CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 7 SPOTLIGH T| Page 6 Wellens wins Australia’s 14th stage golden era of Vuelta as swim coach Roglic leads Talbot dies

Thursday, November 5, 2020 Rabia I 19, 1442 AH Unfi t for Australia, fi t GULF TIMES for IPL: Rohit ‘injury’ intrigues many SPORT Page 4 Monroe powers Al Arabi to Amir Cup victory over Sadd Al Arabi, who first won the title in 2018, beat Al Sadd 87-78 after acing all quarters

Sheikh Saoud bin Ali al-Thani, President of FIBA Asia and First Vice-President of Qatar Olympic Committee, presents the Amir Cup trophy to Al Arabi captain Fahad al-Darwish as his team members cheer at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. At right, Al Arabi top-scorer Sammy Monroe goes for the basket. PiCTURES: Noushad T

By Sports Reporter door Hall. departments of the game. Monroe’s fi eld goal accuracy was Doha Al Arabi, who fi rst won the title in “We knew it was going to be a tough just 47.8% but he more than made up 2018, beat Al Sadd 87-78 yesterday match but we were confi dent through- for it by providing seven assists, and 55 and although Al Sadd managed 23 Al Sadd players managed double-digit after acing all quarters and leading for out,” said Al Arabi coach Hatem Mam- he received enough help from Khaled points in the fi nal 10 minutes, they fell scores. ammy Monroe scored a match- more than 34 minutes in the match. louk. Roushdy who came up with 24 points, well short of the target. “We tried our best but Al Arabi were high 31 points as Al Arabi Monroe, who was the court for 36 “Sammy was excellent through- including 12 from the three-point Captain Babacar Dieng was the the better team today,” said Al Sadd quelled the challenge of Al minutes, scored 11 fi eld goals besides out but it was essentially a team eff ort mark. top scorer for Al Sadd with 30 points, coach Vasileios Bratsiakos. SSadd to win the Amir Cup for nailing eight out of nine free-throws where everybody played their part,” he Al Arabi won the fi rst quarter 23-15, while Konstantinos Vasileiadis was the “I congratulate them on their suc- the second time at the Al Gharafa In- in a match that saw Al Arabi excel in all added. the second 41-38 and the third 68- second best with 25. None of the other cess.”

SPOTLIGHT Maradona brain surgery successful: doctor AFP Several times in the last eight tails of his condition. Olivos, months he has been in isolation “I just want to thank everyone and was forced to stay at home last for the constant displays of love for week after a bodyguard showed my dad, for my sister and for me, rgentine great coronavirus symptoms, although thanks to everyone who prayed for Diego Maradona is recov- he later tested negative. him,” she tweeted yesterday morn- ering “without compli- Prior to falling ill, Maradona had ing. Acations” from successful been depressed, his lawyer Matias Maradona was transferred from brain surgery for a blood clot, his Morla said yesterday. the hospital in La Plata, 60 kilo- personal doctor said yesterday. The famously fast-living icon metres (37 miles) south of Buenos Surgeons at a specialist pri- had only been able to spend half an Aires, to the capital at 6:00pm vate clinic in Buenos Aires spent hour at his own birthday celebra- (2100 GMT) on Tuesday accom- 80 minutes removing the clot on tion at his team’s training ground panied by another daughter, Gian- Tuesday night. on Friday, when he had diffi culty nina. “He has no neurological issues. Following this surgery, fellow walking. Dozens of Gimnasia fans outside He’s progressing without any com- Argentina football star Lionel Messi “He was behaving strangely, he the La Plata hospital chanted his plications,” said Leopoldo Luque. sent him a message of support. was very depressed and spoke about name as he left. World Cup winner Maradona had “Diego, all the strength in the dead relatives that he missed,” said Earlier in the day, Luque claimed been taken to hospital in La Plata — world. My family and I want to see Morla. Maradona was suff ering from anae- where he is the coach of top-fl ight you well as soon as possible,” said He said Maradona was “very mia — a lack of iron in his system — side Gimnasia y Esgrima — on the Barcelona forward, who like worried” about the surgery and and dehydration. Monday for a series of tests after Maradona in his pomp wears the praised Luque, adding that “if he He also suggested Maradona’s feeling unwell. No.10 jersey. hadn’t detected the clot, Marado- lifestyle had contributed to his A scan revealed the blood clot, Groups of fans congregated out- na’s destiny would have been dif- condition. and on Tuesday he was transferred side the clinic with banners show- ferent.” “He’s an elderly patient with to the specialist clinic in a northern ing Maradona’s face and the words Luque insisted on Tuesday that many pressures in his life. It’s a neighbourhood of the capital. “Come on, Diego!” the procedure was “a routine op- time when we must help him. It’s “We managed to successfully “Once more his health has played eration.” very diffi cult to be Maradona,” Lu- remove the clot. Diego coped well a trick on him but he has antibodies “The operation consists of a que said of the star. with the surgery,” said Luque. to recover with the help of the peo- small incision to drain the blood. In He said it was a condition that Maradona, who turned 60 on ple,” fan Oscar Medina told AFP. 24 or 48 hours the patient can leave also aff ected Vice President Cris- Friday, has suff ered ill health be- Due to his age and previous the hospital,” neurosurgeon Raul tina Kirchner when she was presi- fore. He has survived two heart at- health issues, Maradona is con- Matera told TyC Sports channel. dent. tacks, and also contracted hepatitis sidered high risk in relation to the Maradona’s daughter Dalma said “It breaks my heart to see him Supporters of Argentine former football star Diego Maradona gather outside the hospital where and underwent gastric bypass sur- coronavirus pandemic, which has she had visited her father after his like this,” Giannina tweeted the he underwent brain surgery for a blood clot, in Olivos, Buenos Aires province. gery. hit Argentina hard. surgery but did not give further de- next day. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 5, 2020 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EUROPA LEAGUE Spurs’ Mourinho Liverpool, Bayern defends Kane over penalty criticism

