SPORT SPORT | 14 SPORT | 15 Crawley's Messi’s silence maiden century raises doubts lifts England in about future at final Test Barcelona

SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2020 Red Knights are champs

Al Duhail's Karim Boudiaf and Almoez Ali holding the Falcon Shield as the players and officials celebrate after winning the QNB Stars League title at Al Janoub Stadium, yesterday. Al Duhail clinch Falcon Shield FAWAD HUSSAIN the title triumph. It was not an Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui kept Al Ahli defenders in check. THE PENINSULA easy season because of the pan- (second right) celebrating with Al Ahli’s first realistic chance demic and my team deserves players. of scoring came in 63rd minute Al Duhail clinched the QNB all the credit for their hardwork. but Navid Mohammad Dor- Stars League (QSL) 2019-2020 I would also like to congratulate FINAL STANDINGS zadeh, who was positioned title after defeating Al Ahli 1-0 Al Rayyan who kept us pushing RK CLUB M W L D GF GA GD PTS well near the goal was slow in in their last round match at Al throughout the last stage. The 1 Al Duhail 22 16 2 4 38 16 22 52 his response after receiving a Janoub Stadium, yesterday. QSL also deserves a lot of praise 2 Al Rayyan 22 15 1 6 40 15 25 51 brilliant cross. Striker Paulo Edmilson for their efforts in completion 3 Al Sadd 22 14 5 3 51 29 22 45 Almoez was called off in scored their match-winning of the league,” Regragui added. 4 Al Gharafa 22 10 6 6 34 29 5 36 the 85th minute with sea- goal in the 24th minute off a free The Al Duhail coach played 5 Al Sailiya 22 8 9 5 22 25 -3 29 soned midfielder Ali Afif kick, giving the Red Knights a a full strength side in striker 6 Al Wakrah 22 7 9 6 28 31 -3 27 coming off the bench. He well deserved Falcon Shield in Youssef Msakni absence as the 7 Al Arabi 22 6 8 8 28 28 0 26 made his presence felt and front of a limited number of winners came with a straight- 8 Qatar SC 22 4 10 8 18 26 -8 20 produced a few more attacks fans, owing to COVID-19 pre- forward plan of defeating Al 9 Al Ahli 22 5 12 5 24 36 -12 20 before Al Duhail players and cautionary measures. Ahli. 10 Umm Salal 22 3 10 9 18 37 -19 18 fans erupted in jubilation to Al Rayyan, who entered the With their captain and celebrate a memorable title 11 Al Khor 22 3 11 8 25 35 -10 17 final round with a one-goal Qatar star Almoez Ali looking win. 12 Al Shahania 22 2 10 10 24 43 -19 16 deficit to Al Duhail, finished off colour yesterday, Edmilson Meanwhile, at Al Sadd second despite an emphatic 2-0 rose on the occasion with a Stadium, goals from feared victory against Al Wakrah at Al good performance as Al Duhail * Qualification for AFC Champions League group stage striker Yaccine Brahimi and Sadd Stadium. Both the Round dominated the entire finale. and FIFA Club World Cup first round Argentinean Gabriel Mercado 22 matches were played They took charge and attacked * Qualification for AFC Champions League play-off round gave Al Rayyan 2-0 victory over simultaneously. the opposition right from the * Qualification for relegation play-off Al Wakrah. Al Duhail were paid for their start but Mohammed Muntari’s * Relegation to Qatargas League After a goalless first half that consistent performance goal in the fifth minute was saw missed chances from both throughout the season as they ruled offside. the sides, Brahimi put Al lost only two games, winning Al Ahli won their first corner handball outside circle as he powerful strike in 30th minute denied Edmilson his second Rayyan ahead in the 59th 16 games while drawing 4 kick of the match, three minutes tried to stop an attack, resulting missed the top post by a few goal with a diving save on his minute with a fine strike from matches. Al Rayyan finished later but was unable to pose in a free kick. inches. Al Duhail’s another goal right. In 49th minute, Edmilson outside the circle - his 15th goal with 14 wins, six draws and a much challenge to a solid Al Edmilson took the free kick was disallowed due to offside, managed to defeat the Al Ahli of the season. Mercado headed defeat. Al Sadd, the 14-time Duhail defense. from just outside the circle and after VAR decision cut short goalkeeper but this time Al the ball into nets in a 71st minute champions, finished third in the Captain Almoez missed a his strike took deflection of Al Almoez’s celebration in a 41st Ahli’s Jasem Mohamed Omer corner. 