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Monday, July 27, 2020 MOTORCYCLING Dhul-Hijjah 6, 1441 AH Quartararo wins GULF TIMES as Yamahas reign in Spain SPORT Page 2 Broad on brink of 500 club as eye series win England’s second-innings 226-2 declared saw opener Rory Burns make 90 as the West Indies were set a huge target of 399 for victory

AFP SCORECARD Manchester ENGLAND 1st innings 369 all out WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 137-6) tuart Broad was only one K. Brathwaite c Root b Broad 1 away from becoming just the seventh bowler to take J. Campbell c Burns b Archer 32 500 Test as England S. Hope c Buttler b Anderson 17 closedS in on a series victory the S. Brooks c Buttler b Anderson 4 West Indies at Old Traff ord yesterday. Broad’s haul of 6-31 in 14 overs saw R. Chase lbw b Broad 9 the West Indies bundled out for 197 in J. Blackwood b Woakes 26 reply to England’s fi rst-innings 369 J. Holder lbw b Broad 46 that featured his dashing 62. England’s second-innings 226- S. Dowrich c Woakes b Broad 37 2 declared saw opener Rory Burns R. Cornwall lbw b Broad 10 make 90 as the West Indies were set a K. Roach c Root b Broad 0 huge target of 399 for victory. And there was still time for Broad S. Gabriel 0 to reduce the tourists to 10-2 at Extras (b4, lb5, nb1, w5) 15 stumps on the third day. Total (all out, 65 overs) 197 Broad had the struggling John Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Brathwaite), 2-44 (Camp- Campbell caught at fi rst slip for a bell), 3-58 (Hope), 4-59 (Brooks), 5-73 (Chase), duck by England Joe Root 6-110 (Blackwood), 7-178 (Holder), 8-188 (Corn- and then moved to 499 Test wickets wall), 9-188 (Cornwall), 10-197 (Dowrich) when nightwatchman was caught behind. Bowling: Anderson 16-5-28-2; Broad 14-4-31-6; Broad bowled the fi nal over of the Archer 17-1-72-1 (5w); Woakes 18-2-57-1 (1nb) day’s play, with his last ball just miss- ing ’s outside edge. ENGLAND 2nd innings The only bowlers with more than R. Burns c sub (Da Silva) b Chase 90 600 Test wickets are a trio of former D. Sibley lbw b Holder 56 spinners — ’s Muttiah Mu- ralitharan (800), Australian Shane J. Root not out 68 Warne (708) and India’s Anil Kum- Extras (b6, lb3, nb3) 12 ble (619). The only seamers ahead of Total (2 wkts, 58 overs) 226 dec Broad are his longtime England new- ball colleague James Anderson (589) Fall of wickets: 1-114 (Sibley), 2-226 (Burns) and the retired pair of Australia’s Bowling: Roach 11-4-34-0; Gabriel 5-0-19-0 Glenn McGrath (563) and the West (3nb); Holder 9-2-24-1; Chase 14-2-61-1; Corn- Indies’ (519). West Indies’ Kemar Roach (C) looks behind as England’s (L) catches him out off the bowling of England’s Stuart Broad (R) on the third day of the third wall 19-2-79-0 Broad took all the West Indies match at Old Traff ord in Manchester yesterday. wickets to fall yesterday. WEST INDIES 2nd Innings His burst of 4-14 in four overs end- England captain Joe Root was 68 Burns faced 163 balls including hind the stumps. But match offi cials low-on at 137-6. They did that while K. Brathwaite not out 2 ed the visitors’ fi rst innings after they not out when he declared, amid con- 10 fours.Root had previously com- then allowed Da Silva, the back-up Root delayed the entry of Broad into J. Campbell c Root b Broad 0 had avoided the follow-on and Broad cerns Monday’s play could be washed pleted a 49-ball fi fty when he drove gloveman in the Test squad but not the attack. had stumps fi gures of 2-8 in three out. No side has made more in the Roach’s fi rst ball back straight over in the original XI for this match, to But when he came on, the West In- K. Roach c Buttler b Broad 4 overs. England’s second innings saw fourth innings to win an Old Traff ord the fast bowler’s head for four. West come on. Burns, twice dismissed by dies had no answer to him. S. Hope not out 4 Burns and Dom Sibley (56) share a Test than England’s 294-4 against Indies used three wicketkeepers yes- Chase already this series, almost fell West Indies captain Total (2 wkts, 6 overs) 10 stand of 114 — England’s fi rst New Zealand in 2008. terday after was hit in to him on 12 when beaten by a sharply was lbw for 46 before Broad, con- opening partnership in a home Test Root declared when Burns, bidding the face after a 90mph from turning delivery, only for the unlucky troversially omitted from England’s Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Campbell), 2-6 (Roach) since Alastair Cook and Alex Hales for his third Test century, skied off - burst through his Da Silva to slip and miss the stump- fi rst-Test loss at Southampton, had Bowling: Anderson 3-2-2-0; Broad 3-1-8-2 put on 126 against at Edg- spinner Roston Chase to substitute gloves. One-day international wick- ing chance.West Indies resumed still Roach caught by fi rst slip Root for a Match position: West Indies need 389 more baston in 2016. wicketkeeper . etkeeper Hope initially took over be- needing 33 more runs to avoid the fol- duck and Rahkeem Cornwall lbw. runs to win with eight wickets standing

PREVIEW Ramin brace helps Shahania beat Al Ahli 3-1 By Sports Reporter players, coached by Nabil Anwar who keeper Ebrahim Daryoush. Doha recently replaced Spaniard Jose Murcia. Amangoua rounded off the tally when The victory also enabled Al Shaha- he found the target with a grounder, nia to breathe down the neck of nearest beating off the challenge from three ri- l Shahania rode on a brace by challengers Umm Salal (15 points) and val players, after receiving a long high Iranian midfi elder Ramin Re- Ramin Rezaein of Shahania Al Khor (14) in the relegation battle. ball from deep in the right. zaein as they defeated Al Ahli celebrates after scoring Rezaein was the livewire in Al Shaha- Meanwhile, Al Wakrah held Al Sailiya 3-1 in the QNB Stars League against Al Ahli in the QNB nia ranks. His fi rst goal came off a div- goalless to end their losing streak in the Ayesterday. It was only the second win Stars League yesterday. ing header after Nigel de Jong sent in a QNB Stars League at the Al Janoub Sta- in 18 matches for the bottom-placed free-kick from the right. dium yesterday. Al Wakrah and Al Saili- team. Rezaein scored in the 22nd and The Iranian scored his second goal ya have 20 and 24 points respectively. 29th (penalty) minutes. Kesse Aman- from the spot. The penalty was award- It was Al Wakrah’s fi fth draw and Al goua (81st minute) was Al Shahania’s ed by referee Abdulrahman al-Jassim Sailiya’s third. Al Sailiya had beaten Al other scorer as they earned a lifeline in when Al Ahli’s John Beitsoun tripped Wakrah 3-1 in the fi rst leg of 2019-20 their attempt to stay in the First Divi- Amangoua. For Al Ahli, Shane Lowry QNB Stars League. sion. fumbled with his header after Nabil El Al Wakrah had suff ered three succes- Al Shahania moved on to 13 points Zhar set him up with a free-kick. sive defeats before the tournament was with only their second victory in this After Akaichi reduced the margin on stopped, so ended up as the happier season’s league, while Al Ahli suff ered the hour mark with his quick header off team yesterday as they look to improve their ninth loss and remained on 19 a corner kick from the right by Hernan, their position in the top fl ight, where points. Al Ahli raised visions of drawing level they are featuring after a gap of two Interestingly, Tunisian striker when they looked like having earned seasons. However, Al Sailiya would rue Ahmed Akaichi, who recently moved a penalty in the 68th minute, but that the two dropped points as they are keen from Al Shahania to Al Ahli, scored the was ruled out by the Video Assistant on fi nishing among the top four and latter’s goal in the 60th minute. Referee. Al Shahania captain Alvaro Pe- thus playing in the Qatar Cup and AFC Al Shahania could not have hoped rez seemed to have fouled Hernan. Champions League, just like they did for a better start as the league resumed Al Ahli also had the ignominy of Ma- last season when they secured a third- after a long break. The three points will jed Mohamed’s goalbound free-kick place fi nish, their best-ever perform- greatly boost the confi dence of their being saved with diffi culty by goal- ance in the league. Gulf Times 2 Monday, July 27, 2020 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING CRICKET Broad, Anderson should always play Quartararo wins together: Cork

IANS Manchester

ormer England pacer Andalusian GP Dominic Cork feels veteran fast bowl- ers Stuart Broad and JamesF Anderson should always play together. Broad was left out for Eng- land’s fi rst of the three Tests against the West Indies and as Yamahas reign the hosts lost the fi ve-day en- counter. ‘What an amazing feeling, it feels so good to make back-to-back wins’ In the second Test, Ander- son was rested with Broad claiming six wickets as Eng- land levelled the series 1-1. The two leading English fast bowl- ers were drafted into the XI for the deciding third Test and have so far kept England ahead of their rivals with excellent bowling performances. “I understand these are back-to-back Test matches and England want to make sure times in the same England XI. they (Anderson and Broad) Broad said after the day’s play the majority of games,” play on Saturday that there is Cork told ’ Cricket plenty of life left in the pair. Debate. “On today’s performance “But they are closing in on do you think we’re in the best 1,000 Test wickets between bowling attack?’, he asked rhe- them and complement each torically. “I thought we slotted other really well with their dif- back into what we do and how ferent styles of bowling. we work together to take wick- “Jimmy understands the art ets and the proof was in the of wobble seam and then when pudding. he swaps ends he tries to swing “I don’t ever walk on the it, while Broad seems to be fi eld thinking, ‘is this the last learning even more. time we’re going to play to- “While they are both fi t and gether? We both have a burn- want to play, they play every ing desire to keep winning Test single Test match for me. Un- matches for England. less there are injury doubts, “Jimmy’s record is arguably they are the fi rst two on the getting better and better, as list,” he added. is mine, so let’s keep striking Broad and Anderson have while the iron is hot. When I played 117 Tests together. But speak to Jimmy he wants to in the last 15 Tests, they have keep going -- he wants to keep lined up together only three trundling in when he’s 42.”

