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SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020 IgaI Swiatek confronts Sofia KKenin for title I’veI been there, done that. I know what the emotions are ggetting into your first final. I’m hoping she’s goingg to be a little bit nervous

SofiaS Kenin Sport | 15

FRENCH OPEN: MEN'S SINGLES (SEMIS) Nadal (2) bt. Schwartzman (12) 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (0), Djokovic (1) bt. Tsitsipas (5) 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1

Serbia’s celebrates Djokovic survives Tsitsipas after winning his semi-final match against Greece’s Stefanos test to set up Nadal final Tsitsipas.

REUTERS – Spain’s celebrates after winning against Argentina’s during their men’s singles semi-final on Day World number one Novak Djokovic defended reso- 13 of The Roland Garros 2020 French Open in Paris, yesterday. lutely to outlast big-hitting Greek 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in an enthralling contest yester- dayto advance to the final of the French Open. The Serb will meet 12-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, seeded second, in another mouth-watering clash tomorrow with the Spaniard also bidding to equal ’s record men’s haul of 20 Grand Slam singles titles. Djokovic, whose 2016 Roland Garros triumph fea- tures among his 17 major titles, had a match point in the third set but saw the 22-year-old Tsitsipas fight return in three hours and 54 record-equalling 20th dropping a set for the first "With these conditions back spectacularly to level minutes on Court Philippe Grand Slam title. time since 2017, will equal it's very difficult, and it's still the match at two sets Chatrier. The Spaniard, also Roger Federer's men's incredible to be in the final apiece. Nadal showed no sign of chasing a record-extending singles record of winning 20 again. Thanks to my team, Tsitsipas, seeded fifth, relinquishing his French 13th triumph at Roland majors if he triumphs my family. It's a beautiful ran out of steam in the Open crown as he suffo- Garros, is now undefeated tomorrow. Schwartzman, moment for me," said deciding set but saved cated Argentine Diego in 13 French Open the 12th seed, kept Nadal on Nadal, who has now pro- another match point before Schwartzman 6-3, 6-3, semi-finals. court for over three hours gressed to the final without the 33-year-old sealed the 7-6(0) in the semi-final to Nadal, who advanced but managed only 24 losing a set for the sixth win with a crushing service move within one win of a into the Paris final without winners in the contest. time. IPL: Delhi in Haidan and Miss Chili steal the limelight big win over as new Longines Hathab season kicks off Rajasthan

