GGOLFOLF | Page 5 MMOTOGPOTOGP | Page 6 Rahm aims at Quartararo No.1 aft er late claims Spanish birdies bring GP; Marquez lead crashes out

Monday, July 20, 2020 CRICKET Dhul-Qa’da 29, 1441 AH England’s Broad GULF TIMES boosts victory bid in West Indies Test SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT HORSE RACING AFC chooses Abdelkarim Hassan, Pedro Qaysar back with a win for Shaqab

Agencies Miguel to be on list of best defenders Haydock, United Kingdom

QNA journey of Abdelkarim and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Pedro in numbers and statistics, n the colours of Al Shaqab where the former is consid- Racing, Qaysar was back in ered one of the most prominent Ithe winners’ circle in the he Asian Football Con- players in the left-back position Racing TV Handicap at Hay- federation (AFC) has in Asia, and his performance dock on Saturday evening. Tchosen the players of contributed to taking Al Sadd The fi ve-year-old bay gelding, the Qatari national team to the semi-fi nals of the conti- trained by Richard Hannon, was and Al Sadd club, Abdelka- nental championship. In 2018, running over a mile and he sat to- rim Hassan and Pedro Miguel, he won the award for the best wards the rear before making up among the best defenders in the player in the Asian continent, as ground under plenty of impul- 2018 edition of the AFC Cham- his performance shone mostly sion in the fi nal 400m. pions League for their fantastic as a defender, but also as an of- In the hands of Thore Ham- performances. fensive player. mer, he took the lead insides the The AFC posted on their of- As for Pedro Miguel, he par- fi nal 200m and fl ew to the line Thore Hammer (left) rides Qaysar to Racing TV Handicap victory at fi cial website the names of the sen according to their distin- tral defender, while Abdelkarim ticipated mostly in Al Sadd for a victory by four lengths and Haydock on Saturday evening. (John Grossick) defenders who were nominated guished performance in the last Hassan is competing as the best matches and was part of a back- a quarter in the race for three- to be on the list, which included AFC Champions League 2018 left-back defender to enter the line that kept fi ve clean sheets in year-olds and older rated 0-105. was ridden by . Al David Allan. 14 players, with the best of them and their positions in the fi eld, best squad for the continental their 12 games, as the team came Alternative Fact was the run- Erayg was a further short head It was the eighth win for Qaysar, all to be chosen by voting. where Pedro Miguel entered the championship in 2018. so close to reaching their fi rst fi - ner-up. The fi ve-year-old geld- behind in third. He is trained by who was purchased in the Arqana Al Sadd defenders were cho- competition as the best cen- The AFC shed light on the nal since 2011. ing is trained by Ed Dunlop and Tim Easterby and was ridden by Breeze Up Sale as a two-year-old.

FORMULA 1 CHESS QCA to celebrate Hamilton ties Schumi International Chess Day with online with Hungarian win tournament

By Sports Reporter Mercedes driver equalled seven-time champion’s record of winning a Grand Prix eight times Doha

Reuters Budapest, Hungary he Qatar Chess Association (QCA) will be hosting the T‘We Are One Family’ Online masterful Lewis Ham- Chess Tournament on the ilton won the Hun- occasion of International Chess Day Agarian Grand Prix in today. dominant style and The tournament will be played for a record eighth time yester- over 18 rounds of Blitz Chess on Li- day to wrest the Formula One chess.org, and the player who gets championship lead from Mer- the most points after all the rounds cedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. will be declared the winner. Max Verstappen took second The overall winner will receive for Red Bull, the Dutch young- USD 500 in prize money, while the ster awarded ‘drive of the day’ second- and third-placed players after crashing on the way to the will receive USD 250 and USD 150 re- grid in early drama that had his spectively. mechanics scrambling to fi x the There are USD 100 and USD 50 damage before the start. dollars for the fourth- and fi fth- Bottas, now fi ve points be- placed players respectively. hind Hamilton after three races, There is prize money for Best Fe- fi nished a close third after bat- male (USD 250), Best Boy U20 (USD tling back from a botched start 100) and Best Girl U20 (USD 100). off the front row. The top three residents will re- Hamilton’s 86th career vic- ceive USD 150, USD 100 and USD 50, tory, from his 90th pole posi- while Best Resident U20 and U16 will tion and collecting a bonus receive USD 75 and USD 50 respec- point for fastest lap, left the tively. six-times world champion fi ve Top three Qatari males will receive short of Michael Schumacher’s USD 200, USD 100 and USD 50 re- all-time record of 91 wins. spectively, and so will the top three “It was a pretty beautiful day, Qatari females. Best Qatari U20, U14 to be honest,” said Hamilton, and U12 will receive USD 100, USD 75 who had lapped all but three and USD 50 respectively. cars by the time he pitted for soft A win in the tournament, which is tyres with three laps to go and a open for all with no charge, will earn lead of more than 26 seconds. the player one point, while a draw The Briton also equalled half-a-point. Schumacher’s record of win- If two or more players have the ning a Grand Prix eight times, same number of points at the conclu- something the Ferrari great sion of the tournament, Sonneborn- achieved in France between Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. (AFP) Berger score will be the tie break. 1994 and 2006. The organisers have urged the “Round one had multiple wins in a row in Hungary, with against the clock, giving him a Canadian Lance Stroll fi n- team mate Romain Grosjean were 4. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) participants to familiarise them- diff erent punches that I wasn’t the next two races on home soil car to drive from seventh place ished fourth for Racing Point, later summoned to stewards for +57.579 selves with the Swiss System for- perhaps ready for but I refo- at Silverstone. on the grid and zero to hero. who are racing while subject an alleged use of driver aids dur- 5. Alexander Albon (Red Bull) mat at Lichess.org. cused and the last two have been Those will also be without “I thought I was not going to a protest from Renault over ing the formation lap. +1:18.316 The QCA has taken several meas- fantastic,” Hamilton, fourth in spectators in a season over- to race, so to be second is like a the legality of their Mercedes- Carlos Sainz fi nished 10th for 6. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 1 lap ures to ensure clean and fair play the opener won by Bottas, said shadowed and delayed by the victory for me,” he said. lookalike car. McLaren. 7. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) 1 lap system for all participants, and has of the season so far. Covid-19 pandemic. Bottas meanwhile rued what Alex Albon took fi fth for Red AlphaTauri’s French driver 8. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) 1 lap said that they reserve the right to “This weekend, we’ve just might have been, the Finn dis- Bull in another turn up for a Pierre Gasly was the only re- 9. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) 1 lap ban a player, who is caught cheating been on point throughout so we ZERO TO HERO tracted on the grid by a cockpit team who appeared to be strug- tirement of the race. 10. Carlos Sainz Jr (McLaren) 1 lap or using any external assistance like need to try and keep this up,” The day started wet and con- light that made him move early gling on Saturday. chess engines during the tourna- said the Briton, the only Black ditions were still greasy by the and then stop before starting Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was HUNGARIAN GP RESULTS DRIVERS’ STANDINGS (TOP 3) ment, from future events and also driver who again led other driv- time the cars went out, as Ver- again. sixth, with Racing Point’s Ser- (TOP 10) 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 63 pt declare the player’s name publicly. ers in taking a knee before the stappen discovered to his cost “I reacted to a light on my gio Perez seventh and Austral- 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 58 If your Lichess account is further start in support of anti-racism when he locked up and skidded dash that went off . I don’t know ian Daniel Ricciardo eighth for 1:36:12.473 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 33 convicted of fair-play violations, campaigns. into the tyre wall at turn 12. what it was and I reacted to that Renault. 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) CONSTRUCTORS’ (TOP 3) your account will be closed, and you Hamilton, winner of the Sty- The Dutch driver was amazed instead of the start light,” he Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen +8.702 1. Mercedes 121 pts will be subjected to Lichess private rian Grand Prix in Austria the by his mechanics’ perform- said. “I lost many places and it was ninth for his Haas team’s fi rst 3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 2. Red Bull 55 proceedings. More information is weekend before, now has three ance in winning their own race made the race very diffi cult.” point of the season but he and +9.452 3. McLaren 40 available on Lichess’ website. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 20, 2020 SPORT

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Anti-racism ceremony needs co-ordination: Hamilton Schumacher’s friend

AFP tinue the fi ght. Budapest, Hungary “This time no-one mentioned Todt: ‘he is fi ghting’ it in the drivers’ briefi ng, but Sebastian (Vettel) messaged me DPA on the banks of Lake Geneva, and ewis Hamilton yesterday and we agreed that it is impor- Budapest, Hungary Todt – the Ferrari team principal again called on Formula tant that we keep doing it.” when Schumacher won fi ve of his LOne’s drivers and man- Hamilton added that there seven world titles with the Scu- agement to improve co- was insuffi cient time put aside orld motor sport deria – is one of very few friends ordination of the sport’s anti- for the ceremony and that it was supremo Jean Todt who has access. racism stance and the pre-race done in a rush before the nation- has said he recently The FIA president said it W Michael ‘taking a knee’ ceremony. al anthem. visited wouldn’t matter if Lewis Ham- The six-time champion, who “I got out of the car and then Schumacher and expressed ilton bettered Schumacher’s produced a classic drive to com- I was rushing over to do it and hope the record Formula One Formula One records one by one. plete a hat-trick of victories in there wasn’t enough time. We world champion could at some The Briton already has the most the Hungarian Grand Prix, re- need to do more — it was part stage appear in public again for pole positions, is just six race vealed that there were clear rifts of the start at the fi rst race, but the fi rst time since his severe ski- wins away from Schumacher’s among the drivers and a lack we haven’t done it like that since ing accident seven years ago. leading 91, and one away from of planning for the ceremony, then.” Todt told the Mail on Sunday Schumacher’s seven world titles. that is part of many other major He said that Formula One has paper at the Hungarian Grand “I know it can happen that sports events, that took place at said “they want to fi ght, but it Prix he saw Schumacher last Lewis beats Michael’s record as the Hungaroring. is too rushed and we have such week. the most-titled driver in history. Hamilton said that the sham- a platform... They have to co- “He is fi ghting. I hope the All the ingredients are there with bolic and rushed ceremony ordinate with us and do it”. world will be able to see him Mercedes for him to do that. I that took place ahead of yester- He added that he had worked again. That is what he and his honestly don’t mind,” Todt said. day’s race was not mentioned to coordinate the drivers, but family are working towards,” “I remember in 2000 when or planned in the offi cial driv- “there’s not a lot I can do... I Todt said. I was on the podium in Suzuka ers’ briefi ng meeting and said used a lot of energy in Austria to Todt did not reveal any medi- with Michael after he won his the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers listen to the Hungarian national anthem prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP) try and convince some of them”. cal details, citing privacy rea- fi rst title with Ferrari and I said to Drivers Association (GPDA) Ro- “My dream is that we’ll all sons. him that our lives would never be main Grosjean did not think it tant,” Hamilton told Sky Sports show of support including tak- and they don’t need to do it come around and at the last race Schumacher, 51, has been kept the same again. We had achieved was necessary. F1, adding that Frenchman ing a knee was enough. again. I told him that it is not we can all kneel down — and out of the public eye since suf- all we wanted. After an accident “He doesn’t think it is impor- Grosjean suggested that one “He thinks once is enough going away and we have to con- that would be beautiful.” fering severe head injuries in the like the one Michael has had, December 2013 accident. does it matter whether Lewis has He is recovering in his house won more?” CRICKET / SECOND TEST England’s Broad boosts victory bid in West Indies Test FOCUS Hosts, looking to draw level in the series, were 37-2 at stumps — an overall lead of 219 Bangladesh cricketers