12-team event. golden opportunity, failing to Ahli’s Abdulrasheed Umaru minute attack. blocked his strike in an Earlier, Al Arabi and Qatar “I want to congratulate all connect the ball from a close Ibrahiim and landed in goal in Al Duhail went into the excellent effort, avoiding a SC played out a goalless draw those who are part of Al Duhail range with goal almost open in front of hapless Rodriguesdo, breather dominating the game two-goal deficit. in yesterday’s first match at Al team. I am very happy with my the 13th minute. As Al Duhail taking Al Duhail ahead. with a 64 percent of ball Almoez came close to Janoub Stadium. Al Arabi and first title here,” Walid Regragui, continued to push for a goal, Al The Red Knights created possession. scoring a few more times but Qatar SC finished their cam- who replaced Rui Faria as Al Ahli goalkeeper Ivanildo Rod- more chances and in one of Soon after the start of did not succeed due to lack of paigns with 26 and 20 points Duhail head coach, said after riguesdo was cautioned for a those attacks, Muntari’s second half, Rodriguesdo execution. However, his attacks respectively. QFA officially submits bid to host 2027 AFC Asian Cup

QNA – DOHA the continental and global levels in the must bear in mind that this is a constant and the spirit of challenge that con- additional strength and pillar of the past, and also by the preparations for endeavor for us, to continue organizing tributed to that triumph will lead us to country’s bid file,” he said. The Qatar Football Association (QFA) the events to come in the near future. such big events at all levels like we have other successes, in terms of hosting and The Vice-President of the QFA, Saud announced that it has officially President of the QFA, Sheikh Hamad done before with great success, as wit- organizing a tournament that Asia bin Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi stated: submitted its bid to host the 2027 AFC bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said: nessed by all.” deserves, and we will be proud to have “What we are looking forward to Asian Cup, after the AFC announced that “The submission of the bid file to host “Qatar will be ready to host the 19th it here in Qatar once again. At the same achieving by organizing the AFC Asian it would start receiving bid files from the 2027 AFC Asian Cup undoubtedly edition of the Asian Cup, taking time, we will not neglect the important Cup 2027 is to strengthen the great part- member associations wishing to host shows our wise leadership’s desire for advantage of the country’s modern role played by our cadres in Qatar’s nerships, and fruitful and constructive the tournament. an optimal investment for the FIFA sports facilities that will host the FIFA series of successes. Qatar places the cooperation we share with the Asian The Qatar Football Association sent World Cup Qatar 2022. It’s not just World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be a utmost importance on this, and we have Football Confederation at all levels. The an integrated file to the AFC, detailing about holding the tournament and legacy for future generations of Asia, in people with great experience who have QFA has been one of the main sup- how Qatar fulfills all the hosting achieving the expected success; this will line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” contributed effectively to the organi- porters of the AFC, through several requirements for the AFC Asian Cup be a great addition to the reputation that the QFA President said. zation of different sporting events, as a projects and events that were organized 2027, a fact supported by the numerous Qatar enjoys when it comes to organ- “Winning the Asian Cup in its latest result of years of investment in human both in the past, and those that are to tournaments hosted by the country at izing major sports tournaments. We edition was a great achievement for us, resource development, which is an be held in the near future.” 14 SPORT SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2020

IPL: Pandemic ‘bio Crawley’s maiden century bubbles’ will help thwart match-fixers, lifts England in final Test says Ajit Singh

AFP — SOUTHAMPTON AFP — NEW DELHI

Zak Crawley struck his Shady match-fixers will find it harder to maiden Test century as approach cricketers in the Indian Premier England established a League’s coronavirus bubble, Indian cricket’s strong position on the anti-corruption chief has said. opening day of their series The world’s richest Twenty20 league will finale against Pakistan at start September 19 in the United Arab Southampton yesterday. SCOREBOARD Emirates after being moved because of the Crawley’s commanding ENGLAND, 1st innings coronavirus crisis. 171 not out was the centre- Rory Burns c S Masood b S Afridi ...... 6 Confining the eight teams to “bio- piece of England’s 332-4 at Dominic Sibley lbw Y Shah ...... 