Sport

WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 Golf:G Garcia withdraws from Augusta MastersM after positive COVID-19 test AfterA 21 years of not missing a major championship, I will sadlys miss the Masters this week. The important thing is that mym family and I are feeling good. We'll come back stronger.

SergioS Garcia Sport |09

VOLLEYBALL: SENIOR MEN'S LEAGUE Police beat Al Sadd 3-0 (24-14, 25-20, 25-19). Qatar SC beat Al Shamal 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-20) ‘Gateway to legacy’: 2030 welcomes OCA Evaluation Team

— DOHA THE PENINSULA sports and training venues, transport networks, accom- We are committed to ensuring that Doha 2030 is a gatewayteway to a The Doha 2030 modation, leisure facilities and Bid Committee yesterday cultural sites, all of which are brighter future for Asia. We want to deliver a Games thatthat supportssupports welcomed members of the in place and ready to serve the development throughout the continent before and afterter it isis OCA Evaluation Committee to OCA Family. But, the OCA hosted. At the heart of our bid is the belief that now moremore than the Qatari capital as it Evaluation Committee will prepares to showcase the city’s now be able to see all this with ever, sport can play an important role in inspiring hope,e, Games readiness and their own eyes. Just as impor- connecting nations and celebrating our peaceful diversity.rsity. commitment to serving as a tantly, will be the opportunity HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Gateway to legacy now for for us to explain the magical Asia. elements we have planned; Doha 2030 and QOC President Members of the OCA Eval- from an unprecedented uation Committee were Games experience, to legacy greeted on arrival into Doha’s benefits that would begin from 5 star Hamad International next year and run through and diversity,Doha hosted using the power of Airport, which, serving more beyond 2030.” sporta memorable to unite the continent. than 174 destinations, would With no permanent venues edition of the provide a true Gateway to to be built, Doha 2030 has an Asian Games accessibility for the OCA unprecedented opportunity to in 2006. family. focus its attention on providing Doha 2030 CEO Jassim Bin a Gateway to legacy now for Rashid Albuenain led the the OCA and Asian sport. senior bid team that received During the Evaluation the OCA guests at the airport. Committee’s visit, Doha 2030 Over the next three days, will explain how it plans to use the Evaluation Committee will the time and money saved tour Doha’s world-class, tried from not having to build new and tested sports venues that infrastructure, to deliver NOC are ready to deliver the legacy programmes that MAJOR EVENTS IN QATAR ultimate conditions for support them overcome 2004 - Asian Handball Championships athletes. current challenges caused by 2004 - ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships This optimised athlete COVID-19. The Bid Committee 2005 - Asian Basketball Championships experience will be will also outline how Doha 2005 - World Weightlifting Championships strengthened further by 2030 will ensure a celebration 2005 - Doha’s existing state-of-the- of Asia and its wonderful 2006 - Asian Sailing Championships art travel network and 2006 - Asian Games compact Games concept, 2008 - Asian Indoor Athletics Championships which will minimise travel A spectacular view of 2008 - Asian Youth Wrestling Championships times and maximise oppor- state-of-the-art Aspire 2008 - Asian Optimist Sailing Championships tunity for training and Zone in Doha. 2009 - Asian Fencing Championships recuperation. 2009 - FIVB Club World Championships The Evaluation Committee 2009 - ISF World will experience for themselves 2010 - IAAF World Indoor Championships the convenience and accessi- 2010 - ISAF World Junior 470 Sailing C’ships bility Doha 2030 is offering 2011 - Asian Football Cup and get a sense of how the 2011 - Arab Games Games will celebrate the cul- tural diversity of the Asian 2012 - Asian Shooting Championships continent. 2014 - FINA Short Course World Championships Doha 2030 CEO Albuenain 2015 - IHF Handball World Championships said: “It is our pleasure to 2015 - Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships welcome our esteemed col- 2015 - World Amateur Boxing Championships leagues and friends from the 2015 - World Robot Olympiad OCA Evaluation Committee. 2016 - UCI Road Cycling World Championships The next three days are a 2018 - FIG Artistic Gymnastics World critical opportunity for our bid Championships to demonstrate why we 2019 - IAAF World Championships believe Doha 2030 would be 2019 - FIFA Club World Cup a Gateway to a brighter future 2020 - FIFA Club World Cup for Asian sport. 2022 - FIFA World Cup “Our bid book details our 2023 - FINA World Championships extensive array of world-class 2024 - FINA Masters ANNUAL EVENTS Since 1993 - Qatar ExxonMobil Open It is our pleasure to welcome our esteemed colleagues and friends from the OCA Evaluation Since 1998 - Qatar Masters Committee. The next three days are a critical opportunity for our bid to demonstrate why we Since 2004 - FIM MotoGP World Championship believe Doha 2030 would be a Gateway to a brighter future for Asian sport. Our bid book Since 2008 - FEI Equestrian Global Champions Tour details our extensive array of world-class sports and training venues, transport networks, Since 2008 - WTA Tour Tennis Championships Since 2010 - IAAF Diamond League accommodation, leisure facilities and cultural sites, all of which are in place and ready to serve Since 2010 - IHF Handball Super Globe the OCA Family. Since 2010 - FIVB Club World Championships Jassim Bin Rashid Albuenain Doha 2030 CEO

A view of a beach volleyball match at Katara during the inaugural 2019. WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 QFA President meets ambassadors of Paraguay, Mexico and Costa Rica

