Sport

THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 MoeenM Ali still yearns for Test cricket A year-and-a-half ago I lost that hunger to play Test cricket, bbut I feel like over the last six months it is coming back. I have beenb thinking a lot about my game and if the call did come, I would be keen on it. I have not retired or anything, but pprobably have just taken a step back from the Test game. Moeen Ali England All-rounder Sport |08 VOLLEYBALL: SENIOR MEN'S LEAGUE AT QVA HALL Al Rayyan beat Al Sadd 3-0; Al Wakrah beat Al Shamal 3-0 Qatar 2022 will be for the entire Arab region: Gomaa

CHINTHANA WASALA He has been working closely Qatar is almost ready for the THE PENINSULA with the Qatar 2022 organisers 2022 football spectacle,” Gomaa since he signed up as an ambas- said. Three-time Africa Cup of sador in 2019. He also said that the fans Nations champion Wael Gomaa “The 2022 World Cup will will have the opportunity to and Iraqi legend Younis be something marvellous for watch more than one match Mahmoud reiterated that the everybody who like football during the Qatar 2022 due the Qatar 2022 will be a historical because it will be a World Cup close proximity and accessi- event and the entire region will for the whole Arab, not only for bility, especially since the reap the benefits of the first Qatar. And this is a message longest distance between two Arab World Cup. from Qatar to the whole world World Cup stadiums is about 55 The Supreme Committee for that the Arab can do something km, which the fans may travel Delivery & Legacy (SC) Ambas- unique for the world and for Younis in about twenty minutes. sadors, Gomaa and Mahmoud World Cup and for the people Mahmoud “This was not possible in took part in an online round who like football,” Gomaa said any of the previous FIFA World table discussion with local during the discussion. Cups and it will be a new and media and noted that the world “The preparations made by “The Khalifa International exciting experience for the fans will get to experience a mar- Qatar are exemplary as the Stadium, one of the oldest sta- who will visit Qatar in 2022,” vellous FIFA World Cup, the first country seeks to present a diums in Qatar, and the com- Gomaa added. of such an event in the Arab futuristic World Cup for fans pletion of the Education City Meanwhile, former Iraqi region, in two years’ time. and the whole world,” Gomaa and Al Janoub stadiums as well captain Mahmoud stressed that Gomaa who enjoyed three said. as the near completion of the Al the Generation Amazing ambas- Africa Cup of Nations victories Gomaa, who has made 114 Bayt, Al Rayyan and Al sadors will have a major role in with the Egyptian national international appearances with Thumama stadiums, send a the coming period in order to Wael Gomaa team, has claimed 26 major tro- his national team, stated that strong message to the world. convey the true face of the Qatar phies with Al Ahly, including six the preparations for the Qatar Lusail and Ras Abu Aboud sta- 2022 World Cup, and the efforts African Champions League titles World Cup are in full swing and diums will be completed within made by Qatar to host an excep- before retiring in 2014. in a wonderful way. the next year and it means tional World Cup. `P10

Qatari organisers ACL: Shanghai Shenhua down ensuring strict safety measures Perth Glory in East Zone opener for matches QNA — DOHA AFC — DOHA Qatar Football Association (QFA) have Shanghai Shenhua made a implemented measures and protocols successful start to their 2020 to ensure the safety of players and AFC Champions League tournament officials taking part in the Group F campaign, seeing off 2020 AFC Champions League East Australia’s Perth Glory with Zone matches. a 2-1 win at Education City All players and tournament offi- Stadium yesterday. cials were subjected to strict health Head coach Choi Kang- measures, as a preventive action to hee had anticipated diffi- combat COVID-19. culties for his injury-hit squad These are the health measures that but they shrugged off the QFA follows in cooperation with the absence of Giovanni Moreno Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Kim Shin-wook, ending and all relevant authorities in the a 15-match winless streak in country. the competition with goals Preventive measures includes from Peng Xinli and Yu mandatory COVID-19 testing for all Hanchao. participants, the use of safe transpor- Perth, who pulled a goal tation, the regular sterilization of all back in the final 10 minutes stadiums, training sites and media through Jonathan Aspro- facilities, in addition to ensuring a potamitis, are now winless in swift and well-resourced front line two outings, giving them little response during the tournament. margin for error in the All stadiums are equipped with remaining four matches of medical clinics fitted with a team of their maiden group stage medical staff. appearance. Shanghai Shenhua’s players celebrate their opening goal against Australia’s Perth Glory at the Education City Stadium, yesterday. In terms of safety and security Appearing at Education measures and procedures for the tour- City Stadium for the first time, Appearing in a compet- playing a neat one-two with 51st minute, only for the Uru- initial effort. Perth now sensed nament's stadiums and facilities that a youthful Perth side were itive fixture for the first time Peng before squeezing the guayan ace to send his shot the opportunity to claim their will host matches and training ses- given an early lesson when since August, Perth grew into ball beneath the clutches of directly into the path of goal- first point in the competition, sions of the participating teams, evac- Shanghai Shenhua opened the game and managed to Velaphi, who won’t be keeper Li Shaui. but Choi’s charges stood firm, uation tests were conducted for the the scoring through Peng in compete well with their rushing to see a replay in With Shenhua’s defensive navigating a tricky finale to stadiums, with the aim of ensuring the the seventh minute. match-hardened opponents, what was a poor effort to lynchpin Stephane M’Bia sub- emerge with their first group level of readiness to face any emer- Zhu Jianrong was the keeping the bulk of pos- keep the ball out. stituted, Perth continued to stage win since 2009, and a gency situation. architect, finding space down session and occasionally Staring down the barrel of probe for a first ever AFC vital first step in their 2020 Also, the purpose of tests were to the left-hand side and teeing hinting at danger in the final a second successive defeat in Champions League goal, and campaign. educate stadium staff and private up Peng, who picked out the third. the competition, Perth Glory they found it when Aspro- Shanghai Shenhua will security personnel about effective bottom corner of Tando But that counted for little emerged from the half-time potamitis slammed the ball continue their Group F bid evacuation procedures, as these pro- Velaphi’s net in a fine move when Shenhua’s second goal break with a point to prove, into the roof of the net in the against Ulsan Hyundai on cedures and measures aim to present which took full advantage of arrived seven minutes before and they conjured their best 81st minute, giving the Aus- Saturday, with Perth to face the championship in a distinctive way some loose defending from half-time, with veteran chance of the match to that tralians a lifeline after Li had the Korean side three days at all levels. the Australians. Chinese international Yu point via Bruno Fornaroli in the spilled Carlo Armiento’s later. Corica relishing test for Sydney FC against Shanghai SIPG