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Mohammed Saeed IANS – SHARJAH Haidan guiding Mohammed Saeed Haidan stole the show his horse over an Delhi Capitals yesterday beat on the opening day of the new season of the obstacle on his way Rajasthan Royals by 46 runs Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour to win the Medium at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium when he guided Miss Chili to a brilliant win Tour competition to claim their third consec- at the Qatar Equestrian Federation's Indoor at the QEF indoor utive win thus far in the IPL. Arena yesterday. Arena yesterday. After scoring 184/8 wickets in Haidan won the Medium Tour in the 20 overs, DC dismissed RR for opening round of the 12-leg series following 138 in 19.4 overs in what was a flawless ride on his favourite mare, com- the lowest scoring match in pleted his round in 32.88 secs to win the top Sharjah this season. price of QR7,500 yesterday. Kagiso Rabada (3/35) led What A Pleasure, with Nasser Al Ghazali what was an all-round in the saddle, completed the same task in bowling and fielding per- 33.78 to win the second spot on the podium formance from the Delhi Cap- as he got richer by QR6,000. Khalid itals. Eight of the 10 RR Mohammed Al Emadi (Eglantine du Cas- wickets that fell came through telet, 34.83 secs) won QR4,500 after fin- catches and all six of the DC ishing third. Jaber Rashid Al Amri (Argelith bowlers got at least one Squid, 35.71 secs), and Cyrine Cherif wicket. (Brennus Villelongue, 35.87 secs) completed Ravichandran Ashwin was the top five. the most economical of the Team Limited Edition Cars, comprised bowlers, recording figures of of Haidan and Alqaqa Adel Nassar (Verona), 2/22 in four overs and his won the team event and they won QR15,000 COMP. (1) SMALL TOUR, 100/110CM, PRIZE MONEY QR20,000 wickets included that of the in prize money. Rk Horse/Rider Phase 1 Phase 2 Prize Money dangerous Jos Buttler (13). Earlier, Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi won 1 Dusty/Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi 29.95 29.09 QR5,000 Marcus Stoinis followed up his the Small Tour with Dusty after the duo 2 Naville Z/Mohammed Al Ghazali 30.99 29.15 QR4,000 Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi, winner of the Small Tour, receiving innings of 38 off 29 balls with completed the second phase in the 3 Best Of Des Forets/Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 32.30 29.72 QR3,000 his trophy from Head of Public Relations at the Social and figures of 2/17 in the two overs 100/110cm event in 29.09 secs. 4 Belucci Van 'T Vleminkhof/Hussain Saeed Haidan 32.11 30.45 QR2,000 Sports Activities Support Fund, Ghanim Essa Al Rumaihi. he bowled. He dismissed He received his trophy from Head of 5 Vlacido/Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi 30.90 31.16 QR1,400 Yashasvi Jaiswal (34) and Public Relations at the Social and Sports ensured that Sanju Samson (5) Activities Support Fund, Ghanim Essa Al COMP. (2) MEDIUM TOUR (INDIVIDUAL), 120/130CM, PRIZE MONEY QR30,000 failed to fire yet again. Rumaihi. Earlier, Jofra Archer (3/24) 1 Miss Chili/Mohammed Saeed Haidan 27.67 32.88 QR7,500 Naville Z, ridden by Mohammed Al led the way as Rajasthan 2 What A Pleasure /Nasser Al Ghazali 30.31 33.78 QR6,000 Ghazali was placed second with a time of Royals (RR) restricted Delhi 3 Eglantine du Castelet/Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 27.31 34.83 QR4,500 29.15 while Best Of Des Forets, with Saeed Capitals (DC) to 184/8 in the 4 Argelith Squid/Jaber Rashid Al Amri 25.34 35.71 QR3,000 Nasser Al Qadi in the saddle, finished third 23rd match of the IPL. 5 Brennus Villelongue/Cyrine Cherif 25.50 35.87 QR2,100 after clocking a time of 29.72 secs. It was the first time this Hussain Saeed Haidan (Belucci Van 'T COMP. (2) MEDIUM TOUR (TEAMS), 120/130CM, PRIZE MONEY QR30,000 season that a team batting Vleminkhof, 30.45 secs) finished fourth as first in Sharjah did not score 1: Team Limited Edition Cars 68.82 secs (Prize Money QR15,000) Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi (Vlacido, 31.16 more than 200 runs. Miss Chili/Mohammed Saeed Haidan 27.67 32.88 Al Khaldi secs) rounded up the top five in the event Verona/Alqaqa Adel Nassar 29.87 35.94 guiding which saw a long list of 47 entries. Brief scores: Dusty over The 12-leg series, organised by the Qatar 2: Team Exxonmobil 70.70 secs (Prize Money QR9,000) DC 184/8 (Shimron an obstacle Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab, is sup- Eglantine du Castelet/Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 27.31 34.83 Hetmyer 45, Marcus Stoinis on his way ported by The Social & Sport Contribution Brennus Villelongue/Cyrine Cherif 25.50 35.87 39; Jofra Archer 3/24) beat RR to win the Fund and is sponsored by Longines, Exxon- 3: Team Salam International 74.89 secs, 16 errors (Prize Money QR6,000) 138 all out in 19.4 overs Small Tour Mobil and Salam International. Argelith Squid/Jaber Rashid Al Amri 25.34 35.71 (Rahul Tewatia 38, Yashasvi competition Today is the second and final day of the Ulano/Faleh Suwead Al Ajami 30.11 39.18 Jaiswal 34; Kagiso Rabada yesterday. opening round. Ambre de Beaufour/Mohammad Hazim Abara 24.85 (4) 38.26 (12) 3/35) by 46 runs Sport SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020 15 Al Sadd, Al Arabi set for Ooredoo Cup title clash F1: German fog ends Mick Schumacher’s practice hopes