THE PENINSULA – DOHA They also discussed ways and means to strengthen the bonds of friendship Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed between QFA and the football feder- Al Thani, President of the Qatar ations in Paraguay, Mexico and Costa Football Association (QFA), yesterday Rica. held discussions with the ambas- The QFA President affirmed to the sadors of Paraguay, Mexico and Costa ambassadors Qatar’s keenness Rica at Al Bidda Tower. further develop the football relations H E Angel Ramon Barchini, the with Paraguay, Mexico and Costa Paraguayan ambassador, H E Rican Football Associations, saying Graciela Gómez Garcia, Ambassador sports can bring nations and peoples of Mexico, and H E Alvaro Mariano together. Segura Avila, Ambassador of Costa The three ambassadors thanked Rica met with the QFA President. QFA President for the meeting, col- Diego Estigarribia, Deputy Head of lectively underlining Qatar’s rapid the Diplomatic Mission at the development in sports in general and Embassy of Paraguay, was also football in particular. present. Yesterday's discussions also The meeting was also attended centred around Qatar’s maiden par- by Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, ticipation in the Golf Cup to be Vice President QFA, Mansour Al organised by the CONCACAF in the Ansari, Secretary General QFA, Ali USA from July 10 until August 1, 2021. Daoud, Executive Director of the Qatar’s participation Copa Office of the QFA President, and America in Colombia and Argentina Mushtaq Al Waili, Executive Director (June 12 to July 12, 2020) was also of the Strategic and Institutional discussed. Planning Office QFA. The meeting also included talks During the meeting, the QFA about the friendly match that will Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) is seen with H E Angel President and the ambassadors dis- bring together Qatar and Costa Rica Ramon Barchini, the Ambassador of Paraguay, H E Graciela Gómez Garcia, Ambassador of Mexico, and H E Alvaro Mariano cussed issues of common interest teams on the 13th of this month in especially those related to football. Austria. Segura Avila, Ambassador of Costa Rica during a meeting held at the QFA Headquarters, yesterday. Ooredoo Cup: Al Wakrah thump Al Sadd 5-0 as Al Khor hit Al Duhail for six

THE PENINSULA – DOHA tournament as the last team in the group with three points. Al Wakrah had it easy against Khaled Radwan (22nd Al Sadd, winning 5-0 while Al minute), Yuki Kobayashi (38th Khor thrashed Al Duhail 6-0 in minute), Abdulla Mubarak (51st their respective Group A minute) and Leonardo De Leicester City’s English striker Jamie Vardy (second left) scoring a goal during the English Premier League match against matches of the Ooredoo Cup Souza (56th, 65th-min penalty Wolverhampton Wanderers, on Sunday. yesterday. and 90+4) were the scorers. The win at the Qatar SC De Souza wasted an easy Stadium yesterday was Al chance to head home from Wakrah’s third win from five close range early on. He was Leicester, Southampton and matches as they topped the beaten to the ball by Al Duhail group with 11 points. Al Sadd, goalkeeper Ahmed Gamal, who who fielded mostly youngsters, punched the ball with a short remained on seven points. jump to kill the move. Villa hint at shake-up at the top Both teams qualified for the Yuki then curled in a spec- knockout quarter-finals as the tacular left-footed drive that REUTERS – LONDON ninth, it resembles a table from years that two teams from first and fourth team from the narrowly missed the goalpost the 70s or 80s, long before the outside the big six have averaged group respectively. to the right of Al Duhail Eight rounds into a Premier evolution of a Premier League at least two points per match in Cristian Ceballos (third- goalkeeper. League season is usually a suffi- big four and then big six. their first eight games. minute penalty), Mohamed Al Khor opened the scoring cient period for the big guns to Manchester City are 10th, The last time that happened Benyettou (ninth and 59th when Khaled headed home off start gathering near the top of albeit from only seven games, STANDINGS was in 2006 when Bolton Wan- minutes), Ousmane Coulibaly a corner kick. They jumped to the table and for the surprise while Arsenal and Manchester 1 Leicester City 18 derers and Portsmouth even- (18th minute) and Isaias a 2-0 lead when Yuki volleyed early pace-setters to be on their United languish in the bottom 2 Tottenham Hotspur 17 tually finished in seventh and Sanchez (56th minute) scored home off a long loopy shot that inevitable slide. half. 3 Liverpool 17 ninth places respectively. the goals. crashed into the net. BBC Now and again a club from pundit and former 4 Southampton 16 Should Villa get a point in Elsewhere, QSL champions In the third match of the outside the accepted top-six will England striker Alan Shearer 5 Chelsea 15 their next game against Brighton, Al Duhail also suffered a huge day, Al Sailiya defeated Qatar defy gravity for longer and once says he still expects champions 6 Aston Villa 15 it would mean three teams defeat in the hands of Al Khor SC 1-0 with the held of a last- in a blue moon miracles happen, Liverpool and Manchester City 7 Everton 13 outside the big six have taken 16 who posted a 6-0 win at home gasp goal by substitute striker as Leicester City proved by to battle each other for the title 8 Crystal Palace 13 or more points from their yesterday. Abdulqadir Ilyas (90+5). winning the title in 2015-16 as again and the bookmakers 9 Wolverhampton opening eight games -- some- It was Al Khor’s third win The win secured a berth in 5000-1 outsiders. agree. Wanderers 13 thing that has happened in only and they finished with a tally the quarter-finals for Al Sailiya, A glance at the standings But the quality so far dis- 10 Manchester City 12 two Premier League seasons of nine points to qualify for the who finished third in Group A after the weekend’s games raises played by Leicester, South- 11 Arsenal 12 since 1995. knockout quarter-finals as the with eight points. the prospect that this season ampton, Villa and early on 12 West Ham United 11 While the appearance of the second team from the group. Qatar SC exited the compe- might be a bit different. Everton suggests a shake-up in 13 Newcastle United 11 table is refreshing, it is far too Al Duhail bowed out of the tition with four points. Southampton, beaten 9-0 by the top half is not beyond the 14 Manchester United 10 early to start talking about the Leicester a year ago, began the realm of possibility. 15 Leeds United 10 prospects of another Leicester- Al Khor's hat-trick weekend perched on top for the According to statistics pro- 16 Brighton & like fairytale. hero Leonardo first time in 32 years after vided by Nielsen’s Gracenote, Hove Albion 6 Of the 21 teams from outside Gamalho De Souza winning on Friday, Tottenham Leicester’s start is the best by a 17 Fulham 4 the big six to have taken 16 or (right) celebrating Hotspur beat West Bromwich team from outside the big six 18 West Bromwich more points from their first after scoring a goal Albion to take over for a few since Leeds United also took 18 Albion 3 eight games, only five finished against Al Duhail hours on Sunday before points from eight games 19 years 19 Burnley 2 in the top four, with Newcastle yesterday. Leicester moved to the summit ago, eventually finishing fifth. 