AFP lection. The Arsenal boss said London he would rotate his squad as he attempts to keep his players fi t. “You will see some changes again run riot as Real ose Mourinho has insisted tomorrow,” he said. “We have to Harry Kane did nothing manage the minutes and expo- wrong after the sure we give to the players. We forward was criticised for have to think what we need now, howJ he won a penalty in Tot- as well as also looking ahead.” tenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win over Leicester have shrugged off Brighton in the Premier League last season’s collapse that saw Madrid edge Inter last weekend. Kane appeared to them fall short of the Champions draw a foul from Adam Lallana to League by winning fi ve of their win the spot-kick, which he then fi rst seven games in a top-fl ight With three wins from three, Liverpool are well on course to top Group D converted to open the scoring at season for the fi rst time in their home to the Seagulls. history. The Foxes have beaten Mourinho, during his pre- Zorya Luhansk and AEK Athens match press conference ahead of in Group G and next host Braga, today’s Europa League tie away who also have six points after to Ludogorets, was adamant any two rounds. fault lay with Lallana. “Harry leaders AC Milan put Kane was in a position to con- their 24-match unbeaten run on trol the ball and Lallana came in the line against Lille, who are a reckless fashion. Why are you second in Ligue 1 and also yet saying it is clever?” Mourinho to lose in any competition this said. “Clever is taking the ball term. Celtic host Sparta Prague and scoring a goal. It’s a foul.” in the other game in Group H, The experienced Portuguese while Steven Gerrard’s Rang- boss added: “I thought it was a ers are chasing a third win in as direct free-kick but VAR said it many fi xtures away to Group D was inside the box because it was frontrunners Benfi ca. on the line. What are we talking about being clever? Harry Kane FIXTURES just wants to score goals. Lal- (kick-off s Groups A-F at 1755 lana was reckless. Why are you GMT, Groups G-L at 2000 GMT speaking about us? Speak about unless noted) Liverpool, Manchester United, City and others with ‘clever’ Group A: Roma (ITA) v CFR Cluj players and getting penalties. (ROM); Young Boys (SUI) v CSKA Don’t speak about Harry Kane.” Sofia (BUL) (2000) Tottenham will be without Group B: Rapid Vienna (AUT) v Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Dundalk (IRL); Arsenal (ENG) v Serge Aurier for the trip to Bul- Molde (NOR) (2000) garia after the trio missed train- Group C: Hapoel Beer-Sheva ing today. “Reguilon is ill but not Covid, just ill,” said Mourinho. (ISR) v Bayer Leverkusen (GER); “Lamela was having a little prob- Slavia Prague (CZE) v Nice (FRA) lem for quite a few weeks and we Group D: Lech Poznan (POL) v decided it was the time to stop. Standard Liege (BEL); Benfica Aurier has a little problem, noth- (POR) v Rangers (SCO) ing important.” Group E: PAOK (GRE) v PSV Meanwhile, Arsenal and Eindhoven (NED); Omonoia Leicester can take a step towards Nicosia (CYP) v Granada (ESP) the knockout stages with a third win in a row. Arsenal will be on Group F: Rijeka (CRO) v Napoli course for the last 32 with victory (ITA); Real Sociedad (ESP) v AZ at home to Norwegians Molde. Alkmaar (NED) Both teams have six points in Group G: Leicester City (ENG) Group B. Pierre-Emerick Au- v Braga (POR); Zorya Luhansk bameyang’s penalty earned the (UKR) v AEK Athens (GRE) Gunners a 1-0 win at Manchester Group H: Celtic (SCO) v Sparta Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (right) scores a goal past Atalanta’s goalkeeper Marco Sportiello during the Champions league match at the Atalanta stadium in Bergamo. (AFP) United on Sunday — their fi rst Prague (CZE); AC Milan (ITA) v Premier League victory at Old Lille (FRA) far. I don’t know if it’s the best moment Lautaro Martinez pulled one back short- over for Marseille. Sergio Oliveira then Traff ord since 2006. AFP Group I: Sivasspor (TUR) v Qara- Paris of my career but obviously scoring goals ly after. Inter were missing the injured scored from the spot to make it 2-0 for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is my way of playing football,” Jota said. but looked set to escape Porto and Luis Diaz sealed the win for the said David Luiz will return to the bag (AZE) (1755); Villarreal (ESP) With three wins from three, Liver- with a draw when Ivan Perisic equalised home side in Group C. Manchester City squad after his injury proved less v Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) iogo Jota scored a stunning hat- pool are well on course to top Group D, midway through the second half, only for are fi rmly in control of that section after serious than feared. The Brazil- Group J: Ludogorets (BUL) v trick in Liverpool’s 5-0 demoli- with Ajax and Atalanta both fi ve points Rodrygo to pounce and leave the Italians Pep Guardiola’s side eased past Olympia- ian defender missed wins over Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) (1755); tion of Atalanta in the Champi- back. Ajax won 2-1 away to Midtjylland in bottom of the group. kos 3-0, with Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus Dundalk and Manchester United Antwerp (BEL) v LASK Linz (AUT) ons League on Tuesday night, Denmark, as Brazilian youngster Antony Reigning champions Bayern have now and Joao Cancelo netting. with a thigh injury suff ered dur- Group K: Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) asD holders Bayern Munich scored six and opened the scoring in the fi rst minute and won a record-extending 14 consecutive ing a home defeat by Leicester on v Wolfsberg (AUT); Feyenoord Real Madrid struck late to beat Inter Mi- Dusan Tadic netted from an indirect free- Champions League games after a 6-2 vic- UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS October 25. (NED) v CSKA Moscow (RUS) lan in a thriller. kick inside the box soon after. Anders tory against Salzburg in Austria. German Group A: At Moscow: Lokomotiv Mos- Arteta initially feared that Luiz forward Mergim Berisha gave Salzburg an would be out for “a few weeks” Group L: Hoff enheim (GER) v On a prolifi c night across Europe which Dreyer got one back for the hosts, who cow (RUS) 1 (Anton Miranchuk 25-pen) also saw a rampant Borussia Moencheng- remain pointless. early lead only for Robert Lewandowski to but the 33-year-old has resumed Slovan Liberec (CZE); Red Star Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Gimenez 18); At ladbach hit six in Ukraine, the star in- French forward Plea had earlier scored level from the penalty spot, and a Rasmus training and is available for se- Belgrade (BEL) v Gent (BEL) Salzburg: Salzburg (AUT) 2 (Berisha 4, dividual performances came from Jota a hat-trick as Gladbach claimed a stun- Kristensen own goal put Bayern ahead Okugawa 66) Bayern Munich (GER) 6 and Alassane Plea. Portugal forward Jota ning 6-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk before the break. (Lewandowski 21-pen, 88, Kristensen-og joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton in Kiev, the German side’s biggest Euro- Japanese substitute Masaya Okugawa 40, Boateng 79, Sane 83, Lucas 90+1) Wanderers in September and has wasted pean triumph since their 1970s heyday. restored parity midway through the sec- little time making an impact with seven The unfortunate Valeriy Bondar scored ond half only for Bayern to run away with Group B: At Kiev: Shahktar Donetsk goals from just fi ve starts. an own goal, with Ramy Bensebaini and the game late on. Jerome Boateng headed (UKR) 0 Borussia Moenchengladbach In Bergamo, against an Atalanta side Lars Stindl also scoring as Gladbach went them back in front, Leroy Sane got their (GER) 6 (Plea 8, 26, 78, Bondar 17-og, who reached the quarter-fi nals last sea- top of Group B, a point clear of Shakhtar fourth and Lewandowski strained to Bensebaini 44, Stindl 65); At Madrid: Real son, Jota was brought into the starting and Real Madrid. Gladbach coach Marco in his 12th of the season, before Lucas Madrid (ESP) 3 (Benzema 25, Ramos 33, line-up in place of Roberto Firmino and Rose said: “Six-nil is extraordinary. We Hernandez wrapped up their win. Rodrygo 80) (ITA) 2 (Martinez required just 16 minutes to open the scor- did a lot right today — not to say almost “We never give up — that’s what sets us 35, Perisic 68) ing. Another emphatic fi nish allowed the everything.” apart,” Boateng said. Hansi Flick’s side are Group C: At Manchester: Manchester 2019 Champions League winners to dou- Real, the 13-time European champi- fi rmly in control of Group A, fi ve points City (ENG) 3 (Torres 12, Gabriel Jesus ble their lead before the break, and Mo- ons, ran out 3-2 winners in a dramatic ahead of Atletico Madrid, who drew 1-1 at 81, Cancelo 90) Olympiakos (GRE) 0; At hamed Salah then broke away to get the encounter with Inter behind closed doors Lokomotiv Moscow. Jose Maria Gimen- Porto: Porto (POR) 3 (Marega 4, Oliveira ez’s header for Atletico was cancelled out third just after the restart. at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, as 28-pen, Dias 69) Marseille (FRA) 0 Salah set up Sadio Mane for Liverpool’s Vinicius Junior set up his fellow Brazilian by Anton Miranchuk’s penalty. fourth before Jota got his hat-trick goal as substitute Rodrygo to lash in the decisive Meanwhile Marseille’s 3-0 loss away to Group D: At Herning: Midtjylland (DEN) the Premier League champions recorded goal 10 minutes from time. Porto saw them equal Anderlecht’s record 1 (Dreyer 18) Ajax (NED) 2 (Antony 1, their biggest win in Europe since beating Karim Benzema had put the hosts of 12 consecutive Champions League de- Tadic 13); At Bergamo: Atalanta (ITA) 0 Harry Kane appeared to draw a foul from Adam Lallana to win the Porto 5-0 away in February 2018. “I’m ahead and Sergio Ramos headed in his feats. Moussa Marega gave Porto an early Liverpool (ENG) 5 (jota 16, 33, 54, Salah spot-kick during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win over Brighton in the playing in the best team of my career so 100th Madrid goal in the 33rd minute, but lead before Dimitri Payet blazed a penalty 47, Mane 49) Premier League last weekend. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Bayern Munich squad back Alaba over contract rift , says Boateng AFP and we’re behind him.” he said. “But it’s nice when there is tive Damir Smoljan said. “Jerome Berlin Bayern sporting director Hasan something up at FC Bayern — we feels unbelievably well here and the Salihamidzic admitted before the also want things to crackle a bit. I team is incredibly focused and pro- match it looked increasingly likely used to enjoy reading about ‘FC Hol- fessional.” erome Boateng said on Tues- that the Austrian would exit the lywood’,” Mueller joked, referring to Boateng joined Bayern in 2011 and day that the Bayern Munich club next year. Alaba has repeatedly the German media’s former nick- has won eight Bundesliga titles. He players are behind David been linked to Premier League gi- name for Bayern, who used to have a was also a key member of the Bayern Alaba amid the Austrian de- ants Manchester United and Man- reputation for off -fi eld drama. team which won Champions League fender’sJ contract extension stale- chester City. “We submitted an im- However, Bayern head coach Hansi titles in 2013 and last August. mate with the European champions. proved off er to him, for which we Flick was clearly unimpressed ahead Boateng also underlined his form Alaba could leave Bayern at the end set a deadline of last weekend,” said of Saturday’s top-of-the-table Bun- on Tuesday with his fi rst Champi- of the season after the latest round Salihamidzic. “Before that, we in- desliga clash at Borussia Dortmund. ons League goal for fi ve years. Along of extension talks between the club formed him that we would withdraw “It is important to me that we have with fellow stars Mats Hummels and and the player’s agent broke down. the off er if the deadline expired. calm in the team before the game Thomas Mueller, Boateng was told On Monday, the 28-year-old said That’s what happened. In football against Dortmund — everything else in March 2019 by Germany coach he was “hurt and disappointed” to you should never say never, but I is not an issue for me,” Flick fl atly Joachim Loew his international ca- learn through the press that Bayern don’t know how we could come to- said when asked about Alaba. reer was over. had withdrawn their latest off er to gether (to an agreement) now. We Meanwhile, Boateng wants to However, the trio’s current form extend his deal, which expires next have to deal with the fact that David start contract extension talks with has led to calls to reinstate them for June, after protracted wranglings. will leave us.” Bayern his agent said amid uncer- next June’s postponed Euro 2020. “Of course it’s an issue, but he is Thomas Mueller also said Alaba tainty surrounding the future of Bayern coach Hansi Flick said sen- focused on the essentials,” Boateng, would let his football do the talking, Alaba. Boateng, 32, a 2014 World ior club bosses “are all glad” to see who partnered Alaba at centre-back after Bayern’s 14th straight Champi- Cup winner, is out of contract in Boateng in such eye-catching form. in Tuesday’s 6-2 win at Salzburg, ons League victory. “The good thing June. “We are open to contract talks Flick praised Boateng’s “very Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng (right) celebrates with David Alaba after scoring against said. “It is clear that it’s not easy, but about David is that he backs himself and would be delighted to have them good” performance in Salzburg as Salzburg in the Champions League Group A match in Salzburg, Austria. (AFP) he put in another great game today regardless of these discussions,” with Bayern,” Boateng’s representa- his goal “paved the way” to victory. Gulf Times Thursday, November 5, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

OOREDOO CUP Abdallah’s strike helps Duhail beat Qatar SC; Ali stars for Sadd

By Sports Reporter Doha

asen Abdallah’s 43rd minute turned out to be a winner as Al Duhail beat Qatar SC 1-0 in Round 4 of the Ooredoo Cup at theY Qatar SC Stadium on yesterday. Al Duhail thus opened their account with their fi rst victory in Group A, while Qa- tar SC stayed on four points. Duhail had the fi rst scoring chance in the match, when under-23 player Walid Othman, after fi nding a little open space near the Qatar SC box, fi red a powerful shot that was palmed away by keeper Motasem Majed in the sev- enth minute. In the 16th minute, Qatar SC’s Yusuf Ayman Farhat unleashed a stunning long-range shot that beat Duhail goal- keeper Ahmed Sofyan, but the ball nar- rowly missed the crossbar in fi rst real threat from the men in yellow. Five minutes later, Qatar SC skipper Mohamed Salem produced a similar shot from more or less the same dis- tance. But this time, Sofyan was up to Al Sadd’s Rodrigo Tabata (left) and Al Khor’s Anas Elfadil Ahmed battle for the ball. the mark and collected the ball with a short jump. In the 12th minute, Rodrigo Tabata the only goal of the match. At the half-hour mark, Qatar SC’s aimed for an over-ambitious long- After receiving a long pass a little Anthony Okpotu outpaced Duhail de- range drive that sailed past the Al Khor distance away from the halfl ine, Ali, fender Mohamed Moosa, but Sofyan goalpost. In the 34th minute, Al Khor’s despite being marked by two Al Khor stepped out of his position to block the De Souza produced a delicate quick tap players, took the ball on his chest, chip shot and kill the threatening move. Al Duhail's Yasen Abdallah (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Qatar SC during the Ooredoo Cup from close to the Al Sadd goalmouth, quickly swivelled on his feet and fi red Seven minutes later, the Qatar SC at the Qatar SC Stadium yesterday. but Talal Abdulla was in the right place a bullet to the right of keeper Ali Nader captain could not head home from two at the right time to block the shot with who could only see the ball crash into metres on a free-kick taken from out- up two yellow cards, in a space of seven er Ibrahim rifl ed a low shot past keeper fi rst win in the tournament. The Wolves only keeper Jehad Mohamed on the the net. Al Khor’s eff orts for an equal- side the Duhail box. As the half neared minutes. Sufyan, but Duhail’s Emad standing on have four points and Al Khor six. goalline. iser did not fetch results. its end, Yasen swivelled past two de- In the 49th minute, Duhail’s Mo- the goalline stuck his right leg out to In the fi fth minute, Sadd’s Baha Three minutes from the half-time In another Group A match, Al Wak- fenders inside the Qatar SC box and hamed Emad brought down Okpotu in- defl ect the ball. Mamdouh was shown the yellow card whistle, Al Khor’s Yuki Kobayashi pro- rah and Al Sailiya played out a 2-2 draw. quickly rifl ed a shot into the top of the side his own box resulting in a penalty. In another match, a goal at the start for a reckless push against Leonardo duced a curling shot off a free-kick that Sailiya goals came through Abdullah net with keeper Motasem completely But Okpotu missed the target from his of second half helped Al Sadd beat Al De Souza. Two minutes later, Al Khor’s was palmed away by Sadd keeper Jehad al-Marri and Thiago Pizarra in the 18th beaten by the pace of the shot. spot kick, sending it beyond the goal- Khor at the Qatar SC Stadium. Abdullah Mubarak, standing near the Mohammed. and 42nd minute respectively, while Yusuf Aymen of Qatar SC was then post to the right of the keeper. Hashem Ali netted the winner in the edge of the box, clipped a lobbed ball Not long after the resumption of Jassim Ahmed scored a brace for Wak- given the marching orders for picking In the 63rd minute, Qatar SC’s Nass- 48th minute as Sadd registered their that narrowly missed the crossbar. play, Sadd scored what turned out to be rah in 45th and 58th minute.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Sakho wins WADA apology and Sloppy United damages over doping claims AFP London

rystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho has punished by won “substantial” dam- ages from the World CAnti-Doping Agency over alle- gations that he had taken banned performance-enhancing drugs. “I consider myself innocent,” Sa- kho said in a statement. “To of- fi cially receive the apology from Basaksehir WADA was for me something es- sential in order to be able to de- Demba Ba and Edin Visca score for the hosts fi nitively turn the page.” The former Liverpool de- AFP fender was briefl y suspended in Istanbul 2016 after he tested positive for a fat-burning substance called hi- genamine after a Europa League anchester United produced a game against Manchester United performance-enhancing drug. senting WADA, said: “WADA shambolic fi rst-half defen- in March that year. Sakho, who joined Palace in accepts that it should not have sive display as they slipped to a Sakho missed the Reds’ Europa 2017, sued WADA for defamation made the defamatory allegations 2-1 Champions League defeat League fi nal against Sevilla and, and, at a High Court hearing in it did... given that Mr Sakho had Magainst Istanbul Basaksehir yesterday. he also alleged, a place in ’s London on Wednesday, accepted been acquitted by UEFA. WADA Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, struggling Euro 2016 squad as a result of his an apology from the agency and accepts that Mr Sakho did not badly in the Premier League, failed to repro- suspension. an undisclosed sum in damages. breach the UEFA anti-doping duce the zest and intensity they showed in The 30-year-old was ulti- His barrister, Julian Santos, regulations, did not cheat, had impressive wins against Paris Saint-Ger- mately cleared in July 2016 by said the defamatory allegations no intention of gaining any ad- main and RB Leipzig last month. UEFA’s disciplinary body, which “were republished by a very vantage and acted in good faith.” The three-time European champions found that higenamine was not large number of media organisa- Speaking outside court, Sakho dominated possession in Turkey but were on WADA’s banned list and the tions to many millions of readers, said: “I feel happy, happy for my badly exposed on the break as former Chel- agency’s own laboratories were causing very serious harm to Mr family, happy for all my friends, sea forward Demba Ba and Edin Visca put unsure about its status. Sakho’s reputation”. He added: for all the people who were the home side 2-0 ahead. WADA later issued two state- “WADA has apologised and around me during this tough year United gave themselves hope when they ments, to the Daily Telegraph in agreed to pay a substantial sum because it is not easy when you reduced the defi cit shortly before half-time August 2016 and to the Guardian by way of compensation and not are a professional footballer or through an Anthony Martial header. But in April 2017, which said Sakho to repeat the allegations.” athlete. This is the worst thing despite multiple second-half changes, Sol- was guilty of taking a prohibited Guy Vassall-Adams, repre- you can be accused of, doping.” skjaer’s men could not fi nd a way past the determined Basaksehir defence. United started on the front foot in the early minutes of the game, with no sign of Zidane confi dent Ramos will extend Real Madrid stay the defensive chaos to come in front of a small but vocal crowd. Luke Shaw fi zzed a Madrid: Real Madrid manager was named in the squad for last Bridge yesterday. ball past the far post with his left foot but Zinedine Zidane says he has no night’s Champions League game Havertz has endured a United, with Marcus Rashford and Martial doubt captain Sergio Ramos will at home to Dynamo Kyiv. Barca’s diff icult start to his time at up front, lacked a decisive fi nal touch. extend his stay with the La Liga number one, who recently Chelsea since joining from Bayer The home side were ahead in the 12th champions after the defender signed a contract with the club Leverkusen in the close-season. minute after a long clearance found the un- netted a milestone 100th goal until 2025, has been out since The 21-year-old has scored just marshalled Ba, who collected the ball just Istanbul Basaksehir’s Bosnian midfielder Edin Visca (right) vies for the ball with Manchester for the club in Tuesday’s 3-2 undergoing knee surgery in Au- one goal in the Premier League, inside his own half and raced through to United’s English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the UEFA Champions League group H Champions League win over gust and his side have suff ered struggling to reach his peak beat goalkeeper Dean Henderson, making match at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim stadium in Istanbul yesterday. (AFP) Inter Milan. Ramos, who joined badly in his absence. form after being used in a vari- his European debut in place of David de Gea. from Sevilla in 2005, has won 22 They have failed to win their ety of positions by Blues boss Axel Tuanzebe, who impressed in Par- de Beek to add impetus to the attack but itive before travelling to Russia. They were trophies with the club, includ- last four La Liga matches and Frank Lampard. is, had a heart-stopping moment after he United struggled to create clear chances. not named but coach Simone Inzaghi said ing four Champions League Brazilian stand-in Neto made pulled Ba back but escaped with a yellow Mason Greenwood came on for Rashford that goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, mid- crowns and five league titles. His a terrible error in Saturday’s SOUTHAMPTON’S INGS card. Basaksehir remained threatening on as United continued to search for a way fi elder Lucas Leiva and leading scorer Ciro contract expires at the end of 1-1 draw at Alaves, which left SET FOR SIX WEEKS OUT the break, with United worryingly open through. They went agonisingly close to an Immobile were among those who stayed the season. Barca 12th in the standings and Southampton striker Danny Ings at the back, and they were caught napping equaliser in stoppage time when a header behind. The fi rst half hour was a cagey aff air “We know what a great nine points behind leaders Real could be out for up to six weeks, again fi ve minutes before half time. was cleared off the line but they could not before Zenit, who picked up their fi rst point, player he is... He’s our captain, Sociedad. Barca have made a Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl Deniz Turuc robbed Juan Mata of pos- rescue a point. broke the deadlock. our leader and of course we strong start in the Champions said. Ings had a scan after injur- session down the left and raced forward, Yuri Zhirkov crossed from the left and, want him to be with us forever,” League, however, and will be ing his knee during Southamp- sending over a cross that Ba stepped over ANOTHER CAICEDO LATE SHOW after a quick session of head among Zidane said. “That’s what he’s looking to make it three wins ton’s 4-3 Premier League victory and Visca smashed home. United crucially GIVES LAZIO POINT AT ZENIT three Zenit players, Erokhin volleyed home doing, showing that he’s always out of three when they host at Aston Villa on Sunday. reduced the defi cit in the 43rd minute when Felipe Caicedo produced another of his from close range. got that desire and I’m in no Dynamo. “At the moment it looks like Martial steered a Shaw cross home with his familiar late strikes to give Lazio, below- Andrei Mostovoy fi red wide for Zenit just doubt that he’s going to stay he is out for four to six weeks,” head. strength after several positive Covid-19 after the hour before Lazio fi nally found here and will continue to rewrite CHELSEA’S HAVERTZ said Hasenhuttl. “He’ll have a Solskjaer hooked Tuanzebe off at the in- tests, a 1-1 draw away to Zenit St Petersburg some urgency. the history books.” Real face Va- TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID small surgery tomorrow (Thurs- terval, with Scott McTominay coming on in the Champions League yesterday. Joaquin Correa sounded a warning when lencia in the league on Sunday. Chelsea forward Kai Havertz day) morning. It could be worse, and Nemanja Matic dropping back to play at Aleksandr Erokhin gave Zenit a fi rst-half he shot narrowly wide before Caicedo swept has gone into self-isolation after but he’ll be out and it’s not good centre-back alongside Harry Maguire. Bru- lead in the Group F game, played in front of home Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s pass in the TER STEGEN BACK FOR testing positive for the coronavi- news for us.” Ings went off five no Fernandes had a free-kick from a central several thousand spectators allowed under 82nd minute. BARCA AFTER SURGERY rus. Havertz’s Covid-19 test was minutes from time after being position about 10 minutes after the restart local regulations, before substitute Caicedo The well-travelled Ecuadorean has made Barcelona have been boosted revealed after the German was injured in a challenge with Villa but his shot did not have the power to beat levelled with eight minutes left. a habit of coming off the bench and scoring by the return of goalkeeper missing from Chelsea’s squad substitute Trezeguet, having Basaksehir goalkeeper Mert Gunok. Lazio, who have fi ve points from three late goals, most recently in the 4-3 win at Marc-Andre ter Stegen from a for their Champions League scored his fifth league goal of Solskjaer threw on Edinson Cavani and games, said on the eve of the match that Torino on Sunday when he grabbed the win- long injury lay off , as the German clash with Rennes at Stamford the season earlier in the game. Paul Pogba in place of Mata and Donny van some members of the squad had tested pos- ner in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 5, 2020 SPORT

