.” The team said US crews practising. From what I have Wackermann had a con- Ainslie is nearing the end of two weeks seen so far of the cussion, broken nose and in a room overlooking the waters where British Olympic American and other injuries. Van Empel he is confident that INEOS Team UK can sailor Ben Italian boats, we reported only cuts to his win the America’s Cup in March, despite Ainslie is seen have been more hands. the many disruptions caused by the in Portsmouth, aggressive in the The CPA, the interna- Team Ineos rider Italy’s Filippo COVID-19 pandemic. Britain, in this changes we have tional representative body Ganna celebrates as he crosses the “It’s been frustrating to watch those two October 2019, made,” Ainslie said. for professional cyclists, finish line to win the 5th stage of sailing around but also quite exciting,” file photo. However, the asked the UCI to inves- the Giro d’Italia 2020 cycling race, Ainslie said from his room, where he is pre- 43-year-old was tigate. “We have talked a 225-kilometer route between paring for the launch of his new foiling AC75 guarded about directly with Luca Wack- Mileto and Camigliatello Silano, monohull. simulator. details of the new hull design, its deck ermann and will be at his yesterday. “I’ve been cycling away for a couple of “We’ll be out on the water in a couple layout, the sail set-up or even its name in side to get justice after what hours a day and also doing some Pilates... of weeks’ time,” Ainslie said, adding that a competition where design usually dic- happened yesterday at the Giro. CPA has request(ed) an inves- there have been some pluses to it,” Ainslie the team was “pretty much” on target, over- tates who wins. tigation on what happened to the UCI. This kind of accidents said of the isolation New Zealand’s rules coming problems with getting components “Needless to say it is very different from are intolerable,” CPA said in a statement. have required he and all the other team during lockdowns to develop its second race boat one,” said Ainslie, who expects the rev- The helicopter belonged to RAI television, the Italian broad- members complete. boat, which it will use for the Cup. olutionary , which “fly” above the caster of the race. Cancellations of pre-match regattas due The first opportunity the teams get to water on hydrofoils, to hit 55 knots (102 kil- “The official response from the organizers is that the bar- to COVID-19 means that the closest INEOS see how their second generation AC75s ometres/hour). “They are big, powerful, riers were well secured and there weren’t such strong wind con- Team UK has come to squaring up against compare will be a mid-December regatta very fast machines... you are so focused on ditions as to be able to move them,” RCS Sport said in a statement. defenders Emirates Team New Zealand and ahead of January’s Prada Cup, which keeping the boat on its rails and not wiping “The only external element that could have done that is the tel- fellow challengers American and decides who gets to challenge New Zealand out, that you don’t really have time to worry evision helicopter.” Luna Rossa so far has been on a for the oldest international sporting trophy. about it.” Sport THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2020 08

LeBron England’s savours Lawes to have surgery for ‘winning ankle injury time’ REUTERS – NORTHAMPTON AFP – ORLANDO Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron England and Northampton The Los Angeles Lakers main- James shoots the Saints lock Courtney Lawes will tained their remarkable fourth ball during the third have surgery for an ankle quarter winning streak as they quarter in game 4 of injury sustained in a secured the game four victory the 2020 NBA Finals Premiership match against Sale over Miami on Tuesday that against Miami Heat, Sharks and will be ruled out for left them on the brink of a 17th on Tuesday. up to 12 weeks, his club said NBA crown. yesterday. The Lakers took a com- Lawes will miss England’s manding 3-1 lead in the best- postponed Six Nations game of-seven series after holding against Italy on Oct. 31 as well off a physical Miami side in a as their Autumn Nations Cup hard-fought contest to close campaign in November, where out a 102-06 win in Orlando. they take on Georgia, Ireland The result extended the and Wales. Lakers’ record of remaining England are already unbeaten this season without centre Manu Tuilagi, whenever they have led going who has been sidelined for six into the fourth quarter. The months with an Achilles injury team is 56-0 when taking a that he suffered playing for Sale lead into the fourth. in the same game last week. “I think the fourth quarter, Lawes has won 85 caps for obviously it’s winning time,” England, who begin their +afterwards. Autumn Nations Cup campaign “You’ve got 12 minutes to on Nov. 14 against Georgia at buckle down defensively with James, Davis put Lakers Twickenham Stadium. the lead, kind of hold that lead, and then you have to execute offensively. “That’s the mindset for us. Key match in We’ve got 12 minutes. If we on brink of 17th NBA title have the lead, it’s our job to England called outscore the opponent or to AFP – ORLANDO teams were desperate, under- game had been decided in key of the night coming with a hold them to (as many) points standing the situation they had moments in the closing stages. 