AFC — DOHA Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. “The show what they can do and it is contest their first match of the weather is fantastic, the hotel is good preparation for us ahead competition having not been Sydney FC head coach Steve nice and we had a couple of great of the new season." able to play in February due to Corica is looking forward to training sessions,” said Corica who "The AFC Champions League the earlier outbreak of COVID-19 testing his young players as they has been at Sydney FC since 2005 is very difficult because you in China PR. resume their 2020 AFC Cham- as a player then progressing come up against quality teams “It is a pleasure to be here pions League campaign with a through the ranks as a youth coach and foreign players," he said. and play in the AFC Champions third encounter in 18 months before taking over the first team “We played them last year League. This is the first game for against star-studded Shanghai as head coach in 2018. and had two draws and were us in a strong group,” said SIPG at the Khalifa International “The players are looking unlucky not to win both games, Shanghai SIPG boss Vitor Stadium today. forward to playing; it will be a they have big players and it is a Perreira. The reigning A-League cham- difficult match against Shanghai good opportunity for us to play “We face the champions of pions picked up just one point SIPG but it is a good against quality players and a Australia, Sydney FC, as our next from their first two games of the challenge.” good challenge for my team,” he opponents. Then we have the competition back in February, “One player is arriving added. champions of Korea Republic, having kicked-off with a 4-0 tomorrow, a couple of them are Shanghai SIPG, just like Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Sydney FC squad visits Khalifa defeat at the hands of Yokohama still not here and we have a few fellow Chinese sides Shanghai previous champions of Japan, International Stadium yesterday. F. Marinos before squandering the injuries, but it gives an oppor- Shenhua and Guangzhou Ever- Yokohama F. Marinos. That lead to draw 2-2 at home to tunity for younger players to grande, will finally be able to makes it a very strong group." THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

The 16-team event to take place on Friday, Saturday

Ali Al Malki, Secretary General of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) and Ignacio Soriano, FIBA 3x3 Head of Events & Partnership, are seen with Ali Chakaron, General Manager of Ultra Sports, Mithqual Abunasser, General Manager McDonald’s Qatar, and Lenelio Morga, Managing Director Qabayan Radio 94.3, at the headquarters of QBF in Al Gharafa region yesterday. RIGHT: Al Malki and Soriano take questions from the media yesterday. FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters returns to Doha

THE PENINSULA - DOHA for this great sporting event to return Tour Masters series was going to to Qatar because of the world start on April here from Doha. We After the overwhelming success of last pandemic.” are now finally here in November year’s edition in Katara, the FIBA 3x3 He added: “Qatar Basketball Fed- in the middle of the Corona crisis. World Tour Masters returns to Doha eration is a firm supporter of 3x3 and The upcoming tournament will be once again, thanks to the efforts of with the assistance of Qatar Olympic the 4th World Masters following Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Committee, we made all the necessary those in Hungary. We are happy Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF). preparations, we respected all the rules to be here. We complied and we This year the Al Gharafa Beach imposed by the Ministry of Health and follow all the protocols and Games Area - situated next to QBF the time has finally come. We are now measures under the instructions headquarters - will be the venue of the ready to host the best teams in the of the Ministry of Health.” event to be held tomorrow and on world, to enjoy basketball and to Soriano added: “We would like Saturday. welcome back the devoted fans of 3x3. to thank the Secretary General Mr. The $105,000 tour- “The next Ali Al Malki, Qatar Basketball Fed- nament will start coming eration, Qatar Olympic Committee tomorrow (Friday) at We see Qatar as a solid partner months are and all the authorities for their 3:00pm. for 3x3 and our association dates very contribution in hosting this event The thrilling dunk back to 2013. We have contract important in again. Fourteen teams from all contest will start on for one more year with another Qatar’s efforts over the world, including two from Saturday at 7.50pm, to qualify a the United States (New York and organisers confirmed tournament in 2021. We know team on 3x3 Princeton) have travelled to yesterday. that Qatar Basketball Federation at the Tokyo compete here. We expect a great For the first time and the Qatar Olympic Committee Olympic tournament with $105,000 in prize ever the spectators will have great plans for 3x3 in the Games and money to be divided across the top have an opportunity to country. Let’s not forget that we will do our five teams. The tournament will be be the fourth judge in very best. streamed live in 100 countries.” the slam dunk Qatar will participate in the Today begins “We see Qatar as a solid competition. Olympic Qualification tournament an exciting partner for 3x3 and our association Fourteen teams in Austria next year. Qatar has period for dates back to 2013. We have con- including two from the Olympic aspirations for 3x3. Qatar Bas- tract for one more year with US and one from the ketball another tournament in 2021. We host country Qatar will starting with know that Qatar Basketball Fed- Ignacio Soriano The Yoyogi Crayon.exe 3x3 squad is seen during a training session yesterday in this compete for top the 3x3 and eration and the Qatar Olympic photo shared on the team's Twitter handle @crayon3x3 yesterday. Yoyogi Crayon.exe is honours. FIBA 3x3 Head of Events & we continue Committee have great plans for 3x3 one of the 14 teams featuring in this week’s FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters leg in Doha. Yesterday the Partnership next week in the country. Let’s not forget that Yoyogi Crayon.exe is based