20 Sheffield United 1 United blowing a golden chance with 18 points from eight games What is more, Leicester are to win the title in 1995-96, fin- by beating Wolverhampton three points better off after eight ishing second to Manchester Wanderers. games than they were in 2015 before a late fade, Southamp- United. With Aston Villa’s 3-0 and are enjoying their best start ton’s is more so considering their And a cautionary take is that drubbing of Arsenal hoisting to a top-flight campaign since squad is more or less the same of Hull City who took 17 points them to sixth, three points 1930. as last season’s when they from their first eight games but behind Leicester with a game in While Leicester’s form is struggled. two from their last eight, sur- hand, Everton in seventh, Crystal perhaps less surprising, given They have 16 points, viving on the last day of the Palace in eighth and Wolves in they were impressive last season meaning it is the first time in 14 2008-09 season. Premier League ‘can’t Neymar, Mbappe contract talks give blank cheque’ to ‘have started’, says PSG Official lower-league clubs: CEO AFP – PARIS summer transfer market public term, but Leonardo denied PSG during media interviews. had lolooked at replacing the AFP – LONDON which would have covered Paris Saint-Germain sportingting TheThe ChampionsChampions League German.Germa clubs in third-tier League One director Leonardo said yesterdayrday runners-uprunners-up havehave llostost “That“Th sort of thing happens, Premier League chief exec- and fourth-tier League Two contract negotiations withwith twotwo of ttheirh e ir we spoke,spop the situation is now utive Richard Masters was insufficient and insisted Neymar and Kylian Mbappeppe are openingopening clearclear for everyone,” he said. (pictured) said yesterday there outfits in the second-tier underway. threethr ee “The“The truthtruth andand thethe could be no “blank cheque” to Championship should also be The deals of the attackingtacking group factsfacts are that internally bail out the English Football included in any offer. pair, who cost the Frenchh cham-chaam- stagesta g e we’vewew ’ve never thought League (EFL) despite the “The Premier League has whether that would be the case, pions €402m ($474m) in ttwowo matches aboutabout changing Tuchel. financial crisis engulfing clubs. engaged and wants to seek Parry replied: “I think now we separate transfers, are up iinn 22022.022. thist his We’veWe’ve nevernever cacalledlled The top-flight is in negoti- resolution but there can’t be a have a commitment that the Leonardo alo said talksks wwithith anyone,” he added.added. ations with the EFL over a blank cheque or an under- Championship is going to be Angel Di Maria and Juan BeBernatrnat financial package to ensure no writing of losses,” Masters told embraced we can move for- are also ongoing. sides go out of business due to lawmakers on the House of wards. We sincerely hope so. “All the extensions we’re’re ccocon-n- the coronavirus pandemic, Commons Digital, Culture, Masters confirmed the sidering, we’ve started to ttalkalk though an agreement has yet Media and Sport committee. Premier League would be about. I think they’lll to be reached. Masters said the Premier “changing direction” away escalate over the comingg England’s lower-league League could make money from the controversial weeks,” the former Brazilil clubs, forced to play their available immediately to decision to broadcast several midfielder told the club’sub’s matches behind closed doors, ensure clubs “don’t suffer dis- games behind an additional video channel. last month rejected an offer tress or get to the point of paywall. “We took a decision He said his relationshipip wwithith from the top-flight of a £50m administration”. to move to pay-per-view and coach Thomas Tuchelel hhasas ($66m) rescue package. Asked by committee now we are reviewing that improved since they madede ttheirheir EFL chiefs said the bailout, chairman Julian Knight decision,” Masters said. differing opinions aboutout the 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 Qatar name 24-member squad for World Handball Championship QATAR SQUAD FOR THE 2021 THE PENINSULA – DOHA January 15. Qatar's second IHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP group match will be against The Qatar Handball Feder- Japan on January 17, followed ation yesterday announced by their final Group match Mahmoud Ahmed Zaki, Omar Khaled Abdel a 24-member squad in prep- against Croatia two days Fattah (Al Ahli) aration for the 2021 IHF later. Ahmed Mohamed Meddi, Raphael de Costa Men’s World Championship. A total of 32 teams, Capote, Shadi Hazem Hamdoun, Firas The World Championship including four-time Asian Mustafa Al Shayeb (Al Duhail) is set to take place in Egypt Champions Qatar, will Mustafa Ali Al Karrad, Daniel Search, from January 13-31. compete in the championship Youssef Al Tayeb Ali, Wajdi Ibrahim Senan, Qatar, the runners-up in under eight groups. Zain Al Din Boumengel, Ali Jarba, Mutasim the 2015 edition of the World The top three teams from Abdul Wahid Muhammad (Al Arabi) Championship who are each group will advance to Kamal Al Din Malash, Amin Mowafak Zakar, coached by Spaniard Valero the main round which will Jofu Damjanovic Wilder Memesevic, and Ali Rivera, will begin training on see 24, divided into four Inad Al Dairi (Al Rayyan) Saturday. groups. The top eight teams Ahmed Majdi Abdel-Rahim, Hassan Awad Qatar are drawn in Group of the group stage will Mabrouk and Mustafa Amir Heiba (Al C alongside Croatia, Japan advance to the quarters and Wakrah) and Angola. the play-off rounds. after winning the Asian Men’s South Korea 33-21 in the will be Qatar's eighth Muhammad Amin Abidi and Marwan Ali Al Annabi's first match The Qatari team qualified Championship in Kuwait final. appearance in the global Sassi (Qatar SC) will be against Angola on for the World Championship earlier this year, beating Next year's championship event. Franks Carroll (Sportage Lisbon, Portugal) Tokyo Games officials talk of test events early next year AP – TOKYO