AFP resume training , United Kingdom Scorecard

ENGLAND 1st inn 469-9 dec 7-252 (Dowrich), 8-260 (Holder), tuart Broad revived Eng- WEST INDIES 1st inn (o/n 32-1) 9-287 (Chase), 10-287 (Gabriel) land’s hopes of a series- Bowling: levelling victory in the K. Brathwaite c and b Stokes 75 Broad 23-7-66-3 (2w); S Woakes 21-1-0-42-3; Curran second Test with a trio J. Campbell lbw b Curran 12 of new-ball wickets even as the 20-4-70-2; Bess 21-3-67-1; Root c Pope b Bess West Indies avoided the follow- A. Joseph 32 1-1-0-0; Stokes 13-3-29-1 (2nb) on at Old Traff ord yesterday. S. Hope c Buttler b Curran 25 The veteran paceman took S. Brooks lbw b Broad 68 ENGLAND 2nd inn three wickets for one run in 14 lbw b Woakes not out balls as the West Indies were R. Chase 51 B. Stokes 16 dismissed for 287 on the fourth J. Blackwood b Broad 0 J. Buttler b Roach 0 day in reply to England’s fi rst in- S. Dowrich lbw b Broad 0 Z. Crawley b Roach 11 nings 469-9 declared. J. Holder c Root b Woakes 2 not out England, looking to draw level J. Root 8 at 1-1 in a three-match contest K. Roach not out 5 Extras (lb1, nb1) 2 despite Saturday’s total wash- S. Gabriel b Woakes 0 Total (2 wkts, 8 overs, 44 mins) 37 out, were 37-2 at stumps — an Extras (b1, lb12, nb2, w2) 17 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Buttler), overall lead of 219. Total (all out, 99 overs, 432 mins) 2-17 (Crawley) They opened their second in- nings with Ben Stokes, who was 287 Bowling: Roach 4-0-14-2; 16 not out after top-scoring with Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Campbell), Gabriel 4-0-22-0 (1nb) Mushfiqur Rahim takes part in a training session at the Bangladesh 176 in the fi rst innings, and Jos 2-70 (Joseph), 3-123 (Hope), Match position: England lead Cricket Board Academy in Mirpur yesterday. (Twitter/BCBtigers) Buttler in the hope of quick runs 4-199 (Brathwaite), 5-242 by 219 runs with eight second- as regular fi rst-wicket duo Rory (Brooks), 6-248 (Blackwood), innings wickets standing IANS little diffi cult since everything Burns and Dom Sibley remained Dhaka, Bangladesh we did in the past four months in the changing room. Trophy holders West Indies, Broad, controversially rested was indoors. Hopefully things Sibley made 120 in the fi rst looking for their fi rst series win from the West Indies’ four- will be less diffi cult and we will innings but took nearly eight in England since 1988. wicket win in the fi rst Test at angladesh cricketers hit get back our fl uency gradually,” hours to reach three fi gures. Brathwaite and Brooks frus- Southampton last week, did the the ground running as Mithun told reporters as quoted Buttler, however, fell for a trated England in an attractive bulk of the damage. Ba number of top-level by thedailystar.net. third-ball nought after he played fourth-wicket stand of 76. Broad had Brooks plumb players resumed indi- “We only had gym and run- on to Kemar Roach. Zak Crawley, But Braithwaite’s hopes of fol- lbw before bowling Jermaine vidual training in diff erent BCB- ning practices at home in the in on a king pair, was then bowled lowing his 134 against England at Blackwood, who made a match- run training facilities across the past few months. Today was by Roach for 11, with England Headingley three years ago with clinching 95 at Southampton, country yesterday. the fi rst time I went back to the captain Joe Root eight not out at another hundred ended when he for a duck with one that kept As per a report in Daily Star, ground after a long break. But the close. was caught and bowled by Stokes. low. former captain Mushfi qur Ra- I only had running drills there, Earlier, West Indies saw opener It had taken Root until the 51st Shane Dowrich also fell for him, middle-order batsman Mo- and didn’t get the opportunity to Kraigg Brathwaite made 75 and over of the innings to bowl his nought, lbw to to Broad. hamed Mithun and pacer Shafi ul bowl as there is no bowling facil- Shamarh Brooks 68. star all-rounder. England came into this match Islam had their training sessions ity at the ground. I will do gym All-rounder Roston Chase’s Stokes kept pounding the ball with a revamped pace attack. at the BCB Academy ground and and running in the next few days 51, which followed the off -spin- in before he was rewarded with Having already rested James indoor facilities in Mirpur. too,” said pacer Khaled Ahmed, ner’s 5-172 in England’s fi rst Brathwaite’s wicket in his 10th Anderson and Mark Wood, they Nasum Ahmed, Khaled who had his session at the Sylhet innings, then took them to the successive over. had to omit Jofra Archer after England’s Stuart Broad (centre) successfully appeals for a LBW (leg Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, Nayeem International Cricket Stadium 270 they needed to avoid the Worryingly for England, the the fast bowler admitted making before wicket) decision against West Indies’ Shane Dowrich (not pic- Hasan and Mehedi Hasan are the where spinner Nasum Ahmed follow-on in the second match paceman left the fi eld but re- an unauthorised trip home after tured) on the fourth day of the second Test at Old Traff ord in Man- others who had their individual trained too. of a campaign that marks world turned having suff ered nothing the fi rst Test that breached this chester, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) training sessions in other parts This is the fi rst time the BCB cricket’s return from the coro- more serious than indigestion. series’ bio-secure health regula- of Bangladesh. has allowed players to train at navirus lockdown. The West Indies, who had tions. land and Wales Cricket Board would be available for the third “We got this opportunity to BCB-run facilities since the Play resumed yesterday in been 242-4 lost their last six But Archer was back in the announced Saturday that, fol- Test at Old Traff ord starting on train after four long months. Bat- Covid-19 pandemic halted sport bright sunshine with Wisden wickets for 45 runs in 16.4 overs. nets on Sunday after the Eng- lowing a disciplinary hearing, he July 24. ting, running — everything felt a all around the world in March.

COMMENT Two mistakes have haunted me: Bucknor recalls 2008 Sydney Test

IANS blunders during the infamous Still, those two mistakes seem to These are things spectators won’t fighting for a draw. Dravid had New Delhi, India 2008 Sydney Test between India have haunted me,” Bucknor told know.” his bat firmly tucked behind his and Australia. a daily. Bucknor had refused to raise pads and replays showed that “I made two mistakes in the “You need to know why mis- his fi nger when Andrew Symonds there was no contact between teve Bucknor retired Sydney Test in 2008. Mistake takes are made,” Bucknor said. edged to MS Dhoni behind the bat and ball. from umpiring in 2009 one, which happened when India “You don’t want to make similar stumps off Ishant Sharma. Sy- Bucknor was eventually re- Safter offi ciating in 128 were doing well, allowed an Aus- mistakes again. I am not giving monds was on 30 and he went on moved by the International Tests and 181 ODIs. For tralian batsman to get a hundred. excuses but there are times when to score an unbeaten 162 to take Cricket Council (ICC) from of- much of his career, he had an un- Mistake two, on day fi ve, might the wind is blowing down the Australia to 463 from being 134 fi ciating in the third Test as ten- blemished record but that was have cost India the game. But pitch and the sound travels with for 6 at one point. sions between the two sides somewhat undone by few errors still, they are two mistakes over the wind. The commentators He then adjudged Rahul started snowballing into the In- that he made in his fi nal years. fi ve days. Was I the fi rst umpire hear the nick from the stump mic Dravid out on the last day when dian team even considering pull- Those that stand out were his to make two mistakes in a Test? but the umpires may not be sure. India were chasing 333 and ing out of the series. Gulf Times Monday, July 20, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA ANNOUNCEMENT Nets sign Anderson Waiters ready to for rest of season let ‘Bubble Cheese’ fl ow for Lakers ‘I think I’m ready to keep working, continuing to get familiar with the sets and things like that’