IPL SPOTLIGHT England’s Wood still has Test ambition Final four: Mumbai ries is quite exciting, to see how AFP London we both combat each other.” England are meant to play again in the New Year, ngland fast bowler Mark with tours of Sri Lanka and In- Wood has insisted he dia pencilled into their schedule. still wants to “chase that Wood, who took nine for 100 again, or can Kohli dream” of playing Test during England’s last away Test cricketE despite being overlooked against South Africa, could be in for a red-ball central contract. contention for both trips. The 30-year-old Wood has “Hopefully I can take the played just 16 Tests since his de- chance when it comes,” he said, but fi ve years ago, with his sub- speaking at Tuesday’s launch of sequent career blighted by three the £1mn #Funds4Runs invest- cause an upset? ankle operations. ment from ECB and LV= General That has led the World Cup Insurance which will support Delhi Capitals will take on the Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier today winner to contemplate a career areas of recreational cricket im- as a white-ball specialist, where pacted by Covid-19. AFP limitations of 10 or four overs per “Previously I have maybe put Dubai innings would reduce the strain too much pressure on myself on his body considerably. The when getting in the team on that Durham quick featured in just one off , get fi ve and keep he Indian Premier League play- one of England’s six Tests during myself in the team. This time I’m off s begin today in the UAE with this year’s home campaign amid a bit older, bit wiser and I’ll stick last year’s champions Mumbai as competition from the likes of to my processes and not put too favourites and Virat Kohli’s Royal James Anderson, Stuart Broad, much pressure on myself to get in TChallengers Bangalore among the teams and Chris Woakes. the team.” looking to cause an upset. “I still love playing for Eng- Wood’s only previous involve- Surprise package the Delhi Capitals, land,” said Wood. “(Not playing ment in the IPL was a one-off who like Bangalore are aiming for a fi rst Tests) is something in the future outing for Chennai Super Kings title, will take on the Mumbai Indians in I might have to at; my body, against Mumbai Indians in the the fi rst qualifi er today with a place in the a young family, time away from 2018 event – he conceded 49 November 10 fi nal at stake. The losers of home — fi nancially, what can I runs in four wicketless overs and that match will get another crack at qual- do to help them and spend more did not feature again. But given ifying on Sunday against either Kohli’s time at home? But at the minute, that the 2021 IPL may yet have to Bangalore or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who growing up I always wanted to take place in the UAE as well due clash tomorrow in an eliminator. Here is play for England across all for- to Covid-19, he knows the fran- a look at the strengths and weaknesses mats and I’m still trying to chase chises could yet come calling in of the four teams still standing in the that dream of playing for Eng- the new year. world’s richest Twenty20 league. land and hopefully I can get a few “The pace lads have had a games this year and prove my great impact this IPL,” he said. MUMBAI INDIANS worth in all three (formats).” “I had a small chance to go this ROHIT SHARMA’S four-time cham- Now Wood hops to team up year but the timings didn’t quite pions underlined their status as tourna- with Archer and take on the Pro- fi t. But if it comes around again, I ment favourites by being the fi rst team to teas duo of Kagiso Rabada and can maybe prove my worth bet- qualify for the playoff s as they topped the Anrich Nortje after being select- ter than the one game I had for standings with nine wins in 14 games. ed for England’s Twenty20 and Chennai a couple of years ago. South African wicketkeeper-batsman one-day series in South Africa “It’s very hard to get into the Quinton de Kock has led the batting with later this month. IPL because there’s so many 443 runs while getting key support from The other three fast bowlers good local players, never mind Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Ki- have been starring in the Indian international players,” he added. eron Pollard. Premier League, with Wood not “It is the hardest competition, Pace bowlers Trent Boult and Jasprit involved in this year’s edition. but if I can get in, it’ll only help Bumrah battered the opposition with a “Hopefully I can keep up with me for England as well, because combined 43 wickets. The 2019 champi- the battle-hardened players who it’s all about pressure situations. ons had already qualifi ed top of the table have been in the IPL,” said Wood. Regardless of whether it’s in In- before they were hammered by Sunrisers “To have two England lads in me dia or the UAE, it’s still a fantas- Hyderabad on Tuesday and, despite fi t- and Jofra against the two South tic competition to be a part of ness doubts over Sharma, are targeting African lads in the upcoming se- and one which I hope I can be.” back-to-back titles for the fi rst time.

DELHI CAPITALS The Ricky Ponting-coached Capitals made a sensational start, winning fi ve of their fi rst six games, before losing four ets, Warner will be hoping for the same in a row but then beating Bangalore to result in this week’s eliminator as in the UNFIT FOR AUSTRALIA, FIT FOR IPL: reach the playoff s. India opener Shikhar 2016 fi nal when Hyderabad beat Banga- Dhawan is the key batsman and this year lore to lift the trophy. ROHIT ‘INJURY’ INTRIGUES MANY became the fi rst player to score two con- secutive IPL centuries. ROYAL CHALLENGERS New Delhi: Confusion lingered over hamstring was fine. “Yeah, absolutely,” But Rishabh Pant, India’s new bat- BANGALORE Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury after the 33-year-old said. “I was happy to ting hope, has been misfi ring. The South India captain Virat Kohli has never won the opener, considered unfit for India’s be back, it’s been a while. I was going African pace duo of Anrich Nortje and an IPL title and it hurts. RCB fi nished upcoming tour of Australia, turned through some tough times but, again, Kagiso Rabada have been impressive bottom of the eight-team table last year, up for an Indian Premier League (IPL) good to be back. I’m looking forward to with Nortje bowling the fastest ever IPL and after seven wins and seven defeats match in Sharjah on Tuesday. play a few more games here and then , a 97 miles per hour (156kph) they scraped into the playoff s on run rate India will leave for Australia later this see what happens. Always nice to be on thunderbolt, and Rabada leading the IPL after losing their fi nal match to Hydera- month to play six short-form interna- the ground doing what I love to do so -takers with 25 victims. bad. tionals followed by a four-test series and very happy about it.” Kohli leads a strong batting line-up, Rohit has been omitted because of the Hours before the match, Indian SUNRISERS HYDERABAD combining with young opener Devdutt injury which kept him out of Mumbai’s cricket board (BCCI) president Sourav Skipper David Warner came into his own Padikkal for 932 runs while South Afri- previous four matches. Ganguly said that Rohit had a hamstring with an unbeaten 85 off 58 balls to take can veteran AB de Villiers has been the The Mumbai Indians captain took tear and should take it easy. His view Hyderabad into the playoff s on Tuesday. go-to man in crunch situations with an many by surprise when he returned for echoed that of India coach Ravi Shastri The 2016 IPL winners benefi ted from the overall strike rate of 163. their inconsequential match against who last week said Rohit risked aggra- return of wicketkeeper-batsman Wrid- Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Sunrisers Hyderabad despite his team vating injury. The BCCI’s handling of the dhiman Saha, who hit two half-centuries Washington Sundar will be key with their having already secured a playoff place. issue has baff led the fans. “There should in three successive wins to help them to ability to choke an opposition team’s When asked at the toss if he was fine, be a separate CBI enquiry on Rohit third in the standings. run-fl ow while claiming wickets. Kohli Rohit said “Yeah, looks like that.” Sharma injury,” tweeted an amused fan, With West Indies all-rounder Jason insists his team are worth their place, but Rohit made only four and, after their referring to Central Bureau of Investiga- Holder contributing and the deadly spin said he needs them to be “more brave” 10-wicket loss, was asked again if his tion, India’s federal investigating agency. Mark Wood has played just 16 Tests since his debut five years ago, of , who has taken 19 wick- when chasing runs. with his subsequent career blighted by three ankle operations.

FOCUS Salisbury and Kirtley to Former wicketkeeper Ronchi named NZ batting coach share Sussex Reuters in Christchurch for the next 10 days, in Wellington three Twenty20 internationals starting coach role on Nov. 27 before a two-Test series be- gins on Dec. 3. London: Sussex will split their ormer international wicket- Stead’s biggest concern is with his head coach role between Ian keeper Luke Ronchi has been bowling unit. Pace spearhead Tim Salisbury and James Kirtley named the New Zealand team’s Southee (back), fellow pace bowlers for 2021, the English county new batting coach, replacing Neil Wagner (groin/hip) and Matt Hen- side announced yesterday. formerF Test batsman Peter Fulton who ry (broken thumb), and fi rst-choice Current spin bowling coach stepped down to become head coach of Test spinner Ajaz Patel (calf) are all un- Salisbury will take charge for fi rst class side Canterbury. der a cloud. the first-class and one-day Ronchi, who fi nished his interna- All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme competitions, with pace tional cricket career with New Zea- has foot injury while middle-order bowling coach Kirtley guiding land in 2017, had been working with batsman Henry Nicholls has a calf the south coast club in the the national team for the last two years strain. “Injuries are always a concern Twenty20 tournament. concentrating on fi elding and helping and we’re certainly monitoring each The pair both played for with the wicketkeepers. Fulton stepped case closely with our medical staff ,” Sussex, making over a com- down in July after about a year with the Stead said in a statement yesterday. bined 600 senior appearances national team, having succeeded long- Southee’s injury is not considered and taking 1,500 wickets time batting coach Craig McMillan. too serious and he was rested from between them. “I’m absolutely pumped,” Ronchi Northern Districts’ fi rst-class match They also represented said of his appointment, which begins against Canterbury starting today as a England a combined 35 times in two weeks ahead of New Zealand’s precaution. He is likely to be available in all forms of the game. Both series against West Indies. “I’ve really for the match against Central Districts Kirtley and Salisbury have also enjoyed being back with the team in next week but teammate Wagner has to had spells coaching England recent seasons and it’s exciting to be undergo a scan. Women and the England given the opportunity full-time this De Grandhomme also has to undergo Physical Disability squad. summer. Getting the chance to contin- turned to New Zealand in 2012 and was various Twenty20 leagues around the NZ FACING INJURY CONCERNS a scan, with the results expected today. Sussex’s announcement ue working with our batsmen is a great brought into the national squad the fol- world until earlier this year. New Zea- AHEAD OF WINDIES SERIES Patel’s recovery is taking longer than comes after Jason Gillespie, honour and I’m looking forward to see- lowing year. land host West Indies in three Twen- New Zealand cricket coach Gary Stead expected and he needs to have another the former Australia fast ing how I can help improve their games He played mostly limited overs ty20 matches from Nov. 27 before a will be anxiously awaiting the outcome scan, Stead said. Nicholls is expected bowler, left his position as and best prepare them to perform at the matches for New Zealand, includ- two-Test series begins on Dec. 3. of medical checks over the next week to be available for Canterbury’s clash head coach at the end of the highest level.” ing at the 2015 World Cup and made Pakistan then visit for T20Is and Test with six of his players nursing injuries with Otago next week, although team- English season. Gillespie has The 39-year-old Ronchi was born in his Test debut later that year before he matches with Australia and Bangladesh as they prepare to face West Indies later mate Henry is out for between four to returned home to Adelaide New Zealand but moved to Australia played three further Tests in India in slated to tour next year although those this month. six weeks, making him unlikely for the to take up a new job with the as a child and played for his adopted 2016. Ronchi retired from international series are still awaiting government ap- Stead’s side face the tourists, who Twenty20 series and a doubt for the West End Redbacks. country from 2008-2009. He re- cricket in 2017 but had been playing in proval. are in isolation in a bio-secure facility Tests. Gulf Times Thursday, November 5, 2020 5 SPORT

NHL Stars’ Seguin, Bishop out 5 months aft er surgeries

Reuters Khudobin is also recovering 44 games last season. He has spent New York as he underwent surgery on both the past three campaigns in Dallas. hands to adjust the nerves in early The two-time All-Star is 222- October. His recovery period was 128-36 with a 2.32 GAA and .921 allas Stars forward Tyler set at four to fi ve weeks, Dallas save percentage in 413 NHL games Seguin and goaltender general manager Jim Nill said at with the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Ben Bishop will each be the time. Senators, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles sidelined approximately Khudobin’s strong play helped Kings and Stars. fiD ve months, the team announced the Stars reach the Stanley Cup fi - on Tuesday. nal before losing to the Tampa Bay RED WINGS RE-SIGN MANTHA Seguin underwent right hip sur- Lightning in six games. TO FOUR-YEAR DEAL gery on Monday, while Bishop had With the NHL season likely to The Detroit Red Wings re-signed a torn meniscus in his right knee begin around Jan 1, both Seguin forward Anthony Mantha to a repaired on October 21. Seguin and Bishop should return in the four-year contract on Tuesday. played through a torn labrum in second half of the campaign. Seg- The Red Wings didn’t announce the postseason and has battled hip uin, 28, scored 50 points (17 goals, fi nancial terms but multiple re- pain over the past few seasons. 33 assists) in 69 games last season. ports peg the deal as being worth Bishop underwent knee surgery He tallied 13 points (two goals, 11 $22.8 million. in May to clean up the knee but was assists) in 26 playoff games. Mantha recorded 16 goals and 22 only able to play in three postsea- The six-time All-Star has spent assists (38 points) in 43 games last son games. MRI exams and further seven of his 10 NHL seasons with season. The 26-year-old scored medical work determined a more Dallas after beginning his career a career-best 25 goals in 2018-19. extensive surgery was needed. with the Boston Bruins. He has 279 He has 84 goals and 89 assists (173 Anton Khudobin excelled in the goals and 356 assists (635 points) points) in 260 NHL games over playoff s while starting 24 games in 741 career games. Bishop, who four-plus seasons with Detroit. with Bishop ailing. The Stars re- turns 34 on November 21, went 21- Mantha was a fi rst-round pick tained him with a three-year, $10 16-4 with a 2.50 goals-against av- (20th overall) by Detroit in the million deal last month. erage and .920 save percentage in 2013 draft.

