Captain Sharma’s heroics provide Mumbai Indians with first win in IPL 2020 THURSday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 page 15 Xavi eyes top group spot as play Sepahan Pakhtakor, Tribune News Network Standings Shabab Al Group D With Round of 16 qualifica- Club M W D L GF GA GD pts Ahli progress tion already secured, Al Sadd Al Nassr 5 3 2 0 9 4 5 11 hope to finish their 2020 AFC Al Sadd 5 2 3 0 13 6 7 9 Champions League group Sepahan 5 1 1 3 4 7 -3 4 as Al Hilal stage by topping Group C Al Ain 5 0 2 3 4 13 -9 2 when they take on already ‘withdrawn’ eliminated Sepahan FC on Thursday. AFC Sepahan’s only win in the Doha competition came in the open- ing game of the tournament We have to win, we want to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia failed with a 4-0 thumping of Al Ain, finish the group stage well to name the required 13 play- but early optimism quickly and win this group. We are ers for their AFC Champions petered out with a draw and playing against the best in League (West) Group B match three losses following, mean- the competition in the against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai ing the Iranians’ hopes had of the United Arab Emirates on evaporated by the end of Round of 16, so let’s win Wednesday and under the Arti- Matchday Five. this one and see (who they cle 4.3 of the Special Rules Ap- “We have a very impor- play in Round of 16). plicable to AFC Competitions tant and hard game against Al during the COVID-19 pandemic Sadd who are a strong team Al Sadd coach are deemed to have withdrawn and have invested well, which Xavi Hernandez from the competition. makes them one of the con- All matches played by Al tenders to go far in the com- Hilal, who named only 11 play- petition,” said Sepahan boss met, Al Sadd brushed their op- ers, are considered null and Mojtaba Toutouni. ponents aside 3-0 on Match- void according to Article 6 of “This is the AFC Champi- day Two at the Jassim bin the AFC Champions League ons League, and every game Hamad Stadium, with Hassan regulations and therefore Pa- is important to all players and Al Haydos scoring a six-min- khtakor of Uzbekistan and teams. Getting the three points ute brace after Akram Afif had Shabab Al Ahli Dubai have is always important for us. We opened the scoring. progressed to the Round of 16 have the motivation to defend Al Sadd’s Mohamed Waad from Group B. the name of our club, our city stated that his team aiming to Competition regulations and our country, while our do- finish first in Group D of the allowed for 35 players to be mestic league starts soon so 2020 AFC Champions League, registered by each club, but Al we need to prepare the players adding that it was the toughest Hilal registered 30 of which for the upcoming season. in the competition. only 27 travelled to Doha in the Sepahan are without a goal Speaking at the pre-match beginning of the Competition. in the competition in 372 min- press conference ahead of the In order to support the utes, with Mohammad Tayye- final group game with Sepahan, technical preparations of the bi’s 78th minute strike against Mohammed said: “Our group Club affected by COVID-19, Al Ain on the opening match- was the most difficult in the the AFC subsequently allowed day their last sight of goal to Al Sadd players during a training session on Wednesday, ahead of their AFC Champions League last group stage match against Sepahan FC. competition. We hope to finish the addition of two goalkeep- date, but Toutouni said hard in first place in the group.” ers to replace those who had work is the only way to end the Nassr on Monday ensured Al the challenge. “We have to win, we want against Al in the Round “As you know, Xavi is a for- tested positive for COVID-19 drought. Sadd remain one of three sides Baghdad Bounedjah and to finishthe group stage well of 16 and we won, but let’s see mer player. He is used to being and worked with the “We create a lot of chances, yet to lose a match in the West Pedro Miguel have been ruled and win this group,” said Xavi. what happens. Whether it is Al a winner, and he wants us to Football Association to facili- but our problem is in the final Asia groups of the competi- out of the next game against “We are up against a very good Duhail, Sharjah, Al Taawoun be the same.” tate the timely arrival in Doha touch and finishing. It can be tion, and should they get the Sepahan as both players were team, who are well organ- or Persepolis, All the teams are The youngster added: “I of the replacement goalkeep- resolved but we need to train three points against Sepahan booked during the 1-1 draw ised and know how to defend tough. We are playing against thank the coach for his confi- ers as well as two other play- more and work on improving while Al Nassr fail to beat Al with Al Nassr which resulted and attack. We are in a tough the best in the competition in dence in me. I will strive to use ers who had not travelled and this aspect of our game.” Ain, they would leapfrog them in an automatic one-game sus- group and all three opponents the Round of 16, so let’s win this opportunity, to give my two other officials. Baghdad Bounedjah’s 87th to top spot in the group and pension, due to accumulation are very strong. this one and see.” best and help the team in this Throughout the competi- minute equaliser against Al head coach Xavi is unfazed by of yellow cards. “Last season we played The last time the two sides difficult tournament.” tion, the AFC has maintained an open line of communica- tion with the club and the Sau- di Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) and has dealt with all their concerns and enquiries Coach Regragui calls for good teamwork as in a timely manner. Despite the efforts of the AFC, Al Hilal and SAFF still re- quested a postponement of the Al Duhail set sights on knock-out stage berth match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai referencing Article 4.3 of the Special Rules Applicable to AFC Competitions During Taawoun’s French the COVID-19 Pandemic. coach says hopes The Article states: “If a Par- ticipating Team/Participating still alive Club has less than thirteen (13) players (including one (1) goal- Tribune News Network keeper) available for a Match Doha for any reason (whether or not relating to COVID-19), the Al Duhail SC and Al Taawoun relevant Participating Team/ FC lock horns on Matchday Six Participating Club shall not be of the 2020 AFC Champions able to participate in the Match. League at the Education City Such Participating Team/Par- Stadium with knock-out stage ticipating Club shall be held places up for grabs for all four Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui speaks to the media ahead of his responsible for the Match not Group C teams on Thursday. team’s Group C AFC Champions League clash against Al Taawoun. taking place and shall be con- One point will be enough sidered to have withdrawn for Al Duhail to reach February before the tourna- from the relevant Competition. the Round of 16, while Al ment was halted due to the Standings “In exceptional circum- Taawoun’s fate is out of their Covid-19 pandemic. Group c stances and provided that hands, as they would require Having reached the Club M W D L GF GA GD pts any rescheduling will not af- the three points in addition to knock-out stages in each of Al Duhail 5 3 0 2 7 7 0 9 fect the match schedule de- a draw in the other Wednes- the last two editions, Al Du- Persepolis 5 2 1 2 4 5 -1 7 termined by the AFC General day game between Sharjah hail have the ambition to go Sharjah 5 2 1 2 13 7 6 7 One point will be enough for Al Duhail to reach the Round of 16, while Al Taawoun’s fate is out of their Secretariat, the AFC Competi- and Persepolis. all the way in the 2020 AFC hands, as they would require the three points in addition to a draw in the other Thursday game between Al Taawoun 5 2 0 3 3 8 -5 6 tions Committee (or any sub- Al Duhail are leading the Champions League and head Sharjah and Persepolis. committee carrying out duties group with nine points. Perse- coach Walid Regragui be- on its behalf) may grant an polis and the UAE’s Sharjah lieves he will need each and to go far in the competition reverse fixture on Matchday not change things as they suf- won the previous match, we exception to the foregoing and both have seven points and every member of his squad to needs the efforts of all players Two, with Mohammed Al fered a 6-0 defeat to Sharjah. would still have needed to win allow the relevant Match to be are placed second and third achieve that objective. in the squad. Salhawi and Abdulmajeed Al “Tomorrow’s match is like a this one. We hope we can do rescheduled.” respectively. Al Taawoun are “This is the last game in the “I am proud of my play- Swat scoring their two unan- final. We still have hope of quali- well and regain our balance by However, the AFC Cham- fourth on six points. group stage and it is like a final ers because every player I swered goals. fying to the next round, but