Reuters in 219 games (23 starts) over Los Angeles fi ve NBA seasons with four teams. The Nets have been running he Brooklyn Nets into obstacles while trying to signed forward/guard put together a roster for the TJustin Anderson on restart. Saturday for the re- Guard Spencer Dinwid- mainder of the 2019-20 sea- die, center DeAndre Jordan son. and forward Taurean Prince The move was expected af- are done for the season due to ter forward Michael Beasley contracting Covid-19, while left the team earlier this week forward Wilson Chandler opt- after reportedly testing posi- ed out of the resumption for tive for the coronavirus. family reasons. Anderson was already in the Meanwhile, guard Kyrie Ir- Orlando area during the week ving (shoulder) and forward and under quarantine, which Kevin Durant (Achilles) aren’t was required before he could available due to injuries. enter the “bubble” environ- The Nets signed Beasley on ment the NBA has created for July 10 and he departed the its upcoming season restart. team after the positive test and Anderson played in three won’t be returning. games for the Nets in January Brooklyn (30-34) resides in under a 10-day contract. He seventh place in the Eastern averaged 1.0 point and 0.7 re- Conference and is solidly po- bounds. sitioned for one of the con- He also played in 31 G League ference’s eight playoff spots. games, split between the To- The Nets have eight games ronto affi liate Raptors 905 (15 remaining and are a half-game games) and the Long Island ahead of eighth-place Orlando Nets (16). Anderson averaged (30-35) and six ahead of the 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.7 ninth-place Washington Wiz- Dion Waiters has yet to play for the Lakers as the season was halted eight days after he signed. (TNS) assists and 1.1 steals. ards (24-40). Overall, Anderson is averag- The Nets resume play By Ira Winderman Ultimately, his tenure with the ing the Larry O’Brien Trophy in March 11. That again left Wait- past, I don’t really remember.” ing 5.3 points and 2.5 rebounds against the Magic on July 31. Sun Sentinel Brooklyn Nets never got started, October if the NBA’s basketball ers on his own, which, from a Waiters seemingly arrived to just as three tenures with the in a bubble can run to its com- conditioning standpoint, never this latest stop with the same Heat got sidetracked for Pat Ri- pletion amid the new coronavi- worked out particularly well what-me-worry? approach that here have been two cat- ley’s 2008 No. 2 pick. rus pandemic. over his three-plus seasons with he embraced even during his NBA exhibition games to open egories of compelling Then there is Waiters, who al- With Avery Bradley opting the Heat. darkest Heat days. with 10-minute quarters Tplayers over the Miami ready is on his third team of the out of the NBA’s restart, and “I was a game away from That included Philly Cheese Heat’s 32 seasons. season, only now about to see his with Rajon Rondo sidelined by coming back and playing,” he referring to himself as Bubble Reuters schedule begins Wednesday With Dwyane Wade, LeBron fi rst action with the Los Angeles a thumb fracture, the opening said. “But that gave me a chance Cheese as he entered the NBA’s Los Angeles with four games. The Orlando James, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Lakers. game of the resumption sets up to go back and just really work on closed campus. Magic will face the Los Angeles Bosh, Alonzo Mourning, their For all the wild rides avail- as high-stakes debut for Wait- my body, be around my family. “You can call me whatever. Clippers, the Washington Wiz- success defi nes their stories, to able elsewhere on the Disney ers, based on the Lakers’ ongo- “I took full advantage of it, on Philly Cheese. Bubble Cheese. he NBA will ease ards will meet the Denver Nug- eventually share ample Spring- grounds, none arguably are as ing goals with LeBron James and and off the court. So, it was good Whatever,” he said with a smile. back into action with gets, the New Orleans Pelicans fi eld reunions. dizzying, harrowing, careening Anthony Davis. for me. We’re back now, though.” So here he is, two teams and Tupcoming exhibition will play the Brooklyn Nets and But there also has been a sec- as Waiters’ rollercoaster through “I’ve been here before,” Wait- Waiters said he spent the time fi ve months removed from games to consist of the Sacramento Kings will be ond subset, those in many ways the 2019-20 NBA: Suspended by ers said by video conference off “trying to be creative.” the Heat, having already fully 10-minute quarters. matched up against the Miami equally as fascinating from a the Heat for the season opener from Disney. “I’ve been in this Now the Lakers will have to cashed out on the four-year, As the exhibition-game Heat. skills standpoint, but also dia- for pouting. Suspended again by position plenty of times. I think get creative. Part of that re- $52 million contract he received schedule proceeds, the regular The return of 12-minute quar- metrically disappointing. the Heat, this time for 10 games, I’m ready to keep working, con- sourcefulness could be choos- from Riley in the 2017 off season, 12-minute quarters will return, ters will come with each team’s That group includes the likes after ingesting gummies of a tinuing to get familiar with the ing between Waiters and J.R. one that still had another season but with players spending second exhibition game. All of Willie Burton, Harold Miner, non-fructose variety. And then sets and things like that. Smith. Recall, James’ Cleve- to run. more than four months out teams are expected to play Michael Beasley, Dion Waiters, another Heat suspension, for six “But, at the end of the day, land Cavaliers dealt Waiters to Landing again on his feet. of action, the initial practice three games before the regular players immensely talented, but games, with attitude still at is- it’s still basketball. I’ve been the Oklahoma City Thunder in With legitimate champion- games will move much season resumes July 30. also fl awed to the degree of never sue. Finally, traded Feb. 9 to the doing that my whole life. So it’s January 2015 in the trade that ship visions. quicker. The NBA reportedly All NBA games from July 30 to quite fi nding their way. Memphis Grizzles. Then waived just being ready. If my number landed Smith from the New York And the opportunity, should wants to take it easy on teams the end of the season will be For two, the “bubble” setting by the Grizzles three days later. is called, then just try to impact Knicks. he choose, to go shirtless like not just because of time away, played in the Orlando, Fla., area at Disney World was to provide And now on to the Lakers, his the game.” “We’re here now,” Waiters Smith did after his 2016 cham- but also because some clubs as a result of the coronavirus another chance, albeit in dif- Mad Tea Party to continue at his Waiters had been poised for said. “So we have one goal in pionship with the Cavaliers. do not yet have full rosters. pandemic that shut down the ferent colors. But then Beasley own Disney Fantasyland, one his Lakers debut in mid-March. mind, and that’s to win. All the “Just enjoying it,” Waiters The NBA exhibition-game league in March. tested positive for Covid-19. that well could have him hoist- Instead, the league shut down other stuff that happened in the said. “Enjoying the moment.”

SPOTLIGHT Clippers coach Rivers recalls being on a campaign trip with Lewis

By Broderick Turner Atlanta Hawks in the ’80s and early we’re not trying to get all of them. added Marcus and we were starting Los Angeles Times part of the ’90s, and how it left an We’re just trying to get one at a time, to mold and shape and learn each Los Angeles Clippers head indelible mark on him when it came and eventually it will be all of them.’ other. It was tough to take this little coach Doc Rivers. (TNS) to voting. I thought that was just one powerful break. e has remained true to be- Rivers said “it is a big deal” to hear statement.” “But I think ultimately it’s going ing an advocate for voting about the passing of Lewis, who The Clippers had been hitting to pay off . Again, we had so many Hrights, so when Doc Rivers survived a savage beating in 1965 their stride before the coronavirus guys dealing with little nicks and was asked Saturday if he at a Selma, Ala., bridge during the outbreak shut down the NBA on bruises. We were one of the teams had met Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), movement for Black people to have March 11, winning seven of their last that could have benefi tted off of the the Clippers coach responded by the right to vote. eight games. healing process and coming together lamenting how the fi ght for Black Rivers recalled going on a cam- Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy. So this break did wonders people and other people of color paign trip with Andrew Young, who were fully healthy and the Clippers for this group, and we’re going to to vote continues, something the was running to be the governor of were starting to integrate forward pick up where we left off at.” iconic congressman who died Friday Georgia after having been the mayor Marcus Morris (acquired from the Clippers forward Montrezl Har- fought for in the 1960s. of Atlanta, along with Lewis. Lewis Knicks) and guard Reggie Jackson rell posted on his Instagram account “Really sad day for our country,” and Young had been friends and (picked up after a buyout from the that his reason for leaving the bubble Rivers said to the media via Zoom had marched with the Rev. Martin Pistons). Friday was because his grandmother conference call. “What’s amazing Luther King Jr. for civil rights during They had the second-best record had passed away. is when you think about right now, the ’60s. (44-20) in the Western Conference “Don’t worry Ma Ma your grand- some of the stuff that John Lewis Rivers said they fl ew from Atlanta behind the Lakers (49-14). son on the way,” Harrell wrote. He was fi ghting for, we’re still fi ghting to Albany, Ga., to attend a speech George said it was “a little frus- continued, “I’m not built for this I for it. Voter suppression right now is Young was giving at an “all-white trating” to have the season placed on can’t stop crying.” at an all-time high. It’s amazing how church,” and that Young gave an pause, but he does see some benefi ts When Harrell returns, as is ex- hard … “absolutely amazing speech” and for the Clippers as they prepare for pected by the team, the NBA’s health “We have a group of people who the “crowd was going crazy.” the NBA restart to the season at the and safety protocols requires the are trying to get people not to vote. On the fl ight back to Atlanta, Riv- Walt Disney World Resort in Orlan- center — who averages 18.4 points Latinos, Blacks and young people ers said Young asked the young play- do, Fla. off the bench — to quarantine be- are the targets. That’s who they are er what he thought of the speech. “We played ourselves into that tween four and 10 days when he re- trying to get not to vote. And it’s “I jokingly said, ‘Well, Mr. Young, chemistry, into that zone we were turns to the bubble. amazing when you think about how I thought the speech was great, but in. We were getting guys healthy,” “This is obviously a matter at long ago that was and yet we’re still I don’t think you’re getting one vote George said Saturday morning on a home that he did need to go to,” Riv- fi ghting that fi ght.” from that church,’ ” Rivers recalled. video conference call with report- ers said. “So, we’re just going to wait Rivers recalled meeting Lewis “And everybody started laughing. ers. “That was really the team com- for him. Like, when he needs to get when the then-guard played for the John Lewis piped in and says, ‘Well, ing together. We added Reggie, we back, he’ll be back.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 20, 2020 SPORT

