NNFLFL | Page 5 F1 | Page 7 Thielen at Success without the double change means as Vikings nothing, says down Bears Hamilton

TENNIS Wednesday, November 18, 2020 Rabia II 3, 1442 AH Thiem upsets Nadal at ATP GULF TIMES Finals in London SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL/ PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Hazmat suits on, star players out as Injury worries for Asian Champions League returns

AFP Chinese sides who are yet to Hong Kong play a match in the competi- Shenhua as Glory tion, which was halted after a handful of games eight months wo-time winners ago as the pandemic advanced. Guangzhou Ever- Coach Fabio Cannavaro, the grande will have to 2006 Italian World Cup-win- do without star man ning , will be hoping to PaulinhoT as the delayed Asian make amends after Evergrande Champions League East re- lost their Chinese Super stand in their way turns this week with a heavy League title to Jiangsu Suning schedule of games played in last week. ‘We just finished our Chinese Super League season and we have some problems with injuries’ “bubble” conditions in Qatar. But they will have to do Fifteen teams will race without Paulinho, the former through 33 matches in a little Barcelona and Tottenham over two weeks to complete Hotspur midfi elder and their the group stage, suspended top-scorer in the Chinese Su- because of the coronavi- per League, who is out with a rus since early March, with thigh injury. eight teams then playing the Captain Zheng Zhi, 40, is knockout phase to decide who also ruled out for Evergrande, reaches the December 19 fi nal. who begin their campaign Shanghai SIPG players, in- against South Korea’s Suwon cluding the former Chelsea Samsung Bluewings on Sun- midfi elder Oscar, Asia’s most day and also face Japan’s Vissel expensive player, arrived in full Kobe in Group G. hazmat suits with face masks The group has been cut to and protective glasses, illus- three teams after Malaysian trating the challenges facing authorities refused to let Johor the tournament. Darul Ta’zim leave the coun- Qatar, the 2022 World Cup try, whose borders are closed host, has already successfully to stop the spread of Covid-19. staged the West zone compe- In Group H, Shanghai SIPG tition, won by Iran’s Persepolis play FC tomorrow be- who now await the East win- fore facing Jeonbuk Hyundai ner in the fi nal. Motors, the 2006 and 2016 But although Qatar was champions who are bidding praised for its “smooth de- for a trophy treble after win- livery” of the competition, it ning the South Korean league wasn’t trouble-free as defend- and cup double. ing champions Al Hilal were SIPG have Brazilians Os- kicked out when a coronavirus car and Hulk and Australia’s outbreak left them unable to Aaron Mooy at their disposal, fi eld enough players. but former West Ham forward Players and offi cials must be Marko Arnautovic was left out tested before departure and on after travelling for interna- arrival in Qatar, and will un- tionals with Austria. dergo further tests every three Beijing Guoan will similarly to six days, the Asian Football be without Cedric Bakambu Confederation said. Games after the forward fl ew off to will be played behind closed play for Congo. doors. China’s football association “All players and offi cials will urged Chinese teams not to also be put under a bio-secure bring players who have been bubble which limits their on international duty, fearing A view of the Education City Stadium, one of the venues which will host the Asian Champions League (East) matches. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil movement only to the hotel, possible coronavirus cases. stadium and training sites,” South Korea are one of sev- AFC winner Tony Popovic was at the helm on the AFC added. eral teams to run into problems Doha that occasion, the new-look Perth Glory According to the Beijing during the international break, will be led by freshly appointed A-League Youth Daily, all four Chinese with goalkeeper Jo Hyeon- coach , and Cristian Ola, teams are staying in the same woo — who plays for Ulsan e will be unable to call upon some who will serve as the team’s head coach hotel in Doha, with four fl oors Hyundai in Group F — one of of his biggest names, but Shang- during their time in Qatar. each and separate dining areas six players to test positive dur- hai Shenhua head coach Choi This tournament represents a new be- to prevent mingling. ing their trip for friendlies in HKang-hee is hopeful for a suc- ginning for the Western Australians, who Evergrande are one of three Austria. cessful start when his side begin their 2020 haven’t featured in a competitive match AFC Champions League campaign against in nearly three months and arrive in Doha Australia’s Perth Glory in Doha today. The with a squad containing limited experi- match will be played at the Education City ence at the continental level. Stadium at 1pm. Ola conceded his side’s preparation More than nine months after its sched- hasn’t been ideal but believed Perth’s uled start date, the Chinese outfi t will youth can be a strength rather than a fi nally begin their quest for continental weakness. success, but with their league campaign “It’s defi nitely a diff erent approach for completed just a week ago, Choi said sev- each of the teams,” he said. eral of his players have arrived in the Qatari “Yes, we had a very short pre-season capital nursing injuries. preparation period which we need to ac- “We just fi nished our Chinese Super celerate in some ways, but on the other League season and we have some problems Shenhua coach hand we are aware of the national compe- with injuries,” said Choi, who led Jeonbuk Choi Kang-hee. titions and fi xtures of the other teams in Hyundai Motors to Asian glory in both our group, but also we count on capitalis- 2006 and 2016. ing on the fact that we have a number of “For us, our team selection is incom- youngsters that will take this opportunity plete. It’s a pity, but our fi rst target is still to and Fidel Martinez, who have been left out they are also facing problems with in- and challenge, and we’ll try to make the advance to the knockout stage and we need of the travelling party due to foreign player juries. For our fi rst game it will be quite most out of that.” to work hard together to achieve our target. limits, while Stephan El Shaarawy hasn’t diffi cult for us, especially on an attacking “We are aware about the elements that “For this team it is quite diffi cult be- made the trip having not appeared for the level, but we will use always the players we are probably not ideal to start with, but cause we have so many injuries, especially club in months. can use to try and achieve our target and we’ll try to look into transforming that into for the fi rst three matches. It’s going to be a Choi admitted that his side will be lack- play a good game. more of an opportunity for us rather than big problem for this team, but as the head ing a good deal of fi repower, particularly “Our target is defi nitely winning the playing victims or being the underdogs coach I still believe it’s a big opportunity in the early stages of the competition, championship, but we are currently expe- from the start. for us and I really do hope we can have a but believes that with time, and more en- riencing a lot of problems with injuries.” “We are aware that (Shanghai Shenhua) good showing at this tournament.” couraging physiotherapists’ reports, they While Shanghai Shenhua are chasing have a number of quality individual players Shenhua appear particularly hamstrung could yet fi nd themselves in a position to their fi rst AFC Champions League group and we will take them very seriously. How- in midfi eld and attack. Veteran Colombian challenge Asia’s best. stage win since way back in 2009, their ever, in saying that, we will try our best playmaker Giovanni Moreno is under an “It was quite a diffi cult selection not to opponents, Australian outfi t Perth Glory, from not only the tactical point of view, but injury cloud, while towering Korean na- allow (Bola os and Martinez) to come to are embarking on only their second ever on the youngsters’ motivation to step up to tional team striker Kim Shin-wook has the AFC Champions League, because we match in the competition, with their fi rst the standard of the competition and of the been on the sidelines since August. have these injuries,” he said. bringing a 1-0 away defeat to FC Tokyo opponent. Paulinho, the former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur Adding to those woes is the absence of “Also, among our foreign players like back in February. “We want to believe that we will com- midfielder, is out of the Guangzhou Evergrande side because recent Ecuadorian arrivals Miller Bolaños Giovanni Moreno and Kim Shin-wook, While former AFC Champions League pete quite well from this point of view.” of a thigh injury. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 18, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NATIONS LEAGUE South Korea beat Qatar in friendly Finland match is ‘massive’ one for Wales, says Bale

AFP Bale also expressed concerns London over catching Covid-19 after playing against Republic of Ire- land. Bale’s Tottenham team- areth Bale said Wales mate Matt Doherty and the Stoke must secure the point midfi elder James McClean tested they need in a “mas- positive after Wales’s 1-0 Na- sive match” with Fin- tions League win in Cardiff on Gland yesterday and guarantee Sunday. But Bale said the Foot- promotion to the top tier of the ball Association of Wales, which Nations League. Bale says mak- reported that every one of its ing the step up to League A is key players had tested negative after to facing stronger opposition and the Ireland game and were avail- gauging the progress the team is able to face Finland, had done a making. “fantastic job”. Wales are a point clear of sec- Wales have not returned a pos- ond-placed Finland going into itive test in three international the game. “It’s a massive game camps during the coronavirus for us,” said Bale yesterday. “To pandemic. “It’s a slight concern win the group and get promoted for everyone when you have been is something we set out to do at playing someone [who has tested the start. It’s important for us positive] and in close contact as a country to get that winning on the fi eld, but maybe not long mentality and that feeling going enough to catch it,” Bale said. into the Euros in the summer. We “Obviously you’re a bit wary, Qatar forward Almoez Ali (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against South Korea in the international friendly in Vienna yesterday. want to get better and improve but it is good news that everyone and the only way we’ll do that is has come back and tested nega- By Sports Reporter shal Barsham. Hwang Uijo was quick to by playing better teams.” tive and now we can concentrate Doha latch on to the mistake and slipped it onto Bale is Wales’s record goal on the game. Me and Ben Davies Hwang Hee Chan, who slammed the ball scorer with 33 but he has not spoke to him [Doherty] briefl y into net. added to the tally in the past 13 and I think he is doing fi ne, he’s atar lost to South Korea 1-2 in Qatar hit back quickly though, with Al- months. However, the 31-year- got mild symptoms.” an international friendly at the moez Ali equalising in the ninth minute old says his old sharpness is re- Most international teams have BSFZ Arena Admiral Stadium in after a fi ne pass from Tarek Salman. South turning, having had a decent been aff ected by coronavirus Vienna, Austria on Tuesday. It Korea, however, were back in front in the run of fi tness and some game over the past three months and wasQ the Asian champions’ second friendly 36th minute after captain Song Heung time since he re-joined Totten- Ireland have been hit especially in Austria, after having played a 1-1 draw Min’s cross was cashed in by Hwang Ui Jo. ham Hotspur on loan from Real hard. They had four positive tests with Costa Rica last week. Qatar could not draw level in the second Madrid. “The more games I’m this month after losing eight It was a disappointing result for Qa- half, barely threatening the South Korea playing the better the body is players under the coronavirus tar, since the South Koreans had fi elded goal as the latter avenged their loss in the adapting,” he said. “I still need to protocols in October. a depleted XI after coronavirus cases hit quarter-fi nal of the Asian Cup last year. get a little fi tter and sharper but I Bale outlined the protocols their squad on the eve of the match. Felix Qatar’s next international assignment am getting there. It takes a bit of the FAW has put in place, say- Sanchez’s were undone by poor defence, will be the Asian Qualifi ers against Bang- time when you’re a bit older, but I ing: “There’s only three or four with temperature of 11 degrees Celsius not ladesh on December 4. am just excited to get back to full to a table, making sure we are helping their cause. With 13 points from fi ve matches, Qatar fi tness and hopefully it won’t be socially distanced, going at dif- Qatar were on the back foot straight are the current leaders of Group E, while too long. Leading into the Euros ferent times to get food, wearing away as they conceded with just 15 Bangladesh, who have claimed one point in the summer, that’s where I gloves to serve our food, no shar- seconds gone on the clock. Boualem from four outings, sit bottom of the sec- want to be peaking.” ing rooms any more. They have Khoukhi’s blunder gifted Korea the early tion, The defending Asian champions Bale was integral to Wales’s gone to great measures to make lead after the defender lost control of the defeated Bangladesh 2-0 when the teams fairytale run to the Euro 2016 sure we are safe. It is important ball while passing it to goalkeeper Me- met in Dhaka on Matchday Three. South Korea’s Yoon Jong Gyu (left) and Qatar’s Pedro Miguel vie for the ball. semi-fi nals, where they lost to to take it seriously.” eventual champions Portugal. The caretaker manager, Robert This time round they may fan- Page, put the zero positive Wales FOCUS cy their chances of making the tests down to “good planning”, knockout stages again having allowing his squad to focus fully been drawn in a group with Italy, on topping Group B4 and secur- Grealish can cope with Switzerland and Turkey. ing promotion to League A. pressure: Southgate ‘I think he will be able to handle the attention, he thrives under pressure’