we winning here. pions League (West) COV- Al Duhail beat Persepolis between us and Al Taawoun,” field works hard and gives his After a bright start to the need to restore our balance after “My job is to find solutions ID-19 Sub Committee decided 1-0 in Round 5, two days ago, said Regrargui. all. Despite many absences, competition with back-to- the last defeat,” said Carteron. to make Al Taawoun more that a postponement would riding on a penalty strike by “I was very happy with the we continue to compete on back wins, Al Taawoun have “As a coach you always competitive. Al Duhail have have a huge negative impact Almoez Ali. return and contribution of all fronts. We must continue been off-form since the re- take the responsibility for been playing well and have de- on the current match schedule Al Duhail beat Persepolis Karim Boudiaf and Edmilson with the same rhythm and the start, losing all three subse- wins or defeats, but the next feated Persepolis. We analysed of the AFC Champions League 2-0 in Doha in their opener on Junior in the previous match same spirit.” quent matches. The arrival of game will also be a test of the their performance in the past (West) and so no exception February 11, but lost 0-2 to Al as they make us a better team, Al Taawoun’s last win in French coach Patrice Carteron players ability to react well af- two days, and we will try to pre- was granted. Taawoun in Jeddah on 18th but for me, a team that wants the competition came in the ahead of Matchday Five did ter the defeat. Even if we had pare our team to get the win.” 14 Thursday, September 24, 2020 Sports Esteghlal cruise past Al Ahli SFC to seal a place in knockouts AFC from 20 yards, curling it past standings a third goal. Doha the wall but fairly centrally Karimi supplied a chipped allowing goalkeeper Moham- Group A cross from the edge of the pen- Esteghlal cruised into the med Al Owais to make a fly- Club M W D L GF GA GD pts alty area for Cheick Diabate 2020 AFC Champions League ing save to tip it behind for a Esteghlal 4 1 2 1 6 4 2 5 and the Malian forward guid- Round of 16 with an emphatic corner. Al Ahli 4 2 0 2 4 6 -2 6 ed his header past Al Owais to 3-0 victory over Group A lead- Esteghlal went a step fur- Al Shorta 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 make it 3-0. ers Al Ahli Saudi FC in Match- ther, beating Al Owais in the Goalkeeper Seyed Hossein day Six at the Al Janoub Sta- 26th minute. Mehdi Ghaedi Hosseini got his first big test of dium on Wednesday. delivered a pinpoint cross that the night in the 79th minute Head coach Majid Nam- was met by Ali Karimi on the when substitute Hussain Al joo-Motlagh’s men went into half-volley, but the midfield- Moqahwi fired a thunderous the game with the knowledge er’s effort cannoned off the strike from 30 yards out, and that only a two-goal margin upright. the Iranian goalkeeper did win would secure their place Three minutes later, the well to make the save. in the Round of 16 alongside Iranian dominance finallypro - The result means Esteghlal Al Ahli and ahead of Al Shorta duced a goal. Farshid Esmaeili the break as Ghaedi turned finish second behind con- and from the start they made received the ball down the left from scorer to creator, send- firmed GroupA winners Al their intentions clear. and fed Ghaedi on the edge of ing a cross from the right flank Ahli, goal difference giving the An early spell of sustained the box. The Esteghlal number into the far post for Karimi Iranian the advantage over Al possession for Esteghlal saw 10 drilled a powerful drive that who evaded his marker and Shorta who are consigned to a them patiently probe and look nestled into the bottom corner headed home Esteghlal’s sec- narrow group stage exit. for an opening, which they had despite Al Owais’ best efforts ond. Scoreline: Esteghlal FC 3 (Me- for the first time after 21 min- to save. After the restart, Esteghlal hdi Ghayedi 29’, Ali Karimi 38’, utes when club captain Vorya Al Ahli’s troubles were were quick to cement their Cheick Diabate 54’) bt Ghafouri lined a free-kick doubled seven minutes before place in the Round of 16 with Al Ahli 0. Pakhtakor edge Shahr QSL signs co-operation deal with Aspetar Tribune News Network partnerships with many ac- Doha tive community institutions. Khodro enroute Rd of 16 There’s no doubt that Aspetar, The Qatar Stars League with its tremendous capabili- AFC (QSL) has signed a partner- ties, programmes and reputed Doha ship agreement with Aspetar initiatives, is considered