Schauffele grabs one-shot lead in PGA Tour return at Colonial page 13 Monday, June 15, 2020 Messi caps Barcelona win over Mallorca on return La Liga takes legal action against pitch invader

AFP matches, which resumed in Madrid the top flight on Thursday with Sevilla’s victory over La Liga have said they will Real Betis. launch criminal proceedings Fewer than 300 people against the pitch invader are allowed into stadiums who ran on during Barce- and games are closed to lona’s match against Real the public. Mallorca on Saturday, which “La Liga will file criminal was supposed to be behind actions against the invader closed doors. who entered the pitch with- In the 52nd minute of out permission and broke Barca’s 4-0 win at Son Moix, the protocols established a man wearing an Argentina in current health legislation Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) scores during the Spanish League match against RCD Mallorca at the Visit Mallorca Stadium in on Saturday. (AFP) shirt with Lionel Messi’s name and disobeyed the orders of on the back entered the pitch private security personnel,” Barcelona’s fitness and morale. But Barca scored a second and posed for a picture on his a statement from the league Argentine scores 25th goal of the season in 4-0 triumph Before matches were sus- before half-time as an Alba phone near Jordi Alba. said. “His actions constitute pended in Spain because of cross span up and both De He was not wearing a crime.” AFP “I’m happy because starting like he had never been away. coronavirus on March 12, Jong and then Messi feathered either a mask or gloves and It added: “La Liga wants Madrid like this is an enormous boost Barca had regained top spot headers across for Braithwaite was chased before being to express its absolute for what’s to come,” said Barce- Suarez back but only after being convinc- to bang in on the half-volley, caught and escorted away condemnation of this type Lionel Messi returned with- lona coach Quique Setien. His goal was set up by Luis ingly beaten by Madrid the his first goal for the club. by security. of conduct that jeopardises out a beard and with a goal Victory extends Barca’s ad- Suarez and the sight of the Uru- week before. Both teams eased off in the La Liga has imposed the health of others and the and two assists as Barcelona vantage at the top of La Liga to guayan coming off the bench This performance suggests second period and there were strict a medical protocol for integrity of the competition.” resumed their La Liga title five points over Real Madrid, would have been welcome for time away might have done smiles on the Barcelona play- challenge on Saturday with a who can reduce the gap back to coach Setien too. them good and it remains to be ers’ faces when a pitch invader thumping 4-0 victory over Real two when they restart at home Suarez has not played since seen now how Madrid respond. ran on in the 52nd minute Mallorca. to Eibar on Sunday. undergoing knee surgery in Madrid’s next four matches all wearing an Argentina shirt. He After three months away La Liga’s first match back January and was able to recov- come after their title rivals have posed for a picture with Alba because of the coronavirus came on Thursday between Se- er during the suspension. He played first. before being escorted away. pandemic, Barca exploded villa and Real Betis, with teams could play an important part in Barcelona were in front Alba added a third after into the lead with just 64 sec- scheduled to each play their re- the run-in. after just over a minute as finishing off Messi’s clipped onds played when Arturo Vidal maining 11 matches of the sea- Asked what pleased him Frenkie de Jong did well to ball over the top and then headed in and Martin Braith- son in less than six weeks. most, Setien said: “The sat- recover the ball from a loose Messi grabbed a goal himself. waite struck a second from a Messi will be crucial to Bar- isfaction of seeing Luis again touch before Alba sent a deep Suarez fooled his marker by Messi headed assist. celona’s hopes of holding off on the field. You have to ad- cross to the arriving Vidal, letting the ball run across his Jordi Alba latched onto a Madrid but their captain, who mire the performance he gave who headed in. body and Messi weaved inside Messi pass to add a third but turns 33 this month, may have in those 35 minutes that he Mallorca were under re- where he could unleash with not before play was briefly to pace himself, especially after played. Starting like this is very lentless pressure as Braith- his right foot. stopped by a pitch invader, an injury-interrupted season. important for him and for the waite and Messi both went Mallorca’s defeat, com- who was able to run on, despite Clean shaven, and without team as well.” close to adding a second. Mal- bined with losses for Leganes the match being closed to fans. any sign of the thigh problem Mallorca, who sit 18th in lorca’s Takefusa Kubo, on loan and Celta Vigo, made it the A security guard tries to catch a pitch invader during the Spanish Messi then scored a fourth that prevented him from train- La Liga, were never going to of- from Real Madrid, forced a perfect day for Espanyol, who League match between Mallorca and Barcelona at the Visit in injury time for his 25th goal ing earlier this month, Messi fer the sternest of tests but this good save out of Marc-Andre made up ground on their rele- Mallorca Stadium in Palma de Mallorca on Saturday. (AFP) of the season. played 90 minutes and looked was a useful outing for both ter Stegen on the break. gation rivals by beating Alaves.

