FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 GOLF | Page 7 Chelsea will Munoz grabs take Man Utd PGA lead as on face value: Tiger struggles Lampard with 76

Saturday, October 24, 2020 CYCLING Rabia I 7, 1442 AH Cerny wins as rain GULF TIMES and protest sees 130km cut from Giro SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL / LA LIGA FOOTBALL / QNB STARS LEAGUE Defi ant Zidane urges Injury-hit Arabi take Real to come out on Wakrah fi ghting against Barca today By Sports Reporter as they remained on six points. Doha Wakrah had stunned holders Al Madrid are under pressure after consecutive defeats to Cadiz and Shakhtar Duhail in Week 2, with The Blue Wave under Spaniard Marquez Agencies uoyed by their fi rst vic- Lopez carrying on from where Madrid, Spain tory of the season, Al they left last season, where they Arabi will look to keep fi nished sixth. the momentum going Lopez said short turnaround inedine Zidane says he Bwhen they take on Al Wakrah in between matches has made it has the full support of the QNB Stars League at the Qa- diffi cult for his side to prepare. Real Madrid president tar SC Stadium today. “We have prepared in the best Florentino Perez and has Arabi were languishing at 11th possible way under the current calledZ on his players to turn their in the table before last week’s 2-1 circumstances. We only had two season around by beating Barce- win over Umm Salal. They are days to train and, before that, two lona today. now seventh in the standings and days of recovery. Of course, this Madrid and their coach head their coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is not an easy job. We stopped to Camp Nou under pressure af- says their fi rst win of the season for a month and now we play two ter consecutive defeats to Cadiz has given them a much needed games in fi ve days, which is not in La Liga and Shakhtar Donetsk boost. But injuries to key players easy,” he said. in the Champions League. such as Mohamed Salah El Neel, In another match today, Qa- Asked yesterday if he still Hamdi Harbaoui, Sebastian So- tar SC host Umm Salal. Qatar SC feels the backing of the club and ria and Mahdi Torabi will make it are in 10th position with three president, Zidane said: “Yes, a tricky contest for Arabi against points that they collected from from everyone. I have won many Wakrah. their victory over last season’s things with these players and “Winning the last match will runners-up Al Rayyan in Week 3. I will always be with them to give us a boost against Wak- The Kings, coached by former the death. I will always be with rah,” said Hallgrimsson yester- Qatar international midfi elder them. day. “The team’s preparations Younis Ali, went down fi ght- “But we have to change our for the Wakrah match was good. ing 1-2 to reigning champions momentum, we have had two They are a good team that pos- Al Duhail last week, a result that diffi cult games, and that’s what sesses the ball well. They have saw them slip by two places in this is all about. There are always outstanding players, so we must the table. They had previously bad moments but there are those have 11 players on the fi eld ready lost 0-2 to Al Gharafa and 1-2 to teams in those moments that to fi ght for the team. We want Al Kharaitiyat. show their character and quality. to win the match and we have to After four rounds of action, We have to do that tomorrow.” Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane and Barcelona’s Dutch coach Ronald Koeman (right). (AFP) do everything we can to win the Umm Salal stay at the rock bot- Zidane said Sergio Ramos will match, but we also have to be tom of the table with only one be available to face Barcelona af- celona coach. good to discuss his role for every smart in our choice,” he added. point which they earned from ter recovering from the knee in- “Maybe in the last couple of game.” Pique lays into Barca over Messi Hallgrimsson confi rmed few their goalless draw with Al Khor jury that kept him out of the loss weeks Madrid haven’t been at Koeman will welcome back players will be missing from the in Week 2. The Orange Fortress to Shakhtar on Wednesday. their level but this doesn’t mean Jordi Alba for the visit of Real, Reuters “I ask myself: How can it be that line-up today, including infl uen- had lost 0-3 to Al Duhail in their “Sergio is our captain, our that they are a bad team. but will still be without fi rst- Madrid, Spain the best-ever player to have tial winger El Neel, who is out for opener and then 0-2 to Al Wak- leader,” said Zidane. “He’s re- “They are a big team, with choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre played the game, who we have six weeks. “We have more than rah in Week 3 and 1-2 to Al Arabi covered, he’s going to be with experienced players, who know ter Stegen and defender Samuel been lucky enough to enjoy, one player who will be absent last week. us. It’s about being one hundred how to cope with the pressure, Umtiti. The 57-year-old Koe- arcelona defender Ger- wakes up one day and sends from the Al Wakrah match, such Umm Salal, under the tutelage % though and I think that Sergio and they will want more than man played in 14 Clasicos while ard Pique has torn into a Burofax (recorded delivery as Mohamed Salah El Neel, who of their former player Aziz Ben is already there.” anyone to win this match after at Barca, but admitted it was Bthe club over their han- mail) because he feels like he’s will be absent for six weeks, in Askar from Morocco, will be keen Barcelona are also coming their two defeats.” a new feeling going into it as dling of the Lionel Messi con- not being listened to?” Pique addition to Hamdi Harbaoui, Se- not to leave it late this time, like into the Clasico on the back of “I don’t expect a vulnerable coach. tract situation, which resulted told La Vanguardia newspaper. bastian Soria and Mahdi Torabi, they did last season when they a loss in the league, although Madrid, I expect the opposite,” “Hopefully I’ll sleep alright! in the forward attempting to “It’s all too confrontational. and we do not know the period of managed to fi nish 10th after be- they responded to the 1-0 defeat Koeman added. Of course it’s diff erent, the best leave in the close-season. What’s going on? Messi their absence so far,” said Hall- ing on the brink of relegation. by Getafe last weekend by win- There are doubts over Anto- thing would be going out there The criticism comes two days deserves everything; the new grimsson. Meanwhile, a Super Sunday ning 5-1 at home to Ferencvaros ine Griezmann, who stayed on on the pitch, but my playing after the 33-year-old Pique stadium should be named Wakrah, on the other hand, is in store as surprise leaders Al on Tuesday in the Champions the bench for Barca’s victory in days are behind me,” he said. signed a new three-year deal after him first and then the went down from third to sixth Ahli face Al Sadd, before reign- League. midweek. “So the next best thing is to at Barca, with a vote of no sponsor. We should preserve place in the standings after their ing champions Al Duhail take on “In theory, both teams are un- It was not clear whether the be as close to the pitch as pos- confidence against the board our figureheads, not underap- 0-1 loss to Al Rayyan last week Al Rayyan. der a lot of pressure,” said Ron- Frenchman had been dropped sible. We know it’s an important led by Josep Bartomeu also preciate them. It really gets ald Koeman, who will be taking or rested. “He has a chance to match but I’m used to that kind imminent. to me.” charge of his fi rst Clasico as Bar- play,” said Koeman. “But it’s not of pressure.”

HORSE RACING Mohamed al-Attiyah’s Al Shaamikh stays unbeaten

Agencies spoils and stay unbeaten with a two-and-a-half lengths. Patsy Wolverhampton, United Kingdom fi ve-and-a-half length victory. Fagan was the runner-up for Dergham Athbah was second trainer Richard Fahey and jockey for trainer Philip Collington and Barry McHugh. Hemmsa, half- he Qatar-bred Al jockey Robbie Downey. Loolwa sister to the winner, was further Shaamikh made it two was a further half-length back three lengths behind in third for from two at Wolver- in third for the same trainer of trainer T J Kent and jockey Ray hampton on Thursday the runner-up and jockey Jim Dawson. whenT winning the Emirates Crowley. Khabib is trained by George Breeders Novice Stakes for his Scott in Newmarket. owner and breeder Mohamed AL RABBAN RACING HAS A The bay gelding and the fi lly bin Fahad al-Attiyah. NEW WINNER IN KHABIB placed third in this race are by In scoring his back-to-back Later in the evening, in the col- this year’s breakout star sire win, the three-year-old colt ours of Al Rabban Racing, Kha- Mehmas. Leading fi rst season also managed to give his trainer bib broke his maiden in the Lad- sire and only behind Kodiac in Jessica Quinlan another impor- brokes Watch Racing Online For the leading sires of two-year- tant win, especially as he was Free Nursery Handicap. old charts, the Al Shaqab stal- the fi rst runner ever for the new Khabib, owned by Al Rabban lion stands at Tally-Ho Stud in UK-based trainer when he won Racing in partnership with Part- Ireland. his debut on September 5, pre- Daniel Muscutt rides Al Shaamikh to Emirates Breeders Novice ner II, had been placed twice in Khabib is the fi rst foal out senting his and her credentials Stakes victory at Wolverhampton on Thursday. (Debbie Burt) fi ve previous starts. He made of the fi ve-time winner Lady fi rmly. most of the running and pulled Mega, who is a half-sister to Following his fi rst success, fi lled her wish on Thursday. strongly in mid-division under clear in the in fi nal furlong un- three other winners, including Quinlan had said, “I’m delight- This time he also stepped up jockey Daniel Muscutt before der jockey Ben Curtis. He stayed this year’s Gr 3 Mercury Stakes ed, hopefully that won’t be my to 1,800m from seven furlongs coming with his run on the out- on well to win the fi ve-furlong runner-up Muker, who is also a Al Arabi registered their first win of the season last week, defeating only winner!” Al Shaamikh ful- on debut. The grey colt travelled side. He fl ew to line to land the contest for two-year-olds by son of Mehmas. Umm Salal 2-1. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 24, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Liverpool boss Chelsea will take Klopp wary of unpredictable Utd on threat posed by Sheffi eld United