REUTERS – NUERBURGRING

Bad weather denied Mick Schumacher a Formula One practice debut at the Eifel Grand Prix yesterday, with the ’s Arnaud Demare medical helicopter grounded gestures as he crosses the line by fog and cars unable to run. for victory in the seventh stage Organisers had set the of the Giro d’Italia, yesterday. clock running for the 90-minute session at a cold Hat-trick of Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez giving instructions to his players as the team and damp Nuerburgring but prepares to take on Al Arabi in the Ooredoo Cup title clash which will take place kept the pit lane exit closed. stage victories at Al Duhail Stadium today. TOP RIGHT: Al Sadd's Santi Cazorla in action during a After two half-hourly practice session on the eve of the title clash. updates, they announced there for Demare on Al Arabi players taking part in would be no running. The a practice session on the eve of afternoon session at the Giro d’Italia the Ooredoo Cup final. German circuit was similarly affected. Schumacher, the Formula REUTERS – BRINDISI, ITALY Two championship leader and son of seven-times world French champion Arnaud champion and former Ferrari Demare claimed his third stage great Michael, had been due win in this year’s Giro d’Italia to replace Italian Antonio Gio- when he prevailed at a canter vinazzi at Alfa Romeo for the in the seventh stage, a 143-km opening session only. ride between Mantera and The debut had attracted Brindisi yesterday. global interest, with Schu- Demare, who had already macher stepping onto the won the fourth and sixth Formula One stage at the stages, benefitted from a circuit closest to his father’s perfect lead-out by his childhood home in Kerpen and Groupama-FDJ team mates to one where his father won five beat triple world champion times. Peter Sagan by a bike length. Messi fires Argentina to WC Britain’s Callum Ilott, Australian Michael Mat- second in the F2 championship thews took third place. and also a Ferrari Academy Portuguese Joao Almeida driver, had also been due to retained the overall leader’s take part with the Ferrari- Maglia Rosa. qualifying win over Ecuador powered Haas team. “The work my team did was amazing,” said Demare. AFP – BUENOS AIRES proposition to the one dispatched 6-1 “I waited a little bit and I in a friendly a year ago. launched my sprint at the right Lionel Messi put his Barcelona troubles The breakthrough came after a moment.” behind him to fire Argentina to an reckless challenge by Pervis Estupinan opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador in sent Lucas Ocampo sprawling in the World Cup qualifying on Thursday. box, with Messi stepping up to lash The 33-year-old great has been in home his 71st international goal. Lowry and open conflict with his club but it had no Ocampos was presented with a glo- detrimental effect on his form as his rious chance to double the lead early Fitzpatrick 13th minute penalty was the difference in the second half but goalkeeper Alex- share halfway in a tight encounter. ander Dominguez dived full length to Jack Miller The six-time Ballon d’Or winner keep out his low shot from eight yards. in action unsuccessfully tried to force his way Rodrigo De Paul fired narrowly yesterday. lead at out of the Catalan giants in the close wide for the hosts with the last kick of season but he seemed much happier in the match. Wentworth the light blue and white jersey of his In Montevideo, Luis Suarez scored MotoGP: MIller country. a record extending 60th international AFP – LONDON And Argentina needed him to be on goal for Uruguay before substitute Maxi tops French Argentina’s top form in a bid to avoid slipping up Gomez bagged an injury time winner British Open Champion Shane Lionel Messi at home to Ecuador for the second suc- against Chile. practice Lowry and England’s Matthew celebrating cessive time in an opening World Cup Atletico Madrid forward Suarez Fitzpatrick shared the lead at after scoring qualifier having lost 2-0 to the same opened the scoring from the penalty AFP – LE MANS, FRANCE the halfway stage of the PGA against opponents four years ago. spot on 39 minutes after Sebastian Championship after they Ecuador during In the surreal atmosphere of an Vegas was harshly penalized for scored matching 65s at Went- their 2022 empty Bombonera -- the iconic stadium handball. Jack Miller came out on top in worth yesterday. FIFA World in Buenos Aires that is usually bouncing Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez the practice times for this The two golfers set a Cup South from the passion of fervent fans was equalised with a low shot on 54 minutes weekend’s French MotoGP testing clubhouse target of 12 American left barren by coronavirus restrictions but Gomez had the last word with a following yesterday’s crash- under par after taking qualifier at La -- Argentina never looked in danger of stunning half-volley from 20 yards to laden second session at Le advantage of favourable early another shock defeat. complete the 2-1 win. Mans. Bombonera scoring conditions. The hosts predictably dominated It was honors even between Par- Ducati-Pramac rider Stadium in Overnight co-leader possession but struggled to break down aguay and Peru in Asuncion as Angel Miller posted one minute, Buenos Aires Tyrrell Hatton was able to an organized and physical Ecuador Romero for the hosts and Andre Car- 34.356 seconds, shaving nine on Thursday. get within one shot of the outfit that proved a different rillo both scored a brace. seconds off the time which leading pair as the weather gave Bradley Smith top spot changed in the afternoon but in the morning’s wet opening they remained the men to practice. catch heading into the Briton Smith was one of weekend. Andalucia Rally five riders to crash and fin- Lowry notched seven ished back in 18th, more than birdies in a spotless second two seconds behind the Aus- round, while Fitzpatrick had Al Attiyah wins penultimate stage tralian leader. been on course to break the Miller was 0.144sec ahead tournament record for the of Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales, lowest opening 36 holes after after Al Rajhi handed penalty who is third in the overall an eagle and seven birdies standings, and half a second before a double bogey on his Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel of in front of Honda’s Takaaki final hole. Toyota Gazoo Racing in action during the penultimate stage of the Nakagami. England’s world number Andalucia Rally in Spain yesterday. The former Dakar Rally champion Championship leader 15 Hatton finished his round won yesterday’s 233km third stage with a time of 1 hour 45 minutes and Fabio Quartararo improved with three birdies in his final 24 secs, 46 secs adrift of initial winner Yazeed Al Rajhi of Saudi Arabia, on his disappointing morning four holes to sign for a 67 and who was eventually handed a 10-minute penalty for overspeeding. by finishing in 11th, 1.133sec jump to 11 under. Thirteen-time Dakar Rally champion, French veteran Stephane Peterhansel behind, with Suzuki’s Joan Frenchman Victor Perez finished one minute and 53 secs behind the Qatari star who now leads Mir, who is eight points and Dane Joachim B. Hansen the overall standings by 6 minutes 48 secs. The rally concludes today behind the Frenchman in the were two shots further back after covering a total of 1000 kilometres in four days. standings, 1.029sec back in in a tie for fourth. ninth. Swiatek confronts Kenin for French Open title