MLB Blue Jays not allowed to play games in Canada By Bradford William Davis dangers of baseball’s travel dynamic proposal to all three levels of govern- New York Daily News in his statement announcing the de- ment that featured a modifi ed quar- cision. “Unlike preseason training, antine at the Rogers Centre, are not regular-season games would require alone in seeking exemptions on gov- h, Canada, where quaran- repeated-cross border travel of Blue ernment public health rulings. tine means quarantine. Jays players and staff , as well as op- With opening day less than a week The Toronto Blue Jays ponent teams in and out of Canada. away, the Dodgers and Nationals Owere denied an exemption Of particular concern, the Toronto have reportedly sought exemptions from their homeland to play during Blue Jays would be required to play in on municipal 14-day quarantine the pandemic, and instead, will mi- locations where the risk of transmis- rules for players and staff exposed to grate to either Buff alo, NY, or Dun- sion remains high,” said Mendicino in the virus. The Nationals, who were edin, Fla., to preserve their baseball a statement. contemplating moving their July 23 season. The decision to keep the bor- “Based on the best-available pub- home opener against the Yankees to der closed for non-essential travel lic health advice, we have concluded their Class-A minor league facility in was reported by the AP on Saturday. the cross-border travel required for Fredericksburg, Va., or their spring Though Canada allowed the Jays MLB regular-season play would not training complex in West Palm Beach, to return to their usual Rogers Centre adequately protect Canadians’ health Fla., were spared from the city’s law home for summer training camp, the and safety.” on Friday, but not without a strongly- country did so under strict measures, The team responded to the news worded statement from the D.C. De- forbidding their players from travel- in a deferential statement, thanking partment of Health. ling anywhere but the stadium and their government offi cials, including “DC Health opines that this pro- the hotel attached to the ballpark. The the ones that ruled against them re- posal poses a potential risk to others Jays presented a 176-page return-to- launching the season in Toronto. in the workplace, both employees and play proposal to city, province and “From the onset of discussions non-employees, who may come into national government that continued with league and government offi cials, contact with the individual who has a modifi ed quarantine at the Rogers the safety of the broader community been exposed to Covid-19 and con- Centre and hotel the team was sta- — our fans — and the team remained tinues to work,” wrote Christopher tioned at during training camp. the priority of everyone involved, Rodriguez, director of the Homeland But travelling routinely to and from and with that, the club completely Security and Emergency Manage- the United States, a nation that has respects the federal government’s ment Agency, in a letter written to the struggled so greatly with coronavi- decision,” said team president Mark Nationals president. rus, was a non-starter considering Shapiro in a statement. The longtime “As such, the Washington Nation- multiple Blue Jays were infected while exec said “cannot wait until the day als (adopt) this modifi ed policy with staying sharp at their Dunedin spring comes that we can play in front of our the understanding and acceptance training site. Canada Immigration fans on Canadian soil.” The Jays, who of this risk to its workforce and other Minister Marco Mendicino cited the presented a 176-page, return-to-play members of the public.” The Toronto Blue Jays play an intra-squad game at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 9, 2020. (TNS)

FOCUS NBA Rare LeBron trading card NFL and union gear auctioned for $1.8mn up for additional coronavirus talks ‘WE KNOW THAT PLAYERS ARE TAKING ALL OF THE RISK BY RETURNING TO WORK’

AFP $150,000. New York The Cavaliers selected the highly touted James with the fi rst pick in the 2003 NBA BA superstar LeBron draft. The Akron, Ohio, native James is a record- scored 25 points on 12-of-20 Nsetter in the memo- shooting with nine rebounds, rabilia world as well six assists and four steals in his as on the court. debut against the Sacramento A rare James trading card Kings. from his rookie season in the He posted 20.9 points, 5.9 NBA with the Cleveland Cava- assists and 5.5 rebounds to win liers — one of only 23 manu- the Rookie of the Year award. factured — sold for $1.8mn Now a 16-time All-Star, ($1.57mn euros) on Saturday, three-time NBA champion Goldin Auctions said. and four-time NBA Most Val- James signed the card, uable Player, James was av- which features a patch from eraging 25.7 points per game, one of his jerseys, and it was 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds graded at 9.5 — “Gem Mint when the NBA season was condition” according to the halted amid the coronavirus auction house. pandemic. “The incomparable super- He has led the Lakers to fi rst star has penned a vivid blue place in the Western Confer- ink signature on the obverse ence with the league preparing of this ultra-premium collect- to resume action on July 31. ible,” Goldin Auctions said in The previous record for the description of the item. most expensive modern day “Its cardfront presentation sports trading card belonged to also incorporates an excep- Los Angeles Angels star Mike tional, tri-colour James-worn Trout. jersey patch relic.” In May, one of Trout’s cards Bidding began on the card at sold for $923,000. The NFLPA has indicated it would seek to stop camps once a player files a complaint.

Reuters rector of the NFL Players Association, [could derail] an entire team because Players voice concerns over safety Avalanche defenceman Makar sits out practice Los Angeles said in a video call with reporters that all the people who were close contacts consistent testing will be non-nego- need to get through the protocols to FL players camps will open as sched- olorado Avalanche tiable. make sure they’re not sick and trans- launched a co- uled. Rookies are to report defenceman Cale he NFL said in a state- “We believe daily testing is impor- mitting this virus to everyone around Nordinated Twitter on Tuesday, quarterbacks CMakar did not partic- ment issued on Friday that tant, especially given some of these them,” players association president blitz yesterday and injured players are to ipate in practice yes- Tprogress has been made hot spots,” Smith said, referring to the and Browns centre J C Tretter said. calling for the league to report two days later and all terday, one day after exiting toward safely playing amid numerous NFL cities experiencing a “You don’t have enough bodies to address their health and other players are to report a session with an undisclosed the coronavirus pandemic but ac- sharp increase in coronavirus cases. put on the fi eld.” In his videoconfer- safety concerns before the on July 28. injury. knowledged not all issues have been “We don’t right now plan on chang- ence on Friday, Smith also had a mes- start of training camp. Rookies for the Kansas City Per the NHL’s new update settled with the players union. ing that position.” Atlanta, Phoenix, sage for football fans: Everyone needs At around noon ET, star Chiefs and Houston Texans policy, coach Jared Bednar “NFL clubs met today via vide- Houston and the entire state of Florida to wear a mask if they want to watch players including Drew are scheduled to report on was unable to reveal Makar’s oconference and received an update on are among the NFL markets that have football this fall. Brees, J J Watt, Patrick Ma- Monday, as those clubs kick status and deemed him unfit preparations for the 2020 season,” the experienced a surge in the virus. “What’s good for the country is homes and Russell Wilson off the NFL season on Sept to practice. league said. “We will continue to im- Smith said the NFLPA called “an good for sports,” Smith said. “Some- all posted similar messages 10, ahead of all other teams. Ryan S. Clark of The Athletic plement the health and safety proto- emergency meeting” Thursday night thing as simple as wearing a mask will with the hashtag #WeWant- Responding yesterday, play- noted the absence of Makar, cols developed jointly with the NFLPA, with team doctors in the most-aff ect- have probably the most signifi cant im- ToPlay. ers listed several concerns who joins Vancouver Canucks and based on the advice of leading ed regions, and the medical profes- pact on the extent and whether sport “What you are seeing today and questions they want to defenceman Quinn Hughes Draft. The 21-year-old’s four medical experts, including review by sionals said it was safe to begin foot- returns in this country.” is our guys standing up for see addressed before po- and Chicago Blackhawks game-winning goals are tied the CDC. We will address additional ball. Camps are scheduled to open July The NFLPA released a statement each other and for the work tentially jeopardizing their forward Dominik Kubalik as for first among rookies this issues in a cooperative way. All deci- 28, but rookies will report Monday to Friday afternoon saying the players their union leadership has health during the ongoing finalists for the 2019-20 Calder season. sions will be made in an eff ort to put several teams, even as the negotiations shouldn’t have to take both increased done to keep everyone as coronavirus pandemic. Memorial Trophy. The award Makar is bidding to become us in position to play a full regular sea- continue. Players can fi le a grievance physical risk, and increased fi nancial safe as possible,” NFL Play- “We still have not been is presented “to the player se- the sixth player in Avalanche/ son and postseason culminating with to delay the start of training camps risk. ers Association president J granted the full and proper lected as the most proficient in Quebec Nordiques history to the Super Bowl which is the shared and use the reason of workplace con- “We know that players are taking C Tretter posted on Twitter. training camp acclimation his first year of competition.” capture the Calder Trophy and goal of the clubs and the players.” The ditions not being up to standards if all of the risk by returning to work. “The NFL needs to listen period necessary as recom- Makar has recorded 50 points fourth since the franchise re- statement did not address the issues Covid-19 protocols are still unsettled. We also know there will be a shortfall to our union and adopt the mended by the medical and (12 goals, 38 assists) in 57 located to Colorado, following that remain to be settled, but they are The NFLPA has indicated it would in revenues next year,” the statement experts’ recommendations.” training staff s,” wrote Watt, games since the Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon (2013-14), known to include additional health seek to stop camps once a player fi les a read. “We are bargaining for fair and In a memo sent to teams on the All-Pro defensive end selected him with the fourth Gabriel Landeskog (2011-12) protocols and fi nancial measures. complaint. reasonable ways to soften the short Saturday, the league said for the Texans. overall pick of the 2017 NHL and Chris Drury (1998-99). DeMaurice Smith, the executive di- “One positive test late in the week term economic losses in our business. Gulf Times Monday, July 20, 2020 5 SPORT

GOLF SUPER RUGBY Highlanders storm back from 31-7 Rahm aims at No. 1 down to stun Chiefs

AFP Highlanders captain Ash Wellington Dixon said there were stern words at half-time to cut out their unforced errors. dramatic 82nd- “In that fi rst half we were aft er late birdies minute try by Sio well off the pace and the Chiefs ATomkinson capped came out really well and we a thrilling second- couldn’t contain them and ‘The number one key thing is nothing half Otago Highlanders fi ght- gave away a lot of silly penal- back as they snatched a 33-31 ties,” he said. ‘special’ - 100% commitment to every shot Super Rugby victory over the “But once we got to the right Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton end of the fi eld and played a bit I hit. That’s what I need to keep doing’ yesterday. of ball things happened.” bring lead A dejected Chiefs captain Cane said the Chiefs had Sam Cane said it was like “try- enough opportunities to win ing to hold back a wave” as the but let themselves down. Highlanders, down 31-7 early “It certainly hurts to lose in the second half, stormed one at the death like that. We home with four unanswered had the win in our grasp and tries. we’re pretty disappointed,” he It was the second win for the said. Highlanders in New Zealand’s The opening burst from the post-coronavirus Super Rug- Chiefs produced tries to Lach- by Aotearoa competition. lan Boshier and Anton Lien- And both have come against ert-Brown, capitalising on the winless Chiefs, whose an ineff ectual defence, while coach Warren Gatland has hooker Bradley Slater found now presided over fi ve straight the line from a lineout drive. defeats. Damian McKenzie landed all Gatland, the celebrated three conversions and a pen- British and Irish Lions coach alty to give the Chiefs a solid who returned to New Zealand buff er before the Highlanders after steering Wales to the moved the scoreboard with a World Cup semi-fi nals last try to Marino Mikaele-Tu’u. year, had also seen his Chiefs Slater scored his second try, team lose to the Highlanders again from a lineout drive, two in the dying seconds in their minutes into the second half to opening Super Rugby Aotearoa have the Chiefs ahead 31-7. match last month. But they could not hold back On that occasion in Dun- the determined Highlanders edin, Gatland watched as his who were fi red up by All Blacks son Bryn slotted the match- scrum-half Aaron Smith who winning drop goal for the featured in all four of their Highlanders just before the second-half tries, scoring one fi nal whistle. himself. A similar outcome in the Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki return fi xture Sunday did not also touched down before look likely as the Chiefs raced Tomkinson’s dart to the line into a 24-0 lead after 20 min- for a try from Smith’s preci- utes with three converted tries sion pass on the last play of and a penalty, aided by a string the match levelled the scores of mistakes from the visitors. 31-31. The Chiefs had a 24-7 cush- Hunt kept his cool to con- ion at half-time and extended vert from almost in front of the lead to 31-7 with another the posts and complete the try soon after the restart be- comeback with the Highland- fore the Highlanders clicked ers scoring 26 unanswered and clawed their way back. second-half points. Jon Rahm of Spain putts on the 17th green during the third round of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP)