Reuters for this game.” Liverpool, United Kingdom With injuries to several fi rst- face value: Lampard team players and a lack of goal- scoring options, Sheffi eld United iverpool are unbeaten in started with four straight defeats Solskjaer’s men have bounced back with wins over Newcastle and PSG their last 61 home Pre- but showed signifi cant improve- mier League matches but ment in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw Reuters manager Juergen Klopp is with Fulham. Laware of the challenge posed by In the absence of the injured London, United Kingdom Sheffi eld United today. Virgil van Dijk, Brazilian mid- Premier League champions fi elder Fabinho moved to central anchester United’s Liverpool are closing in on a club defence and delivered an assured wildly unpredictable record of 63 home league wins, display as Liverpool beat Ajax start to the season set between 1978-81. The last Amsterdam 1-0 in the Champi- will have no bearing time they were beaten at Anfi eld ons League on Wednesday. Mon Chelsea’s Premier League trip in the league was when they lost Klopp, however, said his new- to Old Traff ord today, according 2-1 to Crystal Palace in April look defensive line still needs to Blues boss Frank Lampard. 2017. time to settle, with Van Dijk set United lost 3-1 and 6-1 at Chris Wilder’s Sheffi eld Unit- for an extended spell on the side- home to Crystal Palace and Tot- ed were last season’s surprise lines. tenham Hotspur respectively package after they fi nished ninth “We don’t want to know how but bounced back with an away on their return to the top-fl ight long he’ll (Van Dijk) be out for. It win at Newcastle United last but are winless and 19th after fi ve will take time that is clear,” Klopp weekend and pulled off a notable games of the new season. said. “We all know Fab can play win at Paris St Germain in the “Sheffi eld United... deserve a this position, he did it against Champions League on Tuesday. lot of attention for what they do Bayern (Munich) last year in a Chelsea have not won in the because it is really good,” Klopp home game, for example, and he league at Old Traff ord for seven told a news conference on Friday. played great. years and Lampard’s reign as “Even when the results are “But this line had not played manager began last season with not so far like they wished for together before the Ajax game. a 4-0 hammering at United. the performances, they have You can’t talk about it or ex- They also lost 2-0 at home, al- not been bad and I’m sure Chris change notes, it is about feeling though they did win the FA Cup Wilder knows that. what is right. It will take time semi-fi nal between the two. “For us that makes it tricky for these boys to get used to each “I think the league’s unpre- and they had full week to prepare other.” dictable, you can analyse all the games; you talk about certain games where big teams have conceded a lot of goals or there have been big turnarounds in games,” Lampard, whose side threw away a two-goal lead to Manchester United’s David de Gea (right) and teammates Axel Tuanzebe and Victor Lindelof (left) defend against Paris Saint-Germain’s draw 3-3 at home to Southamp- Layvin Kurzawa during the UEFA Champions League match in Paris, France, on Tuesday. (Reuters) ton last weekend, told reporters. “We’ve been part of one of was a calm presence. very close in the league,” Lampard fi rst game in 10 months as Unit- injury-free but I think he can those, and so have others. Mendy will start against Unit- said. “It’s an opportunity to get ed overcame Paris St Germain kick on, he’s a leader. “So I’m not interested in that, ed with Kepa Arrizabalaga ruled some very hard-earned points, 2-1 in the Champions League “He can play right back, cen- I think United are a very good out with a shoulder problem but it will be a tough match.” on Tuesday and Solskjaer was tre back, midfi eld, he’s a boy team, we’ve played them enough while Thiago is also available full of praise for the 22-year-old who takes responsibility for his last year to know that and I’m for selection with Chelsea’s only SOLSKJAER BACKS ‘LEADER’ centre back. own development and he’s do- not concerned in what might absentee being Billy Gilmour. TUANZEBE “It was a great performance ing everything he can to have have happened in games before. Veteran keeper Petr Cech will Manchester United defender by a kid who’s not played for 10 a long career at United and get We’ll take them at face value.” not travel despite being surpris- Axel Tuanzebe can enjoy a long months. I’m delighted for him, that consistency.” Chelsea have conceded nine ingly added to Chelsea’s Premier career at the Premier League such a professional character... Solskjaer brushed off media goals in fi ve games but were League squad. club and needs to improve his he works really hard, been thor- reports that the club had warned much-improved defensively in a Chelsea are eighth in the ta- consistency to realise his full ough in rehab,” Solskjaer told young forward Mason Green- 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla in the ble with United down in 15th so potential, manager Ole Gunnar reporters ahead of Saturday’s wood about his discipline, say- Champions League on Tuesday. both sides will be desperate to Solskjaer said yesterday. game against Chelsea. ing that the 19-year-old was a Veteran defender Thiago Silva put down a statement of intent. Tuanzebe, who has suff ered a “I’m pleased for him. Now it’s target because of his early suc- Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp gestures during the Carabao Cup was outstanding in that game “They went to Paris and got a number of injuries, kept Kylian about getting consistency in his cess and transgressions on in- fourth round match against Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, United while keeper Edouard Mendy fantastic result, and everything is Mbappe and Neymar quiet in his performances, he’s got to stay ternational duty. Kingdom, on October 1, 2020. (Reuters)

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Crazy schedule puts teams playing in Mourinho confi dent Son will commit Europe at disadvantage, says Guardiola career to Tottenham Reuters Manchester, United Kingdom Fans at screening but not at the stadium: Moyes questions logic ompeting in Europe this season has put teams Reuters at a disadvantage as London, United Kingdom the punishing schedule leavesC little time for players to recover between matches, Pep est Ham United boss Guardiola said yesterday. David Moyes yes- The Covid-19 pandemic Wterday questioned pushed the season’s start back the logic in allowing fans to to September and teams began watch a screening of their their European campaigns only match against Manchester this week. They will be play- City at a cinema near their ing group-stage matches every home ground while spectators Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min (centre) celebrates his goal week until the international continue to be barred from during the UEFA Europa League Group J match against Linzer ASK in break next month. entering stadiums. London, United Kingdom, on Thursday. (AFP) With Premier League fi xtures Premier League matches have sandwiched in between, Guar- been played without fans Reuters said the 28-year-old is ready diola said the “crazy schedule” since June due to the Covid-19 London, United Kingdom to commit the remainder of his made squad planning diffi cult pandemic but Saturday’s peak years to the club. ahead of today’s match against game will be screened for fans “Everybody in the club is to- West Ham United. at cinemas, including one just ottenham Hotspur man- tally in love with this player and “Defi nitely, this league is so a few minutes away from West ager Jose Mourinho be- trying to make him feel part of diffi cult,” Guardiola said in re- Ham’s London Stadium. lieves Son Heung-min the furniture,” said Mourinho. sponse to a question on whether “People (are) going to watch has proven his creden- “But I wish (for him to get a top teams were at a disadvantage Ttials as a world class player over new contract). He deserves one. a game in a cinema, close due to their European participa- to here, why can we not be the last few seasons at the north The club knows that and sooner tion. sitting outside in the open the same as 11th placed City London club and the South Kore- or later, without any pressure, “The guys who have seven, air doing it?” Moyes said at a who have a game in hand. an forward will be rewarded with they will arrive into a decision.” eight days between games have news conference. Moyes said City have strug- a new contract “sooner or later”. Spurs, unbeaten since their more time to prepare. On the “Maybe there’s other reasons gled for results this season as Son came on as a substitute opening weekend defeat by Ever- other side, we are competing for — maybe it’s the travelling on Pep Guardiola’s side are in a to score for the ninth time in ton, face Sean Dyche’s Burnley in titles and this is how we have to the tube, the bus, maybe it’s “transitional period” having all competitions this season as the Premier League on Monday. live. Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures as he the pubs. But if that is the case, failed to replace experienced Spurs claimed a convincing 3-0 Despite Burnley’s winless start “All the teams playing in Eu- exchanges words with Porto’s Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao please come out and give us players in their side in recent win over LASK Linz in the Eu- to the league season, Mourinho rope have the same problem... (left) during the UEFA Champions League Group C match in an explanation as to why we years. ropa League on Thursday. said Spurs players cannot aff ord Right now the day before I don’t Manchester, United Kingdom, on Wednesday. (AFP) can’t do it. “They lost Vincent Kompany When asked what Son needs to to be complacent at Turf Moor. know my selection. We play to- “I’m certainly not an expert a year or two ago and they do to become a world class play- “You will feel how strong they morrow at 1230, not much re- “Some of them would be in- “It looks like there are unex- on a pandemic. But I watched lost David Silva (last season),” er, Mourinho told reporters: “It are by March, April when lots of covery. The guys train well and volved, some of them, no,” he pected results, but the situation the European games this week Moyes said. “So they’re trying is up to you — he cannot do more teams will be fi ghting to avoid tonight we decide.” said. “You will know tomorrow.” is all over the world not just in and have seen crowds back in to add to and get the level of than what he does. relegation and they will already Guardiola did not reveal City are 11th with a game in this bubble,” he added. diff erent countries. It’s hard to those players that they’ve had “Season after season after be safe,” he said. whether midfi elder Kevin De hand and Guardiola said fans can “I think before I came here the believe we can’t do that... Why over the years. They’re looking season Sonny is showing how “Burnley is Burnley; the way Bruyne and defenders Nathan expect an “open title race” this history of the Premier League can those countries be doing it for that. good he is. Of course, the better they play, the players they have, Ake and Aymeric Laporte would season after Liverpool and City speaks for itself. It’s the most and not us?” “I think Manchester City are the team is the easier it is for the their style of play, the manager be involved while striker Gabriel dominated the last two cam- open league in the world... The West Ham are ninth in the still one of the best teams in players to emerge.” — nothing changes there. It is Jesus is still not training with the paigns as the league got to grips normality will be back this sea- standings with seven points, the world.” Son is under contract at Spurs always diffi cult, and it is going to team. with the Covid-19 pandemic. son.” until June 2023 but Mourinho be diffi cult.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 24, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE UPDATE What they said Virus forces about Pele From some of the best quotes from the past Belgian about Brazilian legend Pele, who celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday, to a few spoken/written Milan win at football recently. (FIFA.com) back behind “Pele revolutionised football. Pele stopped a war. Pele united countries, united families. There was no race problem, language problem. I was born in 1970. closed In 2002, I became a world champion. I was captain. I had the honour of receiving the World Cup Trophy Celtic, Alkmaar from no less than whom? Pele! Man! If I say any doors more I’ll cry. It’s really emotional!” Cafu, Brazilian former player AFP Brussels, Belgium “The greatest goal I ever scored was a one-two with Celeste – we named him Edson Arantes do Nascimento.” ootball league matches and Dondinho, Pele’s father stun Napoli other professional sport- ing events in Belgium will “To watch him play was to watch the delight of a once again be played behind child combined with the extraordinary grace of a Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur cruise to comfortable 3-0 wins closedF doors this weekend because man in full.” of the coronavirus epidemic, top of- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa fi cials announced yesterday. Prime Minister Alexander de Croo “He wasn’t even 18 years old. To do everything that had been expected to tighten the he did in a World Cup, in a Final… 99 per cent of the country’s partial anti-virus lock- Sweden supporters were cheering for Pele. Pele was down at a news conference yester- from Saturn.” day but new measures were limited Pepe, Brazilian former player beyond those aff ecting sports. Belgium is experiencing one of “I told myself before the game, ‘He’s made of skin the most severe second waves of and bones just like everyone else’. But I was wrong.” Covid-19 in the world and has re- Tarcisio Burgnich, the Italy defender who marked imposed some restrictions in recent Pele in the Mexico 1970 Final weeks, including closing bars and restaurants. At yesterday’s virus news confer- ence, senior offi cials said mass gath- erings for sporting, cultural and ed- ucational events would face further restrictions. The most visible measure will be a return to empty stadiums for Pro League football matches from Friday night until at least November 19. “We’re taking the same line as that we decided for the Tour of Flanders,” said Flanders regional president Jan Jambon, referring to the popular an- A woman takes pictures of a mural depicting nual bike race. Brazilian legend Pele in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Amateur sporting associations Brazil, on Wednesday. (AFP) AC Milan’s Jens Petter Hauge celebrates his goal during the UEFA Europa League match against Celtic in Glasgow on Thursday. (AFP) had already announced on Thursday that all their events would be sus- “I think Pele was better than all of them. For me Reuters cruising to an easy win at Celtic Villarreal and Turkey’s Si- spurred on the London side who pended until the same date. there’s no comparison. He didn’t have one defect. Stockholm, Sweden after fi rst-half goals from Rade vasspor played out an eight-goal lost the 2019 Champions League In universities, only a fi fth of en- Maradona was spectacular, but he wasn’t on Pele’s Krunic and Brahim Diaz. thriller in Group I, with the Span- fi nal to Liverpool. rolled students will be allowed to level physically, he didn’t score the numbers of However, the Scottish champi- ish side grabbing a 5-3 win thanks “We went out there today and attend a lecture hall in person at any goals Pele did. Messi’s spectacular, but he doesn’t C Milan withstood a late ons came roaring back in the sec- to a late double from striker Paco did a great job. We were solid and one time, but primary and secondary head the ball like Pele did, he doesn’t shoot as well onslaught to beat Celtic ond half and reduced the defi cit Alcacer. threatening and the most impor- schools will remain open for now. with both feet, he doesn’t pull off the moves that 3-1 and AZ Alkmaar through Mohamed Elyounoussi. Arsenal, who have not claimed tant thing in these games at the With 620 confi rmed coronavirus Pele did. Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional player, overcame the loss of 13 Milan needed a late goal from a European trophy since lift- start is to get the three points,” cases per 100,000 people, Belgium but he doesn’t have the ability that Pele had and he playersA with positive Covid-19 Jens Petter Hauge, his fi rst for the ing the old Cup Winners’ Cup Bale told BT Sport. is behind only the Czech Republic doesn’t pull off the incredible passes that Pele did. tests to secure a shock 1-0 win club, to put the Group H game out in 1994, went behind at Rapid Bayer Leverkusen went on the among EU member states in terms of If you take the qualities of Cristiano Ronaldo and at Napoli as the Europa League of reach. Vienna but defender David Luiz rampage against French side Nice the scale of the epidemic. Messi, put them together, then you’d have a player group stage got underway on Kemar Roofe scored a superb and striker Pierre-Emerick Au- in a 6-2 victory that saw winger By Friday, the kingdom of 11.5mn to compare to Pele!” Thursday. stoppage-time goal for Rangers, bameyang struck late on for a 2-1 Karim Bellarabi score twice late people had recorded 270,132 cases Tostao, Brazilian former player London sides Tottenham Hot- bustling past three players from Group B win. on for the home side in Group C. of Covid-19 and 10,588 deaths since spur and Arsenal also made win- the edge of his own area before Fellow Premier League sides AS Roma came back from a goal the epidemic erupted. “Pele took football to another level. Not only did he ning starts as did fellow Premier lobbing goalkeeper Arnaud Bo- Leicester City and Tottenham down to beat Swiss side Young Hospitals which rode out a fi rst epitomise ‘The Beautiful Game’, but he also played League club Leicester City. dart from the halway line as his Hotspur cruised to comfortable Boys 2-1 away thanks to two goals wave of the virus successfully in with an eff ortless flair, the like of which had never Dutch team Alkmaar were un- side won 2-0 at Standard Liege in 3-0 wins, with the Foxes down- in fi ve second-half minutes by March and April are now close to been seen.” der pressure for the whole game Group D. ing visiting Ukrainian side FK Bruno Peres and Marash Kum- overwhelmed, with 500 new severe Gianni Infantino, FIFA president as Napoli dominated possession “The goal was a moment of Zorya Luhansk in Group G, while bulla in Group A. cases by day needing in-patient and peppered their goal but Dani genius — a world-class moment. hosts Spurs beat Austrians LASK Granada and Real Sociedad had treatment. “The diff iculty, the extraordinary, is not to score de Wit scored in the 57th minute I have been playing football pro- in Group J. 2-1 and 1-0 away wins over PSV A number of infl uential experts 1,000 goals like Pele – it’s to score one goal like for a stunning victory in Group F. fessionally since 1998 and it is the Tottenham’s fi ne performance, Eindhoven and Rijeka in Group have been calling for a return to a Pele.” With Milan’s defence well mar- best goal I have ever seen live with including an assist from Gareth E and F respectively, while Ben- complete lockdown, with the closure Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazilian poet shalled by Danish centre-back my own eyes,” Rangers manager Bale on his fi rst start back at the fi ca chalked up a 4-2 victory over of businesses and restricted move- Simon Kjaer, they looked to be Steven Gerrard told Rangers TV. club on loan from Real Madrid, Lech Poznan in Group D. ment outside the home. “The greatest player in history was Di Stefano. I refuse to classify Pele as a player. He was above that.” Ferenc Puskas, Hungarian former player SELECTION “His Majesty, His Highness, ‘Le Roi’, ‘The King’. My first video, VHS that I watched was of you playing during all these World Cups, sending positive mes- sages. Thank you for sharing the passion.” Alisson, Jesus recalled by Brazil for WC qualifi ers Didier Drogba, Ivorian retired player