22 bubbles” will also help anti-corruption offi- stumps after captain Joe Zak Crawley Not Out ...... 171 cials “keeping a watch on people” said Ajit Root won the toss. Joe Root c M Rizwan b N Shah ...... 29 Singh, chief of the anti-corruption unit at the Jos Buttler (87 not out) Ollie Pope b Y Shah...... 3 Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). proved a fine, free-scoring Jos Buttler Not Out ...... 87 “Controlling interaction between players Extras (11lb, 3nb) ...... 14 ally to Crawley during an Total (90.0 overs) ...... 332-4 and others will not be very difficult.” unbroken stand of 205. Fall of Wickets : 1-12 Burns, 2-73 Sibley, Cricket has become a key battleground Crawley came in with 3-114 Root, 4-127 Pope in the fight against spot-fixing -- illegal bets England struggling at 12-1 To Bat : Woakes, Bess, Archer, Broad, Anderson on a certain part of the action, such as how following the loss of Rory Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 18-2-71-1, Moham- many runs are scored in an over. Burns. mad Abbas 21-3-52-0, Yasir Shah 28-3-107-2, Singh said he will assign two liaison But the 22-year-old Naseem Shah 17-4-66-1, Fawad Alam 6-0-25-0 officers to monitor each team during the Kent batsman, in just his 53-day tournament. eighth Test, got off the mark Players’ Twitter comments will also be with a boundary and rarely watched for coded messages, he added. looked troubled during The money-spinning IPL has been what was just the fourth plagued by corruption and match-fixing con- first-class century, and troversy since it started in 2008. highest score, of his career. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan England, 1-0 up in a was suspended last year for failing to report three-match contest, will England’s Zak Crawley reacts as he walks off corrupt approaches, one of them over the win their first Test series at the end of play yesterday. IPL. against Pakistan in 10 years A 2013 scandal caused the Chennai Super if they avoid defeat at the Kings, led by ex-India captain Mahendra Ageas Bowl. Singh Dhoni, and Rajasthan Royals to be sus- With Pakistan playing through, Burns (six) nicked quick Afridi to the long-off Indies at Southampton last because of the coronavirus pended in 2015 for two seasons. just four frontline bowlers, a fine delivery from rope for a stylish four . month, had to spend the pandemic, tried to com- The scandal saw Shanthakumaran Sree- there was pressure on leg- Shaheen Afridi that moved England, however, lost 20-minute tea interval on pensate for the lack of any santh, a Rajasthan Royals bowler, being spinner Yasir Shah to give away late low to Shan two wickets early in the 97 not out. fans at the Ageas Bowl with banned for life along with team-mates Ankit captain Azhar Ali a degree Masood at fourth slip. second session to be 127-4. But if there were any enthusiastic applause from Chavan and Ajit Chandila over the illegal of control, even though a Crawley, fresh from his There was little Root nerves they did not show, the dressing room. spot-fixing and betting scandal. first-day pitch rarely 53 in the drawn second Test could do on 29 when a full- with Crawley having said He followed fellow The three were arrested in 2013 with favours slow bowlers. at Southampton, a match length delivery from during the second Test: “I 22-year-old Pope and the scores of bookies as part of a probe into alle- At tea, Yasir had fine marred by bad weather, cut teenage paceman Naseem think about scoring a 24-year-old Sibley as the gations that players had underperformed in figures of 2-60 from 19 Yasir for four and glanced seamed away late to take hundred in my room at latest young England return for cash. Sreesanth’s ban was revoked overs. fast bowler Naseem Shah the outside edge, with wick- night. I massively want it for batsman to have made a by India’s top court last year. But Buttler counter- for another boundary. etkeeper Mohammad England. But I don’t want to Test century. The T20 league is a huge revenue earner attacked by lofting Yasir for But a second-wicket Rizwan holding a fine diving put myself under pressure. Buttler completed an for the BCCI. Before the virus it was estimated two sixes in three balls and partnership of 61 ended catch. Ollie Pope was then That could create too much 85-ball fifty featuring six to generate more than $11bn for the Indian at stumps his figures were when Dom Sibley was lbw once again undone by pressure as I get closer.” fours and two sixes. economy each year. 2-107 from 28 overs. to Yasir for 22. Yasir’s quicker delivery Two controlled twos off Pakistan took the new Teams have already started arriving in Crawley reverse-swept Crawley brought