Egyptian trailblazer Sherif energised by Salah support WEDNESday, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 page 15 Al Sadd coach ’s plea gets heard as VAR ready for historic AFC Club Competitions debut in Doha

Tribune News Network The Spaniard was unhap- highest standards possible.” Doha py after a penalty appeal was As part of the AFC’s com- turned down when Al Sadd mitment to ensure Asia’s match After Al Sadd coach Xavi defender Pedro Miguel was officials are equipped with the Hernandez expressing his brought down in the box. latest in VAR developments, dissatisfaction at the lack of “Everybody saw what hap- numerous seminars and cours- the Video Assistant Referee pened and it’s really unfair. es have been organised with (VAR) system at an impor- With VAR, everybody can the first-ever online AFC VAR tant Asian tournament like the see on the TV. If we had VAR course held as recent as last AFC Champions League just a today, there would be a pen- month, which engaged a total day ago, Asian football is set alty for us. I don’t want to talk of 104 AFC Elite Match Officials to witness history being made about referees because I know from 19 Member Associations. with VAR marking its debut that their job is really difficult, Additionally, to further en- in the Asian Football Confed- and sometimes football is very hance the AFC’s VAR capabili- eration’s (AFC) Club Compe- fast, and you have to make de- ties, a virtual AFC VAR Infor- titions when Saudi Arabian cisions in seconds. But VAR Now Asia’s premier club tournament (AFC Champions League) will become the third AFC competition to embrace mation Officer (VIO) Workshop giants Al Nassr and Al Ahli helps the referees a lot,” he had 2020 was organised on August Saudi FC battle in the AFC said after the match. the latest in technology after it was first introduced from the same stage of the AFC Asian Cup UAE in 2019. 26 to ensure VIOs are well- Champions League quarter-fi- “The best competition in versed with the technical re- nals at the Jassim Bin Hamad Asia deserves the best condi- across all 32 matches. Now man bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of the AFC Champions League “The AFC has a proven quirements of the VAR system. Stadium on Wednesday. tions to play, and today we Asia’s premier club tournament said: “Asian referees are al- in the West region and the in- track record in the implemen- The VAR system, which “In my humble opinion, it’s didn’t have that.” will become the third AFC com- ready among the best in the troduction of the VAR system tation of the VAR system and aims to provide minimum inter- a big shame that this competi- Asian refereeing set new petition to embrace the latest in world, but we must continue from the Quarter-final stage I would like to thank FIFA, ference with maximum benefits, tion, the best in Asia, does not benchmarks earlier this year technology from the quarter-fi- to set higher standards to en- reinforces the AFC’s Vision to IFAB, our technology partners, is limited to four game-changing have VAR. It’s a big shame,” when the AFC U23 Champi- nals after it was first introduced sure the AFC continues to be provide the ultimate stage for our host association - the Qatar decisions or incidents, specifi- Xavi had rued following onship Thailand 2020 became from the same stage of the AFC leaders in world refereeing. our players, teams and match Football Association and all our cally - goal or no goal, penalty- Al Sadd’s loss in the Round of the first FA C competition to Asian Cup UAE in 2019. “So much has gone into officials to showcase their un- stakeholders for ensuring our kicks, direct red cards and mis- 16 match to Iran’s Persepolis. successfully implement VAR AFC President Shaikh Sal- the successful and safe restart deniable talent. matches are delivered to the taken identity decisions.

Persepolis vs Pakhtakor: 8.45pm Al Nassr vs Al Ahli SFC: 4.40pm This is our chance, says Pakhtakor captain Krimets Persepolis have never beaten Pakhtakor in three previous encounters in the AFC Champions League While both the Saudi teams have never won the competition, Al Ahli reached the final in 2012.