DPA the season because of the coronavirus ried and half cleared, Marcelo thrashed later tipped over a vicious effort from Barcelona health crisis, Madrid decided to play the ball into the bottom corner. Edu Exposito, while their home games at their training Hazard, playing for the firsttime headed against the crossbar. Eibar got Real Madrid keep Real Madrid kept the pressure on La ground. since February after undergoing ankle the goal their pressure merited when Liga leaders Barcelona with an impres- Toni Kroos opened the scoring with surgery in March, was replaced in the Exposito’s effort deflected in against pressure on sive 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday, cut- a brilliant flighted effort from distance second half with what appeared to be a Pedro Bigas, leaving Courtois floun- ting the gap back to two points. in the fourth minute and the second- recurrence of the same injury. dering. Title-holders Barcelona thrashed place side never looked back. The black Brazilian left back took Earlier Atletico Madrid continued Barca with win Mallorca 4-0 on Saturday to extend Madrid captain Sergio Ramos a knee and raised his first after scor- their troubled season with a 1-1 draw at their advantage but Madrid responded started and finished the move for the ing, in solidarity with the Black Lives Athletic Bilbao. over Eibar with a sparkling showing at their Alfre- second, helped by good interplay by Matter protests taking place across the Diego Simeone’s side are fifth, level do di Stefano training ground stadium. Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard. globe. on points with Getafe, after Diego Cos- With matches likely to take place The latter was involved in the third Thibaut Courtois denied Fabian ta cancelled out Iker Muniain’s opener behind closed doors for the rest of goal too, after his driven shot was par- Orellana early in the second half and for Bilbao in the first half. ’s international appeal faces coronavirus test

AFP fans, the Premier League’s ap- within two wins of the title,” noise dubbed over the action to London peal may be diminished in foot- The global reach of the English top-flight has helped secure its position as the said Hu, who will tune in to compensate for the real thing. ball’s new normal. wealthiest league in world football. The Premier League’s overseas television watch the Reds via internet “There is something When the 100 day-wait for “What makes it special rights deals for the 2019-2022 three-season cycle hit a record £4.2 bn ($5.3 bn) streaming despite kick-offs in about the legend that is Eng- Premier League football comes in England is the way people and another £2 billion for Scandinavian rights between 2022 and 2028 the early hours. Excitement is lish football that is all about to an end on Wednesday, the react to the game,” former also building in India, where noise and atmosphere and anticipation will be felt as keen- Arsenal manager and FIFA’s the Premier League has built up proximity,” Simon Chadwick, ly in Mumbai and Beijing as in chief of global football devel- a strong following among urban director of Eurasian sport at Manchester and Birmingham. opment Arsene Wenger told youth in a traditionally cricket- Emlyon business school in The global reach of the Eng- The Athletic. obsessed nation. France told AFP. lish top-flight has helped secure “It is the best country in the “Finally I’ll watch some “That spectacle, the prod- its position as the wealthiest world for the way the fans re- live EPL action. I have already uct, the noise, the atmosphere, league in world football. spond to what’s happening on chalked out a schedule for these the experience won’t necessar- The Premier League’s over- the pitch. That’s why I think it matches,” Qazi Ahmad Masood, ily be there.” seas television rights deals for will be the most handicapped a 17-year-old student, told AFP. The Premier League is the 2019-2022 three-season championship without that.” “I would love to see my favourite confident it will not lose cycle hit a record £4.2 billion club Liverpool lift the trophy.” ground in the long run against ($5.3 billion) and another £2 Reschedule rebate One of the difficulties the , La Liga or Se- billion deal has already been The need to cram the re- that lies ahead for the Pre- rie A in the battle for viewers struck for Scandinavian rights maining 92 games of the sea- mier League’s brand will be to across the globe. between 2022 and 2028. son into a five-and-a-half week maintain the intensity of com- “We know it won’t be That income will be all the window also means many more The remaining 92 Premier League games this season will be played behind closed doors. (AFP) petition on the field in echo- the same without our loyal more welcome, with uncer- midweek games with evening ing, empty stadiums. supporters in stadiums but, tainty over when supporters kick-offs in England, forcing However, the excitement Jurgen Klopp’s men are had planned a trip to see his he- “The Premier League is together with our broad- will be allowed back into stadi- fans in the Far East to tune in