NFL FOCUS Titans to release disappointing Short-handed Green Beasley Jr. Reuters keep getting better or they’re New York not, and we were a team last year that continued to im- prove,” Vrabel said. “That’s he Tennessee Titans my charge now, is to make sure Bay Packers, 49ers informed linebacker that we’re one of those teams Vic Beasley Jr. that he that keeps getting better.” will be released, ac- Beasley recorded 37.5 sacks Tcording to the club’s website. the previous fi ve years with The Titans did release cor- the Atlanta Falcons before nerback Johnathan Joseph and departing as a free agent af- long snapper Beau Brinkley on ter last season. In 2016, he led Tuesday. the league with 15.5 sacks and meet on short week Beasley signed a one-year, tied for the NFL lead with six $9.5 million deal with Tennes- forced fumbles during his lone see in the off season but was Pro Bowl and fi rst-team All- ‘I think as a competitor you’re always excited about the challenges’ a major disappointment. He Pro season. had just three tackles and one Joseph, 36, became expend- Reuters forced fumble in fi ve games. able after Tennessee acquired San Francisco There was thick tension be- cornerback Desmond King tween Beasley and the club from the Los Angeles Chargers when the 28-year-old reported on Monday. he San Francisco 49ers to camp 10 days later due to an Joseph had 28 tackles, one aim to overcome anoth- unexcused absence and racked interception and one forced er rash of injuries when up $500,000 in fi nes. fumble in seven games (six they face the Green Bay Beasley later sustained a starts) this season. He has 32 TPackers tonight in Santa Clara, knee injury and missed Ten- career interceptions – and has California. nessee’s fi rst two games of the returned seven for touchdowns Quarterback Jimmy Garop- season. He made his team de- – in 207 games (192 starts) for polo (ankle) and star tight end but against the Minnesota Vi- the Cincinnati Bengals (2006- George Kittle (foot) will be kings in Week 3 but was never 10), Houston Texans (2011-19) among the injured players on the able to make an impact with and Tennessee. sideline. It is possible that nei- the Titans. Beasley was unable Brinkley, 30, played in 135 ther player will suit up again this to put pressure on the quar- games over nine seasons since season. terback – the thing Tennessee joining Tennessee in 2012. The While the 49ers (4-4) have brought him in to do. Titans are expected to pro- been beset by injuries all sea- Titans coach Mike Vrabel mote long snapper Matt Over- son, the Packers (5-2) are dealing was asked about Beasley’s ef- ton from the practice squad. with health problems at run- fort on Monday. Overton, 35, has played in 100 ning back. Standout Aaron Jones “At this point in the season, games for the Indianapolis (calf) is in danger of missing his teams are going to go in one of Colts (2012-16) and Jackson- third consecutive game, and two directions, they’re going to ville Jaguars (2017-18). backups AJ Dillon and Jamaal Williams are out due to Covid-19 protocols. San Francisco also has issues Report: Barkley donates $1mn at running back with Raheem to another HBCU campus Mostert and Jeff Wilson on in- jured reserve due to ankle ail- Basketball legend Charles Rockets. He was an 11-time ments and Tevin Coleman (knee) Barkley has pledged $1 mil- All-Star as well as the league out again after just returning on lion to Tuskegee University in MVP in 1992-93 when he Sunday. Alabama, AL.com reported. averaged 25.6 points and Factor in that both teams It is his fifth promise of that 12.2 rebounds per game. He are coming off losses prior to a amount to a historically black is an Emmy-winning studio short week of preparations, and college, following pledges analyst for TNT. it may come down to whichever in the past five years to club can operate best without its Alabama A&M, Clark Atlanta TROUBLED TWO-TIME missing pieces. University, Morehouse Col- ALL-STAR JOHNSON “I think as a competitor you’re lege in Georgia and Miles DIES AT 65 always excited about the chal- College in Alabama. Eddie Johnson, a former two- lenges,” Green Bay quarterback The U.S. Department of time All-Star with the Atlanta Aaron Rodgers said. “You’d love Education has identified 107 Hawks, has died. He was 65. having your guys in there at full campuses as Historically Johnson was serving a life strength, for sure, but there is Black Colleges and Universi- a sentence in Florida for that fun challenge of going in ties. Barkley, 57, grew up in sexual assault of an 8-year- there without some of those Leeds, Ala., and played his old girl. The prison hasn’t guys and trying to fi nd a way to college basketball at Auburn. disclosed the cause of death win.” “I’ve been there a million but Rocker-Cusack Mortu- Rodgers has passed for 1,948 times,” he told AL.com of ary in Leesburg, Fla., posted yards and 20 touchdowns Tuskegee. a listing Tuesday that says against two interceptions this San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field in Barkley did not put condi- Johnson died on Oct. 26. season. His presence gives the Seattle on November 1, 2020. (USA TODAY Sports) tions on the gift but said he Johnson was known as “Fast Packers their biggest edge. hopes Tuskegee uses it for Eddie” during a 10-year-play- Garoppolo sustained a high interceptions was a pick-six who saw Mostert carve up the going through now is a little un- records for a single game (300 vs. academic scholarships. ing career that ended in 1987 right ankle sprain last Sunday in in the fourth quarter that gave Packers for a franchise-record precedented, I think for us and Fresno State in 2015) and a single According to the report, when he received a lifetime San Francisco’s 37-27 loss to the Philadelphia an 11-point lead. 220 yards in last season’s con- probably for anybody. But I think season (1,601 in 2015) and ranks Barkley last month also ban from the NBA due to Seattle Seahawks and is contem- Mullens was then demoted - vincing 37-20 win in the NFC our guys take it as a challenge.” second in career rushing yardage donated 200 computers to cocaine use. plating season-ending surgery. not to backup with Garoppolo Championship Game. Green Bay won’t know until (2,803 from 2011-15). Leeds High School and free Johnson averaged 15.1 points He missed two starts earlier this returning, but to third string be- None of the backs in the just before kickoff if it will have The Packers also plan to ac- wireless internet access to and 5.1 assists in 675 NBA season due to an injury to the hind CJ Beathard. He eventually mix for Thursday’s game have Jones, who has 550 scrimmage tivate Dexter Williams from the the students for the year. games. The Auburn product same ankle. moved back to No 2 and passed reached that total for the entire yards (389 rushing yards, 161 re- practice squad. “We’ve got to find a way to played in the 1980 and 1981 Nick Mullens will start against for 238 yards and two touch- 2020 season. ceiving) and seven touchdowns. Green Bay coach Matt LaF- help these kids compete. If All-Star Games as a member the Packers, and he received downs in less than a quarter dur- Probable JaMycal Dillon is out after testing posi- leur is going with the fl ow and they’ve got to learn virtually of the Hawks. mixed reviews when he started ing the Sunday setback. Hasty has rushed for 132 yards tive for Covid-19 while Williams doesn’t see any reason to com- and don’t have a computer He played 8 1/2 seasons with in place of Garoppolo earlier this “Any time you can get out and Jerick McKinnon has 209 and linebacker Kamal Martin are plain about the situation. or internet access, how are Atlanta before also playing season. there and bounce back from my yards. The plan is to call up unavailable due to being “high- “This is such a quick turna- they going to compete in the for the Cleveland Cavaliers Mullens was applauded for last start, it’s defi nitely going Austin Walter from the practice risk close contacts” of Dillon. round, to get ready for a Thurs- world? I don’t want them to and Seattle SuperSonics. throwing for 343 yards and one to create confi dence,” Mullens squad to be the third back. The absences leave return day game, so it’s the situation be left behind,” Barkley said. Johnson was repeatedly in touchdown in a 36-9 rout of the said. “You don’t ignore (the inju- specialist Tyler Ervin (10 car- that we’re presented with, and Barkley played 16 seasons in trouble after his NBA career New York Giants in Week 3, and “The biggest thing I’ve ries) like it’s not happening, you ries in fi ve NFL seasons) to be we’re going to make the best of the NBA after the Philadel- ended and was eventually ar- he was criticised one week later learned just going through it all just keep it real with guys,” 49ers the primary ball carrier if Jones it,” LaFleur said. phia 76ers selected him No. rested in 2006 for the sexual after throwing for 200 yards, is that the NFL is tough. It’s all coach Kyle Shanahan said. sits out. “It’s not an excuse to go out 5 overall in the 1984 NBA battery of a minor under 12. one touchdown and two inter- about what you do next.” “We have experience of losing However, Ervin was a star run- there and play bad or anything Draft, also starring for the He was sentence to life in ceptions in a 25-20 loss to the The backfi eld injuries provide guys in the past. Our team knows ner in college at San Jose State like that. It is what it is, man. Phoenix Suns and Houston prison in 2008. (Reuters) Philadelphia Eagles. One of the another challenge for the 49ers, how to deal with it. What we’re and holds the school’s rushing You’ve got to adapt and adjust.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 5, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT LOSS Australia’s golden era swim coach SA commit to Rugby Talbot dies age 87

AFP Sydney

ong-time former Aus- Championship for tralia coach Don Tal- bot has died age 87, with the ‘The southern hemisphere rugby Lworld yesterday remembering him as a legend of the sport powers have recognised the need who oversaw his country’s golden era in the pool. Talbot for change in these diff icult times’ passed away peacefully on No- next decade vember 3, Sport Australia Hall of Fame said in a tribute. He began his coaching ca- reer in the 1950s and was Aus- with Australia’s international tralia’s head swimming coach swimming aspirations began during its peak in the 1990s when he paid to travel to the and 2000s – including at the 1960 Rome Olympics to cheer 2000 Sydney Olympics when on John and Ilsa Konrads – Australia produced their best siblings from Latvia who could result in almost 30 years by not swim when they fi rst ar- winning 18 medals. rived in Australia. The team were behind only Under Talbot’s tutelage the United States with their John won gold medals at tally of fi ve gold, nine silver the Olympic and Common- and four bronze medals. wealth Games, while Ilsa Talbot guided the 4x100m also triumphed at the Com- relay team of Michael Klim, monwealth Games. He then Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus became the Australian men’s and a 17-year-old Ian Thorpe swimming coach at the 1964 to break the world record and Tokyo Olympics. stun the US team who were “He will be remembered heavy favourites and had never for his uncompromising style, been beaten in the event since mastery of strategy and mo- its Olympic introduction in tivation, and the belief that 1964. Talbot also guided Aus- given our proximity to wa- tralia to lead the medal table ter, Australians should be the at the 2001 World - number one swimming nation ships in for the fi rst time in the world,” Commonwealth in the competition’s history. Games Australia said in a Former Swimming Australia statement. president John Bertrand said Swimming Canada, where he was a “coaching magician” Talbot coached in the 1970s who “changed the way people and 1980s, said in a tweet: thought about high perform- “We are sorry to hear about ance”. the passing of Don Talbot. We “We have much to thank send our thoughts to his family Don for and his legacy will re- and friends.” main as one of Australia’s most Talbot was inducted into the successful swimming coaches International Swimming Hall and a true inspiration,” Ber- of Fame in 1979 and the Sport trand said. Talbot’s association Australia Hall of Fame in 1990.