Tokyo Olympics organisers Azam yesterday said they were encouraged by a gymnastics meet over the weekend and appointed are now ready to hold test events early next year. Pakistan The Sunday meet featured 22 Russian, Chinese and Test captain American athletes entering Japan and competing in Tokyo AP – ISLAMABAD with a few thousand fans attending. Hidemasa Nakamura, the Pakistan removed the Test Tokyo delivery captaincy from Azhar Ali officer, told an on-line briefing and gave it to Babar Azam that plans are now in the yesterday. works for more test events Azam’s promotion starting in March. However, he means the 26-year-old did not say what form these batsman leads Pakistan in Mumbai Indians retain IPL title might take or if non-Japanese all three formats -- one-day athletes would be involved. internationals, Twenty20s “We are discussing how to and Test matches. deal with COVID-19 together Ali led Pakistan in eight with crushing win over Delhi with the Japanese government tests since he was and Tokyo Metropolitan Gov- appointed captain last year. AFP – DUBAI behind off Stoinis for 20. Later ernment,” he said. He won two home Test Suryakumar Yadav was run “From the beginning of matches against Sri Lanka Brilliant hostile bowling led by out for 19 in a mix-up with next year we will begin oper- and Bangladesh, but lost in Kiwi Trent Boult took Mumbai Sharma. ations and proceed to have test Australia 2-0 and in Indians to an emphatic five- Sharma hit four sixes and events in March.” England 1-0. wicket victory over Delhi five fours in his 51-ball innings Holding the postponed Apparently, Ali’s Capitals and a fifth Indian and nearly finished the game Tokyo Olympics and Paral- defensive approach as Premier League title yesterday. off with Ishan Kishan but fell to ympics will be far more dif- captain -- especially Boult struck twice in his first South African quick Anrich ficult than a one-day event against England -- led to his two overs as Mumbai kept Delhi Nortje just before the end. with a few dozen athletes. removal. to 156-7 and the reigning cham- Kishan, who scored over Reports said no staff or ath- Pakistan Cricket Board pions raced to the target in 18.4 500 runs in 14 games, stood letes tested positive for the chairman Ehsan Mani overs with skipper Rohit firm with his unbeaten 33 as virus at the meet. hinted that Ali, who opens Sharma hitting 68. Mumbai got the better of Delhi The gymnasts who entered in tests, could still be part Sharma, 33, led the chase in for the fourth time this year, Japan first faced a quarantine of the Test squad when the his 200th IPL appearance to including a drubbing in the first at home. In Tokyo, they were team leaves for New inspire the most successful semi-final qualifier. isolated in hotel rooms, not Zealand for two tests this team in the Twenty20 tour- "I wasn't looking in good allowed out for tourism, and month. nament to add to triumphs in Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma receiving the IPL winner's shape at the start of this season, tested daily for COVID-19. “I believe Azhar still has 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. trophy from BCCI President Sourav Ganguly yesterday. so I had a good chat with Hardik Tokyo Olympic officials, a lot of cricket left in him Boult took opener Marcus (Pandya) and Krunal (Pandya)," the International Olympic and Pakistan cricket can Stoinis with the first ball of the said Kishan. Committee, and the Japanese continue to make the best final in Dubai, giving the upstart behind for two in Boult's next Boult got Shimron Hetmyer "Wanted to do what was government are trying to con- use of his experience and Delhi side a grim warning of the over. Jasprit Bumrah's fiery for five with a slower short ball good for the team with the bat vince the world that the post- knowledge as a specialist tough night ahead in the empty pace also kept Delhi in check. and he returned figures of 3-30 and score big runs." poned Games can open on July top-order batsman moving stadium. Mumbai brought in off- from four overs of devastating Delhi fast bowler Kagiso 23 despite so much uncer- forward,” Mani said in a "It's been a good few spinner Jayant Yadav to bowl left-arm pace. Rabada took the wicket of tainty in the ongoing statement. months, giving the franchise a the fourth over and he imme- Iyer went past 500 runs in Kieron Pollard, for nine, to lead pandemic. Azam has been Paki- good start," Boult, who was diately bowled in-form opener a season for the first time but this season's bowling rankings Nakamura was asked stan’s most accomplished traded to Mumbai from Delhi Shikhar Dhawan for 15. Delhi managed just 38 runs in with 30 scalps over Mumbai's about news on Monday that batsman in all three Capitals last November, said Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer, the last five overs, with the loss Bumrah on 27.Brief scores: Pfizer Inc. has said that early formats. His leadership after being named man of the who made an unbeaten 65, and of three wickets, and Mumbai Delhi Capitals: 156/7 data on a vaccine suggested it qualities have also match. Rishabh Pant rebuilt the innings quickly took control of the run (Shreyas Iyer 65 not out, Rishabh might be 90% effective at pre- impressed Mani, who has "With everything going on, with a partnership of 96. chase. Pant 56; Trent Boult 3/30) venting COVID-19. the authority to appoint I've been welcomed in the side. But Australian paceman Sharma and Quinton de Mumbai Indians: 157/5 in “Of course I heard the captains. To have made it across the line, Nathan Coulter-Nile took Pant's Kock set a blistering pace with 18.4 overs (R Sharma 68, I Kishan news about the vaccine and I “With his consistent it's been worth it." wicket for 56 -- his first fifty of 45 runs in the first 25 balls 33 not out, A Nortje 2/25) think that everyone felt a sense performance and lead- Ajinkya Rahane was caught a disappointing season. before De Kock was caught Mumbai won by 5 wickets. of relief,” Nakamura said. ership skills (in white-ball cricket), he has demon- strated that he is ready to take on the additional Qatar SC, Police seal comfortable wins in Senior Volleyball League responsibilities of a captain,” Mani said. “It is appropriate that we appoint him the captain now so that he continues to grow stronger with every match.” Mani spoke with Azam yesterday soon after Pakistan won the third and final Twenty20 against Zimbabwe and clinched the series 3-0. “I am ready and pre- pared to take up the addi- tional responsibility,” Azam said in a statement issued by the PCB. “I want to thank Azhar Ali for the way he captained the team in the last season, which was a difficult one, Action from the Qatar Senior Volleyball League match between Qatar SC and Al Shamal SC at the QVA but I know that he will Hall yesterday. Qatar SC won the match 3-0 with a 25-17, 25-16, 25-20 scoreline. TOP: Police and Al leave no stone unturned in giving his very best to the Sadd players in action during their match yesterday. Police beat Al Sadd 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-19). team.” Today, Al Arabi will meet Al Wakrah at 4:40pm. The match will be followed by Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan encounter which kicks off at 6:30pm. Both matches will be played a the QVA Hall. WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 Garcia withdraws from Masters after positive test