up an when clean bowled for paceman Mohammad Abbas ball with England 288-4 off the UAE where players will be under a week’s Yasir for four on the way to 80-ball fifty off the last ball three hanging back in the saw Crawley to a 171-ball 80 overs before Buttler’s isolation before they start training. a third fifty in just 62 balls. of the session when, crease. hundred, including 11 fours. cover-driven four off The games will only be played in Sharjah, After Root won the toss tempted to drive after Crawley, whose pre- His team-mates, in a Naseem in Yesterday’s last Abu Dhabi and Dubai while a normal season on a blustery morning, with Pakistan reinforced the slip vious Test-best was the 76 season of Tests being played over raised a 200 stand with in India sees more than 10 venues used. the sun trying to break cordon, he struck left-arm he made against the West behind closed doors Crawley. FIM punishes Zarco for Dorilton takeover marks ‘irresponsible end of an era for Williams riding’ REUTERS — LONDON AFP — SPIELBERG Former cham- Johann Zarco will start his next pions Williams announced MotoGP race from the pitlane their sale to US-based private after he was sanctioned for “irre- investment firm Dorilton sponsible riding” following a Capital yesterday, a deal that crash involving Franco marked the end of an era for Morbidelli last weekend in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Pol Espargaro rides his bike the struggling family-owned Austria, the International Motor- during the second training round of the Moto GP Styrian Grand team. cycling Federation (FIM) said Prix in Spielberg, Austria, yesterday. They will continue to race yesterday. under the Williams brand and “After evaluation it was remain at their Grove head- determined that there was evi- quarters in England, the dence of irresponsible riding MotoGP: Espargaro statement added. from Johann Zarco, which has It said the deal for Williams resulted in a penalty. The Racing was supported unani- Frenchman will start his next tops opening Styrian mously by the board, including Williams’ Roy Nissany in action during the Spanish Grand Prix MotoGP race from pitlane,” the 78-year-old co-founder Frank practice at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, in this FIM said in a statement. Williams, and would secure the Ducati-Avintia rider Zarco practice in Austria long-term success of the strug- August 14, 2020 file photo. collided with ’s Morbidelli gling team. at the last Sunday. AFP — SPIELBERG Quartararo could only “This may be the end of an Williams will be the second COVID-19 pandemic that led Both men came off, leaving manage 14th. era for Williams as a family US-owned team, after Haas, in to a spate of race cancellations their bikes to cartwheel at speeds KTM rider Pol Espargaro set Quartararo has finished owned team, but we know it is a sport that sees North America and a season that did not start of up to 300 km/h (187mph) back the quickest time in yester- seventh and eighth since in good hands,” said deputy as a key growth area under until last month. across the track. day’s opening Styrian winning the opening two principal , commercial rights holders The future looks brighter, Morbidelli’s machine flew MotoGP free practice races of the coronavirus-hit Frank’s daughter. Liberty Media, who are head- however, with all 10 teams right past the head of nine-time sessions as Ducati continued campaign. “The sale ensures the quartered in Colorado. signing up to a new Concorde world champion Valentino Rossi their strong form after last He holds an 11-point lead team’s survival but most They are the third oldest Agreement that promises a leaving the Italian badly shaken weekend’s victory at the over Dovizioso. importantly will provide a path and most successful con- fairer share of the revenues and claiming the stray Yamaha same Spielberg circuit. Frenchman Johann to success.” structor in the sport’s history, and a more level playing field “almost killed” him. Spaniard Espargaro, who Zarco, penalised Friday for Williams, whose current with 114 wins and 16 titles, but between the big teams and Zarco denied all responsi- failed to finish either of his his role in a crash with drivers are Britain’s George have not won a race since 2012 smaller private ones. bility for the crash in which he past two races, shot to the top Franco Morbidelli last week, Russell and Canadian Nicholas and their last championship “The new Concorde was, ultimately, the only cas- of the timesheets in the did not take part in the Latifi, had announced in May was with Canadian Jacques Agreement is set to transform ualty, injuring his right wrist in second