over the Premier League’s just two wins away from being roes in action in February that fast and exciting and no matter cast partners, we are able ums and commercial revenues during the early hours. return endures, particularly crowned champions of England was cancelled due to the coro- whether it is a strong or weak to ensure fans can watch expected to tumble in a global Overseas broadcasters will among the huge number of Liv- for the first time in 30 years. navirus pandemic. team, the games are great to or listen to each match live economic crisis. be compensated with a reported erpool fans, many of whom are Hu Zhifei, a 26-year-old “Nobody is anticipating watch,” said Hu. from home,” said the Pre- However, without the at- £107 million rebate due to the awaiting a first league title in journalist and member of Liver- the league’s restart more than Fans watching at home will mier League’s chief executive mosphere generated by baying change in scheduling. their lifetimes. pool’s official fan club in Beijing, Liverpool fans because we are be offered pre-recorded fan Richard Masters. 12 Monday, June 14, 2020 Sports

Fahad Thani to deliver lecture via video conference to coaches in Jordan, Arab region

QFA trends in the world of football. topics including statistics and facts in foot- first team.H e was chosen in the Qatar na- DOHA The series of lectures, which started on ball, discussions on the most important tional team in 1989 and continued until he the fourth of this month and ends next Sun- technical standards for modern methods of retired from football in 1992. Fahad Thani, Director of the Develop- day, has been a resounding success. The se- play in addition to technical and digital com- After retiring, he soon engaged in jun- ment Department of the Qatar Football ries of lectures have also assisted trainers parisons between the World Cup in Russia ior coaching and became manager of Al Association (QFA), and a member of the in Jordan and the Arab region where the 2018 and major continental tournaments Ahli and Al Rayyan teams (U-14) from Technical Committee of the Asian Football number of participants has reached more like Euro 2016, the Asian Cup 2019, the Af- 1993 to 1998 during which he achieved Confederation (AFC), will give a lecture to than 1500 trainers per day. rica Cup of Nations and Copa America. great success. He was named Best Coach of coaches in Jordan and the Arab region via The JFA was keen to attract a group of Fahad Thani, former Qatar national the Qatar Junior (U-17) team from 1998 to a video conference. the best technical experts inside and out- team coach, is the second most prominent 2004. In 2004, he moved on to train the The lecture is part of a series which is side Jordan. Recent lectures have been lecturer in the AFC since 2004 until now Aspire Academy squad. conducted by the Jordanian Football As- delivered by Abdul Aziz Hamadeh, Tech- due to his career as a player, coach and He was chosen as assistant to the sociation (JFA) under the title “Inspiring nical Director of the Kuwait Football As- lecturer in addition to his leadership of the coach of the Qatari national team in 2010 Football Development.” sociation, Maher Bayrakdar, goalkeeper Development Department of the QFA, and and continued until he assumed the top The lecture begins at 8:30pm Doha coach for the Syrian national team and his membership of the Technical Commit- job of the first team in 2013 for a period time and is titled “The New Trend in technical experts with the Development tee of the AFC. of two years before he was assigned to Fahad Thani, former Qatar national team coach Football” during which Fahad Thani Department of the QFA. He started his career in 1980 as a player coach the Qatar Olympic U-23 team in and now Director of the Development Depart- will review the most recent development Lecture of Fahad Thani will have key with the youth teams and graduated to the 2014 for two years. ment of QFA. Record-breaking Mertens takes Napoli into the final Will meet Juventus on Wednesday Coppa AFP Italia Rome Mainz’s Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi, on loan from Liverpool, is stretchered off after suffering a serious head injury in Sunday’s Dries Mertens fired Napoli to relegation battle against Augsburg. (AFP) the Italian Cup final on Satur- day after netting the goal which gave his side a 2-1 aggregate semi-final win over Inter Milan Schalke set club and made him the club’s all- time top scorer. Napoli will face Juventus record 13 league in Wednesday’s final in Rome thanks to Belgium forward Mertens, who slotted home his match winless streak 122nd goal for Napoli four min- utes before half-time to make the score 1-1 on the night and Mainz’s Awoniyi suffers concussion give them overall victory after a 1-0 first-leg win at the San Siro AFP with Augsburg defender Felix in February. Berlin Uduokhai in the first half. Christian Eriksen had lev- Awoniyi was stretchered elled the tie for Inter straight Bayer Leverkusen moved off with his neck in a brace from a corner in the second back into the Bundesliga’s after a