AP - AUGUSTA “After 21 years of not missing a players who have tested positive since golf Sergio Garcia pulled out of the Masters after returned in June from the COVID-19 pandemic- informing Augusta National he tested positive major championship, I will sadly caused shutdown. That includes Dustin Johnson, for the coronavirus, making him the second miss the Masters this week. The the world’s No. 1 player, who sat out two events player to withdraw following a positive test. important thing is that my family last month. Garcia won his only major at the Masters Johnson said last week there was no change three years ago in his 19th appearance, the most and I are feeling good. We’ll come to his routine when he flew to Las Vegas and he of any player before winning a green jacket. back stronger and give the green was surprised to get a positive test. Adam Scott “After 21 years of not missing a major cham- jacket a go next April.” tested positive a week later in California and also pionship, I will sadly miss the Masters this week,” had to withdraw. he tweeted. “The important thing is that my Sergio Garcia Under CDC guidelines, once they have family and I are feeling good. We’ll come back recovered and are through the 10 days of iso- stronger and give the green jacket a go next which sold 2,000 tickets each day. It was the lation, they are not tested for three months. April.” first domestic PGA Tour event that allowed “It is terrible timing,” Scott said when asked Joaquin Niemann of Chile announced last limited spectators on the course. about Garcia and Niemann. week that he tested positive and withdrew. Garcia, who won the Sanderson Farms “The silver lining for myself - and I was The field was down to 92 players, with two Championship last month for his first US victory talking about it with Dustin - is we got it at a time other former champions not playing. Angel since his Masters win, missed the cut in Houston. where it meant we weren’t going to miss the Cabrera, who won in 2009, had surgery on his He said on Twitter he was driving back to Masters. But it seems like almost one guy a week, left arm and is not expected to return until his home in Austin, Texas, on Saturday night or maybe just a bit more, test positive. And there’s January. Trevor Immelman, the 2008 winner, when he started feeling a sore throat and a cough. going to be a couple here.” had his name listed on the board as not playing. “The symptoms stayed with me on Sunday Scottie Scheffler and Sam Horsfield tested He is working the CBS broadcast this week. morning so I decided to get tested for COVID-19 positive and were forced to miss the US Open in Immelman did not immediately respond to and so did my wife Angela. Thankfully she tested September. Branden Grace tested positive the media qinuiries seeking comment. negative, but I didn’t,” he wrote. weekend before the PGA Championship and had Garcia played last week in the Houston Open, He brings to 15 the number of PGA Tour to miss that major. A quiet start to empty week at Augusta National for Masters

AP - AUGUSTA

Take away a few white scoreboards in their usual places behind the greens, and the green television stands behind the 12th tee and a few other strategic locations, and this is what Augusta National looks like in November. It looks bigger because hardly anyone is there. The grandstands are gone. The ropes are missing, replaced by painted lines - dark green, of course - around the tee boxes and greens and marking spots along the fairway to show the few people allowed at the Masters where they can stand. Instead of Augusta National members and their guests, the course was filled yesterday with Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth, all of them playing a practice round on a course that only looked the same. “We’re used to coming here and seeing lots of people,” Francesco Molinari said. “So it looks different already. I don’t know. We’ll have to see how everyone adapts to the differing con- ditions. It’s hard not to have the fans around, but it’s amazing to Tiger Woods of the US talks to compatriot Fred Couples and Justin Thomas during a practice round have the opportunity to be back here for us as players.” prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Scott hopes to It was a lost opportunity for Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann, both of whom tested positive for the coronavirus and had to withdraw, another reminder why the Masters moved to channel early November date in the first place. The COVID-19 pandemic that shut down golf for three months 2020 form forced a reconfigured major championship schedule unlike any Fleetwood, Westwood other, particularly at the Masters. The annual rite of spring is now for postponed a strange passage into autumn. The 1,600 azalea bushes on the 13th hole have no blooms. Masters Neither do the pink dogwoods down the right side of the second hope for Masters magic fairway. It’s not without color, of course. The Firethorn berries on the 15th were bursting with colour, as they are prone to do in REUTERS - AUGUSTA late summer and early fall. AFP - AUGUSTA somewhere you hear. Expe- and two more on the US PGA. Under those towering Georgia pines is a mixture of pine straw rience around this course plays But when it comes to majors, Former champion Adam Scott and fallen leaves. Tommy Fleetwood was playing the best.” the former world number one snapped a four-year PGA Tour Mostly, however, it’s the lack of patrons that makes it look - shots from everywhere in Rain is in the forecast for has come up empty, 10 top-four title drought shortly before the and sound - so different. yesterday’s practice round at the week at Augusta National, finishes without a major COVID-19 outbreak upended “There’s no doubt the missing gallery is going to be the biggest the Masters while 47-year-old making Fleetwood work to see victory, two of his three career the golf calendar and now the difference,” Adam Scott said. “The things that will be the same is Lee Westwood was vowing