Tyrrell Hatton, three others share lead at PGA Heritage page 14 Monday, July 22, 2020 Iraqi football legend succumbs to COVID-19

man but returned to in Qatari clubs mourn the passing 2007 for a career in politics, replacing a member of par- away of former Al Wakrah liament who defected to join the bloody insurgency rag- AFP/TNN Wakrah, whom the football ing across the country. star represented in the QSL, He was an unsuccessful mourned his death. Radhi candidate in the 2014 and Iraqi football legend was the top-scorer for Al 2018 elections with the Na- Ahmed Radhi died Sunday Wakrah in the QSL during tional Alliance, a coalition of from complications linked to 1993-94 season scoring 16 Sunni and Shiite figures. COVID-19, the health min- goals. When news of his death istry said, just hours before In a video reportedly broke, football fans in Iraq he was to be flown for treat- from his hospital bed on Sat- exploded in grief. ment in . urday, Radhi could be seen in “With great sadness and Radhi, 56, scored what a green jersey struggling to sorrow, we mourn our life- remains Iraq’s only World breathe as medics in full pro- long companion, our fans’ Cup finals goal in 1986 tective gear try to treat him. ardent star, the unrivalled against Belgium. “Sometimes it’s hard to Former Iraqi footballer Ahmed athlete and son of Iraq, He had been hospitalised breathe but that’s normal,” Radhi during his swearing in Ahmed Radhi,” said Iraq’s last week in Baghdad after he could be heard telling ceremony as a new member of new sports minister Adnan testing positive for coronavi- the medical team, his voice the parliament Darjal, himself a former rus but had checked out on strained. AHMED RADHI FACTFILE in Baghdad in 2007. (AFP) football champion. Thursday after his condition “Ahmed Radhi passed  “Farewell, Abu Faisal, improved. away wearing the green jer- In the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, he scored against Belgium which is curate, they’d say, “This is goodbye to my brother He relapsed a few hours sey, which he loved so much Iraq’s only goal in World Cup finals till date. as spot-on as Ahmed Radhi’s Ahmed Radhi,” wrote former later and was readmitted, that we loved him in it,”  He led Iraq to victory in the Gulf Cups of 1984 and 1988, when he was voted header.” star and Iraqi League Presi- but passed away early Sun- wrote Iraqi premier Mustafa Asian footballer of the year. dent . day. Al Kadhemi. ‘Unrivalled athlete’ The director of Jordan’s FIFA and the Arab Gulf Radhi, a striker, led Iraq  Radhi was the top-scorer for Al Wakrah in the QSL during 1993-94 season Radhi fled Iraq in 2006 Football Association Ali Al- Cup Football Federation to victory in the Gulf Cups of scoring 16 goals. after its Olympic Committee Hussein said the world had condoled his passing away. 1984 and 1988, when he was  He was exceptionally famous for his spot-on headers. head was kidnapped during lost “a sports star whom we In , the Supreme voted Asian footballer of the the height of the sectarian cherish and are proud of”. Committee for Delivery & year. violence that followed the Iraq has registered near- Legacy, Football As- In the 1986 World Cup lose the match 2-1 and exited Radhi was such a house- header. US-led invasion of 2003. ly 30,000 cases of the coro- sociation and Qatar Stars in Mexico, he scored against the tournament in the group hold name that even popular If an Iraqi wanted to in- He moved with his family navirus and deaths topped League clubs including Al Belgium but Iraq went on to stage without a point. sayings evoked his famous sist that something was ac- to the Jordanian capital Am- 1,000 earlier this week.