long delay while he minute and the away side Champions League places received medical attention on continued to dominate the with a 1-1 draw on Sunday at the pitch. first half, but Mertens ended injury-hit Schalke, who set a Mainz said Awoniyi, a a lightning counter-attack to new club record of 13 league former Under-17 World Cup put the hosts through at the games without a win. winner, was responsive and Stadio San Paolo. The result leaves Schal- taken to hospital for observa- “We wanted the final at Napoli’s Belgian Dries Mertens slots home his 122nd Napoli goal to become the club’s all-time top goal-scorer at the San Paolo Stadium in ke winless since January’s tion. all costs and we achieved that. Naples late on Saturday. Napoli were held 1-1 by Inter Milan 2-1 but won on 2-1 aggregate. (AFP) 2-0 victory at home to Moe- “We have received the Now we need to recuperate and nchengladbach, as they drop all-clear from the doctors,” be ready for the final in a few in celebration of Merten’s goal 0-0 draw in Turin on Friday, fore Mertens struck when An- goalkeeping to make up for to ninth in the table having said Mainz coach Achim days,” said Lorenzo Insigne, and after the match. Italy’s first competitive foot- tonio Candreva opted to shoot, his early blunder, the Colom- been third in December. Beierlorzer. who set up Merten’s winner. Mertens moved to Napoli ball match since the country forcing a good save from Ospi- bian making two excellent stops A penalty early in the “He has regained con- Mertens, 33, overtakes from PSV Eindhoven in 2013 become the global coronavirus na, with three teammates ready from Eriksen in five minutes to- second-half was converted sciousness and can remem- Marek Hamsik and moves and has become so settled in epicentre. for a pass in the box. wards the end. by Schalke’s Daniel Caligi- ber the things that happened. seven clear of Diego Maradona, Naples that fans have nick- The largest TV audience Ospina was then crucial to The second, in the 82nd uri after a handball by Bur- “He has a severe concus- who scored 115 goals in all com- named him ‘Ciro’, a hugely for a football match this season Napoli going ahead in the tie, as minute, came after a flow- kina Faso defender Edmond sion and has to stay in hospi- petitions and won two Serie A common Neapolitan name. was immediately thrown into it was his quick pass which sent ing move in which substitute Tapsoba. tal for observation.” titles and the UEFA Cup over Sporting director Christian Gi- the action thanks to Eriksen, Insigne scurrying towards the Alexis Sanchez found Erik- But Schalke defender Awoniyi has yet to make his seven tumultuous years in untoli said pre-match that both whose near-post cross from a Inter area. sen with a lovely backheeled Juan Miranda then turned an appearance for Liverpool southern Italy. club and player want to extend corner flashed past a host of The Italy international pass, laying on the Dane for a the ball into his own net nine since joining the club in 2015, Although there were no fans his contract, set to expire at the players and squirmed under a drew defenders towards him golden chance to take the tie minutes from time to extend spending numerous spells on in the stands at the San Paolo, end of the month. surprised David Ospina in the before releasing a perfect pass to penalties. the winless streak. loan in Germany, the Nether- public broadcaster RAI report- Napoli will take on Juve at Napoli goal. for Mertens, who stroked However there was another Caligiuri was partly to lands and Belgium. ed that a small number of Napo- the Italian capital’s Stadio Ol- Inter then dominated for home first time under Samir bum note for Ospina after his blame for the late own goal Augsburg moved seven li supporters that had gathered impico after Maurizio Sarri’s long stretches of the first half, Handanovic. best game for Napoli, as his late as he lost the ball to Lev- points clear of the relegation outside the San Paolo set off side squeezed past AC Mi- and should have gone two Ospina kept a powerful In- booking for time wasting means erkusen’s Brazilian defender play-off place with just three fireworks throughout half-time lan on away goals following a ahead on the night seconds be- ter side at bay with some super he will miss the final. Wendell, who crossed low games to play after striker into the Schalke box and Mi- Florian Niederlechner scored randa turned the ball into his the only goal just 43 seconds own net. into Sunday’s match. Leverkusen, who booked Niederlechner was happy US Open faces D-day their place in the German to atone for his penalty miss Djokovic beats Zverev at Adria Tour Cup final on July 4 in mid- in last weekend’s 1-1 draw week, are now fourth with with Cologne. DPA amid player uncertainty three games left and heading “Last week I was the idiot, Belgrade for next season’s Champions this week I am the hero,” he AFP USTA has settled on staging League group stages. said. “That was a big step (to- Novak Djokovic beat Alex- Los Angeles the event in New York inside Schalke are suffering wards safety), but we can’t af- ander