AFP – PARIS becoming the first woman to capture two Slams top seed and favourite . in the same season since won At 19, Swiatek is the youngest player to reach and Iga Swiatek are the last the Australian and US Open in 2016. the women’s French Open final since Kim Cli- women standing at a French Open tour- The 21-year-old is hoping her Melbourne jsters in 2001. nament unlike any other, full of surprises and experience will give her an edge over Swiatek, She has matched the run of compatriot held in the autumnal Paris chill after it was who has blasted through to the final for the loss Jadwiga Jedrzejowska -- the most outstanding delayed four months by the coronavirus of just 23 games. Polish player of the interwar period -- who pandemic. “I’ve been there, done that. I know what the finished runner-up at Roland champion Kenin is tar- emotions are getting into your first Grand Slam Garros in 1939. Swiatek is only geting a second Grand Slam of the year while final. I’m hoping she’s going to be a little bit the second Polish woman to the 19-year-old Swiatek has her sights set on nervous,” said Kenin. reach a Grand Slam final becoming Poland’s first major singles champion. Kenin’s hunger and desire ranks among the in the Open era after Kenin arrived at Roland Garros having suf- best, as does her ability to adjust and counter Agnieszka Rad- fered an embarrassing double- defeat by an opponent armed with greater power as wit- wanska at Wim- in Rome, her lone warm-up nessed in her victory over Petra Kvitova. bledon in 2012. match on clay, a surface she used to despise. Kenin has gone to three sets in four of her She had never The American had never advanced as far six matches and will need to be at her uncom- previously been the quarter-finals on clay before this fort- promising best to subdue an opponent who has beyond the last Iga Swiatek night, but now stands a win away from ruthlessly swept aside the competition, including 16. Sofia Kenin