Sarri sure Ronaldo will Liverpool’s title march held rediscover best form

AFP back by Everton stalemate Milan Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri has told Cristiano Ron- aldo not to worry about his slow resumption to the season, insisting on Sunday the Portu- guese star will return to being “the most incredible player of all time”. They will play their first Serie A match in over three months against Bologna on Monday, four days after losing the Italian Cup final to Napoli. The Serie A leaders failed to score in their two Cup matches since the Italian season re- sumed following the corona- virus lockdown, with goalless draws against AC Milan in the semi-finals, where Ron- aldo missed a penalty, and with Napoli in the final before a 4-2 defeat on penalties. “I spoke to Cristiano again yesterday. He must not worry about trust,” Sarri said. “He must not lose confi- dence, as soon as he regains his brilliance he will return to being the most incredible player of all time. “At the moment, physically he cannot give the maximum.” Everton’s English Tom Davies (centre) sees his shot go narrowly wide as Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Liverpool’s English defender Joe Gomez look on during their English Premier Ronaldo, 35, has scored 25 League match at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Sunday. (AFP) goals for Juventus in all compe- titions this season. Liverpool are now 23 points But it was Everton who pearance since January after from Allan Saint-Maximin and He spent the coronavirus Chelsea sink ahead of second-placed Man- came closest to a winner on an abductor muscle injury Matt Ritchie. lockdown in his native Portugal. chester City. the break when Dominic PREMIER and Lampard feels the United It was a welcome boost for “We must not forget that we Aston Villa If City drop points at home Calvert-Lewin’s effort was States winger is ready to make Joelinton, who has struggled have arrived after being inac- to Burnley on Monday, then saved by Alisson Becker and LEAGUE an impact again. since his move from Hoffenhe- tive for 60 days and the physical AFP Liverpool can clinch the title Tom Davies fired the rebound RESULTS “He will start games for im last year and missed a glori- brilliance cannot be at the high- London against Crystal Palace at An- against the post. Newcastle United 3 (Allan Saint- us, of course, and I think he’s ous opportunity in the first half est levels,” said Sarri. field on Wednesday. Frank Lampard believes going to be a big player for us, at St James’ Park. Ronaldo also failed to find Liverpool’s march towards A City victory would delay Christian Pulisic can be Chel- Maximin 55’, Matt Richie 69’, not just in this run-in but going Joelinton was also at the the net in Juventus’ last two the Premier League title was Liverpool’s coronation until sea’s trump card in the race Joelinton 78’) Sheffield United 0 forward,” Lampard said. centre of the game’s significant matches before the lockdown, delayed as the leaders re- at least their clash with Pep to qualify for the Champions Aston Villa 1 (Kortney Hause 43’) “He was hungry. I know that moment when he raced away having scored in nine straight turned to action with a goalless Guardiola’s team at the Etihad League after his decisive cam- Chelsea 2 (Christian Pulisic 60’, and I felt for him, as I felt for the from John Egan in the second matches before that. draw against Merseyside rivals Stadium on July 2. eo at Villa Park. Olivier Giroud 62’) players with long-term injuries. half and was hauled back, trig- Everton, while Chelsea fought Liverpool have won just Lampard’s side were “The ability he’s got to ar- gering a red card for the Blades back for a 2-1 win at Aston Vil- two of their last seven games in rocked when Kortney Hause Everton 0 Liverpool 0 rive in the box, it’s a big thing, defender that sparked the visi- la on Sunday. all competitions. put Villa ahead against the run I’ve spoken about it with him tors’ collapse. Jurgen Klopp’s side picked Reds star Mohamed Salah of play in the first half. they fight to qualify for next all season.” “He personally has suf- up following the top-flight was left on the bench due to fit- But Pulisic came off season’s Champions League. Steve Bruce hopes Joelin- fered in the lockdown more resumption on Wednesday ness concerns, while Andrew the bench to equalise af- ton is finally ready to deliver than anybody. He’s had no needing two wins to secure Robertson was also sidelined ter the break before Olivier Welcome boost after the Brazilian ended a family here, no friends, holed their firstE nglish title for 30 and they were not at their best Giroud bagged his fourth club A first away league win Premier League goal drought up in an apartment some- years. But Liverpool looked as a result. goal of the season two min- of 2020 was the ideal way for stretching back to August in where,” Bruce said. rusty in their first game in Liverpool improved after utes later. Chelsea to return to action in Newcastle’s 3-0 win over 10- “He’s a really genuinely 106 days following the coro- the break and Naby Keita fired Chelsea’s quick-fire blitz their first match since the Pre- man Sheffield United. good lad and he gives his all for navirus lockdown. just wide before Virgil van Di- moved the fourth-placed west mier League was suspended in Joelinton’s close-range fin- the team. We’re just delighted Despite their underwhelm- jk’s header was saved by Jor- Londoners five points clear of March due to the coronavirus. ish in the 78th minute com- that he’s managed to score a Juventus’ Portuguese forward ing display at Goodison Park, dan Pickford. Manchester United in fifth as It was Pulisic’s first ap- pleted the scoring after goals goal. He can only get better.” . Sports Monday, June 22, 2020 13 I will be very proud when Education City Stadium hosts World Cup matches: Eng Muneera Al Jabir