29-foot effort to put the Lakers off after 27 as us, which is the same exact LeBron James scored 28 points put themselves in,” James said “There was some moments ahead at 55-54. thing, because if we win the as the Los Angeles Lakers moved afterwards. of truth there at the end, and A Danny Green bucket was test positive quarter, we win the game. to within one win of a 17th NBA “Trying to get every extra probably the bottom line is they followed by a driving layup That’s kind of been our championship on Tuesday with possession, execute offensively, won those moments of truth,” from James and the Lakers had mindset all year long.” a 102-96 victory over the Miami not to make mistakes defen- Spoelstra said. suddenly moved into a 59-54 AP – MANCHESTER James, who will win a Heat. sively, that’s what it was all An attritional contest saw lead. fourth championship ring if Humbled by Miami in game about.” James started slowly but defenses on top throughout, with James made another long- A key final-round match of the the Lakers win one of the three on Sunday, James and the clicked in the second half to lead Miami containing the threat of range three shortly afterward regular season in English remaining three games in the Lakers came roaring back in a the scoring while providing eight James and Davis for long to put the Lakers 62-57 up with rugby’s top division was called series, is already looking hard-fought defensive battle assists and hauling down 12 periods. 6:44 left in the third. off yesterday after one of the forward to game five. that was finely balanced until rebounds. James in particular struggled Davis’s first three-pointer teams involved had 27 positive “I get so excited -- like LosLos Angeles pulled away in Anthony Davis meanwhile to generate his usual rhythm of the game from 28 feet put the tests for the coronavirus in the rightright now, I’m excitedexcited thethe closingclosing minutes.minutes. finished with 22 points, while throughout the first half, giving Lakers seven points clear with last week. aboutabout our meeting The win leavesleaves the Kentavious Caldwell-Pope up five turnovers and scoring two minutes left in the third. Sale Sharks said it was tomorrow watchingwatching LakersLakers 3-1 upup in the best-best- chipped in with a vital 15 point just eight points. The Los Angeles big man “devastating” to have to forfeit filmfilm anandd breakingbreaking of-sevenof-seven series, meaningmeaning contribution. The Lakers looked to have closed the quarter with four free its match against Worcester that down and seeingseeing theythey can clinch ththee Caldwell-Pope’s tally built a head of steam towards throws to leave the Lakers five Warriors after eight more thingsthings tthathat we can ddoo chchampionshipampionship witwithh included a three-pointer and a the end of the first quarter, points clear heading into the people at the club contracted better,”better,” JJamesames totoldld victory in game ffiveive layup in the closing stages that edging into a 27-22 lead after a fourth. COVID-19 in the latest round reporters.reporters. in Orlando on Friday.Friday. put the Lakers seven points Kyle Kuzma three-pointer and The Lakers maintained that of checks. Nineteen players or “It“It felt likelike both ahead with two minutes a driving layup from Alex advantage for much of the staff members tested positive remaining. Caruso. fourth quarter. for the virus last week. Davis then drained only his But Miami responded swiftly Tyler Herro’s three-point The forfeit means the second three-pointer of the at the start of the second quarter, jump shot cut the Lakers lead match is awarded 20-0 to night with 39.5 seconds left on transforming a five-point deficit to one point at 76-75, but three Worcester and Sale missed out the clock to give the Lakers a into a 33-29 lead after Jae Crow- free throws from Markieff of qualifying for the end-of- 100-91 lead and effectively seal der’s three-pointer. Morris followed by a superb season playoffs as the Man- the contest. Butler, meanwhile had fadeaway from James stretched chester-based club went for Butler, the 40-point hero of started smoothly, going five- the Los Angeles cushion to six its first English title since 2006. Miami’s win on Sunday, was from-five in the first quarter to points midway through the “Although everyone at Sale restricted to 22 points, frustrated move into double figures. fourth. Sharks is disappointed to see throughout by a commanding Despite Miami’s defensive Butler raised Miami’s hopes our campaign end in this defensive display from Davis. efforts, the Lakers were still able after tying it at 83-83, but the manner,” a club statement “He challenges