about shots he might never runner-up efforts coming at Australian hopes to find a way it still means the same to us all, and maybe even more so because there’s no age barrier to need, or might need when he Augusta in 2010 and 2016. to channel that winning form we return to Augusta National every year. Everything that the winning at Augusta National. least expects it. “Experience counts a lot at this week’s Masters. club does to make this a special event for everybody who gets to The Englishmen know well “You just want to keep around here,” Westwood said. Scott, who in 2013 became watch it - whether that’s on TV, the patrons who comes to the the agony of major near misses, playing different shots and see “I’ve placed second a couple of the first player from his grounds or the players - it’s an incredible experience. with 16th-ranked Fleetwood how the ball reacts and what times and quite a lot (six) of top- country to win the Masters, “So we’ll be missing one element. But it’s a huge element to finishing second in the 2018 US kind of lies you get and just how 10s, so there’s definitely a knack would no doubt have felt more the experience of playing the Masters.” Open and 2019 British Open, the course is playing,” for playing this course.” upbeat about his chances had Late in the afternoon, three women were strolling along toward while Westwood has 19 major Fleetwood said. And while he would become the Masters been played this the edge of Amen Corner with a drink called “Azalea” and not a top-10 finishes without a “A lot of things can change the oldest winner in Masters year as originally planned in care in the world. Their husbands were in the field, but they weren’t victory. very rapidly. They think that history, passing Jack Nicklaus early April. sure if they were playing at the moment. It was a nice day. It was Fleetwood was flinging they can do some kind of magic at age 46 in 1986, he doesn’t see “I was in good form back easy to get around. It was peaceful. caution to the wind and testing and change the course as much Father Time as the biggest then in the spring, and because This is the Augusta National hardly anyone gets to see. lies and angles where he might as they want. But around the onstacle at the Masters. of all the circumstances, it’s And it won’t change much over the next six days, except for be attacking the green when the greens it has played a little bit “I don’t think age is a barrier really affected my preparation the forecast. Rain was expected at least for the next two practice 84th Masters begins tomorrow. different. as long as you’ve still got all the and my practice, and many rounds, and possibly throughout the week. “This week more than “You always have to try and attributes it takes to win at things since returning,” Scott The course already is softer than it usually is in April because pretty much any other week or conjure up something and Augusta,” Westwood said. said during a news conference the rye grass planted over the dead Bermuda has only had a month golf course, being out on the make shots into the back. You “It does play into the longer at Augusta National Golf Club. or so to take root. It’s still pristine, and it will look that way on TV. course is so important,” said keep playing and keep figuring hits. But there’s no age barrier “Hopefully the work that I Even so, the weather has been so warm that splotches of Bermuda 29-year-old Fleetwood. it out as you go along.” to doing what you need to do have done and been able to do grass are evident on the slopes and collection areas off the greens. “You can never learn That’s what Westwood has to win at Augusta.” the last couple of months will That will have a small effect on chipping. Westwood isn’t accumulate and I’ll be able to “I’m anxious to see over the next couple of days how tight going to follow Fleet- finish the year with a bang A detail of the some of the run-off areas get because the grass has been a little wood’s practice studies. here this week.” shoes of Rickie thicker and longer than we see in April,” Spieth said. “You can play as Scott was no doubt feeling He played the front nine yesterday, and when he finished his Fowler of the US many practice rounds as good about his game having round with former champion Zach Johnson and newcomer JT during a practice you want,” Westwood earned his first win anywhere Poston, he noticed a huge difference in how the ball responds if round prior to the said. in almost four years last it comes up short. Masters at Augusta “But it’s only until December at the Australian “Sometimes it rolls back 20, 25 yards short of the green,” Spieth National Golf Club the tournament starts PGA Championship. said. “Right now, it’s only going to go 5 or 10, making the next shot in Augusta, Georgia, that you start to learn The 40-year-old Aus- a bit easier. It will be interesting to see how that changes because yesterday. more about the golf tralian, who finished tied for that changed a lot from this weekend to today.” course.” 18th at the 2019 Masters, has Spieth was around on the weekend after missing the cut in Westwood finished yet to see how Augusta the Houston Open. Ditto for players like Phil Mickelson and Lee fourth at last year’s National plays this late in the Westwood. No one likes a weekend off. When it means going to British Open, earning year but expects he will need Augusta National to get ready for the Masters - April, November, him a spot in this year’s to make adjustments. He said: doesn’t matter - it takes the sting off. Masters field, his 19th “I’ve heard guys say that it is Even in practice, Westwood is used to seeing a wall of people Augusta National quite different on the course down the right side of the 11th fairway, jammed in behind the 12th appearance. with a little bit of the bermuda tee, and then up the right side of the 13th fairway. “Been excited for still staying around, because it On this day, it was a walk in the park. Or it felt like one, anyway. about a year now,” is quite warm, that you have “It takes some getting used to,” Westwood said. Westwood said. “It’s nice to play some shots around the What hasn’t changed is the objective. “We’re playing the same enough around here. There’s been doing for decades and it to be back playing in this tour- greens in a different fashion,. golf course and trying to shoot the low score and beat the same always something new. There’s has produced a stellar career nament. It’s my favourite tour- I’ve got lots to learn in the next players that we have to try and do every single year,” Spieth