AFC Doha Al Nassr, Al Ahli SFC Pakhtakor FC are hoping to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years when they face Persepolis in the 2020 AFC Champions League banking on familiarity quarter-final at the Jassim Bin Ham- ad Stadium on Wednesday evening. The 12-time Uzbek champions Pakhtakor FC captain Egor Krimets during the Round of 16 clash with Esteghlal. reached the competition’s final to seal semi ticket four in the first two editions of the AFC Champions League in 2003 AFC a team from our league will be in the spared the punishment after Abdul- and 2004, but have since been un- Doha final of this part of the competition. lah Al Naqbi fired wide for Shabab able to match this achievement; “The players will not only be Al Ahli, handing the Saudis a 4-3 win their best result being a quarter- Al Nassr FC are looking to cre- tired in their legs, they will also be with having earlier final appearance in 2009. ate club history by reaching their tired mentally and with time there missed Shabab Al Ahli’s first penalty. Pakhtakor’s return to the quar- first-ever AFC Champions League is a tendency to lose concentration, “We know in the last game we ter-finals saw them top Group B of semi-final when they face com- so the team that retains more con- played extra time and had a long the 2020 AFC Champions League patriots Al Ahli Saudi FC in the centration until the end and stays and tiring game, but I feel my play- with an unbeaten record and only quarter-final of the 2020 compe- mentally stronger will win.” ers are preparing very well for the one goal conceded following the an- tition at the Jassim Bin Hamad game,” said Milojevic. nulment of Al Hilal SFC’s results. Stadium on Wednesday. “Al Nassr are a strong team At the heart of their strong defen- While both Saudi teams have with good players. They have a lot sive record is the centre-back pair- Persepolis head coach Yahya Golmohammadi on Tuesday. never won the competition, Al Ahli of quick and skillful players like ing of club captain Egor Krimets and did reach the final in 2012, losing Hamdallah, Abdulfattah Asiri and fellow Uzbekistan international Persepolis, on the other hand, said Golmohammadi on his op- to Ulsan Hyundai 3-0. They have Pity Martinez, but for me, it is about veteran Anzur Ismailov. are in the AFC Champions League posite number who tested positive since reached the quarter-finals on having a good team, not just good “The quarter-final is a very im- quarter-finals for the third time for COVID-19 last week. two occasions; in 2013 and 2017. Al individuals, and I am confident that portant match, we do not know in four years, having reached the “Our thoughts are with the fam- Nassr, meanwhile, are in the quar- we have a good team. when will our next chance to be in semi-finals in 2017 then the final ily of Norouzi on the memory of his ter-final for the second time in a “We know very well that Al Nassr this stage again come, so this is our in 2018, losing to Al Hilal SFC and passing. The players want to put in a row, having never reached this stage Face-off are a big team and are always com- chance,” said Krimets who has been respectively. fight tomorrow and dedicate the win before 2019. It is an advantage for both teams peting for the title in the Saudi Pro at the club since 2011. Wednesday’s game comes a day to his soul. Despite Al Ahli having a rela- League, just like us. For me this is a “We know Persepolis are good before the fifth anniversary of the “We worked really hard to reach tively superior record in the AFC to face a fellow Saudi team. strong derby, and I know both teams in set-pieces, so it is important to be death of former Persepolis captain this stage, we faced Al Sadd who are Champions League, Al Nassr boast Al Nassr coach Rui Vitoria will come with motivation, but I be- cautious with them. Our aim is not Hadi Norouzi. one of the best teams in the com- nine Saudi Pro League titles to Al lieve in my team having the most to give them such chances to score The attacking midfielder spent petition and it was an exhausting Ahli’s three. The two head coaches motivation to go to the next round.” goals, so we will try not to commit seven years at the club and had game. But we are well motivated have taken different perspectives A 75th minute Abderazzak This is the second time in AFC many fouls near our penalty box. just been named captain when he and in good spirits. to a match that brings together two Hamdallah strike settled Al Nassr’s Champions League history that two “Ismailov and I played in