me every to carve open a series of good Lakers pulled away with read, “the club wholly under- night, I challenge him every looks, only for off-target Caldwell-Pope’s three-pointer stand that the welfare of night,” James said of Davis. shooting to let them down. transition followed by a layup players, staff and officials is “We have to do things to Nevertheless the Lakers had to make it 95-88 with two the most important factor.” help our team win, defensively, inched into a two-point lead at minutes left on the clock. The Sharks said that their and offensively, and he did that half-time at 49-47. Rajon Rondo’s layup was players “acted irresponsibly by tonight -- he was spectacular.” In the third quarter, James’ then followed by a Davis crucial partying and socializing - ‘Moments of truth’ - Miami shooting from distance three-pointer with 39.5 seconds throughout Manchester” after LeBron James coach Erik Spoelstra said the improved, his first three-pointer left which sealed the win. a cup win were inaccurate. Dodgers defeat Padres as Astros push A’s down Two more COVID-19 AFP – LOS ANGELES Los Angeles Dodgers cases stop Titans’ second baseman Chris Corey Seager scored the go-ahead Taylor (left) slides run on a sacrifice fly as the Los past San Diego Padres return to facility Angeles Dodgers erupted for four catcher Austin Nola runs in the sixth inning en route to to score during game AP – NASHVILLE a 5-1 come-from-behind win over one of the 2020 NLDS the San Diego Padres in the opening at Globe Life Field, on Tennessee will not be returning to the team’s game of their NL Division Series on Tuesday. facility after two more players tested positive Tuesday. in the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak, a person Justin Turner scored two runs familiar with the situation told The Associated and walked twice, and starting Press. pitcher Walker Buehler pitched four The Titans had no positive tests Monday solid innings and struck out eight or Tuesday for the first time after six consec- for the Dodgers, who recorded their utive days of positive results. A third straight fifth straight NLDS game one day was necessary for the team to be allowed victory. back in its headquarters. Closer Kenley Jansen got the Instead, the Titans’ outbreak now is up to final out of the four-hour marathon 22 cases with 20 now returned since Sept. 29 contest by forcing Padres batter with the latest results, according to the person Jake Croenworth to ground out to who spoke to the AP on condition of ano- first base at the neutral Globe Life nymity because neither the NFL nor the Titans Field stadium outside Dallas, Texas. announced the latest results. The Dodgers were hitless This latest result puts into question Ten- through the first five innings and nessee’s scheduled game Sunday against drew a total of 10 walks in the Buffalo (4-0) in a game between two of the contest including three to catcher Game two was to be played yes- mystery due to an elbow problem. “He’s getting checked out,” NFL’s six remaining undefeated teams. The Will Smith. terday when the Dodgers was to He hasn’t pitched since leaving a Tingler said. NFL already postponed, then rescheduled the After falling behind 1-0 in the start left hander Clayton Kershaw. start against the Los Angeles Angels “His stuff was right where it Titans’ game with Pittsburgh from Oct. 4 to fourth, Los Angeles did not get their “It is good to get game one after one inning on September 23. usually is. We’ve got our fingers Oct. 25. first hit until Mookie Betts smacked under our belt,” said Betts. “It is a Clevinger missed the Padres’ crossed and hoping for the best of The NFL gave New England and Kansas a one-out double early in the sixth lot better feeling getting a win in first-round series triumph against news.” City an extra day after quarterback Cam which helped open the flood gates game one and knowing we got the St. Louis Cardinals. Elsewhere, George Springer Newton tested positive Saturday, and the with a combination of singles, Kershew up next.” Clevinger worked a scoreless hammered two home runs and Chiefs beat the Patriots 26-10 on Monday doubles, walks and errors on the The Padres didn’t announce first against the Dodgers but had to Framber Valdez won the battle of night. part of the Padres. their game one starter until exit early, making just two pitches the lefties as the Houston Astros But pushing the Bills’ game with the Titans “It’s not about getting a bunch Tuesday, deciding to go with ace in the second before being pulled moved to within one win of a day will be challenging because Buffalo is of hits, it’s about taking our walks Mike Clevinger who was pitching by manager Jayce Tingler. Clevinger reaching their fourth straight AL scheduled to host Kansas City on Thursday and setting the table,” said right for the first time in 13 days. finished with three walks and one Championship Series with a 5-2 win night, Oct. 15. fielder Betts. Clevinger’s status had been a strikeout. over the Oakland A’s.