session at the Red session after undergoing they were considering selling Villeneuve in 1997. the sport and will help address the collision. Bull Ring after Australian surgery on the wrist he the team as part of a strategic Founded in 1977 as Wil- the historical challenges that “There should be no sanc- Jack Miller was fastest in the injured in the collision. review. liams Grand Prix Engineering, Williams has faced as an inde- tions because I did not do any- morning. Zarco was sanctioned for There were no financial the team were at their peak in pendent constructor,” the team thing crazy,” he said after the Espargaro was 0.221sec “irresponsible riding” and details given and a spokes- the 1980s and 90s with cham- statement said. hearing. ahead of Ducati-Pramac will start his next race from woman could not confirm the pions Alan Jones, Keke Dorilton chairman “You can’t do this sport if you rider Miller. Italian Andrea the pitlane as punishment. team’s future management Rosberg, , Nigel Matthew Savage looked don’t want to take risks.” Dovizioso, the winner of the He is due to have a medical structure. Mansell, , Damon forward to working with Wil- The 30-year-old Zarco Austrian Grand Prix for the to assess his fitness to ride in Dorilton’s website says, Hill and Villeneuve. liams “in carrying out a underwent wrist surgery on Ducati factory team five days today’s qualifying or tomor- however, that it partners with The team finished last detailed review of the business Wednesday. He missed yester- ago, was a close third. row’s race. companies “that are led by overall in 2019, despite using to determine in which areas day’s opening practice for the Portugal’s Miguel Injured defending strong management teams and the same engines as champions new investment should be Styrian Grand Prix, also at the Oliveira of the KTM team sat- champion Marc Marquez will have a successful history and Mercedes, and are currently directed. Red Bull Ring. Under MotoGP ellite outfit, KTM-Red Bull- miss his fourth race in a row culture. last this year after six races “We also recognise the rules he was due to have a Tech 3, was fourth on the sta- after breaking an arm. “We firmly believe in our without points. world class facilities at Grove medical later in the day to assess ble’s home track, while Francesco Bagnaia is also still companies continuing with the The team’s finances have and confirm that there are no his fitness to ride today's quali- championship leader Fabio sidelined. elements that have made them suffered as a result of poor plans to relocate,” the fying or tomorrow’s race. successful,” it added. track performance and the chairman added. SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2020 SPORT 15 Chess: Champion Carlsen to participate in Katara Tournament

THE PENINSULA – DOHA zones so that the players can join reached more than 1,000 partic- including the Katara International and participate in any time zone ipant since the first days to open Chess Tournament. This year is a Norwegian Grand Master Magnus they prefer, knowing that the the door of registration, noting special one, as it will be organised Carlsen (pictured), a seven-time Organizing Committee has allo- that there are expectations of remotely in line with the precau- world chess champion, has cated large cash prizes for the reaching 5,000 participants in this tionary measures taken by the announced his intention to partic- winners, amounting to ten tournament. country to combat COVID-19. ipate in the Katara International thousand US dollars. Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al He added that the tournament Chess Tournament organised by For his part, Qatar Chess Asso- Sulaiti, General Manager of the has succeeded in gaining a high- Qatar Chess Association (QCA) in ciation President, Mohammed Al Cultural Village Foundation - level international attention, cooperation with the Cultural Modahka has expressed his Katara, said that Katara is keen to which makes it able to attract a Village Foundation - Katara, delight about the World Champion support sports activities and larger audience to this game with which is going to kick off on participation alongside large spread the culture of sports by a long history. He praised the August 24. The tournament is number of chess stars and inter- organising and hosting a number fruitful relationship between the scheduled to be played in two national titled players, stressing of important sporting events, Cultural Village Foundation - phases at three different time that the number of participants whether local or international, Katara and the QCA. Di Maria feeling good vibes on ‘home’ ground ahead of final