SC.qa procurement, construction hosting events, exhibitions and Doha and managing all aspects of conferences, while the upper the project. I’ve been delegated tier will be donated to a country The completion of Education to project manage every facet which needs sporting infrastruc- City Stadium is the realisa- of the construction, including ture – something which will tion of a dream for Engineer liaising with contractors, sub- promote football in other coun- Muneera Al Jabir. contractors and stakeholders. tries. Some areas of the stadium Since 2014, Al Jabir has When I first joined the project, will also be converted into edu- played a pivotal role in the de- there was nothing but a hole in cational and sporting areas. This livery of the third tournament- the ground – but now we have venue will provide an amazing ready venue for the FIFA World created an amazing World legacy for the local community. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Thani, president, Al Ahli SC, connects Cup Qatar 2022™. Cup stadium. It’s been a fan- with the club’s football team coach Nebojsa Jovovic on Saturday for The Qatar University grad- tastic journey. Now the stadium is com- an update on the team’s training progress ahead of QNB Stars League uate has gained a wealth of pleted, what’s next for resumption. HE Sheikh Ahmed is yet to announce whether he will professional experience after What have been the most The Education City ‘Diamond in the Desert’ Stadium. you? seek another term as president of the club. (Pic: Alkass twitter) dedicating the last six years to memorable moments over I’ll be continuing to support the project. the past six years? I also remember the turf this opportunity as an engineer the project. In general, I will And she cannot wait for The big lift activity, when laying and seat installation – as and the chance to manage this continue to serve my country the venue to host matches we finalised the roof structure, when these things happen you whole thing – it’s been incred- and support the delivery of the Qatari sports clubs during the first FIFA World was a huge achievement. That finally feel like you are in a sta- ible. I feel like I wouldn’t have World Cup. Cup™ in the Middle East and was the start of the major ac- dium. You have the pitch and had this experience anywhere Arab world. tivities that gave us the struc- the seats – and are just waiting else in the world. How proud will you feel prepare for tural shape of the stadium. That for the players. when this stadium hosts What has your role as a was in November 2018 and I What do you make of the matches during the World senior project engineer in- remember it being a major ac- What are your main les- legacy plans for the sta- Cup? presidential elections volved since you joined the complishment. sons learned from being a dium? I will be very proud of Education City Stadium Completing the façade was part of this project? This stadium will serve the this venue being a part of an QNA ing to be the next president. project? also memorable. This gave the This has been my first pro- community in many different amazing global event. It will Doha Then will come the general I’ve been involved in eve- final look of the ‘Diamond in ject since graduating, so I have aspects long after the World be an unforgettable moment assemblies of Muaither SC, Al rything – from the design, to the Desert’ idea. learned so much. To be given Cup is over. It will be capable of for my country. As the resumption of QNB Kharatiyat SC, Al Shihaniya Stars League draws nearer SC, and SC on July (July 24), Qatar’s sports clubs 27, August 11, August 13, and are also preparing for their August 24 respectively. The elections for the 2020-2024 general assembly of Al Sadd term. SC will be less than a week Elections are set to be later on August 30. Pele and his fellow World highly competitive at Qatar Qatar SC is likely to see the SC, Al Arabi SC, Al Khor SC, Al return of HE Sheikh Hamad Sailiya SC, and Al Rayyan SC bin Suhaim Al Thani for an- despite the novel coronavirus other term. He is the favourite pandemic that has affected to win given his status as an Cup-winning heroes - The professional sports all over the icon at the club. Nominating world. Clubs have already sent against His Excellency is cur- their general assembly dates rent president HE Sheikh Jas- to the Ministry of Culture and sim bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Sport, with the first one be- Thani. longing to Al Markhiya SC on Al Ahli SC also will see great team of 1970 July 16. strong competition given that It will be followed by Al their current president HE AFP Wakrah SC who will hold their Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Paris general assembly on July 18 Al Thani is yet to announce with HE Sheikh Khalifa bin whether he will be seeking an- Brazil’s 1970 World Cup tri- Hassan Al Thani being a fa- other term. umph in Mexico is seen as Pele’s vorite to continue leading the At Al Sailiya SC, current crowning glory. He was the star club. president Abdullah Al Eida of what is often considered the July 20 will see Al Khor has already announced that best side the world has ever SC hold their general assem- he will not seek another term seen, but while Pele’s superstar- bly with former Qatar nation- as president. Mohammed Ali dom endures to this day as he al team player Mohammed Al Marri is looking to win the approaches his 80th birthday, Mubarak Al Mohannadi look- club’s elections. others faded from view despite their huge impact on the game. AFP Sport recalls that great team, 50 years on since their 4-1 win over Italy in the final: Ibrahimovic return on hold Felix: Traditionally not Brazil’s strongest position, Flu- as AC Milan head for Lecce minense goalkeeper Felix was considered a weak link ahead AFP that Musacchio’s season has of the tournament but was re- Milan been cut short,” the coach said. spected by his teammates. He “In recent months he has later became a car and