in Tokyo, Japan. organizers of the FIBA with the Asian Qatar will participate in the 3x3 World Tour Doha Cup quali- Olympic Qualification tournament support providing every equipment. the control of this unprecedented sit- Masters held the fying tour- in Austria next year. Qatar has Olympic We are so delighted that Qatar is doing uation have been truly phenomenal. official press conference with the nament for our national team. Qatar aspirations for 3x3,” Soriano said. this 3x3 tournament. We wish the We are sure that we will have a good presence of Ali Al Malki, Secretary Basketball Federation is organizing two On the occasion QBF presented the organizers the best of luck.” tournament.” General of QBF and Ignacio Soriano, “bubbles” in a short amount of time agreements with the official sponsors Mithqual Abunasser, General Lenelio Morga, Managing Director FIBA 3x3 Head of Events & and I want to take this opportunity to of the event: Ultra Sports, McDonald’s Manager McDonald’s Qatar, said yes- Qabayan Radio 94.3, said yesterday: Partnership. thank everyone at QBF for their efforts. and Qabayan Radio 94.3. terday: “It is our great pleasure to be “On behalf of the only Philippines Ali Al Malki, Secretary General of Thank you for your presence today and Ali Chakaron, General Manager of part of this event, another step in our Radio Station in Doha we would like QBF, said yesterday: “We are delighted we expect to welcome you here on Ultra Sports, said yesterday: “We are partnership with Qatar Basketball Fed- to thank Qatar Basketball Federation to welcome everyone today in our Friday,” Al Malki said, the official partner of Qatar Basketball eration which we want to improve for choosing us to work with them on home. We are excited to host FIBA 3x3 Ignacio Soriano, FIBA 3x3 Head of Federation for the last five years. It is even more. We wish everybody all the this international event. We hope for World Tour Masters once again in Events & Partnership, said yesterday: not our first time we organize the 3x3 success in this hugely popular tour- more collaborations between the two Doha. We had to wait several months “As you all know the FIBA 3x3 World tournament with QBF. We usually nament. Qatar’s actions to maintain sides in the future.”

WINNERS It was a difficult (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) decision to quit, MURAIKH CUP says Aguirre X Force (IRE), Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim THE PENINSULA - DOHA Al Malki, Soufiane Saadi Popular coach Diego Aguirre, THOROUGHBRED who is leaving his post at Al HANDICAP (Class 3) Rayyan, yesterday said it was Dheban (IRE), Mohammed Gassim a difficult decision to quit the Ghazali, Ali Khalid Al-Mosallam Qatar football giants. Al Rayyan club held a press THOROUGHBRED conference for the Uruguayan HANDICAP (Class 3) to reveal the reasons for his Leafy Moss (IRE), Mohammed sudden departure. The press conference was Gassim Ghazali, Ali Khalid also attended by Ali Salem Al-Mosallam Afifa, head of the club's football set-up. Jockey Soufiane Saadi is seen with his team after he won the Muraikh Cup with X Force in race meeting 11 of the new horse racing PUREBRED ARABIAN The Uruguayan spoke season at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. HANDICAP about his 'strong relationship Ennab, Majed Mahadi Seifeddine, with Al Rayyan club, the Alberto Sanna players and the fans', stressing X Force shows slick pace as LOCAL THOROUGHBRED that the decision to leave was HANDICAP 'very difficult for him'. “I felt sorry for making this Wadhah (QA), Mohamed Khaled difficult decision, although I Saadi clinches Muraikh Cup Elahmed, Luca Maniezzi wanted to continue with the LOCAL THOROUGHBRED club, but due to the circum- HANDICAP stances of the COVID-19 pan- THE PENINSULA - DOHA In the day’s seventh running, demic, I was unable to meet Dheban, ridden by Ali Khalid Al Mos- Sky Blue (QA), Ibrahim Saeed my family and check on them Irish entry X Force yesterday exhibited allam, clinched the top place. Dheban Ibrahim Al Malki and Soufiane for more than seven months,” good finish as Soufiane Saadi clinched clocked a time of 2:02.30 in the Saadi Aguirre was quoted as saying the top honours in Muraikh Cup in 1900m marathon as Al Mosallam won LOCAL THOROUGHBRED in a report posted on an Arabic meeting 11 of the new horse racing season QR 34,200. NOVICE PLATE newspaper wesbite. at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Saadi, who eventually bagged the He added: “Al Rayyan is a (QREC) racecourse. honours in the feature race of the day, Al Faisaliya (QA), Ibrahim Saeed great team and will remain so, The three-year-old gelding, trained finished in second place with Ernest Ibrahim Al Malki, Francois Herholdt and it always achieves wins by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, yes- Aldrich. Saadi won QR 13,200. Roman and championships. I will terday clocked a time of 1:04.19 on the Legend, who had Marco Casamento, PUREBRED ARABIAN leave and yet Al Rayyan will 1100m race held under lights at QREC. in the saddle, finished in the third NOVICE PLATE remain as a top side. The club Saadi won the top prize of QR 57,000. place worth QR 6,600. Shaweesh (QA), Hamad Ahmed Al fans are in my heart forever, Izzthatright, who had Jason Watson Earlier in race seven that had only Malki Al-Jehani, Rashid Ali Al-Marri and I really feel very sad to X Force, winner of Muraikh Cup in the saddle, finished in second spot. seven entries, Al Mosallam guided leave this club,” he said. Trained by Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair Maki, Leafy Moss to the top place in a time THOROUGHBRED NOVICE “I thank everyone who Izzthatright helped Watson get richer by of 1:11.18 in the 1200m race. Trained by Henrique sealed the second place. Hen- PLATE (Class 5) belongs to the club especially QR 22,000. Top Face, trained by Hamad Mohammed Gassim Ghazali, Leafy Moss’ rique won QR 13,200. Francois Herholdt, Skip The Queue (IRE), Hamad the players who gave me Ahmed Al Malki Al-Jehani and ridden by top finish was worth QR 34,200. astride Cool Exhibit, was third (QR 6,600). Ahmed Al Malki Al-Jehani, respect,” he said. Aguirre will Carlos Henrique finished in third spot Zarandi, trained by Hamad Ahmed Action at QREC continues today with Rashid Ali Al-Marri continue as coach until a worth QR 11,000. Al Malki Al-Jehani and ridden by Carlos race meeting 12. replacement is named. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 Qatar 2022 Zverev bounces back from defeat will be for the entire to keep ATP Finals hopes alive Arab region: AFP — LONDON happy to get the win, I’m happy to give myself a chance to go to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action Gomaa Alexander Zverev beat Diego the semi-finals. during his group stage match against Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 “I’m excited for Friday. Fri- FROM PAGE 12 Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, yesterday to keep alive his day’s going to be the most dif- yesterday. hopes of another ATP Finals ficult match-up that you can Mahmoud who is currently triumph in London. have here, against Novak.” residing in Qatar, contributing The 2018 champion looked Zverev, who has won two to television programmes as a out of sorts in his straight-sets titles in the coronavirus-trun- football analyst, said Qatar is defeat against Daniil Medvedev cated 2020 season, beat 100 percent ready to host the on Monday and again struggled Djokovic in the final in London World Cup. Qatar, despite the to find early rhythm at the two years ago and appeared to most difficult circumstances empty O2 Arena. be on the verge of a Grand Slam which are affecting the entire The Argentine eighth seed, breakthrough. world right now, is one of the who is at the elite eight-man The 23-year-old has not yet very first countries which have event in place of the injured won a major but reached the witnessed the return of sport Roger Federer, was also looking semi-finals of the Australian amid the pandemic. to bounce back from losing his Open this year and the final of The Iraqi legend also noted opening round-robin match, to the US Open. On the eve of the that the QNB Stars League is Novak Djokovic. tournament he opened up about one of the very few leagues in Big-serving Zverev, who domestic assault allegations, the world that are currently struggled badly on second- which he denies, but he came held with public attendance. serve points against Medvedev, to London in good form after “Qatar has become the was broken by Schwartzman in reaching the final of the Paris sports capital in the world due Masters, where he lost to to its enormous potential and Medvedev. capabilities in sports facilities World number one and infrastructure, as well as It was much better than Djokovic, seeking a record- hosting in recent years the on Monday. Diego is a equalling sixth ATP Finals title, most prominent events and is taking on Russia’s Medvedev tournaments at all levels in dif- very difficult player, he the third game but turned the to be in control without finding in the fifth game of the decider in the evening match at the ferent disciplines,” Mahmoud deserves to be here. tables with two breaks of his his best form but then lost his when Zverev broke with a fine season-ending added. There’s no easy matches own to take the set. own serve with a clutch of backhand volley. Schwartzman championships. “The whole world is but I’m happy to get the The Argentine’s serve was unforced errors. saved two break points in the Dominic Thiem is in charge waiting to witness an amazing win, I’m happy to give again under pressure in the first Zverev raced through his seventh game but by now fifth of Group London 2020 after version of the World Champi- game of the second set but he next service game but then seed was in the groove and he beating second seed Rafael onship in Qatar in 2022, espe- myself a chance to go to dug himself out of the hole to stumbled again on serve as his broke again to seal the win. Nadal on Tuesday to make it cially in light of the continuous the semi-finals. hold before Zverev broke in the 28-year-old opponent took the “It was much better than on two wins out of two. preparations, unique infra- third game. set 6-4 to level the match. Monday,” said Zverev. The O2 Arena is hosting the structure, state-of-the-art Alexander Zverev The German, who stands 28 The momentum appeared “Diego is a very difficult ATP Finals for the 12th and final sports facilities, advanced centimetres (11 inches) taller to be with the Argentine but the player, he deserves to be here. season before championships technology which have than Schwartzman, appeared match changed direction again There’s no easy matches but I’m move to Turin next year. received praise from all over the world. “I wish if there will be a record participation of Arab ‘New challenges’ hit Australian Open warm-up events teams at the Qatar 2022, espe- cially in the presence of the AFP — MELBOURNE disrupting the packed January team members,” read the ATP’s have their own coronavirus was “not a done deal”, partic- Qatar national team in it. That schedule. With players facing message, which was tweeted restrictions. It’s also unclear ularly since Melbourne only will be exceptional for sure,” Lead-up events to the a 14-day quarantine, any delay by world number 193 Lukas whether players will be recently emerged from a Mahmoud said. Australian Open tennis Grand could make it difficult to hold Lacko. allowed to train during month-long lockdown. Slam were thrown into doubt the high-profile ATP Cup and “We understand there is quarantine. Australia has been rela- yesterday after organisers other tournaments before the uncertainty about the start of the Tennis Australia on tively successful in containing flagged “new challenges” Australian Open’s scheduled 2021 season, and we are working Monday flagged plans to move the virus, with just over 27,700 Romania around players arriving in the start on January 18 in as hard as possible to deliver the warm-up events from Sydney, cases and 907 deaths recorded country during the coronavirus Melbourne. best possible calendar of events,” Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, since the pandemic began. given 3-0 win pandemic. “In discussions with Tennis the ATP added. Adelaide and Canberra to the But an outbreak in South In a message to players the Australia over the past 24 International travel to Aus- state of Victoria, to mitigate Australia, which neighbours after Norway ATP, the men’s tennis tour, said hours, we have been informed tralia is still tightly controlled against any possible state Victoria, triggered a six-day arrivals originally planned for there are some new challenges and all overseas arrivals must border closures. lockdown Wednesday as offi- match December were now around the previously planned quarantine for two weeks, But Victoria’s state premier cials rush to contain a cluster uncertain, potentially arrival dates for players and while individual states also Dan Andrews said the move in Adelaide. cancelled