the na- passed away after a heart attack on “Pakhtakor had one more day sides who know each other so well. Round of 16 encounter against Al Saudi teams have faced off in the tional team together for so long and October 1, 2015. to rest and they will be coming at us “It is an advantage for both teams Taawoun, while Al Ahli had to fight quarter-finals. Coincidentally, the he joined us at Pakhtakor this year, Head coach Yahya Golmoham- like machines. We will need to con- to face a fellow Saudi team,” said Al to come from behind against Shabab only other time this happened was so our understanding is important, madi, himself a former Persepolis sume more energy and fight in this Nassr head coach Rui Vitoria. Al Ahli Dubai, with a second-half last year with Al Nassr and Al Ahli’s especially in such a difficult game. player, wants his players to win game, but hopefully we can win and “It makes it easier for the coach- Omar Al Soma penalty cancelling two city rivals. “But against Persepolis, we are the quarter-final tie in memory of reach the next stage.” es to prepare for the match because out Azizjon Ganiev’s opener. On the occasion, -based not only being tested in our defensive Norouzi. Persepolis have never beaten we know each other. I like the fact Head coach Vladan Milojevic’s Al Hilal beat -based Al solidity, but also in team character, “First of all, I would like to Pakhtakor in three previous en- a Saudi team is guaranteed to reach men needed 30 minutes of extra time Ittihad 3-1 on aggregate at the how we can play in attack and build wish a quick recovery to Pakhta- counters in the AFC Champions the West final. Of course, I want us and a penalty shootout which saw Al same stage and went on to be up against such a strong team.” kor head coach Shota Arveladze,” League. They’d want to change that. to be that team, but I am happy that Soma miss from the spot, but he was crowned champions. 14 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Sports QOC suspends Qatar drawn with Honduras, Grenada local sports for 3 days to and Panama for 2021 Gold Cup Agencies mourn the Miami (Florida) passing Debutants Qatar have been drawn to face Hondu- ras, Grenada and Panama in away of Amir the 2021 Gold Cup to be held in the United States from July of 10, 2021. The Concacaf draw was QNA held late on Monday in Mi- Doha ami, Florida. Prior to the draw, the The Qatar Olympic Commit- 4 winners of the League A tee (QOC) groups in Concacaf Nations announced League were pre-seeded into that it has groups: Mexico in Group A, postponed the USMNT in Group B, Costa Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, ners-up from each of the four all local Rica in Group C, and Hondu- and South Korea. groups in Concacaf Nations sports ac- ras in Group D. Qatar will be playing in League A tivities for Qatar, who are partici- their second major tourna- 4 teams: Winners from a period pating in the Gold Cup as an ment in North America, hav- each of the four groups in Con- of three honorary invitee from Con- ing featured in last year’s cacaf Nations League B days from cacaf, were also pre-assigned Copa America where the 3 teams: Preliminary stage Tuesday to out of Pot 4 to Group D with West Asians played against qualifiers (see Prelims match- Qatar will be playing in their second major tournament in North America, having featured in last year’s Thursday to Honduras. the likes of Paraguay, Colom- ups below) Copa America where the West Asians played against the likes of Paraguay, Colombia and Argentina. mourn the Qatar, also scheduled to bia and Argentina. 1 team: Asian Cup champi- death of HH compete in next summer’s The Gold Cup Group ons Qatar as guest from Asian nations each: Group A: Mexi- Jamaica, Suriname, Winner The venues for the the Amir of the State of Ku- rescheduled Copa America, Stage, kicking off on July 10, Football Confederation co, El Salvador, Curacao, Win- Prelims; Group D: Honduras, matches, kick-off times and wait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad are the seventh nation to par- 2021, will consist of a total of The draw determined the ner Prelims; Group B: USA, Panama, Grenada, Qatar a schedule of the full tourna- Al Jaber Al Sabah who passed ticipate as a guest in the Gold 16 nations: composition of each of the Canada, Martinique, Winner The Gold Cup Final will be ment will be announced in away on Tuesday. Cup, after Brazil, Colombia, 8 teams: Winners and run- four groups consisting of four Prelims; Group C: Costa Rica, played on August 1, 2021. the coming months.