said. always like a little snippet with 25 European Tour wins nament to play in.” three days if that’s the case.” Sport WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2020 08 Lewis and F1 unveils biggest-ever calendar Williams win Rookie for 2021 but Vietnam GP dropped of Year AFP — PARIS Covid-19 pandemic but is originally planned 2020 much as it has done for Sin- 2021 CALENDAR eventually being run over 17 season.” gapore which will again host honours Formula One unveiled a races, with reigning champion Saudi Arabia said last a race next year. 21 March – Australia (Melbourne) 23-race calendar for 2021 yes- Lewis Hamilton on course to week it was holding a race for The communist nation 28 March – Bahrain (Sakhir) REUTERS — NEW YORK terday, its biggest ever, but the win the title for the seventh the first time, an inked a 10-year deal with 11 April – China (Shanghai) Vietnamese Grand Prix has time. announcement that is likely Formula One in 2018 with 25 April – TBC (TBC) Seattle Mariners outfielder been dropped. Spectators have been to spark fresh accusations state media saying hosting the 9 May – Spain (Barcelona)* Kyle Lewis was a unanimous The season will start in barred from most races this from human rights groups race would cost the country 23 May – Monaco (Monaco) choice in the American League Australia on March 21 and will year but organisers said they that the kingdom is using $60 million per year. 6 June – Azerbaijan (Baku) and Milwaukee Brewers right- include the first ever race in expect fans to return next high-profile sports events to The fee has been picked up hander Devin Williams was 13 June – Canada (Montreal) Saudi Arabia on November 28 year. “wash” its human rights in full by the country’s largest named the National League before the season ends a week “The plans for 2021 have record. private conglomerate, Vin- 27 June – France (Le Castellet) winner as the Jackie Robinson later in Abu Dhabi. involved extensive dialogue The Netherlands, home to Group, which had been hoping 4 July – Austria (Spielberg) Rookie of the Year awards Vietnam was to hold a with all promoters and their the popular Red Bull driver to dazzle with a night race. 18 July – United Kingdom (Silverstone) were announced on Monday. street race on April 25 but local and national authorities Max Verstappen, gets a race a But its 2020 race was can- 1 August – Hungary (Budapest) Lewis received all 30 first- doubts about the event arose at a time of ongoing fluidity year earlier than originally celled due to concerns that 29 August – Belgium (Spa) place votes and is the 12th after Nguyen Duc Chung, who related to the global pan- planned with a September 5 teams and fans coming from 5 September – Netherlands unanimous winner in the AL was Hanoi’s mayor and a demic,” F1 said in a statement. slot in the coastal town of overseas could spark a new (Zandvoort) and 25th overall. He is the first major supporter of the event, “As we have said before, Zandvoort. It will be the first outbreak of Covid-19 and the 12 September – Italy (Monza) Seattle player to win the honor was arrested on corruption we expect fans to return for Dutch grand prix since 1985. corruption scandal sur- since legendary Ichiro Suzuki 26 September – Russia (Sochi) charges in August. In the cal- the 2021 season and for the Vietnam signed up for rounding Nguyen Duc Chung in 2001. endar unveiled yesterday, the calendar to look similar to the Formula One hoping the now threatens the future of 3 October – Singapore (Singapore) “I’m still learning the race slot was left vacant. glamour of the sport could the event. 10 October – Japan (Suzuka) game,” Lewis said on the MLB F1’s 2020 reflect the country’s economic “Without Chung, the 24 October – USA (Austin) Network. season was lift-off and reshape future of the race is gloomy. It 31 October – Mexico (Mexico City) “I’m still working every heavily dis- Hanoi’s staid might not happen,” a source 14 November – Brazil (Sao Paulo)* day and trying to write my rupted by image, close to the race said on con- 28 November – Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) story.” the dition of 5 December – Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi) Williams received 14 of the anonymity. 30 first-place votes while accumulating 95 points in the Mercedes’ British driver Lewis NL balloting. Hamilton competes during the The reliever joins Pat Formula One Emilia Romagna Listach (1992) and Ryan Braun Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. (2007) among Brewers to win the award. “I never thought I would be in this position,” Williams said. Iannone banned “It is just a culmination of MotoGP star Marquez will not all my hard work and it’s nice to get recognized.” four years for Philadelphia Phillies third return before 2021: Team Honda baseman Alec Bohm and San anti-doping Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth tied for second AFP — PARIS Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team in the NL with 74 points. Bohm violation confirm he will not participate in the Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc received nine first-place votes Six-time MotoGP world champion remainder of the 2020 MotoGP season Marquez, who has not raced since fracturing while Cronenworth received AFP — LAUSANNE Marc Marquez (pictured), who has not and aims to return to racing in 2021,” his arm in the season-opener, will sit out the six. raced since fracturing his arm in the Honda said in a statement. final two events on the 2020 calendar, his Chicago White Sox out- Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone was season-opener,season opener, will sit out the final “ThisThis season I will not cocompetempete fielder Luis Robert finished suspended four years for an anti-doping twotwo events on tthehe 2020 cacalendar,lendar, hhisis again. After evalu-evalu- Honda team has announced . second in the AL with 83 violation yesterday, after the Court of Arbi- HondaHonda team announced yyesterday.esterday. atinatingg hhowow tthehe points. He received 27 of the tration for Sport extended his initial 18-month Marquez,Marquez, 27, hhadad won tthehe tittitlele aarmrm is ddoingoing 30 second-place votes. suspension following an appeal. four yearsyears in a row but has been wiwithth thethe recovery.rec Thanks for the messages of Houston Astros right-hander Iannone, 31, was suspended in March after sidelinedsidelined since crashingcrashing out of the ddoctorsoctors andand support.sup Looking forward to returning Christian Javier (11 points) fin- testing positive for