Can’t compare anyone in India to Stokes: Gambhir New Delhi: Former India one like - whether cricketer Gautam Gambhir he’s , whether he’s has heaped praise on England bowling, whether he’s fielding talisman Ben Stokes, saying - and he’s a leader in his own no one in India can be com- capacity,” he added. pared to the star all-rounder. Stokes was recently named as Stokes’ all-round display England’s captain for the first recently helped England level Test against the West Indies in Petronas Yamaha SRT’s French rider Fabio Quartararo (L) leads the MotoGP race during the their ongoing three-Test series the absence of regular skipper Andalucia Grand Prix at the Jerez race track in Jerez de la Frontera yesterday. At bottom, he against the West Indies and Joe Root. Gambhir said that celebrates on the podium. his performances with bat, he doesn’t need the arm-band ball and on the field have to become a leader in the caught the imagination of team as his performances fans and pundits around the speak for themselves. world. “You don’t have to be a leader Reuters heat before Miller slid off at turn “You can’t compare anyone to be a leader, you don’t need Jerez, Spain nine. in India at the moment to to be called a captain to be a Petronas Yamaha’s Franco Ben Stokes. Absolutely not, captain. You can be a leader Morbidelli looked set to chal- because Ben Stokes is in his by your own performances as abio Quartararo of Pet- lenge for a podium place before own league,” Gambhir said well,” Gambhir said. ronas Yamaha led from technical problems forced him on Star Sports’ show Cricket “So, I think there are a lot of start to fi nish in the to retire. Connected. guys who would be actually scorching heat of Jerez to Bagnaia was cruelly denied “What he has done in Test looking to be like Ben Stokes, winF an incident-packed Andalu- a podium when his bike began cricket...what he has done in but unfortunately, there’s no sian MotoGP yesterday. trailing smoke and the visibly one-day cricket...what he has one at the moment like him in Frenchman Quartararo, who upset Italian had to retire from done in T20 cricket...I don’t world cricket,” he added. also won the season-opening the race. think so there’s anyone, let Stokes recently surpassed Spanish Grand Prix last week- Defending champion Marc alone in India, there isn’t any- West Indies Test skipper Jason end, cruised to victory from pole Marquez of Repsol Honda did one who’s even close to him in Holder to become the world’s position while factory Yamaha not take part as he continues to world cricket at the moment. top-ranked all-rounder in the duo of Spaniard Maverick Vinal- recover from surgery on a broken “And that is the kind of impact longest format while also es and former champion Valen- arm sustained in the season- player you need in every line- attaining a career-best third tino Rossi fi nished second and opening race last weekend. up. It would be a dream for position among batsmen in third. The next race is in the Czech every captain to have some- the latest ICC rankings. “That one was tough,” Quar- Republic on Aug 9. tararo said after a race in which Meanwhile, Japan’s Tatsuki eight riders crashed or retired Suzuki won the Andalucia Moto3 due to technical problems. Grand Prix as championship SUPPORT “What an amazing feeling, it leader Albert Arenas crashed on feels so good to make back-to- lap 15. back wins. Suzuki, who started from “Strange conditions today, pole, scored his second victory Sangakkara backs but I think it was one of the in the class and climbed to sec- hardest races of my life.” ond in the championship behind Victory moved Quartararo to Spaniard Arenas who had won Ganguly for ICC 50 points in the world cham- the fi rst two races of the season. pionship standings, 10 points After a long battle at the ahead of Vinales. front, Suzuki edged Briton John chairman’s post Vinales clinched runners-up McPhee and Italian Celestino spot after an overtake on the pe- Vietti at the line. IANS the ICC.” Sangakkara, who is nultimate lap and 41-year-old “I tried to stay as long as pos- New Delhi also the fi rst non-British chief Italian Rossi took a podium place sible in front of the pack,” said of the Marylebone Cricket for the 199th time in his premier Suzuki. Club (MCC), said that an indi- class career and fi rst since the the grid, made a good start and and Francesco Bagnaia looking ised on mistakes from Miller and South African Darryn Binder, ormer Sri Lankan vidual presiding over an inter- Grand Prix of the Americas last quickly moved up to second to reel them in. Vinales to move up to third and whose brother Brad is racing in captain Kumar San- national governing body has to year. ahead of Vinales with the two Bagnaia, who had never fi n- he eased past Rossi whose tyres MotoGP, fi nished fourth after gakkara has thrown have the interests of all crick- Rossi, who started fourth on Pramac Ducatis of Jack Miller ished on the podium, capital- were struggling for grip in the starting 25th on the grid. his weight behind eting countries at heart. BoardF of Control for Cricket “Your mindset should be in India (BCCI) President truly international and not Sourav Ganguly to take over just constrained by partisan- as Chairman of the Interna- ship in terms of where I come Spectators attend Surrey-Middlesex friendly at tional Cricket Council (ICC). from — am I Indian, Sri Lankan “I think Sourav defi nitely can or Australia or English but re- London: Spectators returned to cricket stadium for the first time since March as they faced each other in the past two domestic seasons owing to Middlesex’s relegation make that change. Quite a big ally understand ‘yes I am a came to witness the friendly two-day match between Surrey and Middlesex at the Oval three years ago. fan of Dada not just because cricketer and what I am doing yesterday. The fixtures of the Bob Willis Trophy were released on Friday with all 18 First-Class Coun- of his stature as a cricketer is what is best for all cricketing All cricket across the world came to a standstill in the third month of the year due to ties (FCCs) set to be in action when the one-off red-ball competition begins on August 1. but I think he has a very astute countries,” he said. coronavirus pandemic and the sport returned earlier this month with #raisethebat cricket brain,” Sangakkara told “Most importantly, the series between England and West Indies. The series, however, is being played behind The Bob Willis Trophy will hold first-class status, but is a separate competition from the India Today. foundation of this game is closed doors. , and will comprise three regionalised groups, consisting of six “He has the best interests children, fans, and specta- The friendly at the Oval is expected to host 1000 spectators over two days. The venue counties per group, said ECB in a media release. of the game at heart and that tors around the world. I think has a capacity to host 25,000 people but to follow strict social distancing protocols, The FCCs will play five group-stage matches - one against each county in their group - should not change just because Sourav can do that very, very limited numbers of fans have been allowed to attend the match. with the two group winners with the most points set to progress to a five-day final to be you are the BCCI President or well. have no doubt that Sour- The two teams will once again meet in the Bob Willis Trophy on Saturday, having not played at the Lord’s. the ECB or SLC or any other av will be a very, very suitable cricket board when you are at candidate to do just that.” Gulf Times Monday, July 27, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA INJURY SCARE Capitals lose goalie Samsonov for NHL Kuzma’s work pays restart, playoff s off as Lakers beat Magic in scrimmage ‘NOTHING CRAZY, BUT A FEW JUST MINOR THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED ME OUT’

Russian goaltender Ilya Samsonov of the Washington Capitals.

AFP details, but Reirden said Sam- Washington sonov, 23, had not tested posi- tive for Covid-19. Samsonov went to Russia ussian rookie goal- after the NHL season was shut tender Ilya Samsonov down, returning July 2, but he will miss the National has not taken part in any team Hockey League’s practices. Covid-19R return and Stanley Before the shutdown, Sam- Cup playoff s with an undis- sonov had gone 16-6-2 this closed injury, his Washington season with a 2.55 goals- Capitals team announced Sat- against average and a 91.3 save urday. percentage, at times outshin- The Capitals, who captured ing veteran Braden Holtby, the 2018 NHL crown, went who is set to become a free 41-20 with eight overtime agent after the season. losses for 90 points, third in “He’s a player that had a big the Eastern Conference, be- impact on our team this fi rst fore the season was stopped year and is going to have a big March 12 by the coronavirus impact on the team for many pandemic. years to come,” Reirden said. Samsonov will not travel “But this is what it’s all with the Capitals to Toronto, about, making adjustments the hub city where East teams and adapting to the unpredict- will resume play in a bubble able.” environment. He will remain The Capitals, ignited by in Washington to continue nine-time NHL goal-scor- treatment. ing champion Alexander “He has made some strides Ovechkin of Russia, play Tam- and put together a pretty good pa Bay, Boston and Philadel- run this year, so to be without phia in a round-robin to de- him is certainly disappoint- termine top-four seedings for ing,” Capitals coach Todd the Stanley Cup playoff s while Reirden said. eight other East clubs meet in NHL return to play rules a play-in series to decide their forbid disclosing player injury opening-round foes. In this file photo taken on December 22, 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma (centre) goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (TNS)