AFP London ROUND-UP ack Grealish is mature enough to handle the extra attention he is getting after making an eye-catch- ing fi rst start for England, manager Ukraine’s match in GarethJ Southgate said yesterday. The 25-year-old Aston Villa playmaker was the one positive to emerge for Eng- Switzerland called land from Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium which ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Nations League. off due to virus Southgate said he and the squad could also add protection for Grealish with their AFP local authorities barred play- mantra it is the team not the individual. Kiev ers from participating in team “That is always important with any events. Andriy Shevchenko’s player,” Southgate told reporters on the side have been badly aff ected by eve of the fi nal Nations League qualifi er esterday’s Nations the virus, as four more players with Iceland. “We are going to succeed League match between tested positive before the 3-1 loss or fail as a team and it is for everybody to Switzerland and Ukraine away to Germany on Saturday. contribute. We have tried to ensure right was called off , the In October, Ukraine included the way through the last four years that YUkrainian football association 45-year-old assistant Oleksandr it is collective expectation, we couldn’t said, after six of its players tested Shovkovskiy in the squad for a put all the pressure on Harry Kane, we positive for the coronavirus. friendly against France after a couldn’t put the pressure on Raheem The association said in a state- number of players, including (Sterling) or other players. We have to ment that it was informed by two goalkeepers, tested positive. make sure that is the same with Jack.” UEFA the match “cannot take Ukraine are three points ahead of Southgate said the manner in which place” after Swiss health au- Switzerland with one match left Grealish played suggested pressure was thorities made the decision “to in Nations League Group 4, as something he enjoyed. “He has had a su- quarantine the entire delegation they attempt to remain in the top per start to his international career,” said of the national team of Ukraine.” tier of the competition. Southgate. “I think he will be able to han- The decision on the future dle the attention, he thrives under pres- of the match, which had been GIROUD NEEDS TO SORT sure. He has got great courage with the ball scheduled to take place in Lu- CHELSEA SITUATION: FRANCE so I don’t think it will phase him. Equally cerne at 1945 GMT, will be made COACH DESCHAMPS it is going to be the squad and team that by UEFA, the association said. France coach Didier Deschamps brings us success as a collective.” Midfiedler Jack Grealish as the one positive to emerge for England from Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium which ended their hopes Earlier, Ukrainian football’s has urged Olivier Giroud to sort Southgate has been criticised for his of reaching the knockout stages of the Nations League. (Reuters) governing body said a total of six out his situation at Chelsea to tactics in switching formation which has players had tested positive for ensure he does not compro- seen the goals dry up and the side suff er best we can.” club managers asking for a change fol- ers. They are their players fi rstly and the coronavirus. Atalanta mid- mise his future with the national their fi rst back-to-back defeats in com- Southgate said must lowing injuries to England internationals they have the right to play them as they fi elder Ruslan Malinovskyi and team. “Olivier Giroud knows it, petitive matches since 2018. Whether he reconsider its position on limiting clubs Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and see fi t,” he added. (Injuries are) a worry in two Shakhtar Donetsk team- the situation he’s in today cannot reverts to his former formation today is to making only three substitutions per Ben Chilwell. the longer term because with no winter mates — Sergiy Kryvtsov and drag on forever. debatable but he defended the decision match as injuries mount amid a congest- “We were able to make fi ve changes break, something has to give.” Junior Moraes — contracted the Before March he will have to to go ahead with the game despite it being ed schedule. against Belgium, we made four in the end Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp and Man- virus and were self-isolating in fi nd another situation than this of no importance to the Nations League Football’s rule-making body, the In- and clubs don’t have that option,” South- chester City’s Pep Guardiola have been their hotel in Switzerland, the one,” Deschamps said ahead group outcome. There had been calls to ternational Football Association Board gate said. “What will it take for that to critical of the Premier League this season association said. of yesterday’s late home game cancel it due to the coronavirus pan- (IFAB), gave leagues the option of contin- change? There were a couple of less seri- for not looking after the players following On Monday, three other against Sweden in the Nations demic. “To represent your country is the uing to use fi ve substitutes per match in ous injuries against Belgium but what do the switch back to a maximum of three Ukraine players — goalkeeper League. Giroud has only made greatest honour, of course club football is the 2020-21 campaign after introducing we do? Wait until we get a load of really substitutes. Dmytro Riznyk, left-back Edu- three appearances in the Premier important but every player wants to rep- the system earlier this year, with games nasty ones?” The Liverpool and Manchester City ard Sobol and midfi elder Yevgen League this season, and he start- resent your country,” he said. coming thick and fast after the Covid-19 Southgate said England had been managers, and some other clubs in the di- Makarenko — tested positive. ed the Nations League Group 3 “You don’t get the chance to do it very pandemic truncated the length of the forced to give players extra days’ recovery vision, wanted the rule to be implement- Kryvtsov and Moraes have al- showdown against Portugal on often. We are representing 50mn people season. and also tapered their training schedules ed this season – in line with other Euro- ready come into contact with the the bench on Saturday. and we are trying to prepare for the Euro- While other top European leagues have as the country’s hopes of qualifying for pean competitions – only to be outvoted coronavirus and have antibodies, Giroud came on as a sec- pean Championship. Add into that, play- taken up that option, Premier League the Nations League fi nals were dashed twice at Premier League meetings. The Ukraine’s FA said. ond-half substitute in the 78th ers want to play, they want to win caps, clubs voted against it, though Southgate’s after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium. so-called smaller clubs think it would put It added that UEFA allowed minute. Deschamps, however, score goals. We are trying to manage it as call echoed complaints from a chorus of “I have to be fair to the club manag- them at a competitive disadvantage. Kryvtsov and Moraes to play, but still has faith in Giroud. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 18, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Keeping Messi critical to Barca future: presidential candidate Font is the front-runner to win the Jan. 24 election and believes the world’s best paid player can be convinced to stay