AFP this month but had to pull out after (Juventus). ENG), Weverton (Palmeiras) “Absolutely everybody wanted to shake his hand, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil picking up injuries with their clubs. “There’s high quality competi- Defenders: Danilo (Juventus, ITA), get a photo with him. Saying you had partied with Vinicius, 20, was last selected in tion for places,” said Tite. Gabriel Menino (Palmeiras), Alex Pele was the biggest badge of honour going.” September 2019 while Militao, 22, Of those called up, only four play Telles (Manchester United, ENG), Mick Jagger, singer iverpool goalkeeper Alis- had not been part of a squad since their club football in Brazil: full- Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid, ESP), son Becker and Manches- last November. back Gabriel Menino, goalkeeper Thiago Silva (Chelsea, ENG), Mar- “For Brazilians, speaking about Pele is speaking ter City forward Gabriel “If a normal car has fi ve gears, Weverton (both Palmeiras), centre- quinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA), about an entity, speaking about something far supe- Jesus were recalled by Brazil he has six or seven,” Tite said of half Rodrigo Caio and midfi elder Eder Militao (Real Madrid, ESP), rior to everyone.” Lcoach Tite yesterday as he named Vinicius, who scored seconds after Everton Ribeiro (both Flamengo). Rodrigo Caio (Flamengo) Ronaldo, Brazilian former player his squad for next month’s World coming on as a substitute for Real Brazil are top of South American Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Cup qualifi ers against Venezuela in their shock 3-2 home defeat to qualifying on goal diff erence from Madrid, ESP), Fabinho (Liverpool, “You may be right. But you know nothing about and Uruguay. Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champi- Argentina, the only other side to ENG), Arthur (Juventus, ITA), Doug- football and I’ve seen Pele play.” Real Madrid pair Vinicius Jun- ons League on Wednesday. win their opening two matches. las Luiz (Aston Villa, ENG), Philippe Vicente Feola, Brazil’s coach, to the psychologist who ior and Eder Militao, and Juven- Former Barcelona player Arthur They host Venezuela in Sao Pau- Coutinho (Barcelona, ESP), Everton said Pele was too immature to play at Sweden 1958 tus midfi elder Arthur have also missed last month’s fi rst two quali- lo on November 13 before travelling Ribeiro (Flamengo) been brought back into the squad fi ers as he wasn’t match-fi t. Matheus Cunha are the players to Montevideo to take on Uruguay Forwards: Gabriel Jesus (Man- “We went up for a header together. I was much tall- alongside stars Neymar, Coutinho, Real forward Rodrygo, midfi elder dropped from the last squad. four days later. chester City, ENG), Vinicius Jr (Real er. When I came back down, I looked up in astonish- Casemiro and Thiago Silva. Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon, Atletico There is no place for veteran na- Madrid, ESP), Neymar (Paris Saint- ment. Pele was still there, hanging in the air, heading Alisson and Jesus were both Madrid center-back Felipe, Ath- tional team captain Dani Alves (Sao SQUAD Germain, FRA), Everton (Benfica, that ball. It was like he could stay suspended for as called up for the victories over Bo- letico Paranaense goalkeeper San- Paulo) or fellow full-backs Filipe Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool, POR), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool, long as he wanted to.” livia (5-0) and Peru (4-2) earlier tos and Hertha Berlin forward Luis (Flamengo) and Alex Sandro ENG), Ederson (Manchester City, ENG), Richarlison (Everton, ENG) Giacinto Facchetti, Italian former player

“In terms of skills, he was the best ever in the world. He was simply incredible in front of the goal. He was Conte believes Inter are Newcastle’s Gillespie in Barca tie with Juve could ‘Hazard a special talent not only the world’s best player, but also the best ambassador for football. No-one in the world has on the right path line for league debut see fans return but time slipping away’ done as much for football.” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, German former player Inter Milan are on the right path to a great Newcastle United’s third-choice goalkeeper Barcelona may be able to welcome some Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard is the and Bayern Munich chairman future, coach Antonio Conte said yesterday Mark Gillespie could make his Premier fans back for their Champions League kind of special talent football needs but he as he shrugged off their defensive worries League debut against Wolverhampton tie against Juventus at the Camp Nou in may struggle to recapture his best form as “This debate about the player of the century is and a run of three games without a win. Con- Wanderers tomorrow with their other two December, the Catalan regional govern- injury continues to rob him of time on the absurd. There’s only one possible answer: Pele. He’s te, whose side were beaten by neighbours goalkeepers sidelined with injury, man- ment said. Talking to Catalan daily Sport, pitch, Danish great Michael Laudrup has said. the greatest player of all time, and by some distance AC Milan on Saturday and held at home by ager Steve Bruce said yesterday. While the region’s General Director for Sport, Hazard joined Real from Chelsea last year for I might add.” Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Cham- first choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is Gerard Figueras, said preliminary discus- a fee of 100mn euros but his impact in Spain Zico, Brazilian coach pions League on Tuesday, said that any sidelined with a long-term heel injury, his sions had taken place between authorities has been minimal due to two ankle injuries. pessimism about Inter was coming from the replacement Karl Darlow was injured in a and Barca about the return of fans amid the The Belgian made only 14 league starts last “Pele played football for 22 years, and in that time outside. “We are on the right track and the collision with Manchester United forward Covid-19 pandemic. “The club have spoken season, scoring one goal, and the 29-year-old he did more to promote world friendship and frater- club and I are happy with the type of football Marcus Rashford in the 4-1 loss last week- to us about gradually bringing fans back, is yet to play in the current campaign due to nity than any other ambassador anywhere.” we are playing,” he said ahead of today’s end. “He (Darlow) is still sore,” Bruce said. and we told them this is something we need a muscle injury. “Every time you think he’s J B Pinheiro, the Brazilian ambassador to the United Serie A match at Genoa. “We always aim to “He has taken an awful knock. Thankfully it to analyse game by game. Initial figures back he plays a few games and then he’s Nations implement our ideas and have scored many is impact and there is no tear. He is better could be 3,000 or 5,000 people at the Nou out again... it’s so sad to see a great player goals, and we could have even found the net than he was. Whether he will be fit we will Camp, and according to the epidemiologi- like him and the weeks and months are just “Everyone said he was finished. When we were on more occasions. We’ve also conceded see over the next 48 hours.” Gillespie, who cal situation, we will decide if we can scale disappearing for him,” Laudrup, who played world champions he walked into the dressing room too many goals, some of which were very joined Newcastle in July after his Moth- that up,” he said. “I think that the protocols for Real from 1994-1996, told the BBC. “I don’t and – this still gives me butterflies today – screamed avoidable,” added Conte, whose side have erwell contract expired at the end of last will be just about ready to allow for a crowd understand what’s wrong, he had some inju- three times: ‘I didn’t die. I didn’t die. I didn’t die.’ He’s conceded 10 goals in five games this season. season, has kept two clean sheets in three for the game against Juventus on Dec. 8, as ries at Chelsea but never this much... I hope without doubt the greatest player in history. He gets Inter are sixth in Serie A with seven points matches for Bruce’s side in the League Cup long as the epidemiological situation hasn’t he’ll come back but the problem is as you get me emotional.” (cries) from four games, five adrift of leaders Milan. this season. got worse.” older it’s tougher to come back.” Rivellino, Brazilian former player Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 24, 2020 SPORT

