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Tuesday, September 15, 2020 FOOTBALL Muharram 27, 1442 AH Furious Neymar GULF TIMES alleges racism as fi ve sent off SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COMMENT Hosting Asian CL important milestone for return of excited as continental football and 2022 asser al-Khater, just over two years from now. CEO of FIFA World Hosting the AFC will be an im- Cup 2022 has portant test to ensure its readi- discussed the impor- ness to host matches through to Ntance of the Qatar Football As- the quarter-fi nal stages of the Al Sadd aim to sociation (QFA) stepping in to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” host the remaining matches of said al-Khater. the Asian Football Confedera- “We are particularly excited tion (AFC) Champions League to showcase once again our in- in the West region, starting novative cooling technology yesterday and concluding on that will guarantee a tempera- October 3. ture of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius Top teams from across the at a time when we still haven’t go one better AFC Western Zone will com- yet made it through the sum- pete over 39 matches from the lovers around the world.” mer’s heat.” group stage through until the One of the necessary safety In addition to the stadiums ‘In the last two editions of the Champions League, we reached the semi-fi nal where the winner measures has been the restric- that will be used throughout will meet their counterpart tion of fans entering stadiums the tournament, al-Khater semi-final... We are now playing at our home and this is good for us’ from the Eastern Zone to lay to watch the matches, with also discussed other elements claim to Asia’s most prestigious venue capacities strictly limited of the country’s hosting capa- By Sports Reporter club competition. The compe- throughout the tournament due bilities that will be on display Doha tition was suspended in March to Covid-19. as well: “The compact nature of of this year as part of a global Al-Khater had a message the tournament means that all response to limit the spread of about this decision to the foot- participating clubs will be able confi dent Al Sadd Covid-19. ball world: “While it is unfor- to stay in one accommodation take on Al Ain today Besides praising the return of tunate that matches will not be throughout their stay in Qatar. in an Asian Champi- continental football, al-Khater open to fans, we believe in the This will reduce travel time and ons League match with also discussed the stringent power of football to bring peo- increase training time, leading Acoach Xavi Hernandez clearly safety measures put in place by ple together – even if this means to better football on the pitch excited about the possibility of organisers to ensure the tour- coming together digitally or due to the reduced impact of going one step further than the nament was safe and secure for through television screens.” travel on player performance. semi-fi nal spot they had to con- players and offi cials involved. Three of the four stadiums to “Also, three FIFA World Cup tend with during the past two Commenting on the safety be used in the tournament are training sites will be used by seasons. measures taken, al-Khater said: FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums. the competing clubs through- With a fi nely-tuned team “From the very beginning, we Al Janoub, Education City, and out the tournament. These are comprising a decent mix of have worked with the Qatar Khalifa International Stadiums key venues for the FIFA World dashing youngsters and battle- Football Association, the Qatar will all host matches during the Cup as they will enable teams to hardened seniors at his disposal, Stars League and the Asian Foot- tournament. stay and train in the same FIFA Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi ball Confederation to ensure that In particular, the 2020 AFC standards venue throughout was raring to make an early im- all possible safety precautions are Champions League will mark the tournament.” pact in the tournament. taken so that the tournament is the fi rst international sporting Al-Khater concluded by Al Sadd head coach Xavi Her- delivered safely for everyone in- event to be held in the 40,000- recognising the role diff erent nandez expressed his confi dence volved. This includes putting in seat Education City Stadium, stakeholders have played in in his team, ahead of the upcom- place a series of measures at eve- which hosted its fi rst offi cial planning for a safe and success- ing Group D clash against Al Ain ry step of the user journey from game as part of the local QNB ful return of continental foot- on Matchday 3 of the AFC Cham- arrival at Hamad International Stars League earlier this month. ball in Qatar: “I really want to pions League 2020. Al Sadd coach Xavi (left) during a training session on the eve of the AFC Champions League match against Airport to hotels, training sites Education City Stadium’s take this opportunity to thank “We are very excited to start. Al Ain in Doha. (Twitter/AlSaddSC) and stadiums. completion was announced the great work that all parties Al Sadd is at the top of the group “The AFC Champions League digitally in June due to the pan- involved in planning and de- D. We have a lot of youngsters doesn’t mean anything. I know “We cannot rest too much be- home. Coach ’s is a prestigious tournament demic. The digital launch of the livering the AFC Champions and experienced players as well. everyone is excited but we have tween games, it’s tough but fair men then slightly improved that we are honoured to host. stadium was dedicated to front- League are doing to ensure the We are training well and we will to be calm, and go game by game, for all teams. We must focus and on that performance, but not We are particularly thrilled to line workers battling Covid-19. safety of everyone involved, but forward to a strong start, in a step by step.” avoid mistakes.” enough as they lost to Saudi Ara- have been able to step in and “The AFC Champions League most importantly, the frontline competition that will be diffi cult striker Akram Afi f, new Al Sadd defender Abdelkarim bia’s Al Nassr 2-1 on Matchday help the AFC at this late stage will be yet another substantial staff who are working to provide for everyone,” said Xavi addition Santi Cazorla, who has Hassan also spoke of his side’s Two. of the tournament and play a event that Qatar will host as critical support to ensure that “I’m happy with what the already made a big impact in the readiness. “Our group is not easy, Al Sadd, on the other hand, role in facilitating the gradual, one of numerous test events, to all those have involved have all team’s performances at the start QNB Stars League with his prow- but Al Sadd is fully prepared and needed an own goal from Al safe return of Asian football to maximise our preparedness well the support they need.” of this season. In the last two edi- ess in the midfi eld and a host of we hope to qualify as the group Nassr’s Abdulelah al-Amri to stadiums – on behalf of football ahead of the FIFA World Cup in (Qatar2022.qa) tions of the Champions League, other dashers in the squad, Xavi toppers. We’ll take every match salvage a draw away from home we reached the semi-fi nals, and has nothing to complain about. separately, as they come.” on Matchday One, before go- everyone is dreaming of reaching “All the players are ready, and The Al Sadd star added: “We ing on to beat Sepahan by a the fi nal. We are now playing at Akram is in good condition,” he have benefi ted a lot from the re- 3-0 scoreline thanks to Akram our home and this is good for us.” said when asked about Afi f’s fi t- sumption of the Qatari league Afif’s chip and captain Hassan As for the game, the coach ness.” We are only missing Salem and the early start to training, al-Haydos’ brace in the second said: “As I mentioned earlier, al-Hajri and Ali Asad, who need and this gives us more readiness half. we are in a good period, but the more time to recover from injury.” than the rest of the teams.” Champions League is completely Regarding the change in the Abdelkarim promised the Al TODAY’S MATCHES diff erent and we will face Al Ain, tournament format, Xavi said: Sadd fans that the team will give Group C (Education City Stadium) which is also a diff erent team “The tournament’s new format their best, adding: “We aspire to 6pm: Al Duhail (QAT) vs Sharjah from last season. They have a is totally diff erent. There will be be the best and hope for success (UAE) good coach and a lot of good local a single knockout game after the from God. Certainly, we will miss 9pm: Persepolis (IRN) vs Al Taa- and foreign players, but we are group stage. We must be careful. the fans, but most importantly, woun (KSA) ready to compete.” Everybody must be ready and re- the game will be played on the Group D (Jassim Bin Hamad Xavi added: “I feel very good. cover very fast.” pitch and we are ready for it.” Stadium) I’m a positive guy. We are win- “We play every three days and it’s The 2020 edition started in a 6pm: Al Ain (UAE) vs Al Sadd (QAT) ners, and we have many play- tough for the players. But it’s good diffi cult manner for Al Ain with 9pm: Sepahan (IRN) vs Al Nassr The 2020 AFC Champions League will mark the first international sporting event to be held in the ers who won many titles, but it for the competition and the fans. a 4-0 defeat to Sepahan FC at (KSA) 40,000-seat Education City Stadium.

FOCUS Duhail ready for intriguing clash of champions By Sports Reporter placed than their rivals who are the squad,” said Regragui. back in March due to the Cov- “The Group is diffi cult but so are Doha at the bottom of the group with “To play every three days and id-19 pandemic, but coach Ab- other groups. All teams in the AFC just one. go all the way to the fi nal, you dulaziz al-Anbari knows his side Champions League are strong. Having joined Al Duhail mid- have to have that fi ghting spirit. have ground to make if they are We showed our inexperience in l Duhail will have to way through the 2019-20 season, I believe the winner this year will to stand a chance of reaching the the fi rst two games as we had not forget their QNB Stars former Moroccan international not be the best team, but the one knockout stages for the fi rst time played in the competition for a re- League defeat to Al defender Walid Regragui has al- with the most fi ghting spirit and I since 2004. ally long time, but with the second Wakrah as they look to ready won his fi rst honour at the always tell that to my players. “We did not start well as we game we started to gain some con- Aturn a new page when they square club, clinching the QNB Stars “We still have a lot of confi - had absences for key players in- fi dence and we hope we are now in off with Emirati 2019 champions League title, but the 44-year- dence as league champions and cluding Igor Coronado, but now a place to show ourselves in a dif- Sharjah in a Group C AFC Cham- old believes his side will need to we will carry that through into we have everyone on board. Our ferent way.” pions League match today. show diff erent qualities to go far the AFC Champions League. We only problem is the long stop- Sharjah have never faced Qa- It’s going to be an intriguing in the AFC Champions League. have to forget the last game and page, but we worked hard and are tari opponents in the AFC Cham- battle between the league cham- “We had a lot of injuries espe- focus on Sharjah.” ready to put in a performance be- pions League and are without a pions of Qatar and the UAE, but cially after the restart, but we won Sharjah have not played com- fi tting the name of our club and win in four matches, having last Al Duhail with three points from the league despite those injuries petitive football since the UAE UAE football,” said the former defeated Al Hilal 5-2 in the 2004 two matches are much better- and I have faith in every member of Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Pro League grounded to a halt Sharjah playmaker. group stage. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