Reuters Barcelona Barca hit hard as Lionel Messi came close to leaving the Catalans in August after his La Liga slashes ionel Messi must stay at Barce- relationship with then president lona so he can lead the team for Josep Maria Bartomeu turned sour. salary caps the remainder of his career and play a strategic role when he re- Madrid: Barcelona’s salary cap for Ltires, the club’s presidential candidate this season has been cut by almost Victor Font said. The six-times World 300mn euros according to La Liga’s Player of the Year and Barca’s all-time list of spending limits for Spanish top scorer came close to leaving the clubs, announced yesterday. The Catalans in August after his relation- coronavirus pandemic has had huge ship with then president Josep Maria economic eff ects on Spain’s top- Bartomeu turned sour. flight teams, with Barca among those But the Argentine can leave the club, worst aff ected. where he has spent his entire career, for Their wage cap for the 2020-21 free at the end of this season unless he season will be 382.7mn euros, down pens a new contract before the end of from 671.4mn euros last term, when June. Font, who formed part of a cam- they had the highest limit in La Liga. paign against Bartomeu which led to Real Madrid will have the biggest him resigning in October, is the front- budget this season although theirs runner to win the Jan. 24 election and has also been reduced from 641mn believes the world’s best paid player euros to 468.5mn euros. can be convinced to stay at Camp Nou. Atletico Madrid have seen a de- “When you are lucky enough to have crease of 131.8mn euros to 252.7mn the best player in the world in your euros, which leaves Atletico with team, you need to retain that talent,” nearly half as much to spend as their Font, a 48-year-old telecommunica- city rivals Real. La Liga’s 20 first tions entrepreneur, said in an interview division clubs will be able to spend a yesterday. “If Messi goes to a competi- total of 2.33bn euros on wages this tor we will not fi nd an alternative easily season, which represents a drop of as there is no alternative to Messi. So 610mn euros. that’s why retaining him in the short Salary allocations in Spain can be term is critical. But for us the associa- spent on players, coaches and acad- tion between Messi and Barca is a stra- emy players, with the aim to bring tegic relationship and we want to make greater financial stability to the 42 sure we create the right conditions for teams in the top two divisions. Barce- Messi to play a role in the club even af- lona is already negotiating another ter he retires. Messi could contribute round of cuts for their players while plenty of ideas.” Real Madrid may also begin negotiat- Font has been planning a run at the ing a reduction in salaries, according presidency for seven years and has cho- to reports in Spain. sen Barca midfi eld great Xavi Hernan- Both clubs have been heavily dez to lead the team as a general man- impacted by the pandemic, given ager in the long term as well as being a their heavy reliance on matchday coach. Xavi, whose intricate passing revenue, as well as income gener- fuelled the Argentine’s incredible goal ated from museums and club shops. hauls for 11 years and helped the pair ibility and know how about football is in deep fi nancial crisis, exacerbated love for Barcelona, who he joined aged ready to take a long term perspective Barcelona allowed Luis Suarez, win seven La Liga titles and four Cham- is the right one to convince someone by the Covid-19 pandemic which has 13, is so deep that he could lower his and make a contribution so the club can Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic to leave pions Leagues with Barca, is part of like Messi. They are friends, they know obliterated revenue from ticketing, salary demands in order to stay. manage the short term in the best pos- during the summer transfer window Font’s strategy to ensure Messi remains. each other, they trust each other and merchandising and tourism. “All clubs are in economic crisis (due sible way. When you have someone like and were open to selling Ousmane “Messi needs to be convinced we that’s going to be key.” Barca’s last accounts showed a loss to the pandemic) and everyone needs Messi who loves the club and who the Dembele. Real Madrid chose not to have a competitive and winning project If he wins the election, Font will take of 97mn euros ($115mn), while their to adjust their expectations,” he added. club wants to retain for many years, you make a single new signing for the and Xavi can play a decisive role in us charge of a club with the highest wage overall net debt more than doubled to “The good thing with Messi is he loves have the framework to regenerate and first time in 40 years. doing that,” Font said. “Xavi’s cred- bill in world football. However, the club 488mn euros. But Font believes Messi’s the club as we all do and I’m sure he is build a winning team.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Marseille vs Nice Aft er school meals, Ligue 1 game Suarez, Elneny test positive as international Rashford campaigns postponed break sees spike in coronavirus cases

Reuters AFP to get UK kids reading Paris London

AFP London aturday’s Ligue 1 game ruguay’s top goal scorer Luis between Olympique de Suarez has tested positive for Marseille and Nice has Covid-19 and out of their World anchester Unit- been postponed follow- Cup qualifi er against Brazil, local ed star Marcus ingS a string of Covid-19 cases footballU chiefs said on Monday. Rashford, after within the Nice team, the French The positive test also means Suarez will forcing British gov- professional league (LFP) said miss his club Atletico Madrid’s La Liga Mernment to feed poorer children yesterday. The LFP said in a outing against Barcelona, which would in school holidays, yesterday statement that more than 10 have been the fi rst time he ran out against launched a new campaign to en- Nice players had tested positive his former team. “Tests have been carried courage kids to read — this time for the novel coronavirus, mean- out on all the members of the national with offi cial blessing. “I only ing that according to its health team, with the result that the players Luis started reading at 17, and it com- regulations, the match could not Suarez (and) Rodrigo Munoz and the offi - pletely changed my outlook and take place. The LFP has not yet cial, Matias Faral, have tested positive for mentality,” the 23-year-old Eng- set a new date for the game. Covid-19,” the Uruguayan football federa- land striker said. tion said in a statement. All three are “in “I just wish I was off ered the NO SPECTATORS TO BE good health”, it added. opportunity to really engage ALLOWED AT FRENCH They join defender Matias Vina, who with reading more as a child, but STADIUMS BEFORE JANUARY tested positive on Saturday after Uruguay’s books were never a thing we could Fans will not be allowed to re- 3-0 win over Colombia in Barranquilla. budget for as a family when we turn to French stadiums to watch Uruguay, who have not beaten Brazil since needed to put food on the table.” sporting matches before Janu- 2001, were hosting the Brazilians (minus ed: “Elneny Positive Cov19 get well soon.” ly to be sidelined for months. And the Reds Rashford has teamed up with ary, and then with strict crowd an injured Neymar) in Montevideo late Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Asso- are counting the cost of being deprived the publisher Macmillan Chil- limits depending on a venue’s last night. Arsenal and Egypt midfi elder ciation confi rmed in a Facebook post that of key central defender Virgil van Dijk for dren’s Books to launch a series size, the French presidency said. Mohamed Elneny also tested positive for Elneny was isolating in line with medical what is expected to be most of the season of youth-oriented titles, starting A return of spectators “is not Covid-19, his agent said Monday, as fi gures protocols. His Covid-19 result came just after he tore knee ligaments in a clash with with “YOU ARE A CHAMPION” possible in December” given the published by the Premier League showed a three days after it was announced that Liv- Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford last in May 2021. Macmillan said recent surge in Covid-19 cases sharp increase in cases coinciding with the erpool’s Mohamed Salah had also tested month. each chapter will recap a story to keep it in place over holidays in France, which led the govern- international break. positive while on international duty with from Rashford’s own life and will next year. The government had ment to announce a new partial Already unpopular with Premier League Egypt. AC MILAN COACHING STAFF HIT cover topics such as the value of resisted giving out meal vouch- lockdown last month, President clubs because of the risk of injury to key “The results of the medical swabs con- BY ANOTHER COVID-19 CASE education, understanding cul- ers to tide poorer families over Emmanuel Macron told sports players, the mood among the likes of Arse- ducted by the national team upon arrival in Meanwhiel, AC Milan assistant Giacomo ture, and female role models. outside of term time, preferring offi cials in a conference call. nal’s Mikel Arteta and his fellow top-fl ight Togo showed negative all except for Arse- Murelli has tested positive for Covid-19, The footballer also plans to to off er support via its wider But he said youth clubs might bosses is unlikely to be improved by fi gures nal player Mohamed Elneny, whose result the Serie A leaders announced, three days launch a book club next year, welfare system. be allowed to reopen in Decem- from the November 9-15 latest round of appeared positive without any symptoms,” after head coach Stefano Pioli contracted recommending titles on the But Rashford’s campaign ber if the number of new daily weekly tests showing the Premier League the EFA said. “The player immediately be- the virus. Pioli, 55, tested positive on Sat- Macmillan list. “There were struck a chord with many, es- coronavirus cases continues to returned 16 positive coronavirus cases gan to implement the special medical pro- urday and the club have now confi rmed times where the escapism of pecially with Christmas com- decline, as long as reinforced from 1,207 players and staff tested. tocol for people infected with Covid-19.” that the 56-year-old Murelli has been in- reading could have really helped ing up, and the government had measures are taken to avoid This compares with four positives from An Egypt side without Salah beat Togo fected as well. me. I want this escapism for all been confronted with regular contagion risks, particularly in- 1,646 tests during the week of November 1-0 in Cairo on Saturday in the fi rst of two Both will miss Sunday’s league game children. Not just those that can headlines accusing it of being doors, his offi ce said. Macron 2-8 and a previous weekly high of 10 posi- back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations at Napoli and possibly the Europa League aff ord it,” he said. heartless. This time, there is no also unveiled a 100mn euro plan tives. And while players who were away on qualifying matches between the countries. return fi xture at Lille on November 26, This month, Prime Minister resistance to the footballer’s lit- for next year to fi nance a “sports international duty at the time would not Salah has scored eight Premier League having lost 3-0 to the French club at the Boris Johnson’s government re- eracy push. pass” encouraging young people have been included in the Premier League’s goals for Liverpool already this season. San Siro. Milan are unbeaten in Serie A lented anew to Rashford’s cam- “It is fantastic that Marcus to take up athletic activities, for latest fi gures, there may now be concerns If he is sidelined, it would be a blow for this season, winning fi ve of their opening paigning and promised to give Rashford is shining a light on the example by paying club dues or that the knock-on eff ects of players re- Premier League champions Liverpool, who seven matches, and are two points clear of free meals to poorer children power that books have, and we buying equipment. The funds turning from long-distance trips have led were deprived of Senegal forward Sadio Sassuolo. Napoli are another point back over the coronavirus-affl icted welcome his book club allowing could prove a lifeline for amateur to a surge in reported cases. Those who Mane earlier in the season when he too in third. AC Milan’s city rivals Inter also Christmas holidays. more children to benefi t from the clubs in particular. Offi cials have tested positive will now self-isolate for 10 tested positve for coronavirus, although he revealed yesterday that Serbia defender After one U-turn already for enjoyment which books bring,” indicated they hope to ease the days. has since returned to the team. Aleksandar Kolarov had tested positive for the summer holidays, the gov- Johnson’s offi cial spokesman lockdown from next month if the As has long been its policy, the Premier Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has the virus as he returned from international ernment dropped its opposition told reporters. He was unable, health crisis eases, in particular League refused to name the clubs or indi- already lost defender Joe Gomez to a knee duty. Inter’s reserve goalkeeper Daniele to extending the scheme over however, to name the prime min- for hospitals dealing with a surge viduals involved. tendon injury he suff ered while on England Padelli had already contracted Covid-19 the festive period, and promised ister’s favourite childhood book. in intensive care patients. But Alan Nazmy, Elneny’s agent, tweet- duty last week. The club say Gomez is like- earlier this month. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 18, 2020 SPORT

TOKYO OLYMPICS ‘No mandatory Covid-19 vaccine for athletes’ Reuters Tokyo for the Olympics, which Tokyo are due to begin on July 23, with thousands more coming for the subsequent Paralympics. nternational Olympic Com- However, when pressed mittee President Thomas whether athletes were going Bach said yesterday that to jump the queue to get any athletes would not be forced potential vaccine before the Ito get Covid-19 vaccinations Games, Bach was adamant this ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, wouldn’t be the case. “We made but he said they should as a it clear from the very beginning “demonstration of solidarity” that the fi rst priorities are for with the Japanese. the nurses, medical doctors and Bach visited the Athletes’ Vil- everybody who keeps our soci- lage yesterday before concluding ety alive, despite the coronavirus his two-day Tokyo trip with a crisis,” Bach told reporters at the visit to the National Stadium. National Stadium. “These are “We will encourage athletes the people who deserve to be the that whenever possible they fi rst ones to be vaccinated.” have the vaccination because it Tokyo 2020 organisers are is better for their health, and it is holding a project review meet- also a demonstration of solidar- ing this week and hope to decide ity with their fellow athletes and on a range of Covid-19 counter- also the Japanese people,” said measures, including whether the German. spectators will be allowed in Bach’s trip, his fi rst to Japan venues next year. since the decision to postpone A small group of anti-Olym- the Games in March, has been pics protesters gathered out- up-beat throughout and he has side the stadium during Bach’s spoken about the great impact visit, and their chanted slogans International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach speaks to the a vaccine could have on Tokyo’s could be heard as he walked media as he visits the National Stadium, the main venue for the 2020 ability to host the Olympics next alone down the running track Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) year. More than 11,000 athletes and looked up at the empty seats are expected to descend upon surrounding him.