GIRO D’ITALIA Cerny wins as rain and protest sees 130km cut from race Kelderman retains the overall lead by a handful of seconds and should be better prepared for the crucial stage 20 today

AFP ing, if you can’t accept that then change Asti, Italy jobs,” said Madiot. Race leader Kelderman sounded happier. “The weather was poor this zech cyclist Josef Cerny made morning and it was cold, it had been a a solo break at the end of yes- hard week for our immune systems. I’m terday’s 19th stage of the Giro thankful the organiser shortened the d’Italia which was radically stage.” shortenedC after a rider protest in lash- Today’s mountain stage, and an in- ing rain forced organisers to slash more dividual time-trial in Milan tomorrow, than half its distance to 124km. off er a testing fi nish to a tight battle for The 27-year-old Cerny covered the the overall title between Kelderman, in curtailed course like a time trial at a the pink jersey, his Australian team- remarkable average speed of more than mate Jai Hindley, who is 12sec behind, 49km an hour. He powered through the and Ineos breakout man Tao Geoghe- fi nal 23km alone to win a farewell vic- gan Hart in third, just 15sec off the lead. tory for the CCC team sponsor which The British rider made a bid to re- leaves the sport after this season. duce the gap late Friday with a last gasp Wilco Kelderman retained the overall push for the line but failed to drop his lead by a handful of seconds and should watchful rivals. be better prepared for the crucial stage Cerny’s powerful break from 23km 20 today after a relatively easy day in out proved too much for the other es- the saddle as the rider protest forced capees, including time-trial special- organisers to cut 134km off the original ist Victor Campenaerts, who made a route. Eight kilometres into the event’s late, doomed, bid to catch up. Today’s longest stage, the organisers neutral- much-awaited run includes three as- ised the race and the riders got back on cents of the Sestrieres mountain. their team buses. Australia’s Adam Hansen told re- GIRO D’ITALIA STAGE 19 RESULTS porters the riders were refusing to race 1. Josef cerny (CZE/CCC) 2hrs 30mins and wanted to fi nd a solution. “We 40sec., 2. Victor Campenaerts (BEL/ weren’t ready to race in those condi- NTT) at 18., 3. Jacopo Mosca (ITA/TRE) tions, so we negotiated with the organ- iser to shorten the stage so that it could 26., 4. Simon Clarke (AUS/EF1) 26., 5. Iljo actually happen,” said Hansen, who is Keisse (BEL/DEC) 26., 6. Sander Armee about to switch from cycling to Iron- (BEL/LOT) 26., 7. Albert Torres (ESP/ man triathlons. MOV) 1:10., 8. Simon Pellaud (SUI/AND) Race organiser Mauro Vegni saw it 1:10., 9. Giovanni Carboni (ITA/BAR) diff erently. “I’m sorry but I did not re- 1:10., 10. Alex Dowsett (GBR/ISR) 1:10. ceive a single proposition either last night or this morning,” said a furious OVERALL STANDINGS Vegni as the buses made their chaotic departure for the hastily conceived new 1. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) 80hrs route. 29mins 19sec., 2. Jai Hindley (AUS/ A 124km run to Morbegno embarked SUN) at 12sec., 3. Tao Geoghegan Hart from Abbiategrasso with an escape (GBR/INE) 15., 4. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) group quickly forming and pulling ten 1:19., 5. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 2:16., minutes ahead with the peloton, which 6. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 3:59., 7. was enjoying a day of relative rest. Patrick Konrad (AUT/BOR) 5:40., 8. Vin- Team director Marc Madiot of the cenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) 5:47., 9. Fausto FDJ team was also upset by the protest. Masnada (ITA/DEC) 6:46., 10. Rafal “When you sign up for a three weeks Majka (POL/BOR) 7:28. tour you know it’s going to be very tir- Team CCC rider Czech Republic’s Josef Cerny celebrates after winning the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race in Asti, Italy, yesterday. (AFP)