as Hospital, according to which one of the most important Pakhtakor FC sealed top the latter became its official sports medicine facilities in spot in Group B of the 2020 medical partner. the world, and we look for- AFC Champions League after The agreement was offi- ward towards strengthening defeating Shahr Khodro FC cially signed on Wednesday relations, co-operation and 1-0 on Matchday Six of the at the QSL Headquarters in Al achieving common goals.” competition at the Al Janoub Bidda Tower, in the presence On his part, Al Mawlawi Stadium on Wednesday. of Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, said, “We have strong relation- Pakhtakor’s qualifica- Executive Director of Sales, ship with Qatar Stars League tion to the Round of 16 was Marketing and Communica- and Qatar Football Associa- confirmed afterA l Hilal were tions at QSL, and Khaled Ali tion, and through this co-op- deemed to have withdrawn Al Mawlawi, Chief Adminis- eration we intend to apply our from the competition after trative Officer atA spetar. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and expertise and initiatives in the failing to name the required 13 The agreement aims to re- Communications at QSL, and Khaled Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Administra- field of sports medicine and players for their match against inforce aspects of co-operation tive Officer at Aspetar after signing the agreement at the QSL Head- exercise science that would Shabab Al Ahli. and joint efforts, and take ad- quarters in Tower on Wednesday. benefit sports competitions. I The decision meant all vantage of both entities’ ca- would like to extend my sin- matches played by Al Hi- pabilities to achieve common in charge of Aspetar Hospital, cially during the past period, cere thanks and appreciation lal are considered null and goals and ambitions. medical as well as administra- and we’re pleased to sign this to Qatar Stars League and its void according to Article On the occasion, Al Ku- tive staff, and all employees agreement, which comes in members for their profession- 6 of the AFC Champions Pakhtakor FC topped Group B of the 2020 AFC Champions League wari said, “I extend my thanks for their active, influential line with our keenness to alism at work. We wish them League regulations and beating Shahr Khodro FC 1-0 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday. and appreciation to all those and vital role with us, espe- form strong and constructive great success in the future.” therefore Pakhtakor and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai have front. progressed to the Round of standings Ceran came close to dou- 16 from Group B. Group B bling Pakhtakor’s lead two On the pitch, the two sides Club M W D L GF GA GD pts minutes later after a well- QSL-Doha Bus company in sponsorship agreement started cautiously, and chanc- Pakhtakor (UZB) 4 3 1 0 6 1 5 10 worked move from a free-kick es were few and far between in Al Ahli (UAE) 4 2 1 1 3 2 1 7 down the left flank that was Tribune News Network of both entities. Doha the opening half an hour. Shahr Khodro (IRN) 4 0 0 4 0 -6 0 played low for the Serbian who Commenting on the part- Shahr Khodro tested goal- was positioned at the penalty nership, Nasser said, “We’re keeper Eldorbek Suyunov spot but Ceran side-footed his The Qatar Stars League (QSL) pleased to sign this agreement in the 19th minute when Ali Nemati looked to guide his effort just inches wide. has signed a sponsorship with Doha Bus, according to header from Mohammad Kha- The result, alongside the agreement with Doha Bus, one which the company joined the Today’s Matches latbari’s cross. annulment of Al Hilal’s re- of the Qatari companies that list of sponsors and partners Pakhtakor came within sults, means Pakhtakor end provides tourism programmes of QSL. We’re proud of the ini- At Jassim Bin Hamad inches of scoring in the 57th the group stage with 10 points and services with a modern tiatives and programmes by the Stadium minute when Dragan Ceran from four games, finishing and distinctive entertainment company, and we look forward Group D found space inside the box and three points ahead of Shabab concept with a view to intro- to enhance our co-operation in headed Abrorbek Ismoilov’s Al Ahli, while Shahr Khodro duce Qatar’s urban, historical future. I also extend my sincere 6pm: Al Sadd vs Sepahan cross but his attempt went go home with no points and and cultural landmarks into thanks and appreciation to the FC; Group C: 9pm: narrowly over the crossbar. no goals. an atmosphere of fun to tour- Board of Directors of Doha Bus, Persepolis vs Sharjah The stalemate was fi- The first two Round-of-16 ists from across the world. Nasser Yaqoub Larm Salmeen, Director of Sales and Marketing at wishing them more success.” nally ended in the 65th fixtures have now been con- The agreement to this ef- QSL, and Faisal Khalid Al Suwaidi, on behalf of Khalid Mohammed Al Khalid Al Suwaidi said, At Education City Stadium minute through Jaloliddin firmed with GroupA winners fect was signed on Wednes- Suwaidi, CEO of Doha Bus after signing the agreement. “We’re pleased to co-operate Group D: 6pm: Al Nassr vs Masharipov’s second goal of Al Ahli Saudi FC facing Group day in the presence of Nasser with the Qatar Stars League Al Ain; Group C: 9pm: the campaign. The winger rose B runners-up Shabab Al Ahli Yaqoub Larm Salmeen, Di- Mohammed Al Suwaidi, CEO provide the necessary support and sign this agreement, and Al Duhail v Al Taawoun highest to head in Javokhir Dubai and Group B winners rector of Sales and Marketing of Doha Bus. to fulfil aspirations as well as we hope to fulfil all our com- Sidikov’s corner at the near Pakhtakor playing Group A at QSL, and Faisal Khalid Al The agreement aims to ambitions, and benefit from mon goals and objectives as post and put Pakhtakor in runners-up Esteghlal FC. Suwaidi, on behalf of Khalid achieve common goals and the capabilities and expertise we go along.” Murray to the rescue as Nuggets hold off Lakers AFP But just as it looked as if ference finals. tend to follow. I just wanted to with great energy throughout Orlando LeBron James and Anthony see them have a lot of fun to- the game. We didn’t match Davis were poised to com- ‘Not ready to go’ day.” it early, we matched it late. Jamal Murray scored 28 plete a remarkable comeback, “I had no doubt we were going The Lakers meanwhile They’re a great basketball points as the Denver Nuggets Murray regrouped to take the to show up tonight,” Malone were left reflecting on an un- team so credit it to them for held off a ferocious late fight- game away from the Lakers. said. even display which ultimately the win. They played a really back from the Los Angeles The 23-year-old Canadi- “We have won six straight left James and Davis with too good basketball game. Lakers to roar back into con- an’s three-pointer from 26 feet elimination games. Everybody much to do. “We were not as sharp tention in the Western Confer- gave Denver a seven-point ad- always has us packing our James led the scoring with as we could have been on ence finals series on Tuesday. vantage at 106-99 and he then bags and leaving, but we’re a triple double comprised of both ends of the floor. We Murray nailed two crucial provided the assist for Paul not ready to go. They’re a very 30 points, 10 rebounds and were playing at a high level, late three-pointers in the closing Millsap to make it 108-99. resilient group and they have 11 assists, with six turnovers. but were a little bit off in the minutes as Denver held on for a With less than a minute proved that time and time Davis had 27 points, with Ken- first half. 114-106 victory in game three to on the clock, Murray struck again.” tavious Caldwell-Pope (12) “But I liked the spirit that reduce the Lakers’ lead to 2-1 in the dagger blow with a 29- Asked about his late flour- and Kyle Kuzma (11) the only the guys competed with down the best-of-seven series. foot three-point jumpshot to ish, Murray said he had set out other Lakers players to crack the stretch to try and make it But the Nuggets – who make it 111-99 and effectively to lead by example. double figures. a game.” looked in complete control seal victory. “That’s my whole energy, Murray, who also had 12 Game four in the series for long periods of the contest Denver coach Michael my whole approach to the assists, was backed with 26 takes place in Orlando on -- were given a mighty scare Malone said his team -- who game, not getting down if I miss points from Jerami Grant Thursday. by the Lakers in a thrilling had suffered an agonising a couple of shots,” Murray said. while Nikola Jokic weighed in The winner of the Western fourth-quarter battle. buzzer-beater defeat in game “I’m just trying to be ag- with 22 points, 10 rebounds Conference will play either the The Lakers had trailed by two on Sunday -- were deter- gressive... but the most im- and five assists. Boston Celtics or Miami Heat 20 points with just over 10 min- mined not to go 3-0 down in portant part is the energy I “You put yourself in an in the NBA Finals. Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against the utes remaining but whittled the series. bring when I’m talking to my 18-point hole, it’s tough to Playoff results: Western Confer- Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in Game Three of the away the Denver lead to just The Nuggets have already team-mates, being a vocal climb out of that,” Lakers ence Finals: Denver 114 Los Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs in Lake three points with 3min 53sec overturned 3-1 series deficits leader, getting up and down coach Frank Vogel said. Angeles Lakers 106 Buena Vista, Florida, on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP) left on the clock in Orlando. en route to the Western Con- and pushing everybody so they “I thought Denver played (Lakers lead series 2-1). Sports Thursday, September 24, 2020 15

2020 Wanda Doha Diamond League set to go out on a high Loaded line-up for 3000m race

Agencies Doha

It may have been a far-from- normal season, but the Wanda Diamond League will end on a high at the Suhaim Bin Ham- ad Stadium in Doha on Friday with what is quite possibly the deepest line-up seen in any discipline this year. A loaded 3000m field will bring down the curtain in the Qatari capital, featuring a clash between world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri and world steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech. In fact, five medallists British middle-distance runner Laura Weightman. from four different disciplines at last year’s World Champi- onships will be back in action in Doha – and even then, that Excited Laura only scratches the surface of the quality of the field. Obiri opened her outdoor campaign in Monaco last Weightman in month, winning the 5000m in a world-leading 14:22.12, just four seconds shy of her Kenyan ‘stacked field’ record. She has fond memories of Doha, too, as it is where she set a Kenyan 3000m record of Tribune News Network I could run but as a champion- 8:20.68 in 2014, following it Hellen Obiri of Kenya on way to winning the 3000m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha last year. Doha ship event 5000m is going to with victories over 3000m at remain my focus,” she said. Doha’s Diamond League meet- British middle-distance Asked if she would like to ing last year and over 5000m A loaded 3000m field will bring down the curtain in the runner Laura Weightman, do the steeplechase race, she at the World Championships Qatari capital, featuring a clash between world 5000m who competes in the 1500 quipped, “I would be scared at the same venue. champion Hellen Obiri and world steeplechase champi- metres and 5000m, will take to go over the obstacles es- Chepkoech also opened on Beatrice Chepkoech. Obiri opened her outdoor cam- to the track at the Wanda pecially the water jump, so her outdoor season in Mo- Doha Diamond League meet- I think I should stick to the naco, clocking 14:55.01 for paign in Monaco last month, winning the 5000m in a ing on Friday in the 3000m 5000m for now.” 5000m, and she followed it world-leading 14:22.12, just four seconds shy of her and is all excited. On what has started to with a 9:10.07 run for second Kenyan record. She has fond memories of Doha, too, as Speaking ahead of the race, change in sport since the cor- place in the steeplechase at the it is where she set a Kenyan 3000m record of 8:20.68 Weightman said she is always onavirus and the lockdown, Continental Tour meeting in rican Games 1500m champion 2020. His latest victory was a in 2014, following it with victories over 3000m at looking to explore more and Weightman said it’s been a Berlin earlier this month. The Quailyne Jebiwott Kiprop, Eu- 6.15m clearance – the highest this would be one. different kind of build up for steeplechase world record- ropean 5000m silver medallist outdoor vault in history – at Doha’s Diamond League meeting last year and over “Excited for my last track events. holder is one of four women in Eilish McColgan, European the Wanda Diamond League 5000m at the World Championships at the same venue. race of the season on Friday “In the UK we had quite a the field with a PB inside 8:30. 