Zverev in the top game a protective “bubble”, possibly from a mounting injury list ford to relax.” at the Adria Tour exhibition The fate of the US Open is set without fans. with ten players out. Augsburg must still face event on Sunday, 4-0, 1-4, to be revealed next week when Under safety protocols “I’ve stopped counting,” Hoffenheim, third-from-bot- 4-2, to the delight of the fans officials decide whether or not proposed for the tournament, quipped head coach David tom Duesseldorf and Cham- in his native Serbia. the tournament can go ahead players would be confined to Wagner, the former Hudders- pions League quarter-final- World number one as planned amid mounting a hotel outside of Manhattan field manager, before kick-off ists RB Leipzig. Djokovic got the deciding unease among top players. and would only be allowed to as he made four changes from Mainz stayed three points break with a little help from The deadly COVID-19 pan- bring one member of their en- the team which drew 1-1 at above the bottom three. the netcord and then served demic, which has decimated tourage to the event. Union Berlin last weekend. They came closest to out the match against his the international tennis cal- Singles qualifying would The Royal Blues’ Un- equalising when French seventh-ranked opponent at endar, now has the Flush- be eliminated while the dou- der-19 captain Can Bozdogan striker Jean-Philippe Ma- the sun-flooded Novak Ten- ing Meadows fortnight in its bles tournaments would be made his debut on the right teta rounded the Augsburg nis Centre. crosshairs. drastically reduced from 64 wing while second-half re- goalkeeper but had his shot The two players em- With New York the hard- pairings to just 24. placement Jonas Hofmann, cleared off the line by defend- braced at the net afterwards Serbian Novak Djokovic reacts after winning against German Alexan- est-hit city by the US corona- The ATP/WTA Cincinnati 23, also played his first Bun- er Philipp Max. as Serbia has lifted many der Zverev during their singles match at Adria Tour, Novak Djokovic’s virus crisis, the United States Masters event could also be desliga match having been Mainz face second-placed coronavirus-related restric- Balkans charity tennis tournament in Belgrade on Sunday. (AFP) Tennis Association has been shifted to New York as a lead- promoted from the reserves. Borussia Dortmund on tions, which also allowed scrambling to come up with in tournament. Wednesday before Saturday’s fans to attend. with Serbian Davis Cup play- Bosnia. However, a spokes- a plan that allows the tourna- “This is the world we are Awoniyi suffers crucial home match against The four-week Adria ers also featuring. man for the organisers said ment to be staged. living in,” USTA’s director of concussion Werder Bremen, who are sec- Tour was initiated by Djoko- The Adria Tour across the visit to neighbouring But with the French Open player relations Eric Butorac Earlier, Nigerian forward ond from bottom and three vic to raise money for char- the Balkans will also stop in Montenegro was called off postponed to a September 20 told ATP and WTA players Taiwo Awoniyi was hospital- points behind them in the ity and give players some Zadar, Croatia (June 20/21) when it became apparent start, Wimbledon cancelled during a conference call on ised with a severe concussion table. matches as official play has and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Serbia did not match strict and the tennis season in shut- Wednesday. after a nasty clash of heads League leaders Bayern been suspended since March Herzegovina (July 3/4). health guidelines. down, the US Open’s status “We believe this is a good during Mainz’s 1-0 loss to Munich can claim an eighth because of the pandemic and Matches are played in a best- “The fact that citizens of has looked increasingly ques- plan and believe it is good for Augsburg in Sunday’s relega- straight Bundesliga title at won’t restart before August, of-three set format with each Serbia are not on the list of tionable as its August 31 start the sport. It’s good for the ten- tion battle. Bremen on Tuesday after Sat- at the earliest. set until four games. the Montenegrin public health date looms ever closer. nis economy, creates jobs for Liverpool loanee Awoni- urday’s 2-1 win at home to French Open and Aus- The Montenegro leg was institute, and cannot travel After considering and re- you, for coaches, for commen- yi, 22, was left motionless Moenchengladbach left them tralian Open finalist Dominic due to be the third stop on to Montenegro, is an insur- portedly discarding the idea of tators, for so many people. after landing awkwardly fol- seven points clear with three team was the other big name June 27 and 28 after Croatia mountable obstacle,” organis- moving the tournament to ei- “And most importantly, lowing an aerial collision games left. in Belgrade on the weekend, and before the conclusion in ers said in a statement. ther California or Florida, the this plan keeps you safe.” Sports Monday, June 15, 2020 13 Al Aufi, Al Balushi fly Omani flag high RALLY OF CHILE (STAGES 8) RESULTS Both won the Chile Rally in their groups to take the top positions; Al Maraghi & Abdulla in second spots Group A # Driver Time Tribune News Network 1 27 Zakariya Al Aufi/Oman 44:21.915 DOHA 2 13 Khalid Al Maraghi +22.956 3 16 Mansour Dbeissy +1:17.919 Omani rally champions duo 4 2 Ahmed Al Kuwari +2:18.626 of Zakariya Al Aufi and his co- 5 23 Patrick Roux +4:10.315 driver Ammar Al Balushi put 6 17 Misfer Al Hajri +4:49.807 up a stellar show in the open- ing semi-final of the RW C 8 Group B and led their respective pools 4 Ammar Balushi/Oman 43:53.455 on Sunday. 