CYCLING TENNIS Bennett sprints to victory in Teenager Gauff says Murray a ‘great Vuelta as Roglic keeps race lead ally’ for highlighting diversity issues Reuters and then dominated the third- Prague set tiebreak in style, ending the match with an ace. “After 5-2 in the third set I didn’t care at all merican Coco Gauff about the result,” said Sabalenka, said she was inspired who had lost another three-set by Andy Murray af- thriller to Gauff at Lexington in ter the former world August. numberA one highlighted a lack of “I just kept saying to myself, Black, Asian and minority ethnic focus on this point, focus on this (BAME) board members at the ball, and I kept saying that until Lawn Tennis Association and All the end and it helped me to be in England Club. the moment and not care about Murray posted a screenshot anything else. She’s a great play- on Instagram of an interview in er, she’s moving really well and it which 1996 Wimbledon fi nalist was really tough for me,” added MaliVai Washington points out Sabalenka, who will face Spanish that none of the 24 board mem- qualifi er Sara Sorribes Tormo in bers across the two organisations the quarter-fi nals. are from a BAME background. Gauff regretted her lack of pa- The Scot captioned the im- tience in the decisive phase of age “Tennis in 2020” and added the match but said she was proud a confused emoji, prompting of her performance. “I think I 16-year-old Gauff to describe need to play a little bit smarter Team Deceuninck’s Irish rider Sam Bennett reacts as he crosses the fourth stage finish line during the Murray as a “great ally” in the on pressure points,” said Gauff . La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain in Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain, yesterday. (AFP) fi ght for more diversity. “Noth- “Sometimes when I get to the ing’s wrong with asking for more end I try to rush out at the point AFP Ineos Grenadiers in third. Britain’s Harry Tanfi eld diversity. For him to say that is when instead I should just put Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain (AG2R-La Mondiale), Luis Angel Mate (Cofi dis), defi nitely inspiring, especially attention to the lack of diversity fi nals on Thursday. the ball in the court and make my Jesus Ezquerra (Burgos-BH) and Willie Smit with him being a man and white,” in sporting bodies in Britain and The big-hitting Sabalenka, the opponent play.” (Burgos-BH) formed the key breakaway at the Gauff said following her defeat by frequently voices his support for world number 12, took two hours Later on Thursday, the tour- reland’s Sam Bennett edged a dramatic fi nal start but with 100km to go, their advantage had Aryna Sabalenka at the Ostrava gender equality in tennis. and 13 minutes to beat 55th- nament’s second seed Karolina sprint to win stage four of the Vuelta a Espana been reduced to two minutes. Open on Thursday. Gauff has also earned wide- ranked Gauff 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/2). Pliskova crashed out at the hands yesterday, with Primoz Roglic maintaining Tanfi eld claimed the stage’s only intermedi- “For someone like him to call spread praise for her activism, The third-seeded Belarusian got of Russian qualifi er Veronika the overall lead. Bennett of Deceuninck, who ate sprint but the quartet were all picked off by for diversity, it shows how great having used her time during the off to a slow start against the pa- Kudermetova in three sets. The Iwon the green points jersey at the Tour de France the peloton until fi nally Smit was the last to be an ally he is... I love what Andy break from the game during the tient Gauff who had few prob- 47th-ranked Kudermetova edged last month, pipped Belgian Jasper Philipsen of caught, with Astana, Movistar, Bahrain and Sun- is doing on and off the court. Covid-19 pandemic to speak out lems taking the fi rst set. the Czech world number six 4-6, UAE on the line by three quarters of a bike length web all taking over up front. He’s one of my favourite players against social and racial injustice Sabalenka won the second 7-5 6-4, 6-3. Tunisian Ons Jabeur with Italian Jakub Mareczko of CCC third. to watch. It’s important we do in the United States. after breaking Gauff ’s serve for also booked her place in the A stage well-suited to the sprinters left the STAGE FOUR RESULTS have diversity, because there are the fi rst time, but then she start- quarters with an easy win over Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia 6-4, overall classifi cation unchanged and Slovenian 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/DQT) 3hrs 53mins 29sec., 2. people from all over the world SABALENKA BACK FROM ed piling up the errors again to Roglic of Jumbo-Visma remained fi ve seconds from diff erent backgrounds and see the 16-year-old go 5-2 up in 6-4. Seventh seed Elise Mertens Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE) same time., 3. Jakub BRINK TO DEFEAT GAUFF IN ahead of another Irishman, Dan Martin, who had areas and I think representation OSTRAVA THRILLER the decider. A racquet-smashing of Belgium eased past Czech Mareczko (ITA/CPT) s.t., 4. Pascal Ackermann won the third stage on Thursday. Philipsen of is important. At least for me, as a Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka interlude helped her regain her Karolina Muchova 6-4, 6-2, (GER/BOH) s.t., 5.Gerben Thijssen (BEL/LTS) s.t., UAE Team Emirates seemed to be in charge but girl... seeing yourself being rep- came back from 2-5 down in composure. while American Jennifer Brady Bennett tore past to add another stage victory to 6. Matteo Moschetti (ITA/TFS) s.t., 7. Max Kanter resented means a lot.” the third set to defeat Gauff and Sabalenka drew level against (USA) beat Russian Darya Kasat- the two he won at the Vuelta last year. (GER/SUN) s.t., 8. Mihkel Raim (EST/ISN) s.t., 9. Murray has previously brought reach the Ostrava WTA quarter- the suddenly nervous Gauff kina 7-5, 6-2. Bennett won two stages on this year’s Tour de Emmanuel Morin (FRA/COF) s.t., 10. Magnus Cort France and also had three stage wins on the 2018 Nielsen (DEN/EF) s.t. Giro d’Italia. After three challenging opening days, a fl at fourth stage without any classifi ed OVERALL STANDINGS NADAL TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IN MALLORCA climbs off ered some respite for the race’s overall contenders, who all fi nished without mishap. 1. Primoz Roglic (SLO/Jumbo) 16hrs 30min 53sec, Madrid: Rafael Nadal will swap join the list of 60 players for the weekend in the V Test Circuit The 191.7 kilometres between Garray and Ejea 2. Dan Martin (IRL/ICA) at 5sec., 3. Richard his rackets for his golf clubs tournament, which includes 23 Hexagonal — Autovidal in Calvia. de los Caballeros were only complicated by the Carapaz (ECU/INE) 13., 4. Enric Mas (ESP/MOV) today and play in the Balearic professionals and 37 amateurs, The 34-year-old beat Novak weather as wind and rain accompanied the riders 32., 5. Hugh Carthy (GBR/EF1) 38., 6. Sepp Kuss Championship in Mallorca, ac- said Diario de Mallorca on Djokovic to win his 13th French for much of the route. (USA/JUM) 44., 7. Felix Grossschartner (AUT/BOR) cording to a report in Spain. Thursday. It is not Nadal’s first Open title earlier this month and Roglic, the reigning Vuelta champion and fa- 1:17., 8. Esteban Chaves (COL/MIT) 1:29., 9. Marc Nadal is an excellent golfer foray into golf, with the Span- move level with Roger Federer vourite this year, kept his lead over Martin and Soler (ESP/MOV) 1:55., 10. George Bennett (NZL/ with a handicap of 0.3 and will iard finishing second just last on 20 Grand Slam titles. remains 13 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz of JUM) 1:57. Gulf Times Saturday, October 24, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Christmas start to new NBA season gaining steam: Wentz rally fi res Eagles report Los Angeles: A push to start the 2020-21 NBA season on Christmas Day is gaining momentum, the New York Times reported yesterday. A start date was just one item to win over Giants on the agenda at yesterday’s meeting of the league’s Board of Governors, along with Eagles improved to 2-5-1 in the standings while the Giants fell to 1-6 for the season discussions about fan at- tendance amid the pandemic AFP and the possibility of playing New York fewer than 82 games, ESPN reported. While a Dec. 25 start with a arson Wentz led a fourth quar- full holiday slate of marquee ter comeback as the Philadel- games would please the phia Eagles defeated the New league’s television partners, York Giants 22-21 on Thursday. sources told ESPN that some EaglesC quarterback Wentz passed for teams are targeting a mid- two late touchdowns as the Eagles over- January launch instead. Last turned a 21-10 fourth quarter defi cit to month, NBA commissioner secure a crucial win in the NFC East. Adam Silver said his “best The victory at Philadelphia’s Lincoln guess” was that the season Financial Field saw the Eagles improve wouldn’t start until early 2021. to 2-5-1 in the standings while the Gi- The NBA has made a vow ants fell to 1-6 for the season. Wentz, that players would get at least who had also rushed for a close-range an eight-week notice before touchdown in the fi rst quarter, fi nished the start of the season. Oct. with 359 passing yards from 25 of 43 at- 30 would be exactly eight tempts. weeks before Christmas Day. “It was an ugly game, and we left a lot “The goal for us next of points out there, but we kept fi ghting season is to play a standard and pulled it off ,” Wentz said afterwards. season, 82-game season and It was yet another agonising defeat for playoff s. In home arenas, in the Giants, who had seemed poised for front of fans,” Silver said. The only their second win of the campaign NBA became the first pro after going 11 points clear with fi ve min- league to suspend play amid utes left in the fourth quarter. the Covid-19 pandemic, doing Giants quarterback Daniel Jones so on March 11. The league passed for two touchdowns and 187 finished a shortened season yards as the visitors built what looked in a bubble at the ESPN Wide like a game-winning lead. Jones had World of Sports Complex near also been at the centre of a bizarre mo- Orlando. ment in the third quarter when he broke clear from the line of scrimmage and NBA DRAFT WILL sprinted upfi eld as the Eagles defence BE STRICTLY ONLINE opened in front of him. Meanwhile, the NBA draft will The 23-year-old quarterback looked be an online-only aff air on to be galloping towards a spectacular Nov. 18, the league announced rushing touchdown but instead stum- on Thursday. The first-round bled at the Eagles eight-yard line with selections will be revealed no defender near him to let the chance by NBA commissioner Adam go begging. Jones recovered his compo- Silver and the second-round sure on the subsequent drive, with run- picks will be unveiled by ning back Wayne Gallman crashing over deputy commissioner Mark to give New York a 14-10 lead. Tatum, with both men at The Eagles had a chance to regain the ESPN’s studios in Bristol. lead soon afterwards, but gambled on Players will be shown fourth down at the New York three-yard throughout the broadcast line with Wentz’s pass to Hakeem Butler through video connections. incomplete. The Giants took over near The event had been sched- their own goal-line and looked to have uled to be held in June at the put the game out of reach when Jones Barclays Center in New York, marched his team upfi eld on a 15-play, but the coronavirus pandemic 97-yard drive that culminated when the pushed back the 2019-20 quarterback picked out receiver Sterling season into the summer. Shepard in the end zone for a touch- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (second right) runs for a touchdown against New York Giants in the NFL in Philadelphia on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) With the regular season down and a 21-10 lead. concluding in a “bubble” But Philadelphia hit back with a control with just over four minutes re- EAGLES LOSE JACKSON, rushed once for 12 yards before being posted a photo on social media of him- at the ESPN Wide World of touchdown of their own on the next maining. JOHNSON TO INJURY tackled awkwardly on a punt return self wearing a walking boot on his right Sports Complex near Orlando possession, with Wentz’s short pass But when the Giants were forced to Meanwhile, Eagles lost receiver DeSean with 2:09 left in the game. leg with the words, “Pray for me y’all!!” and the playoff s conducted at gathered by Greg Ward to make it 21- punt n their next possession, Wentz Jackson and right tackle Lane Johnson An MRI yesterday, confi rmed a high- Jackson, by far Philadelphia’s most the same place, the Los Ange- 16. The Eagles squandered a chance to took over and led a 71-yard drive that to injuries in Thursday night’s come- ankle sprain and the Eagles will place experienced wideout with more than les Lakers won the champion- make it a three-point game when Wentz ended with Wentz fi nding Boston Scott back against the Giants. Making his the three-time Pro Bowl selection on 10,000 career yards, had missed the ship on Oct. 11. was stopped short of the line on a two- with an 18-yard pass for the winning fi rst appearance since Week 3, Jackson injured reserve. He would be eligible to previous three games with a hamstring The draft lottery was point conversion to leave New York in touchdown. caught three passes for 34 yards and return in late November. Jackson, 33, injury. postponed from May 19 to Aug. 20, and the Minnesota Timberwolves won the right FOCUS to select No. 1 overall. Draft ex- perts believe 6-foot-5 Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, 6-7 point guard LaMelo Ball and NHL postpones 2021 All-Star Game and Winter Classic 7-1 center James Wiseman are the top prospects. Reuters Star Weekend activities were scheduled The league said it intends to return ment. “Because of the uncertainty as new and creative events that will allow Ball played professionally Toronto for Jan. 29-30 in Sunrise, Florida, the those events to the two cities in the near to when we will be able to welcome our our fans to engage with our games and in Lithuania and New Zealand home of the Florida Panthers. future. “Fan participation, both in are- fans back to our games, we felt that the teams during this upcoming season.” before he became eligible for The Winter Classic was slated for Jan. nas and stadiums as well as in the an- prudent decision at this time was to The NHL reiterated Thursday that it the NBA draft. he NHL yesterday announced 1 with the Minnesota Wild facing the St. cillary venues and events that we stage postpone these celebrations until 2022 is aiming to start the season around Jan. Wiseman briefly played for the postponement of the 2021 Louis Blues at Target Field in Minneap- around the Winter Classic and All-Star when our fans should be able to enjoy 1.The league’s general managers were the University of Memphis be- All-Star Game and the 2021 olis. The NHL said the postponements Weekend, is integral to the success of and celebrate these tentpole events in- slated to meet last night to discuss top- fore eligibility issues caused Winter Classic for Covid-19 were “due to the ongoing uncertainty our signature events,” NHL chief con- person, as they were always intended. ics pertaining to the start date as well as him to leave school. Treasons. The All-Star Game and All- resulting from the coronavirus.” tent offi cer Steve Mayer said in a state- “We are also considering several other things.

NBA How Doc Rivers and other legendary coaches infl uenced Tyronn Lue By Andrew Greif thinking outside the box of playing since agreeing to become coach. Where Los Angeles Times box-and-one and triangle-and-two other coaching candidates would need (defenses) and bringing something new to reconstruct what precipitated the Tyronn Lue (left) to the NBA. And if you stop learning, team’s stunning exit, Lue lived it. yronn Lue was six years into with Doc Rivers. if you stop being willing to learn from “There was great disappointment,” his NBA career when his coach other people, then you won’t be suc- said Lawrence Frank, the team’s presi- with the Orlando Magic told cessful. Everything I do is not mine. I dent of basketball operations. “Look, Lue to consider his retirement take a little bit from each person, each we pride ourselves on being a tough, Tplan. A job would be waiting, Doc Riv- coach, each great coach: (Gregg) Popo- gritty, resilient team and for many dif- ers told his point guard, should Lue vich, Phil Jackson, Stan Van Gundy ferent reasons, we weren’t.” want to join him on the sideline. taught me a lot. Scott Skiles taught me The main criticisms of Rivers’ of- Lue’s coaches at Raytown High in a lot. So just being able to take from a fense was that it lacked structure and suburban Kansas City, and at Nebraska, lot of diff erent coaches and kind of relied too heavily on stars’ ability to never got the inkling their star desired make it your own, that’s what I pride make plays; Lue wants speed and ball to one day join their profession. Yet myself on.” movement to dictate the fl ow. upon Lue’s retirement in 2009, he took Lue already has a head start on how “Ty sees the game as good or bet- Rivers up on the off er. Then the Boston he will make the Clippers his own. ter as anybody you’ll ever meet, which Celtics coach, Rivers created a role on After his 2018 fi ring in Cleveland, I think is awesome,” Ballmer said. “Ty his staff , and Lue’s coaching education Lue visited with the Clippers intermit- is also a guy who I have really come to formally began. tently at Rivers’ request while acting as understand holds himself and others When Rivers left for the Clippers in an informal advisor. At the same time, accountable.” 2013, Lue followed. When, in 2016, Lue he said, he was in “constant dialogue” With Kawhi Leonard and Paul became a head coach for the fi rst time with peers such as Stevens, Dallas’ Rick George under contract one more sea- following a midseason promotion in Carlisle and Golden State’s Steve Kerr. son, Lue said he embraced the pressure Cleveland, he told a reporter that “eve- Just as Lue has taken what he has made “extra painful,” team owner Steve “With that being said, I learned a “Just picking their brains on diff erent to win immediately. In his fi rst season rything I do is Doc Rivers-driven.” learned from Rivers and added to it Ballmer said, by the 3-1 series lead that lot from Doc, but I’ve also learned a lot things and diff erent situations to get with Cleveland, the Cavaliers became Lue has never shied away from ac- throughout his career, his challenge preceded the Clippers’ collapse. from a lot of other coaches around the better, and that’s what I want to do,” he the fi rst team to rally from a 3-1 series knowledging that Rivers’ guidance is with the Clippers is taking the work his “Doc has been my mentor since I’ve league because I’m always studying, said. defi cit to win the NBA Finals. the foundation on which his coaching friend and mentor began last season been in the league and coaching, and I’m always trying to get better. I want He developed closer relationships “When you talk about pressure, that style was built, but he also made clear with a title-hungry roster and pushing he’s given me my fi rst opportunity,” Lue to be better. So, not just learning from within the Clippers last season while means you’re in a situation to win,” Lue Wednesday, during his introduction as further by adding his own spin. Riv- said. “So without Doc, I wouldn’t be in Doc, but I learned from other coaches serving as an assistant — bonds refl ect- said. “That’s what I want to do. I want the Clippers’ new coach, that his style ers’ ouster, after seven seasons, fol- this position today. It’s a tough loss for like (Erik Spoelstra) and Brad Stevens ed in the conversations he has had with to be one of the greatest coaches. I want is not a clone of the man he succeeds. lowed a second-round postseason exit all of us. and, watching Nick Nurse last year, every player on the roster in the six days to be great.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 24, 2020 RUGBY