Reds impress Klopp with early season form Generation Amazing Live AFP “The football we played The only time Arsenal did verted by the Scotland captain. Canada legend Liverpool was absolutely exceptional. manage to pierce the Liver- However, where Arsenal About this game tonight, there pool press before half-time, sides of recent years might Jurgen Klopp said late on is nothing bad to say.” they opened the scoring com- have collapsed, as they did in Monday that he has been blown The outcome of the match pletely against the run of play. losing 4-0 and 5-1 at Anfield in Karina LeBlanc to away by the standards Liver- could have been very different, Robertson was at fault as 2018 and 2019, Mikel Arteta pool have set at the start of their though, had Mane not escaped he spooned Ainsley Maitland- has instilled a new-found be- Premier League title defence af- with just a yellow card for an Niles’s cross into the path of lief in the FA Cup winners. talk gender equality ter coming from behind to beat elbow on Kieran Tierney after Lacazette, who also failed to The visitors were more Arsenal 3-1 at Anfield. just three minutes. make a proper connection, expansive after the break and omen’s football leg- Goals from Sadio Mane, Arsenal followed the game but the ball bounced into the created a huge chance to level end and Canada goal- Andy Robertson and Diogo plan that had brought them ground and looped over the when Dani Ceballos put Laca- Wkeeper Karina LeB- Jota saw off the Gunners, who two victories over Liverpool helpless Alisson Becker. zette through on goal, but Alis- lanc will appear on Generation had won their opening two in recent months as they - Wasteful Arsenal pun- son stood up well to block the Amazing (GA) Instagram Live league games of the season. Liverpool’s German manager dropped deep then looked to ished -Liverpool responded French striker’s shot. this Wednesday at 4pm Doha While Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp after the English play around the Reds’ press immediately to level within “When you come to An- time to discuss gender equal- Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League match against when in possession. three minutes as Mohamed field you are not going to get ity, women in sport initiatives Tottenham and now Arsenal Arsenal at Anfield on Monday. (AFP) However, unlike when Salah outmuscled Tierney 10 chances. When you are one- and give advice to the next have all lost in the opening they met at the back end of and when his shot was parried on-one with the goalkeeper, generation of youth. three weeks of the new cam- son and with this performance last season’s Premier League across goal by Leno, Mane you have to score,” said Arteta The current Head of Wom- paign, Liverpool have taken it is absolutely ‘wow’,” said when Jurgen Klopp’s men turned into an empty net. as Liverpool extended their en’s Football at CONCACAF maximum points to lay down coach Klopp. had already won the league Robertson them made unbeaten run at home in the was the first female profes- an early marker that they re- “From the first second, (it or the Community Shield in amends for his previous error Premier League to 61 games. sional player to compete at main the team to beat in the was) dominant against a team August, Liverpool were far as Liverpool’s flying full-backs “It is a really tough place to a record five FIFA Women’s Leegendary Canada goalkeeper Premier League this season. in form. We had to be careful sharper in pulling the Gun- combined as Alexander-Ar- come for anyone in the world, World Cup™ tournaments for Karina LeBlanc. “It’s really early in the sea- like hell of the counter-attacks. ners out of position. nold’s cross was this time con- they set incredible standards.” her country. LeBlanc won the bronze further inspire young girls and medal at the London 2012 boys to follow their dreams Olympics with the Canadian and keep working hard, both national team and went on on and off the field.” to become one of the longest- In the previous week of GA Lakers, Heat prepare for battle as serving team members with Live sessions, Argentina and over 18 years playing for her AS Roma defender Nicolás country. Burdisso shared insights from At club level, the legend- his outstanding career and un- ary goalkeeper has enjoyed a derlined the values which have NBA odyssey reaches finale long career in the professional helped him succeed on the league with US teams including world’s biggest stage. AFP Bryant’s legacy has driven the the Chicago Stars and the Port- The former Boca Juniors Orlando Lakers into this year’s finals. land Thorns among others. player shared his advice on how “Every time you put on Today, LeBlanc works to stay active and motivated LeBron James and the Los purple and gold, you think closely with GA partner CON- during the COVID-19 pandem- Angeles Lakers begin the final about his legacy,” James said. CACAF to develop the women’s ic – as well as answering ques- challenge in their bid to return “You think about him and game in the confederation’s 41 tions which came in from the to the summit of basketball on about what he meant to this member countries. LeBlanc is audience during the session. Wednesday when they take on franchise for 20-plus