1500m bronze medallist Laura meeting in Rome last week. over 3000m here in Doha. strict lockdown for six to eight Other athletes in the field Weightman, European in- If he’s feeling good, he may steeplechase and 5000m. multiple world medallist Ma- It’s a stacked field so it’s going weeks, all the gym and track who stood on the podium in door bronze medallist Melissa well decide to take an attempt World and Olympic stee- rie-Josee Ta Lou will renew to be fiery,” the 29-year-old facilities were closed so at that Doha last year include 5000m Courtney-Bryant, and Oce- at a would-be world record plechase champion Conseslus their rivalry in what will be tweeted. stage we just went back to win- silver medallist Margaret Che- ania record-holders Genevieve height of 6.19m, though Du- Kipruto will make his season their fourth clash in Doha. A little earlier she had set- ter training. So, it worked for limo Kipkemboi, 10,000m Gregson and Jessica Hull. plantis himself would be quick debut in what will be his first Thompson-Herah won their tled down to speak about her more miles and road workout bronze medallist and 2015 to point out that records are by 1500m race in five years. first Doha duel back in 2017, events and athletics. The 1500m and when we had access to world cross-country cham- Duplantis back to where no means a certainty every time The 25-year-old Kenyan winning the 200m in 22.19, but finalist at the 2012 London facilities again in late May we pion Agnes Tirop, and 1500m he began he sets foot on the runway. will be joined by his two fel- Ivorian Ta Lou gained revenge Olympics and 2016 Rio Olym- could go back to the track and bronze medallist Gudaf Tsegay. It was here in Doha last year His main goal will be to low medallists from last year’s over 100m one year later, win- pics, said, “I’ve done 5000m a do more race specific training. In fact, all 16 women in that pole vault indoor and keep his winning streak intact, World Championships, Ethio- ning in 10.85. Their third clash little bit over the past few years “It’s been a different kind the field own a medal from a now outdoor record holder which in itself will be no easy pia’s Lamecha Girma and Mo- in the Qatari capital came at last but it is definitely 5000m I am of build up but I don’t think it global or continental champi- Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis task as he takes on two-time rocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, year’s World Championships, excited about to explore and impacted me so much in that onship, or hold a world or con- began his ascent last year. world champion Sam Kend- who have set PBs this year of where Ta Lou finished third in race more of. I think 1500m will I could spend more time get- tinental record. Duplantis will now also ricks and 2012 Olympic cham- 3:35.67 and 3:34.51 respec- the 100m, one place ahead of always be one of my favourite ting a bigger base which suited The quality is such that aim to end his year on a high – pion Renaud Lavillenie. tively. Kipruto may have prov- the Jamaican. event but going forward like the me,” she explained. they all deserve a mention: quite literally – when he lines en time and again that he is Following her world-lead- Tokyo Olympics, 5000m is an In Doha, Weightman will 2015 world steeplechase up for his final pole vault com- Mouth-watering the best over the barriers, but ing 10.85 in Rome – where event I am going to be targeting battle some big guns in the champion Hyvin Kiyeng, world petition of the year. middle-distance clashes this is a test to see who has the Ta Lou placed third in 11.14 much more.” 3000m but her recent person- U18 champion Lemlem Hailu, The 20-year-old from It’s not just the women’s greatest foot speed. – Thompson-Herah will start Weightman is also looking al best of 4:00.09 in 1500m world U20 champion Bea- Sweden has enjoyed a dream 3000m that will bring together as the 100m favourite in Doha to do the 10,000m some day. fetched after six years at the trice Chebet, African Games season, setting world records some of the world’s best across Thompson-Herah looks to on Friday. US duo Aleia Hobbs “For now 5000m is my compet- ISTAF Meeting in Berlin in 10,000m champion Tsehay of 6.17m and 6.18m indoors a range of disciplines; the men’s level the score with Ta Lou and Kayla White should also itive track distance and maybe the second week of September Gemechu, African 1500m and maintaining a winning 1500m has attracted world and Double Olympic champion feature at the top end of the someday I would want to try should an indication of how champion Winny Chebet, Af- streak throughout the whole of Olympic medallists from the Elaine Thompson-Herah and race. (worldathletics.org) 10,000m just to see if possibly well she is shaping up.