TOP OF THE LINE France ‘ready’ for Wales aft er political dispute

AFP ly the usual two weeks given to France tastic asset to this group,” he added. “In that 13 channel he’s a threat with Paris were at risk of melting like snow in the Centre Jonathan Davies returns to the ball in hand, he’s also a strong defensive sun,” Galthie said earlier this week. Test scene after an absence since last player,” France defence coach Shaun Ed- “With these players we never start from year’s Rugby World Cup due to a knee in- wards told AFP this week. rance head coach Fabien Galthie zero. The little details which we’ve put jury. “He’s very good at pilfering the ball at denied there will be any negative in place since we’ve been together, like Davies, who will make his 88th Test the breakdown and for me to work to with impact after off -fi eld problems recovery, will help us have a connected appearance this weekend, will line-up a player of that quality is exactly where I between the country’s federation but autonomous team. We will be ready,” alongside four-time international Nick want to be. I rate him extremely, extreme- andF league ahead of hosting Wales in a Six he added. Pivac has handed captain Alun Tompkins for the fi rst time. ly highly,” he added. Nations warm-up Test today. Wyn Jones his 148th international cap “Like any new pairing, it’ll take a bit of Les Bleus have beaten Wales just twice The fi xture was in doubt until last week ahead of potentially breaking Richie Mc- time, but it’s starting to gel in training,” in the past 10 meetings with just one home before both bodies had agreed on a maxi- Caw’s record of Test appearances next Pivac said. victory since 2011. This weekend’s fi xture mum of three appearances for each squad weekend against Scotland in their own “The experience of Jonathan with him at the Stade de France will be played be- player and just fi ve days preparation for rescheduled Six Nations fi xture. will help immensely, with Jon being one of hind closed doors due to increasing cases the campaign which also includes the “He is showing no signs of slowing the best in the world defensively in that 13 of coronavirus in the French capital. newly-created Autumn Nations Cup. down. We’ve not got enough time to say jersey,” he added. “Unfortunately we can’t have fans, Galthie’s men welcome Ireland on Oc- enough about what we think about Alun The duo will face les Bleus’ Gael Fickou everyone knows the fans are the inspira- tober 31 in a possible Six Nations title de- Wyn Jones,” former Scarlets coach Pivac and in-form Virimi Vakatawa who was tion behind the team so that’s diffi cult. cider after facing Wayne Pivac’s side, who said. “He’s not one that wants us to be instrumental in guiding Racing 92 to last Probably home advantage is not quite as they beat earlier in the year in Cardiff . talking about him at the moment — that’s weekend’s European Champions Cup fi - big as it was when you did have crowds,” “We were prepared for it. We felt quick- how much of a team man he is. He’s a fan- nal. Edwards said.

PREVIEW Australia great Pocock retires from all rugby

Reuters tralia beating South Africa in Ireland seek to the quarter-fi nals. Sydney Pocock was appointed cap- tain in 2012 to succeed an ormer Australia injured James Horwill but fl anker and captain suff ered the fi rst of several se- David Pocock has re- rious knee injuries in 2013 and tired from all rugby was then replaced as the Wal- andF will now concentrate on labies fi rst choice number sev- lift spirits with campaigning for conservation en by current captain Michael causes and work on rugby de- Hooper. velopment programmes. Successive coaches tried to Pocock stepped down from play the pair in the same team international rugby following with Pocock often playing last year’s Rugby World Cup in number eight, which created Japan after 83 caps, but stayed issues with the balance of the in the country to play for Pa- side, although they still made victory over Italy nasonic Wild Knights in the the 2015 Rugby World Cup fi - Top League. nal against New Zealand. “While it was a tough de- Pocock often bucked offi - Italy have yet to register a single point in the tournament cision, it really feels like the cialdom and was vocal in his right one now and as a lot of support for women’s rights, AFP former athletes talk about, it’s same sex marriage and for Dublin not going to be smooth sailing the environment, and was ar- but its going to be a great chal- rested in 2014 at a protest at lenge,” the 32-year-old told a coal mine in northern New reland are determined to lift Rugby Australia on Friday. South Wales. Pocock, who is the mood of a country that COMMENTPocock was considered one completing a masters degree is back in coronavirus lock- of the fi nest openside fl ank- in sustainable agriculture, said down by delivering a bonus- ers to play the game, with his he would now also work on Ipoint win over Italy today that toughness over the ball at the development programmes for would lift them to the top of the breakdown often unmatched. young rugby players. Six Nations table. He was born in Zimbabwe “Rugby has given me so The northern hemisphere but political unrest in the many opportunities, and I’m tournament returns this week- country forced his family to really keen to continue sup- end, seven months after it was move to Australia in 2002. porting the next generation put on hold as Covid-19 ram- He made his debut for the of players here in Australia paged across Europe. Wallabies in 2008 and his and in Zimbabwe,” he told the Five points from the match in fi rst Rugby World Cup in 2011 Guardian. Dublin would take Andy Farrell’s when he was almost single- “There’s so much young men one point clear of England handedly responsible for Aus- talent in both places.” and France ahead of the fi nal round of matches the following week. Italy have yet to register a sin- gle point in the tournament but FOCUS Ireland will be aware their oppo- nents are a more vibrant attack- ing force than in the past and are best when fresh. Wallabies rule Should Ireland win and go on to beat France in Paris, points diff erence could decide the ti- out taking a knee tle, with Eddie Jones’s England travelling to Rome for their fi nal fi xture. Ireland captain Johnny Sexton. against All Blacks The match, overshadowed by the deepening coronavirus cri- sis, will take place in an empty AFP minorities. stadium — in stark contrast to country and many people have performance. ing at this moment in time,” said “Croce Gialla” (Yellow Cross) in Sydney It gained traction worldwide the throaty roar of more than lost their jobs,” said star second “That’s the balance that we Farrell. Parma. earlier this year following the 50,000 fans who usually pack row forward James Ryan. have to fi nd,” the fl y-half said. “But at the same time it’s He was rewarded this week death of George Floyd in the into Lansdowne Road. “We are very lucky and if we “We don’t want it to be a bur- about the performance.” with one of the country’s high- allabies coach Dave United States, with teams and in- It will make for the strangest are able to fi re up their weekend den. “We’ll be judging the per- est awards — the “Cavalieri Al Rennie ruled out his dividual athletes across the globe of Test debuts for Leinster pair, then brilliant for us.” “You guys are asking about formance on Monday and let’s Merito della Repubblica”, or team taking a knee in coming out in support. wing Hugo Keenan and fl anker But despite their ambitions to the duty we feel, but we don’t hope we’ve lightened the mood ‘Knights of the Order of Merit of support of the Black The movement also found an Will Connors. put on a show, Ireland have no want that to weigh us down. We of the country as well,” added the Italian Republic’. WLives Matter movement, insisting echo in Australia, where Indig- Ireland’s players have spoken intention of throwing caution to want to use it as an opportunity.” the 45-year-old Englishman. “This honour represents an they were not interested in making enous groups held rallies protest- of feeling “privileged” at being the wind. That is a message head coach Sexton warned that the Ital- important recognition for the political statements. ing Aboriginal deaths in police able to play, with most of the Centre Garry Ringrose — seen Farrell has been keen to impress ians would also be motivated to commitment made by all of The prospect of a silent protest custody and the disproportionate rest of the economy shut down. along with Ryan as a poten- on his players this week — that give their compatriots some- them (Yellow Cross workers and during the national anthem ahead number of Indigenous people in The country’s death toll from tial future captain — warned they must not to lose sight of the thing to smile about, with the others in the health sector) dur- of the third Bledisloe Cup Test prison. coronavirus is nearing 2,000 as fans not to expect “Harlem goal of winning the title in his virus death toll in Italy now ing the lockdown and my com- in Sydney on October 31 against The prospect of the Wallabies cases surge across Europe, set- Globetrotter”-style rugby. fi rst Six Nations in charge. standing at more than 36,000. mitment is to continue along- New Zealand was raised this week taking a knee saw former skip- ting the stage for a winter of Johnny Sexton, the current “We all know that every Irish- Italy fl anker Maxime Mban- side the Parma Yellow Cross by senior Australian player Dane per Nick Farr-Jones, who led the harsh restrictions. skipper, said it was important man is a proud man and we all da saw the eff ects of the dis- as well as my sporting com- Haylett-Petty. team to World Cup glory in 1991, “We are very aware that it has the players did not let the bur- stick together when there’s a bit ease close-up, volunteering as mitments,” said the 20-times But Rennie dismissed the idea, caution against it, warning that been a very tough time for the den of responsibility aff ect their of adversity and that’s happen- an ambulance driver with the capped Mbanda. saying it would draw attention bringing politics into sport could away from the team’s Indigenous- turn fans off . themed jerseys, a tribute to Aus- He added that he did not think SPOTLIGHT tralia’s Aboriginal community. Australia had a major issue with Wasps without Shields, Brookes “No we won’t,” Rennie told a discrimination, sparking a rebuke virtual news conference, when from Indigenous icon Gary Ella and Fekitoa for Premiership fi nal asked about taking a knee. “The who called it “stupid talk”. England-Barbarians match key thing is this is about honour- Rugby Australia interim chief Reuters The absence of England duo ing our Indigenous people and we Rob Clarke said the governing London back rower Shields and prop want the focus to be on that. body and the Wallabies “condemn cancelled due to virus breach Brookes is a blow but missing “I guess everyone has their own any form of racism or discrimina- destructive former All Black opinions around the other situa- tion and also acknowledge that we AFP broken the rules by leaving the took place on October 21, the asps go into to- centre Fekitoa potentially tion, but we want the focus to be are still on the path to reconcilia- London Barbarians hotel on Wednes- RFU has discovered there was day’s Premiership looks the biggest hit to their around refl ecting our own history tion”. day to have dinner. an earlier undisclosed breach fi nal without Brad chances of an upset. He is re- and our past.” “The First Nations jersey is a That left the invitational that took place on October 20 Shields, Kieran placed by former Springbok “We’re not looking to make a strong statement in itself,” he said. ngland’s match against side trying to fi ll gaps in their when a number of Barbarians WBrookes, Simon McIntyre and Juan de Jongh, who has made political statement,” he added. “It has a truly global impact in the Barbarians this squad ahead of tomorrow’s players left the hotel bubble Alfi e Barbeary, ruled out due only a handful of starts in an “We met with the leaders of the raising awareness and in recognis- weekend has been can- match at Twickenham, de- without permission and with- to contact tracing protocols, injury-hit season. team, then they met with the rest ing the issues facing First Nations celled after a breach signed to act as a warm-up for out informing organisers about but also missing Malakai Feki- “If we are all being honest, of the team and it was a unani- people.” ofE coronavirus regulations by England’s delayed Six Nations their whereabouts,” said an toa through a groin injury sus- it hasn’t been ideal prepara- mous decision (not to take a Australia fi rst wore an Indige- Barbarian players, the Rugby international away to Italy in RFU statement. tained in the semi-fi nal. tion, but I have to give credit knee).” nous-themed shirt in 2017 against Football Union announced Rome next week. But the RFU “The RFU is therefore left Wasps were cleared to play to the players because they Australia are looking to level the All Blacks in Brisbane and have yesterday. The RFU said an said the discovery of a second with no alternative but to can- the fi nal against European have coped with it admirably,” the series after drawing the fi rst since pulled it on against England investigation had revealed a incident where the rules were cel the game.” champions Exeter on Wednes- Blackett said yesterday. match and losing the second. at Twickenham and during last second incident where Cov- fl outed meant it was left with RFU chief executive Bill day after 11 positive tests in the “It has been a diffi cult week The act of placing a knee on year’s World Cup against Uruguay. id-19 rules were fl outed in ad- no option but to call off the Sweeney expressed his frustra- camp and coach Lee Blackett in terms of all of that, but the the ground was made famous by They currently have no play- dition to the October 21 case match. tion at having to call off a match was forced into four changes one thing that we spoke about former American NFL quarter- ers of Indigenous heritage in the announced Thursday. Former “As part of its ongoing in- which, although meant to be from the team that thrashed at the start of the season is be- back Colin Kaepernick, who fi rst squad, with the most recent one, England captain Chris Rob- vestigation into a breach of played behind closed doors Bristol in the semi-fi nal. ing adaptable.” did so in 2016 to protest police Kurtley Beale, now playing in Eu- shaw was among those who the Covid code of conduct that would have been televised. brutality against blacks and other rope. Gulf Times Saturday, October 24, 2020 7 SPORT