to set up a tap-in birdie to reach AFP LEADING THIRD-ROUND SCORES ISSF cancels 2020 general assembly, Washington 12-under and seize a three- stroke advantage. to hold video meetings (USA unless noted, par-72) 214-Scottie Scheff ler 71-73-70, Brendan Steele Double-bogey disaster then on Rahm, chasing the 204-Jon Rahm (ESP) 69-67-68 68-75-71, Kevin Na 74-69-71, Rory McIlroy 70-72-72, struck Finau at the par-3 12th The International Shooting issues of concern to Member world number one rank- 208-Tony Finau 66-69-73, Ryan Palmer 67-68-73 Jordan Spieth 70-70-74, Gary Woodland 68-70-76 when he found the rough, need- Sport Federation (ISSF) has Federations while avoiding Jing, birdied four of the last 210-Danny Willett (ENG) 74-66-70 215-Brendon Todd 75-72-68, Matthew Wolff 77- ed two chips to reach the green cancelled its 2020 General possible problems due to six holes to seize a four- 211-Henrik Norlander (SWE) 74-66-71, Jason Day 68-70, Zhang Xinjun (CHN) 72-73-70, Dylan Frittelli and missed a 10-foot bogey putt. Assembly in favour of holding technical failures, language stroke lead after Saturday’s third (AUS) 73-66-72 (RSA) 73-68-74, Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 75-66- Finau sent his tee shot into the “continental video meetings.” barriers, and time diff erences.” round of the US PGA Memorial 212-Matt Wallace (ENG) 72-70-70, Chez Reavie 74, Lucas Glover 69-72-74 water again at 14 on the way to The meet was scheduled Earlier, the ISSF had an- tournament. 71-67-74 216-Bubba Watson 78-68-70, Carlos Ortiz (MEX) a bogey and, after a birdie at 15, to be held in Munich from nounced cancellation of the The 25-year-old Spaniard 213-Patrick Rodgers 70-72-71, Patrick Cantlay 70- 74-72-70, Adam Hadwin (CAN) 76-70-70, Kim Si- took another double bogey at 17, November 21 but the ISSF 2020 European Shotgun birdied four holes in a row start- 70-73, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 74-66-73 woo (KOR) 73-73-70, Justin Thomas 74-67-75 needing two to reach the green revealed that the majority of Championship. Its proposed ing at the 13th, surging while from a bunker. “It was good and federations opined against qualification system for the Tony Finau stumbled from the then it wasn’t good,” Finau said. holding the meeting owing Tokyo Olympics has been lead on the back nine, to take Rahm can overtake Rory McIl- tomorrow,” Rahm said. at the par-3 eighth. “Ran into some speed bumps on to the coronavirus pandemic. accepted by the International command after 54 holes at Muir- roy and claim the world number “If my short game is that good In his late charge, Rahm sank a the back nine. Man, this course “The ISSF executive committee Olympic Committee (IOC). fi eld Village in Dublin, Ohio. one ranking for the fi rst time on tomorrow, I can keep it good tee 13-foot birdie putt at 13, dropped can get you quickly. supported the opinion of the “The allocation of 12 quota Rahm, whose most recent Sunday by converting a 54-hole to green and make it a good walk his approach just beyond four “I’m probably pretty fortu- Member Federations’ majority places (one in each individual victory came at the European lead into victory for the fi rst time down 18.” feet and sank the putt at 14, nate to be within a few shots.” who expressed their opinion event) according to the World Tour’s November season fi nale or placing second. The Jack Nicklaus-hosted holed a three-foot putt at the Finau is a six-time PGA run- during the survey that it would Ranking will be done based on in Dubai, fi red a four-under par With a win, Rahm needs McIl- event is the sixth tournament par-5 15th and rolled in a 26-foot ner-up whose only win came at be more rational to hold conti- the World Ranking list of March 68 to stand on 12-under 204 roy to fi nish worse than a two- since the US PGA Tour resumed birdie putt at the par-3 16th. the 2016 Puerto Rico Open. nental video meetings instead 31, 2020, and points earned at with Americans Finau and Ryan way share of second. If Rahm is following a three-month hiatus “Sixteen was a complete bo- England’s Danny Willett was of the 2020 General Assem- one ISSF World Cup in Rifle/ Palmer sharing second on 208 alone in second, he needs McIl- due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nus honestly,” Rahm said. “I fourth on 210 with Australia’s bly, taking into account the Pistol and one ISSF World after 73s. roy outside the top 30 and Justin all events played without spec- didn’t see how anybody could hit Jason Day and Sweden’s Henrik existing risks and restrictions,” Cup in Shotgun to be held in “I was perfectly happy mak- Thomas not to win. tators. Finau and Palmer shared that green. I got lucky.” Norlander sharing fi fth on 211. said ISSF governing body in a March-April of 2021,” it said in ing pars,” Rahm said. “When I “The number one key thing is the 36-hole lead at 9-under, one Finau began the back nine Reigning Masters champion statement. “This will allow for its statement in late May. The had that in mind, once I made nothing ‘special’ - 100% com- ahead of Rahm. with back-to-back birdies, hol- Tiger Woods, who battled back a more detailed discussion of new deadline for the Tokyo it through 12, I thought 13, 14, 15 mitment to every shot I hit. Rahm sank a fi ve-foot birdie ing an impressive 50-foot putt issues Friday and shot 76 to management reports on cur- 2020 qualification in shooting are holes you can attack if you That’s what I need to keep doing. putt at the par-5 seventh but at the par-4 ninth and reaching barely make the cut, fi red 71 to rent ISSF activities and specific is June 6, 2021.” (IANS) put it in the right spot.” If I do that I’ll be in good shape found a bunker and made bogey the green in two at the par-5 11th stand on 218.

COMMENT We have got to get fatigue back: England coach Jones

Reuters Barrett eyes return to fl yhalf aft er mixed bag at fullback A neck injury to Otere Black injured I’d be ready for that. er brother Jordie on Saturday, ngland coach Eddie Jones is expected to see Beauden “I’m just happy to be playing which has created a logjam of has called on rugby union’s Barrett return to his preferred where I can get ball in hand, options in the position. Elawmakers to implement flyhalf position next week, which that’s where I feel that I have The Chiefs’ Damian McKenzie, measures to speed up the should give him a chance to more influence.” and Crusaders Will Jordan game and increase fatigue, includ- recoup lost ground to Richie Barrett electrified the game and David Havili are all also in ing reducing the number of per- Mo’unga in the battle for the All with his play at flyhalf when contention at fullback for new mitted replacements in matches Blacks number 10 jersey. he succeeded Dan Carter in All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s first from eight to six. Barrett has been playing the national side following the squad next month. Jones said lengthy television fullback for the Auckland Blues 2015 Rugby World Cup and was reviews and debates with ref- in the Super Rugby Aotearoa named World Player of the Year erees have provided players with competition, although he moves in 2016 and 2017. extended breaks and prevented forward into the pivotal role if Mo’unga’s form since 2017 for them from tiring out, reduc- Black is substituted. the Canterbury Crusaders, how- ing spaces for teams to attack in Black suff ered a neck injury in ever, forced former All Blacks late-game situations. the 29-27 loss to the Wellington coach Steve Hansen to opt for “We have let fatigue go out Hurricanes on Saturday and a dual playmaker tactic last of the game,” Jones told British needed to be taken to hospital year with Barrett at fullback and media. “Apart from increasing for checks, opening the pos- Mo’unga playing flyhalf. the reserves to eight, we have sibility for Barrett to start in the Mo’unga sparked the Crusad- had to have head-injury as- number 10 jersey next week ers last week against the Blues sessment, which has slowed the against the Waikato Chiefs. where he outplayed Barrett, who game down. Jones said that the sport is end up like the NFL. I support to tidy up the TMO. You only “I enjoyed that role and it’s obvi- came under immense pressure “We have had increased tel- slowly beginning to resemble going down to six replacements have to watch rugby league in ously my preferred position,” and failed to stamp his authority evision match offi cial (TMO) in- American football with its fre- and encouraging referees to Australia where it is clear and Barrett told reporters. “I’ve been on the game. volvement and more protocols; quent stoppages. “We have got make a decision and get on with concise: one or two looks and training there for the second Barrett was also outplayed by and we have encouraged referees to get fatigue back, because we the game,” the Australian said. a referee knows if a try can be half of trainings in case Otey got Hurricanes fullback, and young- to be debaters.” need space. Otherwise we will “We have to fi nd some way awarded.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 20, 2020 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING FOOTBALL/SERIE A Sarri not afraid of Lazio or Juve future Quartararo claims ahead of key clash