By Tania Ganguli said. “I do.” ting ready. Having a full training For the Lakers, this was to be not in.” REPORT Los Angeles Times After a four-month break, camp defi nitely helped.” as close to their normal rota- Kuzma suff ered a stress reac- Kuzma no longer was play- The Lakers have scrimmaged tions as possible. Vogel planned tion in his left ankle last summer ing catch-up and it showed. twice at Disney World, the fi rst to stagger the playing time of and had injuries during the sea- hat Kyle Kuzma was He scored 25 points to lead the a loss to Dallas on Thursday. The James and Anthony Davis, all son too. The break allowed him Knicks fi nalising going to be the star of Lakers over the Orlando Magic, third and fi nal will be against the way into the fourth quarter. to heal and to put some work the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-112, making 10 of 13 shots, Washington on Monday. These Davis, though, was poked in into certain parts of his game. scrimmage was appar- including fi ve of seven three- will be their fi nal tuneups before the eye during the fi rst quarter “I made a few, a few tweaks,” deal with Thibodeau entT early in Saturday’s midday pointers. the season resumes Thursday. and did not return. He still man- Kuzma said about his shot. contest. “After USA, I couldn’t be on This was designated a road aged nine points, 10 rebounds, “Nothing crazy, but a few just Within 30 seconds of sub- the court for two, two and a half game for the Lakers. The NBA a blocked shot and an assist in minor things that really helped stituting for Kentavious Cald- months,” Kuzma said of the left tested its virtual fan idea with nearly 10 minutes. Vogel said af- me out. I worked on that point.” well-Pope, Kuzma sank a three- ankle injury he sustained while a simulation of Magic fans in ter the game that Davis was day But Vogel thinks it’s some- pointer. He made all four threes training with the national team. boxes on the video boards, the to day. thing else. he attempted in the fi rst quarter. “Just sit at home, shoot from a way they had shown Laker Girls “We’ll probably stick with “He just works,” Vogel said. Lakers coach Frank Vogel was chair. So I wasn’t really able to on the screen during the Lakers’ that,” Vogel said about stagger- “He works on his shot; all our asked after the game if this ver- play right away. Especially lift- opening scrimmage. ing Davis and James. “I think guys work on their shot. Tried sion of Kuzma might have ap- ing weights, I couldn’t really LeBron James scored 20 with what Kuz is doing and the little diff erent subtleties to im- peared at the start of this season bear any weights lower body- points in 25 minutes 37 seconds, way Alex (Caruso) has been prove. But it’s the repetition had he not missed all of training wise to get ready for the sea- adding seven assists and two re- playing, I think you have some that he puts in. That’s the rea- camp and the fi rst four games son. So past four months, it’s bounds. Caldwell-Pope scored lineups that we can put out son why he’s making shots at because of an ankle injury. been good for me getting in the 17 points while Dion Waiters there that we have confi dence a higher rate, not any types of “I really believe that,” Vogel gym and lifting heavy and get- contributed 12. in even if LeBron and AD were tweaks.”

SPOTLIGHT NBA probes Clippers guard Williams’ activities outside bubble Reuters mates what’s my favourite restaurant in Los Angeles Atlanta is. Ain’t nobody partying. Chill Reuters Rose was expected to make out lol. #Maskon #inandout.” Los Angeles a decision by the end of the Regardless, Clippers coach Doc Rivers month, per the New York Post. he NBA is investigating the ac- was less than thrilled to be asked about Other candidates to replace tions of Los Angeles Clippers the 33-year-old Williams, who is back in ormer New York David Fizdale, who was fi red guard Lou Williams while he Orlando. Knicks assistant Tom in December, were Jason Kidd, was on an excused absence away “I can’t share much with his journey. Thibodeau is fi nalis- Kenny Atkinson, Mike Wood- Tfrom the NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla, ac- I wasn’t on that journey with him,” Riv- ing a deal to return to son, Mike Brown, Ime Udoka, cording to multiple reports Saturday. ers said before the Clippers played the theF club as head coach, ESPN’s Will Hardy, Pat Delaney, The investigation could mean a longer Washington Wizards in a scrimmage on Adrian Wojnarowski reported Jamahl Mosley, Chris Fleming quarantine period for Williams due to Saturday night. “But he’s back here, I Saturday. and Knicks interim coach Mike the league’s coronavirus policy. Players can tell you that much. You know, obvi- The deal reportedly will run Miller. must serve a minimum four-day absence ously those (pictures) got out, and that’s fi ve years. The 62-year-old Thibodeau if they leave the campus and Williams something that we obviously didn’t en- Thibodeau, who previously has a 352-246 career record reportedly could be facing a quarantine joy seeing or like.” was the head coach of the over eight seasons with the of 10 to 14 days, depending on the results ESPN reported that Williams was Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Bulls and T-Wolves, including of the investigation. tested for the coronavirus each day since Timberwolves, had been con- a 24-32 postseason mark. Williams was photographed Thursday leaving the NBA bubble. He played in sidered the frontrunner for the The Knicks were 21-45 night at Magic City gentleman’s club in Wednesday’ scrimmage against the Or- job and had a formal interview when the season was halted on Atlanta by rapper Jack Harlow. The pic- lando Magic and scored 22 points in the in early July. March 11 due to the coronavi- ture was posted on Instagram by Harlow, 99-90 victory before departing the bub- Thibodeau’s decades-long rus pandemic. Out of conten- who later deleted it. On Friday, Harlow ble. relationship with Knicks tion for the playoff s, they are claimed the picture was old. Center Montrezl Harrell and guard president Leon Rose made him not taking part in the NBA’s ESPN reported that NBA security Patrick Beverley also recently left the an early favorite, despite the upcoming restart. quizzed Williams about his activities Clippers to attend to urgent family mat- team’s intention to interview The team’s most recent and that he did admit going to the club. ters. at least 11 candidates. Thibo- playoff appearance came in Williams maintained that no entertain- Meanwhile, center Ivica Zubac (un- The Los Angeles Clippers’ deau was represented by Crea- the 2012-13 season, when they ers were present and that he went there disclosed) and guard Landry Shamet Lou Williams. (TNS) tive Artist Agency when Rose lost in the Eastern Confer- for dinner after attending the viewing for (recovered from Covid-19) are rejoin- and newly hired executive vice ence semifi nals. The Knicks the father of a close friend. ing the team. Zubac arrived in Orlando president William Wesley ran were 54-28 that season but On Friday, Williams tweeted about the on Saturday, according to reports, and the agency’s basketball de- have not fi nished with a mark situation, saying “Ask any of my team- Shamet’s arrival is imminent. partment. above.500 since. Gulf Times 4 Monday, July 27, 2020 SPORT

NFL Smith cleared to return to practice here’s been plenty to dislike about the year 2020, so how about a Jets deal unhappy safety Adams to Seahawks feel-good story? TFormer Chiefs quarterback Reuters after Adams went public with criticisms Alex Smith told ESPN on Los Angeles against Adam Gase, saying the Jets’ head Jamal Adams has been Friday that he’s been cleared coach isn’t the “right leader” for the team. seeking a trade for months to return to practice less than “I don’t feel like he’s the right leader for amid a contract impasse two years after a horrifying he New York Jets traded disgrun- this organisation to reach the Promised with the Jets. (AFP) injury during a 2018 game. tled safety Jamal Adams to the Land,” Adams told the New York Daily As detailed in ESPN’s “Project Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, re- News of Gase. “As a leader, what really 11” documentary, after surgery portedly receiving two fi rst-round bothers me is that he doesn’t have a rela- to repair a broken leg, four football activities. Tpicks for the All-Pro defensive back. tionship with everybody in the building. diff erent bacteria infected “To hear them say that, from a The Seahawks confi rmed the trade on “At the end of the day, he doesn’t ad- Smith’s body including a flesh- life standpoint, they wouldn’t Twitter. dress the team. If there’s a problem in the eating bacteria. The latter re- restrict me from doing According to multiple reports, the Jets locker room, he lets another coach ad- quired multiple surgeries and anything — I could go skiing will receive safety Bradley McDougald dress the team. If we’re playing sh---y at one point a bone in Smith’s or snowboarding tomorrow from the Seahawks along with three draft and we’re losing, he doesn’t address the lower leg was visible because if I wanted — then on top of picks: fi rst- and third-round picks in 2021 entire team as a group at halftime. He’ll the flesh was gone. that, to get the green light that and a fi rst-round pick in 2022. walk out of the locker room and let an- Smith’s wife and doctors I could practice, get contact, The Jets sent the Seahawks a fourth- other coach handle it.” considered amputating his that I had healed up, that round pick in 2022. Adams, 24, told a fan last month he’d leg in an eff ort to save his much was pretty wild to hear. The deal is pending physicals. love to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys. life. That didn’t happen, and I didn’t know if I would ever Adams tweeted his goodbye to the team Adams is from Texas and spends his off - now — amazingly — Smith is hear those words.” later Saturday, writing:, “To NY & espe- season near Dallas. preparing for training camp. ESPN reported Smith, 36, cially the Jets fans: I love you & will always He earned his second Pro Bowl selec- “Everyone was in agreement should report to Washington’s love you. You all will hold a special place tion in three seasons in 2019 after tally- that my bone was in a really team facility and undergo a in my heart forever. When I came into the ing 75 tackles (10 for loss), 6.5 sacks, seven good place,” Smith told ESPN’s team physical on Monday. If league, you embraced me & watched me pass breakups and an interception in 14 Stephania Bell. “I had healed all goes well, Washington will grow! We went through it all together. games. a lot. They said that given the then decide how to use him at Thank you for the Luv & support these 3 Adams is under contract through 2021 combination of the rod and camp. Smith’s contract runs years.” after the Jets picked up his fi fth-year op- where I was with the healing through the 2022 season. He’s Adams has been seeking a trade for tion. He is slated to make $3.6mn between process, I had zero limitations due to make $16 million this months amid a contract impasse with salary and bonuses in 2020, with a $9.9mn and could even resume some year. the Jets. The reported trade comes a day salary in 2021.