2 1 Adel Abdulla +21.118 On eight harsh gravel stag- 3 18 Meshari Al Thefiri/Kuwait +39.513 es of Chile, Al Aufi worked up a 4 3 Ahmed El Khouly +53.252 hot pace and posted five stage 5 9 Hamad Al Sulaiti +2:04.438 wins and three second-place 6 22 Nasser Al Kuwari +3:09.228 finishes to storm to the head of the Group A with 40 points. His compatriot Al Balushi was STANDINGS also on fire and took four stage Group A triumphs to top the Group B. # Driver R1 R2 R3 Pts With Ahmed El Khouly 1 27 Zakariya Al Aufi/Oman 40 - - 40 grabbing three stage wins and Zakariya Al Aufi Ammar Al Balushi Khalid Al Maragh 2 13 Khalid Al Maraghi 36 - - 36 Meshari Al Thefiri, the ERM C 3 16 Mansour Dbeissy 33 - - 33 2 champion from Kuwait, get- the third spot. Ahmed Al Ku- driver added. hard tires and I was surprised 4 2 Ahmed Al Kuwari 31 - - 31 ting one, former FIA World wari was fourth despite two Maraghi started well and that I could use soft tires for 5 23 Patrick Roux 30 - - 30 Cup of Cross-Country Rallies second places, while Patrick was the fastest driver in the more grip. I couldn’t do my 6 17 Misfer Al Hajri 29 - - 29 T4 winner Adel Hussein Ab- Roux and Misfer Al Hajri were opening stage. However, after best in first three stages as I dulla lost his unbeaten streak fifth and sixth, respectively. finishing fourth in the second got nervous due to tires chang- Group B and failed to win any stage. He Al Aufi was thrilled after stage, he staged a big recov- es.” 1 4 Ammar Balushi/Oman 40 - - 40 however didn’t miss a single landing the top spot in his ery and managed to get on the Al Balushi, who exploited 2 1 Adel Abdulla 36 - - 36 podium in all the eight stages pool. “It was a tough rally, for podium in all the remaining the errors of El Khouly, won 3 18 Meshari Al Thefiri/Kuwait 33 - - 33 and is occupying the second sure. The other guys were su- six stages. “Yeah, I made a lot the first two stages in a row to 4 3 Ahmed El Khouly 31 - - 31 spot in the Group B. The Qa- per fast. I had to push over the of mistakes, I wasn’t at in the set the pace. Barring the fourth 5 9 Hamad Al Sulaiti 30 - - 30 tari leads third-placed Al The- limit, which led me to crashing full concentration mode dur- stage in which he was fourth, 6 22 Nasser Al Kuwari 29 - - 29 firi by three points. three or four times. But thank ing several moments, but I’m he continued to excel and After today’s pulsating per- God, I was able to recover and lucky because the others made bagged the maximum possible formances, Al Aufi became the complete this kind of perfor- the same erros. At the end, 40 points. “I’m very delighted mistakes that I made today,” Hamad Al Sulaiti, whose best driver with most stage wins - mance. I got P2 which is absolutely by my performance today. I added Al Balushi. was a third place in the fifth 23, while Al Balushi moved to “The most important is I amazing for me in the semi- Adel Hussein Abdulla. led the pack in very competi- El Khouly crashed many stage, and Nasser Saadoun Al 20. He is the third most suc- got full points today. I com- finals. Hopefully, I’ll try to get tive group with champions like times from winning positions Kuwari. cessful behind Abdulla (22). promised top speed with faster a better position in the next Dbeissy said he did not Adel, Meshary, Hamad and and was gutted. “Yes it was so The second rally is in Spain Qatar’s Khalid Al Maraghi acceleration and ended up los- rounds. have the desired results in Nasser. I couldn;t ask for more bad day for me. I am cursed. I on Tuesday with the terrains turned out to be the second ing a lot of time on straights “The opening stage was the first three stages but came back here in Oman. will try to come back strongly being a mix of asphalt and quickest in the Group A after to other competitors. Also I brilliant for me. I won it ahead back strongly in the second “We both are leading our in the next races. I should have gravel. After three semi-final Al Aufi with a win and six po- had wrong gear ratios, which of Ahmed Al Kuwari with a dif- part of the rally to grab the respective groups and hope done much better than getting rallies, top three from each dium finishes, which helped I need to work on before the ference of 13 seconds. I really third spot. “I’m so happy with to continue the same top per- the fourth place.” group will qualify for the final him edge Mansour Dbeissy to next races,” the Omani top enjoyed it,” added Al Maraghi. my results today. I trained on formances. I’ll try to avoid the El Khouly is followed by rally on Saturday.