GOLF FORMULA 1 Verstappen and Stroll collide in Munoz grabs PGA eventful Portuguese Grand Prix practice

Reuters to stewards. Portimao Verstappen still ended the Zozo lead as Tiger day second fastest, half a second slower than Bottas, with Mer- ax Verstappen and cedes’ six-times Formula One Lance Stroll collided world champion Lewis Hamilton in an eventful sec- second in the morning and then ond practice for the eighth after lunch. Mfi rst Portuguese Grand Prix in McLaren’s Lando Norris was 24 years yesterday while Valtteri third in the afternoon, ahead of struggles with 76 Bottas set the pace for Formula Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. One champions Mercedes. Bottas was quickest in both The afternoon saw two red fl ag morning and afternoon, contin- ‘I’VE BECOME BETTER WITH MANAGING CRAZY UPS AND DOWNS’ interruptions, fi rst when Alpha- uing a habit of leading the way on Tauri’s Pierre Gasly pulled over Fridays, with an overall best time with his car in fl ames and then of one minute 17.940 seconds when Red Bull’s Verstappen and around the undulating Algarve Racing Point’s Stroll smashed circuit near Portimao. into each other. For the eighth race in a row, in- There was plenty of swearing cluding the Nuerburgring where from Verstappen over the team practice started only on Satur- radio after the impact as he tried day due to bad weather, Bottas’s to go through on the inside, in- name was on top of the opening cluding suggesting Stroll was timesheets. blind. The Friday morning prowess “I was so surprised that he just has not translated into wins on turned in while I was coming up Sunday, however, with Bottas 69 to him. I don’t know where I had points adrift of Hamilton after 11 to go,” said the Dutchman, who races. refused to apologise for his lan- Hamilton has seven wins to guage. “It was just very unneces- Bottas’s two and will be chas- sary.” ing a record 92nd career win on Racing Point boss Otmar Szaf- Sunday, having matched Michael nauer saw it diff erently: “I can Schumacher’s all-time mile- assure you 100% that Max knew stone at the Nuerburgring on Lance was there... but Lance Oct. 11. doesn’t know Max was there. It’s The last Portuguese Grand pretty simple for me.” Prix was held at Estoril, near Lis- Both drivers were summoned bon, in 1996.

Sebastian Munoz of Colombia plays a shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Zozo Championship in Thousand Oaks, California.

AFP calm? Should I attack more? with a birdie, two bogeys and a one of those nines. Then I start- After a bogey at the eighth, Los Angeles “I just stopped trying to play double bogey despite at 87-foot ed hitting it close and rolling the Munoz birdied three of the fi rst anything and just keep playing birdie putt at the par-4 14th. ball a little better.” four holes on the back nine be- golf. It’s just one of those days. It Four-time major winner Rory A fourth-place pack on 66 fore a double bogey at 14 when olombia’s Sebastian happens.” McIlroy snapped a club in frus- included South African Dylan his tee shot landed beside a Munoz endured a roll- Woods, a 15-time major win- tration on his way to a disap- Frittelli and Americans Brian shrub. er-coaster round on his ner who defends the Masters pointing 73 — seven birdies, four Harman, Lanto Griffi n, Harris Munoz answered with another Cway to an eight-under title next month, won last year bogeys and two double bogeys English and Kevin Kisner. eagle at the par-5 16th, holing par 64 on Thursday to lead the in Japan before the event was including at 18 — over a course Munoz, whose lone PGA vic- out from in the fairway from 51 PGA Zozo Championship while moved to suburban Los Angeles that surrendered low scores and tory came last year at Jackson, yards, before a fi nal birdie at 17. defending champion Tiger due to the Covid-19 pandemic. birdies in binges to many players. Mississippi, enjoyed the round “I just throw it up there and Woods struggled to a woeful 76. He suff ered his worst-ever England’s Tyrrell Hatton and of the day despite an opening fi nd the hole,” he said. “It was The 27-year-old South Amer- score at Sherwood by two shots American Justin Thomas shared bogey. He followed with bird- pretty sweet.” ican star, had two eagles, eight from 45 rounds on a course that second on 65. ies on four of the next fi ve holes It marked the third time in birdies, fi ve pars, two bogeys once hosted his charity event. Thomas followed back-to- before his fi rst eagle, holing out Munoz’s career he made two ea- Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the pit lane during practice for the and a double bogey on his trip to Woods, who declined to speak back birdies at fi ve and six with with a 9-iron from 168 yards at gles in the same round. Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit yesterday the top of the leaderboard after with the media after his round, bogeys on the next two holes, the par-4 seventh. “It’s awesome. It’s beautiful,” in Portimao, near Lisbon. the opening round at Sherwood shared 75th of 77 players in the then fi red a 29 on the back side “I just focused on making the Munoz said of the course. “All Country Club. no-cut event where he hoped to with fi ve birdies and an eagle on best swing I could and I started par-5s are reachable. Fun par-3s. “I’ve become better with win an unprecedented 83rd ca- the par-5 16th. four yards left, started cutting It’s a great place. Anything can managing crazy ups and downs,” reer US PGA title. “I drove the ball well,” Thomas nicely towards the pin,” Munoz happen.” Munoz said. “I just get out of Instead, Woods matched his said. “I really struggled reading said. “Once you see the guys American Gary Woodland, Nakagami tops times in Teruel the way. At fi rst I was like what worst PGA showing on par-5 the greens. I knew the course had throw the touchdown sign, it’s last year’s US Open winner, MotoGP practice should I do? Should I be more holes in any round, going 3-over some birdies out there. It was good.” withdrew with a back injury.

BOTTOMLINE Kang, Song share lead aft er LPGA Drive On’s fi rst round AFP in a gap between US events after tons of birdies out there,” Song Washington the LPGA’s usual Asian swing said. “But I think the most im- was wiped out by the coronavi- portant thing was making good rus pandemic. judgment, and execution was mericans Danielle World number fi ve Kang, spot on. I didn’t have any doubt Kang and Jennifer Song who won the LPGA’s two return over my shots, so I think that was AFP of six-time MotoGP champion each fi red a seven- events in Ohio in August, also the key of my round.” Alcañiz, Spain Marc Marquez. under-par 65 to share began off the 10th tee. She bird- World number 76 Song made Championship leader Joan Mir theA lead after Thursday’s open- ied the par-5 12th, added back- her lone bogey at the par-4 fi fth was fifth fastest, 0.400sec back ing round of the LPGA Drive On to-back birdies at the par-3 13th but answered with a birdie at the akaaki Nakagami as the Suzuki rider prepares to Championship. and par-4 14th, then birdied the par-5 sixth and closed with an- celebrated signing defend his wafer-thin lead at the Kang, twice a winner since par-3 17th. other at the ninth. a new contract with top of the standings in tomor- the tour’s August return from a “I feel good about today,” Kang “I needed to place my shots in Honda-LCR by riding row’s race. Covid-19 break, and Song, seek- said. “I made some putts today, the right positions on the green, theT fastest lap in yesterday’s In the absence of injured Marc ing her fi rst LPGA title in more which made me really happy.” and I think I managed to do that,” practice for the Teruel MotoGP, Marquez the title is being hotly than a decade on the tour, were After making the turn, Kang Song said. pipping championship con- contested, with eight diff erent one stroke ahead of compatriot birdied the par-5 second and “The wind picked up a little bit tender Maverick Vinales to top winners in 10 races. Ally McDonald through 18 holes sixth holes and made another at so it was kind of confusing, but I spot in Alcaniz. Mir is six points ahead of at Reynolds Lake Oconee in the seventh to grab a share of the managed it pretty well.” Nakagami, who was second Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, Greensboro, Georgia. lead. The 30-year-old’s closest call to Alex Marquez after the first with Maverick Vinales and “I feel great,” Song said. “I’m “It’s defi nitely good to have a with an LPGA victory was in los- session earlier on Friday, posted Andrea Dovizioso both within 15 really happy about 7-under par. good start on Thursday,” Kang ing a playoff at the 2018 ANA In- a best time of one minute, points of the Spaniard. I didn’t think it was possible to said. “Still got three more rounds spiration, although she was third 47.782sec in his penultimate lap, Nakagami is 29 points back in shoot that score out there, but I left and I have a lot of work to do three weeks ago at the LPGA which left him 0.175sec ahead of fifth with four races left in the had a great round.” still.” Shoprite Classic. Danielle Kang hits her approach Yamaha’s Spanish rider Vinales. 2020 season and is still in with a Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn Song, also a back-nine starter, Former world number one shot on the ninth hole during The result comes a day after chance of the title. and American Lindsey Weaver began a run of four straight bird- Lydia Ko of New Zealand shared round one of the 2020 LPGA the Japanese rider agreed a Quartararo, 21, improved on his were on 67 with Sweden’s Per- ies at the 12th, then rolled in a the early lead on 3-under before Drive On Championship in contract extension with Honda- dismal 18th in the first practice nilla Lindberg, American Maris- 15-footer for birdie at the 18th taking a triple bogey at the par- Greensboro, Georgia. LCR “for 2021 and beyond”, session to jump up to fourth, sa Steen and Bianca Pagdanga- and birdied the fi rst as well to 3 17th, falling back after fi nding where he will be joined by Alex ahead of Mir and 0.382sec nan of the Philippines on 68. seize the lead alone. water off the tee on her way to a Marquez — the younger brother behind Nakagami. The event was created to fi ll “I made a lot of putts. Made 71. Saturday, October 24, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HATHAB Al-Emadi clinches Medium Tour victory with Zorro Z Al-Emadi and his trusted 19-year-old gelding Zorro Z were in fine form as the pair finished fastest in the 130cm class