fridge Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss lived with a problem that has salesman. Died in 2012 aged 74 AC Milan’s firstS erie A match become unmanageable.” from emphysema, brought on back after a three-month coro- AC Milan players all un- by his heavy smoking habit. navirus shutdown with the derwent coronavirus tests on Carlos Alberto: Captain Swedish veteran struggling for Sunday morning before taking and right-back Carlos Alberto fitness after a calf injury, coach the plane south to Lecce, in the scored one of the World Cup’s Stefano Pioli said on Sunday. boot of Italy. greatest goals, crashing home Pele was the star of the 1970 World Cup Brazil team often considered the best side the world has ever seen. (Pic: twitter) Ninth-placed Milan travel Pioli’s side were knocked Pele’s lay-off at the end of a south to play relegation candi- out of the Italian Cup by Ju- flowing move to complete the playing days were over. Ronaldo in the 1990s. chioed Corinthians midfielder he is remembered for the goals dates Lecce in an empty Stadio ventus this month and face 4-1 rout of Italy in the final. : Coach Mario : At fault for was 24 when Brazil claimed the he didn’t score as much as for Via del Mare on Monday look- a battle to qualify for Europe One of the best defenders Zagallo gave Everaldo his big Roberto Boninsegna’s goal for trophy. Scored their opening the ones he did -- an outrageous ing to push their way closer to next season. of all time, he played for years chance in 1970 after first-choice Italy in the final, Clodoaldo is goal at the tournament in the attempt to lob Czechoslova- the Europa League places. “If football hadn’t re- alongside Pele at Santos before left-back Marco Antonio was more famous for the hypnotic win over Czechoslovakia and kia’s goalkeeper from inside his But they will be without turned, it would have been a rejoining him at New York Cos- ruled out. Died in a car crash sashaying that sent four also netted in the quarter-final own half and a magical the 38-year-old Swedish for- Serie A full of regret for us, but mos in 1977. with his wife and a daughter packing during the move that against Peru and semi-final against Uruguay in the semi- ward, who picked up a calf now we have 12 games to try to After working as a coach in in October 1974. His memory led to Carlos Alberto’s iconic against Uruguay. finals are among the finest mo- injury after returning to team achieve our aim,” he said. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Nige- lives on in the badge of former strike. Also scored in the semi- Considered one of the most ments of World Cup history. training last month. “There’s a lot at stake and ria and Azerbaijan, he retired in club Gremio, which contains a final against Uruguay. elegant players in the game’s A star for Santos, he fin- “Ibrahimovic is better, he’ll we must aim for European 2005 and became a television gold star representing their one Played the vast majority of history, he popularised the ished his playing career with have another check-up next qualification.” pundit. Died aged 72 in 2016. member of the 1970 side. his career with Pele at Santos, “flip-flap” shimmy and was one New York Cosmos, before retir- week,” said Pioli. AC Milan got off to a slow Brito: A centre-back : One of two and after retiring dabbled in of ’s biggest in- ing and taking up roles such as “He’s working ex- start this season with Pioli known for having a short tem- World Cup winners to score in property management and even spirations. that of Brazil’s Extraordinary tremely hard, but replacing sacked Marco per, he played for a host of every match of a finals, winger managed the East Timor na- Pele: This was Pele’s third Minister for Sport and as an I still don’t know Giampaolo after they lost Brazil’s biggest clubs, including Jairzinho was Brazil’s top scorer tional team in 2010. World Cup victory after his ambassador for numerous com- when he’ll be able to four of their opening six Vasco da Gama, Flamengo and in 1970 with seven goals in six Gerson: Brazil’s playmak- brilliant displays as a teenager mercial brands. return.” matches. Corinthians, before retiring in games. He was also a key part er and scorer of the crucial goal inspired the 1958 triumph in Tostao: Pele’s strike part- Argentine de- There are reports that 1979 aged 40. of the side which came fourth that put the Selecao 2-1 up in Sweden and his injury-hit 1962 ner, Tostao, now 73, scored fender Mateo Mu- former RB Leipzig coach Wilson Piazza: Played in 1974. the final, a trademark left-foot campaign. both of his 1970 goals in the sacchio’s season Ralf Rangnick will re- for Cruzeiro between 1964 and Played over 400 games for thunderbolt from distance. He had also been effectively 4-2 quarter-final win over Peru. looks over place Pioli at the sev- 1979, winning the Copa Liberta- Rio club Botafogo before a spell The Sao Paulo player’s pass- kicked out of the 1966 finals but With Cruzeiro at the time, he as he pre- en-time Cham- dores in 1976. The 1970 World with Marseille. Later tried to be- ing and shooting ability was returned in style in Mexico at was forced to quit football aged pares to pions League Cup was the highlight of his come mayor of Rio but his can- such that he was nicknamed the age of 29, scoring four times 26 due to eye problems picked undergo winners next international career, though he didacy was cancelled because he “Golden Left Foot”. Won the including the opener in the fi- up in a training accident, and ankle sur- season. captained the team at the 1974 did not pay the fees. Now 75, he Silver Ball for the second best nal. subsequently qualified as a doc- gery. finals. Now 77, Wilson went into worked as a coach and is cred- player at the finals behind Pele. It is a testament to the qual- tor before becoming one of Bra- “I fear Ibrahamovic the petrol business when his ited with discovering Brazil’s : The mousta- ity of Pele’s play in Mexico that zil’s most prominent pundits.

Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus after playing in Djokovic event AFP wrote on Instagram. However, he withdrew after marks quoted by local media. and takes the necessary precau- Paris “I am so sorry for any harm losing to Borna Coric, complain- “Those who were in contact tions,” added Dimitrov. I might have caused. I am back ing of feeling unwell. with Grigor will be tested. We Bulgarian Dimitrov is a for- Grigor Dimitrov said on Sun- home now and recovering.” Later on Sunday, the final are waiting for instructions of mer world number three who was day he has tested positive for Last weekend, Dimitrov, 29, between Djokovic and Russia’s relevant bodies. the ATP Tour Finals champion in coronavirus after pulling out of took part in the Adria Tour event Andrey Rublev was immediately “I tested by chance three days 2017, one of his eight career titles. Bulgarian Grigor an exhibition tournament which in Belgrade with Djokovic, world cancelled as a precaution. ago and I’m negative.” The Adria Tour, organised to Dimitrov in action also featured world number one number three Dominic Thiem and “This is the best possible deci- Zverev and former US Open fill the gap in the virus-hit tennis against Serbian Dusan Novak Djokovic. Alexander Zverev, ranked 17. sion. We have to take care about winner Marin Cilic were also in calendar which has been on ice Lajovic during a “I want to reach out and let my He also played in the second security of all involved,” former the Croatia line-up. since mid-March, played out to a charity exhibition fans and friends know that I tested leg of the Balkans tournament in Wimbledon champion Goran “I want to make sure anyone daily crowd of 4,000 fans at Djok- hosted by Novak positive back in Monaco for Cov- Zadar on Croatia’s Adriatic coast Ivanisevic, the tournament direc- who has been in contact with me ovic’s tennis centre on the banks of Djokovic in Belgrade id-19,” world number 19 Dimitrov on Saturday. tor of the Zadar event, said in re- during these past days gets tested the Danube in Belgrade last week. on June 13. (AFP) 14 Monday, June 22, 2020 Sports

Tiny crab catches Watson ‘clueless’ at Pressure, penalties to be key PGA Heritage AFP Washington factors in Finland’s gravel Two-time Masters cham- pion Bubba Watson had some major issues with a tiny crab in Saturday’s third round of QORC WRC 8 set Ahmed El the US PGA RBC Heritage Khouly as top-ranked Rory McIlroy for a pulsating could only watch.The bizarre situation came at the par-3 finale today 17th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Is- Tribune News Network Zakariya Al Aufi land, South Carolina, in the US DOHA (Oman) tour’s second event after end- ing a three-month coronavirus The WRC 8, hosted by the shutdown last week. Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Watson blasted his tee shot Federation (QMMF), enters Mansour Dbeissy into a greenside bunker, but a nerve-racking single rally when he arrived to check out shootout on Monday in Fin- ing style to suit the demands the ball, he found a tiny crab land to find one deserving of the SIM rally. I’m still had crawled under it. winner out of seven qualifiers. crashing a lot. I just can’t say McIlroy, a four-time major The digital contest has anything about the winner. winner from Northern Ireland, now reached phase a where “Anything is possible in and Watson were in a featured errors will be just a big crime. the finalrally and the only pairing at the event, meaning Unlike the previous rounds, in thing I know is it’ll be a dif- tour television cameras were which the drivers made blem- ficult rally due to presence of watching the entire situation as ishes and were still able to get fast and skillful drivers,” the Watson pondered his options. away, the one-off final is un- QORC Auto winner added. They included blasting the likely to give a second chance Khalid Al Maraghi, good at ball out with the tiny crusta- to the participants. Pressure both SIM Auto and Moto rac- cean lurking in the sand be- and penalties both will be Ammar Al Balushi (Oman) ing, has been a consistent per- neath it and facing animal cru- the key factors over the seven former. During the 22 stages elty complaints. gravel stages as all the drivers also claimed 11 stages in the Adel Hussein Abdulla Meshari Al Thefiri () Khalid Al Maraghi in the semi-finals, he finished “I don’t want the world to are capable of upsetting one semi-finals. But in terms of 20 times on the podium and get mad