Australia has front row talent to be the best – scrum coach Australia has the young “I believe the way they are talent to potentially build the going now, they are going best front row in the world, to be heavily featured in new scrum coach Petrus Du the future for world rugby. Plessis said on Wednesday, The talent we’ve got at the a few days after meeting the minute is good enough to players in person for the first possibly have the best scrum South Africa’s Siya Kolisi (centre) celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after winning the World Cup Final against England in Yokohama, Japan, on November 2, 2019. (Reuters) time. in the world, I believe.” The South African-born Australia face the All Blacks AFP strength of rugby in the southern hemi- and pathway for the unions’ continued to plan into 2021 and beyond.” former prop followed head in a fourth successive test Sydney sphere, whose teams have won all but one success at the highest levels of the game There was no immediate comment coach Dave Rennie from this weekend still looking for of the tournament’s nine editions. including the Rugby World Cup,” SAN- from South Africa Rugby but the offi cial Glasgow Warriors and has a first win after a draw and But the Springboks, who haven’t played ZAAR said. “The joint-venture members Rugby Australia website described it as a been impressed with the two losses but Du Plessis outh Africa have committed to the since beating England in the fi nal in Yoko- Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and “massive boost” for southern hemisphere front row forwards at his dis- said the Wallabies scrum was Rugby Championship until 2030, hama, withdrew from this year’s Rugby South Africa are committed to the Cham- rugby. The showpiece tournament began posal. Despite Australia suf- getting close to challeng- organising body SANZAAR said yes- Championship citing government travel pionship and to its continued evolution in 1996 as the Tri Nations and became the fering their worst ever loss ing the “really solid” New terday, ending speculation the World restrictions and concerns over player where future growth and expansion form Rugby Championship in 2012 with the in- to New Zealand a few hours Zealand tight five. CupS holders were set to shift to Europe. welfare. It came after South Africa pulled part of a revised 10-year plan.” clusion of Argentina. New Zealand rugby after Du Plessis came out Du Plessis, who played with The announcement is a boon for the most of their club teams out of Super writer Paul Cully said South Africa’s dec- of quarantine last weekend, or against some of the best game in the southern hemisphere, after Rugby in favour of Europe’s Pro14, as New ‘MASSIVE BOOST’ ade-long commitment could provide a he said the talent is there front-row forwards in the coronavirus disruption tore Super Rugby Zealand and Australia pursued negotia- The Rugby Championship will now be platform for further expansion. to turn the Wallabies scrum world in 20 years in English apart and left question marks over the tions on a bilateral competition. played in a 12-match, mini-tour format “With the stability of the Rugby Cham- into a significant force. rugby, said Tongan-born “fl agship” Rugby Championship. There were reports South Africa’s na- with the teams facing each other home or pionship now in place perhaps we will see “We want to make the scrum tighthead prop Taniela Tu- “The southern hemisphere rugby pow- tional team would follow suit and join the away. However, SANZAAR fl agged further the door open to Japan and Fiji in coming a weapon so we can decide pou had huge potential. ers have recognised the need for change in Six Nations, amid suggestions the world changes ahead, saying it was at the start of years,” he tweeted. whether we attack or not “He’s a phenomenal athlete, these diffi cult times and have committed champions felt snubbed by their southern a “phased progression process”. While the Rugby Championship’s fu- and we can manipulate the probably one of the strong- to an international rugby future through hemisphere partners. “The recommitment by the four unions ture appears settled, the future format of opposition so we can attack est props I’ve ever come to 2030,” SANZAAR said in a statement. However SANZAAR said the Rugby to the long-term future of the interna- Super Rugby remains uncertain, with the much better,” the 39-year-old across,” he said. However, the “SANZAAR entity” and Championship – rebranded as the Tri tional game is an important start as we New Zealand Herald reporting plans for told reporters. “His future’s really bright, domestic and provincial tournaments will Nations this year and featuring just New embark in a new direction for both the un- a 12-team competition were being drawn “We’ve got an impressive, he’s learning really, really also undergo “restructuring”, SANZAAR Zealand, Australia and Argentina – would ions and the organisation over the coming up. athletic bunch of young guys well. I feel from here on we’ll (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and remain intact. “The Rugby Championship years,” said SANZAAR CEO Andy Mari- It said the blueprint involved fi ve Aus- coming through in Australia see a diff erent picture from Argentina Rugby) added. will continue to be the fl agship of south- nos. “This is the fi rst of a number of an- tralian teams, fi ve New Zealand and two and it’s a massive pleasure to him and hopefully a nice bit South Africa lifted their third World ern hemisphere rugby for the next decade nouncements that will be made over the from the Pacifi c islands competing from work with them. of dominance.” Cup a year ago in Japan, underlining the and, as in the past, will be the key driver coming weeks and months as we continue 2022.

ATHLETICS Jonny selected for Tokyo, Alistair must wait will make the decision in the Reuters SQUAD London spring of 2021, could say only Ethiopia’s world record-breaking Gidey in running for athlete of year on Wednesday that Alistair re- mains “very much on the radar”. Ethiopia’sBacks Letesenbet Gidey, set a stunning world record at Female nominees for World onny Brownlee has been Hoping he will make the cut, who smashedJoe Cokanasiga the women’s (Bath), Owen5,000m. Farrell (Saracens), George Furbank (Northampton),Athlete of the Year Willi Heinz selected in the British is his younger brother. 5,000m(Gloucester), world record Jonathan in Octo- JosephArmand (Bath), Duplantis Ollie Lawrenc was ealso (Worcester), Femke Max Malins Bol (Netherlands), (Bristol), Joe triathlon team for the To- “Of course I want him there,” ber, wasMarchant among the (Harlequins), nominees Jonnyamong May (Gloucester), the leading nomineesDan Robson (Wasps),Letesenbet Henry Slade Gidey (Exeter), (Ethiopia), Ollie kyo Olympics, where he Jonny told a virtual news con- for the femaleThorley World (Gloucester), Athlete of Jacob Umagafor the (Wasps),men’s award Anthony after Watsonrewrit- (Bath),Sifan Ben Hassan Youngs (Netherlands), (Leicester) willJ seek to complete his medal ference. “I would love to be on the YearForwards announced on Tuesday. ing the pole vault record books. Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya), Faith set after winning bronze and sil- the start line with Alistair. Gidey, 22,Tom sliced Curry more (Sale), than Tom four Dunn (Bath),Aged just Ben 20, Earl the (Bristol), Swede bet-Charlie EwelsKipyegon (Bath), Ellis (Kenya), Genge Laura (Leicester), Muir ver previously, but his brother “That would hopefully also secondsJamie off the George previous (Saracens), mark Jonnytered Hill Ukrainian (Exeter), greatTed Hill Sergey (Worcester), (GreatMaro Itoje Britain), (Saracens), Hellen Obiri Joe and double Olympic champion improve my chances of win- with a timeLaunchbury of 14min (Wasps),06.62sec Lewis in LudlamBubka’s (Northampton), mark by setting Beno a new Obano (Bath),(Kenya), David Yulimar Ribbans Rojas (North- (Ven- Alistair will have to wait. ning a medal as we like to race a speciallyampton), arranged Jack race Singleton in the (Gloucestoutdoorer), recordKyle Sinckler of 6.15m (Bristol), at the Will Stuartezuela), (Bath), Elaine Sam Thompson-Herah Underhill Jonny Brownlee, who fi n- in a similar way, but I believe, Spanish(Bath), city of BillyValencia Vunipola which (Saracens), Rome Mako Diamond Vunipola League (Saracens), meeting Harry (Jamaica), Williams (Exeter), Ababel YeshanehJack Willis ished third in London in 2012 as I did in London and in Rio, featured(Wasps) flashing lights on the after posting an indoor mark of (Ethiopa) and second in Rio, was the only Jonny Brownlee and Alistair Brownlee. that I can beat him. The medal track perimeterFixtures to guide the 6.18m earlier in the season. male of four athletes selected on I’m missing is the gold and I athletes’Six pace. Nations Another Ugandan, Jacob Kipli- Male nominees for World Wednesday, with one, or possi- Learmonth, the 2019 world he is off the pace in terms of wouldn’t be going to Tokyo if I Joshua CheptegeiOct 31: of v Uganda,England, Rome mo,(1645 who GMT recorded kick-off a) world half Athlete of the Year bly two slots still to be fi lled. championship silver medal- rankings, leaving the selectors didn’t think I could win it. who brokeAutumn the men’s Nations 10,000m Cup marathon win in a record time Donavan Brazier (USA), Joshua Vicky Holland, the 2018 list, complete a strong women’s with a headache over the re- “We still don’t really know world recordNov 14: at Englandthe same v meet-Georgia, Twickenhamof 58min 49sec, (1500 is GMT) also among Cheptegei (Uganda), Timo- world champion and Olympic lineup. maining discretionary picks. what the selection criteria is but ing withNov a time 21: ofEngland 26:11.00, v , was Twickenhamthe men’s contenders.(1500 GMT) thy Cheruiyot (Kenya), Ryan bronze medallist in Rio when But it is the absence of Alistair Tom Bishop and Alex Yee I’m sure if Alistair’s fi t he’ll have among theNov nominees 28: Wales forv England, the venueThe tbc women’s (1600 GMT)nominees also in- Crouser (USA), Armand Duplan- she outsprinted compatriot and Brownlee that will raise eye- were the in-form athletes be- a great chance of making it.” men’s awardDec 06: announced England vby tbc, placingclude match, Faith Twickenham Kipyegon of (1400 Kenya, GMT) tis (Sweden), Jacob Kiplimo best friend Non Stanford, was brows in the sport. After years fore the season was cut short by As well as the men’s and World Athletics on Monday. who ran the year’s fastest time (Uganda), Noah Lyles (USA), also selected for what will be her of domination, he moved on to Covid-19. women’s events, Tokyo will also In a season shortened by the for 800m time. Daniel Stahl (Sweden), Johan- third Games. tackle the Ironman distance and With offi cials yet to discover include the debut of the mixed coronavirus pandemic and The winners will be announced nes Vetter (Germany), Karsten Georgia Taylor-Brown, win- though he returned his focus to whether they will have two or relay, with the British team deprived of the postponed at the World Athletics Awards Warholm (Norway) ner of this year’s one-off world the 1,500-metre swim, 40km three slots to fi ll, performance comprised of those athletes se- Tokyo Olympics, Cheptegei also 2020 on December 5. (Reuters) championship race, and Jess bike and 10km format last year, director Mike Cavendish, who lected for the individual race. Gulf Times Thursday, November 5, 2020 7 SPORT