COMMENT PREVIEW Return of Asian competition off ers a noble message Al Taawoun tie marks in the fi ght against pandemic: AFC president start of ‘four fi nals’ sian Football Confed- Qatar honours frontline health- prestigious competitions. in place to host major sport- eration (AFC) Presi- care workers who have worked He stressed, in particular, that ing events. In particular, the run for Persepolis dent and FIFA Senior tirelessly across the continent to tournament preparations focus advanced infrastructure of the Vice President Sheikh limit the spread of Covid-19. He on the health of participants, 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums AFC ing defeated Sharjah 1-0 then SalmanA bin Ibrahim al-Kha- described them as true cham- and that the safety of everyone – all of which have been de- Al Duhail 2-0, but their domes- Doha lifah has said that the resump- pions who have worked to quell remains the top priority. This signed and built to the highest tic fortunes were grim. Coach tion of the AFC Champions the pandemic with the highest includes putting in place a series standards. Abdullah Asiri’s men narrowly League delivers a strong mes- levels of profi ciency, profes- of stringent measures and pro- The AFC president concluded fter picking up just one managed to secure their stay in sage of resilience in the face of sionalism, sacrifi ce and bravery. tocols to ensure the well-being by thanking the Qatari stake- point from two match- the Saudi Pro League on the fi - the extraordinary circumstances The AFC President also added of all involved. holders for their co-operation es, Persepolis FC hope nal day of the campaign after an brought about by the Covid-19 that all the required prepara- With regards to Qatar’s host- to ensure that the tournament to get their campaign abysmal post-restart form, but pandemic. tions have been made to ensure ing the remaining matches of is delivered to the highest inter- upA and running as they face the Saudis are determined to put In particular, al-Khalifah dis- that the tournament returns in the western region of the AFC national standards. He also en- Group C leaders Al Taawoun FC it behind them. cussed how the resumption of a manner that refl ects the high Champions League, al-Khalifah couraged all participating teams on Matchday Three of the 2020 “There were many reasons for matches in the western region of standing of Asian football, and spoke about the country’s ex- to refl ect this level of excellence AFC Champions League today. the drop in our level after the re- the AFC Champions League in in particular for one of its most ceptional capabilities that are on the pitch as well. (AFC) The Pro League cham- start,” said Asiri. pions had a slow start to their “We had injuries, Covid-19 continental charge, losing to Al cases and many changes to our REPORT Duhail SC 2-0 then settling for a squad, but we managed to sur- Al Wahda 2-2 draw against Sharjah back in vive. We are now determined to February, putting them at risk of show a positive image of Al Taa- removed early elimination for the second woun and Saudi football.” from AFC year running. Having only appeared in the With back-to-back encoun- competition in 2017, Al Taawoun Champions ters against Al Taawoun to ma- have been a sort of unknown League aft er noeuvre over the next four days, quality to their opponents, unlike Persepolis’ hopes of progressing Persepolis who have not missed Late drama failing to to the next round might be fully on AFC Champions League foot- arrive in Doha dependent on collecting points ball since 2016. against the Saudi King’s Cup “Things will be diff erent now. Reuters champions. For the fi rst two games, teams Doha “We know this is a very impor- knew little about us, but now tant game for us and it is like a fi - they know us and will not un- nal for us,” said Persepolis head derestimate us as we are group nited Arab coach Yahya Golmohammadi. leaders, so I expect the next run seals Hilal win Emirates club Al “All the four games we will play of matches to be more diffi cult, UWahda have been here are like fi nals for us. We are but we are determined to make it Bahebri scores deep in extra time for win over Pakhtakor withdrawn from the AFC looking to play good games and to the next round.” Champions League after we are highly motivated to win A win for Al Taawoun in this AFC the club failed to arrive in those games which we know will fi xture could go a long way in Doha Doha for their remain- be tough because Al Taawoun are securing a fi rst Round-of-16 ing group matches, the top of the group and have good qualifi cation as early as Match- continental soccer gov- organisation, but we are Persepo- day Four when they face Perse- late erning body (AFC) said lis and we are famous for fi ghting polis again three days later, while strike helped Al Hilal yesterday. and famous for winning.” failure to collect points in the SFC down 10-man Pa- The AFC Champions Al Taawoun might be top of double-tie could spell the end of khtakor in a lively 2020 League, which was sus- the group with full marks, hav- Persepolis’ Asian adventure. AFCA Champions League Group pended in March due to B encounter that ended 2-1 at Al the Covid-19 pandemic, Janoub Stadium yesterday. resumed in the West Asia CLOSE CALL Less than fi ve minutes into hub of Qatar yesterday. the match, Yasser al-Shahrani The Eastern Zone match- took a shot from a very tight es will begin on October angle down the left fl ank, but 16 in Malaysia. Sepahan face Al Nassr keeper Eldorbek Suyonov par- Al Wahda were supposed ried it out for a corner that al- to arrive in Doha a mini- most resulted in an opener from mum of four days before in crucial Group D tie 2019 AFC Champions League their match but informed top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis’ the AFC last week that AFC vals Al Hilal, fi nishing second in header. they could not travel Doha 2019-20. A few minutes later, Al Hilal due to positive Covid-19 Meanwhile Sepahan ended the keeper Abdullah al-Mayouf’s tests which led to the season fi fth despite a blistering error was almost instantly club being placed under atchday Three of the start that saw them go unbeaten punished when Igor Sergeev quarantine by authorities 2020 AFC Cham- in their fi rst 15 matches in the snatched the ball and took a in the UAE. pions League con- Iran Pro League. shot that was tipped away by the “Al Wahda... shall be cludes today with With a point separating the keeper. MIran’s Sepahan FC facing Saudi duo, a win is paramount to either considered to have Former Juventus and Toronto withdrawn from the Arabia’s Al Nassr in Group D at side’s eff orts of advancing to the FC forward Sebastian Gio- competition having failed Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. Round of 16 before they meet vinco broke the deadlock deep to arrive in Doha, Qatar, Sepahan’s fortunes have dras- again three days later. into fi rst half injury time with a ahead of their remaining tically shifted from Matchday The two sides have never met beautifully curled free-kick ex- Group A matches,” the One to Matchday Two, having before in the AFC Champions ecuted from just outside the op- Al Hilal SFC’s (right) celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League Group B AFC said in a statement. started the campaign off with a League, with the Isfahan-based position penalty area. match against Pakhtakor at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil “...the matches played 4-0 defeat of former champions side representing the fourth Ira- The second half started by Al Wahda in the AFC Al Ain FC before succumbing to nian opposition Al Nassr will off with several half chances Gomis who had just received a side rallied at the other end of a howitzer which took a defl ec- Champions League a 3-0 loss at the hands of Al Sadd have faced in the competition. though the threat level for either through ball, handling the ball the pitch and replied with a goal tion, and ended up in the net in (West) shall be consid- SC. If Al Nassr do win, it will be side was relatively low, yet Pa- outside the box in the process as substitute striker Eren Derdi- the sixth minute of the added ered ‘null and void’. For In turn, Al Nassr kicked their their fi rst victory against Iranian khtakor came closest before the and prompting the referee to yok blasted in the rebound from time of seven minutes. the avoidance of doubt, 2020 AFC Champions League opposition in six attempts, a run hour mark through Dostonbek produce the red card instantly. al-Mayouf’s initial save of Dra- The result sends Al Hilal three no points or goals from journey off with a 2-2 draw that stretches all the way back Khamdamov’s sliced shot from Substitute keeper Sanzar Kuv- gan Ceran’s eff ort. points clear at the top of the group the previous matches will against Al Sadd, before bagging to 2015, while Sepahan have lost the right wing. vatov was brought on to fi ll the Bahabri fi nally broke the with nine points, while Pakhtakor be considered in deter- all three points against Al Ain on their last three matches against Goalkeeper Suyonov was Suyonov’s place, and Khamda- draw and gave his side the three stay second with six points. The mining the final group Matchday Two with a 2-1 win. Saudi opposition without scor- sent off on 65 minutes after mov was taken off to make way. points after controlling the ball two sides face off again on Thurs- rankings.” Domestically, Al Nassr lost ing a single goal, conceding sev- running off his line to counter Almost instantly, the Uzbek on the edge of the area and fi ring day in Matchday Four. their Saudi Pro League title to ri- en in the process.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Shabab Al Ahli’s Suhail stars in victory Late goal sees Ahli past Shorta AFC AFC Doha Doha l Ahli Saudi FC be- beautiful solo goal from came the fi rst team to youngster Harib Ab- reach the 2020 AFC dallah Suhail was the Champions League diff erence as Shabab RoundA of 16 thanks to a late AAl Ahli Dubai FC managed their Marko Marin goal that earned fi rst three points in the 2020 them a 1-0 win over Iraq’s Al AFC Champions League with a Shorta on Matchday Three of win over Iran’s Shahr Khodro in Group A yesterday. Group B. Following the AFC’s Cov- With both teams having lost id-19 Sub Committee for AFC their opening two fi xtures, they Champions League West de- set out to get their fi rst points of cision to consider Al Wahda the campaign ahead of their next withdrawn and their matches in the 25th minute following minutes Al Owais was beaten, game against each other three ‘null and void’, Al Ahli found a heavy challenge on Al Ahli’s but Saad Natiq’s towering head- days later. themselves going into the Abdulbaset al-Hindi in the er cannoned off the crossbar Playing their fi rst competi- Matchday Three fi xture in need middle of the pitch. and there was no one to follow tive fi xture since March, Shabab of just three points to guaran- Centre-back Amer continued through on the rebound. Al Ahli’s fi rst chance of the game tee a top-two spot in the now to be Al Shorta’s main source Al Ahli regrouped and con- came early on when 2015 AFC three-team Group A. of threat as he got on the end trolled possession for large Footballer of the Year Ahmed In a lively start to the match of another corner, fi ring goal- spells in the remainder of the Khalil struck a placed shot at at Khalifa International Stadi- ward from a tight angle, but the second half, but with little pen- Shahr Khodro keeper Matin Sa- um, the Saudis’ fi rst attempt on number three watched as his ef- etration and dearth of supply to faeian, who was able to make the target came just four minutes fort was saved by Al Owais, and front man Al Somah. save. into the game with Omar al-So- upon receiving the spilled ball With just four minutes to go, The fi rst half lost intensity mah heading Abdullah Tarmin’s Amer hit the side netting in the Al Ahli fi nally found a break- as time went on after a spell of cross straight into the hands of 33rd minute. through as former Chelsea dominance by Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. Mhawi’s booking from earlier winger Marin drove into the gradually eroded with neither of Shabab Al Ahli’s Harib Abdallah Suhail (in red) scores against Shahr Khodro during their AFC Champions Al Shorta delivered a strong in the half would prove to be an heart of the Al Shorta defence the teams posing a threat after League Group B match at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil response two minutes later, important moment as the Al before an exchange of passes the half hour mark, while a rise in coming within inches of scor- Shorta defender used his hand inside the box saw Abdulrah- physical challenges increased the Sadeghi skied the shot. fashion, dribbling down the right sponding at the other end of the ing as Karrar Amer rose highest to intercept a Marin pass with man Ghareeb set up the Ger- number of stoppages due to fouls. Former Al Hilal SFC playmaker wing and taking on several play- pitch, but Shabab Al Ahli goal- to power a header from Ahmed seconds left in the opening pe- man with the goal at his mercy. In the second half, in a rare Carlos Eduardo made his debut ers, and subsequently placing a keeper Majed Nasser made some Jalal’s in-swinging corner, riod, earning a second yellow Marin kept his composure to chance for Shahr Khodro, the for Shabab Al Ahli 65 minutes low shot which took a touch from fi ne saves. drawing a fi ne refl ex save on the card and his marching orders. slot him from six yards out to Iran Pro League side’s attack into the match. Safaeian before hitting the bar The two sides play each other goal-line from goalkeeper Mo- Despite their numerical dis- win it for Al Ahli. managed to string a number of Substitute Suhail fi nally and bouncing into the net. again on Thursday at the same hamed al-Owais. advantage, Al Shorta piled the The two sides clash again on passes outside their opponent’s opened the scoring a quarter of The match sprung into life af- stadium with another defeat Iraqi international right- pressure on their opponents early the same ground on Thursday in area, but it ended when Akbar an hour from time in magnifi cent ter the goal, with the Iran side re- spelling exit for Shahr Khodro. back Ali Mhawi was booked after the restart, and within 10 Matchday Four. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 15, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 FOCUS QFA presents Football for All Award to Furious Neymar Ministry of Interior alleges racism as PSG star accuses Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez of calling him fi ve sent off a ‘monkey’ at Parc des Princes