AFP Milan

aurizio Sarri in- Spanish Grand Prix; sisted yesterday Mhe had no fear of Lazio nor his fu- ture as Juventus coach as he prepared his team for today’s crunch Serie A clash against a team his side have lost to twice this season. Marquez crashes out “Have you ever asked a For- mula One driver are you afraid of speed? It’s part of the job,” ‘We need to enjoy today a lot because it’s not everyday that you have your first said Sarri. “Everything goes well if you win and bad if you MotoGP victory and from tomorrow we will focus on next week’s race’ lose, but there’s no need to be afraid, this Juventus is a team Juventus’ coach Maurizio Sarri which is used to fi ghting. from Italy gestures during the “I’m happier feeling some- Italian Serie A match against one breathing down my neck.” Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium Reigning champions Ju- in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on ventus have seen a dip in form Wednesday. (Reuters) since the coronavirus lock- down, and are on a three-game before replacing Massimiliano winless run, picking up just Allegri, who took Juve to fi ve of two points and conceding nine their current run of eight con- goals in matches against AC secutive Serie A titles but paid Milan, Atalanta and Sassuolo. for two runners-up fi nishes in The league leaders hold a the Champions League. six-point cushion on second- The 61-year-old Sarri is placed Inter Milan, who can cut targeting the fi rst league title the gap when they play Roma in his 30-year coaching ca- later on Sunday. “We came up reer and with his team also against teams in great shape, it attempting to overhaul a 1-0 is a strange time we’re playing fi rst-leg defi cit to French club in which is unique in the his- Lyon in the Champions League tory of football,” said Sarri. last 16, he insists he wants to Lazio had been just a point continue in the Turin hot seat behind Juventus before the next season. lockdown but are now eight “I have a contract and I want points adrift, having lost four to honour it at all costs,” said of seven games since the league Sarri. “At Chelsea there was a returned to action last month. diff erent situation, I liked the Lazio beat Juventus 3-1 twice idea of going to England. Then in December - in the reverse last summer I wanted to come Serie A fi xture in Rome and the back to Italy. But the future is Italian Super Cup fi nal. tomorrow and we have to think “In a single game everything about every single game. All can change, so the diffi culty the rest comes as a result.” of this game speaks for itself,” Lazio, meanwhile, are chas- warned Sarri. “Lazio have had a ing a third Scudetto in the great season, they have proven club’s history and fi rst since to be a great team even if they are 2000. “I certainly had imag- going through a diffi cult period. ined it diff erently,” said coach “This is a team we have al- Simone Inzaghi, whose side ways struggled against.” had been on a 21-match un- Sarri led Chelsea to the Eu- beaten league run before the ropa League title last season three-month virus break.”

Djokovic returns to training aft er recovering from Covid-19 World No 1 tennis player No- subjected to severe criticism Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo celebrates winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez yesterday. (Reuters) vak Djokovic has returned to from a number of quarters. training after recovering from A lot of players supported Reuters RESULTS FROM THE SPANISH GRAND PRIX dropping to third, while Quar- coronavirus. Boris Bosnjako- him too, with French veteran Jerez, Spain tararo took advantage to move vic, the head coach at the No- Gilles Simon criticising the 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) World championship standings after one race back into the lead with Miller in vak Tennis Centre in Belgrade media for what he saw as 2. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) at 4.603sec 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT): 25 points second. Further back Marquez posted pictures on his Insta- unfair treatment meted out to etronas Yamaha’s Fabio 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) at 5.946 2. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 20 points began to carve his way through gram handle of the Serbian Djokovic when compared with Quartararo took his fi rst 4. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) at 6.668 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 16 the pack and eventually moved going through the motions, Swiss great Roger Federer. PMotoGP victory yester- 5. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) at 6.844 4. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 13 up to third with fi ve laps left. alongwith compatriot Filip “I knew Roger would step day, winning an inci- 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) at 6.938 5. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 11 But as Marquez challenged Krajinovic. Djokovic was one up to the plate when there dent-packed Spanish Grand Prix 7. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati-Avintia) at 13.027 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 10 Vinales for second, he was cata- of several tennis players who were discussions on the prize in Jerez after defending cham- 8. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) at 13.441 7. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati-Avintia) 9 pulted off his bike at turn four tested positive for Covid-19 money of the Grand Slams a pion Marc Marquez crashed out 9. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) at 19.651 8. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 8 before bouncing off the track and during his Adria World Tour. while ago,” he told L’Equipe. of the race. 10. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/-LCR) at 21.553 9. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 7 into the gravel. The 17-time Grand Slam win- “But the impression I have is Honda rider Marquez crashed 11. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Avintia) at 25.100 10. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Honda-LCR) 6 Marquez walked away from ner attracted criticism for that we lost him on the way, at turn four with four laps to go, 12. Alex Marquez (ESP/Honda) at 27.350 11. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Avintia) 5 the crash with the help of track the lack of social distancing that the representation of ending his race and injuring his 13. Brad Binder (AFS/KTM) at 29.640 12. Alex Marquez (ESP/Honda) 4 marshals but was clearly in pain measures through the course the players does not matter shoulder in the fall. 14. Tito Rabat (ESP/Ducati-Avintia) at 32.898 13. Brad Binder (AFS/KTM) 3 after being hit by the bike and of the tournament, which to him. If there is a voice that Quartararo’s victory was also 15. Bradley Smith (GBR/) at 39.682 14. Tito Rabat (ESP/Ducati-Avintia) 2 was later put in a neck brace ended up producing a cluster carries, it is his. “I see Djokovic the fi rst for Petronas Yamaha as 15. Bradley Smith (GBR/Aprilia) 1 before being taken to a medical of cases. Djokovic apologised like any human being, with he fi nished ahead of Yamaha’s centre. for the same while announc- his strengths and flaws. But Maverick Vinales and Ducati’s “Marc took a big hit to the up- ing that he and his girlfriend with Roger Federer, we only Andrea Dovizioso, who came Quartararo told reporters. “We Frenchman Quartararo had a of his bike and went into the per arm, now they are checking had tested positive for the talk about his strengths. With third just weeks after having need to enjoy today a lot because poor start and dropped to fourth gravel, but the defending world it and doing an X-Ray,” Honda disease that has brought Novak a” only about his flaws. surgery on a damaged left col- it’s not everyday that you have in the fi rst lap as Vinales took the champion managed to rejoin the team manager Alberto Puig said. almost all professional sport It would annoy everyone if larbone. your fi rst MotoGP victory and lead, with Pramac Ducati’s Jack race in 18th place. Miller fi nished fourth while to a standstill in most parts Djokovic breaks Federer’s “It felt amazing but strange to from tomorrow we will focus on Miller also looking for a podium Vinales, who had started with Franco Morbidelli gave Petronas of the world at various points records. It angers people that realise it because you (usually) next week’s race.” fi nish. There was drama at turn a soft front tyre, was struggling Yamaha another reason to cheer of the year. He was however he (Djokovic) is so strong.” have the fans around the track,” From his , four when Marquez lost control with 17 laps to go and went wide, when he came fi fth.