Saliva ban may upset balance between bat 2019 suspension made me consistent and ball: Mark Taylor performer, says KL Rahul QHA to resume Agencies SYDNEY Agencies do,” Rahul told India Today. long and I realised after 2019 “Humbled by Rohit’s words activities in Sept Bengaluru Rahul’s fortunes surged as that I probably have a good 12 (that KL Rahul is the first choice Former Australia cap- he not only replaced Rishabh or 11 years left in me and I need and then it’s decided between QNA tain Mark Taylor on Sunday Star India batsman KL Rahul Pant as India’s wicketkeeper- to dedicate all my time and en- me and Dhawan in T20Is for DOHA warned that ban on the usage believes the suspension that fol- batsman in limited overs for- ergy towards becoming a player opening slot). I have been a of saliva in cricket, in wake lowed his unsavoury comments mat, but also scored 303 runs and team man,” the 28-year-old huge fan of his batting and I THE Qatar Handball Association (QHA) will resume of the COVID-19 pandemic, about women on a TV show in five innings at an average of stylish Karnataka batsman said. have played with him for a few the men’s competitions for the 2019-2020 season on runs the risk of upsetting bal- last year completely changed 75.75 and a strike rate of 114.77 “That mind-shift really years now. September 10. ance between bat and ball in his thought process about his in ODIs. helped and took a lot of pressure “He is someone who is in “To ensure the safety of handball players, the Qa- Test matches. game, resulting in consistent off me when I started focusing the team, how do I say, like tar Olympic Committee was informed about the pre- The International Cricket performances. Right direction on wanting to do better for the some cricketers get dumbstruck cautionary measures so that the remaining matches Council has banned the use Rahul and Hardik Pandya Opening the batting in team and be a part of champion after watching Sachin Ten- and events could be completed before the new season. of saliva on ball as an interim faced severe criticism follow- T20Is, the right-handed teams and make a differ- dulkar, they don’t know what to Based on the QOC recommendations, it was decided health safety measure to com- ing their sexist remarks on batsman scored 224 runs ence in the game.” say. When I am with Rohit off to relaunch the season on September 10. The schedule bat the spread of coronavirus -- Koffee with Karan, and were at an average of 56.00 He has always en- the field, I am still not been able is also ready and it will be launched son,” the QHA a move that has raised concerns called back home from Aus- and a strike rate of joyed the backing of to get through,” Rahul said. said in a statement. about the game becoming even tralia in January last year after 144.51. Rohit Sharma and Ra- Rahul thanked Rohit for The association also added that the clubs would more batsmen friendly. being suspended by the BCCI’s Rahul said the suspen- hul said he is a big fan having faith in him. have to complete the remainder of the 2019-2020 sea- “I think it is a bit of a con- Committee of Administrators sion made him realise how of the India limited “He is someone in the team son with the same players registered in the club since cern because I like, particularly (COA). short a cricketer’s shelf life overs vice-cap- who has given me the sense that the beginning of the season. Barring professional in Test matches, to see the ball “A lot of credit for my con- is and he decided t o tain’s bat- he has a lot of faith in me and as players, no other players would be changed as given in slightly dominate the bat, it is sistent performance goes to channelise all his ting. a senior player, I have seen that the association rules. much better game when Test how differently I started think- energies in the he has backed me and stood by The Senior Men’s League was suspended after the cricket is played that way,” ing after 2019. With this sus- right direction. by me on a lot of instances. fifth round. Al Shamal, Al Arabi and Al Ahli competed Taylor told Channel 9. pension and with all that hap- “We all “When senior players feel in the Arab Clubs Championship in March in Bani The 55-year-old former pened, I was tempted or I was in know our like there is a guy who can take Khiar, Tunisia. Al Shamal were crowned the winners opener is concerned about the a way wanted to be selfish and careers are responsibility, a player who for the first time in its history after beating Al Arabi fact that no saliva means a de- play for myself, and I failed. So I not too has not played consistently in the final. Soon after this, all sports activities were livery would become predict- told myself I need to go out and for the country, it gives a lot of suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. able for a batsman. do what the team wants me to KL Rahul confidence.”