AFP — LAUSANNE Qatar Anti-Doping Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan bag wins Romania have been handed a 3-0 win over Norway by UEFA Committee holds yesterday after their Nations League match was cancelled due to the Norwegian author- awareness workshop ities banning the country’s national team from travelling QNA — DOHA well as the risk of supplements, to Bucharest following a the rights and duties of the Covid-19 case. The Qatar Anti-Doping athlete, and information on the In a statement, UEFA said Committee (QADC) organised athlete’s whereabouts. it considered Sunday’s match an educational and awareness The exemption for thera- “as forfeited by the Nor- workshop for the Qatari peutic use, measures to control wegian Football Associ- athletics team and the support doping, the laws of the Qatar ation... for being responsible team at the headquarters of the National Anti-Doping Com- for the match not taking Qatar Olympic Committee. mittee, and the consequences place”. The workshop included the of doping on health-social were On Saturday, Norway’s definition of doping, violations also covered. health minister ordered the of anti-doping laws, the Inter- The Qatar Anti-Doping squad not to travel to Romania national Anti-Doping Code and Committee recently organised for the match after Galatasaray international standards, the list similar educational lectures for full-back Omar Elabdellaoui of prohibited substances and Qatari teams in handball, tested positive for methods in sport, and the harm tennis, squash and equestrian coronavirus. of doping to sportsmanship,as teams. The minister insisted the Norwegian federation respect the country’s quarantine rules, which recommend isolation Canelo Alvaez to face in case of contact with a pos- Action during itive test. the Senior After the discovery of Elab- Callum Smith on Dec 19 Men's League dellaoui’s positive case, the match between Norwegian federation can- Al Wakrah celled its departure. in the United States and Al Shamal However they will fulfil at QVA Hall fixture away to Austria after yesterday. striking an agreement with AP — LONDON in his hometown of Al Wakrah the health authorities to send Liverpool. claimed a 3-0 a team featuring 13 Canelo Alvarez will return to “I’ve been wanting a big victory with a debutants. the ring in a super middle- fight since becoming world 25-12, 25-16, Norway are second in weight title fight against Callum champion,” the 30-year-old 25-13 score- League B, Group 1, three Smith on December 19 in the Smith said in a statement. line. RIGHT: points behind leaders Austria United States, the boxers “So I’m pleased that during Al Rayyan ahead of their final match in announced yesterday. these challenging times we can and Al Sadd's Vienna. Smith’s WBA super middle- deliver to the fans a fight players vie for Switzerland’s League A, weight belt will be on the line between the very best in the a point during Group 4 home match with when he faces one of boxing’s division. yesterday's Ukraine, which was set to be most popular fighters. The “I truly believe I beat him other match. played on Tuesday, was also location has not been and will prove that 168 lbs. is Al Rayyan called off after six of the announced. my division.” recorded a away side’s players tested Neither man has fought The 30-year-old Alvarez, convincing win positive for the virus. since last November, when whose only loss was to Floyd by blanking UEFA decided that the Alvarez (53-1-2) stopped Mayweather Jr. in 2013, wrote match could not take place Al Sadd with Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds on his Instagram account that after Swiss health authorities scores of 25-18, to take the WBO light heavy- he’s “ready more than ever.” made the decision “to quar- 25-13, 25-16. weight belt. “The wait has been long but antine the entire delegation Smith (27-0) won a unan- I promise it will be worth it,” of the national team of imous decision over John Ryder the Mexican fighter wrote. Ukraine.” THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 NBA reveals CONI ready format to play fair tweak for after IOC 2020-2021 warning campaign AP - ROME

AFP - LOS ANGELES Italy’s sports minister has promised “autonomy” for the The NBA will use a play-off country’s Olympic committee tournament to determine the operations, two months after seventh and eighth seeds in the IOC president Thomas Bach 2020-2021 postseason, dangled the threat of probation according to a new format for the Tokyo Games due to unveiled by the league alleged government inter- yesterday. ference. The shortened season tips Vincenzo Spadafora, the off on December 22, with each minister, said he wrote in a team playing 72 games rather letter to the International than the traditional 82 games Olympic Committee on in order to allow play-offs to Tuesday that a forthcoming be completed in July and government reform “guar- players to be made available antees CONI proper functional for the Olympics. and organizational autonomy, The biggest change to the as dictated by the Olympic season format is the new Charter.” method for determining the Bach had taken issue with This general view shows people crossing a street as a train crosses overhead at night in the Shinjuku area in Tokyo yesterday. Tokyo top eight post-season teams the Italian government’s cre- will host the postponed 2020 Olympic Games next year. from the Eastern and Western ation of a new organization, Conferences. ‘Sport e Salute,’ that was Previously, the top eight created at the start of last year teams in each conference to run the country’s sports advance to the play-offs. Athletes’ Village must be finances, which were previ- This season, the league ously controlled by an arm of plans to play a mini-tour- the Italian Olympic Committee nament between teams placed (CONI). from seventh to 10th in order The IOC president had also to determine the seventh and safest place in Tokyo: IOC suggested that the alleged eighth seeds. interference could - under A similar format was used extreme circumstances - result last season when the league REUTERS - TOKYO village for the duration of the Games. “The Bach left Tokyo yesterday after two in Italy being stripped of restarted in its Orlando bubble athletes, once their competition finishes, days of saying a vaccine was likely to be hosting rights for the 2026 following a four-month The purpose-built Athletes’ Village must will have one day, two days and then they available and athletes would be strongly Winter Olympics in Milan and shutdown due to the novel be the safest place in Tokyo during next will go home,” said the Australian. “The encouraged to take it. Cortina d’Ampezzo. coronavirus pandemic. year’s Olympics, a senior International period of staying longer, in a village, Organizers and the IOC are growing “The framework recog- Under the new format, the Olympic Committee (IOC) official said increases the potential for problems.” confident they will have a vaccine and rapid nizes that CONI, with extreme team with the seventh-highest yesterday after meetings with the Tokyo Coates said the IOC’s athletes com- testing. This will help, but dozens of other clarity and as perhaps isn’t the winning percentage in each 2020 organisers. mission had given organisers their full countermeasures will also be in place; social case in many other countries, conference will play a home IOC President Thomas Bach and other support. distancing, masks and bubbles in the venues has all the functions it is due game against the team with officials have been in the Japanese capital The organisers did not finalise any con- and the Athletes Village. according to Article 27 of the the eighth-highest winning this week as a show of support for the crete COVID-19 countermeasures in three Japan has controlled