MLB SPOTLIGHT Reds’ Davidson tests Brewers batter positive for Covid-19 Cubs 8-3, Nationals dominate Yankees ‘We’re going to have to be careful with the new rules and not be able to go into each other’

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt Davidson.

Reuters Saturday. “Of course, there Los Angeles is concern just like everyone dealing with this virus,” said Reds manager David Bell. incinnati Reds in- “First and foremost, we just fi elder Matt Davidson want Matty to take care of tested positive for himself. “This has become Covid-19 a day after a very close team. Everyone Cplaying in their season-opener cares a lot about one another. on Friday, the Major League We just want him to focus on Baseball (MLB) team said on getting healthy, number one. Saturday. But absolutely, it crosses your Davidson, who was tested mind.” In line with MLB pro- before the game, went 0-for- tocols, Davidson will need to 2 as the designated hitter as return two negative tests at the Reds cruised to a 7-1 vic- least 24 hours apart before tory over the Detroit Tigers at being eligible to return. the Great American Ball Park. The Reds signed Davidson, The 29-year-old was who previously played for placed on the 10-day injured the Arizona Diamondbacks list ahead of the Reds’ sec- and Chicago White Sox, to a ond game of the season, a minor league deal earlier this 6-4 defeat by the Tigers on year.

NFL adds temporary IR for players who test positive There will be a temporary ment, then return that player injured reserve list for players to the practice squad without who test positive for the coro- waivers. The temporary IR is navirus during the 2020 NFL unlimited and provides the season, NFL Network’s Ian “desired and necessary roster Washington Nationals centre fielder Victor Robles (right) hits a two run RBI double against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Nationals Park.PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Rapoport reported yesterday. flexibility,” according to the The new arrangement report. AFP chatter can be heard by the other Cubs Japanese right-hander was part of the agreement Thirty NFL teams report to Los Angeles team. “I think if you’re in the Yu Darvish gave up three runs reached Friday by the league training camp on Tuesday. dugout now in this environment, on six hits in four innings. He and the NFL Players Associa- The Houston Texans and you’re going to expect some of walked none and struck out fi ve. tion, according to the report. Kansas City Chiefs opened ustin Smoak and Chris- that,” Ross said. “That’s going Elsewhere, Victor Robles fi n- Rapoport said a player who camp Sunday because they tian Yelich smacked home to spark some intensity. I don’t ished with a home run and four tests positive will be placed will play earlier than other runs and players from know how it all kind of started.” RBIs as the reigning World Series on temporary IR immediately, teams. They are scheduled to both teams were hit by Smoak and Yelich each blast- champion Washington Nation- with his return subject to open the season on Sept. 10 pitchesJ sparking a social-dis- ed their fi rst home runs of the als dominated the New Yankees medical clearance. in Kansas City, while the rest tancing shouting match as the season, and Ben Gamel added a 9-2 at Nationals Park. Teams can promote a practice of the teams begin play on Milwaukee Brewers trampled the two-run triple for Milwaukee. The Nationals, who were squad player as a replace- September 13. Chicago Cubs 8-3 on Saturday. Yelich belted 44 home runs last held to just one hit in Thurs- The fourth inning began with season. Lorenzo Cain fi nished day’s rain-shortened loss, had a shouting match between the three-for-four with a double to overcome fi ve errors and the Vikings extend Zimmer’s contract two dugouts thanks in part to not and an RBI. absence of star pitcher Stephen having fans in the eerily-quiet Kyle Schwarber hammered a Strasburg. through 2023 Wrigley Field ballpark. two-run homer to lead the Cubs Erick Fedde started for Stras- The Vikings and head coach Zimmer, 64, has compiled But with the numerous health at the plate. burg, who was scratched due to a Mike Zimmer agreed to a a 57-38-1 record with three and safety measures in place be- Chicago’s Javier Baez reached nerve problem in his hand. three-year contract exten- playoff appearances in six cause of the global pandemic the base three times with a pair of Fedde allowed two runs on sion that will keep him in seasons at the helm of the umpires made sure the players singles and a hit by pitch in the four hits in four innings. He Minnesota through 2023. Vikings (2014-19). stayed on their side of the fi eld. fi rst inning. struck out three, walked one and Terms were not announced. He is the third-winningest “I think this is going to be part The Brewers Omar Narvaez threw 68 pitches to 19 hitters. “Very excited, humbled,” coach in franchise history of this season,” Brewers man- was hit by pitches in the fourth Robles fi nished a triple shy of Zimmer said Saturday on behind Hall of Famer Bud ager Craig Counsell said. “Both and fi fth innings. the cycle and produced his sec- a video conference with Grant (158) and Dennis Green dugouts can hear each other and Chicago’s Schwarber said the ond career game with at least reporters. “Feel blessed to be (97). umpires can hear everything. new coronavirus protocols mean four RBIs. able to continue on with the Zimmer signed a two-year There’s talking that goes on in physical contact between play- The centre fi elder had a two- Minnesota Vikings. extension worth a reported game you never hear with all ers could result in a suspension. run double, and added a two-run “Hopefully we can build on $10 mn after guiding Minne- the fans here. It’s just part of the “We’re going to have to be homer in the fourth off rookie this and get to where we sota to the NFC North title in game.” careful with the new rules and Mike King. Robles missed a need to be, which is in the 2017. Last year, that deal was Cubs manager David Ross said not be able to go into each other,” chance at getting the cycle when Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich in action against Super Bowl,” Zimmer added. extended through 2020. not having fans means teammate he said. he struck out in the eighth. Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Monday, July 27, 2020 5 SPORT

FOOTBALL SUPER RUGBY Christie keeps hopes alive as Blues Lampard urges Blues hold off Chiefs

AFP “We didn’t want it to get Wellington that close. We had plenty of opportunity in their half to capitalise on and we made a crucial try by Fin- few errors and gave away to to push on aft er lay Christie kept many penalties,” Blues captain the Auckland Blues’ Paddy Tuipulotu said adding title hopes alive as he was grateful for the defen- theyA bounced back from two sive eff ort. consecutive losses to beat the “In the last fi ve minutes we hapless Waikato Chiefs 21-17 trusted ourselves to back our in Auckland yesterday. D obviously and got the job In a dramatic fi nish, the done.” sealing top 4 fi nish Blues ended up a man down Chiefs captain Sam Cane with Harry Plummer yellow- rated his side’s performance as carded as the Chiefs pounded probably their best in the post ‘I suppose at Chelsea we have to be careful getting excited by top-four finishes, but the line looking to steal the Covid-19 lockdown competi- match at the end. tion, but it was still not good coming into the job, I don’t think a lot of people put us in that bracket’ But, the 14-man Blues man- enough. aged to steal possession and “We got off to a slow start run the clock down. but we fought our way back The three tries to two win into it, and it’s a 100-metre lifted the Blues up to second fi eld but this game was de- in the table, two points behind cided by inches. We’ve just got the Canterbury Crusaders and to hang in there. It’s tough,” he a point ahead of the Welling- said. Matt Duffi e, getting a rare ton Hurricanes who on Satur- start for the Blues with Beau- day infl icted the fi rst defeat of den Barrett moving to fl y-half, the season on the Crusaders. ran round Damian McKen- The Otago Highlanders, zie for the fi rst Blues try and who produced 26 unanswered Tuipulotu crashed over for the points to beat the Chiefs last second. week, lie fourth with the coach Barrett converted both Warren Gatland’s Chiefs win- while Damian McKenzie con- less and last. verted the Chiefs’ sole fi rst The Blues raced an early half try to Lachlan Boshier. 14-0 lead with two converted The Chiefs, desperate for tries in the opening 13 min- a fi rst win, produced a try to utes, but had slipped behind Solomon Alaimalo with a con- 14-17 early in the second half version and penalty to McKen- before nuggety scrum-half zie putting them ahead 17-14. Christie saw a gap around a But, they could not sustain ruck and dived over for what the pressure and Christie was proved to be the clincher with able to sneak through for the 25 minutes remaining. winning try.