years, also a long-serving Ambassa- Burdisso said, “Football is a the Miami Heat team in game and what he stood for both on dor of UNICEF Canada, trav- phenomenal sport to use – eve- one of the NBA Finals. the floor and off the floor.” elling to some of the world’s ryone knows it is a sport that re- A full 11 months after the Standing in the way of most underprivileged commu- quires a team. It is a great tool 2019-2020 NBA season first James’ bid for a fourth NBA nities for development work. to teach kids certain tools to use tipped off, a marathon cam- championship is a Miami team In anticipation of the ses- in their day-to-day.” paign plunged into crisis by who are happy to be cast in the sion, Nasser Al Khori, GA’s Speaking to youth aspir- Covid-19 and tumultuous so- role of underdogs. Programmes Director, said, ing to make a career in football cial unrest finally reaches its The Heat have excelled “Gender equality remains and sport, the former defender climax in Orlando. through the playoffs with Jim- one of our core programme added, “There’s no magic to it, The fact that the NBA my Butler, Bam Adebayo and causes as we work towards you just have to work hard and season has managed to reach Goran Dragic outstanding, ensuring that girls continue continue dreaming – follow the home stretch is itself a routing the top-seeded Mil- to be inspired and empowered your dream. Of course, there triumph of sorts, a testa- waukee Bucks 4-1 in the East- through the Generation Amaz- is a bit of talent involved but ment to assiduous planning ern Conference semi-finals be- ing football for development it’s all about consistency and by league officials to create fore accounting for the Boston programme.” waiting for your opportunity a secure “bubble” at Disney Celtics 4-2. Al Khori added, “We are to come to perform to the best World in Florida. Butler, who joined Miami proud to feature Karina LeB- of your abilities.” Since July, teams have LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates after their win against the Denver in 2019 from the Philadelphia lanc, a women’s football legend GA has reached 500,000 been housed at the sprawl- Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World 76ers, says the team must who is doing incredible work beneficiaries in Asia and the ing entertainment park in Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, US. (Getty Images/AFP) neutralise James to have any with our partner CONCACAF Middle East to date, and aims Orlando, largely sequestered chance against the Lakers. to advance women’s football. to positively impact 1 million from the outside world and Barack Obama, who report- Lakers vs Heat (Game 1) “All those conversations, “The main key, and it’s been We believe this session will youth by 2022. (SC.qa) the raging coronavirus crisis edly counseled James and Thursday 4am AST just naysayers and things of like this for a very long time, if which has claimed more than other players against a season- that nature. I understood that, you want to win, you’re going 204,000 American lives. ending boycott. and the team once again fail- with the season I had last year to have to go through a LeBron Even then, the season has ing to make the playoffs, the and my injury, it just gave James-led team,” Butler said. not been immune from exter- LeBron determined bolstering of the squad with them more sticks and more “At the end of the day, nal forces. A month ago, the A little over one month later, Anthony Davis last year, who wood to throw in the fire to that’s what it normally comes season threatened to unravel and the 35-year-old James is has formed a superb partner- continue to say the things that down to. as a tide of anger against ra- now girding himself for a 10th ship with James, returned the they would say about me. “That’s what we got to fo- cial injustice prompted teams appearance in an NBA Finals, a team to dominance. “But it never stopped my cus in on. Obviously you can’t led by the Milwaukee Bucks to tally bettered by only two play- “This is what I came here journey and never stopped focus in on him because he has boycott games. ers in the history of the league. for,” James said on Saturday my mindset and never so many really good players The Lakers, who will be It also marks the vindica- after the Lakers defeated the stopped my goal.” around him, but you’re going chasing a 17th NBA champi- tion of James’ decision in 2018 Denver Nuggets to clinch the to get the same test over and onship against Miami in the to leave the Cleveland Cava- Western Conference cham- Honouring Kobe over again until you pass, and finals, were one of two teams liers for the Lakers, a faded pionship and book a place in The Lakers’ odyssey back that test is LeBron James. who reportedly voted to aban- superpower of the NBA who the finals. to the finals has also been “We’re just going to have don the season altogether on were floundering before his “I heard all the conversa- marked by tragedy. In Janu- to play hard. We’re going to August 26 following the shoot- arrival two years ago. tions and everything that was ary, the team was plunged into have to play damn near perfect ing of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. Although James first sea- said about why did I decide to mourning following the death because they are such a good That walkout threat was son in Los Angeles ended in come to LA (that) the reason I in a helicopter accident of team. They do so many things only headed off by the inter- disappointment, with injury came to LA, it was not about franchise legend Kobe Bryant. well. Obviously you know the LeBlanc will appear on Generation Amazing (GA) Instagram Live today vention of former President restricting his appearances basketball. A determination to honour power that they have.” at 4pm Doha time. Sports Wednesday, September 30, 2020 15 Egyptian trailblazer Sherif energised by support from Salah