the virus rea- Olympic Charter,” read a percentage in its conference. organisers as they try to arrange the Games days of talks and did not say whether spec- sonably well with about 1,900 deaths portion of Spadafora’s letter The winner of that game will despite the COVID-19 pandemic. tators will be allowed in venues. attributed to COVID-19. But almost 500 new to Bach. take the seventh seeding. Following the decision in March to Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said that cases were reported Wednesday in Tokyo, Still, CONI president Gio- The loser of that game will postpone the Games, the Olympics are now more policies would be finalised in time and more than 2,000 around Japan - both vanni Malagò said earlier then play the winner of a play- due to begin on July 23, 2021. for the organising committee’s budget one-day records. Cases are surging in the Tuesday that “it doesn’t seem off between the ninth and Over 11,000 athletes are expected to announcement next month. country just as optimism is also on the rise. that the problems have been tenth placed teams for the descend on Tokyo for the Olympics and From the opening ceremony to life in Christophe Dubi, the Olympic Games solved.” eighth and final play-off berth. thousands more will come for the subse- the village on Tokyo Bay, the postponed executive director, acknowledged much is CONI has traditionally run The play-off tweak was the quent Paralympics. The majority will stay 2020 Olympics will be like no other. still in the planning stages with many sce- all sports in Italy, deciding how most significant change to the at Athletes’ Village. There’ll be stringent rules and guide- narios in play ahead of the scheduled to divide up millions of dollars league format announced Joan Coates, an IOC official accompa- lines - and maybe vaccines and rapid testing opening on July 23, 2021. of state funding to each of the yesterday. nying Bach, said the number of athletes - to pull off the games in the middle of a “We don’t know what the situation will country’s national sports A full schedule for the would not be reduced and it was down to pandemic that has been blamed for more be next year, but some decisions will have federations. 2020-2021 season will be organisers to make them feel safe. than 1 million deaths worldwide. to be made already in December,” Dubi Now, Sport e Salute rolled out in stages, with the “We have to make sure that the Olympic “Staying longer in the village increases said, speaking remotely. handles that responsibility, first half of the season revealed Village is... the safest place in Tokyo,” said the potential for problems,” Coates said yes- Coates said the opening ceremony with €280m ($325m) handed during pre-season training Coates, who heads the IOC’s Coordination terday. Coates was asked if athletes would would be restricted to only athletes and a out for 2020. camps. Committee for the Tokyo Games. “The ath- be discouraged from sightseeing, or looking maximum of six team officials. In the past, While CONI said it has no Fixtures for the second half letes have to have confidence in the safety around the city. dozens of officials - at times 50, Coates said problem with the funding of the campaign will be con- of that.” “Yes,” he replied simply, a short answer - were allowed to march, filling in for ath- issue, it has taken exception to firmed midway through the In a break with tradition, Coates said suggesting these Olympics will be all letes who may have skipped in order to Spadafora’s meddling with its season. athletes would not be able to stay in the business with few frills. compete the next day. election procedures. 'Laptop nerd' Hodge backed England’s Ford fit to to fill Wallabies breach again face Ireland in Autumn Nations Cup REUTERS - MELBOURNE England’s prop Joe Marler takes AFP - LONDON part in a team training session at Utility back Reece Hodge is set The Lensbury hotel in south west George Ford has been passed fit by England to play against to remain Australia’s starting London ahead of the Autumn Ireland in Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup international at flyhalf for Saturday’s Tri- International rugby union match Twickenham. Nations clash against Argentina, between England and Ireland. Fly-half Ford missed Six Nations winners England’s con- with James O’Connor ruled out cluding Championship match away to Italy and last week’s for another week with a foot 40-0 Twickenham trouncing of Georgia in their Autumn Nations injury. Cup opener last week. Two weeks ago, with But the Leicester No 10 has now been given the all clear. O’Connor sidelined with a knee England coach Eddie Jones is due to name his side today problem, Hodge replaced and Ford is now pressing either to take over at stand-off from stand-in flyhalf Noah Lolesio in Owen Farrell, with the captain then likely moving to inside the number 10 shirt and was centre, or start on the bench. instrumental in the Wallabies’ “George is looking good, he’s training really hard,” England 24-22 win over the All Blacks forwards coach Matt Proudfoot told reporters yesterday. “It’s in Brisbane. good to have his experience and adaptability in the squad. Team mate Matt Philip “He’s been training really well.” backed Hodge to continue his England announced a 25-man squad on Tuesday, meaning good form in Newcastle against two players will be dropped when veteran Australian coach the Pumas, who are riding high Jones unveils his matchday 23. after stunning the All Blacks But someone who did not even make it into that extended 25-15 in Sydney last weekend. squad was Jack Willis, despite the flanker marking his England “Hodgey is probably the debut with a try against Georgia. most professional bloke I England, however, have plenty of back-row options and know,” the Wallabies lock told Proudfoot said of Willis: “We’re very pleased with Jack, he’s Australian radio station RSN the rebuilding Wallabies needed “We don’t want to be tagged New Zealand's Rugby union done very well and is pushing hard and growing. yesterday. successive wins to quash any as a young, inexperienced side Bledisloe Cup hosted the second “We want him to be a better player week in, week out and “He’s always spending time doubts about their trajectory. and we are putting together largest crowd since coronavirus we feel he’s doing that. He has a good appetite to learn and has on the laptop, he’s a bit of a “We were pretty proud of back to back wins.” hit, attracting 46,000 fans in a bright future ahead of him. nerd, watching footage, making our performance in Wellington Meanwhile in Brisbane, October. “He did well against Georgia, his first cap produced a try sure he knows everything. but then we didn’t back it up,” Queensland, roared on by a Cameron Munster, who was and he performed really well in tough conditions for a loose “I’ve been very impressed White said of the 16-16 draw in capacity 52,000 home crowd, concussed early in his side's forward.” with