at me, know what I another and taking the crown podiums, he has not been able have huge impact on the re- ing the rush of adrenaline. he’d be seeking to repeat that mean?” Watson told McIlroy as home. to match Al Aufi, reaching only sult. Ninety-five percent of the It is very difficult to predict performance on Monday. Just the European star stuck the top Zakariya Al Aufi and Am- 17 out of 22. So a hot battle track are high speed corners. the winner as all the final- like him, Al Thefiri, the MERC of putter near the ball to try and mar Al Balushi, the Omani for the title and the top prize Looking forward to finish on ists are experienced and have 2 champion from Kuwait distract the crab. rally champions, are undoubt- of QR15,000 between the the podium tomorrow with the ability to do well. All have with Qatar’s Nasser Saadoun Watson called for a rules edly at the frontline due to two can’t be ruled out. Both Zakariya. the same cars and same set- Al Kuwari as co-driver, also official but as he approached, their strong speed and subtle sounded ready as well on the However, the way Mansour tings. I’ll try to do my best to upped his game in the third the little crab flipped out from handling of their cars. The two eve of the final rally. Al Aufi Dbiessy, Khalid al Maraghi, Finalists reach the podium. No doubt and last semi-final rally in beneath the ball, landing a few have been on the top of their commented: “I’m going flat Ahmed El Khouly and Me- the tension will be running Germany. He must also be inches away and moving off and game since the champion- out (in the final). Stages are shari Al Thefiri bounced back 1 27 Zakariya Al Aufi/Oman high. I’ve had a good training feeling quite boosted after six eventually crawling away. ship started. Not only they led fast and flowing. Those who with stellar efforts in the third 2 4 Ammar Al Balushi/Oman I just hope to record the same podium finishes, including “There was a camera and their respective groups in the are committed and make least semi-final rally inGermany, 3 13 Khalid Al Maraghi times like the training and four second places in the third people get mad if I hit an ani- qualifying stage, they emerged number of mistakes will finish it will be hard to ignore them. 4 3 Ahmed El Khouly avoid accidents.” semi-final race. mal,” Watson told the official the No. 1 even in the three- on top. I have been practising Also Adel Hussein Abdulla, 5 16 Mansour Dbeissy El Khouly, who secured six Abdulla was not able to to explain the problem that had rally semi-finals. Al Aufi has more than ever. It should be the former FIA World Cup 6 18 Meshari Al Thefiri/Kuwait stage wins in the semi-finals enjoy the same time as he had resolved itself. bagged 29 stages so far, with an enjoyable race to watch.” for Cross-Country Rallies T4 7 1 Adel Abdulla and five of them only in Ger- during the qualifying phase Watson, 41, eventually 11 out of 22 being during the Al Ammar said, “It’ll be champion who bagged 22 many, said, “The race is going but he is a steady driver. Dur- blasted out to 17 feet but missed semi-finals. Besides, he has very challenging race tomor- stages in the qualifying phase to be extremely tough. The ing the semi-finals, he pock- his par putt and took his last of missed out on the podium just row with such a talented and two in the semi-finals, is a El Khouly proved they are also rally racing is different than eted 18 podiums and if he can four bogeys in a two-over par 73 once. His real-life co-driver group of experienced drivers. strong contender. the drivers to reckon with. the circuit racing. Both need get a strong start in Finland, round to stand on three-under Al Balushi has had 27 stages The stages are very fast and Dbeissy, who took eight Talking about the final different techniques. I needed he may also be a good bet for 210 for 54 holes, sharing 70th. triumphs to his credit and he and even a small mistake will stages in the semi-finals, and rally, Dbeissy said: “I’m feel- a lot of time to alter my driv- the podium finish. Hatton, Ancer, Simpson and Hamilton creates commission Palmer share PGA Heritage lead AFP as well, holing birdie putts from foot putt at the par-5 15th his to boost motorsport diversity Washington 13 feet at the par-3 14th and 10 lone back-nine birdie. feet at the par-4 16th before his “I hit a few good putts that DPA Britain’s Tyrrell Hatton dramatic close. didn’t go in,” Simpson said. Berlin Formula One closed with a 24-foot birdie putt Ancer shot 65, starting “Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be on world champion on Saturday to finish among with birdies on three of the the correct side of the hole.” Formula One world cham- Lewis Hamilton. four co-leaders after the third first five holes, all from four One stroke behind the co- pion Lewis Hamilton has cre- round of the US PGA Tour’s feet or less. He began the leaders were Mexico’s Carlos ated a commission he hopes RBC Heritage Tournament. back nine with a three-foot Ortiz and Americans Joel Dah- will address the lack of diver- Mexico’s Abraham Ancer birdie putt and followed a 15- men and Daniel Berger, who sity in motorsport. and Americans Webb Simpson foot birdie putt at 13 with his won last week at Colonial in the Hamilton, writing in Brit- and Ryan Palmer shared the lone bogey at the par-3 14th tour’s virus comeback event. ain’s Sunday Times paper, said lead entering Sunday’s final after missing the green. He He birdied two of the last three the organisation would be “ded- round of the tour’s second event answered with birdies at 15 holes to shoot 63. icated to exploring how motor- after a three-month coronavi- and 16. “Winning last week defi- sport can be used as a vehicle rus hiatus. “Feel like I’m not making nitely helps,” Berger said. “It to engage more young people Hatton fired a bogey-free anything,” Ancer said. “I made gives you some extra confi- Mohammad Irfan from Black backgrounds with eight-under par 63 to stand maybe two putts outside four dence. I’m putting really well. science, technology, engineer- on 15-under 198 after 54 holes feet. I’m hitting the ball really I’m not exactly hitting the ball Pakistan bowler ing and mathematics,” with late May. He criticised “white experienced in his own career. at Harbour Town Golf Links well. I need a lot of patience, do well but I’m getting up and aim of being able to “employ dominated” F1 for its silence “I’m used to being one of in Hilton Head Island, South the same thing, and hopefully down when I’ve had to. Irfan confirms them on our teams or in other on the topic, leading several of very few people of colour on Carolina. they all fall in tomorrow.” “If I have another good engineering sectors.” his fellow drivers to speak out. my teams and, more than that, Hatton said he hadn’t felt Palmer, sharing the lead en- round tomorrow, I think I’ll be he is ‘well’ after The 35-year-old Hamilton In his column the Mer- I’m used to the idea that no comfortable over the layout but tering the last round for the first right up there.” rumours of death repeatedly raised his voice cedes driver said the “institu- one will speak up for me when breezed through Saturday. time since 2011, shot 66 with World number one Rory on the issue racism since tional barriers that have kept I face racism, because no one “I’ve been lucky with where five birdies from inside seven McIlroy, who followed an open- the death of George Floyd F1 highly exclusive persist,” personally feels or understands some of my misses ended up feet and a 16-footer at the 10th. ing 72 with a 65 and 66, stood in AFP in American police custody and talked of the racism he had my experience,” he said. and I’ve really putted well, His lone bogey came at the third a pack five back on 203. Islamabad which is a big surprise,” Hatton when he found a greenside bun- “The last two days I’ve said. “Hopefully I feel comfort- ker and missed a six-foot par hit it better. I’ve been a little Pakistan fast bowler Mo- able tomorrow and hit some putt. more comfortable over my hammad Irfan had to confirm good shots.” “I hit it pretty well,” Palmer shots,” McIlroy said. “I’m go- that rumours of his death SIGA Strives 29: Integrity body launches The 28-year-old English- said. “Overall, I’m excited. I still ing to have to shoot 62, 63 to spreading on social media man won the Arnold Palmer haven’t played my best round have a chance.” were “fake news” on Sunday. Invitational in March at Bay 1-18. Maybe tomorrow will be The 38-year-old, known SIRVS to measure sports governance Hill in the last completed event the day.” Leading scores for being the tallest person to before the tour’s three-month Leading scores after Saturday’s third round of the play first-class cricket at 7ft Agencies core areas: Good Governance, ganisations know it’s no longer coronavirus shutdown began. Putting problems US PGA Tour RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf 1in (2.16 m), said false reports Financial Integrity and Sports enough to simply