Crusaders’ loss probably celebrated: coach Robertson

Canterbury Crusaders coach The Auckland Blues (13) could Scott Robertson was not tighten the gap even further overly pleased with their first if they beat the Waikato Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud shoots at goal during their EPL match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. (AFP) loss at home in four years Chiefs later on Sunday. but felt the New Zealand The clash with the Hurricanes AFP Chelsea can cap an encour- Mount, Tammy Abraham and dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga as pard said. public would be happy it had was at an almost test level in- London aging fi rst season in charge for Reece James has them well po- Argentine veteran Willy Cabal- “There were a lot of unknowns opened up the chase for the tensity and arguably the best Lampard if they beat Arsenal in sitioned to grow stronger next lero started in goal. when I came in, could we move Super Rugby Aotearoa title. match of the competition the FA Cup fi nal at Wembley on term. Error-prone Kepa, linked forward without Eden Hazard? The Crusaders were beaten involving just New Zealand’s rank Lampard insisted Saturday. But Chelsea lost 12 times in with a close-season move, has We knew we had lost a massive 34-32 by the Wellington Hur- Super Rugby sides. It also Chelsea must not rest on They also have to face Bay- the league for only the second struggled to live up to his price player. We’ve a real spirit with- ricanes in a pulsating clash helped end the element of in- their laurels after quali- ern Munich in the Champions time since Roman Abramovich tag as the world’s most expen- in the group now and it’s a real on Saturday, ending their vincibility the Crusaders had fying for the Champi- League last 16 second leg, but became owner in 2003. And sive keeper since the Spaniard’s team eff ort now. four-year unbeaten streak in built up in Christchurch. onsF League because they have trail 3-0 ahead of the trip to Ger- Lampard knows his team’s in- £71.6 million ($91.5 million) “The challenge now is to see Christchurch and tightening Their last previous loss to a improvements to make before many in August. consistent spells must be cut out transfer from Athletic Bilbao in what more we can do next sea- the points table. Super Rugby side at Rugby chasing Premier League winners It is next season’s Champi- to have any chance of closing the 2018. son.” Robertson’s team still lead League Park was to the Hur- Liverpool next season. ons League campaign that is 33-point gap to Liverpool. Chelsea’s new German striker Chelsea eff ectively sealed the domestic competition on ricanes in 2016. It was also Lampard’s side needed one more alluring to Chelsea, who “I suppose at Chelsea we have Timo Werner, signed from Leip- their Champions League spot 19 points, despite their first Robertson’s first home loss in point from their last game of the will bank at least £50 million to be careful getting excited by zig for next season, was watch- with two goals in fi rst half stop- loss in their five games, three his four-season tenure, which season to be sure of featuring in ($63 million) in prize money top-four fi nishes, but coming ing in a mask high in the stands. page-time. ahead of the Hurricanes who has seen the Crusaders also the Champions League and they and broadcasting revenue from into the job, I don’t think a lot Lampard has also secured Mount curl a superb free-kick have played an additional win three successive Super achieved that target with a 2-0 the competition – cash that will of people put us in that bracket,” the signature of Ajax playmaker past Rui Patricio for his fi rst match. “If you look at the Rugby titles. “I’m just really win against Wolves yesterday. help fund Lampard’s on-going Lampard said. Hakim Ziyech, with reports sug- league goal since March. table, it would have been nice proud of all the guys over First half goals from Mason overhaul of the squad. “We know where we are at, it gesting he is considering moves Then, Mount slipped a pass to get that result,” Robertson the last three and a half years Mount and Olivier Giroud at In just his second season as is a progress. Now we’ve secured for Atletico Madrid keeper Jan through to Giroud, who held off told reporters. “But it makes that have been a part of it,” Stamford Bridge ensured they a manager - he spent his fi rst top four can we look to improve Oblak, West Ham midfi elder De- Conor Coady and rounded Rui it interesting, it makes it inter- he said. “There have been held onto the top four berth that campaign at second tier Derby – to close that gap? clan Rice and Bayer Leverkusen’s Patricio before stabbing into the esting for everyone. a hell of a lot of amazing had been theirs for most of the Lampard took over a team in fl ux “The gap is there for a reason Kai Kavertz. roof of the net. “I think the whole of New Zea- moments. It’s pretty special season. after the departure of Eden Haz- and there because Manchester “What we’ve done this season Wolves fi nish seventh and land would have been yelling to us. We will mention it as a The Blues had not ended a ard to Real Madrid. City and Liverpool have taken it is take the opportunity to bring will only qualify for the Europa for that result, weren’t they? group. Now we can put it to round of fi xtures outside the top His astute development of to diff erent levels.” in the younger players and im- League if Arsenal win the FA And fair play, here we go.” bed, start again.” (Reuters) four since October 6. promising youngsters including Intriguingly, Lampard prove the existing players,” Lam- Cup.

BADMINTON Beating Xuerui was the turning point of my career: Sindhu IANS This was the 16th episode her at the quarterfi nals (of China Mumbai of the Instagram chat series Masters),” reminisced the star ‘In The Sportlight’ started by shuttler, adding that it boosted 21-year-old fast-rising Indian her confi dence by miles and orld champion paddler Dani, who has already made her work harder than ever. shuttler PV Sindhu hosted Abhinav Bindra, Leander A big fan of 2004 Olympic has been making Paes, Vijender Singh, Sathiyan gold medallist Taufi k Hidayat’s most of the time Gnanasekaran and Union Sports backhand and two-time Olym- Waway from the game by develop- Minister Kiren Rijiju, among pic champion Lin Dan’s style of ing new skills at home. others. The next guest would play, Sindhu still fondly remem- During a freewheeling chat be champion wrestler Bajrang bers a surprise gift she received with paddler Mudit Dani on his Punia. from one of her devoted fans live online chat show ‘In the Persistence is the second upon her arrival from the Rio Sportlight’, the Olympic silver name for Sindhu, which is per- Olympics, which was his one- medallist said she has been pick- haps most evident in the way she month salary. ing up new skills as she contin- never gave up her dream of be- “It was so touching that I re- ues to train at home and is hav- coming a world champion since member it even today. I wrote ing a relaxed time with her family winning her fi rst bronze medal him a letter and sent him some amid the Covid-19 pandemic. at the prestigious event in 2013. money,” said the World No. 7. “I have been learning a few However, Sindhu feels her win The 25-year-old also spoke of things, like I paint nowadays. I against 2012 Olympic champion the importance of support for am also cooking and baking. It’s Li Xuerui was a turning point in rising stars to excel. really interesting because ear- her career. Support from the ecosystem lier it was always badminton, “The turning point for me was like Khelo India is as much es- but now you are learning diff er- when I beat Li Xuerui in 2012. sential as support from the par- ent stuff which are creative,” said She was the Olympic champion ents was her parting message in Sindhu. at that point of time and I beat the show. World champion shuttler PV Sindhu. Gulf Times 6 Monday, July 27, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Westwood ‘not comfortable’ travelling to America

AFP to enter the fi rst major championship of coming caddies and other essential golf Los Angeles 2020 in on August 6 and personnel entering the United States. next week’s WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invi- The players were notifi ed Friday in an tational in Tennessee. email. he United States has scrapped But the attraction of playing in a ma- Westwood said he suff ers from exer- its 14-day quarantine for over- jor is not enough to sway Westwood, cise-induced asthma. seas PGA Tour golfers, but who said he is worried about the way “I’m slightly asthmatic. If I tested that’s not enough to convince the United States is handling the Cov- (positive) in Memphis I would have to Tformer world No. 1 Lee Westwood to get id-19 pandemic. stay there for two weeks. Right now on an airplane and fl y to America. “I don’t feel it is right to jump on a there are too many ifs.” The US federal government decid- plane for 12 hours,” the 47-year-old America leads the world in Covid-19 ed Friday that professional golfers no Westwood told reporters Saturday at cases with 4.17 million and deaths with longer have to quarantine for two weeks the British Masters. over 146,000, according to Johns Hop- because the USPGA Tour has put in “I’m still concerned that America kins University. place numerous health measures such doesn’t take it (the virus) as seriously as Memphis has 265 deaths and almost as regular testing for the coronavirus. the rest of the world. It still seems to be 18,000 cases while San Francisco has The lifting of the restrictions opens one of the hot spots for outbreaks.” more than 50 deaths and over 5,700 the door for travelling non-Americans The policy change also aff ects in- cases. Former world No. 1 Lee Westwood.