TENNIS Australian PM, Bach discuss Brisbane bid

Australian Prime Minister “The prime minister reiter- Scott Morrison met with Inter- ated the full support of the national Olympic Committee Australian Government for President Thomas Bach in Queensland and Brisbane’s Tokyo yesterday to discuss candidature for the 2032 next year’s postponed Olym- Olympics Games. The full Inspired Thiem pics in the Japanese capital support.” and Brisbane’s bid to host the Bach has previously praised 2032 Games. the early planning within Aus- Morrison and Bach are both in tralia’s 2032 bid, which would Tokyo this week and used the be centred on Queensland opportunity to meet, along- state’s capital city, Brisbane. side IOC member and Austral- Bach and Morrison also ian Olympic Committee (AOC) discussed holding sporting outshines Nadal President John Coates. events during the novel coro- In a video posted on the AOC navirus pandemic. Twitter page, Coates said Mor- During meetings with rison had expressed his “full Tokyo Games’ organisers on support” for Brisbane’s 2032 Monday, Bach expressed con- ‘It was a great match from bid during the meeting. fidence that the Olympics can “Prime Minister Morrison and be held safely next year. the first to the last point’ President Thomas Bach had a Australia, alongside Canada, at ATP Finals very good meeting this morn- pulled out of coming to the ing,” said Coates, who is also Tokyo Games before the post- Reuters debutant Andrey Rublev later. World chair of the IOC’s Tokyo 2020 ponement decision was made London number two Nadal’s fate will rest on Co-ordination Commission. in March, because of safety his fi nal group match against Tsitsi- pas. ustria’s Dominic Thiem pro- “It was a great match from the duced a fearless display of fi rst to the last point,” Thiem, now FOCUS attacking tennis to beat Rafa well-and-truly established as a major Nadal 7-6(7) 7-6(4) in a high- force in the men’s game, said after his qualityA duel at the ATP Finals and seize sixth career win over Nadal in their 15 control of their group yesterday. meetings and third in the last four. Semenya heads to World number three Thiem saved “Actually I was a bit lucky to get the a couple of set points in the fi rst tie- fi rst set, I was 2-5 down in the tiebreak break before whipping away a fore- and against Rafa it’s nice to win the European Human hand to take an opening set in which fi rst set. It’s tough times for everyone there was barely anything between at the moment and I hope we put on the two. a good show for people watching on Rights court over ban Spaniard Nadal, bidding to win the TV.” only big title to elude him, engineered The quality of the rallies in the AFP Swiss Federal Tribunal (SFT). the fi rst break of the match at 3-3 in fi rst set would have graced a fi nal in Johannesburg Semenya, 29, who has ele- the second set only for Thiem to reply front of a sell-out crowd with neither vated testosterone due to DSD, in stunning fashion. player taking a backward step. Head- identifi es as a woman and rac- Nadal was on the brink of defeat ing into the tiebreak both had won 34 outh Africa’s Olym- es as a woman. when he slipped 0-40 behind serv- points each, with hardly a free gift in pic 800m champion But for World Athletics, ing at 4-5 after a wayward smash, but sight. Caster Semenya is women with some masculine the 20-time Grand Slam champion So it was a surprise to see a couple Staking her battle with attributes like Semenya have dug himself out of a hole, saving three of errors from both men in the break- World Athletics to the Euro- an unfair advantage - a posi- match points. U.S. Open champion er. Nadal served a double-fault and pean Court of Human Rights, tion hotly contested by South Thiem was unshakeable, however, Thiem, after battling back from 2-5 to her lawyers said yesterday, in a African offi cials. and forged his way into a 6-3 lead in 5-5, then threw in one of his own. bid to overturn the hormone- Parliament, the South Af- the day’s second tiebreak. Nadal netted a routine backhand on drug rule. rican Human Rights Com- Nadal clawed one point back, but his fi rst set point but was powerless as The legal action comes two mission and the South Afri- Thiem fi nished it off when his oppo- Thiem saved another with a rasping years since the World Athletics can Commission for Gender nent dragged a backhand wide, a rare forehand. When Thiem’s chance ar- governing body in 2018 banned Equality are among those that unforced error in an absorbing con- rived he was ruthless, again clubbing Semenya and others with dif- have thrown their weight be- test sadly played out in an empty O2 a forehand out of Nadal’s reach. ferences of sexual develop- hind Semenya in the fi ght. Arena. The rallies were unrelenting in the ment (DSD) from races be- Her lawyers said the grow- Thiem had downed reigning cham- second set and when Nadal saved tween 400 metres and a mile ing support from institutions pion Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the match points in the 10th game it unless they take testosterone- and bodies across the globe for his opening round-robin match in the looked likely the match would swing reducing drugs. the athlete was encouraging London Group and will qualify for the his way. Austria’s Dominic Thiem celebrates winning against Spain’s Rafael Nadal in their men’s singles “We will be taking World amid the legal battles. semi-fi nals if Tsitsipas beats Russian But Thiem, 27, had other ideas. round-robin match on day three of the ATP World Tour Finals in London yesterday. (AFP) Athletics to the European “We remain inspired by Ms Court of Human Rights,” her Semenya’s indomitable spirit lawyer Gregory Nott said in a and will remain steadfast in SPOTLIGHT statement, without specify on our stand against discrimina- the timeframe. tion until she is allowed to run “We remain hopeful that free from persecution,” Nott World Athletics will see the er- said. Semenya has over sev- ror it has made and reverse the eral months ran the 200-metre Not sure ATP Cup is happening: Djoko prohibitive rules which restrict sprint, which falls outside of Ms Semenya from competing.” the World Athletics regula- Reuters being cleared to play in Australia with players restricted to Victo- The defi ant two-time Ol- tions. London ahead of the Melbourne Grand ria where they will be free to move ympic gold medallist, who has It is not clear whether she Slam, posing logistical problems around once they have completed a vowed to fi ght the ban, has will run that distance at the as they would have to arrive in the two-week quarantine. previously unsuccessfully ap- Tokyo Olympics next year orld number one No- country far earlier than usual. Men’s governing body the ATP pealed to the Court of Arbitra- when she competes for Athlet- vak Djokovic says Asked about the situation af- declined to comment. “From what tion for Sport (CAS), and to the ics South Africa. he still does not know ter his 6-3 6-2 win over Diego I’ve heard the latest news from whether the ATP Schwartzman in his fi rst match at Tennis Australia is that the Aus- WCup will take place in Australia in the ATP Finals on Monday, Djoko- tralian Open and the rest of the January. vic said it was challenging. tournaments will be held in Vic- Djokovic led Serbia to the title in “We don’t know whether ATP toria state, mostly Melbourne and the fi rst edition of the 24-nation Cup is happening. We heard some around Melbourne,” Djokovic said. tournament this year before going rumours there might be eight teams “I hope that it will happen. I on to win the Australian Open for only,” he said. “Obviously you want want to play in Australia, Austral- a record-extending eighth time. things to be ideal, but what is ideal ian Open. I’m not sure about the Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley in these circumstances? We re- ATP Cup and the tournaments be- has said all the Australian Open ally don’t know. So I think it’s out fore, because obviously you have to warm-up events, including the of our reach. Also Tennis Australia leave quite in advance, I think two- ATP Cup, will be held in the state has to follow what the Australian and-a-half or three weeks prior of Victoria next year in light of the government is regulating and pro- to the fi rst match,” Djokovic said. Covid-19 pandemic, although state posing them to do.” “I’m just hoping for the sake of premier Daniel Andrews said that This year’s ATP Cup was staged tennis and sake of players that we is “not a done deal”. across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney will have Australian Open and also Players will have to undergo a with the fi nal in Sydney. Under the possibility of ATP Cup and couple two-week quarantine period before new plan, that would be impossible more tournaments at least.”

fears related to Covid-19. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 18, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL NBA Phoenix rising for All-Star guard Paul Thielen at the in Thunder trade