AFP dine University in the US, in- advice as an Egyptian who player from, especially a female Paris sisted she had a “huge margin has established himself on the tennis player, from playing. to improve”. global stage. They have to always believe, they Mayar Sherif, the first Egyp- “I saw what the level is and “The thing I would ask him have to always fight through this tian woman to play in Grand I saw not playing my best how is how did he break the bar- to get to where they want.” Slam main draw, said the close I was to beat one of the Mo Salah is one of the best rier of believing or being the Pliskova ended Sherif’s support received back home best players in the world,” she football players in the world, first of doing something so big fairytale break- including from Liverpool star said, grateful to also have the and to see someone very from Egypt as a person that through to set up a Roland Mohamed Salah had given her backing of a national icon. successful supporting other comes from Egypt?” she said. Garros second round clash extra incentive to help break “For Mo Salah, he’s one of “How did he go through against former champion Je- down barriers for aspiring the best football players in the successful people in his that? And how were the stages lena Ostapenko. tennis players in the football- world, and to see someone very country, it just gives you to get to the point to where he Pliskova, a semi-finalist mad country. successful supporting other some energy just to know is now?” in 2017, squandered eight set World number 172 Sherif successful people in his coun- that there are good people The 24-year-old also of- points in the opening set as took the first set off second try, it just gives you some en- out there and people who fered some words encourage- world number 172 Sherif, the seed Karolina Pliskova in ergy just to know that there are ment of her own for Egyptian first Egyptian woman to play Tuesday’s Roland Garros first good people out there and peo- are already successful are youngsters trying to carve out in the main draw at a Slam, round but could not sustain ple who are already successful willing to support you. a future in tennis. took a shock lead. her challenge in a 6-7 (9/11), are willing to support you.” Mayar Sherif “I would tell them that However, the Czech’s 6-2, 6-4 loss. Sherif said she hadn’t per- they can do it with hard work, greater experience eventually Sherif came through qualify- sonally been in touch with with talent, because we have told as she recovered to pro- ing in Paris to join Tunisia’s Ons Salah but would welcome his so many talented players in gress 6-7 (9/11), 6-2, 6-4. Jabeur in the 128-player field, Egypt,” she said. “I think she was playing the first time twoA rab woman Egypt’s Mayar Sherif returns “They just have to believe in very smart today. Of course have contested the main draw of the ball to Czech Republic’s themselves, and they have to fol- she had a lot of confidence just a major since 2002. Karolina Pliskova during their low the way, the right way to get winning three matches from Despite an early exit Sher- women’s singles first round to where they want. quallies,” said Pliskova of her if, who began 2019 unranked match at the in “There are many obstacles 24-year-old opponent. “She after graduating from Pepper- Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) in Egypt that can stop a tennis had nothing to lose.” ‘Snake’ Djokovic in control at Roland Garros as row sparks video replay call

AFP Paris Action from ITTF Liebherr 2019 World Table Tennis Championships held in Budapest, Hungary. (ITTF) was lik- ened to a snake devouring its prey Tuesday as his bid to be- Durban to host historic 2023 come the first man in half a century to win all four Grand Slam titles twice got off to a ITTF World Championships straightforward start at Ro- land Garros while a ‘double Tribune News Network the Finals event, thus making creasing international appeal bounce’ row prompted calls Doha it more feasible for more coun- of table tennis, which is ex- for video replays to be intro- tries to host. tremely pleasing to see as we duced in tennis. The 2023 ITTF World Table Durban won 90 votes continue to work hard to make World number one Djoko- Tennis Championships Fi- (69.77%) to beat off competi- the sport more global in the vic, returning to Grand Slam nals will be staged in Durban, tion from the other candidate future,” said Khalil Al Mohan- action for the first time since South Africa, after Member city, Düsseldorf, Germany, nadi, ITTF Deputy President his US Open disqualification, Associations voted during the who won 39 votes (30.23%). Joe Carrim, President of eased past Sweden’s Mikael 2020 ITTF AGM held in Doha “Congratulations to both the South African Table Ten- Ymer, ranked 80, in straight on Monday. South Africa and Germany on nis Board (SATTB), said, “I am sets 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. It’s an historic first time presenting very strong bids to obviously ecstatic and beside It was his 32nd win in 33 that the ITTF’s most pres- host the 2023 ITTF World Ta- myself with joy. matches in 2020 and kept him tigious event is being held in ble Tennis Championships Fi- “The sleepless nights and on course for a second French South Africa and the first time nals. We are continuing to see all the hard work have paid Open title following his 2016 on the African continent since benefits from the forthcoming off. I want to thank the world triumph, and 18th career major. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Sweden’s Mikael Ymer during their men’s singles first round Cairo, Egypt, in 1939. changes to the format of the of table tennis and the ITTF “It’s always a pleasure to match at the Philippe Chatrier court on Day 3 of the French Open in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) The vote vindicates the World Championships Finals, for entrusting us with the con- return to Paris on Philippe new format for the ITTF which will be introduced from fidence with the team that we Chatrier, this important court. World Table Tennis Champi- next year onwards, leading to have, the city that we have, The atmosphere is a little dif- onships Finals, coming into more countries bidding from and the support from the gov- ferent this year with few fans place in 2021, which sees con- different regions of the world. ernment that we have to host but I remain motivated to win It felt like when a snake tinental qualification precede This also reflects the ever-in- this event.” the title,” said Djokovic, only kills its prey. I had one of two men to have defeat- ed 12-time champion Rafael chances to rally but Nadal in 15 years in Paris. then I got suffocated. The 33-year-old top seed is Rashid, Bairstow ensure first in the second round for a record- The 22-year-old Mikael Ymer equalling 16th time, matching on losing to Novak Djokovic Guillermo Vilas and Nadal. win for Sunrisers Hyderabad Djokovic, who suffered no immediate hangover from his at Roland Garros but I do not.” Agencies US Open controversy by quickly Latvia’s Ostapenko, the Abu Dhabi wrapping up a record 36th Mas- world 43, won her first match ters title in Rome on the eve of at the French Open since A super bowling effort from Roland Garros, next faces Lithu- Mikael Ymer returns the ball to Novak Djokovic during their men’s sweeping to her shock 2017 ti- Rashid Khan (3-14) com- ania’s Ricardas Berankis. singles match at the French Open on Tuesday. (AFP) tle when she fired 46 winners plimented opener Jonny Ymer, making just his past Madison Brengle of the Bairstow’s sublime fifty as fourth main draw appear- fanos Tsitsipas, the runner-up man scooped a winner despite United States to win 6-2, 6-1. Sunrisers Hyderabad out- ance at a major, graphically in Hamburg, also needed five the ball appearing to bounce “After I won here it was a played Delhi Capitals by 15 summed up the challenge of sets to make the second round, twice. The incident was missed tough time. I had to get used runs for their opening win facing Djokovic. beating Spain’s Jaume Munar by chair umpire Eva Asderaki. to the pressure but now it’s in the 2020 Indian Premier “It felt like when a snake 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on the World number 44 Mlad- all gone,” said the 23-year-old League (IPL) on Tuesday. kills its prey,” said 22-year-old back of 54 winners. enovic pleaded in vain before Ostapenko. Put in to bat, Bairstow Ymer. “I had chances to rally “I never had a match like Siegemund took full advan- Denmark’s , (53 off 48) scored his second but then I got suffocated.” this before,” said Tsitsipas tage, racing into the next just 17 and a qualifier, un- fifty of the tournament, while Russia’s Andrey Rublev, the after coming back from two round with a 7-5, 6-3 win. leashed 48 winners to knock David Warner (45 off 33) and 13th seed who won the Ham- sets down for the first time out American 21st seed and Kane Williamson (41 off 26) burg title just two days ago, in his career. ‘Replace human US Open semi-finalist Jennif- also came up with valuable Sunrisers Hyderabad’s star spinner Rashid Khan (centre) celebrates staged a remarkable recovery Kristina Mladenovic called with camera’ er Brady 6-4, 3-6, 9-7. Tauson contributions, helping Sunris- the dismissal of Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan (not in the pic) with from two sets and 3-5 down in for a football-style VAR sys- “It would be great to have also saved two match points ers Hyderabad post a competi- Ken Williamson as wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who took the catch, the third to beat Sam Querrey tem to be introduced in tennis that,” said Mladenovic when on her way to a maiden career tive 162 for four. looks on in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. of