how he stepped up last the New Zealand capital, which held off a storming New South 34-10 drubbing in Sydney last But it appears England want a more experienced trio to week and slotted into the role preceded heavy defeats in Wales finish to regain Aus- week, masterminded Queens- counter the threat posed by Ireland’s back-row. like he’s been doing it for ages Auckland and Sydney. tralia's State of Origin Rugby land's Origin triumph and “You look at what you’ve got at your disposal. You look at and I think he’s going to get the “It took us a few weeks to league crown 20-14 in Brisbane veteran coach Wayne Bennett's the challenge. And then you pick the best 23,” said Proudfoot. job done for us this week.” bounce back from that and we yesterday. first since 2001 in his Origin “The Irish forwards, especially the loose forwards, are very Australia’s win in Brisbane got ourselves to a position The Maroons denied the return. very good. CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van Der Flier are was their first under new coach where we were proud of our Blues' bid for a triple Origin It was also Queensland's unbelievable loose forwards. Dave Rennie, following a draw performance in Brisbane. series win with a committed first State of Origin series “So we’re looking forward to meet that challenge, how best and back-to-back losses to the “We want to make sure we effort before the largest sporting victory since 2017 before NSW's can we nullify that threat of theirs, and we select what we feel All Blacks. don’t fall into that trap of being crowd in the world during the spectacular wins in 2018 and is the best team to counter that threat.” Scrumhalf Nic White said happy with that. global pandemic. last year. Sport THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2020 08

Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim poses with the Pakistan Super League England to tour Pakistan next 2020 trophy at Karachi’s iconic Frere Hall, yesterday. Karachi Kings defeated Lahore Qalandars in final on Tuesday to clinch their October - first time since 2005 maiden PSL title.

AP — ISLAMABAD of its team and “of course the The England and Wales Cricket Board yesterday said its squad will arrive situation regarding the fast- England’s cricket team will moving and ever-changing play two Twenty20 Interna- in Karachi on October 12. After playing back-to-back Twenty20s on COVID-19 pandemic,” he tionals in Karachi next October 14 and 15, both teams will fly to India on October 16 for the T20 said. October during its first tour World Cup. The PCB expects Eng- to Pakistan since 2005. land’s short tour will The England and Wales showcase Pakistan’s ability Cricket Board yesterday said to host international its squad will arrive in the statement, yesterday. “Next toured Pakistan late last matches and will southern port city on Oct. 12. year we’ve got another big year. International cricket encourage the visitors for After playing back-to-back international programme to was halted in Pakistan after their tour to Pakistan in Twenty20s on Oct. 14 and 15, look forward to… It’s an the Sri Lanka cricket team 2022-23 season. both teams will fly to India exciting prospect for England bus was targeted in a ter- “The October 2021 T20Is on Oct. 16 for the T20 World fans, and while Covid means rorist attack in March 2009. will allow the leading Cup. there’s still a great deal of Despite international England cricketers to access England hosted West uncertainty, we really hope travel restrictions during the and examine the world-class Indies and Pakistan earlier to be able to welcome fans COVID-19 pandemic this arrangements we will put this year without fans, but it back into the grounds safely year, Pakistan was able to together, which will give announced a ticket ballot on next year to bring that tour England and play three them further encouragement Wednesday for next sum- unique atmosphere to stadia Test matches and three and confidence to not only mer’s home games. across the country.” Twenty20s in Manchester. return in 2022-23, but also Potential spectators Michael Vaughan was “As was demonstrated express their interest in the were promised a full refund captain when England last this summer, we have a Pakistan Super League,” PCB in case the games need to be toured Pakistan for three test strong relationship with the chief executive Wasim Khan played without fans next matches and five one-day PCB and the ECB is delighted said. year too. internationals. to be able to play our part in Englishman Alex Hales “We had an amazing Since then Pakistan has ensuring the safe return of played for the champion summer of international twice hosted England - in international cricket to this Karachi Kings in the PSL that cricket this year with some 2012 and 2015 - in the United wonderful nation of pas- ended at Karachi on memorable performances, Arab Emirates due to sionate cricket fans,” Har- Tuesday. and we know how much security concerns over trav- rison said. Another Englishman, all- enjoyment it brought to elling to Pakistan. Harrison said that the rounder Samit Patel, repre- people whilst staying at Test cricket returned to ECB is working closely with sented Lahore Qalandars, home,” EC chief executive the country after more than the Pakistan Cricket Board who were beaten in the final Tom Harrison said in a 10 years when Sri Lanka to ensure safety and security by five wickets. England announce India series as New dad Richardson pulls out of Australia they aim for fans’ return in 2021 squad to face India AFP — LONDON series against India in August a September, with matches at AFP — SYDNEY The England and Wales Cricket Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Head- Board said yesterday they ingley, the Oval and Old Fast bowler Kane Richardson hoped spectators would return Trafford. (pictured) withdrew yesterday to matches next year as they Meanwhile, white-ball from Australia’s limited-overs announced a full international series against Sri Lanka and squad to face India to stay with programme for 2021 culmi- Pakistan are scheduled his wife and newborn son in nating with a five-Test series at throughout June and July, with Adelaide, which is battling a home to India. fixtures also due to take place coronavirus outbreak. Unlike this year’s corona- at Durham, Edgbaston, Bristol Richardson will be replaced virus-hit schedule, where a full and Cardiff. by fellow quick Andrew Tye set of men’s international It is possible that more who was part of the squad on matches were played behind games could be added amid Australia’s recent white-ball closed doors at Old Trafford and uncertainty over whether the tour to England. Southampton, the ECB are now planned 2021 World Test “It was a difficult decision planning to take fixtures all Championship final will go for Kane to make but one round the country as in a ahead after several qualifying which has the complete support normal year. matches this year