LISBON REUTERS – Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria (left) celebrates with team- mate Neymar after scoring against Leipzig during their Champions League semi-final at If any player has felt perfectly at home the Luz Stadium in Lisbon, on Tuesday. during the unique circumstances surrounding the climax to this year’s Champions League, it is Paris St LGCL:LGCL Doha D h Germain’s Argentine winger Angel Di Maria. As soon as UEFA decided that Por- Falcons set to tuguese capital Lisbon would host the quarter-finals onwards in a mini-tour- take part in nament, in light of the COVID-19 pan- demic, Di Maria felt good vibes. Dutch round After PSG scrambled past Atalanta in a dramatic comeback, the 32-year- QNA – VALKENSWAARD, old was then instrumental as the Parisians outclassed RB Leipzig in the Doha Falcons team will participate semi-finals to set up a meeting with in Longines Global Champions Bayern Munich at the home of Benfica League (LGCL) at the Tops Interna- tomorrow. tional Equestrian Arena in the It is the ground at which Di Maria Dutch city of Valkenswaard from played for three seasons while with the September 10 to 13. Portuguese club and the one which he The Valkenswaard Tour is the returned to in 2014 to help inspire Real first event organised at the inter- Madrid to an emphatic victory in the national level after the inaugural Champions League final against Atletico tour of the season that was held at Madrid. Al Shaqab -member of Qatar Foun- Di Maria was man of the match in dation- at the beginning of last that clash and now has the perfect stage March. Tops International Eques- to help PSG realise their ambition of I won it in 2014 with Real Madrid in the side who obliterated Barcelona 8-2 in When Real won the 2014 title it trian Arena will give priority during winning Europe’s most-coveted club same stadium... the quarter-finals. was their 10th, a special moment in competitions to preventive crown for the first time. “And to also have the chance to play “They’re tough, they’re a really their history. Di Maria says helping PSG measures against the coronavirus “When they changed the venue to the quarters and semis at the Estadio well-organised team, and I think this to a first would be just as big a (COVID-19) to ensure the safety of Lisbon, I had a strange feeling in my da Luz, as well as the final... It’s been a will be their 11th European Cup final,” milestone. all participants and horses, as well body that reminded me of the old times great combination for me, it’s felt really Di Maria said. “Winning that tenth title was as organisers and guests. when I lived here for three years and great.” “We know they have amazing something amazing for Madrid and I The Doha Falcons team is par- how happy I was in Lisbon during those PSG manager Thomas Tuchel has players, players in incredible form, but became part of the club’s history,” he ticipating in the teams’ competition, years,” Di Maria told UEFA’s website. shown a lot of faith in Di Maria and has we also have good players, our own said. “Winning a first title here would which is held at a height of 155cm “To be able to get to a final and been rewarded. But he will need system, our own way of playing, and I be unforgettable for me personally, in two rounds, one of which make history with a club like Paris -- another big performance from the think we have a group that deserves to because that’s been my goal since I includes prize money of €600,000. reaching their first final -- and because Argentine to help them ruffle a Bayern win the Champions League.” joined.” Messi’s silence raises doubts about future at Barcelona

AP – BARCELONA said he sees himself “more out than though, sayingingn hhee waswaas nonotot tottoooo con-cocon- in” the club at the moment. Messi cerned. Bartomeutommeu hhasass saidsaia d allalll alongaalonng For every day that goes by without a allegedly told Koeman that his future he is confidentdent thtthatat MMessieesssis wwilliill eenendnd word from Lionel Messi, a new was not clear and that he was not his career withwitith Barcelona,Baarccele ona, aandndnd tthathahat rumour surfaces about his future with happy with the current situation in Messi himselflf hashhas saidsaid thisthih s isi hhisis wwish.isish.h Barcelona. Barcelona. Barcelona is enduring one But Koeman’semmanan’s wwordsoro ds dduringuurrinng hishih s Messi hasn’t made any public of its worst crises, coming off its first official introductionoduction weweren’trreen’n t so reas-reaeas- statement since Barcelona’s 8-2 loss trophyless season since 2007-08 and suring. Thee DutchmanDuDuttchman ssaidaid he to Bayern Munich in the Champions