FOOTBALL/ Messi brace gives Barca therapeutic 5-0 fi nal day win

Reuters before Messi struck again, scor- after the dominant performance Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain ing his 25th league goal of the against Alaves, saying the team season which is almost certain to felt more confi dent ahead of land him the top scorer’s award their Champions League last-16 arcelona ended their for a record seventh time. second leg game with Napoli. disappointing La Liga Messi has four more goals than “Today we saw something Bcampaign on a high as Real Madrid’s else, it was a diffi cult game due Lionel Messi scored and is on course to win a record to the situation we were in and twice in a resounding 5-0 win seventh Pichichi trophy - award- the kick off time and heat but the at Alaves yesterday, easing the ed for being top scorer in Spain - team responded with a diff erent pain of last week’s shock defeat thus eclipsing the benchmark he attitude and showed great com- by Osasuna. Barca fi nished the shares with the late Telmo Zarra. mitment,” he added. season second in the standings “Individual prizes and objectives “We took a long hard look at on 82 points, four behind cham- are secondary. It’s an important ourselves from the inside which pions Real Madrid who visit achievement to win it seven is what we needed to do. We have Leganes later yesterday. Alaves times but I would have liked it to not had a good season in terms of are 16th on 39. have been accompanied by the performances or results but to- Teenage forward Ansu Fati put La Liga title,” Messi said. day we took a step forward. Barca in front midway through The Argentine had made the fi rst half after the visitors had headlines on Thursday following hit the woodwork three times, his angry post-match interview while Messi and strike partner after the 2-1 loss to Osasuna, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (second Luis Suarez further stretched blasting the team as weak and from left) celebrates his goal their lead before halftime. De- inconsistent, also appearing to with teammates during their La fender Nelson Semedo scored a criticise the running of the club. Liga match against Deportivo fourth early in the second half But he was in a happier mood Alaves yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, July 20, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Pearson sacked by Watford with two games remaining London: Watford have sacked with two games remaining of their season. Kane brace for Spurs The manager was dismissed yesterday afternoon, after the club deemed Friday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham unacceptable, a result which leaves them three points above the relegation zone. Pearson had overseen a hits City’s remarkable upturnafter taking charge in December, when the club had only eight points from their opening 15 matches. Since he replaced Quique Sanchez Flores, Watford have won more points than Leicester top-four hopes and seven other top-flight rivals. It is understood the club’s technical director, Filippo Gi- They are three points clear Southampton push Bournemouth closer to relegation after 2-0 win raldi, informed Pearson and his of Bournemouth, whose goal assistant, Craig Shakespeare, of diff erence is inferior and have AFP their fate. only one game remaining London The decision is understood after losing to Southampton to have come as a surprise to yesterday, and Aston Villa, who Pearson, who was under con- have two. Hayden Mullins, the arry Kane dealt a major blow to tract until the end of the sea- under-23s’ coach, is expected Leicester’s hopes of qualifying son. No agreement was in place to take caretaker charge, as he Hfor the Champions League yes- with regards to next season. did when Sanchez Flores was terday as the Tottenham striker Pearson had steered Watford dismissed. scored twice in a 3-0 win that boosted to fourth-bottom and the brink Pearson is the third manager his side’s bid to reach the Europa League. of safety after an extraordinary to depart this Tottenham took the lead through James turnaround, including memo- season, with sacked Justin’s early own goal before Kane took rable wins over Manchester in September, four months on centre stage with two superb fi nishes be- United and Liverpool, the latter from leading Watford to an FA fore half-time. ending Jürgen Klopp’s hopes Cup final, and Sanchez Flores, It could be a hammer blow to fourth- of an unbeaten season. They who was sacked after failing to placed Leicester’s Champions League had won two of their past three overturn a desperate start to dreams. They are ahead of fi fth placed matches to leave their destiny the season. Manchester United only on goals scored in their own hands before fac- Whoever replaces Pearson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have ing Manchester City tomorrow will be the club’s 13th appoint- played a game less than Leicester. in the penultimate game of the ment since took United return to league action against season. They travel to Arsenal charge nine years ago. West Ham on Wednesday before a deci- on Sunday. (The Guardian) sive showdown against Leicester at the King Power Stadium on the last day of the season next Sunday. Chelsea, who have two games left against Liverpool and ROUND-UP Wolves, remain one point above Leices- ter in third. ’ side have won just two of their eight league games since the coronavirus hiatus, potentially Monaco appoint squandering a golden opportunity to re- turn to the Champions League for the fi rst time since 2016-17. Kovac as new coach After a fourth win in their last fi ve games, Tottenham climb to sixth place ormer Bayern Munich better known as ‘Biri-Biri’ and a with one game remaining at Crystal Pal- coach Niko Kovac signed Sevilla fan favourite in the 1970s, ace. Wolverhampton Wanderers, two Fon in Monaco, the French died yesterday aged 72, the points behind Tottenham, would go back club has confi rmed La Liga club confi rmed. “This above Jose Mourinho’s side if they beat Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (right) scores past Leicester’s Jonny Evans during the match yesterday. (AFP) yesterday. Kovac signed a three- morning he died in a hospital Palace in their penultimate match to- year contract, Monaco said. He in Dakar,” read a statement on morrow. Mourinho has insisted he isn’t as he plunged to his left to make a one- minutes later. Cutting in from the left half at before Bournemouth’s takes over from Robert Moreno, Sevilla’s offi cial website, adding embarrassed at having to motivate the handed save from Ayoze Perez’s close- side of the Leicester area, Kane shifted saw his dramatic stoppage- who was appointed to the Ligue that he “had recently under- 2019 Champions League fi nalists for their range half-volley. Kasper Schmeichel the ball away from the slow-to-react time equaliser disallowed for off side. 1 club in late 2019. Kovac will gone an operation he could not push to reach the less glamorous Europa made an equally good stop at the other Ryan Bennett before curling a brilliant Che Adams added Southampton’s be in charge of training at the overcome.” League. Mourinho’s players seem to agree end when the Leicester keeper tipped strike into the far corner. second goal with virtually the last kick La Turbie training centre today. Biri-Biri signed for Sevilla judging by the way they put Leicester to over Son’s drive after he ran onto Harry Leicester were facing certain defeat, to leave Bournemouth with nine defeats Ligue 1 kicks off its new season in 1973, when the Andalusian the sword. They took the lead in the sixth Winks’ long pass. Kane had netted 14 but they could still help their European and only one win from their last 12 league on August 23. team, where he would play for minute thanks to a large stroke of luck. times in his previous 13 games against ambitions by improving their goal diff er- matches. ’s second-bottom Monaco said earlier on Sunday fi ve years, was in the second Son Heung-min cut back inside for Leicester and he tormented them again in ence. Perez’s long-range eff ort was well side are three points from safety with just that Moreno is no longer their division. He went on to become a shot that took a wicked defl ection off the 37th minute. saved by Lloris, while substitute Demarai one game left, while their goal diff erence coach, amid frist reports that one of the key fi gures in Sevilla’s Justin as it fl ashed into the net, with Breaking at speed from a cleared Gray was also denied by goalkeeper. Har- is four inferior to fourth-bottom Wat- former Croatia and Bayern Mu- promotion to the top fl ight in Leicester’s appeal for off side against Leicester corner, Lucas Moura slipped a vey Barnes couldn’t beat Lloris either as ford. Bournemouth’s fi ve-year stay in the nich helmsman Kovac will take the 1974-75 campaign, when he Kane rejected by VAR. Leicester initially pass to Kane, who timed his run perfectly Leicester slipped to a painful defeat. top-fl ight will be over if Watford take one his place at the Ligue 1 club. “AS scored 14 goals. responded well and Wes Morgan’s header to beat the off side trap and guide a nefi Meanwhile, Bournemouth were point from their last two games against Monaco announce that the Club In 109 appearances for Sevilla, caused panic in the Tottenham defence, fi rst-time fi nish past Schmeichel with his pushed to the brink of relegation from the Manchester City and Arsenal. Watford has launched a procedure lead- Biri-Biri scored 34 goals. “Many but ’s backheeled eff ort was supposedly weaker left foot. Premier League as Danny Ings inspired face City on Tuesday before the fi nal day ing to the departure of Robert players have better statistics in saved by Hugo Lloris. Kane followed his 22nd club goal of the Southampton’s 2-0 win over their south- on July 26 when Bournemouth travel to Moreno. The Spanish coach was Sevilla’s history but few have Lloris was tested again moments later season with an even better strike three coast rivals. Ings struck late in the fi rst Everton and the Hornets meet Arsenal. informed of this in a preliminary made such an impact as he did,” meeting on Saturday,” the club Sevilla said. said in a short statement. SPOTLIGHT Moreno was appointed late AUSTRALIA WOMEN’S in 2019 at Monaco who were FOOTBALL COACH MILICIC placed ninth when the Ligue 1 QUITS AFTER TOKYO DELAY was abandoned because of the The Australia women’s foot- Howe urges Bournemouth to keep believing coronavirus pandemic. “Our ball team were hunting for a paths parted sooner than ex- new coach yesterday after Ante Reuters day. “I have no opinion. I have no idea if it pected but I would like to thank Milicic quit in the wake of the Bournemouth, England will aff ect them,” Howe said when asked Robert Moreno for accepting Tokyo Olympics being pushed about the reported sacking with Watford the challenge. Together with his back a year. at home to Manchester City on Tuesday staff , Robert has done his utmost The highly rated ex-Socceroos ournemouth manager Eddie and away at Arsenal next Sunday in their to improve the team, with assistant was due to steer the Howe urged his team to keep last two outings. enthusiasm and dedication of Sam Kerr-led Matildas at Bbelieving they can avoid relega- “A big chunk of our destiny was still in his time,” general manager Oleg Tokyo 2020 this month, but has tion even after a 2-0 home loss to our hands today, but it feels like that has Petrov said. decided not to continue after south-coast rivals Southampton in their slipped away a little bit,” he added. “We Kovac has been out of the job the Games were postponed for penultimate game of the season yester- had a detailed game plan. It could have since being released in Munich a year. Milicic had been due to day saw them slip to second bottom in the fi nished a very diff erent scoreline with the in November 2019. He won a take up a three-year contract Premier League. chances we had, but the ball just didn’t Bundesliga and German cup with new men’s A-League club Extending their fi ve-year stay in the seem to bounce the right way for us.” double with Munich in 2018- Macarthur FC after the Olym- Premier League now depends on other Bournemouth saw two VAR decisions 19 and the cup with Eintracht pics, which he said he would results going their way but Howe said go against them — fi rst when Harry Wil- Frankfurt a year earlier. He also honour. that “while there is still hope, we have to son gave away a penalty and then when a coached his native Croatia 2013- “I have enjoyed the past 18 believe.” Bournemouth’s (right) and look dejected after their loss to potential last-gasp equaliser from sub- 2015. months with the Matildas im- “You never know in football. That’s Southampton in the Premier League yesterday. (Reuters) stitute Sam Surridge was ruled out for mensely and, in an ideal world, my immediate thought,” he told a news off side. “It’s incredibly diffi cult. It hasn’t GAMBIA’S ‘BIRI-BIRI’, we would have been in Japan conference after the defeat left Bourne- the relegation zone in 17th with a game hope Watford lose their fi nal two games only happened to us, but it feels like we FORMER SEVILLA FAN right now just days away from mouth on 31 points from 37 games, three in hand. The Cherries must now win at to have any chance of staying up. Watford have been on the end of a few calls that FAVOURITE, DIES the start of the Tokyo 2020 points behind Watford who are just above Everton on the last day of the season and had fi red manager Nigel Pearson yester- have gone against us,” Howe added. Gambian Alhaji Momodo Njle, Olympic Games,” he said.

