Valtteri Bottas makes most of Hamilton’s troubles to win in Sochi page 15 MONday, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

2021 Gold Cup draw tonight: Qatar seeded in Pot 4

Asian Cup champions Qatar are the seventh guest nation to compete in a Gold Cup and the first since 2005, joining the ranks of Brazil (1996, 1998, 2003), Colombia (2000, 2003, 2005), Peru (2000), Ecuador (2002), South Africa (2005) and South Korea (2000, 2002).

Agencies AFC Champions Qatar, in a Gold Cup tournament. Concacaf Gold Cup prelims Stage Draw Miami (Florida) who will guest in the compe- The draw ceremony in Miami will be broadcast live and The draw will be broad- seeded teams and draw pot (to Pots (based on August tition, are in the fourth pot hosted by Emmy award winning TUDN sportscaster cast live and hosted by qualify three teams via knock- 2020 Concacaf Ranking) Concacaf (Confederation with the winning three teams Lindsay Casinelli and Fox Sports Lead Soccer Analyst Emmy award winning out for Gold Cup group stage). Pot 1 (pre-seeded teams): of North, Central America from the preliminary quali- and United States Men’s National Team legend Alexi TUDN sportscaster Lindsay Pre-seeded teams: Haiti, Mexico (Group A), USA and Caribbean Association) fiers which will be played the Lalas. A number of the national team head coaches Casinelli and Fox Sports Guatemala, Trinidad and To- (Group B), Costa Rica (Group will conduct the draw for the week before the finals start in Lead Soccer Analyst and bago, Cuba, Guadeloupe and C) and Honduras (Group D) 2021 Gold Cup with 16 teams July 2021. will be participating virtually in the evening event. United States Men’s Nation- Bermuda. Pot 2: Jamaica, Canada, looking to win Concacaf’s Qatar are the seventh al Team legend Alexi Lalas. Pot 1: French Guiana, Guy- Panama and El Salvador most prestigious national guest nation to compete in a lombia (2000, 2003, 2005), Along with South Korea, A number of the national ana, St. Vincent and the Gren- Pot 3: Martinique, Cura- team tournament. The draw Gold Cup and the first since Peru (2000), Ecuador (2002), Qatar will become the second team head coaches will be adines, Barbados, Montserrat cao, Suriname and Grenada is set to take place on Monday 2005, joining the ranks of South Africa (2005) and South nation from the Asian Football participating virtually in the and Bahamas Pot 4: Three Prelims (September 28). Brazil (1996, 1998, 2003), Co- Korea (2000, 2002). Confederation (AFC) to appear evening event. Concacaf Gold Cup Group Winners and Qatar (Group D). Late Kasir strike sees Persepolis through Tribune News Network Doha

A late worthy header (88th minute) from Isa Al Kasir off a flag kick for Persepolis saw the hopes of Al Sadd and an entire nation sink in the 2020 AFC Abderrazak Hamdallah’s sixth goal of the 2020 AFC Champions League Champions League Round of saw Al Nassr edge Al Taawoun 1-0 to make the quarter-finals of 2020 16 at the Education City Sta- AFC Champions League at the Education City Stadium on Sunday. dium on Sunday. The 1-0 win saw the Ira- nian club secure a place in the quarter-finals for the third Hamdallah stars as time in four years. The shock goal left Al Sadd and its fans stunned and Al Nassr complete coach Xavi Hernandez said, “I feel very sad. This was a good chance to qualify. quarter-finals line-up “I think the game was re- ally equal. We had more pos- AFC Taawoun wall, but his shot hit session, more shots and better Doha the side netting. opportunities, but as I told the Khalid Al Ghannam ap- players, in this competition Abderrazak Hamdal- plied pressure on defender you make just one mistake and lah’s sixth goal of the 2020 Ahmed Asiri, winning the ball you’re out. AFC Champions League was deep inside the Al Taawoun “We made a mistake from enough to send Saudi Ara- half then moving into the a set-piece, a corner, and we The late Isa Al Kasir (in red) header off a corner did it for Persepolis as they won 1-0 to make it to the quarter-finals of 2020 AFC Champions bia’s Al Nassr into the quar- penalty box. Al Ghannam didn’t focus. This is football. League at the Education City Stadium on Sunday. The is the third time in four years that the Iranian club has made it to the last eight. ter-finals with a valuable 1-0 looked to square for Hamdal- We controlled the game, we victory over compatriots Al lah who had the goal at his created chances, we had a very moved into space on the right Taawoun FC in the Round of mercy, but Yaseen Barnawi good attitude and we were We apologise to our fans: Hassan Al Haydos and crossed it for Kasir who 16 on Sunday. made a vital interception be- aggressive. We were focused Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos expressed disappointment after the 1-0 beat his marker to the ball and Al Nassr were looking to fore the ball could reach the until the last minute, but one loss to Persepolis, which saw the Wolves go out of the AFC Champions League. applied the finish but his effort make it back-to-back quarter- Moroccan striker. mistake and we are out. This Speaking after the game, Al Haydos said, “All the players wished to reach the hit the upright. final appearances, while for Al Attempting to escape the is the competition, and this is farthest stage in the Champions League. We had ambitions and a big dream, It was daja vu nine min- Taawoun this was their first- tight marking imposed on football. We have to accept it but unfortunately we did not succeed in this match against Persepolis. utes later as the two players ever AFC Champions League him, Al Taawoun’s Austral- and learn from our mistakes. “We apologise to our fans who had placed great hopes in us for this tourna- combined again, and once knock-out stage appearance. ian forward Mitchell Duke “It’s a pity because after a ment and the loss is painful. In such matches, there are small details that more Resan’s cross found Ka- The first real chance of came deeper and sent an an- game like that, normally you settle things in the end, and this is what happened. Al Sadd lost and exited sir in space but this time the the game fell Al Nassr’s way gled cross from the right for have to win. Sometimes, foot- the tournament because of a set-piece, from which the Persepolis goal ball ricocheted against the at the quarter-hour mark the onrushing Hassan Kadesh ball is not fair.” came. In matches like this, we must be focused throughout the 90 min- crossbar. when Awad Al Faraj em- who struck it on the half-volley The Al Sadd coach also rued utes, from the first moment until the final whistle. With 15 minutes left, barked on a jinking run down wide off target. the absence of VAR (video as- “Everyone bears responsibility and I am the first to take responsibility. We promise our fans that we Akram Afif dribbled down the the left and fed Pity Martinez Al Taawoun’s defensive sistant referee) in the competi- will do our best in the upcoming challenges,” he added. (TNN) left flank and cut back to Nam who controlled and tried to resilience was finally broken tion. “In my humble opinion, Tae-hee who took it first time find the bottom corner but in the 76th minute and it was it’s a big shame that this com- with his left but goalkeeper put too much bend into it, naturally Al Nassr’s talisman petition, the best in Asia, does Xavi also said: “We must ac- We have to compete better. If goalkeeper Hamed Lak in the Lak was present to save. sending it wide. Hamdallah who opened the not have VAR. It’s a big shame. cept the reality, we lost today be- we do that, we may go further 13th minute and Mohammed Afif tried his luck again Head coach Rui Vitoria’s scoring on the night. “If we had VAR today, cause of small details. We were in this competition.” Jadoua’s effort from distance in the 82nd minute, cutting men dominated the pro- Sultan Al Ghannam won there would be a penalty for controlling the game and cre- The two sides had met in went agonisingly close on the inside from the left but again ceedings for the entirety of the ball back from Cedric us. I don’t want to talk about ated enough chances to score, the semi-finals of the 2018 wrong side of the post. Lak was untroubled, comfort- the first half, restricting Al Amissi and whipped a cross referees because I know that we had many shots from outside AFC Champions League, with A quick break from the left ably saving. Taawoun to a few half chanc- towards the far post which was their job is really difficult, and the box, and many corners. In Persepolis emerging 2-1 win- flank saw Persepolis’ Ehsan As the two teams looked es, but by the time the half- missed by Asiri allowing Ham- sometimes football is very fast, my opinion, we were better than ners on aggregate to reach Pahlavan dribble down the set to head into extra time, it time whistle arrived, there dallah to control and fire home and you have to make deci- Persepolis in footballing terms, the final. Since then, they also left and cross low for Vahid was finally third time lucky for had been no shots between through the legs of goalkeeper sions in seconds. But VAR but we are out because of a small exchanged wins in the 2019 Amiri who was free at the near Kasir who rose unchallenged the sticks on either goal at Cassio. helps the referees a lot. If we detail. We have to accept that, group stage. post but on trying to apply a to power in a header from sub- Education City Stadium. Al Nassr join compatriots had VAR today, we would be and continue.” Despite keeping posses- first-time finish, could not di- stitute Omid Alishah’s corner, Al Nassr continued to re- Al Ahli Saudi FC, Pakhtakor talking about a different result. “This is the way; we have sion for extended periods of rect it goalward. beating goalkeeper Saad Al tain the bulk of possession FC of Uzbekistan and Iran’s “The best competition in to accept our own mistakes. the firsthalf, Al Sadd’s only Persepolis came as close as Sheeb and sending his side and Martinez came close to Persepolis FC in the quarter- Asia deserves the best condi- There is no other way. We chances came through shots possible to opening the scor- into the next round with his breaking his AFC Champions finals with the draw for the tions to play, and today we have to continue and keep go- from outside the box. Santi ing without actually doing so second goal of the 2020 AFC League duck, curling a 57th West Asia matches taking didn’t have that.” ing, trying again and again. Cazorla drew a save from at the hour mark as Resan Champions League campaign. minute free-kick past the Al place on Monday. Sports Monday, September 28, 2020 13 PSG prevail over Stade de Reims 2-0 Leicester hit Man City for five, Tottenham pay harsh penalty AFP London

Jamie Vardy’s hat-trick dealt an early blow to Manchester City’s hopes of wrestling back the Premier League title as they conceded three penalties in a 5-2 defeat to Leicester, while Newcastle’s late spot- kick to snatch a 1-1 draw at Tottenham sparked fresh de- bate over the handball rule. City were without a host of first-team regulars due to injury and coronavirus infec- tions, but the deficiencies at the back that undid their title defence last season were again Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Brazilian forward Neymar receives medical attention during the French L1 match against Stade de Reims at the exposed by the pace and fin- Auguste Delaune Stadium in Reims, France, on Sunday. PSG won the match 2-0 with both the goals being scored by Mauro Icardi (9’, 62’). (AFP) ishing prowess of Vardy as a Pep Guardiola team conceded five for the first time in his coaching career. Leicester stormed to the top of the league, but had to Suarez scores twice as come from behind to extend their perfect start to the sea- son as Riyad Mahrez’s stun- ning strike against his former Atletico hammer Granada club opened the scoring after Leicester City’s English striker Jamie Vardy jumps into the arms of just four minutes. Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans as he celebrates after scoring their AFP “The problem was we put third goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League Madrid extra pressure on ourselves to match against Manchester City in Manchester on Sunday. (AFP) score the second and third,” Luis Suarez scored two and said Guardiola. “We need to be form Benjamin Mendy, al- Leeds blunt the Blades set up another in a sensational more calm, we don’t have the lowed Your Tielemans to score Leeds’ fine start on their re- 20-minute debut for Atletico players to attack the box that Leicester’s third penalty turn to the Premier League Madrid on Sunday as his new we need. after a 16-year absence contin- team started their Liga season “I am not going to give up, ‘Nonsense’ penalty ued as Patrick Bamford scored with a thumping 6-1 victory I am going to try to find solu- saves Newcastle a dramatic late winner to win a over Granada. tions.” Tottenham find themselves Yorkshire derby against Shef- Suarez set up a goal two City are reportedly close already five points behind the field United 1-0. minutes after coming on as to signing Benficacentre-back Foxes and Everton at the top of After pushing Liverpool a substitute, his sumptuous Ruben Dias and the need for the table after letting two points all the way in a 4-3 defeat pass finished off byM arcos defensive cover was obvious slip away from a dominant dis- on the opening weekend of Llorente, before scoring him- as Vardy tore apart the experi- play against Newcastle. the season, Marcelo Bielsa’s self with a powerful header at mental pairing of Eric Garcia Lucas Moura’s predatory men have won their next two the back post. He then added and Nathan Ake. finish on 25 minutes was all with the much-maligned another in injury time follow- “We set up to infuriate Spurs had to show from a first- Bamford scoring in all three ing up his own shot to make it them and it has worked a half littered with chances as games so far. six for rampant Atletico at the treat,” said Vardy. “We knew if Karl Darlow made three fine The Blades remain without Wanda Metropolitano. we stuck to our plan we would saves from Harry Kane and a point or a goal this season af- Diego Costa had earlier get some chances.” Son Heung-min hit the wood- ter impressing to finish ninth given the home team the lead. It was the more experi- work twice. on their return to the top- Angel Correa and the impres- enced Kyle Walker who was at Newcastle had not even flight last season. sive Joao Felix, who was per- Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez scores during the Spanish league match against against fault to start Leicester’s revival registered a shot on target West Ham got their first haps the best player on the Granada FC at at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Sunday. Atletico won 6-1. (AFP) as he brought down Vardy, until they were awarded a league win of the season in pitch put Granada out of sight, who slammed home the re- penalty five minutes into style with a 4-0 win over before Suarez stole the show. with Costa and Felix, perhaps with Felix booting the ball into clever dummy by Costa. sulting penalty. added time when Andy Car- Wolves despite the absence of Suarez might have had a invigorated by the Uruguay- the stand in frustration, sug- That was Costa’s last sig- The former England in- roll’s header brushed the arm manager David Moyes due to hat-trick given he also won a an’s arrival, looking sharper. gesting he might have been nificant contribution before he ternational then brilliantly of Eric Dier and referee Peter coronavirus. penalty and had the ball un- Felix was excellent. If the keen to take it. departed for Suarez, the Uru- flicked home Timothy Cast- Bankes pointed to the spot af- Moyes was still taking der his arm to take it, only for 20-year-old can find some Atletico’s dominance briefly guayan coming on in the 70th agne’s cross and drew another ter reviewing the incident on charge from home as he was in the decision to be reversed by consistency this season after a subsided and Granada might minute. He was set up a fourth penalty from Garcia’s naive the pitchside monitor. communication with his staff referee Javier Estrada. But stop-start opening year, Atleti- have gone in level at half-time, in the 72nd minute, a cush- challenge. Hugo Lloris got a hand to and will have enjoyed what he Suarez’s performance off the co could challenge for the title. their best chance falling to Vic- ioned pass on the volley allow- Vardy this time slotted low Callum Wilson’s penalty but saw as Jarrod Bowen curled bench completed the perfect They might have been two tor Diaz, who was denied at ing Llorente to find the corner. past Ederson and James Mad- could not keep it out with even them into a deserved half-time start to the season for him and up in the first quarter of an close range by Jan Oblak. Suarez then powered in a dison killed off a jaded City the Magpies boss Steve Bruce lead. for Atletico, who might start to hour as Costa did well to head Instead, the visitors ell away header at the back post from with a sumptuous curling ef- embarrassed to have escaped Bowen doubled his tally on believe the scoring problems of in Correa’s cross before Felix in the second half as the excel- Llorente’s cross before Granada fort into the top corner. with a point. the rebound after Pablo For- last term could be behind them. won a penalty, his dancing run lent Felix set up one and then pulled one back through Jorge Ake pulled a goal back six “It is a total nonsense,” nals hit the post before Raul It was not only Suarez’s into the box drawing a foul scored another. First, he picked Molina. But Suarez was not fin- minutes from time from Mah- said Bruce of the penalty Jimenez’s own goal and Se- contribution that would have from Domingos Duarte. out Correa at the back post with ished, his shot from outside the rez’s corner, but after Vardy award. “We should be jumping bastien Haller rounded off an pleased Diego Simeone but the But Saul Niguez’s shot was a curling pass and then finished area cannoned back off the post, had made way, another idi- through hoops, but I would be impressive performance from displays of his other forwards, brilliantly saved by Rui Silva, himself, coming inside after a but he reached the rebound first. otic City challenge, this time devastated if that was us.” the Hammers. Bayern’s winning streak ends with Hoffenheim thumping

AFP to take our chances or play Kimmich gave Bayern a Berlin with our usual intensity.” lifeline with shot from the edge Hoffenheim coach Sebas- of the area on 36 minutes, but European champions Bay- tian Hoeness is the nephew of Hoffenheim could have been ern Munich suffered a first de- Bayern’s honorary president 3-1 up at half-time as Kramar- feat for 10 months when their Uli Hoeness and left Munich’s ic clipped the crossbar before 23-match winning run was reserves in July to take over at the half-time whistle. ended by a shock 4-1 Bundesliga Hoffenheim. Flick responded by beef- loss at Hoffenheim on Sunday. “We put into practise eve- ing up his side by bringing Hoffenheim raced into a rything we had worked on, we on Lewandowski and central Aspetar’s medical support at 2-0 lead with early goals by were dominant from the be- midfielder Leon Goretzka for defender Ermin Bicakcic and ginning, managed to always Zirkzee and Pavard on 57 min- Doha Diamond League praised striker Munas Dabbur. be dangerous and defend utes, but to no avail. Although Joshua Kimmich well, so I am not surprised by Kramaric made sure of The Organising Committee of Qatar Sports Club offering ser- gave Bayern a lifeline just be- the result,” said Hoffenheim the win when he finished the Wanda Diamond League vices to all participating athletes fore the break, Croatia interna- coach Hoeness. a counter-attack with a Doha 2020 (held on Friday) 117 athletes from 65 countries tional striker Andrej Kramaric Bayern looked tired, show- stunning strike on 77 min- praised Aspetar’s medical participating in Doha Diamond netted a second-half goal and ing the effects of being taken to utes and slotted the resulting services provided at this year’s League 2020. A team of physi- converted a late penalty. extra time in the UEFA Super Hoffenheim’s Norwegian defender Havard Nordtveit (left) and Bayern penalty in added time when event. “Thank you Aspetar cians, nurses, physiotherapists The shock win left Hof- Cup on Thursday before beat- Munich’s German midfielder Joshua Kimmich vie for the ball during Neuer brought down replace- and our medical team for the and massage therapists pro- fenheim top of the table while ing Sevilla 2-1 in Budapest. the German first division Bundesliga match in Mainz on Sunday.(AFP) ment forward Ihlas Bebou in unparalleled support to assure vided immediate medical care defending champions Bayern “We shouldn’t forget that the area. safety. Everyone was tested throughout the event and at the are in the unusual position of Bayern played 120 minutes Dortmund – the chance to nuel Neuer. Freiburg are fifth in the ta- before and after the event and participants’ residences. seventh after two matches. four days ago, but we put in win a fifth title in 2020 – his The hosts doubled their ble, two places above Bayern, the result was negative on both Cheruiyot, the world 1,500m It was the first time Bayern a great performance,” added 19-year-old understudy Josh- lead when Bayern defender after their 1-1 draw at home to counts. That proves to that champion, said in press confer- have lost under head coach Hoeness. ua Zirkzee struggled to spark Benjamin Pavard tried to snuff Wolfsburg as Nils Petersen’s major sporting events can still ence: “I took a cautious ap- Hansi Flick in any competi- The loss brings to an end Bayern’s attack. out a counter-attack, but his early goal for the hosts was happen if precautionary meas- proach from the gun tonight. tion since going down 2-1 to Bayern’s run of 23 consecutive “We will tick off this pass rolled into the path of Is- cancelled out by an equaliser ures were taken, the organisers A small hamstring niggle Borussia Moenchengladbach wins, a record for a club in one match and focus on what we raeli striker Dabbur, who held from Wolves’ Croatia mid- said through a tweet. prevented me from firing on all on December 7, 2019. of Europe’s five main leagues, can do better on Wednesday,” his nerve to chip the ball over fielder Josip Brekalo. This year’s competition came cylinders. Thanks to the Aspetar “Compliments to Hoffen- surpassing Real Madrid’s 22 added Flick. Neuer on 24 minutes. Schalke sacked head in exceptional circumstances for their care these past days. “ heim, they cut out our space straight between September Hoffenheim took full ad- It was the first time Bay- coach David Wagner on Sun- due to the COVID19 pandemic, For the tenth consecutive year, and gave us few chances,” said and December 2014. vantage of Munich’s lethargy ern have been two goals down day morning in the wake of where a strict health protocol Aspetar, the orthopaedic and Flick, who bristled at repeated With Robert Lewandowski with Bicakcic giving them the since they lost 5-1 at Eintracht their 3-1 defeat at home to was applied. For this year’s sports medicine hospital, questions about his team’s rested ahead of Wednesday’s lead on 16 minutes when he Frankfurt in November 2019, Werder Bremen, which left Doha Diamond League, Aspetar provided its world-class medical tired display. German Super Cup show- out-leapt Corentin Tolisso at a defeat which cost Flick’s pre- them winless in their last 18 set up on-site facilities at the support to athletes at the meet. “We just couldn’t manage down at home to Borussia a corner and headed past Ma- decessor Niko Kovac his job. league games. 14 Monday, September 28, 2020 Sports ‘Ridiculous’ cold sparks Romanian Simona Halep returns the ball to Spain’s Sara Sorribes during their French Open revolt as women’s singles first round match of The Roland Garros 2020 French Open in Paris Wawrinka downs Murray on Sunday. (AFP)

Results: Men Singles 1st Round Radu Albot (MDA) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 Taylor Fritz (USA x27) bt Tomas Machac (CZE) 7-5, 7-6 (7/2), 1-6, 2-6, 6-3 Norbert Gombos (SVK) bt Borna Coric (CRO x24) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Jurij Rodionov (AUT) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 10-8 Stan Wawrinka (SUI x16) bt Andy Murray (GBR) 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 Halep celebrates Dominik Koepfer (GER) bt Antoine Hoang (FRA) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Alex De Minaur (AUS x25) 7-6 (11/9), 6-4, 6-0 Benoit Paire (FRA x23) bt Soonwoo Kwon (KOR) 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 birthday with Federico Coria (ARG) bt Jason Jung (TPE) 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) bt Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 Jannik Sinner (ITA) bt David Goffin (BEL x11) 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 Sebastian Korda (USA) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 1st rd win, water! John Isner (USA x21) bt Elliot Benchetrit (FRA) 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Dan Evans (GBR x32) 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 6-4 AFP Stefano Travaglia (ITA) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Paris Results Women’s Singles 1st Round It’s a French Open like no oth- er and for Simona Halep that Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Sara Sorribes means toasting a lonely birth- Tormo (ESP) 6-4, 6-0; Irina-Camelia Begu day with a bottle of over-priced (ROM) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3; hotel water while for John Isner, Coco Gauff (USA) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x9) it “sucks” seeing so few fans at a 6-3, 6-3; Martina Trevisan (ITA) bt Camila Giorgi (ITA) 7-5, 3-0 - retired; Kamilla rainswept Roland Garros. Rakhimova (RUS) bt Shelby Rogers (USA) Taking place four months 6-2, 6-3; Maria Sakkari (GRE x20) bt Ajla later than usual due to the Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-0, 7-5; Astra Sharma coronavirus, the early sum- (AUS) bt Anna Blinkova (RUS) 6-3, 2-6, 7-5; mer warmth normally associ- Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS x27) bt Maddison ated with the tournament has Inglis (AUS) 6-3, 6-3; Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt been replaced by a bone-chill- Anett Kontaveit (EST x17) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4; ing 10 degrees. Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3; Kaia Kanepi As a result, the world’s best (EST) bt Marie Bouzkova (CZE) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2; players are putting on extra Elise Mertens (BEL x16) bt Margarita layers as well as brave faces. Gasparyan (RUS) 6-2, 6-3; Victoria Azarenka “Having no fans stinks,” (BLR x10) bt Danka Kovinic (MNE) 6-1, 6-2; said Isner, the giant Ameri- Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK) bt Venus can 21st seed who made the Williams (USA) 6-4, 6-4; Nadia Podoroska second round with a 6-4, 6-1, (ARG) bt Greet Minnen (BEL) 6-2, 6-1; Yulia Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka returns the ball to Britain’s Andy Murray during their men’s singles first round match of The Roland Garros 2020 French Open in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) 6-3 win over home hope Elliot Putintseva (KAZ x23) bt Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) Benchetrit. 6-1, 6-2; Barbora Strycova (CZE x32) bt Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 7-5, 6-5. AFP Goffin 7-5, 6-0, 6-3. “The atmosphere at this Paris Another rookie winner was event is unbelievable, one of Sebastian Korda, the son of the best we have all year long. “I cannot celebrate much, Roland Garros got under- 1992 Roland Garros runner- We don’t have that right now. because I have to stay in the way in the “ridiculous” chill up and 1998 Australian Open “At the same time it’s a room, so I will have a bottle of and damp of Paris on Sunday champion Petr, who saw off Grand Slam.” water!” with Victoria Azarenka walk- Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-2, All the players at this year’s The pandemic has made ing off court, complaining that 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. tournament are staying at two the world a very different place it was “too cold” to play, before Venus Williams, now 40 city centre hotels. Apart from and tennis hasn’t escaped its Stan Wawrinka brushed aside and who played her first Ro- playing and training, they are impact. Wimbledon was can- fellow three-time major win- land Garros in 1997, saved two barred from leaving. celled for the first time since ner Andy Murray in the day’s match points but not the third Most have compensated by World War II while the US marquee clash. as she fell to a 6-4, 6-4 defeat posting pictures of the Eiffel Open was played out behind The French Open, which to Anna Karolina Schmiedlova Tower, a perfect background closed doors. was pushed back from its tra- of Slovakia who hadn’t won a prop for their Instagram ac- Greece’s Maria Sakkari ar- ditional May-June slot due match at a Slam in five years. counts. rived in Paris having trained in to the coronavirus, began in Williams, runner-up to sis- “We’re wearing our masks. Athens where it was a swelter- steady drizzle and tempera- ter Serena in 2002, has now We’re not leaving the hotel, of ing 35 degrees. tures struggling to reach 10 lost in the first round in Paris course, to go out to dinner or do The 20th seed eased past degrees (50F). Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic (left) for three years in a row. anything like that,” added Isner. Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic It was all too much for Aza- and Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka Schmiedlova will face Aza- “Speaking for myself, I feel 6-0, 7-5 before hailing the ef- renka, 31, who left the almost come back to the court after a rain renka in the second round. very safe. There’s no doubt forts of the French Tennis deserted Court Suzanne Len- delay for their women’s singles Wintry weather, expected about that. I think they’ve Federation on getting their glen after just three games. first round match at the Suzanne to last all week, was the last done a good job. The hotel, long-delayed event up and “I don’t see the point of Lenglen court at Roland Garros in thing organisers needed after it’s nice. It’s got everything running. sitting on the court when it’s Paris on Sunday. The 10th seeded playing cat and mouse with you could ask for. The rooms “They are doing a great eight degrees,” fumed two- Azarenka won 6-1, 6-2. (AFP) the impact of COVID-19. get really cold at night when job because it’s more players, time major winner Azarenka. Nadal, bidding to win a you open your window. That’s more people, less space, worse On court she complained: 13th Roland Garros and move awesome.” weather,” said Sakkari, com- “We are sitting like ducks. It’s Rafael Nadal who said the first time in the day. that,” said 33-year-old Murray. level with the absent Roger The restrictions will make paring conditions in Paris to too cold, it’s eight degrees, I conditions combined with a Murray, playing his first On a grim day for Britain, Federer on a record 20 majors, for a lonely 29th birthday for those of the recent US Open in live in Florida. This is getting a new heavier ball could cause clay court match since losing a ninth seed and 2019 semi- plays Monday against Egor 2018 champion Halep, the New York. little ridiculous. I’m not wait- elbow and shoulder problems five-set semi-final to theS wiss finalist Johanna Konta was Gerasimov, the 83rd-ranked women’s top seed. ing,” she said before storming for players. star in 2017, may have wished knocked out by teenage sensa- Belarusian. “The perfect present was Masks, scarves, jackets off to seek shelter. On Court Simonne it had remained shut as 16th tion Coco Gauff. World number one Novak that I won today,” said Wim- Those few who were on site on She returned to complete Mathieu, Belgian 16th seed seed Wawrinka swept to a 6-1, The 16-year-old American, Djokovic, chasing an 18th ma- bledon champion Halep after Sunday wore scarves, winter a 6-1, 6-2 win, playing in black Elise Mertens and Russia’s 6-3, 6-2 win. making her debut in the main jor, will get underway on Tues- seeing off Sara Sorribes Tor- coats as well as the manda- leggings and a tracksuit top. Margarita Gasparyan twice left The 35-year-old fired 42 draw having been the junior day boasting a record in 2020 mo 6-4, 6-0 under the roof of tory masks. Normally bustling “Does it increase the risk the arena after also halting play winners past wildcard Murray, champion just two years ago, of 31 wins and just one loss Court Philippe Chatrier. shops, food outlets and other of players getting injured? Ab- due to the slippery conditions. now ranked at 111 in the world eased to a 6-3, 6-3 win despite due to his US Open default. Halep trailed 4-2 but commercial stalls are shuttered. solutely, I think that it does,” At least the rain had after being pushed to the brink serving up 12 double faults. The 33-year-old Serb faces claimed the final 10 games to A resurgence of cases has she added ahead of a week in cleared by the time 2015 of retirement by his lengthy Italian teenager Jan- Sweden’s Mikael Ymer. progress in 82 minutes. cut attendance to just 1,000 which the cold, wet conditions champion Wawrinka and battle with a hip injury. nik Sinner had the honour Serena Williams, pursuing “The perfect present was spectators a day. In 2019, are forecast to continue. Murray walked out on to Court “I should be analysing that of claiming the first ever win an elusive 24th major, starts that I won today,” said Halep more than 500,000 people That echoed fears ex- Philippe Chatrier with the re- hard and trying to understand under the roof, demolish- Monday against fellow Ameri- who was celebrating her 29th watched the two-week tourna- pressed by 12-time champion tractable roof opened for the why the performance was like ing Belgian 11th seed David can Kristie Ahn. birthday. ment on site. Rahul Tewatia blitz powers Royals to record IPL chase of 224

a row - in the 18th over to turn Royals were jolted early Samson, Smith shape up chase the tables at the Sharjah crick- in their chase when opener et ground, which has short Jos Buttler fell for four in against Kings XI Punjab boundaries. his first IPL outing of the Tewatia finally fell to pace- season following his quar- AFP with 85 before Tewatia took man Mohammed Shami on antine time. Dubai the Royals to within one run of the last ball of the 19th over An eye-catching outfield Kings XI’s 223 for two. but Jofra Archer, unbeaten on save by Kings XI’s Nicholas India’s Rahul Tewatia “I was not hitting the ball 13, and Tom Curran, who hit Pooran to stop a six from smashed five sixes in one over well initially, I saw in the dug- the winning boundary, saw the Samson stood out in the run as Rajasthan Royals completed out, everybody was curious as Royals home. fest. the Indian Premier League’s they know that I can hit the The previous best chase Pooran defied gravity to highest-ever run against Kings ball long,” said Tewatia, who of 215 was also by the Royals, reach a big hit from Samson XI Punjab on Sunday. was promoted to number four against the Deccan Chargers going for rope, flicking the ball Tewatia, a leg-spin bowler but struggled at first, scoring in 2008. back inside the playing area and left-hand batsman, hit the eight from 19 balls before he Tewatia’s innings eclipsed while still in mid air. ball over the fence seven times cut loose. Kings XI opener Mayank Scores: Kings XI Punjab 223- as he made 53 off 31 balls as “It was a matter of one six. Agarwal’s maiden IPL century 2 off 20 overs (KL Rahul 69, Steve Smith’s Royals, set 224 After that, I got going. I hit five in a 183-run opening partner- Aayank Agarwal 106; Tom Cur- to win, reached 226 with four in an over and it was amazing.” ship with skipper KL Rahul, ran 1-44) lost to Rajasthan Roy- wickets and three balls to Tewatia, who has played who made 69. als 226-6 in 10.3 overs (Steve spare in Sharjah. seven first-class matches, hit Agarwal smashed 106 in Smith 50, Sanju Samson 85, Smith hit a quickfire 50 West Indies quick Sheldon Rahul Tewatia, a leg-spin bowler and left-hand batsman, during his knock of 53 off 31 balls in which he hit 50 deliveries, hitting 10 fours Rahul Tewatia 53; Mohammed and Sanju Samson top-scored Cottrell for fivesixes – four in seven sixes at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Sunday. and seven sixes. Shami 3-53) by four wickets. Sports Monday, September 28, 2020 15 Bottas exploits record-chasing Hamilton’s troubles in Russia

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton reacts on the podium after finishing third in the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom Circuit in Russia on Sunday. (AFP) Sochi stewards are

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri ‘trying to stop me’, Bottas celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi says Hamilton Autodrom Circuit in Russia on Sunday. (AFP) AFP Stewards cancel Sochi (Russia) penalty points AFP Sochi Lewis Hamilton accused the The stewards at the Russian stewards at Sunday’s Rus- Grand Prix on Sunday even- Valtteri Bottas took full Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas is congratulated by his team after winning the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom sian Grand Prix of “trying to ing cancelled the two pen- advantage of a troubled day Circuit in Russia on Sunday. (AFP) stop me” after he was handed alty points imposed on Lewis for his Mercedes team-mate two five-second penalties that Hamilton’s super license and Lewis Hamilton to claim the wrecked his hopes of a record- instead fined his Mercedes ninth win of his career with Russian F1 Grand Prix Results Championship standings equalling 91st victory. team. a measured drive to victory 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1h 34min 00.364sec 12. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1 lap Drivers: 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 205 pts, 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 161, 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 128, The runaway series leader The six-time champion in Sunday’s incident-packed 2. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) at 7.729s 13. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1 lap 4. Lando Norris (GBR) 65, 5. Alexander Albon (THA) 64, 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 63, 7. Charles and six-time champion said had been handed the two Russian Grand Prix. 3. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 22.729 14. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 1 Leclerc (MON) 57, 8. Lance Stroll (CAN) 57, 9. Sergio Pérez (MEX) 56, 10. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 45, 11. the stewards’ penalties, given penalties and given two five- 4. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes) 30.558 lap Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 41, 12. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 36, 13. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 17, 14. Daniil Kvyat The Finn swooped to take 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) 52.065 15. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Renault) 1 lap to him for a minor infringe- second time penalties after (RUS) 14, 15. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 6, 16. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) 2, 17. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) 2, second place at the start and 6. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:02.186 16. Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) 1 lap ment when he performed two making irregular pre-race 18. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 1 inherited the lead when the 7. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault) 1:08.006 17. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) 1 lap pre-race practice starts, were practice starts in the pit-lane 8. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:08.740 18. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1 lap Constructors: 1. Mercedes 366 pts, 2. Red Bull-Honda 192, 3. McLaren-Renault 106, 4. Racing runaway series leader and 9. Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:29.766 Fastest lap: Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:37.030 Point-Mercedes 104, 5. Renault 99, 6. Ferrari 74, 7. AlphaTauri-Honda 59, 8. Alfa Romeo Racing- excessive. exit road. six-time champion took an 10. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) 1:37.860 on 58th lap Ferrari 4, 9. Haas-Ferrari 1. “They’re trying to stop me, In a statement, the extended pit-stop to serve two 11. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) Did not finish: Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault), aren’t they? But, that’s ok. sport’s ruling body, the In- five-second penalties for irreg- 1 lap Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) I just need to keep my head ternational Motoring Fed- ular pre-race practice starts. hind by Leclerc and spun into He reacted by pushing to down and stay focussed and eration (FIA), said they A disgruntled Hamilton, given a five-second penalty, in racing overalls on the podium the barriers. open a 2.5 seconds lead on we’ll see what happens.” had been told that the team aiming to win and equal Mi- the second Red Bull. after the race, obeying the Sainz almost collected sev- Bottas before pitting on lap During the race, on team had instructed Hamilton to chael Schumacher’s record of Hamilton did not want to latest revised rules from the eral other cars including team- 17 for hard tyres and his com- radio, Hamilton had described make his practice start in the 91 Grand Prix triumphs, re- talk about his penalty sport’s ruling body not to wear mate Norris who managed to bined 10-seconds penalty. the penalties as ridiculous, a wrong place. joined in 11th place, but fought “It doesn’t matter. It’s any items carrying ‘political’ avert a collision, but felt he “This is ridiculous, man,” term he repeated afterwards “The stewards received back to finish third behind done now. I’ll take the points messages. suffered some damage. said a disgruntled Hamilton and during an interview with information from the team Bottas and Red Bull’s Max and move on, but congratula- Hamilton had made a solid The action resumed on lap before re-joining 11th. Sky Sports. that the driver of car 44 Verstappen. tions to Valtteri. start from his record 96th pole six, when Hamilton’s penalties At the front, Bottas reeled “I’m pretty sure no-one has [Hamilton] had received a His second win in Russia “A big thank-you to the and fended off the slipstream- were announced. off fastest laps to open a clear got two five-second penalties team instruction to perform and second this season rein- fans here this weekend – spasi- ing Bottas, who had passed “What happened? What lead before pitting on lap 27, for something so ridiculous the practice start in the in- vigorated Bottas’ challenge for bo,” he said. “It’s not the great- Verstappen’s Red Bull. happened?” he responded retaining his advantage ahead before,” he said. correct place,” it said. the drivers’ title and reduced est day, but it is what it is...” on team radio. “Those starts, of Leclerc’s Ferrari with Ver- “I didn’t put anyone in “This was confirmed by Hamilton’s lead to 44 points. Bottas said: “It’s very nice ‘This is ridiculous!’ going to the grid, we got five stappen, having pitted earlier danger. I’ve done this at a mil- the stewards having listened Sergio Perez came home to get a win. It’s been a while! The Dutchman, recovering seconds for each – out of posi- in third. lion tracks over the years and to the audio between the fourth for Racing Point ahead I need to try and keep the mo- from a ragged getaway, ran tion,” he was told. By lap 32, Bottas was in never been questioned on it... team and the driver.” of Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, mentum. I’ve managed to off-line to defend against a “Where is that in the rule command with a 12 seconds but it is what it is.” It went on to add that the who had to take a five second squeeze a few points over Lewis, rapid Ricciardo before two book?” said a disgruntled Ham- lead over Verstappen and Hamilton was deemed stewards “therefore remove penalty for an infringement, but there’s still quite a few rac- first lap crashes behind them ilton. “Anything to slow me Hamilton up to third after slic- to have broken the rules set the penalty points imposed and Charles Leclerc, who was es to go so you never know. I’ll ended the early action and down, but it’s ok. I can take it.” ing through the field, many of down in the Race Director’s and fine the competitor sixth for Ferrari. keep pushing. I won’t give up.” brought out the Safety Car. Hamilton was also given whom had pitted. pre-race instructions when he (Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Esteban Ocon was seventh Verstappen said: “We split McLaren’s Carlos Sainz hit two more penalty points on his The charge had given en- performed two practice starts Team) EUR25,000.” for Renault ahead of local hero the Mercedes again so that is a wall in the run-off area at racing licence and, with a total tertainment to the 30,000 in the wrong place in the pit- The stewards added that Daniil Kvyat and his Alpha good – and we can be happy Turn Two after losing control of 10 in 12 months, moved spectators, the first significant lane exit road. they were fining Mercedes Tauri team-mate Pierre Gasly with that.” before Racing Point’s Lance within two of an automatic crowd at a sports event in the He started the race from 25,000 Euros (29,000 dol- and Alex Albon, who was also All three drivers wore their Stroll was nudged from be- one-race ban. COVID-19 era. his record 96th pole position. lars) for each infringement. Quartararo wins Catalonia MotoGP to retake championship lead AFP Barcelona Petronas Yamaha SRT’s French rider Fabio Quartararo produced Fabio Quartararo a thrilling ride to claim a re- competes during sounding victory at the Cata- Results the MotoGP race lonia MotoGP on Sunday, MotoGP: 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha- of the Moto Grand his third of the season which SRT) 40min 33.176sec, 2. Joan Mir (ESP/ Prix de Catalunya sends him top of the world Suzuki) at 0.928, 3. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) in Montmelo on championship standings. 1.898, 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) the outskirts of Joan Mir, on a Suzuki, 2.846, 5. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) Barcelona, Spain, came through to take second 3.391, 6. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati- on Sunday. (AFP) Pramac) 3.518, 7. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ and is now eight points behind Honda-LCR) 3.671, 8. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/ Quartararo in the standings, Ducati) 6.117, 9. Maverick Vinales 13.607 while Alex Rins completed the (ESP/Yamaha), 10. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/ podium. Honda-LCR) 14.483 The race began in dramatic Moto2: 1. Luca Marini (ITA/Kalex) 38min fashion with Andrea Dovizio- Petronas Yamaha SRT’s French rider Fabio Quartararo celebrates on 11.103sec, 2.Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex)at so, who led the title race by the podium after winning the MotoGP race of the Moto Grand Prix de 0.981sec, 3. Fabio Di Giannantonio (ITA/ a single point from French- Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. (AFP) Speed Up) 4.399, 4. Jorge Navarro (ESP/ Speed UP) 5. Joe Roberts (USA/Kalex) 5.797 man Quartararo and Maverick Moto3: 1. Darryn Binder (RSA/KTM) 38min Championship standings Vinales, was taken out in the how strong the Suzukis were. spot. Two laps later, however, 32.507, 2. Tony Arbolino (ITA/Honda)at opening lap after tangling with “I am not completely 100 trying to make up ground on 0.103, 3. Dennis Foggia (ITA/Honda) 0.157, MotoGP (after 8 races): 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA) 108 points, 2. Joan Mir (ESP) 100, 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP) 90, 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) 84, 5. Franco Morbidelli Johann Zarcho. percent but I went step by step the flying Quartararo, the 4. Sergio Garcia (ESP/Honda) 0.232, 5. (ITA) 77, 6. Jack Miller (AUS) 75, 7. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN) 72, 8. Alex Rins (ESP) 60, 9. Miguel Oliveira (POR) 59, 10. Brad Binder (RSA) 58 Alonso Lopez 0.386 Moto2 (after 9 races): 1. Luca Marini (ITA) 150 points, 2. Enea Bastianini (ITA) 120, 3.Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) 114, 4. Sam Lowes (GBR) 103, 5. Jorge Martin (ESP)79 Quartararo, on a Yamaha, and I am very happy with this 41-year-old slid into the gravel Moto3 (after 9 races): 1. Ai Ogura (JPN) 122, 2. Albert Arenas (ESP) 119 points, 3. John McPhee (GBR) 98, 4. Tony Arbolino (ITA) 95, 5. Celestino Vietti (ITA) 94. won the opening two races of win. on turn two, his race over. the season but has struggled “I suffered in my head a lot Morbidelli, who won in since then, failing to reach the in the last month, not getting San Marino two races ago, podium in the last five races. on the podium, it wasn’t easy.” looked good to take second Morbidelli then lost his race with a pole to line victory sixth. take the victory ahead of the But the 21-year-old, who Starting from pole, along- but could not hold off Mir who place on the podium as Rins, which marked the Italian’s The South African Dar- Italians Tony Arbolino and showed signs of a return to side the fellow Yamahas of swept past him with two laps who started down in 13th, put third win of the season. ryn Binder took his first win Dennis Foggia. form in last week’s Emilia-Ro- Franco Morbidelli and Valen- to go. the gloss on an excellent race. Britain’s Sam Lowes fin- in Moto3 as two of the main “It is an extraordinary feel- magna MotoGP when he came tino Rossi, he set a fierce pace “We had a great race,” said Quartararo heads the ished second with 21-year-old world title contenders, Albert ing. I have waited a long time fourth, was back to his best in which put the pressure on the Mir whose second place puts standings with 108 points, Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio Arenas and John McPhee, but today I did everything I Barcelona, although his bike field, especially those trying to him within touching distance eight clear of Mir. in third for his first podium of both had to abandon. could,” said Binder, who rides almost blew the race. close him down. of Quartararo. the year. The 22-year-old Binder, for the CIP Green Power team. “The race was very hard for One who suffered was Ros- “We needed one more lap Marini dominates Moto2 Marini now holds a whose older brother Brad rides Japanese rider Ai Ogura me,” said Quartararo. si, who had taken advantage of as I could see that Fabio was Moto2 championship lead- 20-point lead in the title for KTM in MotoGP, started finished 11th and leads the “My back tyre was com- a wobble by Morbidelli with 11 losing ground but I couldn’t er Luca Marini, on a Kalex, race ahead of fellow Italian way back in 20th position on championship, three points pletely wrecked and we knew laps to go to move into second catch him,” said Mir. tightened his grip on the title Enea Bastianini, who finished the grid but came through to ahead of Arenas.