proclaim they Hatton birdied four of the Simpson, the 2012 US Open Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (USA saying he had been in a car ac- The Sport Integrity Global Betting Integrity. A fourth set are fit for purpose. Fans, spon- unless noted, par-71): first five holes, opening with winner, was the 36-hole leader 198 - Tyrrell Hatton 71-64-63, Abraham Ancer cident were “baseless”. Alliance (SIGA) has officially of universal standards, focus- sors, broadcasters and even a 40-foot birdie putt and two- after back-to- (MEX) 69-64-65, Ryan Palmer 65-67-66, Webb “Some social media outlets launched the pilot phase of its ing on Youth Development and governments … are done with putting from 35 feet for another back 65s but Simpson 65-65-68 have been spreading a base- independent rating and verifi- Child Protection, is under de- self-assessments … they want, birdie at the par-5 second. could only 199 - Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 69-67-63, Daniel Berger less fake news about my death cation system, SIRVS, the first velopment. and deserve, the truth. They He made a 10- muster 68, 67-69-63, Joel Dahmen 68-68-63 in a car accident,” Irfan wrote bespoke governance measur- want to see evidence. Inde- foot birdie putt making a 200 - Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 69-68-63, Chris on Twitter. ing system for the sporting pendent proof.” at the fourth, a five- Stroud 68-69-63, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 70-65-65, “This has disturbed my industry. The sports organisations 12-footer to birdie Michael Thompson 65-69-66, Erik van Rooyen family & friends beyond words, The SIGA Independent that will go through SIRVS dur- (RSA) 66-68-66, Ian Poulter (ENG) 64-69-67, the par-5 fifth and Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 66-66-68, Corey and I have been receiving end- Rating and Verification System The British Standards Insti- ing the pilot phase will be an- closed the front Conners (CAN) 68-63-69 less calls on this. Please refrain (SIRVS) is, says SIGA, “a game tution (BSI) serves as the inde- nounced next month. nine with a seven- 201 - Brice Garnett 65-71-65, Andrew Landry from such things. There was changer that will lead Sport and pendent auditing body for the Frank Lee, Technical Direc- foot birdie putt. 68-67-66, Alex Noren (SWE) 69-66-66, Dustin no accident and we are well.” the wider industry into a new SIRVS scheme, and determines tor of BSI Product Certification, Johnson 68-66-67, Brooks Koepka 67-66-68, Irfan last played for Pa- era of enhanced governance, the appropriate SIRVS rating said, “BSI has worked with Strong back nine Bryson DeChambeau 67-64-70 kistan in a T20 international integrity, transparency, and achieved by sports organisa- SIGA over the last 18 months Hatton, a four-time winner 202 - Matt Wallace (ENG) 68-68-66, JT Poston against Australia last Novem- public accountability.” tions. to develop the formal integrity on the European Tour, sizzled 67-69-66, Tony Finau 66-68-68, Sam Ryder ber and has taken 109 interna- In the first instance IS RVS Emanuel Macedo de Me- certification programme…BSI with the putter on the back nine 69-65-68, Tyler Duncan 71-63-68, Jhonattan tional wickets in total. will assess and rate sports or- deiros, CEO of SIGA and Chair- supports the SIRVS program Vegas (VEN) 70-63-69 203 - Doc Redman 72-66-65, Scott Stallings There may have been ganisations’ level of imple- man & CEO of SIGA AMERI- and the impact it will bring in Tyrrell Hatton of England reacts to his 70-68-65, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 72-65-66, confusion after the Pakistan mentation against the body’s CA, said, “Today is a historical raising the level of integrity last-hole birdie during the third round Justin Rose (ENG) 70-67-66, Lucas Glover Cricket Board (PCB) an- own Universal Standards. The day for SIGA and all those who within the sporting industry.” of the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town 69-68-66, Matt Kuchar 70-66-67, Sebastian nounced the death of deaf aim of SIRVS is to provide an care about Clean Sport! After This is the 29th in a set Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Munoz (COL) 65-69-69, Mackenzie Hughes cricketer Mohammad Irfan independent assessment of so many recurrent and dev- of 30 boosting measures an- Carolina on Saturday. (AFP) (CAN) 66-68-69 after a stomach infection. sports organisations in three astating scandals, sports or- nounced by SIGA.