GOLF TENNIS Halep pulls out of Palermo WTA Werenski, Thompson tournament

AFP who also won the French Open Milan in 2018, to compete after Ital- ian authorities on Friday im- posed a 14-day quarantine on orld number two entry into Italy for all those share 54-hole lead Simona Halep an- who had been in Romania and nounced Sunday Bulgaria during the previous that she will not two weeks. Wcompete in the Palermo WTA “We found out with great event, which will mark the sea- bitterness the decision of the ‘Definitely good to have son’s resumption after a fi ve- world number two to cancel month coronavirus suspension. her participation,” said tour- a strong finish like that’ “Given the recent rise in nament director, Oliviero at PGA 3M Open Covid-19 cases in Romania Palma. and my anxieties around in- “Yesterday we were opti- AFP ternational air travel at this mistic, and we had informed Washington time, I have made the tough Halep’s staff about the fact decision to withdraw from that professional players are Palermo,” Wimbledon cham- not obliged to quarantine.” ichy Werenski, seek- pion Halep said on Twitter. “Nevertheless, Halep’s staff ing his fi rst US PGA “I want to thank the tourna- only communicated us the fi - title, closed with an ment director and the Italian nal decision, frustrating all our eight-foot birdie putt ministry of health for all ef- eff orts. We are embittered and toR match Michael Thompson for forts on my behalf.” profoundly disappointed.” the lead after Saturday’s third Organisers had been seeking The clay-court tournament round of the 3M Open. an exemption for the 28-year- in Sicily gets underway on Au- Thompson, a 2012 US Open old former world number one, gust 3. runner-up, and American com- patriot Werenski, who bird- ied three of the last four holes, each fi red three-under par 68s to stand on 15-under 198 after 54 holes at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. “Defi nitely good to have a strong fi nish like that,” Werenski said. “It just kind of clicked in and I gave myself a chance going into tomorrow.” Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion from , and US standout Tony Finau shared third on 200 with American Max Homa another stroke adrift. Thompson, whose only PGA World number two Simona Halep title came at the 2013 Honda Classic, led by four strokes on the 15th tee but made bogey on the only hole Werenski didn’t Actor Hugh Grant wins opening birdie down the stretch to leave match at Swedish tennis tournament them deadlocked at the top, just Richy Werenski looks over a putt on the 16th green during the third round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Getty Images/AFP) as they began the day. British film star Hugh Grant at Bastad, south-western “I’m pretty happy with the LEADING SCORES AFTER THIRD ROUND yesterday won his opening Sweden - classic ground for round,” Thompson said. match at the Swedish open Swedish clay tennis. The “The game doesn’t need to be (par 71; USA unless stated) Denny McCarthy 68-70-64, Alex Gooch 66-65-72, Zhang Xinjun 67-68-69 tennis championships for number of spectators was more complicated than it is. If I Noren (SWE) 67-69-66, Harris (CHN) 65-67-71, Matthew Wolff 205-Doug Ghim 70-68-67, Bernd seniors, cruising to a two- limited due to coronavirus keep it simple (Sunday) I’m go- 198-Michael Thompson 64-66- English 70-65-67, Ryan Moore 65-68-70 Wiesberger (AUT) 73-66-66, straight-set victory. restrictions. ing to have a good day.” 68, Richy Werenski 63-67-68 65-70-67, Nick Watney 65-69-68, 204-Robert Garrigus 66-71-67, Matthias Schwab (AUT) 70-67- Grant, 59, defeated Ferenc Grant and his Swedish wife, Werenski closed strong after 200-Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 66- Cameron Davis (AUS) 67-66-69 Kim Si-woo (KOR) 71-65-68, 68, Brice Garnett 70-67-68, Pat Kovacs 6-3, 6-1 in a match Anna Grant, 40, are known being unable to match Thomp- 68-66, Tony Finau 65-66-69 203-Charles Howell 71-65-67, Robby Shelton 68-68-68, Hank Perez 70-69-66, Austin Cook that organisers rescheduled for their keen interest in son’s early pace. 201-Max Homa 65-72-64 Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 71-68-64, Lebioda 69-70-65, Patrick Rodg- 67-70-68, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) to early Sunday, the Kvall- tennis. They have in recent “I did a good job of just hang- 202-Cameron Tringale 69-70-63, Adam Long 68-72-63, Talor ers 66-68-70, Danny Lee (NZL) 68-67-70, Kyle Stanley 66-74-65 sposten daily reported. years spent parts of their ing in there, grinding along,” “It was fun to play even if I holiday in the resort of Werenski said. “I feel really good had to get up at 6 am (0400 Torekov, near Bastad, where this week. Everything feels sol- son has led or shared the lead “Those three birdies in a row on 16-under, stretching his edge began to fall, Thompson found a GMT),” Kovacs told the they own a summer house. id. I just want to keep hanging entering the fi nal round since his were a great jump start for me,” to four shots. greenside bunker with his third newspaper after the match. Kovacs said Grant was “very around and hopefully something 2013 triumph. Thompson said. Werenski charged with birdies shot, then blasted the ball inches “He was good, a worthy win- nice.” happens.” “I haven’t been in this posi- “I played really solid on the at the par-4 15th and 16th holes, from the cup and tapped in to ner,” Kovacs added. “We talked a lot,” he said. Thompson rescued par at 18 tion in a long time,” Thompson back nine. I just couldn’t get any the latter from 16 feet, to trim salvage par. Grant, who starred in films In the next round, Grant after fi nding water off the tee, said. “It was nice to get my feet putts to fall.” Thompson’s lead to two strokes. Moments later, Werenski like “Four Weddings and a plays top-seeded Per-An- sparking his spirit for the fi nal wet.” Thompson, who birdied fi ve Thompson stumbled with curled in his birdie putt to join Funeral” and “Notting Hill,” ders Lindeborg. round. Thompson dropped his ap- and six for the third day in a row, only his second bogey of the him at the top. turns 60 on September 9, “If [Grant] wins a game “Made a really nifty par at the proaches inside three feet to set went three strokes ahead of the week, missing a 15-foot par putt American Cameron Tringale making him eligible to in that match, it’ll be well last that I think is going to keep up birdies at the par-4 fi fth and fi eld when Werenski made a bo- at the par-3 17th, then sent his matched his career-low PGA play in the 60+ class at the done. It’s going to be really the momentum going for me to- par-5 sixth and made it three in gey at 11. tee shot at the par-5 18th into the round with a 63 to stand among Swedish open. tough, but who knows,” morrow,” said Thompson. a row by holing a 24-foot putt at A two-putt birdie from 40 feet water. seven players sharing sixth on The match was played Kovacs said. (DPA) This is the fi rst time Thomp- the par-4 seventh. at the par-5 12th put Thompson Clinging to the lead as rain 202.

FOCUS New mum Stosur to skip rest of 2020 but vows to return Reuters WTA Tour is scheduled to re- ily, go through all those little you don’t worry about whether London start with the Palermo Ladies milestones that Evie is going to that was a bad loss, or whatever Open on Aug. 3 after the Cov- have in the next six months and happened on court,” she said. id-19 outbreak forced the sus- just really enjoy being home.” “Probably help relax me a ormer US Open cham- pension of professional events Stosur reached a career-high little bit more as well because pion Samantha Sto- in early March. The US Open ranking of fourth in 2011 and there is something bigger and sur has decided to sit and French Open Grand Slams defeated Serena Williams in essentially more important out the rest of 2020 are still on the 2020 calendar. New York for her maiden Grand than that one tennis match that amidF the Covid-19 pandemic “With the schedule com- Slam singles title the same year. you’ve just played. after becoming a mother last ing up, with Covid, with quar- She hopes family bliss would “I’m actually looking for- month but the 36-year-old antine and with all the other work in her favour when she re- ward to that prospect and being Australian has vowed to return things that you’re going to have turns to playing. able to play, do my job, come to court next year. to deal with, I’ve decided that “Many players have done home or if we’re on the road Stosur recently announced I’m going to take the rest of this same thing and I think the travelling, and enjoy those mo- this month that her partner Liz the year off ,” Stosur told ten- resounding comment is ‘I actu- ments with her because I think Astling gave birth to daugh- nis Australia. “I’m going to stay ally played better and I enjoy it’ that’s something that’s going to ter Evie in June. The women’s here, enjoy being with my fam- and you come off the court and be very special.” Gulf Times Monday, July 27, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE APPRECIATION Klopp hails Reds’ character aft er season-ending win Guardiola thanks