By Sports Reporter Doha

alman Mohamed al-Emadi took the Medium Tour victory astride Zorro Z in the second round of the Qatar Equestrian TourS - Longines Hathab supported by The Social & Sport Contribution Fund yesterday. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena, al-Emadi and his trusted 19-year-old gelding Zorro Z were in fi ne form as the pair fi nished fastest in the 130cm class. Their winning time was 25.88 seconds. In second place was Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, who piloted S I E C Lonnie without any fault in 27.76 secs. Rashid Towaim al-Marri was third with Lamm Addiction Z in 28.45 secs. The Medium Tour team title was won by Business Trading Company, ahead of Qatar Equestrian Federation and QAF. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi continued his domination in the Small tour with a Earlier, Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi convincing win at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena yesterday. continued his domination in the Small tour event with a convincing win yes- 2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, S I E C Lonnie, time: 28.45 seconds; 3. QAF (Salman terday. 27.76 secs, QR6,000 Mohamed al-Emadi, Mohamed Abdulla He was astride Dusty as the pair reg- 3. Rashid Towaim al-Marri, Lamm Ad- Juma, Hamad Ali al-Attiyah) istered timings of 26.46 and 27.78 secs. diction Z, 28.45 secs, QR4,500 Small Tour: Table A, Special two phas- Hussain Saeed Haidan fi nished sec- es, Art. 274.2.5.3 | 100/110 cm | Prize ond with Kannada, while Mohamed Money: QR20,000 1. Khalifa Abdulla Nasser al-Qadi was third with Vlacido. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi astride Zorro Z in action during the second round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Medium Tour team: al-Khaldi, Horse: Dusty, Time: 26.46 and Today, the Open Class and Big Tour Hathab supported by The Social & Sport Contribution Fund yesterday. 1. Business Trading Company (BTC) 27.78 secs, Prize Money : QR5,000 events are scheduled, with the sec- (Riders: Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, Hamad ond round of the dressage events to be Qatar Equestrian Tour Season 4 is be- RESULTS QR30,000 Ind. & team QR30.000 2. Hussain Saeed Haidan, Kannada, Nasser al-Qadi, Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi) 27.48 and 28.09 secs, QR4,000 held next Saturday. For the health and ing held behind closed doors. However, Medium Tour: Table A, One round 1. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi. Horse: Total time: 27.76 seconds; 2. Qatar safety reasons, and in line with national fans of the tour can follow the thrilling against the clock with jump off , Art. Zorro Z. Time: 25.88 secs, Prize money: Equestrian Federation: (Rashid Towaim 3. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi, Vlacido, Covid-19 precautionary measures, the action live on Al Kass TV. 238.2.2 | 120/130 cm | Prize Money QR7,500 al-Marri, Ali Mohammed al-Marri) Total 26.73 and 28.36, QR3,000

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Mumbai score biggest IPL win over India legend Kapil Dev on ‘road old rivals as clouds darken for Dhoni to recovery’ aft er heart surgery AFP AFP New Delhi Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ndian cricket legend Kapil rent Boult starred with the ball and Dev said yesterday he was Ishan Kishan with the bat as Indian “well on the road to recov- Premier League champions Mumbai ery” after undergoing emer- Indians infl icted their biggest ever Igency cardiac surgery in New winT over old rivals Chennai Super Kings Delhi. The 61-year-old, who led yesterday. Boult took four wickets as Chen- India to their fi rst World Cup title nai — at one stage four wickets down with in 1983, was rushed to a hospital just three runs scored — were restricted to in the capital after complaining 114 for nine off their 20 overs. of chest pain. Kishan then hit 68 and Quinton de Kock “Kapil Dev suff ered a heart 46 as Mumbai sped to 116 in 12.2 overs with- attack. He was evaluated and an out losing a wicket. It was Mumbai’s fi rst emergency coronary angioplasty 10-wicket victory over Chennai and the fi rst was performed in the middle of time MS.Dhoni’s Chennai have lost by such night,” said a hospital statement. the good wishes and well on the the 1983 “Kapil’s Devils” side a margin. “Kapil Dev is stable now and he road to recovery,” he said. that stunned the West Indies in Dhoni admitted the rout “hurt”. Mumbai is expected to get discharged in a The news had triggered a fl ur- the World Cup fi nal at Lord’s. went to the top of the IPL standings while couple of days.” ry of comments on social media Dev took 687 Test and one-day three-time champions Chennai went to the In a brief statement on Insta- from cricketers and fans, with wickets and scored nearly 9,000 bottom of the eight-team race amid grow- gram and Twitter, Dev thanked current Indian captain Virat runs during a 16-year interna- ing questions about the future of Dhoni and fans for their outpouring of sup- Kohli wishing the once-feared tional career. After retiring in other veterans in the team. port, but did not off er specifi cs all-rounder a speedy recovery. 1994, he became a national team New Zealander Boult removed Chennai on what had happened. “Thank “Please join me in sending coach and selector. In 2002, Dev opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took Shane you everyone for all the love and prayers, strength and good wish- was named “Indian Cricketer of Watson’s place for the day, just fi ve balls concern. I am overwhelmed with es,” said Madan Lal, a bowler in the Century” by Wisden. into the game. Jasprit Bumrah claimed Am- bati Rayudu and Narayan Jagadeesan with straight balls in the second over before Boult took the wicket of Faf du Plessis in the third. PAKISTAN MOVE ZIMBABWE T20S FROM LAHORE TO Dhoni made 16, hitting a six before be- RAWALPINDI DUE TO AIR POLLUTION ing caught next ball off Rahul Chahar. While more wickets fell, Sam Curran saved Chen- Lahore: Pakistan’s three- Khan in a statement. Earlier this played next year. Ali, a World nai from complete disaster with a defi ant 52 match Twenty20 series against month, the PCB also shifted the Cup winner, grew up a short that guided his side away from their historic Zimbabwe next month has three-match one-day interna- distance from Edgbaston, where low score of 79. Boult who took four for 18 Mumbai Indians’ seamer Trent Boult took four wickets as Chennai Super Kings were been shifted to Rawalpindi tional series against Zimbabwe the team is based. off his four overs, said he kept to his “natu- restricted to 114 for nine in the Indian Premier League in Sharjah yesterday. over health concerns due to from Multan to Rawalpindi due “Birmingham is my city and ral” swing bowling style. “I’ve been lucky to Lahore’s deteriorating air qual- to logistical reasons. Meanwhile, captaining my home team in get the fi rst over, if it’s going to swing here ment, it does hurt,” he said. for the next year, see who will bat and who ity, the country’s cricket board the last four Pakistan Super The Hundred is right up there it’s going to be up front.” “Whenever you’re not doing well, there bowls at the death and soaks the pressure,” (PCB) said yesterday. The three League matches, including the in terms of my career I was Chennai beat Mumbai in the opening can be a 100 reasons, but one of the main added the captain, who retired a few weeks matches, originally scheduled to final, were moved from Lahore born, raised and my life is still game of the season, moved to empty sta- things you ask yourself is whether you’ve ago from international cricket and who also be held at the Gaddafi Stadium to Karachi. based in Birmingham, so to be diums in the United Arab Emirates because played to the potential you’ve got no mat- faces new doubts about his future. in Lahore, will now be played at the first-ever men’s captain of of the coronavirus pandemic in India, but ter the conditions,” added Dhoni. “And this the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium MOEEN ALI, DIVINE Birmingham Phoenix is very Dhoni admitted that nothing has gone right year we haven’t. Cumulatively there have BRIEF SCORES on Nov. 7, 8 and 10. TO LEAD BIRMINGHAM special for me,” Ali said. since. They have now lost eight of their 11 been batting failures.” Chennai Super Kings 114 for 9 wkts in 20 “The early onset of hazard- PHOENIX IN THE HUNDRED Devine, on the other hand, games. Dhoni said that Chennai now need a overs (Sam Curran 52, MS Dhoni 15; Trent ous pollution and subsequent Moeen Ali and Sophie Devine has plenty of experience with “What you need to see is what are the “clear picture” for the 2021 season for which poor air quality meant that the will captain the men’s and the city too having played do- Boult 4/18) lost to Mumbai Indians 116 for things that are going wrong, especially this many questions remain because of the pan- risk to keep matches in Lahore women’s teams of the Birming- mestic cricket for Warwickshire, no loss in 12.2 overs (Ishan Kishan 68 not year. It hasn’t been our year, whether you demic fallout. “The coming three games will at this stage was too great,” ham Phoenix in the inaugural and is the current New Zealand lose by eight or 10 wickets, it hardly matters, be an ideal opportunity to give platforms. out, Quinton de Kock 46 not out; said PCB chief executive Wasim edition of The Hundred to be captain. but where we are at this stage of the tourna- See some of the youngsters in preparation Hazlewood 0/17) by 10 wkts

FOCUS England cricketers’ win bonuses slashed by half in ECB cuts By Ali Martin Wales Cricket Board has secured the they receive an additional bonus that bilateral white-ball cricket, where the tracts announced for 2020-21 will lated by number of fi xtures, which are The Guardian fi rst reduction in money paid to Eng- sees the fi gure for one win multiplied team’s win bonus per match ranges likely come down in value by around both expected to be trimmed by a simi- land’s men since central contracts were by the number of matches played. from £11,000 to £58,800 depending 10% once signed, with Test deals pre- lar amount. Factoring in all these ele- introduced 20 years ago, with win bo- The system means, for example, a on format and opposition. But with viously worth up to £650,000 per year ments will mean some players see their he England men’s team have nuses taking the greatest hit percent- 3-0 Ashes win over Australia (the sole English cricket needing to adjust to and their white-ball equivalents about typical annual money hit by a six-fi gure agreed to their win bonuses age-wise. team in tier one) would see the players the fi nancial challenge of the Covid-19 £250,000 (albeit with an element based reduction. being slashed in half as part of Previously the England team earned split £529,200 for the three wins and pandemic – and the ECB having already on performances, appearances and fi t- England’s women, whose salaries are an overall 15% cut to their pay between £44,100 and £176,400 per then £882,000 for claiming the fi ve- announced that 62 jobs are being lost – ness levels). understood to range between £30,000 Tpackage for the next 12 months. After Test win depending on where the oppo- match series overall, making a total these bonuses are now understood to be On top of this come match fees – up and £60,000, are on contracts that run losses of £100mn this year and more sition sit in a fi ve-tier system drawn up prize pot of £1,411,200. cut in the region of 45-50%. to £14,500 per Test and £4,500 per up to May but the expectation here is pain expected in 2021, the England and by the ECB. For an outright series win A similar calculation is in place for The recent round of central con- white-ball game – and tour fees, calcu- they will remain unaff ected by the cuts.