AFP and later the women’s head Los Angeles coach at her alma mater, Loui- siana Tech, is the latest woman to land a job as a full-time NBA en-time All-Star Chris assistant. double as Vikings Paul is joining the , the new Phoenix Suns from the coach of the New Orleans Oklahoma City Thun- Pelicans, promoted Weather- Tder as part of a blockbuster spoon, 54, to the position on deal that sends four players Monday. Her previous job with and a draft pick the other way, the team, and with the fran- Phoenix confi rmed Monday. chise’s G-League team, was as Under the deal, Paul and a two-way player development down Bears 19-13 teammate Abdel Nader will coach. She is the eighth wom- head to the Suns in exchange an to be named a full-time for Kelly Oubre, Ricky Rubio, NBA assistant coach. ‘He was in a lot of pain. He’s a tough dude, but he was in a lot of pain’ Ty Jerome and Jalen Lecque. Weatherspoon, a 2019 in- Oklahoma City will also re- ductee into the Naismith AFP ceive a 2022 fi rst-round draft Basketball Hall of Fame, also Chicago pick as part of the move, which spent fi ve seasons in player and signals the Suns’ determina- franchise development for the tion to break into playoff con- New York Liberty, one of the dam Thielen scored tention next season. two teams she played for in the two touchdowns as “Chris’s leadership and WNBA. the Minnesota Vikings competitive approach to the Among her many accolades, held for a 19-13 victory game will have an immeas- Weatherspoon twice was a overA the Chicago Bears at Soldier urable impact on our team,” two-time WNBA Defensive Field on Monday. Suns general manager James Player of the Year, a fi ve-time Vikings receiver Thielen scored Jones said. Paul, 35, had two WNBA All-Star and a four- in the fi rst and fourth quarters of more seasons remaining on his time selection to the All-WN- an attritional NFC North contest Oklahoma City contract after BA Second Team. that saw Chicago slump to their joining the Thunder in 2019 In 2011, marking the WN- fourth straight defeat. Vikings following two seasons at the BA’s 15th season, she was quarterback Kirk Cousins threw Houston Rockets. Prior to that, named among the league’s top for 292 yards with 25 completions Paul spent six years with the 15 players of all time. from 36 attempts. Bears counter- Los Angeles Clippers. She spent seven seasons part Nick Foles struggled, how- The move will see Paul join with the Liberty before fi nish- ever, with just 106 yards and an up with Phoenix’s Devin Book- ing her career with one season interception. er, one of the brightest talents with the Los Angeles Sparks. The Vikings had taken the lead in the NBA. In 254 games, she averaged fi ve with a touchdown in the fi rst Last season, Paul played in points and 5.3 assists. quarter, Thielen making a su- 70 of the Thunder’s 72 games, She also coached Louisi- perb diving one-handed catch averaging 17.6 points, 6.7 as- ana Tech’s Lady Techsters to a from Cousins’ 17-yard pass for a sists and 5.0 rebounds to lead 99-71 mark over six seasons, spectacular score. the team to the fi fth seed in the including consecutive NCAA With the Bears struggling to Western Conference. Tournament appearances in generate momentum in posses- Phoenix coach Monty Wil- 2010-2011. sion, they were forced to settle liams has long been an admirer On the court, Louisiana for two Cairo Santos fi eld goals of Paul, saying before a Suns- Tech won its second NCAA to trail 7-6 as the teams trudged Thunder clash in January: “He title during Weatherspoon’s off for half-time. But the Bears is the kind of guy that changes senior season, capping her ca- got the spark they needed on organisations.” reer there from 1984-88. She the opening play of the second “Everywhere he has gone, averaged 8.3 points, 7.3 assists half when Cordarrelle Patterson he has made everybody better,” and 4.1 rebounds in her college added the latest addition to his Williams said. “That is just career. career collection of kick-off re- who Chris is.” The other assistants named turns for a touchdown. Phoenix have not made the by Van Gundy on Monday were Patterson – who authored the postseason since 2010 but Bob Beyer, and Rex longest kickoff return touch- impressed during the NBA’s Walters along with holdover down in NFL history in 2013 restart in Orlando earlier this . Corey Brewer and with a 109-yard gallop into the year, going 8-0 and just failing Beno Udrih were chosen as de- end zone – produced another to clinch a place in the playoff s. velopment coaches, and they stunning eff ort with a 104-yard Meanwhile Teresa Weath- join incumbent Darnell Lazare touchdown return. erspoon, a former WNBA star in that role. The Bears celebrated, but their off ence sputtered again in pos- session thereafter, punting away their next four possessions. The Vikings also struggled to move the chains, with kicker Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen scores a touchdown in the first quarter of their NFL game against Chicago Bears at Soldier Dan Bailey banging over fi eld Field in Chicago. (USA TODAY Sports) goals from 37 yards and 43 yards to make it 13-13 heading into the after releasing a pass that fell on that. I have not talked to him job in Week 3, managed only 106 tions. The Vikings took over on fourth quarter. incomplete. Foles was down on yet. ... yards on 15-of-26 passing Mon- downs and ran out the clock. But the breakthrough came the fi eld for several minutes be- “He was in a lot of pain. He’s day. He was intercepted once. Foles, the 2017-18 Super Bowl with 10 minutes remaining in the fore he was helped onto a cart a tough dude, but he was in a lot With Trubisky unavailable MVP, has completed 65 percent fourth quarter, Cousins picking and taken off the fi eld. After the of pain. When you see that and because of a shoulder injury, of his passes this season for 1,852 out Thielen once again for the game, Chicago coach Matt Nagy you’re down there with him, Tyler Bray came on when Foles yards and 10 touchdowns with score. was unsure about the injury, you feel for him just because you got hurt. eight interceptions. Earlier with the Bears at their saying it was to a hip or leg. don’t know how bad it was. So Bray threw an 18-yard com- The Bears (5-5), in second In this file photo taken on September 1, 2020, Chris Paul of the Okla- own 20-yard line to start a last- “They’re still looking at him,” that part is hard.” pletion to Ryan Nall to get to the place in the NFC North, will play homa City Thunder shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets minute drive, quarterback Foles, Nagy said. “You know, it was his Foles, a nine-year veteran who Chicago 38, but after spiking the in Green Bay on November 29. in game seven of the Western Conference during the 2020 NBA took a hard hit from Vikings leg or his hip, so I think they’re began the season as a backup ball to stop the clock, Bray threw The Packers (7-2) lead the divi- Playoff s at AdventHealth Arena in Lake Buena Vista. defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo still working through the details until Mitchell Trubisky lost the three consecutive incomple- sion. (AFP/ GETTY IMAGES)

SPOTLIGHT Anything’s possible, says MLB’s fi rst woman general manager Ng Bucks begin makeover, land As she sat on a stool at home plate in Miami University of Chicago, where she earned a degree Marlins Park on Monday a message flashed onto in public policy. the giant jumbotron behind the first woman gen- But it was also clear early on that the fearless eral manager of a Major League Baseball team, Asian-American was going to follow her own “Welcome Kim Ng”. path. Holiday and Bogdanovich Ng meanwhile had a message of her own: “Any- “In terms of my fearlessness I don’t know where thing is possible. That’s my message, anything is it comes from but I can tell I can remember it Reuters ed to New Orleans in July 2013. possible,” said the 51-year-old trailblazer. from when I was in high school,” said Ng, fielding New York Holiday, an All-Star in his fi nal season for Indeed, but it has taken time. questions with the confidence of a Hall of Fame the 76ers, has career averages of 15.9 points, Thirty years after starting out as an intern for the shortstop. 6.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 713 games Chicago White Sox, through assistant general “I was not the kid that was always going to follow he Milwaukee Bucks, who are at- (640 starts). manager stints with the New York Yankees and with the rest of the group. That was not me. I tempting to persuade NBA Most Bledsoe, 30, spent three seasons in Mil- Los Angeles Dodgers and nearly a decade at MLB was going to do my own thing. I didn’t care what Valuable Player Giannis Antetok- waukee, most recently averaging 14.9 points, headquarters as senior vice president of baseball other people said, I was going to do it. ounmpo to stay with them long term, 5.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds last season. operations, Ng finally shattered another of the “High school, college, my professional career it’s Tbegan a dramatic overhaul of their roster on He previously played for the Los Angeles sport’s glass ceilings last Friday by securing the just knowing what you want to do and doing it Monday night. Clippers (2010-11 to 2012-13) and the Phoe- top job with the Marlins. and not worrying what anyone else says,” she The Bucks acquired point guard Jrue Holi- nix Suns (2013-14 to 2017-18), and his career Overseeing all aspects of the Marlins operation added. day from the Pelicans and forward Bogdan norms are 14.2 points, 4.8 assists and four re- from budgets to player contracts, Ng joins a Bogdanovich from the , bounds per game. rebuilding team that were one of MLB’s biggest according to multiple reports. Hill, 34, led the NBA with a 46 percent surprise stories this year as they made the play- The trades will not be offi cial until the NBA success rate from 3-point range last season, off s for the first time since 2003. league year begins this weekend. hitting 81 of 176 attempts. “I fought hard for this,” Ng, who interviewed Milwaukee is sending guards Eric Bled- He averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 assists and unsuccessfully for general manager jobs with the soe and George Hill to New Orleans along three rebounds in 2019-20, leaving his career San Francisco Giants, Anaheim Angels, Seattle with three future fi rst-round draft picks. averages at 11.1 points, 3.2 assists and 3.1 re- Mariners and San Diego Padres, said at her intro- The trade also features two future draft-pick bounds. ductory news conference on Monday. swaps. Hill has competed for the San Antonio “There were times when I thought maybe the Sacramento receives forward Donte Di- Spurs (2008-09 to 2010-11), Indiana Pac- interview wasn’t on the up and up. But I will say Vincenzo, DJ Wilson and Ersan Ilyasova. ers (2011-12 to 2015-16), Utah Jazz (2016-17), that just by having my name out there was a Holiday, 30, was selected the 2020 NBA Sacramento Kings (2017-18), Cleveland source of hope for people so you do it because Teammate of the Year, capping a season in Cavaliers (2017-18 to 2018-19) and Mil- you just know you have to keep your name out which he averaged 19.1 points, 6.7 assists and waukee. there. 4.8 rebounds. Antetokounmpo is coming off his second “It wasn’t about me it, it was about others. It was He is due $25.4 million for the 2020-21 consecutive MVP season and was also se- about other owners who might give interviews to season and holds a player option at $26.3 lected the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year minorities and women. It was about the women million for 2021-22. Point guard Jrue Holiday. for 2019-20. behind me, the women starting out in baseball. Bogdanovich averaged 15.1 points per game The 25-year-old Greek, who has one year All sports.” and shot 37.1 percent from 3-point range. includes All-Star Khris Middleton. left on his current contract, could sign a su- Growing up in New York, Ng’s passion for the US The 28-year-old attempted nine 3-point- A fi rst-round pick (17th overall) of the per-max contract extension worth between national pastime is rooted in her youth playing Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng poses at ers per 36 minutes last season and brings an- 76ers in 2009 out of UCLA, Holiday spent $220 million and $250 million over fi ve years stick ball in the streets then onto softball at the the Marlins Park in Miami. (USA TODAY Sports) other perimeter threat to an off ence that also four years in Philadelphia before he was trad- to remain with the Bucks. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 18, 2020 SPORT

QATAR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: POLICE, AL KHOR SCORE STRAIGHT SETS WINS

Defending champions Police (in blue) defeated Al Arabi 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-22) in their Qatar Volleyball League match at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. (Right) In the second match of the day, Al Khor (in white) beat Al Gharafa 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-23).