Pakistan confirm Zimbabwe for ‘bio-secure’ series Rohit’s leads AFP England became the first sulted with England on virus both formats as well as for the Karachi country to hold international safeguards and will be putting intra-squad warm-up matches. cricket matches during the measures in place for a nation- Following 10 days in quar- from the front to Pakistan cricket authorities pandemic, when they hosted al T20 event starting Septem- antine, Zimbabwe are sched- confirmed Wednesday they the West Indies, Pakistan, Ire- ber 30. By the time Zimbabwe uled to play the first one-day would host Zimbabwe for a se- land and Australia between arrive October 20, “we would international in Multan on Oc- provide Mumbai ries of three one-day interna- July and September. have gained enough experi- tober 30. Games will be played tionals and three Twenty20s Players underwent regular ence on bio-securing arrange- in closed stadiums. starting next month. tests and were not allowed to ments,” said Zakir Khan, the The other two ODIs will Indian opening The tour will take place un- leave the bubble of the stadi- PCB’s director of international also be in Multan on Novem- der “bio-secure” conditions to um and hotel. cricket. ber 1 and 3. The three T20Is prevent the risk of spreading The Pakistan Cricket Zimbabwe will bring a will be played in Rawalpindi IPL 2020 win the coronavirus, officials said. Board (PCB) said it has con- 32-member squad to cater for on November 7, 8 and 10. Paire unsure of French Open after two +ve tests AFP Paire painted a bleak picture of living Hamburg under the uncertainty of his next Covid-19 Rohit Sharma hoicks one during his knock of 80 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier test. “I was negative after the US Open, League 20 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. France’s Benoit Paire, who was forced negative in France, negative in Rome, posi- out of the US Open after testing positive tive in Hamburg - that’s all I know,” he said. AFP Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi. – the most expensive foreign for Covid-19, says his participation in the “You don’t sleep,” he admitted, worry- Dubai “It was only two players player for the 2020 season French Open next week is unclear after ing about testing. “I think it’s impossible (Sharma and Kieron Pollard) with a $2.17 million fee – gave twice testing positive for coronavirus at to play tennis like this. I try because I am Skipper Rohit Sharma on from the 2014 squad (that are away 49 runs in his three the ATP tournament in Hamburg. happy to be on court, but I was tired and Wednesday struck a brisk 80 to with Mumbai this season),” overs. But later Cummins, The 31-year-old retired at 6-4, 2-0 I can’t move, so I had to stop,” he added help holders Mumbai Indians Sharma, named man of the who played three one-day down to Norway’s Casper Ruud in the first to explain why he retired on Wednesday. win their first match in the Unit- match, said. matches in England ending round on Wednesday, later citing fatigue. Having been removed from the US Open ed Arab Emirates in seven at- “It was all about how we September 16 before coming Paire revealed he had twice tested positive draw at the end of August, Paire’s health is tempts during two IPL editions. executed our plans today, we to the UAE, smashed 33 runs for Covid-19 in Hamburg, but was allowed again under the spotlight days before the Mumbai lost five matches were in good positions and it off 12 balls while coming in to to play Wednesday after a negative result Benoit Paire of France leaves the court after he main draw starts at the French Open. in the 2014 season -- the first was all about being ruthless.” bat at number seven. the day before. gave up in the second set his first round match “It depends on the results of the (next) half of which was played in Sharma hit sixes in his “It is very unfair to judge “The problem is that I am tired,” a against Casper Ruud of Norway during the test, if it’s negative , I play, if it’s positive, the UAE due to elections in 54-ball knock to take his sixes him right now. He is off quar- clearly frustrated Paire told reporters. ATP-Tour German Open at stadium Am Rothen- I don’t play and I go home – both solu- India – and went down in the count to 200 in the IPL. antine,” KKR skipper Dinesh “I had a positive Covid (test) at the US baum in Hamburg on Wednesday. (AFP) tions are good. I can see my family and opener of the Twenty20 tour- Mumbai bowlers including Karthik told reporters. Open, (spent) ten days in my room, then dog,” he said. nament this season. Trent Boult, James Pattinson, “He is a world champion I had to go to (the ATP tournament in) sure if it’s the virus or just having to stay in “If it’s negative, I will be on court and Sharma put on a key sec- Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Cha- bowler. From whatever I have Rome, I played, but I didn’t practise at all. the room for ten days (at the US Open)”. try to do my best - but it will not be my ond-wicket stand of 90 with har took two wickets each to re- heard and seen he is one of “Then I arrived here with (a) positive “You practise for one hour, then go best for sure. Suryakumar Yadav, who hit 47, strict Kolkata to 146 for nine. the best going around in the COVID-19 (result).” back to your room. “The only thing I want is the end of the to guide Mumbai to 195 for five Meanwhile Kolkata’s Aus- world. I trust him completely. The Frenchman said the only symp- “Mentally, it’s difficult – honestly if it season and to go home to practise. I hope and a 49-run win over Kolkata tralian quick Pat Cummins I am sure he will come good.” toms he has felt are fatigue, but “I am not stays like this, I just want to stop.” next season will be normal.”