Son Heung-min scores four goals to in Tottenham’s rout of Southampton page 14 MONday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

Persepolis coach thanks predicts clash of styles Qatar, praises phenomenal as Al Sadd face Al Nassr facilities Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network DOHA In what would be a mouth- watering clash of the 2020 The head coach of Iranian AFC Champions League, football club Persepolis -- twice semi-finalists Al Sadd on will meet leaders Al Nassr FC Sunday profusely thanked in Group D at the Jassim Bin the State of Qatar and Qa- Hamad Stadium on Monday. tar Football Association Al Nassr have already for hosting the 2020 AFC sealed qualification to the Champions League (West Round of 16 after collecting Zone). He also praised full points from their double Qatar for its phenomenal header against Sepahan FC in sports facilities. and the the previous two matchdays, Qatar Football Associa- while Al Sadd came out of tion for hosting the 2020 their own fixtures against Al AFC Champions League Ain with four points, meaning (West Zone). they are a win away from ad- Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez addresses the media ahead of his vancing to the next round. team’s AFC Champions League Group D match against Al Nassr. Coach Xavi Hernandez’s Al Sadd are the highest scoring team in the 2020 AFC Champi- ons League so far, having netted 12 goals in their past four games, while only Al Hilal (2) have con- Al Sadd had beaten Al Nassr on their way to the semi-finals in the AFC Champions League last year. In the ceded less than Al Nassr’s three 2020 edition, Al Nassr have already sealed qualification to the Round of 16 after collecting full points from goals in West Asia. their double header against Sepahan FC in the previous two matchdays, while Al Sadd came out of their Given the scenario, the Qa- own fixtures against with four points, meaning they are a win away from advancing to the next round. tar club side will surely aim to go one up and seal their quali- standings players are in a good moment, “The game will be difficult ficationin their penultimate physically and mentally. We because of the opposition’s group stage match. Group D are in our best conditions and quality. We have quality too, Speaking at the pre-match Club M W D L GF GA GD pts we must use this opportunity.” so we can expect a good game. Finally, with regards to We are aware of their individ I would like to thank press conference, Xavi said: Al Nassr (KSA) 4 3 1 0 8 3 5 10 - “Al Nassr is one one of the best Al Sadd (QAT) 4 2 2 0 12 5 7 8 changes in Al Nassr’s gameplay ual and team attributes, so we the State of Qatar and teams in the competition. We Sepahan (IRN) 4 1 0 3 4 7 -3 3 compared to the previous year, will enjoy the game and hope- Qatar Football played them in the quarter- Al Ain (UAE) 4 0 1 3 4 13 -9 1 Xavi said: “Al-Nassr’s style has fully get a good result. Our Association for building finals last year and also in Feb- not changed from last year. philosophies do not change, these stadiums. I have ruary this year. But this time, They are a good team and score but we make minor tweaks to it will be different. They have We must be fully prepared: Nam Tae-hee The players are comfortable a lot of goals. We are speaking counter different opposition.” never ever seen or strengthened the team with with this way.” of a strong team that is capable “Both teams are big, both experienced such new players, and they have an Al Sadd’s South Korean midfielder Nam Tae-hee has stressed Xavi, however, added that of reaching the semifinal, and have some really good play- wonderful football excellent striker – Abderrazak on the importance of being fully prepared, ahead of the Al Nassr the team will have to excel both so we must be well prepared.” ers, and both have a winning arenas with advance Hamdallah.” match. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said: in attack and defence. “The And while a place in the mentality. All my players are technology. I would like “Our goal is to win and “We will face a strong team. Al Nassr is better than last season challenge for us is to score and knock-out stage is already se- ready, and the line-up will be to qualify for the next round. and therefore we have to be more than 100% ready. If we play also take care of defence. This cured for head coach Rui Vito- decided as we see fit techni- to express my heartfelt We have to give our best, and with the same quality as in the previous match against Al Ain, is what happened in the second ria’s men, the Portuguese still cally,” said Vitoria. gratitude to every we cannot relax, especially we will be able to get the win and the three points.” game against Al Ain. The prob- relishes the challenge of test- The previous game be- single one of those against these kind of teams. It As for his readiness for the match, Nam said: “I know I need to lem is not with the defence, the ing his side against one of the tween the two sides ended in involved in bringing could be one of the best games make more effort for the team. Last season, I came back from responsibility of not conceding best teams in the competition. a 2-2 draw on Matchday Two. Asian club football in the competition. It will be an injury, but now I am completely ready for every match, and of lies with the entire team.” “We have sealed qualifica- Hamdallah’s early strike was fantastic for the fans and also course I want to improve in every match to help the team win.” He further added: “We tion, but Al Sadd still need a cancelled out by teammate back to us and made it for the competition and hope- made changes in the last two result here to qualify, though Abdulelah Al Amri’s own goal, possible for us to play fully, we can get three points.” games, rotating players. We both teams are in a somewhat before Hassan Al Haydos put here. I wish nothing but Asked about his side’s ap- ceded any goals here so far. “That is our way. They are have 4 or 5 players who have similar position. We want to Al Sadd ahead only to have success for the entire proach for the game, the coach But we have a good attack and good in defence, we are good played 90 minutes in both keep winning to prove our Abdulrahman Al Obaid score Qatari football family. said: “Al Nassr have a good de- our aim is to score more goals in attack. We want to domi- games. We can manage things quality and mentality,” said the equaliser for Al Nassr five fence and they have not con- than our opponents. nate, create chances to score. with the substitutions. The Vitoria. minutes later. Persepolis head coach Yahya Golmohammadi

“First of all, I would like to thank the State of Qatar and Qatar Football Asso- Persepolis wary of their former star ciation for building these stadiums. As a player and now coach I have travelled far and wide, but have never Rezaeian as they face Al Duhail ever seen or experienced such wonderful football are- nas with advance technol- AFC “We know this is a strong ogy,” said the former Doha standings team which has just won the international, who played in Group C last two games in the group the 2006 FIFA World Cup Persepolis FC midfielder Club M W D L GF GA GD pts stage,” said Al Duhail head Finals, ahead of his team’s Kamal Kamyabinia lauded the coach Walid Regragui, who Persepolis (IRN) 4 2 1 1 4 4 0 7 match against Al Duhail. qualities of former teammate like Benatia, is a former Mo- Al Taawoun (KSA) 4 2 0 2 3 2 1 6 “These venues are not and current Al Duhail winger roccan international defender. only a credit to Qatar, Ramin Rezaeian ahead of the Al Duhail (QAT) 4 2 0 2 6 7 -1 6 “We are still unsure wheth- but to the whole Asian two sides’ Group C meeting (UAE) 4 1 1 2 7 7 0 4 er and Edmil- continent.” in the 2020 AFC Champions son will be available for selec- “No country apart from League at the Education City Today’s Matches tion, they are still recovering. Qatar was brave or ready Stadium on Monday. We know with them playing enough to stage the AFC A win for the -based Group D: (at Jassim Bin we are stronger because they Champions League (West side would mean a guaranteed Hamad Stadium) are really good players, but we Zone) competition. I would place in the knock-out stage 6pm: Al Sadd (QAT) vs played without them from the like to express my heartfelt for the third time in four years, start just like we played with- gratitude to every single while Al Duhail can overtake Al Nassr (KSA) out Asim Madibo and Bas- one of those involved in their opponents into the top 9pm: Sepahan (IRN) vs sam Al Rawi. It is a difficult bringing Asian club foot- spot should they beat them and Al Ain (UAE) competition and everyone has ball back to us and made it Al Taawoun fail to defeat Shar- to contribute.” possible for us to play here. jah in the other Monday fixture. Group A: (at Education City “We are happy because we I wish nothing but success Rezaeian represented Perse- Stadium) feel Dudu is improving. He for the entire Qatari foot- polis for two years between 2015 6pm: Persepolis (IRN) v did not play for six months, so ball family. and 2017, contributing to their Al Duhail (QAT) he needed match time to find “I hope that all Asian run to the 2017 AFC Champions his rhythm. scored countries learn from Qa- League semi-final. He and Ka- 9pm: Al Taawoun (KSA) twice so he is more confident tar and duplicate their ef- myabinia lined-up side-by-side v Sharjah (UAE) now. Afif and Ramin as wing- forts to promote football in Persepolis’ midfield as they ers are doing so well but I also across our continent. It is defeated Al Duhail (then Lekh- Al Duhail winger Ramin Rezaeian has represented Persepolis for two years between 2015 and 2017, hope adding Junior Edmilson a huge task and difficult wiya) 1-0 on aggregate in the contributing to their run to the 2017 AFC Champions League semi-final. Rezaeian who scored a sub- we can add more technical to accomplish. But, we Round of 16. lime free-kick on his continen- skills into our game. across Asia can achieve this “I believe it is a really tough ing far in this competition. “Ramin (Rezaeian) is a Al Duhail. He is in form at the tal debut for Al Duhail against “In this competition you with meticulous planning group with all four teams com- They lost some star names in really good player and has moment, and we wish him Sharjah io Matchday Three, need to be strong in defence, as did the Qatari football peting for a place in the Round the summer, but still brought made great progress since his well, just not so well against they will be slightly relieved and we conceded five in the and state authorities,” said of 16,” said Kamyabinia. good new players. But we are time with us here. He was at us on Monday.” about the absence of suspend- past two games, so for me that Golmohammadi. “Al Duhail are a strong also a good team and are con- Al Shahania last season and And while Persepolis ed centre-back Medhi Benatia is an area of improvement,” team who are capable of go- fident of going through. did so well to earn a move to will be aware of the threat of from their opponents’ ranks. said Redragui. Sports Monday, September 21, 2020 13 Esteghlal, Al Shorta settle for draw in crucial clash AFC Doha

Group A’s second ticket to the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 will have Action from the Al Hilal SFC and Shahr Khodro AFC Champions to be decided on Matchday League Group B match played at the Al Janoub Stadium on Sunday. Six after Iraq’s Al Shorta and The game ended in a goalless draw. Iran’s Esteghlal FC played out a 1-1 draw at Khalifa Interna- tional Stadium on Sunday. Both sides went into the Gritty Al Hilal SFC game needing a win to join group leaders Al Ahli into the next round, with Al Shorta seal knock-out holding a three-point lead, but having played a game more. The Iraqis, having played stage berth twice over the past week had momentum on their side in the opening minutes of the AFC game and had the bulk of pos- Doha standings session. Group B Following a Mohammed Reigning champions Al Hi- Club M W D L GF GA GD pts Mezher corner, Mazin Fayyadh lal SFC confirmed their place Al Hilal (KSA) 5 3 2 0 6 2 4 11 climbed unmarked inside the in the 2020 AFC Champions Pakhtakor (UZB) 5 2 2 1 6 3 3 8 box, powering a header towards League Round of 16 with a Al Ahli (UAE) 5 2 1 2 4 4 0 7 goal, but Seyed Hossein Hos- 0-0 draw against Iran’s Shahr Shahr Khodro (IRN) 5 0 1 4 0 7 -7 1 seini made a quality reflex save Khodro FC in Group B at the to deny Al Shorta their opening Al Janoub Stadium on Sunday. goal inside the first 10 minutes. When the two teams met ended when Hatan Bahebri in- Fayyadh was the danger- earlier in the year, Andre Ca- telligently cut the ball back to man again five minutes later, rillo and Bafetimbi Gomis Al Bishi, who with the slightest the winger advanced through found the net in a 2-0 Al Hilal of touches put it over the net the heart of Esteghlal’s mid- win, and Shahr Khodro have from a few yards out. field and tried his luck with The AFC Champions League Group A second ticket to the Round of 16 will have to be decided on MatchDay Six after Iraq’s Al Shorta and Iran’s lost all their games since. Shahr Khodro almost got a left-footed effort from Esteghlal FC played out a 1-1 draw at Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday. A severely depleted Al Hi- their first ever AFC Champions outside the box. Marwan lal side with only three substi- League goal when Mohammad Hussein tried to pounce on standings head it in from an extremely tutes, two of whom were goal- Khalatbary received a short Hosseini’s spilled save, but tight angle, marginally miss- keepers, took to the pitch and corner and lifted a cross over defender Roozbeh Cheshmi Group A ing and hitting the side netting looked lively early on as they the penalty area which was was first to the ball and made Club M W D L GF GA GD Pts instead. created chances in the first 20 met by a rising Farshad Faraji, the clearance. Al Ahli (KSA) 3 2 0 1 4 3 1 6 Gerard Zaragoza’s men minutes without converting. but the latter headed high. Al Shorta’s number 14 fi- Al Shorta (IRQ) 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 came agonisingly close short- It took 38 minutes for Bahebri missed a golden nally got his goal in the 25th Esteghlal (IRN) 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2 ly after the hour mark, when the first big chance to come, chance to put his team ahead minute. Fayyadh lost his substitute Ahmed Al Attas which fell to Shahr Khodro but and add his second of the tour- marker once again and guided received the ball at the edge Madallah Al Olayan intercept- nament 20 minutes from time, his header from Ali Fayez’s came in the most awkward of of the area and attempted ed and headed away their shot when Carillo received a ball on corner kick into the bottom ways, when Ceran attempted a cheeky dink above keeper from the left flank, conceding the edge of the area and drib- far corner of Hosseini’s goal to a shot that flew high up and Eldorbek Suyonov, who just a corner. bled inside before tapping it open the scoring for Al Shorta. back down again, just scrap- about managed to tip it away Al Olayan was involved in gently for the Saudi interna- Esteghlal piled on the pres- ing the crossbar and requiring with his fingers. more action but at the other tional who lashed a stinging sure after the restart and near- keeper Majed Naser to inter- A few minutes later, sub- end of the pitch, when he re- shot at Mohammad Kia, but ly got an equaliser in the 58th vene and concede a corner. stitute Azizjon Ganiev almost ceived the ball and fired away the young keeper parried away. minute after a quick exchange The Tashkent-based side managed to score from a from range, his shot was mar- The result sees Al Hilal of passes at the edge of the Al threatened again close to the corner kick, though it took a ginally high. through to the Round of 16, Shorta box released Mehdi Shabab Al Ahli and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan kept their end of the first half, when a botched clearance to hit the Instantly after, Mansour while Shahr Khodro, already Ghaedi free inside the box, but Group B qualification hopes alive playing out a 0-0 draw at the series of passes between Ceran bar and back out into play. Al Bishi missed a sitter after eliminated on Matchday the youngster fired his effort Al Janoub Stadium on Sunday. and his teammates ended with The Dubai-based side’s Nasser Al Dawsari regained Three, took their first ever straight at goalkeeper Ahmed the Serbian passing it to team- keeper Naser was exceptional the ball high up the field and point in their AFC Champions Basil who pushed it away. while a 1-0 win for the Irani- two sides played out a 0-0 mate Khojiakbar Alijonov who throughout, but his late save a consequent string of passes League history. Al Shorta’s defences final- ans would mean they have an draw on Matchday Five of the fired at Shabab Al Ahli’s goal from Pakhtakor’s Ceran - a ly yielded under the Iranian identical goal-difference to 2020 AFC Champions League but his shot was wide. stinging shot to the 36-year- pressure as Farshid Esmeili Al Shorta and the two sides Group B on Sunday. Shabab Al Ahli’s biggest old’s right - was the highlight received the ball down the would have to be separated by The previous match be- chance of the first half came of his evening as he kept a right flank and drilled a pow- their disciplinary record. Al tween the two sides took through 2015 AFC Player of third clean sheet in a row. erful effort that was spilled by Shorta’s hopes of qualification place on Matchday One, the Year , with The two sides will have Basil into the path of substi- now rely on Esteghlal losing when Pakhtakor edged the the Emirati forward taking on to wait till the final round tute Amir Arsalan Motahari their next game. UAE Pro League side thanks a direct free-kick from far out of matches to confirm ei- who applied the finish from to Dragan Ceran’s effort and hitting the crossbar. ther side’s qualification, with point blank to bring the game Shabab Al Ahli and 20 minutes from time in- Early in the second half, Shabab Al Ahli up against level in the 68th minute. Pakhtakor share points stantly after Pedro Conde 2015 Asian Young Player of group leaders Al Hilal SFC who The result means Esteghlal Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Pa- had cancelled out Jaloliddin the Year Dostonbek Kham- have already qualified, and need to defeat Al Ahli by two khtakor FC kept their quali- Masharipov’s early chip. damov received a lofted pass Pakhtakor facing the already clear goals on Matchday Six, fication hopes alive after the The first threatening shot into the area, where he rose to eliminated Shahr Khodro FC.

Brazilian Caio has appeared in four previous editions of the AFC Champions League, racking 23 appearances in the colours of Al Ain clash is Sepahan’s final AFC and Al Ain whom he had helped to the final in 2016. My AFC CL experience Champions League shot, says Toutouni can drive Sharjah past early elimination, head coach believes his Al Taawoun, says Caio Al Ain side still have a point to prove in one of the toughest AFC matches” said the 26-year-old. groups of the competition. Doha “When I came in, we had a “Tomorrow’s match will lot of time without competitive be a new challenge for us be- Sharjah are looking to con- football, so the coaching staff cause we want to win,” said tinue their dramatic resurgence set up a strong programme the Portuguese. since the 2020 AFC Cham- aimed at improving our fitness “We respect Sepahan, they pions League restarted when and building confidence and did really well in the two pre- they take on ’s Al understanding between the vious games against Al Nassr Taawoun at the Education City new signings and the players and the result in the last match Stadium on Monday night. already at the club.” was not fair on them based on The 2018-19 UAE Pro “I played in this competi- Sepahan Assistant Coach how things went during the League winners had collected tion multiple times and built Mojtaba Toutouni. match. They still have a chance just one point from their two great experience that I hope of progressing and need to win games in February, but have can help the team progress. AFC to keep that chance alive. We since added three more, nar- “For me, the secret to suc- Doha believe they are a good team, rowly losing to Al Duhail 2-1 cess in the competition is to but we also have something to then overpowering them 4-2 work really hard but also re- Iran Pro League side Sepa- prove ourselves. on Matchday Four of Group C, main fully focused and take it han FC have one last shot at “We have to play for Al leaving them two points behind one game at a time. You should qualifying for the Round of Ain’s pride, and we need to their Monday opponents and never get distracted and think 16 from Group D of the 2020 prove to our fans that we de- three off the top of the group. about the long term,” said Caio. AFC Champions League serve to represent them. We Cape Verde pair Ryan Men- While Sharjah’s trajec- when they face Al Ain FC at Iran’s Sepahan sit in third place, trailing 2nd-placed Al Sadd by five points and require a win along with are trying to strike a balance dez and left the tory has headed upwards, Al the Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- group leaders Al Nassr doing them a favour when they face the Qatari side to stand any chance of where the best line-up plays team in the summer, and Bra- Taawoun failed to pick up any dium on Monday. qualification going into the final matchday. every three days, as well as zilian pair and Caio points in their last two fixtures, Sepahan sit in third place, avoiding incurring any inju- were brought in. The latter has having got full marks in the trailing second-placed Al Sadd Sepahan assistant coach Mo- Al Ain played against Al Sadd, the necessary experience to do ries,” said Emanuel. appeared in four previous edi- previous two, but newly signed SC by five points and require a jtaba Toutouni had no doubts their team was really good and so in this tournament.” The previous match be- tions of the AFC Champions head coach is win along with group leaders about the abundance of qual- we have a lot of respect for “Our players did well in the tween the two sides ended League, racking 23 appear- hopeful minor tweaks will help Al Nassr doing them a favour ity in the Emirati side’s ranks. them but we need to get the past two games and deserved in a resounding 4-0 victory ances in the colours of Kashima him arrest the downward spiral. when they face the Qatari side “The match against Al Ain three points in this match, and better results. We have to look for Sepahan on the opening Antlers and Al Ain whom he “It is physically very hard to stand any chance of quali- will be a difficult one, and it is we will do our absolute best to forward now, take what we can matchday, with Mohammed had helped to the final in 2016. to play every three days, but fication going into the final our final shot at qualification achieve that. Whoever plays in from the experience gained Mohebi, Kiros, “The win against Al Duhail we have to play with heart and matchday. to the Round of 16 from this the AFC Champions League and think of the future,” said and Mohammed Tayyebi all was vital, we needed to win to try to give it our all against Despite Al Ain losing three group,” said Toutouni. must be ready to face all sorts Toutouni. getting on the scoresheet at be motivated again, and now very good opponents,” said the of their four games so far, “We watched both games of circumstances, and we have Playing for pride after . our focus is on the upcoming Frenchman. 14 Monday, September 21, 2020 Sports Mbappe inspires Paris Saint-Germain to victory in Nice AFP formance after only one train- surged into the box, the France despite throwing away a two- Paris ing session with the team,” forward picked himself up to goal lead to draw 2-2 at Nantes said coach . blast the ball high into the net. and end their perfect start to Kylian Mbappe returned to “He always shows that he Four minutes later, Nice the new season. the starting line-up for Paris can do extraordinary things almost levelled when PSG ’s side are level Saint-German on Sunday and and that he knows how to make goalie Keylor Navas had to get on 10 points with next week- scored the opener in a 3-0 win a difference. It helps us a lot.” down sharply to his left to beat end’s opponents Rennes after at Nice which marks another It was a second successive away a shot from Rony Lopes. goals from Moses Simon in the step on the road to recovery win for PSG who be- Mbappe was back in the 71st minute and Renaud five for the French champions. gan the season still smarting thick of it as the game entered minutes from time cancelled out The 21-year-old, who test- from defeat in the Champions stoppage time at the end of the Adil Aouchiche and Yvann Ma- ed positive for coronavirus on League final. They lost their first half. Losing two defend- con’s strikes for the away side. September 7, was on target opening two games and the ers, Mbappe fired in a sharp Later Marseille look to from the penalty spot in the second ended in a mass brawl shot which Nice goalie Walter bounce back from their first 38th minute. against Marseille which led Benitez did well to parry but home defeat in 41 years to Angel di Maria added a sec- to the suspension of Brazilian only as far as the feet of Di Ma- 10-time league champions ond just before half-time and forward . ria, who tapped in for 2-0. Saint-Etienne last week headed the third With also PSG continued to control when they host Lille at the after 66 minutes. Mbappe back, PSG rarely looked trou- the game after the break and Stade Velodrome. thought he had scored a fourth bled in the sunshine of the were rewarded with a third Striker Dario Benedetto is late on but it was ruled out for Mediterranean. when Marquinhos got in front available again after a suspen- offside. He was replaced by When 19-year-old Khe- of the defence to head home. sion for his role in the stop- Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a penalty during the French shortly after. phren Thuram-Ulien clipped Saint-Etienne just about page-time brawl in the win at L1 match against OGC Nice at The Stadium in Nice, France, on Sunday. (AFP) “I’m impressed by his per- Mbappe’s ankle as the striker held onto top spot in the table PSG earlier this month.

Rome Masters Djokovic, Halep Liverpool’s Mane sinks 10-man progress to finals in front of fans Chelsea, Son hits 4 in Spurs rout DPA ATP and WTA sanctioned Rome events to be played in front of fans since the coronavirus World number one Novak pandemic halted both tours Djokovic advanced to his 10th in March. career final at the Rome Mas- “Thanks God I don’t play ters on Sunday following a 7-5, Svitolina. I’m not playing her 6-3 semi-final win over 21-year- so I have a plus,” Halep joked old Norwegian Casper Ruud. with a smile. The top two seeds in the “I really wish to win this ti- women’s event, Simona Ha- tle, but it’s always tough.” lep and defending champion Halep raced to the first set Karolina Pliskova will contest against Muguruza after she Monday’s final with Halep built a 4-1 lead with two breaks hoping to win her firstR ome but the Spaniard bounced trophy at the third attempt. back from 3-1 down in the sec- Halep defeated ’s ond set to level the match. Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 before Pliskova dispatched ‘Strange not facing Nadal,’ fellow Czech Marketa Vondrou- Nine-time Rome winner Nad- sova 6-2, 6-4. al Rafael Nadal crashed out in The 17-time Grand Slam the quarter-final on his return champion Djokovic will face from an enforced break. Diego Schwartzman, who beat “Of course, you know, with Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-5, who Nadal in the finals and with- Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English shocked Nadal, or Canadian out Nadal in the finals makes a match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday. (AFP) Denis Shapovalov, the 12th big difference,” said Djokovic, seed, next. who has lost three to Nadal, AFP Kepa Arrizabalaga made a title for 30 years last season. If he wins on Monday, including last season. London hash of trying to play out from “Chelsea were the domi- Djokovic will claim a record- “Most of the finals thatI the back, allowing the Liver- nant side without goals but breaking 36th Masters trophy. reached in the big events on Sadio Mane tormented Chel- pool forward to intercept and then a massive game-changer “The 1,000 Masters events clay I played against Rafa,” sea as the Liverpool forward slot into the empty net. which was good for us,” Liver- Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-Min smiles as are as important as it gets on continued the Serb. struck twice after sparking An- It was the latest costly pool coach Jurgen Klopp said. he leaves with the match ball after scoring four of Tottenham’s five the tour,” said Djokovic. “So it’s going to be strange dreas Christensen’s dismissal blunder from Kepa, who was “After the red card, the goals after the English Premier League match against Southampton “These are the events not facing him, but at the same in the champions’ 2-0 win, dropped twice by Chelsea second half is a different at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, on Sunday. (AFP) where I want to perform my time, I mean, Diego and Denis while Son Heung-min scored manager last game. We kept the ball rolling, best other than grand slams have deservedly reached the four as Tottenham crushed season despite his status as let them run, scored the goals. ton ahead in the first half, but ’s side raced and the World Tour Fi- semi-finals. Southampton 5-2 on Sunday. the world’s most expensive Everybody had a hand in the Son equalised before the break into a two-goal lead after just nals. Hopefully I can get an- “I won’t underestimate an- Mane was involved in the keeper. result.” and scored three more in the seven minutes at St James’ other big trophy.” ybody that steps on the court turning point at Stamford Lampard will be relieved While Chelsea have spent second half, with each of his Park thanks to the brace from All matches were the first against me tomorrow.” Bridge as the first clash be- that Chelsea are reportedly £200 million ($258 million) goals coming from Kane assists. French striker Maupay. tween Premier League title close to signing Rennes’ Sen- on new signings in a bid to Kane, who hit the back of Aaron Connolly grabbed contenders this season swung egal international Edouard close the gap on the champi- the net twice in the first half the third for Brighton, who Liverpool’s way. Mendy as he looks to replace ons, Liverpool remain streets only to have them ruled out for had sent off af- In first half stoppage-time, Kepa. ahead of the Blues at present. offside, capped a swaggering ter his raised boot caught Ja- Jordan Henderson picked out “It was a clear mistake and “The red card changes the display with his second goal of mal Lewis in the face. Mane’s run behind Christens- Kepa accepted that,” Lampard face of the game. I think it could the season. Results en and the Denmark defender said. be given or not,” Lampard said. “Son was on fire and for Arsenal 2 (Alexandre Lacazette responded by rugby-tackling Thiago Alcantara made his me Harry Kane was the man of 25’, Eddie Nketiah 85’) bt West the Senegal star to the ground. Liverpool debut at half-time Son shines the match, what he did for the ham 1 (Michail Antonio 45’) Referee Paul Tierney ini- after his move from Bayern At St Mary’s, Jose Mourinho team,” said Mourinho, whose Southampton 2 (Danny Ings tially booked Christensen, Munich, but the Spain mid- hailed Son and Harry Kane side had lost their league 32’, 90’) lost to Tottenham 5 but VAR told him to consult fielder conceded a 74th minute after the pair destroyed South- opener against Everton. “With (Son Heung-min 45+2’, 47’, the pitchside monitor and he penalty with a foul on Timo ampton. him dropping back and con- 64’, 73’; Harry Kane 82’) changed his decision to a red Werner. Just 24 hours after Totten- necting the game between the Newcastle 0 lost to Brighton card. Becker came to ham signed Gareth Bale, Son lines for Sonny to attack, the 3 ( 4’ (pen), 7’; Mane grabbed his first Thiago’s rescue as he saved delivered a virtuoso display that space they created was a prob- Aaron Connolly 83’) goal of the season in the 50th Jorginho’s spot-kick. showed Mourinho’s side already lem they couldn’t resolve.” Chelsea 0 lost to Liverpool 2 minute as he met Roberto Fir- After their chaotic 4-3 win have plenty of firepower. Neal Maupay’s quick-fire (Sadio Mane 50’, 54’) mino’s cross with a thumping over Leeds on the opening Bale has returned to Totten- double inspired Brighton’s Leicester City 4 (Harvey Barnes Novak Djokovic celebrates after Simona Halep celebrates after header after eluding Reece weekend, this was a return to ham on a season-long loan from 3-0 win against Newcastle 20’, Erik Pieters 50’ (OG), victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud victory over Garbine Muguruza in James’ slack marking. the kind of dominant display Real seven years after he as the Seagulls claimed their James Justin 61’, Dennis Praet at the Men’s Italian Open at Foro the Women’s Italian Open at Foro Mane was gifted his sec- Liverpool produced so often left the north London club. firstP remier League victory 79’) bt Burnley 2 (Chris Wood Italico in Rome on Sunday. (AFP) Italico in Rome on Sunday. (AFP) ond goal as Chelsea keeper en route to their first English Danny Ings put Southamp- of the season. 10’, Jimmy Dunne 73’). Maverick Vinales cruises away to win Emilia-Romagna MotoGP AFP but soon lost the lead to Franc- the rest of the season.” pargaro strayed onto the green 6. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ Misano Adriatico (Italy) esco Bagnaia. Vinales was able to defend out-of-bounds paint several Honda-LCR) 11.139, 7. Alex The young Italian led by a the lead comfortably, finishing times, and having a warning Marquez (ESP/Honda) 11.929, Spaniard Maverick Vinales second and a half at one stage more than four seconds clear, on his dashboard received a 8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) on a Yamaha won the Emilia- and was still on course for a because Espargaro and Quar- three-second penalty. 13.113, 9. Franco Morbidelli Romagna MotoGP on Sunday first victory for himself and tararo had tyre troubles which Furious, he returned to his (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 15.880, 10. to move up to within one point Ducati-Pramac when he leant allowed Mir to pass both. pit without making any com- Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) of the championship lead. a bit too far unto a corner with “I am really tired, because ments. 17.682 Joan Mir was second on a seven laps to go and slid off. I had to give everything today, The big disappointment of Championship standings Suzuki and another Spaniard Vinales grabbed his chance at each lap,” said Mir. “At the the day at the Italian track was 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) Pol Espargaro (KTM) pro- to become the sixth winner in end, I saw that I could see a local hero Valentino Rossi who 84, 2. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ moted a place to third after seven MotoGP races this sea- highway to the podium.” crashed at the beginning of the SRT Yamaha) 83, 3. Maverick Frenchman Fabio Quartararo son. Espargaro said that after race and retired. Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 83, 4. of the Yamaha-SRT satellite “After he made the mistake racing on medium tyres the Results Joan Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 80, 5. team crossed the line behind I tried not to make a mistake week before on the same track MotoGP: 1. Maverick Vina- Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha- Mir but was penalised for and take the points,” he said. he had opted for softs because les (ESP/Yamaha) 41 min SRT) 64, 6. Jack Miller (AUS/ straying off the track. “We had prepared really “I wanted to enjoy my race” 55.846sec, 2. Joan Mir (ESP/ Ducati-Pramac) 64, 7. Takaaki Andrea Dovizioso finished well, I was very fast, I pre- adding that he expected prob- Winner Monster Energy Yamaha’ Spanish rider Maverick Vinales (centre) Suzuki) at 2.425sec, 3. Pol Nakagami (JPN/Honda-LCR), 8. eighth to cling to the champi- served my tyres well at the lems near the end. celebrates next to second placed Suzuki Ecstar’s Spanish rider Joan Mir Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 4.528, Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM Tech- onship lead, one point ahead start and I was able to attack “It paid off, thanks also to (left) and third placed Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Spanish rider Pol 4. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/SRT 3) 59, 9. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ of Quartararo and Vinales. when I had to”, said Vinales. the penalty of Fabio.” Espargaro on the podium of the Emilia Romagna MotoGP Grand Prix Yamaha) 6.419, 5. Miguel Ol- Yamaha) 58, 10. Pol Espargaro Vinales started from pole “We have a big potential for Quartararo, battling Es- at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy on Sunday. (AFP) iveira (POR/KTM Tech-3) 7.368, (ESP/KTM) 57. Sports Monday, September 21, 2020 15 Wolff tees off in quest of Stoinis stars in Delhi’s super historic US Open debut win over IPL win AFP DeChambeau New Delhi grabs lead after Australia’s Marcus Stoinis Wolff scores smashed a whirlwind half- two bogeys century as Delhi Capitals The 21-year-old edged out Kings XI Punjab in Washington: American a super-over thriller after the American could Bryson DeChambeau second match of the Indian become first grabbed the lead during the Premier League ended in a tie final round of the 120th on Sunday. player to win his US Open after he sunk a Stoinis proved his worth long birdie putt and Mat- for Delhi, who brought the all- US Open debut thew Wolff scored two rounder in the December auc- since amateur bogeys. tion, with his 21-ball 53 to lift DeChambeau is four under the side to 157 for eight after Australia’s Marcus Stoinis hit a Francis Ouimet in par for the tournament, being put into bat in Dubai. 21-ball 53 as Delhi Capitals edged 1913, with Sunday with Wolff dropping to three Mayank Agarwal nearly out Kings XI Punjab in a super- under through five holes. trumped the batting blitz with over thriller in Dubai on Sunday. marking the 107th DeChambeau missed the his 89 off 60 balls as Punjab fairway for rough on the par closed in on their target but ing, getting 57 runs for the anniversary of that four fourth hole but he was Stoinis claimed two wickets batting side in the last 18 balls. historic feat. able to hit the green on his on successive balls in the final Stoinis punished England second shot, setting up the over to take the match into a paceman Chris Jordan, who over four-metre birdie putt. super over. gave away 30 runs from the Wolff missed the fairway “It’s a weird game, some- final over with theA ustralian green far left on the par times the luck goes your way, slamming a 20-ball half-centu- three third hole setting up but it’s easy to become the ry before being run out on the his bogey and then shot villain from the hero. So it’s penultimate ball of the innings. another bogey on the par important to enjoy the good Indian paceman Moham- five fifth. days,” said Stoinis. med Shami returned figures South Africa’s Louis Oost- “It’s nice that the IPL has of 3-15 from his four overs for huizen is in third spot at gotten going again, and tonight Punjab. Punjab were strug- one under par, followed by has been great entertainment.” gling when Delhi off-spinner Xander Schauffele at one Delhi’s South African quick Ravichandran Ashwin took Matthew Wolff of the United States reacts on the 14th green during the third round of the 120th U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf over par. Norwegian Viktor Kagiso Rabada struck twice in two wickets in his first and Club in Mamaroneck, New York, on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) Hovland and American Har- the super over to limit Punjab only over before retiring hurt ris English are tied for fifth to just two runs as the loss of with an injured shoulder. AFP win out here and win a ma- John Moscatello, who is bat- be the guy who’s hitting fair- at two over over par. two wickets in the over ended Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals New York jor,” Wolff said. tling stomach cancer. ways and greens.” The 21-year-old Wolff, a the team’s one-over innings. 157 for 8 (Stoinis 53, Iyer 39, Wolff would be the sec- “I’m putting things in Australia’s Jason Day, former US collegiate cham- Earlier, Delhi were reeling Pant 31, Shami 3-15, Cottrell Leader Matthew Wolff teed ond-youngest modern era perspective,” Wolff said. the 2015 PGA Champion- pion, is making his first at 87 for five after the depar- 2-24) beat Kings XI Punjab 157 off in Sunday’s final round of major winner, two months “It is important. It’s the US ship winner, added: “The US Open appearance and ture of captain Shreyas Iyer for 8 (Agarwal 89, Ashwin 2-2, the 120th US Open trying to older than 21-year-old Open. But it’s just golf.” greens are quick and they’ve is seeking his first major when Stoinis walked in to de- Rabada 2-28, Stoinis 2-29) via become the youngest major Woods when he captured his Together with 23-year- got some bounce to them. championship. molish the opposition bowl- the Super Over. champion since Tiger Woods first major at Augusta Na- old PGA Championship win- The wind is kind of switch- He would be the young- won the 1997 Masters. tional. ner Collin Morikawa, Wolff ing around a little bit... so it’s est US Open winner since The 21-year-old Ameri- Wolff has missed 30 of 42 could make this the first year really difficult to judge what Bobby Jones in 1923 and can fired a five-under par fairways over his first three with two major winners 23 the ball is going to do in the the first player to win the 65 Saturday at Winged Foot rounds but found success or under since 1932, when air. You’ve got to stay com- championship on a first at- Buttler to miss Rajasthan’s to stand on five-under 205 blasting out of Winged Foot’s Gene Sarazen and Bobby mitted.” tempt in 107 years. (DPA) after 54 holes with Bryson dense rough and tricky bun- Jones did it. DeChambeau, known for opening IPL game DeChambeau two strokes kers. Early final-round finish- his scientific approach to adrift. “I feel like my game sets ers warned of a course aver- golf, bulked-up his physique ish Open winner, was third England’s Jos Buttler will jasthan because I’m going to Wolff, the youngest 54- up for hard golf courses,” aging better than five-over during the coronavirus pan- on 209, four shots adrift miss the opening game for be doing my quarantine period hole US Open leader since Wolff said. “I have speed par and questioned how long demic that postponed the US but one stroke ahead of Ja- Rajasthan Royals in the Indian because I’m here with my fam- 1971, could become the first coming out of the rough Wolff could keep missing Open from June and led to a pan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Premier League due his quaran- ily,” the wicketkeeper-batsman golfer to win the event in when it’s deep. My putting fairways and stay in front. spectator ban at the Mamar- Americans Harris English tine after arriving in the United said on Instagram. his debut since 20-year-old feels like the best it has ever “There’s a lot of luck in- oneck, New York, layout. and Xander Schauffele. Arab Emirates. “It’ll be a huge help in amateur Francis Ouimet been. volved out there,” said Ire- Now DeChambeau leads Another group back were Buttler has to undergo a six- lockdown having my family here managed the feat exactly 107 “I feel like I have all the land’s Shane Lowry, the the PGA in driving distance multiple major winners Rory day isolation after joining Royals with me.” years ago. tools and the right mindset.” reigning British Open cham- and threatens to overpower McIlroy, the world number following the end of England’s Buttler, along with fellow In his major debut last While the 2019 US col- pion.. the course with distance four, and Zach Johnson, who limited overs series against Englishman Ben Stokes and month, Wolff shared fourth lege champion has dreamed “You can’t get good lies in and a strong putting perfor- will try to match the record Australia on September 16 in Jofra Archer, and Australia’s at the PGA Championship in of winning the US Open the rough. It’ll be interesting mance. last-day victory comeback Manchester. Steve Smith, is a key part of the San Francisco. since he began golfing, his to see if he keeps getting that South African Louis of seven strokes achieved by “I’m unfortunately going to Royals team, which has Shane “I feel like I’m ready to thoughts are also with agent luck... but I’d still prefer to Oosthuizen, the 2010 Brit- Arnold Palmer in 1960. miss the first match forR a- Warne as their mentor. (AFP)

England’s Reid rolls to Pogacar crowned champ as Bennett wins finale LPGA Portland lead tomorrow afternoon takes us,” added Reid, who shared seventh at the ANA Inspira- tion in Rancho Mirage, Cali- fornia, last week. “I felt like I hit it really good last week, so kind of took that momentum going into this week,” said Reid, who said she benefitted from the day off on Thursday after the tournament at Columbia Mel Reid of England hits her Edgewater was reduced to putt on the 14th hole dur- 54 holes because of poor air ing round two of the Cambia quality due to wildfires. Portland Classic at Columbia “I think it did me a favor Edgewater Country Club in having an extra day off,” she Team UAE Emirates rider Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar celebrates on the Portland, on Saturday. (AFP) said. “I was pretty tired from podium after winning the white jersey of best young of the 107th edition last week.” of the Tour de France cycling race, after the 21st and last stage of 122 AFP Australia’s Green, who km between Mantes-la-Jolie and Champs Elysees Paris, on Sunday. (AFP) Los Angeles shared the first-round lead with American Cydney Clan- Fans celebrate Tadej Pogacar’s win and Primoz Roglic’s second place at the Tour de France cycling race, in nuel Macron is credited with fending champion Egan Ber- Mel Reid firedseven bird- ton, followed her opening 66 Pogacar’s hometown Komenda, Slovenia, on Sunday. (Photo by Jure Makovec / AFP) giving the green light for a re- nal, but in spite of spending ies in a seven-under par 65 with a four-under par 68 for scheduled event heavy in virus a week in the white jersey, he on Saturday to take a two- a 10-under total of 134. AFP “I can’t find the words to all worth it, I still can’t believe protocols to go ahead. struggled to impose himself, stroke lead over defending She shook off a bogey at Paris thank everyone, but it’s been it,” said the big sprinter after But after 3,400km of in- lacking perhaps the wisdom champion Hannah Green in her opening hole, the 10th amazing this three weeks edging seven-time winner Pe- tense racing the 146 remaining and experience of Geraint the LPGA Portland Classic. and put herself alone in sec- Slovenian rookie Tadej where the fans cheered me all ter Sagan to the green jersey. riders embarked Sunday for a Thomas or Chris Froome. He England’s Reid, a six- ond with a birdie bomb at Pogacar won the Tour de the way,” said Pogacar. The Tour will forever be re- parade of the winners until the lost over seven minutes on time winner on the Ladies her final hole, the ninth. France on Sunday, riding tri- Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo membered for a dramatic last- hotly-disputed sprint in Paris. stage 15 and dropped out the European Tour who is chas- “I got off to such a great umphantly into Paris in the stood alongside Slovenian gasp turnaround as Pogacar The race was a triumph following day. ing a first LPGA title, heads start, so it’s always hard to race leader’s yellow jersey at President Borut Pahor while grabbed the overall lead when of organisation after receiv- Team principal and expan- into Sunday’s final round on back up a low round,” said just 21 years old. Pogacar unfurled his national his rival Roglic suffered a ing belated clearance to stage sive thinker Dave Brailsford 12-under par 132. Green, whose two wins last Pogacar became the Tour’s flag and draped it over his mountainside meltdown on the event, although just 5,000 refocused the team, result- “Put myself in great po- year included her Portland youngest champion since 1904 shoulders. the penultimate day. fans lined Sunday’s finish due ing in a stage win for Michael sition, a position that eve- triumph and her first major as Ireland’s Sam Bennett won Long-time race leader This storied edition of the to the health protocol. Kwiatkowski in the Alps but ryone wants to be in, so I’m title at the Women’s PGA the 21st and final stage after the Primoz Roglic ended second century-old race packed with Dutch team Jumbo-Visma Ineos will be licking wounds excited for the opportunity Championship. “But I’m re- eight-lap dash around the icon- while Australia’s Richie Porte thrills and spills will be equal- dominated the 2020 race with as they leave France. tomorrow,” said Reid, who ally happy with my last putt ic Champs-Elysees to clinch the came third. ly recalled for outsprinting the their yellow and black jerseys When it came to climbers strung together four bird- – holed a long bomb there green sprint points jersey. Pogacar’s UAE Emirates dark shadow of Covid-19. always grouped at the head of though there was no touching ies in a row from the sixth so gives me positive momen- The champion mounted team pocketed 623,930 euros Starting two months late the race as they outpowered Pogacar who takes the polka through the ninth and rolled tum for tomorrow.” the podium as the sun set be- ($738,798) thanks to his victory. due to the global pandemic, everyone until the last and dot jersey as well. in her final birdie of the day South Korean Amy Yang hind the Arc de Triomphe to Dressed in green, Bennett the race set off under strict crucial day. There was a sudden fo- at the 18th. and American Amy Olson pick up the best climber’s jer- lifted his bike aloft after the health guidelines in Nice with Winners of the past five edi- cus on Slovenia, a nation of “Just keep doing the shared third on nine-under sey, the white top young rid- race, which provided his sec- doubts it would make it all the tions, Britain’s Team Ineos also just two million, as Roglic same thing and see where 135. er’s prize and finally the Tour ond stage win. way to Paris. had a Tour they may regret. and Pogacar contested the winner’s famous yellow jersey. “It was so hard but it was French President Emma- They put their faith in de- overall win.