CYCLING MOTORSPORT Debutant Gerloff on stand-by Wellens wins 14th with Rossi still Covid-19 positive

Reuters stage of Vuelta as Rome merican World Su- perbike rider Garrett Gerloff is on standby to replace Valentino RossiA at this weekend’s Mo- toGP race in Valencia should Roglic keeps lead the Italian continue to be ruled out by Covid-19, Yamaha said yesterday. Rossi, no longer in title con- ‘I felt Woods coming but suddenly the finish line was there and I passed first’ Nine-times world cham- tention, missed the races at pion Rossi must show two ’s MotorLand Aragon consecutive negative tests to after contracting the virus, be allowed to race in the fi rst of with Maverick Vinales the sole two successive grands prix at works Yamaha rider. the Spanish track. World Superbike rookie His test on Tuesday again Gerloff has never ridden the came back positive but the YZR-M1 bike before or vis- 41-year-old was taking anoth- ited the Valencia circuit. The er on Wednesday. Should that team’s offi cial test rider is be negative, he will have time three times MotoGP champion for a second test before fl ying Jorge Lorenzo. to Valencia from Italy. Rossi is “This year has already been the fi rst MotoGP rider to test quite the adventure, and this positive for the coronavirus. would be the cherry on top,” “Luckily I still have two said Gerloff . more chances to be back on “It’s been a dream of mine to track on Friday or Saturday,” ride the Yamaha YZR-M1 Mo- said the Italian. “I am very sad toGP bike since I started racing because I am feeling well, and so many years ago... but I am I can’t wait to be back aboard just sorry to get this opportu- my M1 and be reunited with nity under these unfortunate my team. circumstances for Valentino. “I really hope the next PCR “If I do end up riding this test result will be negative, be- weekend, it will be an uphill cause missing two races was battle not knowing the bike, already two too many.” tyres, brakes, etc.”

GOLF Higgs withdraws from Houston Open aft er positive Covid test

Reuters LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR Los Angeles POSTPONES TWO EVENTS The Ladies European Tour on Tuesday postponed two tour- arry Higgs has with- naments which were due to be drawn from this held in Australia next Febru- week’s Houston ary due to the ongoing travel Open after testing restrictions amid the Cov- positiveH for Covid-19, the PGA id-19 pandemic. The Geoff Tour said on Tuesday. King Motors Australian Ladies Higgs, in his second year Classic and the Women’s New on the Tour, last played at the South Wales Open were set to Zozo Championship in Octo- kick off the 2021 season, but ber where he tied for 54th. both tournaments have now Team Lotto rider Belgium’s Tim Wellens celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 14th stage of the 2020 La Vuelta cycling tour of Spain, a 204.7-km race from Lugo to Ourense, The 28-year-old would self been pushed back to 2022. yesterday. (AFP) isolate in line with guidelines “We are disappointed to an- issued by the Centers for Dis- nounce our decision to post- AFP ish in Madrid on Sunday. everything went perfectly.” The top three are still sepa- for Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck- ease Control and Prevention. pone both popular tourna- Ourense, Spain Wellens now has two stage The 29-year-old now boasts rated by less than a minute, with QuickStep) and Marc Soler (Mo- “While I am disappointed ments for the coming year as wins at the Vuelta after his tri- a pair of stage wins in both the Britain’s Hugh Carthy in third vistar) to take over during the to have to withdraw, I am we look to confi rm our 2021 umph on the summit fi nish at Vuelta and the Giro d’Italia. behind Carapaz and 47 seconds day’s fi nal climb. grateful that I drove to Hou- schedule,” said the tour’s chief elgium’s Tim Wellens Sabinanigo last month in stage “It’s not easy to win, I had to off the lead. But Wellens and Woods hit ston by myself and was alone executive Alexandra Armas. claimed his second stage fi ve. really fi ght to get in the breaka- “It was a very fast and diffi cult back with less than a kilo- as I awaited my pre-tour- “Our players have become victory at the Vuelta “We came here with the team way, and all my companions in the start for all of us but the guys metre left, before Wellens nament screening results,” used to starting their season a Espana yesterday as to get a minimum of one stage breakaway were really strong rid- did a great job. It was a fast and picked the perfect line around Higgs said. in Australia, so it was an ex- PrimozB Roglic retained the over- victory,” said Wellens. “Then ers,” Wellens added. “I felt Woods hard stage,” said Jumbo-Visma’s the last bend to cross the line “I look forward to returning tremely diffi cult decision for all lead in an uneventful day for when we had the fi rst one they coming but suddenly the fi nish Roglic. first. to competition when it is safe us to break an established Tour the general classifi cation. kept putting pressure for the line was there and I passed fi rst.” “If the opportunity was there The race resumes today with to do so.” tradition.” Wellens of Lotto Soudal won second. Roglic, though, kept the red to take more seconds I would a lengthy 230km stage 15, that The American will be re- Australian teenage amateur stage 14 in Ourense after holding “I knew today was a day that jersey and remains the favourite defi nitely have taken it but the could prove more infl uential in placed by fi rst alternate Kram- Stephanie Kyriacou claimed off a late surge from EF Pro Cy- suited me very well. But it’s one to defend his title this weekend, breakaway was there and it the overall chase. er Hickock in the fi eld, which an eight-shot win at this cling’s Michael Woods. thing to look forward to a day and even if the Slovenian’s time-trial would have been a big sprint to The course begins in Mos and also includes world number year’s Australian Ladies Clas- Roglic remains 39 seconds another thing to be in the right win on Tuesday was not signifi - the top.” fi nishes in Puebla de Sanabria, one Dustin Johnson and 2013 sic, and Sweden’s Julia Eng- ahead of Ecuadorian Richard position, be in the breakaway cant enough to rule out the main A frantic start saw Wellens with fi ve categorised climbs in Masters champion Adam strom then made it a teenager Carapaz overall, ahead of the fi n- and have the right legs and today contenders. pull clear of the peloton, only between. Scott. double at the NSW Open.

TENNIS Schwartzman edges closer to Tour Finals debut, Zverev through AFP meetings, but the home player’s fi rst 5-2 down in an opening-set tie- Paris win since the US Open came in the break, with the tournament medical Andreescu confi rms opening round. service saying the former US Open “Richard is such a player, he’s al- runner-up suff ered a thigh injury. 2021 return aft er rgentinian Diego Schwartz- ways playing really good tennis,” The 24-year-old Medvedev is yet to man moved within two added Schwartzman. “I never beat reach an ATP fi nal in 2020 after win- missing full season wins of sealing a debut ap- him before so it was tough but I think ning four titles and fi nishing runner- Canada’s Bianca Andreescu has fully recov- pearance at the ATP Tour I played a really good match.” up fi ve times last year. ered from a knee injury that forced her to FinalsA in London by beating Richard Schwartzman reached his maiden But the world number fi ve is set miss the entire 2020 season and intends Gasquet to reach the Paris Masters Grand Slam semi-fi nal at last month’s to gain ranking points in the French to play the Australian Open in January, the third round yesterday, while Alexan- French Open after making his fi rst capital, after a second-round exit 12 2019 US Open champion has said. der Zverev and Daniil Medvedev also Masters fi nal in Rome. US Open months ago. Andreescu, 20, has not played on tour since progressed. runner-up Zverev continued his ex- Raonic kept his slim Tour Finals the WTA Finals in Shenzhen last year where The 28-year-old Schwartzman was cellent run of form by cruising past hopes alive with a 6-4, 6-4 victory she retired with a left knee injury. too strong for France’s Gasquet, tak- Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 6-2 over Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The Ca- “I’m doing really well. The virus kind of ing a 7-5, 6-3 victory, and will next in under an hour. The fourth-seeded nadian, who lost the 2014 Bercy fi nal pushed me back, and some little personal face Spanish qualifi er Alejandro Dav- German, who won back-to-back ti- to Novak Djokovic, plays 91st-ranked things here and there, but right now I’m idovich Fokina in the last 16 at Bercy tles in Cologne last month, will face American Marcos Giron next. good, I’m training hard... I’m really looking . Schwartzman will secure the Adrian Mannarino in round three. Raonic’s path through the draw has forward to 2021,” the Canadian told the Ten- fi nal spot at the season-ending tour- Zverev, who has won three Masters been made easier by early exits for nis Majors website. nament by reaching the semi-fi nals titles in his career, broke twice in each seventh seed Matteo Berrettini and “I’m perfectly healthy. I just really wanted to in Paris, but would qualify even if he set to extend his winning streak to second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. take time to build everything in my life, and I fails to do so, as long as neither Pablo nine matches. Greek star Tsitsipas pulled out of think this time off really helped me do that.” Carreno Busta, Milos Raonic or Stan the doubles event on Wednesday af- World number seven Andreescu said she Wawrinka win the title. ANDERSON RETIRES INJURED ter saying he struggled with injury will be “100%” in Melbourne to play the “I have it in my hands but I have Third seed Medvedev reached the last during his second-round loss to Ugo year’s first Grand Slam. to say that I’m watching the other 16 after Kevin Anderson retired in- Humbert on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t say I am ready tomorrow to play matches,” said the sixth seed. jured from their encounter. Davidovich Fokina backed up his a match because I am taking it step by step, “I want to be there so I’m doing my The Russian will next play Austral- fi rst-round win over former cham- but maybe in a couple of weeks I will be best on court.” ia’s Alex de Minaur, who beat Italian pion Karen Khachanov by easing past good,” she added. The Tour Finals get underway on Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 7-5, for a last- Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 6-4, “I don’t want to rush anything but I’m feeling November 15. Schwartzman had nev- eight place. while Mannarino beat Japan’s Yoshi- Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman returns the ball to France’s Richard Gasquet good.” er beaten Gasquet in three previous South African Anderson quit when hito Nishioka in three sets. during their second round match at the Paris Masters in Paris yesterday. (AFP) Thursday, November 5, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SQUASH Ibrahim stuns World No. 2 ElShorbagy in Qatar Classic ‘I don’t know how to describe how I’m feeling right now. I’ve been waiting for a break for a really long time’