were can- of the selectors and the entire The draft itinerary issued celled because of the Covid-19 playing squad,” national one-day internationals and yesterday includes nine dif- outbreak. selector Trevor Hohns said. three Twenty20 internationals ferent host grounds and antic- An optimistic Tom Harrison, Richardson informed to be played in Sydney and ipates a ticket ballot to allow the ECB chief executive, said in selectors of his decision on Canberra beginning on spectators to attend matches a statement: “It’s an exciting Tuesday, hours before South November 27. Australian once again. prospect for England fans and, England’s Joe Root (left) fist bumps with West Indies’ Jason Holder Australia announced a six-day players and staff from outside The centrepiece of next while Covid means there’s still on the pitch after England wrap up the Test in Manchester, in this “circuit-breaker” lockdown to New South Wales flew into year’s programme is a Test a great deal of uncertainty, we July 20, 2020 file photo. contain a sudden coronavirus largely Covid-free Sydney cluster in the state capital Tuesday, several days earlier 2021 ENGLAND HOME CRICKET INTERNATIONALS really hope to be able to summer, we have a strong rela- Adelaide. than planned, because of fears Sri Lanka series welcome fans back into the tionship with the PCB (Pakistan “Kane wanted to remain in that the latest outbreak could Jun 29: England v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Emirates Riverside, Durham grounds safely next year to Cricket Board) and the ECB is Adelaide with Nyki and their close state borders. Jul 1: England v Sri Lanka 2nd ODI, Kia Oval bring that unique atmosphere delighted to be able to play our newborn son. We will always Batsmen Josh Philippe and Jul 4: England v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, Bristol County Ground to stadia across the country.” part in ensuring the safe return support our players and their D’Arcy Short were added to Pakistan series The ECB also announced of international cricket to this families, even more so given Australia’s training squad Jul 8: England v Pakistan, 1st ODI, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff earlier yesterday that England wonderful nation of passionate the challenging environment Wednesday as a precaution, Jul 10: England v Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Lord's would tour Pakistan in October, cricket fans,” said Harrison, we are in,” said Hohns. with the remainder of the ending a 16-year absence. underlining however that safety “We will miss what he white-ball squad due to Jul 13: England v Pakistan, 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Birmingham England will arrive in concerns would remain brings to the team but com- assemble in Sydney on Sunday. Jul 16: England v Pakistan, 1st T20, Trent Bridge, Nottingham Karachi on October 12, playing “paramount”. pletely understand and support Cricket Australia said it Jul 18: England v Pakistan, 2nd T20, Emerald Headingley, Leeds two T20s on October 14-15 Dates and venues have yet his decision.” remained committed to holding Jul 20: England v Pakistan 3rd T20, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester before both teams depart for to be fixed for the England Preparations for India’s the first Test in Adelaide but India series India ahead of the T20 World women’s team but the ECB blockbuster cricket tour have was monitoring the corona- Aug 4-8: England v India 1st Test, Trent Bridge, Nottingham Cup. have said that South Africa been complicated by the out- virus situation closely. Aug 12-16: England v India, 2nd Test, Lord's The series follows Pakistan’ and New Zealand are both break in South Australia, with South Australians were Aug 25-29: England v India, 3rd Test, Headingley widely praised tour of England expected to travel for 50 and the first Test scheduled at the told yesterday to leave their

Sep 2-6: England v India 4th Test, The Oval earlier this year amid the 20-over series. Adelaide Oval from December homes only for essential Sep 10-14: England v India 5th Test, Old Trafford pandemic. England hosted West Indies 17-21. work, to buy groceries or for “As was demonstrated this in July for a Test series. Before that there are three health reasons. England's all-rounder Ali HazlewoodHazlew prefers Gabba still yearns for Test cricket if AustAustraliar cannot host REUTERS — CAPE TOWN months it is coming back,” Ali told could have.” The all-rounder has IndiaIndia in Adelaide reporters yesterday. 181 test wickets and 2,782 runs, Moeen Ali (pictured) still wants “I have been thinking a lot including five centuries, but for REUTERSREUTERS — MELBOURNEME to play Test cricket for England about my game and if the call did now is concentrating on the after conceding he had lost the come, I would be keen on it. I shortest format with two AustraliaAustralia wouldw prefer to play India in the first Test hunger for the five-day game, but have not retired or anything, but Twenty20 World Cups in the next at tthehe GabbGabba in Brisbane if the recent COVID-19 is desperate to feature in The probably have just taken a step two years. outoutbreakbreak in Adelaide forces a change in venue, fast Ashes against Australia next year. back from the test game.” He is currently with the bowlerbowler Josh HHazlewood said yesterday. The spinning all-rounder lost Ali took five wickets at an England team in South Africa for TheThe series oopener is scheduled to start at the Adelaide his place in the test side after average of 115 in the 2017-18 a six-match limited overs tour OvalOval onon DDec.ec. 117 but a new cluster of coronavirus cases recording match figures of 3/172 Ashes series in Australia, which that starts on Nov. 27. in the state hhasa cast doubts on whether the match will against the Australians in Bir- began to sow the seeds of doubt “There is an opportunity to aheadahead as neineighbouringgh states closed their borders with mingham last year, a game the on his position, and admits he be one of the greatest sides SouthSouth Australia.Australi tourists won by a massive 251 could have been better prepared ever and to be part of that “It prprobablyoba would be (the Gabba) to be fair,” runs. for the contest. is something I would HazlewoodHazlewo told reporters. Ali, 33, bore the brunt of that “I went there on the back of like to do,” he said. “I think the longer we wait the hotter it gets defeat, and said Test cricket lost being in some of my best form “I must just up theret so the quicks would all be happy to some of its appeal as a result. for England,” he said. play as much gegett that game done in early December. We “A year-and-a-half ago I lost “I was confident, but I cricket as I can obviouslyob have a really good record (in that hunger to play test cricket, probably didn’t do as much and play as best Brisbane)Br and it’s a great place to start.” but I feel like over the last six planning as I should have and as I can.”