AFP Paris, France

eymar insisted he had been the victim of rac- ism as he was one of fi ve players sent off inN a mass brawl at the end of Marseille’s 1-0 win over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain HE Director of Public Security Major General Saad bin Jassim on Sunday. al-Khulaifi receives the Football For All Award on behalf of the Ministry PSG’s Brazilian star appeared of Interior from General Secretary of the Board of Trustees of QFA to accuse Alvaro Gonzalez of Award Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari. calling him a “monkey” in a se- ries of furious tweets after he QNA tary of the Board of Trustees of was sent off in injury time for Doha QFA Award Hassan Rabiah al- slapping the Marseille defender Kuwari, said, “On behalf of His on the back of the head. Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin “Look at the racism. That’s he Board of Trustees of Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, why I hit him,” Neymar, who Qatar Football Associa- Chairman of the Board of Trus- was returning from coronavi- tion (QFA) Award pre- tees of QFA Award, I extend rus quarantine, said as he left sented the Football for my thanks and appreciation to the pitch. Gonzalez later denied TAll Award for the 2019-20 season the Ministry of Interior for its making a racist comment. to the Ministry of Interior, for its concerted eff orts and the great “The only regret I have is not great eff orts and contribution work it did in co-operation with hitting this idiot in the face,” towards resumption of football various parties concerned to ad- Neymar, the world’s most ex- activity. dress the coronavirus pandemic. pensive player, tweeted after the HE Director of Public Security This honour also comes as a to- game. Major General Saad bin Jassim ken of thanks and appreciation Neymar was red-carded after al-Khulaifi welcomed the ini- to the Ministry of Interior, and a VAR review, while teammates tiative, and greeted HE the Presi- all its employees for their great Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro dent of the QFA Sheikh Hamad contributions in the resumption Paredes were also sent off . Mar- bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, of football activity in the State seille striker Dario Benedetto highlighting the importance of of Qatar.” and defender Jordan Amavi were co-operation between the Min- It may be noted that the also expelled. istry of Interior and those in Football for All Award is given “It’s easy for VAR to show my charge of football management to organisations, groups or in- ‘aggression’,” Neymar tweeted. in the State of Qatar to present a dividuals making a signifi cant Florian Thauvin’s close-range distinct image of the sport. contribution towards football in volley on 31 minutes earned On his part, General Secre- the local community. Marseille a fi rst victory over their bitter rivals since Novem- ber 2011 but the ugly scenes overshadowed the game at Parc Lampard ‘amused’ by Klopp’s des Princes. comments on Chelsea spending Neymar “told me it was a rac- ist insult, but I didn’t hear any- Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (left) confronts Olympique de Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez during the Ligue 1 match at Parc des Princes in Paris, Frank Lampard says he was “amused” by Jurgen Klopp’s com- thing on the pitch”, PSG coach France, on Sunday. (Reuters) ments on Chelsea’s transfer spending and that Liverpool’s heavy Thomas Tuchel said. expenditure in previous years had laid the foundations for last “There is no place for racism season’s Premier League title triumph. Chelsea, owned by Russian in football but I don’t think that PSG ‘strongly supports’ Neymar over racist abuse complaint billionaire Roman Abramovich, have spent around 200mn pounds was the case,” Marseille coach ($256.36mn) to bring in Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech Andre Villas-Boas told Telefoot. Reuters Parc des Princes, informed the no place for racism in society, a full scale brawl broke out on and Ben Chilwell. Klopp, who has only signed left-back Konstanti- “We’ll have to look at it.” Paris, France fourth off icial he had heard a in football or in our lives and the pitch. nos Tsimikas from Olympiakos Piraeus this season, said Liverpool racist comment while walking calls on everyone to speak PSG’s Neymar, Laywin Kurzawa would not be spending a similar amount as they were a “diff er- ‘WHAT RACISM?’ off the pitch. out against all forms of racism and Leandro Paredes as well ent kind” of club, one “not owned by countries or an oligarch”. “I According to Telefoot, Gonzalez aris Saint-Germain have In a statement on Monday, throughout the world. as Marseille’s Dario Benedetto found it slightly amusing because when you talk about the owners replied “What racism?” when thrown their support PSG urged the French league’s “Paris St Germain looks forward and Jordan Amavi were sent off of clubs, I don’t think it matters what line of business they come he was asked about the inci- Pbehind Neymar after the governing body (LFP) to inves- to the LFP’s Disciplinary Com- after players aimed punches from,” Lampard told British media. “Liverpool’s story is a fantastic dent. He also tweeted a picture Brazil forward reported being a tigate the matter. mission to investigate and and kicks at each other. story of a club over the five years that Klopp has been there that of himself surrounded by multi- target of a racist slur during the “Paris St Germain strongly sup- ascertain the facts, and the club Neymar, who struck Alvaro they have managed to get recruitment right to a really high level. racial teammates. French champions’ 1-0 defeat ports Neymar Jr who reported remains at the LFP’s disposal Gonzalez on the back of the You can go through the Liverpool players, (Virgil) Van Dijk, Alisson, “There’s no place for racism,” by Olympique de Marseille on being subjected to racist abuse for any assistance required.” head, tweeted after the match Fabinho, Keita, Sadio Mane, (Mohamed) Salah, incredible players the Spaniard wrote, adding: Sunday. by an opposing player,” the Littered with fouls throughout, that his only regret was not that came at a very high price.” “Sometimes you have to learn to Neymar, 28, one of five players club said. the clash boiled over in the last hitting the Marseille defender lose and take it on the fi eld.” sent off during the match at the “The club restates that there is minute of stoppage time when in the face. Wolves boss Nuno agrees new PSG sporting director Leon- ardo suggested referee Jerome three-year deal Brisard lacked the experience to “I told the players if we con- suspension. France duty at the start of the PSG just past the hour but had offi ciate such a highly-charged tinue to play like that we’ll win Marseille fi nd themselves week with Mauro Icardi and strayed behind the last defend- Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three- fi xture. every match. It was a great per- with an early six-point advan- Marquinhos also still missing. er, and Marseille’s celebrations year contract with the Premier League club ahead of their season “Fourteen yellow cards and formance but the result is what tage as they attempt to close the Marseille ‘keeper Steve Man- were cut short in similar fashion opener at Sheff ield United yesterday. The Portuguese, who has fi ve reds means the match was it is.” gap on PSG, French champions danda produced a magnifi cent moments later when a Benedet- overseen Wolves’ promotion from the Championship and a pair of out of control,” said Leonardo. PSG, runners-up to Bay- seven of the past eight years. refl ex to keep out an eff ort from to goal was ruled off side. impressive seventh-place Premier League finishes since joining in “Not to criticise the referee but ern Munich in the Champions Marco Verratti just a minute in PSG’s last goal came in the 2017, had a year left to run on his existing deal. “It’s a new cycle, no perhaps it’s not the time to offi - League fi nal last month, have MBAPPE OUT as tempers bubbled over fre- 3-0 win over RB Leipzig in the matter what you did before, it’s about what’s in front of us and this ciate a ‘clasico’.” now lost their opening two After fi elding a depleted line-up quently in the capital. Champions League semi-fi - is what we think we should do,” said Nuno. The former goalkeeper Tuchel tried to downplay the games of a season without scor- at Lens on Thursday, Tuchel was Thauvin, who shone in Mar- nal on August 18, and Neymar also led Wolves to the quarter-finals of the Europa League last defeat. ing for the fi rst time since 1978- able to recall Neymar and Angel seille’s opening 3-2 win at poked wide from a Pablo Sarabia season, where they lost 1-0 to eventual winners Sevilla, in their first “I’m not angry. I think you 79. Di Maria for a match played in Brest before the international cross before the contest deterio- season in European football for 39 years. have to separate the perform- A frenzied schedule awaits front of around 4,000 support- break, made the breakthrough rated at the fi nish. ance and the result. We played a Tuchel’s coronavirus-hit side, ers in Paris. when he turned in a Dimitri “It’s a bit disappointing we Emery feeling bitter aft er Villarreal great match, I’m happy with the starting with the visit of Metz in However, Kylian Mbappe Payet free-kick from point- ended like that,” said Thauvin. quality, mentality and the ef- midweek and a trip to Nice next remained absent after testing blank range. “We didn’t want to get into that debut draw with Huesca fort,” he said. Sunday, and Neymar now faces a positive for the coronavirus on Di Maria found the net for sort of game.” Unai Emery said he was disappointed his Villarreal side could not make more of their dominant performance against Huesca after PREMIER LEAGUE drawing 1-1 with the promoted side in his first game back in La Liga. Villarreal had two goals ruled out and then went behind to Pablo Maff eo’s strike shortly before halftime, eventually levelling with a Gerard Moreno penalty. “I’m left with a bitter taste that we Lazy pressing, bad fi tness: Mourinho aft er Spurs loss couldn’t begin the season by winning at home,” said Emery, who was appointed Villarreal coach in July after Javi Calleja was sacked Reuters ing. That is a consequence of With Colombian playmaker despite leading them to finish fifth last season. “We controlled the London, United Kingdom bad fi tness, bad pre-season. James Rodriguez, signed this first half hour, had two goals ruled out and stopped their counter Some players didn’t even have week from Real Madrid, French attacks then after the drinks break we gave the ball away a bit and a pre-season. Some players had powerhouse Abdoulaye Dou- conceded a goal and then lost our rhythm.” ose Mourinho accused a wrong state of mind. I don’t coure and Brazilian midfi elder some his players of lazi- want to speak about it — I’m not Allan all making impressive de- Ghent fi re coach on eve of Champions ness and bad fi tness after sure about it.” buts, Everton were unrecognis- his lacklustre Tottenham Tottenham have been the able to the stodgy team of last League tie HotspurJ side’s 1-0 home de- subject of a candid documentary season. feat by Everton in their Premier chronicling Mourinho’s arrival “This performance gives us Belgian club AA Ghent fired coach Laszlo Boloni yesterday after League opener on Sunday. at the club to replace former more confi dence for the future,” just 25 days in the job and on the eve of their Champions League Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s manager Mauricio Pochettino Ancelotti, like Mourinho starting qualifying tie against Rapid Vienna of Austria. Club chairman Ivan 55th-minute header settled the last November. his fi rst full season in charge, said. De Witte said Boloni had been “miscast” in the role after losing two issue and Tottenham’s display, It might be just as well the “We showed what we can do. of three matches in charge. “I misjudged, maybe we took too hasty especially in the second half, led behind-the scenes cameras have “The new signings had one a decision,” De Witte told a news conference. “We have to accept to some harsh words from man- been switched off after a plod- week of training but adapted re- that responsibility. To be honest, in my time as chairman, I’ve never ager Mourinho. ding display against Everton. ally well. The performance was felt as much opposition to a coach from both the fans and players. “Against good teams like Striker Harry Kane barely had good. James Rodriguez brings It was a poor choice. Full stop.” Boloni, a former Romanian interna- Everton if you let them play from a sight of goal, although he was his ability to control the ball, to tional, is the second coaching casualty in two months at the club, the back they are comfortable not helped by a midfi eld lacking “I’m so happy no more (fi lming opposing dugout it was a meet- do the right passes, to keep the who were runners-up last season but are sitting third from bottom with very good technical play- imagination. for the) Amazon (documentary) ing of two of the game’s most team comfortable with the ball. in the Belgian league with three points from five games. Assist- ers. If you don’t press them you “I’m disappointed with my because these things can stay in decorated coaches, but it was “I think we can compete with ant coach Wim De Decker will take charge for today’s Champions give them ammunition,” he said. team. My message is inside (the between us.” Italian Ancelotti who won the this squad in all the competi- League third qualifying round match at home. “We were lazy in our press- dressing room),” Mourinho said. With Carlo Ancelotti in the head-to-head hand’s down. tions.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 SPORT

RACISM ROW CRICKET Australia’s Zampa wants ‘world-class’ Archer defends Smith back for England decider