the United States 6-7 (5/7), after her opponent profited asked if video replays should main draw win. Defending the total, leg- 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4, 6-3. from a double bounce to help be introduced. cham- spinner Rashid (3/14) re- a wrong one on the 12th over as two fours and one six in his “My attitude today was re- knock the Frenchwoman out “It’d be a pity to replace a pion SofiaK enin recovered turned with three crucial DC slipped to 63 for three. innings and shared two cru- ally horrible and it needs to of her home Grand Slam. human with a camera but to from a break down in the fi- wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Rishabh Pant then cial partnerships – 77 off 57 change,” said Rublev, who had Mladenovic was 5-1 up and err is human. I don’t see how nal set to defeat 125th-ranked Kumar (2/25) scalped two smashed two sixes in the 13th balls with Warner for the lost both his previous matches with a set point against Laura the umpire could not see it. Russian Liudmila Samsonova and T Natarajan and Khaleel over to ease pressure. Shim- opening stand and 52 off 38 in Paris. Greek fifth seed Ste- Siegemund when the Ger- Unfortunately, she continues 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Ahmed (1/43) claimed too ron Hetmyer (21) also got into 38 balls with Williamson for chipped in to restrict Delhi to the act with slamming Khaleel the third wicket. 147 for 7 in 20 overs for a de- Ahmed for successive sixes in Making his IPL debut, Results serving win. the 15th over. Jammu and Kashmir’s Abdul Men Singles (1st rd): Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO x31) 7-5, 6-4, 6-2; Dusan Women’s Singles (1st rd): Nao Hibino (JPN) bt Bogdan (ROU) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-4, 6-2; Delhi lost opener Prithvi Bhuveshnar Kumar, how- Samad (12 (12 off 7) blasted Mikael Ymer (SWE) 6-0, 6-2, 6-3; Ricardas Berankis Lajovic (SRB x22) bt Gianluca Mager (ITA) 6-4, 7-6 Marta Kostyuk (UKR) 6-4, 6-0; (TUN (USA x4) bt Liudmila Samsonova Shaw (2) early in their chase ever, returned to dismiss Het- a four and six in his useful (LTU) bt Hugo Dellien (BOL) 6-1, 6-4, 6-4; Christian (7/4), 4-6, 6-1; Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Laslo Djere x30) bt Zarina Diyas (KAZ) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; Clara (RUS) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3; (GER) bt but Shikhar Dhawan (34 off myer before Pant became the cameo. Garin (CHI x20) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, (SRB) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4; Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) Tauson (DEN) bt Jennifer Brady (USA x21) 6-4, Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 7-5, 6-3; Julia Goerges 4-6, 6-1, 6-4; Marc Polmans (AUS) bt Ugo Humbert bt Harold Mayot (FRA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 7-5; Andrey 3-6, 9-7; Danielle Collins (USA) bt Monica (GER) bt Alison Riske (USA x19) 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 31) and skipper Shreyas Iyer third victim of Rashid. Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad (FRA) 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3; Attila Balazs (HUN) bt Rublev (RUS x13) bt Sam Querrey (USA) 6-7 (5/7), Niculescu (ROU) 2-6, 6-2, 6-1; Elena Rybakina 6-1; Sloane Stephens (USA x29) bt Vitalia (17) took them to 34 for one in Needing 59 runs from 30 162 for 4 (Bairstow 53, Warner Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) 6-2, 6-3, 7-5; Lloyd Harris 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4, 6-3; Roberto Carballes Baena (KAZ x14) bt Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 6-0, 6-3; Fiona Diatchenko (RUS) 6-2, 6-2; Paula Badosa (ESP) the first six overs. balls, all eyes were on Marcus 45, Williamson 41, Rabada (RSA) bt Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7); (ESP) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-1, 6-1, 6-0; Pablo Ferro (FRA) bt Heather Watson (GBR) 7-6 (7/4), bt Kateryna Kozlova (UKR) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3; Jelena Rashid got into the act Stoinis (11) but he was done in 2-21, Mishra 2-35) beat Delhi Matteo Berrettini (ITA x7) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-3, Cuevas (URU) bt Henri Laaksonen (SUI) 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4; Irina Maria Bara (ROU) bt Donna Vekic (CRO Ostapenko (LAT) bt Madison Brengle (USA) 6-2, straightaway, dismissing Iyer by a well placed yorker from Capitals 147 for 7 (Dhawan 34, 6-1, 6-3; Marcos Giron (USA) bt Quentin Halys (FRA) 6-2; Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) bt Jaume Munar (ESP) x26) 6-3, 6-4; Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) bt 6-1; Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) bt Mayar Sherif Pant 32, Bhuvneshwar 2-25, 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 8-6; Thiago Monteiro (BRA) bt 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Rebecca Peterson (SWE) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1; Ana (EGY) 6-7 (9/11), 6-2, 6-4. with his second ball and then re- Natarajan to end Delhi’s hopes. turned to remove Dhawan with Earlier, Bairstow smashed Rashid 3-14) by 15 runs.