Schauffele grabs one-shot lead LEADING SCORES Leading scores after Saturday’s third round of the US PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas (USA unless noted, par- in PGA Tour return at Colonial 70): 197 - Xander Schauffele 65-66-66 AFP “Birdies are important out here.” to find a rhythm. 198 - Gary Woodland 65-67-66, Justin Thomas Washington but bogeys are bad. It’s really Schauffele, who shared “It was kind of a weird day,” 64-68-66, Branden Grace (RSA) 66-66-66, unique because everybody is so second behind Tiger Woods he said. “I definitely didn’t have Collin Morikawa 64-67-67, Jordan Spieth 65-65- Xander Schauffele closed bunched.” at last year’s Masters, credited my best stuff. Hit a lot of my 68 with a birdie to fire a four-under World number one Rory his strong start from the long best drives that bounced into 199 - Daniel Berger 65-67-67, Harold Varner par 66 and seize a one-stroke McIlroy of Northern Ireland break to playing practice rounds the rough. 63-66-70 lead after Saturday’s third shot 69 to join a pack on 200 with Charley Hoffman and Phil “I wasn’t quite sharp enough 200 - Patrick Reed 68-69-63, Abraham Ancer round of the Charles Schwab that included England’s Justin Mickelson during the layoff. to get everything going with my Challenge, the first PGA Tour Rose, Mexico’s Abraham Ancer, “It knocked off a lot of the approaches and putts so I’m (MEX) 64-70-66, Corey Conners (CAN) 66-67- event since the coronavirus Canadian Corey Conners and rust that was there during quar- glad to get to four-under.” 67, Justin Rose (ENG) 63-69-68, Rory McIlroy shutdown. Americans Patrick Reed and antine,” he said. “I have to at- Woodland and Grace also (NIR) 68-63-69, Bryson DeChambeau 65-65-70 The 26-year-old American Bryson DeChambeau. tribute it to that.” shot 66s with Morikawa firing a 201 - JT Poston 68-66-67 stood on 13-under par 197 after The tournament marks the Schauffele opened with a 67 and Spieth a 68. 202 - Im Sung-Jae (KOR) 66-69-67, Chesson 54 holes at Colonial Country return of the US golf season tap-in birdie but missed the “Happy with my game now Hadley 70-68-64, Cameron Champ 66-71-65, Club in Fort Worth, Texas, with after a 91-day layoff since early green and a six-foot putt to and the way I played,” Wood- Jason Kokrak 67-70-65, Mark Hubbard 67-68- five rivals deadlocked behind March due to the coronavirus bogey the par-3 fourth. He an- land said. “The key around here 67, Bubba Watson 68-66-68 him on 198. pandemic and is being played swered with another birdie at is put it in the fairway and keep 203 - Charles Howell 70-67-66, Ian Poulter South Africa’s Branden without spectators. the par-4 seventh and tap-in moving forward.” (ENG) 66-70-67, Jim Furyk 67-69-67, Peter Grace and Americans Gary “It really was quiet out birdies at 10 and the par-5 11th. Varner, trying to become Uihlein 69-65-69, Joel Dahmen 68-65-70 Woodland, Justin Thomas, Col- here,” said Schauffele. “I prefer A 17-foot birdie putt at only the eighth African-Amer- lin Morikawa and Jordan Spi- fans.” the 15th was wasted when he ican winner on the PGA Tour, 204 - Maverick McNealy 69-69-66, Tony Finau eth were one adrift with Ameri- missed the green at the par-3 led after 36 holes but fell two 68-69-67, Adam Hadwin (CAN) 65-72-68, Kevin cans Daniel Berger and Harold On birdie binge 16th and made bogey, but his back with a third-round 70. Kisner 67-69-68, Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) Varner on 199. Schauffele has made 16 closing birdie gave him a nose McIlroy, a top-five finisher 68-67-69, Brian Harman 65-69-70 “All of us, everyone, it’s like birdies and only three bogeys ahead of the pack entering the in his past seven events world- six guys are tied for the lead,” through the first three rounds. last round. wide, opened with a tap-in bird- Xander Schauffele of the United States putts said world number 12 Schauf- “I was playing really well ie but made bogeys at seven and on the fifth green during the third round of the fele, who is bidding for his fifth at home. I was making a ton Weird day eight. Birdies at the 11th and a Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country PGA Tour title but first since of birdies,” Schauffele said. “I Thomas also fired a 66 de- 23-foot birdie putt at 14 only left Club in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday. (AFP) January 2019. don’t see why it should change spite struggling much of the day him on 69 and three back.