RUGBY FOCUS Aspetar organises Sports Medicine Impey resigns as Online Forum Series

By Sports Reporter Doha

spetar, Orthopaedic SANZAAR chief, calls and Sports Medicine Hospital announced yesterday the launch ofA the Aspetar Sports Medi- cine Collection Online Forum Series, a series of online forum meetings where healthcare professionals will have the op- for global vision portunity to engage in a panel discussion format with the The forum will be delivered chapter editors of the recent- online, allowing safe interac- ‘I THINK THAT PUTS IT IN PRETTY BLACK-AND-WHITE TERMS’ ly published Aspetar Sports tion between presenters and Medicine Collection. participants. Registration is The Aspetar Sports Medi- open through Aspetar’s web- AFP such as a unifi ed global calendar cine Collection Online Forum site www.aspetar.com/events. Wellington and developing tier-two nations. Series will provide participants aspx?lang=en and the online He has long criticised north- free access to evidence-based forum discussion will be re- ern hemisphere nations of stall- sports medicine and science corded and shared on Aspetar’s he chairman of SAN- ing meaningful reform to grow published in the two-volume YouTube channel. ZAAR, Brett Impey, re- the game and conceded his vi- Aspetar Sports Medicine Col- Also, participants can use signed yesterday calling sion for SANZAAR would create lection book. the hashtag #AspetarCol- for the governing body a powerful rival grouping. Each month, starting in De- lectionForum and mention @ Tof southern hemisphere rugby “I think that puts it in pretty cember 2020 until the FIFA Aspetar to ask their questions to throw open its membership to black-and-white terms, but I do World Cup in November 2022, that will be answered during developing rugby nations world- think the countries outside Eu- the respective Chiefs of Chap- the LIVE forum. wide. rope need to act as a bloc to see ters will be discussing diff er- The Aspetar Sports Medi- Impey proposed a radical development,” he said. ent topics related to the 24 cine Collection is a two-vol- overhaul which could see the The plan, which Impey said chapters of the Aspetar Sports ume limited edition book of creation of a bloc to rival the was supported by NZR and had Medicine Collection, and one more than 1400 pages; Volume power of the game’s northern been discussed at SANZAAR, section of the Aspetar Sports 1 focuses on topics in Sport hemisphere giants by expanding could see the Rugby Champi- Medicine Collection will be Science, Medicine of Sport, beyond current members Aus- onship expand and new com- ‘unlocked’, available to down- and Exercise and Lifestyle tralia, South Africa, New Zea- petitions set up for developing load at no cost. Medicine, and Volume 2 ad- land and Argentina. nations. They would include The fi rst online forum dresses management of sports The New Zealander said po- promotion and relegation, al- meeting, on Wednesday 2, injuries of the upper and lower tential candidates could include lowing giving minnows a path- December at 8pm Doha time extremity. Japan, Romania, Georgia, the way to play established rugby (GMT+3), will be on “Foot and The editor-in-chief, Prof Dr Pacifi c island nations, as well as powers as they improve. Ankle” injuries, presented by Nebojsa Popovic and his co- countries in the Americas such Impey did not put a time scale Dr Pieter D’Hooghe, Chief of editors carefully curated the as Uruguay, Brazil and Canada. on the concept. Surgery and Aspetar Acting best 200 Aspetar Sports Medi- “Outside of Europe, there are SANZAAR’s last major expan- Chief Medical Offi cer. cine Journal papers written by opportunities to develop the sion push involved Super Rugby The monthly online forum more than 300 international game, so SANZAAR should be and ended in failure as the com- meetings will cover a selection experts. welcoming in those countries petition ballooned to a disjoint- of sports medicine and science This Collection aims to as- as members and creating com- ed 18-team competition spread topics, relevant to support the sist health professionals and petitions which are going to al- across 16 time zones. best sports medicine and sci- students, coaches, and athletes low the likes of Japan and Fiji to The governing body was still ence preparation for the Qatar to improve their understanding progress to the next level,” he trying to undo the damage with 2022 FIFA World Cup. of Sport and Exercise Medi- told reporters. format changes when the global These include Groin Pain, cine and make better decisions Impey unveiled his global vi- pandemic halted the fi ve-nation Hydration and NutriNutri- when caring for athletes. sion after announcing he will SANZAAR was set up in 1996 He said SANZAAR should man competition without the competition earlier this year. tiontion, Recovery Strate- This can only be achieved step down as SANZAAR chair- to manage the Super Rugby club drop Super Rugby and adopt an governing body. SANZAAR thanked Impey for gies, Ethics in Sport Medicine, through open access sharing man on December 31, saying the competition and the Test tour- international focus, a process Impey said expanding SAN- his work and said it was looking Concussion in Sport, Shoulder of sports medicine and science role had brought confl icts of in- nament now known as the Rugby that already appears under way ZAAR’s international member- to recruit an independent chair, Injuries, Elbow Injuries, Hand knowledge, an initiative Asp- terest with his other position as Championship but Impey said it as Australia and New Zealand ship would allow it to push more as recommended by the outgo- Injuries, Hamstring and Knee etar takes pride in to support New Zealand Rugby chair. was now ‘outdated’. thrash out details of a trans-Tas- eff ectively for change on issues ing New Zealander. injuries. and promote.

Nsubuga, Marselis emerge ECGC club champions Botham’s grandson gets Wales rugby call-up The grandson of England and rugby league player, Simon Nsubuga and Manon Marselis great Ian Botham who appeared for Cardiff in won the second edition of the Club received his first call-up into the 1990s. Wing Johnny Mc- Championships at the Education City the Wales rugby squad in Nicholl has also been added Golf Club (ECGC) last Saturday. dramatic style on Monday to the squad after missing In the men’s division, Nsubuga beat ahead of this weekend’s out on initial selection due to Theo Scheepers and Martin Hol- Autumn Nations Cup interna- injury as Wales look to end land in a three-way playoff to win tional against Georgia. James a run of six successive Test the championship. In the women’s Botham, a 22-year-old flanker, defeats this weekend. division, Manon Marselis, the lowest was set to start for the Cardiff Botham has been in fine form handicapper, had the advantage Blues against Benetton during his four games for from day one as she took a ten-shot Treviso. But just over an hour Cardiff this season, averaging lead over her nearest competitor. before Monday’s kick-off it 16 tackles per match, with Marselis played steady game on the was announced he had been a tackle success rate of 96 second day to ensure her victory. Pa- withdrawn from the Pro14 percent. Ian Botham played tricia Yurkiw and Tasnim Kazi came fixture. Fans will have to wait 102 Tests for England from second and third respectively. until tomorrow, when Wales 1977-1992, and was widely The juniors were also equally looked coach Wayne Pivac announc- considered to be one of the after at the ECGC as first place went es his team to play Georgia, finest all-round cricketers of to regular golfer Danill Sokolov 26 (-1) to discover whether former his generation. The 64-year- on the Par three Course and Franc- Wales Under-20 international old former England captain, a esco Mauro came second on a score Botham is in line for a full Test supporter of Brexit, recently of 39. In the newer golfer division, debut against the Lelos at became a member of the the Play to Par Champion was Victor Llanelli on Saturday. House of Lords, Britain’s Nordberg with a score of 35 and in Botham is the son of Liam unelected second chamber of second place went to Fedor Sokolov Botham, a former profes- Parliament and his off icial title with a score of 36. Simon Nsubuga and Manon Marselis pose with their trophies. (Right) Junior division winners celebrate with their trophies. sional cricket, rugby union is now Lord Botham. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 18, 2020 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FORMULA 1 Success means nothing without Questions abound change: Hamilton

Reuters Hamilton has used his plat- London form more than ever this year to make his voice heard on subjects from racial injustice ewis Hamilton has said to diversity and the environ- aft er Covid-19 hits becoming the most ment. successful Formula The Briton has set up a com- One driver of all time mission of experts to help in- Lmeans nothing unless he can crease the representation of help tackle racism and push for Black people in British mot- change. orsports, and routinely takes a The Mercedes driver became knee and promotes Black Lives world champion for the sev- Matter at races. major golf events enth time in Turkey on Sunday, “It is very symbolic to con- equalling the record previously tinue to utilise that platform held by Ferrari great Michael and use that message,” he said. Johnson: I know 2020 has been a really strange year. But it has been good to me Schumacher. “And it’s important to con- The 35-year-old Briton now tinue to do it, to keep aware- has more career wins, pole po- ness, because otherwise this sitions and podiums than the thing could die a quiet death retired German, however, and and go back to how it was in the plans to add to those records. past. So I don’t see this chang- “Competing and winning ing for some time.” championships is a great thing, Hamilton said he wanted to but what does it really mean? It really see a diff erent Formula doesn’t mean anything unless One in 10 years’ time. you can help push for change,” “Yes, we have this Black he told the Guardian newspa- Lives Matter moment and per in an interview published there’s a mic and people are yesterday. “I cannot keep si- hearing it, but you’ve got to lent during this time.” really do the work to activate The interview was conduct- change,” he added. ed by Michael Eboda, chief He said he was talking to executive of Powerful Media, F1’s commercial rights hold- whose annual Powerlist yes- ers Liberty Media for a long- terday named Hamilton as term role “to try to help them Britain’s most infl uential Black progress in the right direction person. and continue to bring in new He was the only sportsman audiences. “I’ll probably do named in the top 10, which in- that as a side job. I honestly cluded rapper and philanthro- couldn’t be more excited about pist Stormzy at number three it,” he said. “On one side, I and British Vogue editor-in- don’t want the time to ever go chief Edward Enninful fi fth, by fast. On the other, I can’t and he was the fi rst to top the wait till I start this new chapter list. of my life.”