Reuters title in 30 years. Van Dijk said that Liverpool will London, United Kingdom “It’s far away from being per- have no time to rest on their lau- Silva for decade of fect, but it’s a good example for rels as the new season is set to what the boys did over the whole begin on September 12. iverpool manager Jurgen season,” Klopp said of the come- “The personal highlight is Man City service Klopp hailed his side’s back win. winning the Premier League. It’s character and will to “They didn’t only win foot- been a big dream for me coming win even the “diffi cult ball games when the sun is shin- true. I think for all of us, for this games”L as the champions came ing, the pitch is perfect, the ball, beautiful club, it’s outstanding, from a goal down to beat New- everything is perfect. They won and it should spur us on to try castle United 3-1 on the fi nal day all the diffi cult games — not all even harder to retain the title,” of the Premier League season of them, but a lot of them — and he told BT Sport. yesterday. today was a diffi cult game. “It’s going to be very tough, Liverpool found themselves “We won it, well-deserved, teams are going to improve, behind after just 26 seconds They competed 95 minutes in teams want to beat us even but goals from Virgil van Dijk, the game, after the season the more. But yeah, we will focus on Divock Origi and Sadio Mane boys played? Incredible, really,” each game at a time. That’s what brought the curtain down on a he added. we did already this season, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) and goalkeeper Alisson superb season for the Reds that Though delighted with the hopefully we can be as consist- celebrate after the win over Newcastle United yesterday. (Reuters) saw them win their fi rst league outcome of the season, defender ent as we were this season.” Manchester City’s David Silva (left) is substituted by manager Pep Guardiola during the match against Norwich yesterday. (AFP) SERIE A COMMENT Reuters incredible years. We just want to London, United Kingdom thank him.” The 34-year-old Silva was un- Spurs’ able to add to his 60 league goals anchester City mid- and 93 assists for City, but came fi elder David Silva close with a rasping shot in the Dier says will return to the 54th minute that was palmed Lazio’s Immobile Etihad Stadium for a away by Norwich keeper Tim abuse from Mproper send-off after making his Krul. fi nal Premier League appearance Silva has won 11 trophies in 10 for the club in yesterday’s 5-0 seasons with City, including four supporters thrashing of Norwich City, man- Premier League titles and could ager Pep Guardiola said. yet close out his City career on a must be Silva, who joined City a decade high if the club win this season’s nets hat-trick ago, will leave the club at the end Champions League. of the season and made his 309th “To win so many titles and the taken more league appearance against Nor- way we won it, I am a lucky guy,” wich, going off to a standing ova- he said. “I have had a lot of nice tion from the City bench in the moments, and this one as well, seriously 85th minute. the last one. I will miss every- Reuters “It was the smallest standing thing — even the weather. against Verona ovation of all time,” Guardiola “I hope we can win the Cham- London, United Kingdom said. “He will come back for the pions League. It’s a pity we have one he deserves. to play with no fans but the safe- Roma’s Veretout gets a brace in a 2-1 win over Fiorentina at home ottenham Hotspur’s Eric “The players showed the grat- ty of the people is the most im- Dier says the culture of itude that has to happen for these portant thing.” DPA abuse from spectators in Rome, Italy soccer is a massive prob- Tlem and authorities need to take stricter action against off enders. Fuenlabrada denied shot at promotion azio’s Ciro Immobile Dier, 26, was banned for four took his top-scorer games and fi ned by the FA over to La Liga as last game suspended tally to 34 goals with a a confrontation with a Spurs fan hat-trick in a 5-1 rally after the London side’s defeat on Spanish side Fuenlabrada’s final match that was postponed after Lat Verona yesterday in the Ital- penalties by Norwich City in the several players tested positive for Covid-19 has been off icially ian Serie A. FA Cup fi fth round in March. suspended and will not take place, denying the second division Immobile converted from Following the penalty shoot- side a shot at promotion, La Liga said yesterday. Fuenlabrada, who the spot before half-time to out at the Tottenham Hotspur were due to play Deportivo La Coruna last week, confirmed 12 level Sofyan Amrabat’s earlier Stadium, video footage showed more positive tests on Saturday, bringing the number of cases at penalty and closed the scor- Dier climbing over seats and the club to 28. Following the last round of matches, Fuenlabrada ing with a great serving shot confronting a home supporter were left needing a draw to leap back into sixth place and clinch into the far corner and a second before he was restrained by se- a playoff -promotion berth but La Liga confirmed the final spot penalty. curity guards and other fans. will now be awarded to sixth-placed Elche. La Liga said that since His 101st goal in four seasons “It’s a massive problem,” the there was no alternative date available to play the match, they had at Lazio put him four clear of England international said. “It’s no choice but to invoke the force majeure clause and suspend the Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo in a massive problem in society in game permanently — a decision Fuenlabrada accepted. the current campaign. general because of social media, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was football stadiums, sports stadi- fouled and took a free-kick to ums in general. Bayern defender Suele fi t again aft er fi nd the net thanks to a defl ec- “It needs to be looked at much long injury break: Flick tion from the wall and Joaquin more seriously and there needs Correa also had his shot de- AS Roma’s Jordan Veretout shoots and scores from a penalty kick during the Serie A match against to be much more repercussions. Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele has fully recovered from fl ected to net the guests’ third. Fiorentina at the Olympic stadium in Rome, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) It is being addressed, but it needs torn cruciate ligaments as his team chase a treble of titles, coach The fourth-placed Romans to be addressed even more. Hansi Flick said yesterday. Germany international Suele suff ered had the last Champions League play-off s as it stands. Rodrigo Palacio and Rob- enth and are in the next Europa “I have no problem with any- the injury in October and has not played since. “I am very satisfied slot already secured along with Udinese won 1-0 Cagliari, erto Soriano struck for Bolo- League as Italian Cup winners. one criticising my footballing with how he has been training and his intensity level,” Bayern third-place Atalanta, Inter three days after stunning 2-1 gna in the fi rst fi ve minutes, ability at any time, but when it’s coach Hansi Flick told a news conference. “Even today in training Milan and Juventus, who can Juve to disrupt their possi- but Marco Mancosu pulled YESTERDAY’S RESULTS anything more than that then in nine against nine he did it really well. I expect him to be at 100 clinch their ninth straight title ble Scudetto party. Relegated one back before the break and „Bologna 3 (Palacio 2, So- there is a big problem.” percent. Obviously, he is lacking match practice but he can get with two games remaining by SPAL drew 1-1 with Torino. Filippo Falco levelled in the riano 5, Barrow 90+3) Lecce 2 Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha some playing time (on Friday) against Olympique de Marseille.” beating visiting Sampdoria in Bologna snatched a stop- 66th minute. (Mancosu 45+2, Falco 66) has called on social media plat- Bayern, who won the German league and Cup double this season, the closing fi xture of matchday page-time 3-2 win against Musa Barrow then fi nished „Roma 2 (Veretout 45-pen, forms to identify and remove take on the French side in a friendly before meeting Chelsea in the 36. troubled Lecce, who remained off a counter-attack despite 87-pen) Fiorentina 1 (Milenkovic users who resort to racist abuse Champions League round of 16 second leg next week. The Bavar- Roma’s Jordan Veretout also in the drop zone, four points his injured team-mate Ladis- 54) after he was targeted before his ians won the first leg in London 3-0. got a brace by converting two behind Genoa with two games lav Krejci not being replaced as „Cagliari 0 Udinese 1 (Okaka team’s Premier League match at penalties for a 2-1 defeat of remaining. Bologna had reached the fi ve- 2) Aston Villa earlier this month. Fiorentina at Rome’s Stadio The fourth-last Genoese, substitution limit. „Hellas Verona 1 (Amrabat Borussia Dortmund’s new Vietnam suspends domestic football Olimpico. who lost 3-0 at Inter on Satur- Milan and Atalanta drew 1-1 39-pen) Lazio 5 (Immobile signing Jude Bellingham and aft er new coronavirus cases The Rome Giallorossi are day, would avoid relegation in on Friday. On Saturday, Parma 45+6-pen, 83, 90+4-pen, Sheffi eld United striker David now fi fth, four points clear of case they fi nish level on points beat relegated Brescia 2-1 and Milinkovic-Savic 56, Correa 63) McGoldrick have also been sub- Vietnam suspended its domestic football leagues yesterday until AC Milan, who would have to with Lecce thanks to the head- Napoli won 2-0 against Sas- „SPAL 1 (D’Alessandro 80) jected to online racist abuse in further notice following news of the first locally transmitted case go through the Europa League to-head record. suolo. The Neapolitans sit sev- Torino 1 (Verdi 57) recent weeks. of coronavirus in nearly 100 days. After more than three months with no local cases, a 57-year-old retired Vietnamese man in the central city of Danang tested positive for the virus. Following the FOCUS SPOTLIGHT discovery, authorities announced Sunday that they have found three more infections connected to the Danang case. In response, the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) announced all domestic football leagues have been suspended. The country’s top Vleague Conte dismisses Messi Real’s Hazard has and the First Division were supposed to play new rounds starting July 29. The change in plans is “to ensure the safety of the play- ers”, organisers said in a statement. No details were provided on talk as ‘fantasy football’ sunk under weight of when the matches might resume. AFP Marseille hire Spaniard Longoria as Milan, Italy expectations: Capello sports director Reuters nter Milan coach Antonio Conte Madrid, Spain Marseille yesterday confirmed that they have hired 33-year-old on Saturday dismissed talk of a re- Spaniard Pablo Longoria as deputy general manager in charge ported move by the Chinese-owned of football. Despite his youth, Longoria has worked at Newcastle, Italian club for Barcelona star Lionel den Hazard has struggled Huelva, Juventus, Sassuolo, Atalanta and most recently Valen- IMessi. to deal with the weight of the cia, where he was director of football until September, 2019. He “We’re talking fantasy football, a Real Madrid shirt following his “will oversee the entire sports sector, from the first team to the situation that cannot be approached at high-profi le move from Chelsea, training centre”, while also being in charge of recruitment, the Inter for many reasons,” Conte said after formerE Real manager Fabio Capello has French Ligue 1 club said in a statement. The club said Longoria’s Inter beat Genoa 3-0 to move second in said. appointment and the hiring of Hugues Ouvrard as “head of busi- Serie A. Hazard joined the Spanish club from ness”, marked the start of the “second phase of its development” Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, Chelsea on a fi ve-year contract for a re- under American owner Frank McCourt. The club said it intends to 33, has spent his entire professional ca- ported 100 mn euros ($116.54mn) ahead develop its “player trading” with a view to generating revenue by reer at Barcelona with his contract due of the 2019-20 season. buying and then reselling players. to expire in 2021. The Belgium international inspired “I don’t think there is a madman in Chelsea to two Premier League trophies the world who does not want Messi, but during his time at Stamford Bridge but Ukrainian national team’s doctor dies he is really far from us and what we want has failed to hit similar heights in Spain, With Hazard struggling for form, the of coronavirus to build,” added the former Juventus and with injuries limiting him to 21 appear- onus was on Karim Benzema to shoulder Chelsea coach. forward Alexis Sanchez, so that he could ances in all competitions this season. the goal-scoring responsibilities and the Anton Hudaev, the Ukrainian national team’s doctor, has died from Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta also play the Europa League with Inter. “He hasn’t been the player he was at French striker enjoyed one of the best the novel coronavirus at the age of 48, the domestic football as- brushed aside talk that the northern side Sanchez, sidelined for months with a Chelsea and he was injured for a long seasons of his career, netting 21 league sociation (UAF) said. “On behalf of the President of the Ukrainian wanted Messi to rival Juventus star Cris- knee injury, scored on Saturday with his time, he hasn’t adapted,” Capello told goals and fi ring Real to a record-extend- Association of Football Andriy Pavelka, head coach of the national tiano Ronaldo. former United teammate Romelu Lu- Marca. ing 34th La Liga crown. team Andriy Shevchenko and the entire football family of Ukraine, “Leo is not our goal and I don’t think kaku getting a brace. “I’ve always thought of him as a great “He’s become a benchmark for Real. we extend our deepest condolences to his family,” the UAF said in he wants to leave Barcelona,” said “I hope that the club can resolve the player but the Real shirt weighs heavily He has taken on responsibility that he a statement. “The whole national team is in great sorrow.” Hudaev Marotta. situation because so far, Alexis hasn’t and Hazard has sunk this year. It’s clear didn’t have when he played with Cris- was also team doctor for the local club Metalist Kharkiv. The virus Conte, meanwhile, said he hoped that been available much,” said Conte. “To that he’ll be better next season,” added tiano Ronaldo, he has a nose for goal and has killed more than 1,600 people in Ukraine, which has reported the club could reach agreement with have a quality alternative in attack the Italian, who led Real to two La Liga he’s shown it,” added former England nearly 65,000 infections. Manchester United concerning on-loan would be vital for us.” titles. coach Capello.