FOCUS celebrate title in style at Derby, Barnsley boost survival bid AFP Chris Martin had given Derby a To give this achievement to our A stoppage-time winner from Leeds United’s London second-half lead, Bielsa’s new- supporters. Say thanks to the club Patrick Schmidt earned Barnsley a look side hit back through Pablo and the authority for all they allow vital 1-0 victory over Nottingham (left), (centre) Hernandez, Jamie Shackleton and us to do.” Forest at . and celebrate eeds United celebrated Matthew Clarke’s own goal to reg- Leeds’ fi rst trophy since 1992 is The dramatic fi nish keeps sec- after winning the promotion to the Premier ister their 27th league win of the a rare piece of silverware for Biel- ond bottom Barnsley’s survival Championship at Pride League yesterday with a season. sa, who won Olympic gold with hopes alive going into the fi nal Park in Derby, Britain, L yesterday. 3-1 victory at Derby Coun- Leeds’ board have made it clear Argentina in 2004 and a league ti- game of the season. They are two (Reuters) ty as the Championship winners they want to tie Bielsa to the club tle with Newell’s Old Boys in 1991. points behind fourth-from-bot- turned on the style. Marcelo Biel- with an extended contract. When “Of course the trophy makes me tom Charlton, who visit Leeds on sa’s side had started their promo- Bielsa arrived at in happy, but I’ve worked in football Wednesday. tion celebrations on Friday when 2018 his contract gave Leeds the for 35 years and one title doesn’t Third-bottom Luton, also two second-placed West Bromwich option of extending it at the end change a lot,” Bielsa said. points above Barnsley, host Black- Albion lost to Huddersfi eld. of each season for the following “It really makes me happy. It’s burn in their fi nal match. Barnsley Leeds were confi rmed as cham- three years. the fact I did it with this group face a daunting trip to Brentford, pions on Saturday after third- But the former Marseille and of players across two years. More who are still in the hunt for auto- placed Brentford were beaten Lazio boss refused to reveal his than the capacity of this experi- matic promotion. by Stoke. Bielsa made a host of thoughts on his future. “I don’t ence. Promotion was the capacity Fifth placed Forest should still changes in his side’s fi rst match want to put the focus on me. Right of our players. The capacity of the qualify for the play-off s as they since they were assured of end- now, it’s not the moment to talk group solved every situation that hold a three-point lead and a su- ing the club’s 16-year exile from about this,” he said. “It’s a mo- happened. The prize has to be for perior goal diff erence over seventh England’s top fl ight. But after ment to say thanks to our players. the players.” placed Swansea. Monday, July 20, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Aubameyang stuns City as Arsenal reach record 21st FA Cup fi nal AFP the fi rst half like we play the second,” so desperate to get him to sign a con- London Guardiola said after City mustered just tract extension. Defending deep, Arse- one shot on target, their fewest since nal were putting their bodies in the way 2018 against Liverpool in the Champi- of everything to keep City at bay. ikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s ons League. Arteta’s rope-a-dope plan brought “great chemistry” as the “We started low and without the way a rich reward in the 71st minute. City Msecret to their shock 2-0 you have to play. We are always ready left themselves open at the back and win over Manchester City many times but today we were not. I Aubameyang beat the off side trap as as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fi red knew they play fi ve at the back and with he accelerated onto Kieran Tierney’s his club to a record 21st FA Cup fi nal on high pressing. They defended well. It sublime pass before slotting under Ed- Saturday night. Gunners boss Arteta happened against Liverpool too so we erson. outwitted City manager Pep Guar- knew it. But we were not good.” diola with an astute counter-attacking With second place in the Premier ARTETA HOPES FA CUP RUN CAN scheme and Aubameyang struck in League secured, City have to focus on PERSUADE AUBAMEYANG TO STAY each half as Arsenal executed the plan the resumption of their Champions Meanwhile, Arteta hopes Arsenal’s run to perfection. League challenge in August, when they to the FA Cup fi nal can persuade Au- Arsenal will face Chelsea, who meet defend a 2-1 fi rst leg lead against Real bameyang to stay at the club. The Ga- Manchester United in the other semi- Madrid in the last 16. “Now we have two bon forward has just a year to run on his fi nal yesterday, in the fi nal at Wembley weeks,” Guardiola said. “We wanted to contract and has been linked with Bar- on August 1. Arteta captained Arsenal play the FA Cup fi nal, one week before celona and Paris Saint Germain, with to FA Cup triumph six years ago and, the Madrid game, to be in rhythm, but talks over a new deal to stay at Arsenal in his fi rst season in charge of the north we missed this chance.” yet to produce an extension. London club, the Spaniard has led them Arteta knows City well after his time The 31-year-old has admitted he has back to the fi nal of a competition they as Guardiola’s assistant and he set a big decision to make over his future. last won in 2017. out to exploit their weakness against But Arsenal boss Arteta is confi dent his “We have great chemistry, they really counter attacks, using Aubameyang team’s improved form and their forth- believe in what we are trying to do and and Nicolas Pepe to get behind City’s coming FA Cup fi nal appearance could you can sense that. They deserve it,” attacking full-backs Kyle Walker and be enough to convince Aubameyang to Arteta said. “To beat the best you need Benjamin Mendy. stay. “Good and beautiful moments, to take your opportunities and when Aubameyang made them pay in the they are always better than the bad you have to defend you have to put Arsenal’s striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (third left) celebrates with teammates Nicolas Pepe (right), Dani Ceballos (left) 19th minute. At the climax of an 18- ones,” Arteta said. everybody on the line. “I’m extremely and Hector Bellerin after scoring against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at . (AFP) pass move, Pepe’s deep cross caught “As I told you, the way I look at him happy and proud of our players, but it’s Walker dozing and Aubameyang eluded when I speak with him, he sounds very sad we cannot enjoy this moment Arsenal had lost their previous seven “We’ve had an incredible week to beat imise the spaces.” him to slide a fi ne fi nish off the far post pretty convinced. But obviously if he with our fans.” meetings with City, including a 3-0 the best two teams in Europe. It doesn’t City, unbeaten in their previous 22 from a tight angle. It was the kind of can see that success and the direction Just days after beating Premier drubbing in their fi rst game after the happen every day,” Arteta said. “I don’t domestic cup ties, were well short of incisive, imaginative attack that City we are taking is the right one, I think League champions Liverpool, Arsenal coronavirus hiatus. care who plays, I can trust them. We their best and Guardiola had no ex- usually torment Arsenal with, but for he will be more positive about it, yes. off ered further evidence that Arteta But, thanks to Arteta’s masterstroke, made changes and everyone was ready. cuses. “We didn’t play good. The only once it was the men in red celebrating. Hopefully it will help him to be more could be the man to restore them to the Arsenal handed Guardiola’s side a fi rst We had to suff er in many moments. We regret is not to lose the game, that can The Gabon striker’s 24th goal of the convinced we are going in the right di- glory days of the Arsene Wenger era. Wembley defeat in their last 10 visits. had to be really well organised and min- happen, but it is that we did not play season was a reminder why Arsenal are rection.”

FOCUS Duhail beat Kharaitiyat in friendly De Gea blunders put Chelsea in FA Cup fi nal Blues reach final for the first time since they last lifted the trophy in 2018

Al Duhail thrashed Al Kharaitiyat 7-1 in a friendly match, ahead of the resumption of the QNB Stars League. Sultan al-Brake, Youssef Msakni and Han Kwang scored in the first half as Duhail went to the break 3-up. Duhail scored two more goals through Abdel Rahman Mohamed and Almoez Ali before Al Kharaitiyat pulled one back. Almoez added his second, before Nasser al-Yazidi secured a thumping victory.

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (second left) scores past Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea (right) in the FA Cup semi-final yesterday. (AFP)

AFP that performance,” said Lampard. formation and sent on Martial in a return to London “Where we are at it is going to happen that their usual game-plan. Martial nearly had we have some bad displays like against Shef- an immediate impact after the lengthy in- fi eld United. We have done a lot of work in the jury delay as Kurt Zouma’s challenge on him helsea were gifted a place in the FA last few days and the players deserve a huge sparked a penalty appeal that was rejected by Cup fi nal as Manchester United amount of credit. They should take confi - VAR. Al Wakrah and Al Markhiya played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly encounter. Cgoalkeeper David De Gea made a se- dence form that display. We have leaders, you But it was Chelsea who took the lead deep ries of costly blunders in the Blues’ can’t compare across eras but we have leaders into fi rst half stoppage-time with Giroud’s 3-1 win yesterday. Frank Lampard’s side will in the team. It was a performance full of char- fourth goal in his last fi ve games. Anticipat- face London rivals Arsenal in the fi nal on Au- acter and personality. We have fi nals ahead, ing Azpilicueta’s low cross perfectly, Giroud QNB STARS LEAGUE gust 1 thanks to another nightmare display in Two in the league and then Arsenal. We want made an astute run in front of Victor Lindelof a horrendous season for De Gea. to win things. Three games won’t defi ne the and fl icked his close-range shot past the slow The Spaniard was at fault when he let Ol- progress we have made but we are at the busi- to react De Gea with the outside of his foot. ivier Giroud’s shot trickle over the line late in ness end,” he added. If that was bad from De Gea, there was even Al Khor prepare for tough the fi rst half at Wembley. And De Gea made an United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had worse to come one minute after half-time. even worse mistake moments after the inter- complained about Chelsea having two days It was a comedy of errors from United val when he allowed Mason Mount’s shot to more rest than his team before the semi-fi nal, as Brandon Williams gifted possession to match against Al Sadd evade his weak attempted save. but his gamble of starting Paul Pogba, An- Mount in midfi eld. Advancing unchecked While the spotlight was on De Gea and his thony Martial and Mason Greenwood on the by United’s back-pedalling defence, Mount l Khor will play reign- -8, having scored 19 goals and loss they suff ered at the hands future at the club after his latest howlers, bench backfi red badly. hit a long-range drive that lacked power and ing champions Al Sadd conceded 27. of Al Sadd in the fi rst leg, in a Chelsea were by far the better team as they United looked out of sync after switching should have saved by De Gea, but instead it Aat the Al Sadd Sta- Al Khor had lost 0-1 to Al deferred match that was played reached the FA Cup fi nal for the fi rst time to a back three formation and it was Chelsea squirmed through his grasp into the net. dium on July 25, when Arabi in Week 17 on 6th March on 21st January this year due since they last lifted the trophy in 2018. who set the tempo despite the absence of in- Pogba and Greenwood were introduced by the QNB Stars League resumes before the long break. Following to the latter’s AFC Champions ’s own goal was a fi tting end jured winger Christian Pulisic. Foreshadow- Solskjaer, but Chelsea remained on top and this weekend. The tournament, their fi rst coronavirus test, held League commitment. to a woeful performance from United, who ing the errors to come, Reece James’ long- De Gea fi nally made a decent save as he kept which had a long break due to as per the protocol developed Omar’s wards will be eyeing lost for the fi rst time in 20 games in all com- range blast forced De Gea into an awkward out Giroud’s fl ick from Alonso’s cross. the Covid-19 pandemic, will by the QSL in co-ordination maximum number of points, petitions despite Bruno Fernandes’ late pen- early save. Chelsea put the result beyond doubt in the resume as per the general plan with club authorities and ap- so they can stay from the rel- alty. United had beaten Chelsea three times Dominating possession and pressing with 74th minute when Mount found Alonso and and protocol for the remaining proved by the Ministry of Public egation zone. Besides intense this season, with two wins in the Premier intensity, Chelsea should have been ahead Maguire turned the Spaniard’s cross into his fi ve rounds. Teams are fi ghting Health, Qatar SC squad mem- training, they are readying for League and one in the League Cup. when Marcos Alonso headed over after Cesar own net under pressure from Antonio Rudi- to occupy the top positions, im- bers entered their team hotel the resumption of action by But Lampard, who won the FA Cup four Azpilicueta’s cross found him in a good posi- ger. Once again De Gea didn’t react quickly prove their rankings and avoid and got engaged in training. playing some friendlies. times as a player, had the last laugh with a tion at the far post. Fernandes was subjected enough and it would be no surprise if Dean the ignominy of relegation. After their second coronavi- Al Khor’s other remain- result that moves him closer to silverware in to some crunching tackles as Chelsea tried to Henderson, currently on loan at Sheffi eld Al Khor coached by Omar rus test, the players as well as ing matches in the QNB Stars his fi rst season as Chelsea boss. “I can’t ask knock United’s infl uential playmaker out of United, is competing for the Spaniard’s place Najhi are 10th in the standings technical and administrative League are against Al Wakrah for any more from my players than that. The his rhythm. next term. It was no consolation for United with 14 points. The Knights staff signed a pledge to abide (Week 19), Al Gharafa (Week work ethic and the level of performance. We When Eric Bailly was badly injured after a when Fernandes scored from the spot in the have three victories, fi ve draws by the protocol for leaving team 20), leaders Al Duhail (Week 21) were on top and when they changed their sys- clash of heads with Maguire late in the fi rst 85th minute after Callum Hudson-Odoi and nine defeats against their hotel for home quarantine. Al and Al Shahania (Week 22). tem we were even better. I am very proud of half, Solskjaer ditched his malfunctioning tripped Martial. name with a goal diff erence of Khor will look to avenge the 1-2 (qsl.qa)