Dustin Johnson of the US celebrates with his green jacket after winning The Masters on Sunday.

AFP break areas. Augusta Solheim Cup to move to even year schedule from 2024 DeChambeau unleashed an impressive display of his power- London: The Solheim Cup, women’s golf bien- said Dennis Baggett, executive director of the driving game on the way to a six- ustin Johnson’s victory nial team competition between the US and Eu- Solheim Cup in a statement. stroke victory, imposing his will at the 84th Masters rope, will move to even years starting in 2024, “When the competition returns to the United upon Winged Foot by bashing completed a major golf the LPGA said yesterday. States in 2024, I have no doubt fans will have balls for distance and location Dyear disrupted by the The Solheim Cup Committee approved the an incredible opportunity to celebrate the best without regard to the usual pu- Covid-19 pandemic that pro- change following the announcement that the women golfers from the United States and Eu- nititve US Open rough. duced historic winners, but also Ryder Cup will move to an odd-year schedule, rope as they represent their home countries.” The notorious experimenter posed major questions for 2021. after the 2020 competition was postponed due The 2021 Solheim Cup will take place Sept 4-6 had bulked up his body and sci- Golf leaders were forced to to the Covid-19 pandemic. at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio with Europe entifi cally analysed his clubs cancel the 2020 Open Champi- “With the world sporting schedule changing so hosting the 2023 tournament from Sept. 22-24 to produce a week so good that onship and other majors were much due to current difficulties, we felt it was at Finca Cortesin in Andalucia, Spain. many feared his style would rescheduled, the shuffl ed lineup in the best interest of the Solheim Cup to return The Ryder Cup will be played one week later in shatter the sport and render capped by an autumn Masters to an off-year rotation with the Ryder Cup,” Italy. many courses obsolete. fi ve months before its 2021 edi- While he failed to conquer tion is planned in its usual April Augusta National as many Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wins the Turkish Grand Prix on spot. crisis unlike the world has faced tournament in April will be clos- tunity to have our sport continue feared, the USGA and R&A study Sunday. “What was really heartening in our lifetimes,” no one knows er to normal than it is right now.” to go.” on distance due in April is be- about the whole thing is that the what’s coming before April, from Spectators were banned from Golf participation is growing, ing eyed intently by Ridley, who organisations really worked to- vaccine hopes to tighter lock- majors, leaving an awkward si- people seeking an outdoor activ- says, “we are at a crossroads as FOCUS gether in the best interests of the down laws. lence to replace the cheers of ity easily allowing for face masks relates to this issue.” sport,” Augusta National chair- The United States is bracing fans, but 2,000 people a day and social distancing. “We’re coming closer to a call man Fred Ridley said. “I think we for a grim winter amid skyrock- were allowed at a Masters tune- “Our sport is actually growing to action,” he said. “As it relates came up with a pretty good re- eting coronavirus cases, with up in Houston, a fi rst US step to right now,” Woods said. “Cir- to our golf course, we have op- Mercedes aiming sult.” The PGA was shifted from one million new infections in awakening the roars despite the cumstances that have allowed tions, and we will take the nec- May to August and the US Open less than a week taking the total virus. our game to grow and fl ourish.” essary action to make sure we moved from June to Septem- number past 11mn, with more “I’m encouraged by what took First-time major wins were stay relevant.” to start Hamilton ber, both staying on scheduled than 246,000 fatalities. place last week in Houston,” Ri- produced by Americans Col- Top-ranked Johnson was courses. “I’m hopeful we’ll see im- dley said. “We’ll be interested to lin Morikawa, making only his pleased the Masters took place, The Open Championship was proved conditioned regarding see kind of how that went.” second major start, at the PGA setting a 72-hole Augusta Na- contract talks soon planned for Royal St. George’s in this virus, but April is less than The US PGA Tour shut down Championship at Harding Park tional record 20-under par 268 July but called off in April. It’s set fi ve months away, so there’s cer- in March for three months, re- and Bryson DeChambeau at the to win his second major and a Reuters pressure to say before Bahrain to be played there next year, with tainly no assurance of that,” Ri- turning in June without fans US Open at Winged Foot. coveted green jacket. The PGA London or before Abu Dhabi we will the PGA set for Kiawah Island in dley said. and fi nding safety protocols that The US Golf Association was Player of the Year also won the announce a new contract be- May and the US Open at Torrey “We’ll have to give it some have allowed events to continue. forced to scrap its normal quali- Tour Championship in Septem- cause there isn’t any pressure. Pines in June, presumably after a lead time for April, so we’re just “This year is unlike anything fying events and create a select ber. ercedes expect to When it’s done it’s done.” Masters in April. going to make the decision based we’ve ever experienced,” 15-time fi eld for the US Open, staged in “I know 2020 has been a really start contract talks Formula One heads to Bah- While Ridley plans for the on the best information pos- major winner Tiger Woods said. suburban New York in one of strange year,” he said. “But it has with Lewis Ham- rain next week for races on 2021 Masters despite “a health sible. But we do have hopes the “We’re lucky to have the oppor- the fi rst major US Covid-19 out- been good to me.” ilton in the next successive weekends before fewM days now the Briton has the Dec. 13 fi nale in Abu Dhabi. clinched a record-equalling Both sides have said they BOTTOMLINE seventh Formula One world want to continue but just have championship, team boss Toto to put pen to paper. Wolff has said. “We’ve got three weeks in The 35-year-old Hamilton’s the Middle East — so, now it’s ‘Tragedy’ if Perez is not in F1 next year, says Brawn current deal ends next month. a bit more chilled but I still “Flying back from a seventh have three races ahead of me AFP at Ferrari and Hamilton at Mercedes in Brawn, whose eponymous team won drivers’ championship, you that I want to win,” Hamilton London 2013, in a column for the www.formula1. both championships in 2009, defi ned can’t talk about a contract. said on Sunday when asked com website. Sunday’s race as “the old guard demon- It wouldn’t do justice to the about the talks. “It’s not done “He more than deserves his place on strating their experience and the young achievement,” the Austrian but we will get it done, I’m ergio Perez more than deserves the grid. If you’re a team (that) wants a pretenders showing they have a bit more told the BBC. sure.” to stay in Formula One, manag- competitive driver to maximise every to learn.” “We’re going to give it a few Mercedes have won the last ing director Ross Brawn said af- opportunity, Perez is your man.” While Stroll, 22, lined up on the front days then we are going to talk seven constructors’ and driv- Ster the Mexican fi nished second Perez’s main hope is a seat at Red Bull, row with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, 23, about it.” ers’ titles and the cars and to now-seven times world champion who have yet to decide whether to retain the podium placings went to a trio of Wolff told reporters jokingly rules are substantially the Lewis Hamilton in Turkey at the week- Thai racer Alexander Albon as Max Ver- drivers aged over 30. after Hamilton won Sunday’s same next year. end. stappen’s team mate. Brawn also defended Turkish GP or- Turkish Grand Prix to clinch Hamilton is now Formula Perez is without a seat for 2021 after The Mexican has scored 100 of third- ganisers from criticism of the slippery the title, and equal Ferrari One’s most successful driver Racing Point signed four-times world placed Racing Point’s 154 points from 14 track surface, saying they had done a great Michael Schumacher’s of all time, with a record 94 champion Sebastian Vettel, who fi nished races, despite missing two rounds after fantastic job. seven, that Hamilton had “got wins. third for Ferrari at Istanbul Park on Sun- contracting Covid-19. “I think drivers sometimes need to really more expensive”. “He loves racing and the day. Albon has amassed just 70 of Red remember it’s a competition of who He also indicated that there competition, as does the team Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, Bull’s 240. On Sunday, Perez made a set crosses the line fi rst so while grip levels was still no rush. and myself... so I see us go- whose father Lawrence owns Racing of intermediate tyres last for 48 of the 58 weren’t high, it was the same for every- “I think more than likely we ing for more next year, maybe Point, fi nished ninth after starting from laps in wet and slippery conditions that one,” said the Briton. are looking towards the end of putting another great year on pole position. caught others out. “Competition needs to be fair and the year,” the Austrian said of and then obviously we have “Perez put in a great performance... it “You are only as good as your last race, equal. It’s a sport, so we need to give eve- the timeframe. this tremendous, challenging would be a tragedy if he isn’t in F1 next so it’s important to fi nish on a high. The ryone the same opportunity. It’s chal- “Not that we wouldn’t fi nd regulations change for 2022,” year,” said Brawn, who worked with rest is not in my hands,” he said when lenging, but that should be seen as good time for each other but I don’t said Wolff . Michael Schumacher during a golden era asked about his future. thing.” want to put ourselves under “I see us going for a while.” Wednesday, November 18, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