Monday, July 27, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE Qatari legend Khalfan to go live with Generation Amazing on Instagram atari legend Ibrahim team that qualifi ed for the 1984 lish side Manchester City and ground and initiative in the fi ght sky. I try to surround myself with Khalfan will feature on summer Olympic Games in Los achieved over 90 caps for the Den- towards gender equality in foot- people who can take me to the Generation Amazing Angeles. The star makes regu- mark women’s national team. ball and elsewhere.” sky. As opposed to those who (GA) on Instagram Live lar appearances as a beIN Sports Ahead of this week’s online Last week former Arsenal, say you can’t do it, you’re a girl. thisQ Wednesday. analyst and was announced as a Instagram sessions, Generation Chelsea and Juventus forward, I don’t believe I can’t.” In a Generation Amazing Star Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup am- Amazing Programmes Director Lianne Sanderson featured on Talking about the Qatar 2022 Chat, former Al Arabi and Qatar bassador in 2019. Nasser al-Khori said: “We are Generation Amazing Live on In- social and legacy programme and national team player Khalfan will Also coming up this week delighted to host Qatari football stagram. Sanderson recalled her her time spent in an activity or- take audiences on a trip down on Generation Amazing Insta- legend Ibrahim Khalfan, who experiences as a professional ganised by Generation Amazing memory lane with highlights gram Live, Paris Saint-Germain will talk at lengths about his mo- women’s player as well as the with girls from Qatar and around from his career. women and Danish national mentous achievements in Qatari advice she always has for boys the world in Doha, Sanderson Considered as one of the team forward, Nadia Nadim, will football as well as give us insight and girls hoping to achieve their added: “I love Generation Amaz- best Qatari footballers of all talk about her incredible journey into the rich footballing history dreams in football and in life. ing. I love everything they are time, Khalfan has represented from Afghanistan, where she was in the country.” The former England forward doing so when they asked me to his country in 90 international born, to playing top league pro- Al Khori adds: “PSG sensa- said: “Who you surround your- do this, it was a pleasure. If there matches. fessional football. tion Nadia Nadim will off er some self with can either take you to is anything that I can do to help Former Al Arabi and Qatar national team player Ibrahim Khalfan (right) Khalfan was part of the Qatar Nadim has also played for Eng- inspiring insight into her back- the ground or take you to the people, I will.” (Qatar2022.qa) represented his country in 90 international matches.

FOOTBALL / PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Grand Chess Mission complete Tour for for Man United Qatari boys Aston Villa survive the concludes drop thanks to a 1-1 draw and Chelsea at West Ham United

Dhami Dahman won the three-month Grand Chess Tour for Qatari U-12 Boys with 94 points.

By Sports Reporter Omar al-Salama (39), Osama Doha al-Salama (37), Abdulrahman al-Salama (36), Hamad al-Sayed (35) and Ibrahim al-Janahi (32) he Qatar Chess Associa- completed the top ten. tion (QCA), in line with The tournament was held as social distancing meas- part of QCA’s commitment to ures and government’s spread the game and promote Teff orts to fl atten the curve dur- strategic thinking in the commu- ing the Covid-19 pandemic, had nity as well as develop the com- organised an online Grand Chess munity through sports. Tour for 18 Under-12 Qatari boys Chess is one of the most an- over a period of three months on cient, intellectual, and cultural the lichess.org platform. games, with a combination of The Tour, which concluded sport, scientifi c thinking, and on Saturday, comprised 12 tour- elements of art. As an aff ordable naments that were played every and inclusive activity, it can be Saturday, with players earning exercised anywhere and played points according to their fi nal by all, across the barriers of lan- rank in each event. guage, age, gender, physical abil- At the end of the Tour, all play- ity, or social status. ers earn prize money for their Chess is one of the games that overall performance across all transcend borders and comply events. with social distancing measures The winner, with 94 points was during these challenging times Dhami Dahman, who edged out while bringing all chess enthu- Khalid al-Emadi by a sole point siasts together. This is one of the after a three-month long Tour. worthwhile activities that peo- Ali Dhman fi nished third with ple can engage with each other Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard (centre) scores their second goal during the Premier League match at Leicester yesterday. (Reuters) 85 points, while Taleb Dahman and at the same time contribute (82) and Nasser al-Sayed (64) to the government’s eff orts in its Reuters There was tension at the bottom, rounded out the top fi ve. fi ght against Covid-19. Manchester, United Kingdom YESTERDAY’S RESULTS EPL STANDINGS though, with Villa taking the lead at West „Southampton 3 (Adams 50, P W D L GF GA Pts Ham thanks to Jack Grealish in the 84th 71, Ings 84-pen) Sheff ield United 1 minute but the hosts hit back quickly Liverpool 38 32 3 3 85 33 99 anchester United and Chel- (Lundstram 26) through Andriy Yarmolenko, leaving sea secured places in the „Newcastle 1 (Gayle 1) Liv- Man City 38 26 3 9 102 35 81 Dean Smith’s side anxiously waiting on Champions League with wins erpool 3 (Van Dijk 38, Origi 59, Man United 38 18 12 8 66 36 66 Watford’s result. on the fi nal day of the Pre- Mane 89) Chelsea 38 20 6 12 69 54 66 Watford had been 3-0 down at Arse- Mmier League season while Watford and „Manchester City 5 (Jesus 11, nal but a Troy Deeney penalty and Danny Leicester 38 18 8 12 67 41 62 Bournemouth were relegated along with De Bruyne 45+1, 90, Sterling 79, Welbeck goal gave the Hornets hope. bottom club Norwich City. Mahrez 83) Norwich 0 Tottenham 38 16 11 11 61 47 59 It was not to be, however, for the club Aston Villa survived the drop thanks „Burnley 1 (Woods 44) Bright- Wolves 38 15 14 9 51 40 59 who sacked manager Nigel Pearson with to a 1-1 draw at West Ham United which on 2 (Bissouma 20, Connolly 50) Arsenal 38 14 14 10 56 48 56 two games remaining. moved them to 35 points, one more than „Arsenal 3 (Aubameyang “This is a refl ection of the whole year. Sheff ield 38 14 12 12 39 39 54 Bournemouth, who go down despite a 3-1 5-pen, 33, Tierney 24) Watford 2 Not quite been good enough,” said skip- win at Everton, and Watford who lost 3-2 (Deeney 43-pen, Welbeck 66) Burnley 38 15 9 14 43 50 54 per Deeney. at Arsenal. „Crystal Palace 1 (Schlupp 53) Southampton 38 15 7 16 51 60 52 “It is heartbreaking for the people who A penalty from Bruno Fernandes and Tottenham 1 (Kane 13) Everton 38 13 10 15 44 56 49 work behind the scenes and we feel sor- late goal from Jesse Lingard gave United „Everton 1 (Kean 41) Bourne- ry for them. As a club and as a commu- Khalid al-Emadi (left) and Ali Dhman (right) finished second and third Newcastle 38 11 11 16 38 58 44 a 2-0 win at Leicester City, who missed mouth 3 (King 13-pen, Solanke nity we will go again. Ultimately we have with 93 points and 85 points respectively. out on the Champions League by fi nish- 45+1, Stanislas 80) Crystal Palace 38 11 10 17 31 50 43 not been good enough, there is no point ing fi fth and will have to settle for a spot „West Ham 1 (Yarmolenko 85) Brighton 38 9 14 15 39 54 41 dancing around it,” he added. in the Europa League. Aston Villa 1 (Grealish 84) West Ham 38 10 9 19 49 62 39 Watford’s demise ensured survival for Chelsea ended fourth after a 2-0 home „Leicester 0 Manchester Villa, who won promotion last term. Aston Villa 38 9 8 21 41 67 35 Al Sadd express appreciation to win over Wolverhampton Wanderers United 2 (Fernandes 71-pen, “I’m pleased, proud and every adjec- thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Lingard 90+8) Bournemouth 38 9 7 22 40 65 34 tive to go with it. A lot of people had us health workers in Qatar Olivier Giroud. „Chelsea 2 (Mount 45+1, Watford 38 8 10 20 36 64 34 relegated but we have worked so hard,” QNA working on the frontline. This Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur, Giroud 45+4) Wolves 0 Norwich 38 5 6 27 26 75 21 said Smith. Doha isn’t all! There will be another who drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace, are also Bournemouth needed to win and hope special show of thanks for the in the Europa League after finishing other results went their way and their White Army in our special way,” sixth. Fernandes, who was central to United’s said Solskjaer who will now hope the club 3-1 win at Goodison Park wasn’t enough uring their match the club tweeted. It was a nervous display from United rise in the second half of the season, put back him in the transfer market. to save Eddie Howe’s side from an end to against Al Khor, in Week Al Sadd players played their against an injury-ravaged Leicester but United ahead in the 71st minute after An- “The club know what I feel we need their fi ve-year stay in the top fl ight. D18 of the QNB Stars match with Al Khor in special they ended the campaign unbeaten in thony Martial was brought down in the and we are going to try to pursue it and “It’s a sad painful feeling for me in League, Al Sadd football team jerseys with ‘Thank you’ writ- 14 Premier League games and with their box. let’s see where we end up,” the Norwegian my heart. It’s diffi cult when you feel like expressed appreciation of the ten on the back instead of the mission of regaining a place in the Cham- added. you’ve let people down,” said Howe, who eff orts of doctors and health players’ names, in appreciation pions League accomplished. UNGUARDED GOAL Chelsea also needed just a point at had taken the team from the fourth tier to workers in Qatar working to of the eff orts of health workers Draws against Southampton and West The win was wrapped up when substitute Stamford Bridge to guarantee a place the top fl ight. tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. in the country during the cur- Ham had left United needing at least a Lingard robbed Leicester keeper Kasper in Europe’s top club competition and Champions Liverpool rounded off their “We have a special jersey for rent Covid-19 crisis that caused point at the King Power stadium and Schmeichel on the edge of the area and a wonderful free kick from Mount and superb season with a 3-1 win at Newcas- tonight, with the same mes- the suspension of sports and while they again looked tired in a nervous slotted into the unguarded goal. confi dent fi nish from Giroud put them tle United to fi nish on 99 points, 18 ahead sage, denoting our gratitude football activity in Qatar and display, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side got “We looked a bit tired and leggy, I think two goals up by the break — a lead Wolves of second-placed Manchester City who to all those worked and are around the world. the job done. everyone could see. It wasn’t a classic,” never threatened to damage. crushed Norwich 5-0.