an anabolic steroid in a SpanishSpanish grangrandd prix in Jerez on JuJulyly mmyy team,team, wwee inin 22021.” ished third. urine sample collected at an in-competition 19.19. hahaveve Marquez underwent surgery fol- Lewis, who hit.259 with 11 test at the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang last TheThe SpaniardSpaniard will now focus decideddecided tthathat lowinglow his fall in Spain, and was ini- homers and 28 RBIs in 58 November. The Aprilia rider was also disqual- onon a return to thethe tractrackk in 2021. thethe bbestest tiallytial declared fit for the following race games, is the fourth Mariners’ ified from the final two races of the 2019 MotoGP organisers last weekend ooptionption is to beforebef eventually dropping out of player to win the award. Alvin season -- in Malaysia and then Valencia -- releasedreleased a pprovisionalrovisional cacalendarlendar returnreturn nnextext qualifying.qua Davis (1984) and Kazuhiro which he had not finished. featuringfeaturing 20 racesraces.. year,”year,” MarquezMarquez He had a second operation in Sasaki (2000) also won the In its ruling, CAS said the Italian’s suspension “As“As his recoveryrecovery tweeted.tweeted. AAugustu after an accident caused by honor. would be backdated to December 17, 2019. ccontinues,onti nues, “It’s“It’s time ttoo openingope a window at his home, which The 25-year-old Lewis was Iannone had contested that the presence of MaMarcrc continuecontinue damageddam a titanium plate inserted into a first-round pick of the Mar- drostanolone in his system was the result of wiwithth hishis right arm during the first surgery. iners in 2016. But just 30 eating contaminated meat in Malaysia. However, thethe In his absence, compatriot and games into his professional CAS rejected his argument and upheld a WADA formerfor Moto3 champion Joan Mir has career, he was involved in a appeal seeking a four-year ban. surgedsu to the top of the collision at home plate that left “The panel found that Andrea Iannone championship.cha him with three torn knee lig- had failed to establish neither the precise type The 23-year-old Suzuki rider won aments -- ACL, MCL and LCL. of meat he had consumed nor the origin of lastlas week’s European MotoGP in Lewis played in just 49 said meat,” read a CAS statement. ValenciaVa and leads Fabio Quartararo minor league games the fol- It said that contrary to the original decision andand Alex Rins by 37 points. lowing year (2017) as it took taken by the FIM, the violation was to be He can secure the title with another him awhile to work his way “treated as intentional for purposes of the podiumpo finish at the same Ricardo back, both physically and applicable anti-doping rules, and therefore TormoTo circuit in Sunday’s Valencia mentally. But eventually he got upheld WADA’s Appeal.” GrandGra Prix. over the hump. NBA, players reach agreement NFL: Folk the hero as Pats for 72-game 2020-21 season post victory over NY Jets AFP — NEW YORK REUTERS — NEW YORK “In subsequent seasons of the CBA, the salary cap and tax Nick Folk kicked a last-gasp The National Basketball Asso- level will increase by a field goal as the New England ciation (NBA) and the players’ minimum of 3% and a Patriots came from behind to association (NBPA) have maximum of 10% over the prior snatch a 30-27 victory over the reached an agreement in prin- season,” the league and players’ winless New York Jets on ciple on a collective bargaining union added. Monday. agreement (CBA) for the “A new system will be used Veteran kicker Folk struck 2020-21 season, which will to ensure the parties’ agreed- with three seconds remaining begin on December 22, they upon split of basketball-related at MetLife Stadium to complete said. income (BRI). a gutsy late comeback by the The NBPA last week “In the event player com- Patriots, who had trailed 27-17 approved the date for the pensation were to exceed late in the third quarter as the opening of the new season that players’ designated share in any Jets chased a first win of the will have a reduced 72-game season, necessary salary reduc- season. schedule. After a meeting on tions beyond the standard 10% “It wasn’t pretty but it’s a Monday, it and the NBA said in escrow would be spread across win,” said Patriots quarterback a joint statement the salary cap that season and potentially the Cam Newton, who rushed for Nick Folk kicks a field would be $109.140m and tax following two seasons, subject two touchdowns and passed for goal during the first half level would be $132.627m. to a maximum salary reduction 274 yards. against the New York Jets. Both figures are unchanged in any season of 20%.” The Jets backup quarterback Joe from last season, US media agreement is subject to a vote Flacco, filling in for the injured reported late on Monday. by the league’s Board of Sam Darnold, looked to be 27-27. The Jets still had plenty no mistake, drilling his kick Governors. putting New York on course for of time left to regain the lead, between the uprights to spark Free agent negotiations victory after throwing three but a poor offensive drive -- wild celebrations amongst the The National Basketball Association would begin on Nov. 20, two touchdowns earlier in the which saw Flacco sacked for Patriots players. (NBA) and the players’ association days after the draft, they said game. the first time -- handed the ball The Patriots improved to in the statement. Training bio-secure bubble at Walt But a disastrous inter- back to New England with less 3-5 in the win but remain in (NBPA) have reached an agreement camps are set to begin in early Disney World in Orlando. ception late in the fourth than a minute remaining. third place in the AFC East in principle on a collective December. The Los Angeles Lakers quarter handed possession Newton then connected behind the Buffalo Bills (7-2) bargaining agreement (CBA) for the The 2019-20 season was captured a record-tying 17th back to New England, who with Jakobi Meyers for a and Miami Dolphins (5-3). 2020-21 season, which will begin on completed in October after a NBA Championship on Oct. 12 marched 72 yards upfield in an 20-yard gain to leave Folk with The Jets, meanwhile, December 22. four-month delay due to the with a 106-93 victory over the 11-play drive to score a a 51-yard chance to seal the remain the only winless team COVID-19 pandemic, with Miami Heat that sealed the touchdown through Newton win. in the NFL, falling to 0-9 to prop teams competing in a best-of-seven title series 4-2. from close range to tie it at The 36-year-old Folk made up the division.