World No. 1 Ali Farag stretches for a shot against Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng.

of experience, I had to be aware every was clinical and accurate with his hit- game and when I took the lead, I usually Results ting to take the fi rst game, before an squander the lead in so many matches, Third Round: Youssef Ibrahim adductor injury to Kandra in the sec- but against Mohamed I had to be on my (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy ond saw the German struggle to make toes the whole match.” (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 6-11, 3-11, 15-13, 11-6 much headway in the remainder of the World No. 1 Ali Farag, however, con- (65m) match as ElShorbagy booked his place tinued his fi ne form towards his title Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt Borja Go- in the quarter fi nals of the PSA Plati- defence with a 3-0 victory over Malay- lan (ESP) 3-0: 11-2, 12-10, 11-2 (34m) num event. sia’s Eain Yow Ng. [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Egypt’s World No.12 Fares Dessouky Farag was in full fl ow today though Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-0: 11-4, also produced a dominant display to as he keeps his eyes on the prize in 11-5, 11-7 (34m) secure his place in the quarter fi nals Doha. The Egyptian found his targets [4] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Gregoire after beating Spain’s former World well and forced Eain Yow to do a lot of Marche (FRA) 3-2: 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, No.5 Borja Golan 11-2, 12-10, 11-2. heavy work, which took its toll on the 11-6, 11-5 (83m) Dessouky looked full of confi dence 22-year-old Malaysian and Farag was [3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt James following his victory over World No.8 Youssef Ibrahim plays a shot as Mohamed ElShorbagy watches during their last-16 clash in the Qatar Classic yesterday. able to see out the victory by an 11-5, 11- Willstrop (ENG) 3-1: 11-8, 11-3, 3-11, Simon Rösner in the last round as he 7, 11-7 margin. 11-4 (37m) comfortably took the fi rst game for the By Sports Reporter Ibrahim came out fi ring and barely 3-11, 15-13, 11-6 in 65 minutes to reach He is proving himself to be a very [8] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Lucas loss of two points after controlling the Doha put a foot wrong throughout the entire his maiden PSA Platinum quarter fi nal solid opponent,” said Farag afterwards. Serme (FRA) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 middle of the court and condemning match as he caused problems for the where he will face compatriot Fares “He was getting everything back, (52m) Golan with his accurate hitting. experienced ElShorbagy, who will not Dessouky. I’ve never seen a Malaysian that doesn’t [5] Diego Elias (PER) bt Miguel It looked as though the second game gypt’s World No. 41 Youssef Ib- feature in a quarter-fi nal of an event “The word would be surreal,” said Ib- move well – what are they feeding them Rodriguez (COL) 3-0: 11-5, 13-11, 11-9 was going in the same manner with rahim stunned compatriot and he’s played for the fi rst time in two rahim following the match. over there! Beng Hee fi rst, then Ivan (53m) Dessouky building up a healthy 8-1 World No. 2 Mohamed ElShor- years, with his incredible shot making. “I don’t know how to describe how and Nafi izwan and Yow, they move [2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Eain Yow Ng lead. However, the experienced Span- bagy in a fi ve-game thriller The young Egyptian took a tight fi rst I’m feeling right now. I’ve been wait- so well and it’s so hard to put the ball (MAS) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 (35m) iard battled back to force his way into toE reach the quarter-fi nals of the Qa- game, before ElShorbagy took the next ing for a break for a really long time and away. the match and level the scores at 9-9 tar Classic at the Khalifa Tennis and two and looked like he was back on training really hard for so many years “At the end I thought I would try to before Dessouky snuck ahead and kept Squash Complex yesterday. track for a routine victory in the fourth. and I haven’t had a good win – this just tire him out to see if it would pay off scoreline to reach the quarter fi nals. his composure to close out on the tie ElShorbagy needed to win the event However, Ibrahim rallied back well, makes it so much better. and it did. I couldn’t be more full of The two players have met four times break. and hope that defending champion Ali saving match ball from the ‘Beast of “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, praise for him, he’s very talented but previously on the PSA Tour with their A two-game defi cit proved to be too Farag failed to reach the fi nal in order Alexandria’ before drawing level on his to beat someone like Mohamed in his he also has the character to rise up the last three encounters being tight bat- much for Golan to come back from in to reclaim the place at the top of the fi fth game ball attempt. form and where he is now, top seed of rankings and I’m really pleased to win tles. However, yesterday ElShorbagy the third as Dessouky cruised to the World Rankings, but a shock defeat to Ibrahim did not let the nerves of the the tournament – it’s just massive. I in three today.” saw out a comfortable victory in 34 fi nish line with a mature performance 21-year-old Ibrahim in the third round occasion aff ect him in the fthfi either knew I was in for a fi ght, I had nothing Egypt’s World No.6 Marwan minutes. leaving Golan unable to read the Egyp- means that Farag will keep his place as as he powered into the lead and never to lose today. I put 100% into every shot ElShorbagy took out Germany’s Rap- The Egyptian put work into the legs tian’s game as he booked his place in the No.1 in December. looked back, closing out 11-9, 6-11, in every game and I know he has a lot hael Kandra by an 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 of World No.33 Kandra early on and next round of the PSA Platinum event.

HORSE RACING Saadi rides X Force to feature sprint victory By Sports Reporter Doha

l Thumama Racing’s X Force stayed true to his favour- ite status after sprinting to Umm Al Houl Cup victory in Acomfortable fashion under Soufi ane Saadi at the Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. In the Thoroughbred feature race on dirt, Ibrahim al-Malki’s ward tracked early leader Izzthatright, ridden by JP Guillambert, before easing past for a breezy four-length victory. X Force had never fi nished outside the money since arriving in Qatar late Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (third from right) last year, and only stamped his au- with the winners of Umm Al Houl Cup after X Force won the Thoroughbred thority with his second straight win feature race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim this season. In the penultimate race of the day, Rashid al-Marri. Trainer: Mohamed Hussain. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. a Local Purebred Arabian Conditions Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE Race 6: PUREBRED ARABIAN CLAIMING event saw Umm Qarn’s Sealine take PLATE (Distance: 1700m) RACE (4 Year Olds & Older) (Distance: a thrilling victory ahead of Barra as 1. Winne Taouy (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 2. Muth- 1800m) Alban de Mieulle’s wards locked out hil (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 3. Djamil (Soufiane 1. Chaval De Ghazal (Marco Casamento), the top two spots in the six-furlong Saadi), 4. Latam (Francois Herholdt). Won 2. Anees (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Echo De sprint. Soufiane Saadi rides X Force to win in the Umm Al Houl Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park. by 6 ¼, ¼, ¾. Time: 1:59.56. Owner: Ahmed Faust (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 4. Elwan (Carlos Ronan Thomas was astride the six- Hassan al-Malki al-Jehani. Trainer: Hamad Henrique). Won by: ¾, 5 ¼, 1 ½. Time: 2:09.05. year-old Umm Qarn horse as the duo for second by a quarter-of-a-length. after leading the 1800m race almost Novice Plate. Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani. Owner: Mohamed bin Fahad al-Attiyah. beat Soufi ane Saadi-ridden Barra by a Saleh Salem al-Marri rode Al Hazem throughout. The fi ve-year-old edged RESULTS Race 4: THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Fil- Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. quarter-of-a-length. Storm to third. out late raider Anees by three-quar- Race 1: PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN lies & Mares) (Class 5) (Distance: 1200m) Race 7: LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN Injaaz Stud’s Romantic Heart raced The latter rode a winner in the very ters-of-a-length for a fi ne win. PLATE (Distance: 1900m) 1. Romantic Heart (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 2. CONDITIONS (Distance: 1200m) to her fi rst win in Qatar, not only lead- next race for Ghazali’s father Jassim Earlier in the day, His Highness 1. Khatafaynee (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Shaw- Angelic Queen (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 3. 1. Sealine (Ronan Thomas), 2. Barra (Soufiane ing a one-two for trainer Mohamed when High Commander found some Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- eesh (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 3. Khaldoun (Sou- Al Hazem Storm (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 4. Saadi), 3. Kasser (Alberto Sanna), 4. Hazm Al Jassim Ghazali but also a top-three late pace in the fi nal furlong of the Thani’s Khatafaynee registered his fiane Saadi), 4. Umm Bab (Ronan Thomas). Queen Shaahd (Marco Casamento). Won by: Sulaimi (Marco Casamento). Won by: ¼, 1 ¼, 3 sweep for Qatari jockeys as Meteb Ali 1900m Thoroughbred Handicap to fi rst career win with a victory in the Won by: 4 ¾, ½, 2 ¾. Time: 2:14.39. Owner: ¼, 1 ¾, Hd. Time: 1:13.17. Owner: Injaaz Stud. ½. Time: 1:18.65. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: al-Marri notched his second win of edge out Yaarmen by a short head. It Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate in His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Alban de Mieulle. the season. was Saleh Salem al-Marri’s seventh dominant fashion while Dhafi Rashid al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Race 5: THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Race 8: UMM AL HOUL CUP (Thorough- Under the apprentice rider, the win of the season. al-Marri’s Dukhan topped the maiden Race 2: LOCAL THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN (Class 3) breds) (Distance: 1200m) fi ve-year-old mare held on to her Ghazali junior had his second win- race for Thoroughbreds. PLATE (Distance: 1700m) 1. High Commander (Saleh Salem al-Marri), 1. X Force (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Izzthatright (JP lead in the six-furlong handicap for ner of the day in Mohamed bin Fahad Qatari rider Rashid Ali al-Marri 1. Dukhan (Luca Maniezzi), 2. Malik (Saleh Sa- 2. Yaarmen (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Suprema- Guillambert), 3. Cristofano Allori (Ronan Tho- Thoroughbreds even as Ali Khalid al-Attiyah’s Chaval De Ghazal that guided his fourth winner this season lem al-Marri), 3. Qatar Gold (Eduardo Pedro- tism (Carlos Henrique), 4. Tuff Rock (Mickael mas), 4. Take A Nap (Eduardo Pedroza). Won al-Mosallam and his mount Angelic landed the Purebred Arabian Claim- when he rode Winne Taouy to a domi- za), 4. Al Mukhadram (Francois Herholdt). Berto). Won by: Shd, 3 ¾, 1. Time: 2:03.61. by: 4, 5, 1 ¼. Time: 1:10.15. Owner: Al Thumama Queen ran out of real estate, settling ing Race with his last reserve of energy nant victory in the Purebred Arabian Won by: ¾, 5 ½, 4. Time: 1:53.66. Owner: Dhafi Owner: Mansoor Ebrahim al-Mahmoud. Racing. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki.