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TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 Top-seeded Simona Halep wins Italian Open after Pliskova retires from final In 2013 here I started to reach the top of world tennis. Since then I started to play really well and finally, after two finals, I could win this title.

Simona Halep Sport |08

GOLF: US OPEN (TOP FIVE) Bryson DeChambeau (274), M. Wolff (280), L. Oosthuizen (282), H. English (283), X. Schauffele (284) Al Shorta’s ACL: Almoez strikes as Al Duhail Fayyadh rues missed edge Persepolis for crucial win opportunity

CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA THEAFC.COM —

Star striker made the Forward Mazin Fayyadh was most of a penalty kick and left to reflect on missed chances struck his third goal in this after Al Shorta played to a 1-1 season’s AFC Champions draw against Islamic Republic League (ACL) as Al Duhail of Iran’s Esteghlal FC in their clinched a crucial 1-0 win 2020 AFC Champions League against Iran’s Persepolis FC in Group A match on Sunday. their Group C encounter which Fayyadh gave Al Shorta the took place at the Education City lead in the 25th minute but a Stadium, yesterday. series of missed chances cost The Qatari forward’s goal the Iraqi side heavily after sub- which came in the 60th minute stitute Amir Arsalan Motahari also took the QNB Stars League equalised for Esteghlal winners to top of the table in A win would have sealed Al their Group. Shorta’s place in the Round of The fixture was of great 16 but they now need group importance to both the teams winners Al Ahli Saudi FC to as only three points separated deny Esteghlal a win tomorrow the top and bottom placed to advance. teams in Group C before the “We dominated the first half kick off yesterday, with Perse- but missed many scoring polis occupying the top spot chances, We also had opportu- with seven points. nities to seal the tie in the A victory was the ‘only second half but failed to take Al Duhail’s forward Almoez Ali (left) scores from a penalty spot against Iran’s Persepolis, yesterday. option’ according to Al them. Duhail’s coach Walid Regragui, “This is football as you get who had emphasised the dangerous play from Ali on That resulted in a penalty in The Iranian side continued punished if you don’t take your importance of a win against . Bashar the 58th minute after an to push forward for an equaliser chances to score goals,” said the the former ACL finalists, fol- Resan curled it over the wall aggressive challenge by Khalil- but failed to break the Al Duhail 23-year-old forward. lowing their shock defeat in but could not get it down in zadeh on Al Duhail’s Belgian momentum until the final “We were affected by the the hands of Sharjah in their time to hit the target. midfieldr Edmilson inside the whistle. lack of official matches for a previous fixture. A quick exchange of passes box. The result means Al Duhail period of six months,” Fayyadh The first half of the match at the other end saw Ramin Al Duhail captain Ali then now have nine points and sit said. saw a keen tussle for the ball Rezaeian break free in space fired home his third goal from above the rest of the pack in “It was very hard for us to YESTERDAY’S RESULTS possession, with both teams down the right, but the former three matches to put the Qatari their race to the knockout stage play in the AFC Champions GROUP C defending well against each Persepolis player watched as side in front. with one more match to go. League which is more difficult Al Duhail SC (QAT) 1-0 Persepolis FC (IRN) other while not many chances his effort was parried by goal- Persepolis almost levelled Persepolis also remain in than the local league. Al Taawoun FC (KSA) 0-6 Sharjah (UAE) were created. keeper Hamed Lak. the scores six minutes later contention with their fate to be “Add to that the fact that we GROUP D With just three minutes to Upon restart, the hosts when Resan tested goalkeeper determined in their final played three matches in only Al Sadd SC (QAT) 1-1 Al Nassr (KSA) the break, Persepolis were stepped up their efforts and Mohammed Al Bakri, but the Al encounter against Sharjah. seven days was very hard for Sepahan FC (IRN) 0-0 Al Ain FC (UAE) awarded a free-kick on the continued to put pressure on Duhail custodian made a bril- us as players in term of fitness,” edge of the area after the Iranian side. liant save to spoil the effort. Additional inputs from theafc.com. he added. Bounedjah gives Al Sadd valuable point

THE PENINSULA — DOHA the 13th minute. After being set up equaliser but despite their efforts, Going into the final few minutes by Nam Tae-hee, Hassan Al Haydos the first half would end with Al of the game, the Al Sadd players seems to have tried a shot from the edge of the Nassr carrying the narrow pushed forward with urgency and regained his golden 2018 form box but Al Nassr keeper Brad Jones advantage. their efforts finally paid off in the when he scored record-equalling kept it out for a corner. Khoukhi At halftime, Hernandez 87th minute, when a loose ball fell 13 goals for Al Sadd at the AFC Boualem also had a go moments decided to send on Musaab Khidir to Bounedjah at the edge of the box. Champions League. After scoring later, shooting from distance but in place of , Bounedjah gifted his side a point three goals in two games against Al Jones was once again able to parry while replaced when he curled the ball into Jones’ Ain, the feared striker struck a late the ball. Khoukhi Boualem. net after Afif had played a ground equaliser against Al Nassr yesterday At the other end, Al Nassr There were few real chances at pass to Nam, the number 10 beau- to secure a 1-1 draw for the Wolves started making inroads and Abdul- either end in the second half as tifully played the Algeria interna- at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. fattah Adam went clear on goal in well, with the only opportunity of tional in to finish off. The draw gave a much-wanted the 19th minute, only to see his shot note coming in the 58th minute, After the equaliser, Bounedjah point to Al Sadd, taking them to a kept out by a great save from Saad when Guilherme sent a powerful had another chance late on, as he tally of nine, two behind Group D Al Dosari, who had raced off his line shot at goal, only to see it fly over managed to nudge the ball of a points leaders Al Nassr, who are yet to meet him. the crossbar. defender in front of goal, but it to taste defeat. Three minutes later, however, In the 71st minute, Rodrigo rolled away and wide of the post. Khalid Al Ghannam had put Al- Saad was beaten. Al Ghannam sent Tabata replaced Al Haydos to Moments later, the referee signalled Nassr ahead in the 22nd minute a low strike from a tight angle, that freshen up Al Sadd’s attack, while for full time, and the Wolves had to before Bounedjah equalised for Al slipped in past the keeper to give was also substituted be satisfied with a point. Sadd in the 87th minute. Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead. for Yousuf Abdurisag, who played Al Sadd face Sepahan, while Al Al Sadd started the game slowly, After that shock goal, Al Sadd as the right-back, while Pedro Nassr will face the already elimi- before creating their first chance in pressed forward in search of an moved to the centre of the defence. nated Al Ain FC on Thursday. Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates his goal, yesterday. Djokovic wins fifth Italian Open to make Masters history

REUTERS — ROME 18 unforced errors. “I’m proud that I managed Schwartzman, who outplayed to find the fifth gear when I World number one Novak It was a great week, a defending champion Rafa Nadal needed it.” Djokovic overcame a sluggish very challenging week. I in the quarter-finals, snatched Djokovic’s win moves him start to lift his fifth Italian Open found my best tennis another early break in the clear on the list of Masters 1000 title yesterday, defeating second set but Djokovic was titles, one ahead of rival Nadal, Argentine Diego Schwartzman when I needed it most. quick to respond. and sets him up perfectly for an 7-5, 6-3 for a record 36th ATP I’m proud that I managed The top seed stepped up the assault on next week’s Masters crown. to find the fifth gear intensity to break Schwartz- rescheduled French Open. Playing in his maiden ATP when I needed it: man’s serve twice before “Now we turn to Paris and 1000 final, eighth seed Novak Djokovic serving out the match com- I couldn’t ask for a better tour- Schwartzman raced out of the fortably to seal victory -- nament here in Rome,” the blocks to convert two break clinching it with a drop shot. 33-year-old Djokovic, the oldest point opportunities for a 3-0 “It was a great week, a very male winner of the Italian Open lead as Djokovic’s usually challenging week,” Djokovic, title, said. clinical backhand offered up Schwartzman’s serve to draw who was playing his first event Heading into Roland Garros, some errors. level at 3-3. since being defaulted at the US Djokovic has won 31 of his 32 An on-and-off drizzle at Djokovic’s relentless Open for inadvertently hitting matches this season, and will Foro Italico, which included a baseline hitting came to the fore a line judge with a ball, said on be among the favourites Novak Djokovic poses with his trophy after winning the final of smattering of fans, added to when he broke Schwartzman court. alongside 12-times winner the Italian Open against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. Djokovic’s frustration but he in the 12th game to take the “I found my best tennis Nadal and US Open champion still found a way past opening set, despite committing when I needed it most.” Dominic Thiem. TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 ES win Saying goodbye to Rakitic bids Croatia squad is the most difficult decision 5th Tunisian in my carrier. But I felt that is the moment title farewell to when I have ... to make this decision QNA – Ivan Rakitic Croatia career Espérance Sportive de Tunis won the Tunisian Super Cup for the fifth time in its history and the AFP – ZAGREB Coach Zlatko Dalic said he talked with fourth in a row, after beating Club Sportif Sfaxien Rakitic about his decision and added that, on penalties 5-4 on Sunday evening at the Croatia international Ivan Rakitic yesterday despite regrets, respected it. Olympic Stadium in Rades. bid farewell to the national team with whom “Ivan had a great career in the national The two teams resorted to penalty kicks after he reached the final at the 2018 World Cup in team and no one will forget his cold- the original time ended with a draw. EST suc- Russia, the country’s football federation said. bloodedness during decisive penalties ceeded in achieving the local double after “Saying goodbye to Croatia squad is the at the World Cup,” Dalic said in a winning the Tunisian League title this season. most difficult decision in my carrier. statement. With this victory, EST strengthened its “But I felt that is the moment when I have Croatia’s next match is a friendly record as the most successful team in ... to make this decision,” the 32-year-old against Switzerland on October 7. the championship, after scoring Sevilla midfielder said in a Croatian Football Barcelona agreed to sell for the fifth time in its history, Federation (HNS) statement. Rakitic back to Sevilla in early two titles ahead of its closest “I enjoyed every match I have played for September for 1.5 million opponents, Club African my homeland and unforgettable moments euros ($1.8m). (CA) and Etoile Sportive du from the World Cup will remain among Rakitic, who had a Sahel (ESS). favourite memories of my life.” Rakitic, who year left on his contract Esperance Sports was able to achieve the did not elaborate on the reasons for the at the Camp Nou, Tunisian Super Cup for the fourth time in a row decision, made his debut for Croatia in 2007. spent three seasons after winning the championship with its new He won 106 caps and scored 15 goals. His last with Sevilla and title for the first time in 1993 by beating Club appearance came against Wales in a Euro won the Europa Mostakbal Almarsaa (AS) 2-0, and the second qualifying game last October. League in 2014 time in front of the Sports Club in Hammam-Lif HNS recalled that Rakitic converted the right before 3-1 in 2001, and in the third time against CA final penalties in the shootouts against moving to the Bizerte 2-1 last year. Denmark in the round of 16 and Russia in the Camp Nou. EST won the Tunisian League title in 2019- quarterfinal in 2018 as Croatia advanced to He was one of several Barcelona players 2020 season for the 13th time in its history, while their first ever World Cup final. who were reportedly told they were not part Sfaxien won second place in the competition Croatia lost 4-2 to France. of new manager Ronald Koeman’s plans. ranking. The two teams reserved a seat in the next edition of the African Champions League. Celtic, Aberdeen Alli must earn his place at Spurs or risk exit fined over AFP – LONDON Son, Giovani Lo Celso and now Gareth Bale or a the return of Wales star Bale and the improving place in the teateam.m. formform ooff Tanguy NNdombeledombele pplace even greater virus breaches One of Jose Mourinho’s top priorities when he “I want a balanced ssquad,quad, that’s what I want,” pressurepressure on him. became Tottenham boss was to bring back the “real Mourinho saidaid wwhenhen asked whetherwhether he wwantedanted Mourinho was quick to ididentify a drop-off in AFP – LONDON Dele Alli (pictured)”. But he is still waiting for the Alli to stay. AAlli’slli’s fformorm whenwhen hehe bbecameecam Tottenham boss midfielder to rediscover his best form. “He doesn’tsn’t neeneedd to bbee sacrisacrificed,ficed, bbutut lastlast NovemNovember,ber, ddemandingemand he start playing Celtic and Aberdeen have each been fined The England international, who has the prized the squad is a puzzle. The only thing I cancan “like“like DDele”.ele”. £8,000 by the Scottish Professional ability to unlock defences, has played just 45 say is that I llefteft eigeightht pplayerslayers bbehind,”ehind,” hhee AndAnd hehe subsequentlysubsequentl accused his player Football League following breaches of minutes of football this season and his future at added. ofof beinbeingg “laz“lazy”y” in traintrainingin during the “All or coronavirus protocols. Spurs is in doubt. “They stayedayed and trained this morninmorningg Nothing”Nothing” documentarydocumentar that captured life Both clubs received £30,000 Alli was substituted at half-time during the because theyey are a bbigig group anandd DeDelele is behindbehind tthehe scescenesnes at TottenhamTo last season. ($38,000) fines in total following disci- defeat against Everton in his side’s Premier League amongst theseese plaplayers.”yers.” TheThe midfielder has struggledstrug to put together plinary hearings but the bulk of the pun- opener and did not travel to Bulgaria for a Europa Alli wass linkedlinked withwith a mmoveove to RRealeal a consistent run over thethe past two years after ishment is suspended and will only be League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv. Madrid as ppartart ooff tthehe ddealeal thatthat impressingimpressing at the 2018 World Cup in invoked if there are further breaches. He was not in the matchday squad for the 5-2 eventually sawaw BaBalele rejoin Tot-Tot- Russia andand hhasa also fallen out of Eight Aberdeen players were win at Southampton on Sunday, instead forced to tenham on loaloan.n. PParisaris SaSaint-int- favourfavour wwith England boss instructed to self-isolate, and two tested train at the club’s north London base while Son Germain aarere reportereportedlydly GarethGareth SSouthgate.o positive for Covid-19, following a night Heung-min scored four and Harry Kane added interested inn tthehe attacattackingking AlliAlli iis likely to appear in out. another. midfielder. today’stoday’s League Cup third- Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli played against Mourinho put Alli’s absence down to an unbal- It is understooderstood that roundround match with Leyton Kilmarnock days after failing to quar- anced squad. The 24-year-old faces competition Alli wants too staystay and OrientOrO ient asa Mourinho wrestles antine following a trip to Spain. from Erik Lamela, Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura, fight for his plplaceace but with a packed fixture list.

Royal Challengers Bangalore players skipper (second left) and team-mates Smith set to IPL umpire congratulate Yujvendra Chahal after the spinner took a wicket during their IPL match against , yesterday. PIC: TWITTER/@RCBTWEETS lead Royals ‘man of the after passing match’ after concussion short-run test in the UAE howler AFP – NEW DELHI Australia’s Steve Smith is set AFP – DUBAI to lead his IPL club side Rajasthan Royals in their first Former India star Virender Sehwag match today after passing a led the criticism yesterday after an concussion test in the United umpiring error that may have Arab Emirates. affected the outcome of an Indian Smith was struck on the Premier League game. side of the helmet during Kings XI Punjab lost to Delhi training early this month and Capitals in a super over on Sunday was ruled out of the three after the teams were tied at 157 each England one-day interna- at the end of the Twenty20 match. Padikkal, Chahal shine in RCB’s win tionals with signs of But in the 19th over of Punjab’s concussion. chase, square-leg umpire Nitin IANS – DUBAI Chasing 164, the SRH Chahal in the 16th over. Vijay who opened the innings for “Been in Dubai for a couple Menon had signalled Chris Jordan didn’t have the best of starts Shankar, the next batsman, the RCB, scored 56 runs off 42 of days now with some good for a short run -- not grounding his A brilliant half-century from to their chase as they lost went back to the pavilion balls, with the help of eight rest and then got into a bit of bat inside the crease when running debutant Devdutt Padikkal skipper (6), without troubling the scorers fours. de Villiers, on the other running,” Smith was quoted between the wickets. followed by some class spin who was run out. Manish as he was undone by a beau- hand, played a 51-run knock saying in a franchise statement TV replays showed Jordan’s bat bowling from Yujvendra Pandey, who came in next, tiful Chahal googly. which came of just 30 on Monday. was in the crease. But nothing could Chahal helped Royal Chal- stitched a 71-run partnership The SRH then lost two deliveries. “Yesterday I did a bit of be done as the third umpire does lengers Bangalore (RCB) beat with opener . quick wickets and their chase The RCB will next play the zig-zag running, which is part not the have authority to overturn the SunRisers Hyderabad However, just when things went off the track. Right-arm Kings XI Punjab on Thursday of the protocols to pass to get an on-field call, unless it is referred (SRH) by 10 runs in their seemed to be sailing smoothly pacer Navdeep Saini picked while the SRH will lock horns back to play and today I’ll have for review. In the super over, South opening game of the 13th for the SRH, Pandey got out two wickets in his final over with the Kolkata Knight Riders a hit in the nets. African quick Kagiso Rabada struck edition of the Indian Premier while trying to hit a maximum and sealed the win for Kohli on Saturday. “Hopefully, pull up well twice to limit Punjab to just two League (IPL) here on Monday against Yujvendra Chahal & Co. The SRH got bundled out Brief scores: from the hit and be good to runs, a total that Delhi overhauled evening. after scoring 34 runs. for 153, falling short of the RCB 163/4 in 20 overs play tomorrow.” Royals, in just three balls. The RCB first posted 163/4 Priyam Garg, making his target by 10 runs. (Devdutt Padikkal 56, AB de winner of the inaugural edition As social media erupted over the in their allotted 20 overs and IPL debut, then joined forces Earlier, put into bat, the Villiers 51; Abhishek Sharma of the Twenty20 tournament short-run decision, Sehwag then defended the total by with Bairstow who kept on RCB had posted 163/4 in their 2/16) beat SRH 153 all out in in 2008, will face Chennai tweeted: “I don’t agree with the man causing a sensational batting smashing boundaries at will allotted 20 overs, riding on 19.4 overs (Jonny Bairstow 61, Super Kings in Sharjah. of the match choice. The umpire collapse at the Dubai Interna- and scored 61 runs off just 43 half-centuries from Padikkal 34; Yujvendra “Fantastic news that Steve who gave this short run should have tional Stadium. balls before he was bowled by and AB de Villiers. Padikkal, Chahal 3/18) by 10 runs is available. It’s fantastic espe- been man of the match. cially on the back of some set- Umpiring standards also came backs back in the UK,” Royals into question in last year’s IPL, coach Andrew McDonald said. during which India captain Virat Kings XI Punjab appeal over umpiring error “It’s obviously great to Kohli tersely commented: “We are have your skipper available for not playing club cricket.” Kohli’s AFP – DUBAI But in the 19th over of Punjab’s chase, “We have appealed against the the first game as I’ve said team Royal Challengers Bangalore square-leg umpire Nitin Menon had sig- decision which could have been corrected before we are in really good were denied a win when the Kings XI Punjab lodged a formal nalled Chris Jordan for a short run -- not had technology been brought into play,” hands.” Royals though will umpires missed a clear no-ball by complaint yesterday over an umpiring grounding his bat inside the crease when a senior Kings XI official told AFP on con- miss England’s Jos Buttler in the Mumbai Indians’ Lasith Malinga error which proved critical in their running between the wickets. dition of anonymity. the first game due to his quar- on the final delivery. narrow loss to the TV replays showed Jordan’s bat was Appeals are made to the match antine after arriving in the UAE The world’s richest T20 league Delhi Capitals. The second match of the in the crease. But nothing could be done referee, who in this case was India’s and fellow countrymate Ben is being played in the United Arab world’s richest Twenty20 tournament as the third umpire does not have the Javagal Srinath. However, there is no pro- Stokes, who is in New Zealand Emirates after being shifted out of ended in a tie on Sunday before Punjab authority to overturn an on-field call, vision for overturning an on-field with his ailing father, for a few India due to rising coronavirus cases. lost out in a super over. unless it is referred for review. decision after a match. more matches. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 27 champion athletes to take centre stage as action returns to

FROM LEFT: Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto, Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands, Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis of Sweden, Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah and Helen Obiri of Kenya. Star cast set for Doha Diamond League

THE PENINSULA – DOHA above, Timothy Cheruiyot (Kenya), world 1500m champion, Ten Olympic medallists from Rio Six reigning world champions will race over 800m. QAF ready to host 2016 and 17 World Championship and three reigning Olympic The 24-year-old, who has a medallists from Doha 2019 will champions, including pole best of 1:43.11 from August 2019, star at the Wanda Doha Diamond clocked an impressive 3:28.45 to 'exceptional' Doha League on Friday, September 25, vault world record holder win the 1500m in Monaco, just 2020. Mondo Duplantis, Doha 2019 four one-hundredths of a second Across a high quality pro- winner Sam Kendricks, Double outside his lifetime best. meet: Dr. Thani gramme, event highlights are Olympic sprint champion Mike Rodgers (USA), 4 x 100m DOHA expected to include the men’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, world relay gold medallist, will QNA – pole vault and 1500m, and the line up in the 100m. women’s 100m and 3000m. Olympic and world 3000mSC Faith Kipyegon (Kenya), The President of Qatar Athletics Federation,ion, In the men’s pole vault, world champion Conseslus Kipruto, Olympic 1500m champion, will Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari under-der- record holder Mondo Duplantis will return to Doha for the star in the women’s 800m. The lined that the “Doha Diamond League”, whichhich (Sweden) - World Championships marquee event. 2017 world 1500m champion, will be held next Friday at the Qatar Sportsorts silver medallist in Doha 2019 - runner-up in Doha 2019, set a Club, is exceptional because it is the first globalobal will again be the one to watch. national record of 2:29.15 for tournament the country will host during the Having set an outright world 1000m in Monaco, narrowly COVID-19 crisis. record of 6.18m at the World missing the world record for the In a press statement, Dr. Al Kuwari said:aid: Indoor Tour meeting in Glasgow Diamond League meeting in rarely-run distance. “Hosting the championship at this time rep-rep- in February, he is now officially Rome - is the fastest time of the “In spite of incredibly chal- resents a great challenge for us, but we are the best vaulter in history fol- year to date. lenging circumstances, I’m proud able to accomplish this difficult challengenge lowing his incredible 6.15m Olympic silver medallist of the fantastic fields we’ve put through great cooperation with the Ministry clearance at the Wanda Rome Dafne Schippers (Netherlands) together for this event,” says of Public Health and the responsible and rel- Diamond League on 17 Sep- has withdrawn. Khalid Al Marri, Wanda Doha evant authorities in the country, and through tember. His outdoor best exceeds In the women’s 3000m, an Diamond League Meeting full compliance with local and international Hosting the championship at this time Sergey Bubka’s previous record exciting field brings together Director. requirements and following the health pro- represents a great challenge for us, but of 6.14m which stood for a Kenyan quartet Hellen Obiri and “It’s been a tough summer for tocol required to produce this version of the remarkable 26 years. Beatrice Chepkoech, 2019 world everyone, yet we’ve witnessed Diamond League in the best possible way.” we are able to accomplish this difficult Duplantis is joined in Doha champions over 5000m and some exceptional track and field He noted that the challenge lies in how dif- challenge through great cooperation by reigning world champion Sam 3000mSC respectively, in performances. I’m confident that ficult it is to hold the championship in Qatar with the Ministry of Public Health and Kendricks (USA), in addition to addition to Olympic 3000mSC in Doha, the fourth and final compared to the rest of the other rounds, the responsible and relevant authorities London 2012 Olympic gold med- silver medallist Hyvin Kiyeng; competitive meeting of this because most of the tours were held in Europe in the country, and through full allist Renaud Lavillenie (France). world 5000m runner-up Mar- shortened 2020 Wanda Diamond and it was easy for the athletes in Europe to compliance with local and international The men’s 1500m includes garet Chelimo Kipkemboi; world League series, that we’ll provide travel and move between the European coun- Olympic and world 3000mSC 1500m bronze medallist Gudaf a fitting finale.” tries, but it is not easy to move and travel to requirements and following the health champion Conseslus Kipruto Tsegay (Ethiopia); and world Doha’s Qatar Sports Club will the Middle East at the present time and this protocol required to produce this (Kenya), world silver medallists 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes host the revised 12-event pro- was the big dilemma. version of the Diamond League in the over 5000m (Selemon Barega) Jebet Tirop (Kenya). gramme for the Wanda Doha On the champions taking part in the tour- best possible way. and 3000mSC (Lamecha Girma), Obiri, Olympic 5000m silver Diamond League which includes nament, Dr. Al Kuwari said that there are a both Ethiopia, and world medallist and 2019 World Cross sprint hurdles and 800m for both group of prominent stars who will participate Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari 3000mSC bronze medallist Sou- Country champion, proved her men and women; 100m, 3000m in the Doha Meeting, including 10 champions President of Qatar Athletics Federation fiane El Bakkali (Morocco). recent good form with a world- and long jump for women; and who won Olympic medals in the 2016 Rio Double Olympic sprint leading 14:22.12 to win the 200m, 400m, 1500m and pole Olympics and 17 medallists from the Doha champion Elaine Thompson- 5000m at the Wanda Monaco vault for men. World Championships. Herah (Jamaica) and multiple Diamond League in August. Due to the impact of QAF President said that the Qatari partic- World Championships medallist In total, six reigning world COVID-19, the 2020 Wanda ipation will not be present in this tournament, for all possibilities, and that everyone is com- Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Ivory Coast) champions and three reigning Diamond League does not form adding that all players must be prepared to mitted to the requirements, and all the players will go head-to-head in the Olympic champions will return a structured series of events participate in the Tokyo Olympics 2021. are professional and abide by the health women’s 100m. to Doha for the Wanda Doha leading to a final and athletes will Al Kuwari affirmed that everyone in the requirements, and they will leave Doha two Thompson-Herah’s 10.85 Diamond League. not earn Diamond League points organising committee is at the top of readiness days after arrival. season’s best - set at the Wanda In addition to those noted this season. German F1 GP to allow up to 20,000 fans Tokyo consulting firm REUTERS – BERLIN paid $370,000 to IOC Next month’s Eifel Grand Prix at Germany’s Nuerburgring track can have official’s son: Report as many as 20,000 fans in attendance, local authorities said on Monday, with AFP – TOKYO transferred more than $150,000 the region’s coronavirus infections to the personal account of Papa under control. A consulting firm hired by Massata Diack and wired “The permission for 20,000 fans is Tokyo’s Olympic bid committee $217,000 to a company run by within the decision of the state that paid some $370,000 to the son him by January 2014. allows up to 20 percent of stadium of an International Olympic The findings, based on capacity for major sports events if Committee member before and financial documents and infection figures are inconspicuous and after Japan was picked to host the reporting by the International the public infrastructure allows for Games, reports said yesterday. Consortium of Investigative Jour- social distancing rules to be met,” Ahr- The claims come as French nalists, including Kyodo, may shed weiler district council said. authorities probe an alleged light on allegations that the Tokyo Tickets for the Oct. 11 race went on vote-buying scandal, centring bid committee engaged in vote- sale shortly after the decision. The Nuer- around $2m paid by the Tokyo buying, the news agency said. burgring can normally accommodate bid committee to Black Tidings, In an interview with Kyodo, more than 100,000 spectators. a Singapore-based firm linked to Papa Massata denied the Germany reported 922 more pos- FORMULA ONE SCHEDULE-WINNERS Senegalese national Papa allegations. itive coronavirus cases on Monday with Massata Diack. Tsunekazu Takeda, former the overall death toll at 9,386. July 5 - Austrian Grand Prix (Valtteri Bottas) Oct. 11 - Eifel Grand Prix, Barcelona. Diack is the son of the former head of the Tokyo bid committee, The old Nuerburgring was a famous July 12 - Styrian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Oct. 25 - Portuguese Grand Prix, Portimao, head of the International Asso- has also denied any wrongdoing. pre-World War Two venue for grand July 19 - Hungarian Grand Prix (Lewis Portugal. ciation of Athletics Federations, Last year Takeda stepped down prix racing and the remodelled circuit Hamilton) Nov. 1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, (IAAF) -- now renamed World from the head of Japan’s Olympic last featured in the Formula One world Aug. 2 - British Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Italy. Athletics -- Lamine Diack. Committee following the French championship in 2013. Aug. 9 - 70th Anniversary Grand Prix (Max Nov. 15 - Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul. Lamine Diack was also a investigation. The circuit sank into insolvency in Verstappen) Nov. 29 - Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir. member of the IOC and said to Last week Lamine Diack -- 2012 and changed ownership in 2014. Aug. 16 - Spanish Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Nov. 29 - Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, have influence over African votes who led the IAAF for 16 years -- Six-times world champion Lewis Aug. 30 - Belgian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) United Arab Emirates. at the time of the Tokyo bid in was found guilty by a French Hamilton has won six of nine races this Sept. 6 - Italian Grand Prix (Pierre Gasly) Dec. 6 - Sakhir Grand Prix, Sakhir. September 2013 to host the 2020 court of corruption in covering season and is 55 points clear of second- Sept. 13 - Tuscan Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Dec. 13 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, Games, Japan’s Kyodo News said. up Russian doping cases and sen- placed Valtteri Bottas in the standings Sept. 27 - Russian Grand Prix, Sochi. United Arab Emirates. According to Kyodo, the now- tenced to four years in prison, with eight rounds remaining, defunct Black Tidings had two of which were suspended. TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

Bryson DeChambeau of the United States celebrates with US OPEN CHAMPIONS Cycling the trophy after winning the 120th US Open at Winged 2020_Bryson DeChambeau, United States Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. 2019_Gary Woodland, United States Rip-roaring 2018_Brooks Koepka, United States 2017_Brooks Koepka, United States Tour de France 2016_Dustin Johnson, United States 2015_Jordan Spieth, United States a litany of 2014_Martin Kaymer, Germany 2013_Justin Rose, England cautionary tales 2012_Webb Simpson, United States 2011_Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland AFP - PARIS 2010_Graeme McDowell, Northern Ireland 2009_Lucas Glover, United States Cycling’s rescheduled Tour de France 2008_Tiger Woods, United States made a proud entry into Paris on Sunday with its boyish champion Tadej 2007_Angel Cabrera, Argentina Pogacar the figurehead of a storied 2006_Geoff Ogilvy, Australia 21-day extravaganza crowned by a 2005_Michael Campbell, New Zealand twist in the tail. DeChambeau 2004_Retief Goosen, South Africa Many predicted the Covid-19 pan- 2003_Jim Furyk, United States demic would prevent the race making 2002_Tiger Woods, United States it the 3,400 kilometres from the Med- 2001_y-Retief Goosen, South Africa iterranean city of Nice to the French capital. 2000_Tiger Woods, United States And that ever constant tension muscles his 1999_Payne Stewart, United States provided the drumbeat for the series 1998_Lee Janzen, United States of cautionary tales and the modern day 1997_Ernie Els, South Africa David slaying Goliath reenactment that 1996_Steve Jones, United States unfolded before a stunned global 1995_Corey Pavin, United States audience. way to US 1994_y-Ernie Els, South Africa Saturday’s gut-wrenching penul- 1993_Lee Janzen, United States timate stage time trial saw the 21-year- old Pogacar rip the yellow jersey from 1992_Tom Kite, United States his 30-year-old Slovenian compatriot 1991_Payne Stewart, United States Primoz Roglic on the slopes of the 1990_Hale Irwin, United States Planche des Belles Filles climb. Open win 1989_Curtis Strange, United States Dressed from head to toe in black, Roglic looked a broken man as the dust settled. REUTERS - MAMARONECK, NY “I cried, I’ll cry again,” said the leader of Dutch team Jumbo-Visma. A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau bashed his way to a six-shot Will young Bryson’s victory “I just seemed to have no power,” he US Open victory on Sunday, silencing any lingering questions as explained. to whether his brawny game could translate to the major stage. But the stark warning was written World number nine DeChambeau, who began the day two change golf? Rivals divided large in the Tour de France official shots back of US Open debutant Matthew Wolff, clinched his first programme. major title with a mix of jaw-dropping drives and clutch putts, AFP - NEW YORK game has been very good and this place is “Anybody with little left in the tank shooting a virtually flawless three-under-par 67 to reach six under not easy around the greens,” Johnson said. could lose two or three minutes here,” for the tournament. Whether Bryson DeChambeau’s US Open “Is it the proper way? I don’t know, but the race designer himself, Thierry Gou- “I did it. I did it. As difficult as this golf course was presented, victory will revolutionize golf or just give it’s a way to play. And it’s not wrong at all. venou, predicted. I played it beautifully,” DeChambeau said of Winged Foot, on one a few people a new edge, it had other It’s just very different but also very effective.” Pogacar won three stages but was of the hardest layouts the United States Golf Association has to players talking after Sunday’s final round With new club and ball technology to racing with a depleted team on his first offer. at Winged Foot. stress distance and big muscles to propel Tour de France. Wolff (75), appearing in only his second major, was one shot Ignoring fears of deep rough in favour them, DeChambeau has “taken advantage So just how did the team that had back of DeChambeau at the turn but fell apart over a back nine of pure distance, DeChambeau fired a of where the game is at the minute,” Mcilroy appeared to dominate a Tour, that included two bogeys and a double-bogey. three-under par 67 to win his first major said. destroying the hopes of the home A fearless DeChambeau, whose final round included an eagle, title by six strokes, jumping from ninth to “Whether that’s good or bad, it’s just the nation and ending the reign of Dave two birdies and a bogey, attacked at every chance and for his fifth in world rankings. way it is.” Brailsford’s British outfit Ineos, let efforts was the only player to break par in the final round as he “Revolutionize? Maybe he’s just American Harris English, fourth on 283, victory slip from their grasp? cruised to a maiden major at his 16th attempt. exposing our game,” American Xander notes the short-game skill required to max- All-time great Eddy Merckx didn’t The 27-year-old, who re-emerged from the PGA Tour’s three- Schauffele said. “If he keeps hitting it further imize the advantage in the strategy. mince his words. month COVID-19 suspension in mid-June packing serious muscle and further, I don’t see why he wouldn’t be “It’s incredible what he can do out of the “They were asking for it riding and hitting a startling distance off the tee, attacked Winged Foot able to win many more US Opens.” rough,” English said. “It’s a game that we’ve defensively like that. Imagine letting all week like few other golfers can. DeChambeau’s scientific approach, now really never seen before. yourself get taken like that,” said the So confident in his approach, DeChambeau unleashed his including a bulked-up body bolstered by “John Daly changed it a little bit during five-time Tour de France winner. driver on practically every par-four and par-five hole as he figured protein shakes and exercise over a three- his time, Tiger (Woods) changed it and Jumbo failed to twist the knife the birdie chances would outweigh the risk that Winged Foot’s month coronavirus layoff, has proven a Bryson is changing it again. It’s really with Pogacar trailing behind at the nasty rough creates. winning formula: drive long, wedge from impressive what he’s doing.” end of the first week, on a stage their “I hope that inspires people to say, hey, look, maybe there is the rough, sink your putts. McIlroy, hoping to complete a career powerhouse roller Wout Van Aert won a different way to do it,” said DeChambeau. “Not everybody has “I don’t really know what to say because Grand Slam at the Masters in November, a bunch sprint. to do it my way. I’m not saying that. I’m just saying in general that that’s just the complete opposite of what you says DeChambeau’s strategy could pay off A stage win that unwittingly undid there are different ways to do things.” think a US Open champion does,” said four- at Augusta National. their best laid plans. DeChambeau grabbed the solo lead after five holes, hit a per- time major winner Rory McIlroy, who shared “I don’t shudder, but if he can do it The Jumbo horror story provides fectly-paced 40-foot eagle putt at the ninth to maintain a one- eighth after a closing 75 left him 12 adrift. around here, and I’m thinking of Augusta Brailsford with convenient cover but shot cushion in a tournament that came down to a two-horse “He has found a way to do it. Whether and thinking of the way you sort of play his Ineos team can point to a number race between him and Wolff as they made the turn. that’s good or bad for the game, I don’t know, there, yeah,” McIlroy said. of mitigating circumstances. Yet the 21-year-old Wolff, who was bidding to become the but it’s just not the way I saw this tour- “The game has moved on a lot in the last The 2019 champion, Colombia’s first player to win the US Open on his tournament debut since nament being played. 14 years since the US Open has been played Egan Bernal, came into the race Francis Ouimet in 1913, bogeyed the 10th and 14th holes before “It’s kind of hard to really wrap my head here, and you’re seeing what the game has nursing a bad back, and was robbed a double-bogey at 16. around it.” become, what he’s doing out there.” of his two key mountain sherpas when “I battled hard. Things just didn’t go my way,” said Wolff. “But DeChambeau hit only 23 fairways for McIlroy had been skeptical before, a deluge in Nice saw Pavel Sivakov and first US Open, second place is something to be proud of and hold the week but also became the first player thinking what might work at a PGA Tour Richard Carapaz fall heavily. your head up high for.” since 1955 to win with the only sub-par score event wouldn’t pay off at a major, especially It must also be said the team were Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen (73) birdied in the last round. He humbled a course that a US Open, due to the punitive rough. mourning the loss of one of their own, the last to finish alone in third place, a distant eight shots back of crushed foes. “I sort of said, ‘OK, wait until he gets to after the untimely passing of sports DeChambeau and one shot clear of Harris English (73), who made “He’s sort of trending in the new a proper golf course. He’ll have to rein it back director Nicolas Portal in March. a double-bogey at the first where he lost his tee shot. direction of golf,” Schauffele said. “Everyone in,’” McIlroy said. Brailsford opened up about this Xander Schauffele (74) looked ready to make a back-nine talked about hitting fairways. It’s not about South African Louis Oosthuizen, the loss in Pau on stage nine, and the charge after making the turn fresh off back-to-back birdies but hitting fairways. It’s about hitting on the 2010 British Open champion, saw no hope impression was of a man whose heart the world number seven made five consecutive bogeys from the correct side of the hole and hitting it far so for the US Golf Association to defend a might not have been fully on the task 13th and finished in fifth place. you can kind of hit a wedge instead of a course from DeChambeau. at hand. Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (75), who finished in a share 6-iron out of the rough. “I don’t think they can set it up for him,” Bernal’s collapse on a moun- of eighth place, was almost left in a state of disbelief at DeCham- “The only way to make a golf course Oosthuizen said. tainside with Jumbo skipping towards beau’s win given his inaccuracy off the tee at a tournament really hard is to firm up the greens and grow “I don’t know what they can do really a summit was agony to watch. renowned for its thick rough. the rough... You’d rather be the guy in the because he’s hitting it so far. He’s so strong Brailsford withdrew his leader “I don’t really know what to say because that’s just the complete rough with a lob wedge than with an 8-iron.” out of the rough and he’s probably one of and refocused the team that earned opposite of what you think a US Open champion does,” said McIlroy. Then there are those who settle for the the best putters out there. some scant recompense on the final “Look, he’s found a way to do it. Whether that’s good or bad old-fashioned fairways, like two-time “He went out on this journey, and he’s Alpine stage with a stage win and the for the game, I don’t know, but it’s just - it’s not the way I saw this major winner Zach Johnson. pulling it off. polka dot jersey. golf course being played or this tournament being played. It’s kind “If he’s not hitting fairways, the short “He’s playing great.” The French cycling community of hard to really wrap my head around it.” were lulled into believing their beloved but emotional climber Thibaut Pinot was about to finally deliver. DeChambeau ‘playing his own little course’: Oosthuizen He too fell in the deluge at Nice where a fellow rider hit him square REUTERS -MAMARONECK in the back. He struggled on into the Pyrenees but soon fell off the pace. Louis Oosthuizen was left with little choice but to doff “There have been too many his hat to Bryson DeChambeau after the muscle-bound failures,” he said when his 2020 American battered the Winged Foot course into chances were over. submission to win his first major at the US Open on “This might be it for me,” Pinot Sunday. South African Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 said. British Open, started the day four strokes off the pace Julian Alaphilippe did get the but his hopes of landing a second major quickly faded yellow jersey on stage two in the hills and he finished a distant eight shots behind DeChambeau behind Nice, but was stripped of it a in third place. couple of stages later with a petty time “Finishing third in a major is always great (but) it penalty for taking on water in the was going to be tough,” the 37-year-old said after signing wrong place. for a two-over 73. “Bryson is playing his own little golf Pogacar’s crushing of Roglic on course at the moment. This golf course definitely showed the Planche des Belles Filles is not its teeth today with the firmness of the greens and the only one of the sports stories of the fairways and the wind, and it was just tough.” year, it also marks a generational shift While Oosthuizen struggled in the conditions, to the ascendency of younger riders, DeChambeau ramped up his power game to romp to a following as it does the now dated final-round 67 and victory by six shots over fellow story of Bernal’s success a year ago American Matthew Wolff. at 22. “I think he’s busy setting his own little way of playing. “I’m just a kid from Slovenia,” the He’s hitting it so far. He’s probably one of the best putters Tour’s youngest post-World War II out there. (In) a week that he really putts well, you’re winner said on Saturday, unaware of Bryson DeChambeau (center) of the United States, caddie Tim Tucker (second right) and team celebrate going to have a lot of trouble,” Oosthuizen added. with the trophy after winning the 120th US Open on Sunday. the extent to which his life is likely to change. Sport TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 08 Taking a knee Romania’s Halep claims Rome title after Simona Halep has become poses with PR stunt, says Pliskova retires with injury her trophy, yesterday. Ferdinand REUTERS — ROME how Karolina wanted to finish the movement, failing to hit a single tournament and the final,” Halep winner as she was bagelled in 20 REUTERS — LONDON Top seed Simona Halep gave her said at the trophy presentation minutes. French Open preparations a ceremony. The limited number of fans Former England striker Les boost when she claimed the “Good luck in the French allowed into Foro Italico’s centre Ferdinand believes ‘taking a Italian Open in Rome yesterday Open, hopefully we will meet court urged Pliskova to make it knee’ in support of the Black after second seed Karolina again there in the final. a contest, applauding the rare Lives Matter cause has become Pliskova retired from the final “Finally, after two finals I points she got on the score board, nothing short of a PR stunt and with injury when she was down could win this title. I love this and it seemed to work as the that the real message is being 6-0 2-1. tournament and I’m really happy second set started with the pair diluted. Victory gave Halep her first that I have this beautiful trophy breaking each other. Ferdinand, who is Black, is title in Rome and her third con- in my hands now,” she added, However, Pliskova was now Director of Football at secutive title of the year after having lost the final in 2017 and clearly struggling with the Queens Park Rangers who wins in Dubai -- before the 2018. injury and retired after she was were criticised after both sets COVID-19 hiatus -- and Prague Halep raced into a 5-0 lead broken for a fifth time to give of players opted not to take the last month. in the opening set, breaking the Halep the trophy. knee before their match Pliskova attempted to con- Czech defending champion three Halep, who chose to skip the against Coventry City in the tinue playing after receiving times and the Romanian also hardcourt swing in the United Championship on Friday. treatment on her lower back and saved three break points at 0-40 States to practice on clay, will The London club issued a leg between sets but eventually down in the fourth game. head to Roland Garros as one of statement yesterday saying decided to retire, not willing to Halep, who even shook off a the firm favourites with world that it in no way suggested a take any chances before the hard fall in the second game, was number one Ash Barty and US lack of support for the French Open which begins on at her aggressive and disciplined Open champion Naomi Osaka campaign. Sept. 27. best while Pliskova looked both skipping the tournament this Ferdinand, who made his “I know that’s not the way sluggish with her on-court year. name as a prolific striker at QPR and enjoyed successful spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, said the Tennis world criticism of a club he calls one of the most diverse in England No.1 Barty Davis’ buzzer beater lifts was unwarranted. “This should not be about aces Aussie QPR. Many clubs did not take the knee on the opening weekend, yet this was not golf tourney LA Lakers over Nuggets reported,” Ferdinand, 53, said in a club statement. AFP — SYDNEY AFP — LOS ANGELES “Taking the knee was very Los Angeles Lakers powerful but we feel that forward Anthony Multi-talented Ashleigh Anthony Davis drained a three- impact has now been diluted.” Davis (right) and Barty has conquered pointer as time expired to seal The Black Lives Matter Denver Nuggets guard tennis, been a profes- the Los Angeles Lakers’ 105-103 cause was taken up by Premier Jamal Murray go for sional cricketer and has victory over the Denver Nuggets League clubs on the the ball during game now added another string for a 2-0 lead in the NBA resumption of last season fol- to her sporting bow by Western Conference finals. two of the Western lowing the death of George winning a golf tour- “People talk about (I’ve) Conference Finals. Floyd, a black man who died nament. never been in this moment in police custody in Minne- The world number before, pressure, am I ready for apolis on May 25. one Australian would it,” Davis said. “I want to take “The taking of the knee has ordinarily be in Europe those shots.” reached a point of ‘good PR’ preparing to defend her Davis scored 31 points and but little more than that. The French Open crown on pulled down nine rebounds, message has been lost. It is the Roland Garros clay. and LeBron