AFP of the bat and some were hitting Manchester the handle of the bat too,” said England over Zampa. “We were so close to winning ustralia leg-spinner the series with a game to spare. Adam Zampa is eager When you’re watching that hap- to have “world-class” pen, it’s never easy.” ASteve Smith back in England have made a habit the team as the tourists bid for of recovering from seemingly a series-clinching victory in the hopeless positions to beat Aus- Holding criticism third one-day international at tralia, winning last year’s Ashes Old Traff ord tomorrow. Test at Headingley by one wicket Smith has been on the side- and fi ghting back for a two-run ‘I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know anything that is going on behind the scenes’ lines for the opening two match- victory in the fi rst Twenty20 at es of the three-match series Southampton earlier this month. AFP against world champions Eng- “It says England are a really, Manchester land after being hit on the head really good cricket team,” said during practice on Thursday. Zampa when asked about those Australia have repeatedly said results. “Their one-day cricket ofra Archer said Eng- the star batsman has been rested over the last four or fi ve years has land have not “forgotten purely as a precaution despite been unbelievable — they really about the Black Lives passing two concussion tests. attack with the bat and do the job JMatter” campaign after They won the opening match with the ball. they were strongly criticised by by 19 runs on Friday and were “They read conditions really West Indies great Michael Hold- cantering to victory on Sunday well, the bowlers literally hit the ing for no longer taking a knee. at 144-2, chasing a target of 232. top of off -stump the whole time England and West Indies Australia, however, suff ered and they are very disciplined. cricketers adopted the gesture a dramatic collapse, sparked by England are just a really good at the start of each of their three pacemen Chris Woakes and Jofra cricket team and we can learn a Tests in July to show their sup- Archer, as England won by 24 lot from them.” port for the campaign to fi ght runs to level the series. Zampa has been in fi ne form racial injustice. “It’s been disappointing to this tour. The 28-year-old is the The practice was repeated have him (Smith) miss the last leading bowler on either side in during England’s one-day couple of games,” Zampa told a the ODI series with seven wick- matches against Ireland but not conference call yesterday. ets at an average of just 13. in subsequent series against Pa- “He’s a world-class player and “I really enjoy bowling the kistan and Australia. has that experience as well. It’s death overs, I love those pres- Holding, an outstanding fast pretty obvious if Steve Smith is sure overs, especially when the bowler in the successful West fi t he’s in most cricket teams. game’s on the line,” he said. Indies teams of the 1970s and I’d hope to have him back for the England leg-spinner Adil 1980s, recalled in July the ugly third game.” Rashid also found himself bowl- incidents he experienced as a Australia were cruising to vic- ing late on during Sunday’s young cricketer on his visits to tory while captain Aaron Finch match when, despite conced- Australia and England. (73) and Marnus Labuschagne ing 67 runs from 9.4 overs, he He accused England bosses (48) were compiling a partner- wrapped up the game with eight and Australia captain Aaron ship of 107 before a fl urry of balls to spare by having Alex Finch of making “lame” state- wickets on a used pitch. Carey stumped. ments over ending the practice “Marnus and Finchy played it “I love watching him bowl,” of taking a knee. beautifully, I just think once you said Zampa. “He’s got control But Barbados-born quick lose a wicket after a big partner- but he’s a really gutsy bowler too. Archer told a conference call ship like that, it’s really hard to He’s always attacking and trying yesterday that the England and start, balls were hitting the toe to get wickets.” Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was taking the issue seriously. “I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know any- thing that is going on behind the England’s Jofra Archer celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s David Warner on Sunday. scenes,” he said. “I don’t think he has spoken said tough action was needed to virus, with players holed up in “I’ll tell you, it has been men- haven’t seen my family really to (chief executive) Tom Harri- clamp down on such remarks. bio-secure bubbles and matches tally challenging,” said multi- since February and it’s Septem- son. I think that is a bit harsh for The England paceman took played behind closed doors. format star Archer, who has ber now. him to say that. I’ve spoken to 3-34 as the world champions “I remember when we fi rst spent 87 days in the bubble — “The IPL (Indian Premier Tom and we have stuff running fought back to beat Australia by came into the bubble, we said more than any other England League) is going to be most of in the background. 24 runs in the second one-day we wanted a clean sweep of the player. October, November we (Eng- “We’ve not forgotten, no one international at Old Traff ord on summer,” said Archer.”We just And he said that meant it land) go to South Africa, hope- here has forgotten about Black Sunday to level a three-match need to go two days from now was unlikely he would join up fully. Lives Matter. I think it is a bit series ahead of Wednesday’s fi - and do it.” again with the Hobart Hur- “That only leaves me with a harsh for Mikey to not do some nale. But the bowler, ruled out of the ricanes in Australia’s T20 Big few weeks in December for the research before criticising.” England have won all of their second Test against the West In- Bash League. rest of the year. Archer has been subjected to previous series across all for- dies in Manchester in July after “I’m not sure how many more I love my Hobart family, but I racist abuse on social media and mats during a home season breaching Covid-19 regulations, bubbles I’ve got left in me for think I need to spend some time the 25-year-old Sussex quick overshadowed by the corona- admitted life had been tough. the rest of the year,” he said.”I with my real family as well.”

IPL Kohli ‘leading by example’ as Bangalore seek title

AFP Bangalore, who finished last New Delhi of the eight teams in two of the past three seasons, begin their campaign against Sunrisers outh African veteran Hyderabad in Dubai next Mon- AB de Villiers said day. Kohli, who took over as captain Virat Kohli captain of the Bangalore team is “leading from the in 2013, has said he has “never Australia’s Adam Zampa celebrates after bowling out England’s Sam Sfront” as Royal Challengers felt so calm” entering an IPL Billings during the second one-day international against England at Bangalore look to shed their season. Old Traff ord in Manchester on Sunday. wooden-spooners tag in the “It’s a tricky one because we Indian Premier League. say that (we’ll improve) every De Villiers said India skipper season. (But) I promise you, Kohli was inspiring much hard ‘it’s different’, that’s all I can Thomas and Uber Cup in work in the build-up to the tell you,” said de Villiers. IPL’s start in the United Arab “I won’t say we have got the doubt aft er pull-outs Emirates on Saturday. best team. There is a different “I think everyone has bought feel in the team that I can’t ex- AFP doubts are swirling over the into this hard-working en- plain, but it is very exciting. Kuala Lumpur event. vironment and a lot of credit “Looking at the combina- “If the trend of the withdraw- should to go Virat for that,” tions there is back-up every- als continue, I think (the De Villiers said in an interview where. And we have options adminton’s show- Badminton World Federation) posted on his team’s YouTube for Virat to play the best XI.” piece Thomas and has two options — one is to channel yesterday. The Twenty20 tournament Uber Cups were cancel, the second option is to “He leads by example, he is being held in UAE because of hanging in the bal- postpone the finals to a later sets the standards and it is the surge in coronavirus cases B ance yesterday after several date,” Badminton Association pretty easy to follow when you in India, which is the second countries withdrew due to of Malaysia general secretary have a captain leading from the worst-hit nation behind the the coronavirus and a top Kenny Goh told AFP. front.” File photo of Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli (R) and AB de Villiers. United States. player expressed concerns Leading Indian player Saina about safety. Nehwal, who is due to play in The twice-postponed men’s the championships, also ques- and women’s world team tioned whether pushing ahead championships are set to take with them was a good idea. Bangladesh Test series in Sri Lanka in doubt over virus restrictions place in Denmark next month, “Is it safe enough to conduct and would be the first interna- this tournament during this AFP tional cricket after a months-long possible for us to play the Test stem the spread of the virus. procedures. “Given the signifi- tional tournaments since the time ??” she tweeted. Dhaka lockdown halted professional championship... Training resumed in July, but cance of #cricket in the region, I pandemic halted badminton Cancelling the October 3-11 sports worldwide. But Bangladesh This is not even close to what only one player and a trainer are have asked @Off icialSLC to in March. event would be a major blow Cricket Board president Nazmul is being followed in some other allowed inside Dhaka’s main sta- consult the Covid task force and But Indonesia, 13-time Thomas to badminton’s restart, as it angladesh’s forthcom- Hassan said Sri Lanka’s conditions, parts of the world where cricket is dium at a time as a precaution. reconsider the @BCBtigers matter, Cup champions, and South was the biggest event left on ing Test series in Sri which include 14 days of isolation being played during this time.” “Our players have not been in Rajapaksa tweeted. There was no Korea withdrew over the the calendar this year after Lanka was thrown into for players after arrival — during Sri Lanka has a compulsory 14-day training for seven months. If we immediate comment from the Sri weekend, following Thailand, the Olympics were postponed. Bdoubt yesterday af- which practising would be forbid- quarantine at a government-nomi- can’t train...then it’s not possible to Lankan board. Australia and Taiwan in decid- Two other tournaments are ter its cricket chief rejected the den — were unacceptable. nated facility, which includes some play a Test,” he added. Hassan’s comments came a week ing to skip the event. due to be held in Denmark coronavirus restrictions im- “The proposal we received is...not hotels, for everyone entering the Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Namal after opening batsman Saif Hasan Heavyweights China and after the Thomas and Uber posed by the hosts. even close to what we agreed country. Hassan said players had Rajapaksa told his country’s tested positive for Covid-19 ahead Japan are among teams that Cups, followed by three in The three Tests in October-No- upon,” Hassan told reporters in been unable to train together after cricket board to work with the of a planned training camp before have not yet announced a consecutive weeks from No- vember were meant to mark the Dhaka. all sporting activities in Bangla- health department to try and find their scheduled departure for Sri pull-out but with some of vember 10 in Asia, at locations two nations’ return to interna- “Under these conditions, it is not desh were suspended in March to a way around the strict quarantine Lanka.. Asia’s top talent missing, that are yet to be announced. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 15, 2020 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Nuggets rally past Point-led Lightning Clippers to level hammer Islanders AFP nine goals, in 16 playoff games Los Angeles and Kucherov has 19 assists and NBA playoff series 25 points in 17 games. “He’s the most dangerous ndrej Palat and Blake guy in the playoffs this year,” ‘All the pressure is on them. We have to play at a high level and give our best’ Coleman scored 12 said Coleman of Point. seconds apart in the Point scored 3:33 into the Osecond period and third from in close to break the Tampa Bay Lightning put game four open for Tampa, giv- the New York Islanders on the ing the Lightning a 3-1 lead. brink of Stanley Cup playoff Palat did all the heavy lifting elimination with a 4-1 win on on the goal, deftly kicking the Sunday. puck to Kucherov in the centre Palat finished with a goal zone then getting the it back and an assist and Brayden Point and passing cross ice to Point, returned from injury to score who was left wide open in front his ninth of the playoffs as the of the goal after Isles forward Lightning seized a command- Mathew Barzal skated past. ing 3-1 lead in the best-of-sev- Point had plenty of time to en Eastern Conference finals. take two chops at the puck and “We played a complete game. beat Islanders goaltender Se- They had some pushes but we myon Varlamov. got a lot of pucks behind their Brock Nelson opened the defence and our forwards made scoring for the Islanders at 11:27 the right plays,” said Lightning of the second period to make it forward Coleman. 1-0, setting off a quick succes- Nikita Kucherov and Yanni sion of goals by both teams. Just Gourde both had two assists 15 seconds later, Coleman broke and Patrick Maroon scored into loose and scored on a breaka- an empty net for the Lightning. way to tie it. Game five is today in the Palat then finished off a Covid-19 quarantine bubble in beautiful three-man passing Edmonton, Canada. play at 11:54 of the second. Point was injured in game “We gave up a goal and we two and missed game three of were not happy. We wanted to the series with an undisclosed turn the page quickly and get injury but wasted no time get- up ice,” said Coleman. ting back into playoff mode as The scoring spree took just he and Kucherov lead the team 27 seconds, making it the third in scoring. fastest three-goal combined Point has 25 points, including stretch in playoff history.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) tries to pass the ball past LA Clippers guard Lou Williams (23) on Sunday. PICTURE: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