PSL England cricket tour to called off : reports

London: England’s first cricket tour of Pakistan in over 15 years, due to take Babar, bowlers lead place early in 2021, will not go ahead, according to Brit- ish media reports. The BBC and the Press Association reported that England would not be able to send a strong enough squad. England are already com- Karachi to maiden title mitted to playing Sri Lanka and India in early 2021 so a Babar’s classy 49-ball 63 helps Kings overhaul a modest 135-run target in 18.4 overs set by Qalandars second-string squad would have had to be selected for the Pakistan series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced in October that talks over a short, limited-overs tour were taking place which would be their first on Pakistani soil since 2005. The possibility of a series in the autumn, in preparation for the World Cup, is now being explored. Espncricinfo reported that some at the ECB had reservations about devaluing international caps by award- ing them to players who might, in ordinary circum- stances, be considered third- or fourth-choice. Although the trip might have lasted as little as 96 hours - the plan was to play two or three games in Karachi in that period - England were plan- ning on arranging a training camp in the UAE and hiring a charter flight for the team. It is understood costs could have extended to somewhere around £800,000 for the trip. Pakistan gained favour with the ECB in going ahead with their tour of England earlier this year — as did the West Indies — despite the restrictions placed on the squad due to coronavirus protocols. Pakistan played three Test matches, three one-day internationals and players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Pakistan Super League in Karachi yesterday. three T20Is in England. International cricket in AFP after winning the toss and on dent 68-run start in ten overs, provided awards, that also helped him to win the by fi rst making an impression in the fi rst Pakistan was put on hold in Karachi a fl at National Stadium pitch. With by Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal (35) award for Best batsman of the award. half of the tournament that earned him 2009 after gunmen attacked Azam, the world number two batsman and (27).They lost both Babar is the second Karachi Kings’ a Pakistan call-up before fi nishing the the Sri Lankan team bus dur- in rankings, on of them and in the player to win the prestigious award af- competition with 239 runs at a strike- ing the second Test in Lahore. ne of the world’s leading bats- Karachi’s side it proved an easy chase, space of seven deliveries with the ad- ter Ravi Bopara was declared Player of rate of 157.23. England have subsequently man, knocked a despite losing three from 110-2 dition of just two runs, spoiling a solid the PSL 2016 after aggregating 329 runs played Pakistan on neutral commanding half century to to 124-5. The Kings took home a glitter- start. Iqbal struck four boundaries and and taking 11 wickets. “I just needed to BRIEF SCORES: territory in the United Arab help the Karachi Kings win ing trophy plus a $500,000 purse, while a six off 38 balls while Zaman had four remain cool,” Babar said after the fi nal. 134/7 in 20 overs (Tamim Iqbal 35; Emirates, but Pakistan have theirO fi rst Pakistan Super League title Lahore received $200,000. boundaries in his 24-ball stay. “The team was depending on me and 2-18, 2-18) indicated any future meeting with a fi ve- win over the Lahore The fi fth edition of Pakistan’s inau- Karachi pace trio Umaid Asif (2-18), I needed not to panic. The wicket as lost to Karachi Kings 135/5 in 18.4 overs must be on home soil. Qalandars yesterday. gural Twenty20 league started on Feb- Waqas Maqsood (2-18) and slow and I wasn’t feeling the ball on the (Babar Azam 63*; Dilbar Hussain 2-28) PCB chairman Ehsan Azam smashed seven boundaries in ruary 20, but was abandoned after 30 (2-26) bowled nagging line and length bat very well. I feel the calmer you are, by five wickets Mani has said. “I don’t think his 49-ball 63, but it was skipper Imad of its 34 matches after England player to keep the fl ow of runs down as well as the better you perform. I just knew I had there will be any reason for Wasim who hit the winning boundary to , playing for Kings, reported taking wickets. to be there at the fi nish, and in the end AWARDS: Player of the tournament: England not to come,” he help the Kings overhaul a modest 135- symptoms of Covid-19. It resumed on we chased it with ease,” he added. Babar Azam (Karachi Kings); Best said. “I’m very clear that we run target in 18.4 overs. Saturday behind closed doors, with the BABAR NAMED PLAYER OF Babar’s Pakistan team-mate Shaheen bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore won’t play in third countries. The fi nal — one of the most antici- Kings beating the Multan Sultans in the THE TOURNAMENT Shah Afridi won the Best bowler award. Qalandars); Best batsman: Babar We either play in Pakistan or pated in the PSL’s short history, given qualifi er while Lahore downed Pesha- Babar Azam was named Player of the He took 17 wickets, at a strike-rate of Azam; Best wicketkeeper: we won’t play.” England’s next the rivalry between Pakistan’s two war Zalmi and the Sultans in two elimi- Tournament. The classy right-hander 16.4 and economy-rate of 7.11. Haider (Lahore Qalandars); Best fielder: Test tour of Pakistan is sched- biggest cities — failed to live up to the nators to book a place in the fi nal. fi nished the tournament with 473 runs, Ali was declared the Emerging Player. Fakhar Zaman (Lahore); Emerging uled for the end of 2022. hype as Lahore managed just 134-7 Lahore lost their way after a confi - including three player of the match The 20-year-old justifi ed his category player: Haider Ali ()

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Quarantined Australia players in good spirits: Carey India have a chance

Reuters break from the monotony of being holed in Sheffi eld Shield matches in Adelaide Melbourne up alone in their hotel rooms, so they last week and have been ordered to isolate in Australia even have been taking to practice with gusto, after returning to their home states. said Carey. “It’s really strict — which is Carey’s teammates in Big Bash League any of Australia’s cricketers good,” the 29-year-old told reporters of side Adelaide Strikers are expected to with Smith, Warner have not seen their families quarantine in a video call from his room. fl y to New South Wales state for a hast- for months while playing “Once we’re back in the hotel from ily arranged camp to avoid being stuck in under novel coronavirus pro- training we’re locked in our rooms. No South Australia if the outbreak escalates back, says Pujara Mtocols but they remain in good spirits as contact with anyone else. At 9 am, we’re and travel restrictions return. they prepare to meet India over the home really excited to get out of the hotel and His wife, Eloise, and two-year-old son Reuters summer, wicketkeeper Alex Carey said head to training which brings a lot of en- Louis have also jumped on a plane to Syd- Sydney yesterday. ergy to group sessions. Everyone’s stay- ney, said Carey, who looks forward to see- Carey and a slew of his Australia team- ing really tight on that, we understand ing them for the fi rst time in nearly three mates are midway through a two-week that (with) the summer coming up, doing months once quarantine protocols are ndia are capable of repeat- quarantine period in Sydney after return- everything right is what we have to do.” cleared. Until then, teammates and staff ing their heroics from their ing home last week from the Indian Pre- Australia has largely brought the are his main support. successful 2018-19 Test tour mier League, which was played in a biose- coronavirus to heel but a recent out- “The relationships we have in this in Australia even though the cure bubble in the United Arab Emirates. break in Carey’s hometown of Adelaide group are something that we’re all fall- Ihosts are stronger this time with Having arrived Down Under on the has caused a scare a month out from the ing back on,” he said. “Joining this little the return of batsmen David same day as the Australians, the Indian series-opening Test against India in the bubble here we get to see our mates and Warner and Steve Smith, India’s team are in the same boat, and both sides on Nov 27, the day after completing quar- South Australian capital. familiar faces. All the guys here are really Cheteshwar Pujara has said. will be straight into the fi rst one-day in- antine. A number of Australia squad players, strong from all the indicators that I’ve Both Warner and Smith were ternational at the Sydney Cricket Ground Training sessions are the players’ only including Test captain Tim Paine, played seen.” unavailable for Australia while serving 12-month ball-tamper- ing bans as India won their fi rst ROUND-UP Test series Down Under, beating the hosts 2-1 in four matches. Warner and Smith have scored over 14,000 Test runs between India Test still slated for Adelaide despite Covid-19 outbreak them but Pujara said India’s Reuters matches against Australia in November The agreement will run from this No- Caps coach said in naming his bowlers are capable of tak- Sydney and December followed by the four-Test vember to December 2023, replacing squads yesterday. ing quick wickets to give them series, which is scheduled to start at Ad- sportswear giant Nike whose fi ve-year New Zealand are currently fourth in the “every chance of winning” the Smith, Warner and Labuschagne elaide Oval on Dec 17. extension signed in 2016 ended this year. World Test Championship and need to Border-Gavaskar Trophy. out quickly.” ricket Australia said it was still Cricket Australia said in a statement Under the partnership, MPL Sports will beat West Indies in the two-Test series in “(Australia’s batting lineup) Pujara said they will however planning to host the fi rst Test it “remained committed” to playing the provide kits for the men’s, women’s and December to press their claim for a spot will be a little stronger than what encounter a “diff erent chal- against India in Adelaide next fi rst test at the ground. The Adelaide Under-19 Indian teams and it will also in the fi nal at Lord’s next year. Captain it was in 2018-19, but then vic- lenge” in the series opener in month despite moving players Strikers and the other South Australia- be allowed to sell licensed Team India Williamson and strike bowler Boult will tories don’t come easy,” Pujara Adelaide when India play their outC of South Australia yesterday after a based players preparing for the Big Bash merchandise. MPL, a mobile e-sports therefore miss November’s three lim- said. “No doubt Smith, Warner second day-night test with the cluster of new coronavirus cases in the League were also moved out of the state platform, is the second fantasy league ited overs matches, while pacemen Tim and Marnus Labuschagne are pink ball, having played with it state. South Australia reimposed social to a training camp on the New South company to come on board with the BCCI Southee and Kyle Jamieson along with great players. But the good part just once against Bangladesh on distancing restrictions on Monday after Wales coast ahead of the start of the do- after Dream 11 were chosen as the main batsman will play in only the about our current crop of bowl- home soil. detecting 21 cases of the virus, most of mestic Twenty20 league on Dec 10. sponsor of the Indian Premier League for fi rst two . ers is that most of them play in “We will be playing with the which were acquired locally in Adelaide. its recently concluded 2020 edition. New Zealand will also host Pakistan for the same series and our pink Kookaburra in Australia, it With neighbouring states starting to MPL SPORTS NAMED AS INDIA’S a two-test series around the New Year. unit will also not be very diff er- will be slightly diff erent,” Pujara, close the borders with South Australia to NEW KIT SPONSOR UNTIL 2023 WILLIAMSON, BOULT SKIP T20S AS TEST SQUAD ent to what it was in 2018-19. the series’ leading run scorer on try to contain the outbreak, Cricket Aus- Mobile Premier League’s sports mer- NZ FOCUS ON TEST CHAMPIONSHIP (c), Tom Blundell, “They know how to be suc- their last visit, added. “One has tralia shifted international players from chandise brand MPL Sports will be the Kane Williamson and will cessful in Australia as they have to understand and accept and get Trent Boult, , Kyle their Twenty20 and one-day squads new sponsor of kit for the Indian cricket skip New Zealand’s Twenty20 series enjoyed success there in the past. used to it (pink ball and lights) as Jamieson, , Henry Nicholls, north to Sydney. team under a three-year deal until 2023, against West Indies to ensure they are They have their gameplans in early as possible... The twilight India’s squad is already in quarantine the country’s cricket board (BCCI) an- raring to go for next month’s Test series , , Ross Taylor, Neil place and if we can execute them period is more challenging than in Sydney preparing for six limited-overs nounced yesterday. against the Caribbean islanders, Black Wagner, BJ Watling, . well, they are capable of getting other periods.”