James added 11 now not dissimilar to a fancy But she pulled out rebounds as the Lakers turned hashtag or a nice pin badge.” over coronavirus fears, back the determined Nuggets Premier League players have having also missed the US -- who had taken a 103-102 continued to take the knee Open, and instead of lead on Nikola Jokic’s driving before games since the start of swinging a racquet picked basket with 20.8 seconds the new season, he said. up her golf clubs. remaining. The 24-year-old Jokic scored 11 straight proved she has what it points for the Nuggets down the takes on a course stretch, finishing with 30 points, Sanders set designed by Greg Norman, six rebounds and nine assists to claiming the Brookwater lead Denver. Golf Club women’s title Jamal Murray added 25 quarantine bubble in Orlando, challenge for an NBA title. to become near Brisbane with a com- points, and the Nuggets battled Florida. Anthony Davis drains a “Special moment for a manding 7 and 5 triumph in a furious fourth quarter but James powered the Lakers three-pointer as time special player,” James said. Jackson in the matchplay final. finally came up short. early, scoring Los Angeles’ first “It’s not about making the “Champions,” she Davis and Jokic traded 12 points. expired to seal the Los shot, it’s about having the belief State coach wrote on Instagram yes- baskets down the stretch, Jokic But the rest of the Lakers Angeles Lakers’ 105-103 of just taking it, and living with terday accompanying a tipping in a miss from teammate warmed up and Los Angeles put victory over the Denver the result. picture of herself holding Murray to put the Nuggets up together an 18-3 scoring run Nuggets for a 2-0 lead in the “You’re not going to make AP — JACKSON a trophy alongside men’s 101-100 with 31.8 seconds left, that included a galvanizing NBA Western Conference them all. Tonight was his winner Louis Dobbelaar. only for Davis to answer at the dunk from Caruso. moment -- Rondo was able to Hall of Fame cornerback “Is there anything you other end. The Lakers pushed the lead finals. find him and he knocked it Deion Sanders says he will can’t do?,” asked one After Jokic scored to put the to as many as 16 points in the down -- big-time play.” become Jackson State’s social media user, while Nuggets ahead by one again, the second quarter, but the Nuggets The only thing that might football coach. another equally in awe Lakers’ Alex Caruso missed a never surrendered. lost the game, but I think we have made it better, both James Sanders made the wrote: “Wait...what? three-pointer, and Murray Murray scored nine of his played well. and Davis said, was if the big shot announcement on the first Tennis-Cricket-Tennis- blocked a shot by Danny Green, 25 points in a Nuggets surge that “Most of the game we were had come at Staples Center before episode of the “21st & Prime” Golf? @ashbarty - you giving the Lakers a chance to spanned the third and fourth down, but we came back again, a packed house of Lakers fans podcast with Jamie Dukes on beauty!” inbound the ball. quarters. so we’re going to keep our instead of in the bubble where Barstool Sports. Barty, who played Rajon Rondo found Davis, His reverse layup gave heads up and (go) on to the next only some friends and family of The player known as cricket for Brisbane Heat and the All-Star forward Denver an 87-86 lead with 7:26 one.” players are in attendance. “Prime Time” during his career in the Women’s Big Bash drained the game-winner over left in the fourth quarter -- the For Davis, the game- “I wish we were playing at added, “Isn’t the time? Isn’t League in 2015-16, has Jokic. Nuggets’ first lead since the first winner was a career moment Staples,” James said. this the moment? Isn’t this been working on her golf The Lakers will try to take quarter. for a player who sought a trade “I miss our fans so much. I what’s needed? It’s a match game. a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven “We put the effort, we put from the New Orleans Pelicans would have loved for him to made in heaven.” series on Tuesday in the NBA’s the fight,” Jokic said. “Maybe we so he would have a chance to have that moment.” Currently the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School-Cedar Hill in Texas, it will be Sanders’ first head coaching job at the college MLB: Padres clinch rare play-off berth level. “I’ve been offered pro jobs,” Sanders added, “so REUTERS — SAN DIEGO San Diego Padres players of solo home runs and Carlos people know I could be an celebrate after defeating Correa delivered a redemptive assistant in any college.” Mitch Moreland’s bloop double the Seattle Mariners. sacrifice fly in the eighth inning The move was first down the left-field line scored as Houston won the rubber reported by the Clarion Ledger Manny Machado with the match of its three-game inter- in Mississippi. go-ahead run in the top of the league series with Arizona at On the podcast, Jackson 11th inning as the San Diego Minute Maid Park. State President Thomas Padres clinched their first Astros closer Ryan Pressly Hudson called the hiring “the National League play-off berth notched his 12th save with a grace of God” and cited the in 14 years with a 7-4 victory perfect 14-pitch ninth. Left- football’s program history in over the Seattle Mariners at hander Blake Taylor (2-1), the being able to land Sanders. Petco Park. third pitcher of the game for “These things just come Wil Myers hit a three-run Houston, earned the win in relief. together,” Hudson added, homer for the Padres (34-20), Indians 7, Tigers 4 crediting athletic director who captured at least a wild- Jose Ramirez hit two home Ashley Robinson and alumni. card berth. runs and Carlos Carrasco tossed “ We’re just so very for- Right-hander Trevor seven shutout innings as tunate to really be in this space Rosenthal (1-0) got the victory Cleveland took three of four and have a man like this with two innings of relief. Mar- from host Detroit to tighten its joining us.” iners right-hander Casey Sadler hold on the first American Sanders replaces John (1-1) took the loss. League wild-card slot. Hendrick, whose contract was Red Sox 10, Yankees 2 The Indians broke a not renewed this summer after Michael Chavis homered in scoreless tie in the top of the going 6-9 and 5-5 in SWAC consecutive at-bats and rookie The Yankees saw their first the postseason a few hours later recorded his third career multi- fifth, scoring three runs. play. Tanner Houck pitched six 10-game winning streak since when the Seattle Mariners lost homer game after entering the The first run came on an RBI Sanders will begin innings of one-hit ball as host June 2012 halted. to the San Diego Padres. game hitless in his previous 14 single to left by Jordan Luplow, coaching this spring after the Boston ended a 12-game losing New York missed a chance The Red Sox beat the at-bats. then Delino DeShields added a SWAC postponed fall sports streak to rival New York with at clinching a play-off spot on Yankees for the first time since Astros 3, Diamondbacks 2 two-out, two-run single to because of the COVID-19 an easy win at Fenway Park. its own but booked its spot in September 6, 2019, as Chavis George Springer hit a pair make it 3-0. pandemic.