played well. It was an amazing game for The Nuggets became the fi rst team AFP Head coach D’Antoni says Miami us.” The 25-year-old 7-foot (2.13m) Ser- since the 1970 Los Angeles Lakers to bian center hit 13-of-22 shots, 4-of-6 force multiple game sevens in the same farewell to Rockets from 3-point range and 4-of-5 from the playoff run. enver’s Nikola Jokic had game free throw line. No team has ever recovered from a 3-1 Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said highs of 34 points, 14 rebounds “I think it’s defense, “Jokic said. defi cit twice in the same playoff run but farewell to the Rockets on Sunday and seven assists Sunday, pow- “When we get a couple stops, we are fl y- the Nuggets could be the fi rst. after four seasons. Dering the Nuggets over the Los ing and the ball is moving. “I’m running out of superlatives to say “It is with tremendous sadness and Angeles Clippers 111-98 to level their “When we start running the off ense, about our team. I love our team. I love gratitude that my wife Laurel and I NBA playoff series. we’re a really good team.” our toughness,” Nuggets coach Michael announce that our incredible journey The Nuggets, who also had 21 points The Clippers, who have squandered Malone said. in Houston has ended for now from Jamal Murray and Gary Harris, re- a 3-1 series edge, have never reached a “We were down 16 at half. We weren’t and that we’ll be moving to a new covered from a 19-point defi cit in the conference fi nal in their 50-year history. down on ourselves. We knew what we chapter,” D’Antoni said in a statement third quarter to match the Clippers at 3-3 They missed 10 shots in a row in the were going to have to go through. The to ESPN that was addressed to the in the Western Conference semi-fi nal, third period during a 17-0 Nuggets run. question was how are we going to get out Houston community.” Our time here setting up a winner-take-all game seven “They came down and scored or of it. was among the most memorable today. got fouled in the third quarter and we “One of the best third quarters I can experiences of our lives....From the “We don’t have pressure,” Jokic said. couldn’t buy a basket,” Clippers star ever remember in my fi ve years.” bottom of our hearts, thank you for “All the pressure is on them. We have to Kawhi Leonard said. Malone has no idea what gives his team making us feel like true Houstonians.” play at a high level and give our best. “We’ve just got to leave it all out on the the ability to climb out of deep defi cits. “To us it’s just another game seven. fl oor, communicate and play hard on the “I think it’s an inner belief, a confi - We’re going to go out there and play.” defensive end.” dence. We believe we have what it takes lando, Florida. Torrey Craig’s 3-pointer It’s the fourth consecutive playoff se- Paul George scored 33 points and Le- to win a championship,” said Malone. a minute into the fourth quarter gave the ries over two seasons in which the Nug- onard, last year’s NBA Finals Most Valu- “We have a tremendous belief and Nuggets an 82-79 lead, their fi rst edge gets have faced a seventh game. able Player for Toronto, added 25 to lead confi dence in who we are, how we play since 8-7 in the fi rst quarter. They are 5-0 in elimination games and the Clippers, who were outscored 64-35 and what our talent level is. Jokic scored 11 points, including three have rallied from 16-point or worse defi - in the second half. “We’re enjoying this. We’re embracing 3-pointers, in a decisive 21-9 Denver run cits in the past three such games. “It was beautiful playing,” Clippers this. But we have a lot of work to do.” to give the Nuggets a 109-93 lead. “The eff ort was amazing,” Jokic said. coach Doc Rivers said. “Then we stopped Today will also see Miami and Bos- The Clippers closed the second quar- “We were down 16 last time, down 16 to moving the ball, stopped playing. That’s ton meet in the Eastern Conference fi nal ter with a 16-2 run for a 63-47 half-time Utah — we don’t want it but maybe we what let them get back in the game. opener. All games are being played with- lead, but Jokic and Murray sparked a 17-0 Brayden Point (left) of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with like it. “We clearly have the right formula. We out spectators in a coronavirus quar- run and seized command in the fourth Ryan McDonagh (27) after scoring against the New York Islanders “We’re good at it. The whole team just lost it. We lost our pace.” antine bubble at Disney World in Or- quarter. on Sunday.

BOTTOMLINE Rocky start for Brady as Saints down Bucs AFP an Alvin Kamara touchdown and triots on a 10-play, 75-yard drive Angeles Rams opened their new Results Los Angeles then took the lead after Brady’s that ended with running back $5bn SoFi Stadium with a 20-17 fi rst interception of the day. Sony Michel barrelling over from win over the Dallas Cowboys. Seattle ...... 38 Atlanta ...... 25 Running back Kamara grabbed one yard out to make it 21-11. The Green Bay Packers made a Buff alo ...... 27 NY Jets ...... 17 om Brady’s Tampa Bay his second touchdown. Newton, 31, is aiming to re- winning start in their NFC North Chicago...... 27 Detroit ...... 23 career got off to a rocky A Wil Lutz fi eld goal put the launch his career under Patri- divisional battle with the Minne- Green Bay ...... 43 Minnesota ...... 34 start on Sunday as the Saints 17-7 ahead at half-time, ots coach Bill Belichick after an sota Vikings, romping to a 43-34 New England ..21 Miami ...... 11 TBuccaneers suff ered a and New Orleans stretched their injury-plagued fi nal two seasons victory in Minneapolis. Washington .....27 Philadelphia .... 17 season-opening 34-23 defeat to lead to 24-7 early in the third with the Panthers, who jetti- Packers quarterback Aaron Las Vegas ...... 34 Carolina ...... 30 the New Orleans Saints at the when Brady was picked off by Ja- soned the quarterback in March. Rodgers led the Green Bay of- Jacksonville .....27 Indiana ...... 20 Superdome. noris Jenkins, who returned for a Reigning NFL MVP Lamar fense, passing for 364 yards and Baltimore ...... 38 Cleveland ...... 6 Brady, who joined the Bucca- touchdown. Jackson threw for 275 yards and four touchdowns with no in- LA Chargers .....16 Cincinnati ...... 13 neers in March after calling time Although the Bucs closed the three touchdowns as the Bal- terceptions. Rodgers made 32 Arizona ...... 24 San Francisco 20 on his 20-year reign as New Eng- gap to seven points with a fi eld timore Ravens demolished the completions from 44 passing Tampa Bay ...... 23 New Orleans .34 land Patriots’ quarterback, was goal and a touchdown, Saints Cleveland Browns 38-6. attempts.In Atlanta, the quarter- LA Rams ...... 20 Dallas ...... 17 sacked three times and intercept- quarterback Drew Brees found Jackson opened his account back duel between Seattle Sea- ed twice as the Saints powered to Emmanuel Sanders for another for the season with a fi ve-yard hawks star Russell Wilson and appeared to lower his helmet and victory. touchdown to leave the home touchdown pass to Mark An- Falcons counterpart Matt Ryan make contact with an offi cial. It was an uncomfortable out- team in control. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by drews as the Ravens took the lead fi nished with Wilson fi rmly in Collins looked to be attempt- ing for the 43-year-old Brady, Elsewhere Sunday, Cam New- New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) on Sunday. in the fi rst quarter. the ascendancy as the Seahawks ing to complain about Bears run- widely regarded as the greatest ton rushed for two touchdowns PICTURE: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Although the Browns respond- scored an impressive 38-25 win. ning back David Montgomery quarterback in NFL history. as New England made a winning ed with a touchdown through Ryan had a whopping 450 lowering his helmet into a tackle, Although Brady got off to a start in their post-Brady era with half at Foxborough, Massachu- in the third quarter to extend New David Njoku from Baker May- passing yards and two touch- but inadvertently brushed the fairytale start — scoring the a 21-11 win over the Miami Dol- setts. England’s lead to 14-3.The Dol- fi eld’s pass, the Ravens rattled off downs, but Wilson threw for game offi cial’s chest with his game’s opening touchdown af- phins. Former NFL Most Valuable phins closed the gap to 14-11 with four more touchdowns without four touchdowns and 322 yards head as he did so. ter a one-yard sneak into the Newton, who joined the Pa- Player Newton’s fi rst touchdown a Jordan Howard touchdown fol- reply to pull clear of their AFC in the win. In Detroit, Lions Collins’ misery was com- end zone — the Buccaneers were triots in the off -season from the came in the second quarter, skip- lowed by a successful two-point North divisional rivals. In the late linebacker Jamie Collins found pounded by a fourth quarter col- chasing the game for long periods Carolina Panthers, extended his ping into the end zone from four conversion attempt early in the game, Malcolm Brown rushed for himself ejected from his team’s lapse that saw the Bears reel off 21 thereafter. quarterback touchdown rushing yards out. fourth quarter. two touchdowns and Jared Goff 27-23 defeat to the Chicago Bears unanswered points to turn a 23-6 The Saints drew level through record to 60 with a score in each He added a second touchdown But Newton then led the Pa- passed for 275 yards as the Los in bizarre circumstances after he defi cit into victory. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 SPORT

CYCLING RUGBY Japan will not play again in 2020 due Roglic set for title to Covid-19: JRFU

Reuters earlier this year because of Tokyo the pandemic, meaning most Japanese players have barely played competitive rugby in apan’s national rugby the past year. charge as his team union team will not play Joseph added that the team’s again this year because inability to train extensively of safety fears related was another reason to cancel toJ the Covid-19 pandemic, the their remaining tests. Japanese Rugby Football Union “The right decision has been (JRFU) said yesterday. made. We still have plenty Head coach Jamie Joseph of time to prepare ourselves said Japan, who had games for the next World Cup,” said riders test negative against England and Wales Joseph. “I hope the situation cancelled earlier this year due gets better in Japan and we can to the outbreak, had been due start looking forward to next ‘So far everything is going according to plan, but we are not there yet’ to play against Europe’s top season.” teams in an eight-nation tour- Agencies nament later this year. PUMAS TO HAVE TWO Grenoble, France Japan have not played a test MORE COVID TESTS THIS match since their quarter-fi nal WEEK: UAR loss to eventual champions Argentina’s coronavirus-hit umbo-Visma rider Pri- South Africa at last year’s Rug- rugby squad will undergo two moz Roglic said yesterday by World Cup on home soil. further rounds of testing this he and his team have test- “We have concluded there week as they continue prepa- ed negative for Covid-19 will be no test matches this rations for the Rugby Champi- afterJ the second round of tests year,” JRFU Chairman Kensuke onship in Australia. on Sunday and yesterday, pro- Iwabuchi told a media brief- Players would be tested on viding the yellow jersey holder ing yesterday. “As a staff we Monday and again on Thurs- relief ahead of stage 16 of the are thinking proactively how day, the Argentine Rugby Un- Tour de France. to use the momentum of our ion (UAR) said in a statement, The rules in place this year achievement at the World Cup after more than a dozen play- state that should a team have two to move forward.” ers and staff tested positive for positive cases, the whole outfi t Since signing a new con- Covid-19 in the last two weeks. will be thrown out of the race. tract following Japan’s stun- They currently have 11 ac- “They said that we were nega- ning World Cup run, Joseph tive cases among the playing tive so I’m happy that we have has stressed the importance group, while six who tested one more week of racing,” Roglic of having test matches against positive last month have been said. Tier One nations. cleared and have already re- Slovenian Roglic leads by 40 “We were allocated test turned to the training camp. seconds ahead of today’s moun- matches to play in the eight Argentina head coach Mario tain trek between La Tour du Pin nations. That would have been Ledesma, and assistants Nico- and Villard de Lans. a wonderful tournament to be las Fernandez Miranda and Second-placed compatriot a part of, not only this year but Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Tadej Pogacar appears to be the for the future,” said Joseph. tested positive last week. only credible threat, after de- “It would give our players the The UAR said they were fending champion Egan Bernal much needed experience they still working on travel details dropped out of contention when need to develop their game and for the squad after SANZAAR he cracked in the ascent to the test it... against some of the said last Friday that Australia Col du Grand Colombier. best teams in the world.” would host the Rugby Cham- The 21-year-old Pogacar won Japan’s Top League domes- pionship from November at top of the unforgiving climb tic competition was cancelled 7-December 12. ahead of Roglic to claim his sec- ond victory on his Tour debut. But while Roglic can rely on an awe-inspiring team in the Injury-free Van Niekerk set to make mountains with Tom Dumoulin, George Bennett, Sepp Kuss and return to European competition Wout van Aert setting a devil- ish pace on the climbs, Pogacar South Africa’s Olympic 400 which had been postponed is often on his own and can only Team Jumbo rider Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic (centre) wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey rides next to Team Jumbo rider Netherlands’ metres champion Wayde van from May due to the global count on his own legs to make a Tom Dumoulin (left) during the 15th stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France yesterday. (AFP) Niekerk will make his long- pandemic. An injury-free diff erence. awaited return to the track return would signal a major “So far everything is going ac- against the clock. Behind the when he competes at the boost for Van Niekerk, who cording to plan, but we are not Yates first Briton to win Tirreno-Adriatico Slovenian duo is Colombian Rig- rescheduled Gala dei Castelli tore ligaments in his knee at there yet,” Roglic, a man of few oberto Uran, 1:34 off the pace. in Bellinzona, Switzerland a charity touch rugby game words, told reporters. Mitchelton-Scott’s Simon Yates 55-year-old race after clinching happy I could pull it off ,” Yates The race, however, will not today. Van Niekerk, who in October 2017 and has run “Pogacar is more explosive, became to the first Briton to Friday’s 202km fifth stage in said. be the main focus today morn- recently recovered from a just a handful of races in but he doesn’t have a team win the Tirreno-Adriatico after Sarnano, central Italy. “We still have some weeks away ing before the start of the 15th debilitating knee injury and South Africa since facing a around him and if he’s in trou- finishing 18th in Monday’s final He is expected to feature at before we start and until the stage as teams await the results then Covid-19, which he con- number of set-backs. ble he won’t have anyone to help time trial stage. the Giro d’Italia which begins end it’s still a long time away. of their Covid-19 tests. tracted while training in Italy, He has therefore benefited him,” Philippe Mauduit, sports Former Vuelta a Espana cham- on October 3 and said he was I hope to hold my form all the The rules state that should a made the announcement. from the postponement of director at French team Groupa- pion Yates, 28, ended the eight- worried ahead of the final day way,” he added. team have two cases, the whole The 28-year-old romped to the Tokyo Olympic Games ma-FDJ, told Reuters. day “Race of the Two Seas” 17 of racing. Local rider Filippo Ganna edged outfi t will be thrown out of the Olympic gold four years ago to next year and recently Pogacar lost 1:20 when the seconds ahead of 2018 Tour de “I tried to do my best, I was Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts race. in a world record time of highlighted his ambition to peloton was split by crosswinds France winner Geraint Thomas nervous before because of the by 18 seconds in the 10.05km Four teams, Ineos Grenadiers, 43.03 seconds and was set be the first man to run the in the seventh stage, and he has in second and 29 seconds situation. I tried to finish off circuit against the clock in San AG2R-La Mondiale, Mitchel- to participate in a meet in 400m in under 43 seconds. been making up for lost time ahead of Poland’s Rafal Majka. the work for the team. They’ve Benedetto del Tronto on the ton-Scott and Cofi dis, have been Trieste last month, his first “Growth should be improv- since then, regaining half of it Yates originally took the overall been fantastic all week and Adriatic coast. on a knife edge since the previ- competition outside of South ing my times within the thanks to sharp attacks, notably leader’s blue jersey of the today it was up to me. Really (AFP) ous round of tests last Sunday Africa since 2017. 42-second range. That’s in the Pyrenees. and Monday when one of their Those plans were put on where my mind is at, that’s “The plan is to win the Tour cracked and maybe one day my- ahead,” Pogacar said. trial on Saturday, having beaten staff members tested positive, hold, but he will line up where my heart is at,” he told de France. Primoz Roglic seems self or Primoz will crack - there Pogacar can also expect to take him in the Slovenian national but the day-count has been reset at the event in Bellinzona BBC Sport. unstoppable but today Bernal are still a lot of opportunities time on Roglic in the fi nal time championship in the solo eff ort for the second round.

FOCUS ‘Quarantine won’t stop All Blacks hosting Wallabies’ AFP Wellington Wallabies coach impressed with intensity, knows team must step up Dave Rennie has been impressed with the increased rime Minister Jacinda intensity as Super Rugby AU has progressed this year Ardern said yester- but recognises the players have to lift even further day she was working to when they face the All Blacks in Bledisloe Cup tests ensure New Zealand’s next month. Rennie named his first Wallabies squad on Pstrict quarantine rules do not Sunday for the Bledisloe Cup tests and the southern stop the All Blacks hosting Aus- hemisphere’s Rugby Championship. tralia in next month’s Bledisloe They will assemble for a few days after the ACT Brum- Cup. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. bies host the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby AU New Zealand last week lost final on Saturday before flying to New Zealand. “I think hosting rights for the Novem- Asked if the Bledisloe fi xtures we won’t be playing a Test that the competition (Super Rugby AU) has got better and (so ber-December Rugby Cham- could also be moved to Australia, weekend.” has) the quality of the rugby,” Rennie told reporters after pionship to Australia because Ardern replied: “I don’t think It now appears likely the two he named the squad. its strict border controls would that’s going to be necessary.” Bledisloe Tests, which were “The advantage of finals footy is the intensity, so there have hampered player training. The Championship was awarded to New Zealand as a has certainly been an intensity in these games.” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie switched because New Zealand’s consolation for losing the Rug- New Zealander Rennie said the All Blacks, who have held on Sunday raised similar con- rules would have prevented by Championship, will now be the Bledisloe Cup since 2003, had all been playing well in cerns about the keenly watched squads playing together for played on October 17 and 24. their domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa competition and Bledisloe Cup. much of their two-week quar- Ardern was unfazed at the he was impressed with the depth that counterpart Ian But Ardern - who faces an Oc- antine. prospect of an All Blacks Test Foster had available. tober 17 election in the rugby- Rennie said he would not ac- taking place on the same date as “Super Rugby Aotearoa was real high quality, real high mad nation - assured fans “we’ll cept such restrictions on the the general election. intensity,” Rennie said. “I reckon any All Blacks side be able to fi nd a workable solu- Wallabies, who were reportedly “New Zealanders are per- that can leave someone like Lachlan Boshier out, who I tion so that we can make the Bl- pencilled in to face the All Blacks fectly able to engage with the thought was incredible in Super Rugby Aotearoa and he edisloe Cup happen”. on October 10, for what will be Bledisloe Cup and an election,” didn’t even make the North Island side, that tells you the She said Australia’s Wallabies the New Zealander’s fi rst Test as she said, pointing out that Tests depth of New Zealand rugby.” were a lower Covid-19 risk than coach of the Australian team. in New Zealand were tradition- Rennie’s squad included 16 uncapped players, while the South African and Argentine “New Zealand Rugby’s got an ally played in the evening, when 13 others have played less than 10 tests each and the players involved in the four-na- expectation that we jump on a polling booths will have already former Waikato Chiefs and Glasgow coach said the goal tion Rugby Championship. plane a day after the Super Rug- closed. this year was to lay the foundations for the next World “There’s a diff erent risk profi le by fi nal (on September 19), have There is a strong possibility Cup in France. “We’ve picked obviously with an eye to for teams from Australia than, two weeks in quarantine where that at least one of the Tests will the future,” he said. for instance, the likes of South we can’t prepare as a team and be played in front of full crowds, “There will be some of those guys who don’t play but... Africa and Argentina, where we play a Test seven days later,” he after Ardern said she wanted to we’ve got to make sure that we’re creating depth and already have teams members told reporters Sunday. move the country, with the ex- guys are ready to go when they get their opportunity to who have tested positive for “Under those quarantine ar- ception of Auckland, to a lower step up.” Covid,” she told reporters. rangements, I can assure you alert level from September 21. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 15, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS South Korea’s Lee Mi-rim wins ANA Cink’s title drought Inspiration in playoff

AFP Leading scores aft er Los Angeles fi nal round (x-wins at first playoff hole, ee Mi-rim won the ANA par 72, USA unless noted, ends with Safeway Inspiration in stunning a-denotes amateur) style Sunday, chipping in 273-x-Lee Mi-rim (KOR) 70-65- for eagle at the 72nd hole 71-67, Nelly Korda 66-67-71-69, Land beating Brooke Henderson Brooke Henderson (CAN) and Nelly Korda with a birdie at 68-71-65-69 the fi rst playoff hole. 275-Lexi Thompson 70-67- Lee, 29, earned her fi rst major 69-69 victory with a fi nal round of fi ve- 276-Stacy Lewis 70-71-67-68 Open triumph under par 67 that included three 278-Lydia Ko (NZL) 69-74-69- chip-ins – two of them for birdie 66 – on the Mission Hills course in 279-Minjee Lee (AUS) 71-69- ‘This was just a really special week where I’ve had a lot of good things going with my golf’ Rancho Mirage, California. 72-67, Nasa Hataoka (JPN) She was joined on 15-under 70-73-67-69, Mel Reid (ENG) AFP par 273 by Korda and Henderson 69-70-69-71, Katherine Kirk San Francisco – who shared the overnight lead (AUS) 72-67-67-73 and both carded fi nal-round 69s. 280-Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) It was a heartbreaking defeat for 73-71-68-68, Danielle Kang tewart Cink ended an 11- 22-year-old American Korda, 68-71-70-71, a-Rose Zhang year drought with a vic- who led or shared the lead after 71-69-68-72, Maria Fernanda tory in the US PGA Tour each of the fi rst three rounds. Torres (PUR) 70-69-69-72 Safeway Open on Sun- Seeking a fi rst major title, Korda 281-Amy Yang (KOR) 71-72-70- day,S his fi rst win since his 2009 led by two shots with four to play 68, a-Gabriela Ruff els (AUS) 71- British Open triumph. and had a one-stroke lead over 68-71-71, Lee Mi-hyang (KOR) Cink fi red eight birdies in a playing partner Henderson as 69-70-70-72 seven-under par 65 at Silvera- they walked off the 17th green. 282-Leona Maguire (MEX) 73- do Resort in Napa, California, But up ahead, Lee was playing 72-68-69, Chun In-gee (KOR) his 21-under total of 267 giving the par-fi ve 18th. She had holed 67-71-75-69, Kim Sei-young him a two-shot win over Harry out from long range for birdie at (KOR) 69-70-71-72 Higgs. 16 before a bogey at 17 appeared 283-Jennifer Kupcho 72-72-69- Cink, 47, acknowledged that to put her out of contention. 70, Ally McDonald 71-69-71-72 he sometimes wondered in the But that changed when her 284-Lizette Salas 74-74-67-69, years since he out-duelled Tom chip from off the green at 18 Lin Xiyu (CHN) 69-77-67-71, Watson in a playoff at Turn- raced to the hole, hit the fl agstick Kristen Gillman 69-72-71-72, berry if he would reach the win- and dropped in. Christina Kim 70-69-72-73, ner’s circle again. “I can’t believe it,” Lee said Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) But he kept his nerve Sunday, as she wiped away tears before 71-70-69-74, Liu Yu (CHN) 68- following a three-putt bogey at taking the traditional cham- 71-70-75, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 17 that reduced his lead to one pion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond – 70-70-67-77. stroke with a birdie at the par- which must have felt especially fi ve 18th – where he reached the refreshing in sweltering desert green in two and two-putted temperatures. The tournament the 72nd hole. Korda, forced to from 44 feet. is normally played in balmy lay up, came away with a par. “When you get (to be) 47 like April, but was rescheduled and Henderson’s second shot into I am, you just don’t really know played without fans because of the green rolled under the “wall” if you’re ever going to be able to the coronavirus pandemic. of fabric-covered scaff olding close the door on another one,” “To be honest, I feel like I must erected alongside the green at 18. said a beaming Cink. be a little crazy for winning and Her ball was extracted and she “I’ve been at times in the po- for having won this, and I think got up and down for birdie to join sition to get it done and haven’t. I’ll be able to feel it once I meet the playoff and the trio returned This was just a really special my family and reunite with to the 18th tee. week where I’ve had a lot of them,” added lee, who claimed Korda was in the rough again good things going with my golf.” her fourth LPGA victory and her on the way to a par. Henderson Cink started the day two Stewart Cink claims his first title since 2009 British Open. fi rst since the 2017 Kia Classic. and Lee both found the fairway shots off the lead shared by “It was a bit disappointing but missed the green, Hender- Brian Stuard, James Hahn and me positive, keeping me loose,” having the bogey on 17, so my son unable to get a birdie putt to Cameron Percy and one stroke South Africa’s ‘ecstatic’ Coetzee collects Portugal Masters title Cink said, adding that his son plan for 18 was just to have a drop as Lee chipped to fi ve feet behind Higgs. is “not just a ceremonial caddie birdie and do what I have to do and made it. He birdied four holes on the George Coetzee kept his final-round 64 going into next birdies. out here. He understands golf to to keep my head up,” she added. “I played solid today,” said front nine, chipped in for bird- nerve in the final round of the weekend’s second major of Leading final round scores the very, very highest level.” “When the shot went in, I think Korda, who became the fourth ie at 11 and drained a 20-foot Portugal Masters on Sunday to the season at Winged Foot in (GBR/IRL unless stated, par 71): I was really surprised. player to lead after the fi rst three birdie putt from the fringe at secure a fifth European Tour Mamaroneck, New York. 268-George Coetzee (RSA) 66 LEADING SCORES AFTER “It must have been a bit of rounds but not take the title. the 15th. title after holding off the chas- “I’m very, very happy with 70 66 66 FINAL ROUND luck that helped me.” Henderson, who missed the cut He pushed his lead to two ing pack by two strokes. how I played and it’s nice to 270-Laurie Canter 64 72 68 66 (par 72, USA unless noted): Henderson and Korda had at the Women’s British Open strokes with a birdie from the The South African, the over- put yourself in contention and 271-Tommy Fleetwood 68 71 68 267-Stewart Cink 67-70-65-65 traded the lead on the back nine, three weeks ago, had been look- greenside bunker at 16, blasting night leader in Vilamoura, shot have to hit shots like I did on 64, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 69 269-Harry Higgs 69-62-70-68 Henderson falling back with a ing to bounce back with a second out to eight feet and making the a spotless closing 66 includ- 17 and 18 down the stretch,” 69 68 65 270-Doc Redman 70-69-69-62, double-bogey at the 13th. major title to go with her 2016 putt. ing five birdies to finish 16 Fleetwood said. 273-Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) Chez Reavie 67-71-66-66, Kevin Henderson and Korda were Women’s PGA Championship But it was close after his bo- under par. Laurie Canter was “I was nowhere near for a few 67 71 65 70 Streelman 72-66-65-67, Brian both in the rough off the tee at crown. gey at 17, in part because Higgs second with Tommy Fleetwood weeks in America and it’s so 274-Niklas Lemke (SWE) 70 69 Stuard 67-67-66-70 eagled the 16th despite fi nding another shot back in a share of hard to take a step back when 65 70, Sebastian Garcia Rod- 271-Sam Burns 64-65-72-70, the rough off the tee. third place alongside Joakim you’re playing tournaments riguez (ESP) 70 68 67 69 Kristoff er Ventura (NOR) 69-66- Higgs, ranked 132nd in the Lagergren. because you always have a 275-Jason Scrivener (AUS) 69 66-70 world, had thrust himself into “I’m ecstatic,” Coetzee said. “It’s round of golf to play.” 68 70 68, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 272-J.J. Spaun 70-68-66-68, contention in the opening event the work me and my psycholo- Masahiro Kawamura of Japan 68 71 70 66, Julien Guerrier Pat Perez 65-69-69-69, Akshay of the 2020-21 PGA Tour season gist have been doing and it’s took fifth place after his chal- (FRA) 62 66 75 72, Johannes Bhatia 66-72-66-68, Russell with an albatross at the ninth on nice to see it pay off .” lenge fizzled out following Veerman (USA) 69 68 70 68, Knox (SCO) 63-69-70-70, James Friday. Fleetwood, US Open runner-up back-to-back bogeys on holes John Catlin (USA) 72 69 65 69, Hahn 68-65-67-72 He fi nished with four birdies in 2018, was pleased with his six and seven after three early Scott Vincent (ZIM) 70 65 72 68 273-Chesson Hadley 70-67-69- and eagle and two bogeys in his 67, Bud Cauley 68-68-69-68, four-under 68. Michael Gligic 70-68-67-68, “Today was a blast to be in birdies to end the round. an even par 72 to join a group on 23-year-old son, Reagan, on the Sepp Straka (AUT) 70-66-68-69, contention all the way to the He headed a group sharing 272, while Percy plummeted to bag. David Hearn (CAN) 69-69- end,” Higgs said. third on 270 that included Stu- 23Rd with a two-over 74. It’s the fourth PGA Tour event 66-69, Zhang Xinjun (CHN) Doc Redman surged up the ard – who carded a two-under The long awaited victory was in which Regan has caddied for 69-67-67-70, Sahith Theegala leaderboard with a 10-under 70 – Chez Reavie and Kevin a family aff air for Cink, with his his father. 71-68-64-70, Doug Ghim 67-66- Lee Mi-rim celebrates after winning the 2020 ANA Inspiration golf par 62 that included six straight Streelman. Hahn closed with wife, Lisa, in attendance and his “He did a great job of keeping 69-71, D.J. Trahan 67-65-70-71. tournament at the Mission Hills Golf Club. (USA TODAY Sports)

MOTORSPORT Safety car re-starts putting drivers at risk: Hamilton Reuters FIA investigating Hamilton for London Ferrari mark 1,000th race with pride, pain and a Schumacher Breonna Taylor T-shirt: report Ferrari celebrated their 1,000th “Ferrari and Formula One are the second generation to drive ix-times Formula One Formula One’s ruling body is re- from the FIA. Formula One world champi- sort of joined at the hip,” chief it is something very special,” world champion Lewis ported to be considering action Taylor, a 26-year-old black onship race on Sunday with executive Louis Camilleri told he said after his demonstration Hamilton has called for against world champion Lewis woman, was shot by police in passion, pride and pain – and a Sky television ahead of the laps in the F2004, Ferrari’s most a rethink on how races Hamilton after he wore a T-shirt Kentucky in March. She was a Schumacher as Michael’s son Tuscan Grand Prix at the team’s successful racing car. areS re-started behind the safety highlighting police brutality at medical worker and was killed Mick drove his father’s 2004 scenic circuit north of Florence. Ferrari had also celebrated car because he fears drivers are Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix. in her own home. The FIA rules car around the team’s Mugello “It’s hard to imagine Formula their milestone with a socially being put at risk. The six-time world champion state that drivers are not to use circuit. One without Ferrari or the distanced show in Florence’s Pi- Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix at and series leader, who won the advertising that is “political The only team to have com- other way around. We’ve been azza della Signoria on Saturday Mugello was stopped twice due race, wore a T-shirt bearing a or religious in nature of that peted in every season since there forever. History creates night attended by drivers and to crashes, the fi rst time after “a little bit over the limit.” message that said “Arrest the is prejudicial to the interests the first in 1950 have won more pressure too and we’re looking bosses past and present with a a four-car pile-up when back- Red Bull’s Alex Albon agreed cops who killed Breonna Taylor” of the FIA”. “It took me a long races and championships than forward to the next 1,000,” he display of cars through the eras. markers accelerated too soon. it had been dangerous. “I think before and after the race, dur- time to get that shirt and I’ve any other. added. “As we celebrate our first 1,000 Valtteri Bottas had been lead- tracks like this are always going ing an anti-racism ceremony been wanting to wear it and Schumacher senior brought “We’re in a hole now and we races, we are already looking ing for Mercedes and control- to be diffi cult as well, with long and television interviews. bring awareness to the fact them five titles in a row from know we’re in a hole. It’s a con- ahead, already thinking about ling the pace, backing the pack straights but defi nitely some- A spokesperson for the Inter- that there’s people that have 2000-04, with most of his fluence of factors but anything I the next 1,000,” said Ferrari up and delaying his getaway for thing could have been done bet- national Motoring Federation been killed on the street and record 91 wins secured in red say will come across as excuses president John Elkann. maximum eff ect. ter,” he added. (FIA) told the BBC that the case there’s someone that got killed overalls. and we’re not into excuses. “I am absolutely certain of one Hamilton, who took his 90th Ferrari-owned Mugello was against Hamilton is “under in her own house, and they’re The team that crowned Alberto “What matters is to focus on thing, that in the next 1,000 career win at the Italian circuit, being used for the fi rst time as active consideration”. Hamilton in the wrong house, and those Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, the issues we have and work Grands Prix we will win more told reporters the safety car a grand prix venue. Bottas said had previously worn a “Black guys are still walking free,” said Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, John with determination to get back races than we have to date.” lights were being turned off , ef- Mercedes had expressed some Lives Matter” T-shirt at every Hamilton after his 90th career Surtees, Niki Lauda and Jody to what we consider to be our Charles Leclerc finished eighth fectively handing over control to concern before the race, but to race without any comment victory. Scheckter over the decades are rightful place.” for Ferrari in the race, with the race leader, later and later. no eff ect. suff ering their worst campaign Mick Schumacher, leading the Sebastian Vettel 10th. “They’re obviously trying to “They said basically they’re in 40 years. Formula Two championship and Team boss Mattia Binotto said make it more exciting but ulti- going to keep doing it because show, Hamilton said he did not larly safe with the restart,” de- Ferrari last won a drivers’ title looking increasingly destined the drivers had done their best. mately today you’ve seen they’ve it’s better for the show. I think want to overstep the mark. clared the Briton. with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 for F1 in 2021, could be a part of “Today we didn’t have the pace put people at risk, so perhaps that was the reply,” added the “They defi nitely need to take Race director Michael Masi are currently sixth overall and that future. to allow our drivers to fight with they need to rethink that,” said Finn. Asked whether safety into account the safety aspect said there was no need for a re- in danger of slipping further. “To be able to drive it now as their nearest rivals,” he said. Hamilton, who felt Sunday was was being compromised for the because today wasn’t particu- view of safety car re-starts.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020 GULF TIMES TENNIS

REPORT Thiem claims US Open title aft er thrilling ghtbackfi Austrian comes back from two sets down to claim first major Thiem tames ‘Big Match’ nerves to break Grand Slam barrier Dominic Thiem ended a six-year wait for a new Thiem hopes to play more freely with fewer name on a men’s Grand Slam trophy on Sunday nerves in future, having finally tasted success with his US Open triumph but it was not just at one of the sport’s biggest stages while also Alexander Zverev that the Austrian had to battle becoming the first man since Croat Marin Cilic on court to fulfil his “life goal”. won the 2014 US Open to secure a maiden Grand Rafa Nadal had denied Thiem the French Open Slam trophy. trophy at the previous two editions of that tour- He is also the first player born in the 1990s to nament, while at the start of 2020 it was world claim a men’s Grand Slam, and the first outside number one Novak Djokovic who outlasted him in Nadal and Federer, who both missed the tourna- the Australian Open title clash. ment, and Djokovic, who was disqualified, to win Thiem did not have to go through Djokovic, Nadal a major since Stan Wawrinka’s 2016 US Open or Roger Federer, the sport’s ‘Big Three’, during triumph. the two weeks at Flushing Meadows this year but Thiem will now face heavier expectations in that presented a unique mental challenge as the future Grand Slams but has proved he is not one 27-year-old wrestled with long-time friend Zverev, to shy away from pressure. 23, for success in his fourth Slam final. The Austrian, who faced his share of criticism for “We both didn’t face one of the ‘Big Three’, so I playing in Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour event, guess that was in the back of the head for both declined to contribute to an emergency fund for of us,” Thiem told reporters. “That’s why we were financially struggling lower-ranked professionals nervous. (It) was a very good chance for the both during the Covid-19 shutdown, fully aware that he of us.” would draw flak from pundits and fellow players The experience of playing three Grand Slam finals for his stand. previously was supposed to be an advantage for Thiem, who has earned almost $27 million in the Austrian against an opponent who was featur- career prize money, stood his ground in the face ing in his first final at a major. of criticism, proving that he was ready to chart his But it proved to be a burden for Thiem, who found own path forward. himself two sets and a break down against the Most of Thiem’s early success came on clay- big-serving German before fighting back to win courts, where long baseline rallies test a player’s 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(6). patience and endurance, but he showed the first “Honestly, I think it didn’t help me at all because signs of a smooth transition to hardcourts when I was so tight in the beginning. Maybe it was not he won last year’s ATP Masters at Indian Wells. even good that I played in previous major finals,” Reaching the season-ending ATP Finals further he said. underlined his development while he put any “I mean, I wanted this title so much, and of course lingering doubts about his hardcourt prowess to there was also in my head that if I lose this one, rest by progressing to the Australian Open final in it’s 0-4. It’s always in your head. Melbourne earlier this year. “Is this chance ever coming back again? This, that, “Before I started to work with him, when I saw him all these thoughts, which are not great to play like a spectator, I said he can play everywhere, not your best tennis, to play free. That’s what exactly only on clay,” his coach Nicolas Massu said. happened in the beginning.” “He can have the same results on every surface But Thiem managed to quell those doubts and because the game, the shots, he’s talented, he Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany (not pictured) in the men’s levelled things against Zverev before winning a has everything. Maybe he needs to adjust small final of the 2020 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (USA TODAY Sports) nerve-jangling final set tiebreak to achieve “a life things.” (Reuters) goal, a dream”. Reuters ing Thiem to take a slow-burner neys brought us to share this mo- on Sunday, bossing the baseline New York of a contest to a decider. ment and I wish – really I wish rallies with his smooth power. With one of the sport’s biggest – we could have two winners to- The fi rst set lasted 30 minutes prizes within reach, both men day, I think we both deserved it,” and when Zverev went 5-1 ahead ustria’s Dominic Thiem raised their games in a gripping Thiem said on court after a tear- in the second a stunned Thiem fi nally claimed his decider. ful speech from his crestfallen was looking up forlornly at his maiden Grand Slam The 23-year-old Zverev, bid- opponent and close friend. coach Nicolas Massu. title with a stunning ding to become the fi rst German But the Austrian began to comebackA to beat Germany’s Al- male to win a Grand Slam since loosen up and while he could not MOMENTUM SHIFT exander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 Boris Becker won in New York in Thiem, the second Austrian to salvage the second set and then 7-6(6) in a nerve-jangling battle 1996, showed great composure win a Grand Slam after Thomas went a break down in the third, of wills in the US Open fi nal on to resist the Thiem charge and Muster’s 1995 French Open title, he was fi nally upping the power Sunday. served for the title at 5-3. had lost all three of his previous on his fi zzing groundstrokes. The 27-year-old world number With the match deep into its Grand Slam fi nals. When Zverev dropped serve three appeared to have blown his fourth hour, though, it had be- His two French Open fi - to lose the third set Thiem omi- golden chance as he fell two sets come not just a physical battle nals were against Rafa Nadal, a nously sent three rackets off to be behind but hit back to become but a psychological one too. 12-times champion on the Paris re-strung. the fi rst player to win a Grand First Zverev faltered with the clay, while at this year’s Australia Zverev fought off break points Slam from having trailed by two title tantalisingly close, then Open he was beaten in fi ve stun- at 2-3 in the fourth but a double- sets since Gaston Gaudio at the Thiem could not hold serve for ning sets by world number one fault and a forehand error gave 2004 French Open. glory at 6-5 as a US Open men’s Novak Djokovic. Thiem the break at 3-4 and as Thiem, who dropped only one fi nal moved into its fi rst-ever This time, with Nadal opting the match went into the decider set en route to the fi nal, started fi fth set tiebreak. out over concerns over the Cov- the momentum had shifted com- as favourite but was stifl ed by A gut-wrenching climax saw id-19 pandemic, Roger Federer pletely Thiem’s way as he broke nerves early on, trailing by a set Thiem take a 6-4 lead as Zverev’s injured and top seed Djokovic immediately. and 5-1 as his evening threatened serve crumbled. But he netted defaulted last Sunday for hitting There were to be more twists to become a nightmare on an ee- a forehand with the court gap- a line judge with a ball, the door and turns before Thiem fell to his rie, almost empty Arthur Ashe ing, then sent another forehand had swung wide open for Thiem. back in celebration at becoming stadium. wide. Things are never usually the fi rst player born in the 1990s He gradually broke the shack- Thiem earned another match straightforward though, espe- to claim a men’s Grand Slam, and les to hit back from a break down point with a fearless pass though, cially at Flushing Meadows. the fi rst outside Nadal, Djokovic to take the third, however, and and Zverev then dragged a back- Zverev’s form had been patchy and Federer to claim one since Zverev faltered on serve at 3-4 in hand wide. on his way to the fi nal but he Stan Wawrinka’s 2016 US Open a high-quality fourth set allow- “It’s amazing how far our jour- looked in fi ne form from the start triumph.

FOCUS Djokovic ready to move on from US Open default Reuters down to beat German Alexander Rome Zverev in the fi nal on Sunday. Djokovic unlucky, but should show self-control: Nadal “I watched the fi nal last night until the end of the fourth set. Rafa Nadal has off ered some sympathy for world orld number one You know, I want to congratu- number one Novak Djokovic after his great rival’s Novak Djokovic late both of these guys,” Djokovic shock default from the US Open for hitting a lines- says he cannot said. woman in the throat with a stray ball. guarantee he will “For Dominic to lose three With Nadal absent Serbian Djokovic was a huge Wnot make a similar mistake that (slam) fi nals and start the match favourite to win the title in New York but his run led to his disqualifi cation at the not on a very high level but then came to a sudden end in the fourth round against US Open for striking a line judge come back and win in such fash- Pablo Carreno Busta when he accidentally hit the with a ball but he remains confi - ion is very inspiring.” off icial with a ball after losing a point. dent it will not aff ect his tennis The disqualifi cation, however, Had Djokovic won the title he would have moved in the future. gave Djokovic more time to re- to 18 Grand Slam titles, one behind Nadal and two The Serb was disqualifi ed in Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a forehand during a practice session group before his claycourt open- behind Roger Federer in the battle for all-time win the last two French Opens, claimed his first the fourth round in New York on day one of the Internazionali BNL D’Italia ATP tour at Foro Italico in er at this week’s Italian Open – a greatness. Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, coming when he hit a ball in frustration Rome. (AFP) tune-up for the French Open “The consequences have been always the same. back from two sets down to beat Alexander after dropping serve in the fi rst starting Sept. 27. Nothing new on that. Novak was unlucky. The Zverev in a gripping final on Arthur Ashe Stadium set against Spain’s Pablo Car- terday. “I’m trying to be the best 33-year-old was also fi ned an “It’s great I have a tourna- rules says clearly that’s a default,” Nadal said in a on Sunday. reno Busta, hitting line judge version of myself on the court additional $10,000 for un- ment a week or 10 days after news conference at the Rome Masters where he Thiem’s victory ended a run of 13 Grand Slam Laura Clark in her throat and and off the court and I under- sportsmanlike conduct. “There it happened because I feel the will resume his season this week after a seven- titles won by either Nadal, Djokovic or Federer causing her to fall to the fl oor. stand that I have outbursts and was a lot of speculation about earlier I get back in competition month hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. and made him the first new major winner since Djokovic, who had already this is kind of the personality whether it was deserved. I ac- mode the faster I’ll overcome the “Sorry for him. He had an opportunity there. But Marin Cilic in 2014. apologised for the incident, said and the player that I have always cepted it, I moved on,” Djokovic memory and reprogramme it. in some way you should not be doing this. It’s “Happy for Dominic. He is somebody that de- that he called on the lineswoman been. “I’m going to take this in as added. “Of course I didn’t forget I’m hoping for the best,” said the very unfortunate, very unlucky situation. But it’s serves to win a big title, super hard worker. Very to check on her health since the profound as possible for me as a about it, I don’t think I’ll ever 17-times Grand Slam winner. important to have the right self-control on the focused on his goals. Good person, good human incident at Flushing Meadows. big lesson.” forget about it.” Rafa Nadal, bidding for a court, because if not, you can be unlucky.” person. He deserves it,” said Nadal, who will be “I cannot promise or cannot Following the incident, the In Djokovic’s absence, Aus- record-extending 13th French Nadal was one of several players to opt out of aiming to win a record-extending 13th French guarantee that I will never ever tournament organisers con- tria’s second-seeded Dominic Open title, is returning after playing at the US Open because of his concerns Open when the re-scheduled claycourt event do anything similar to that in my fi rmed Djokovic was fi ned Thiem claimed his maiden more than six months on Tour about travelling during the pandemic. starts at the end of September. life,” Djokovic told a news con- $250,000 – his prize money Grand Slam title in New York af- having skipped the US Open due Austrian Dominic Thiem, the man Nadal beat to Nadal will open in Rome against Carreno Busta. ference at the Italian Open yes- for reaching round four. The ter he came back from two sets to Covid-19 concerns.