dealing with uncertainty about its “hoped” thatat MessiMessis wouldwououldd stay,stayy,, League quarter-finals last week, own future. It went through a and that hee wantedwaantn eded toto hearhheear Clijsters pulls putting in doubt his permanence with coaching change midseason and directly fromom thethhe plplayerayayerr toto the struggling Catalan club. He had players - especially Messi - were out- know what wawass inin hhisisi mmind.ind. out of US Open already shown his discontent earlier spoken about their dissatisfaction “I wantt himhih m too ttelleelll me in the season, and the humiliation in with club directors and their recent what he isi thinking,”thih nkinng,g ” warm-up event Lisbon only made it worse. decisions. Koeman said.saia d.d “I“I don’tdodon’n t Messi, who has been with the The radio station report made think I havee ttoo cocconvinceonvn ini cec Catalan club for nearly two decades, headlines across Spain. Barcelona him. It wouldululd bee wwon-ono - with injury has a contract with Barcelona until admitted that the meeting was derful to wwoworkorkk wwithitth the end of the 2020-21 season. scheduled to happen but it did not him becausese hehe wwinsins AFP – NEW YORK There’s been speculation about release any details about the you games.”.” Messi’s future from the moment the discussions. Bartomeumeu hadhaadd Kim Clijsters suffered a US Open final whistle blew against Bayern. The Club President Josep Bartomeu said Koeman’semaan’n’s setback yesterday when she doubts increased after a Catalan radio said he had only spoken with Messi’s project withthth thethehe withdrew from the warm-up Western station, RAC1, claimed on Thursday father, who told him his son was frus- club was basedbasa eded and Southern Open with an that the Argentina great met with new trated and disappointed. The pres- on having MeMessissi abdominal injury, just 10 days before Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman and ident downplayed the situation, in the team.. the Grand Slam event gets underway. The 37-year-old, a three-time US Open champion, had been granted a wildw card into the tournament. It is usually staged in Cincinnati butb has been moved to the bio-secure Farah to be pacemaker at London Marathon BillieB Jean King Tennis Centre in New YorkY -- also the site of the US Open REUTERS – LONDON important to me since I was a schoolboy and Hawkins and Jonny Mellor, other than Farah --- due to the coronavirus when they asked me to do this I thought it have run inside the qualifyingg time for pandemic.p If you need a pacemaker to help you pursue would be great to help,” British marathon Tokyo. “I have great memories from an Olympic qualifying time in the marathon, record holder Farah, who finished third and The London Marathon, postponedponed frofromm playingp in Cincinnati and was looking they couldn’t come much better-qualified fifth in 2018 and 2019 respectively, said. its original date in the Spring becauseause of the forwardfo to being a part of the event than Britain’s most celebrated track and field “I am in good shape, I’ll be in London COVID-19 pandemic, will take pplacelace on thisth year,” said the Belgian star, a athlete, Mo Farah. that week, and it fits in with my training,” Oct. 4 and will feature a stellar line-up.ine-up. four-timefo major winner and former That’s the happy scenario for some of he said in a statement from the organisers. The elite men’s race will be head-head- worldw number one. Britain’s lesser lights who will have the “I know just how special it is just to lined by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge,oge, “It’s disappointing to have to 37-year-old leading them out around the compete for your country at an Olympic winner in 2019, and Ethiopian trioio withdraww but after discussions with streets of the capital in October’s London Games, and it would be great to help other Kenenisa Bekele, Mosinett medicalm and my team, I need a little Marathon. athletes achieve this.” Geremew and Mule Wasihun. morem recovery time. Farah, who has abandoned his decision Farah won the 5,000m and 10,000m Last year’s women’s winner and “I’m grateful to be able to stay to focus on the marathon and instead seek double at London and Rio de Janeiro and is world record holder Brigid in the ‘bubble’ and continue to yet more gold on the track in Tokyo next focused on retaining his 10,000m crown at Kosgei is also confirmed, as is pprepare with my team here at the year, confirmed his role as ‘helper’. next year’s delayed Tokyo Games. world champion Ruth Chepngetich.tich. USTAU Billie Jean King National Tennis “The London Marathon has been so Only two British athletes, Callum Center.”C