CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 RUGBY | Page 7 Bumrah, Boult All Blacks propel MI rout Wallabies to big win to retain the over Delhi Bledisloe Cup

Sunday, November 1, 2020 FOOTBALL Rabia l 15, 1442 AH Jota strikes again GULF TIMES as Liverpool go top of EPL SPORT Page 2 Al Arabi win Amir Cup volleyball

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (C), poses with the Al Arabi team after they won the Amir Cup volleyball tournament yesterday at the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Hall. Al Arabi defeated Police 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 23-21) in the final to win the prestigious trophy. Picture on right shows Al Arabi players and off icials celebrating their success.

FOOTBALL/ AMIR CUP LOSS Qatar’s veteran rally driver Sheikh Al Sadd set up title Hamad bin Eid clash with Al Arabi passes away Al Duhail, after a disciplined defensive show in the first half, completely lost the plot in the second

By Sahan Bidappa Edmilson. The midfi elder’s fi rst Doha shot was blocked by Meshaal but the rebound was quickly latched on to by Edmilson, who cel- l Sadd came back from ebrated with a gesture towards a goal down to outplay the dugout after Lamouchi had Al Duhail 4-1 and reach left him out in the last couple of their 26th Amir Cup matches. fiA nal at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Sadd did manage to create a Stadium yesterday. It was sweet couple of chances, but Lamouchi revenge for Al Sadd, who had lost had set up his defenders perfect- to Al Duhail by a similar margin ly, which did not allow any space in the fi nal of the prestigious for Akram Afi f. championship last year. introduced Bounedjah, That defeat was a bitter pill who had recovered from an in- to swallow for Xavi Hernandez, jury, in the 51st minute to replace who was playing his fi nal game Yousuf Abdurisag but it was the Sheikh Hamad bin Eid al-Thani. in an Al Sadd jersey in Qatar at drama at the Al Duhail end which the inauguration of Al Janoub proved the turning point. By Sports Reporter nied one of his friends in his Stadium. But since then Xavi in The hosts thought they had Doha private car to watch the rest his capacity as coach has ensured gone 2-0 up in the 54th minute of the stages of the race but he that Al Sadd won all their four when Rezaeian found the net fell unconscious. His friend matches against Al Duhail. after a pass from Edmilson. But atar’s motorsport informed the local organising In the fi nal, Al Sadd take on Al the goal was overruled after a fraternity was committee and returned him to Arabi, who beat Al Markhiya on VAR review, which revealed that mourning the death the rally headquarters immedi- Friday. the ball had touched Edmilson’s of veteran rally driver ately,” the statement added. It was a game of two halves hand from a rebound. SheikhQ Hamad bin Eid al-Tha- The QMMF statement yesterday with Al Duhail domi- Al Sadd made the most of that ni who passed away yester- pointed out that “the medi- nating the fi rst, only to be out- The expression on ’s face says it all as Al Sadd’s Guilherme Santos Torres (C) celebrates his goal lucky break. In the 58th minute, day while following the action cal team assigned to the Qatar played by Al Sadd in the second. with Rodrigo Tabata during the Amir Cup semi-final yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil defender Khoukhi made it 1-1, in the Qatar National Baja at National Baja quickly dealt Edmilson had put Al Duhail rising highest to head home an Dukhan. with the case and gave him re- ahead in the 10th minute after line. “We were better than Duhail Afi f cross. Six minutes later, Afi f HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- lief at the rally headquarters in an error from Al Sadd goalkeeper since the beginning of the match. took advantage of clumsy clear- mad al-Thani, President Dukhan before moving him to Meshaal Barshem. We conceded an early goal, but ance from al-Brake, and passed of Qatar Olympic Com- the Cuban Hospital, where he Al Duhail, after a disciplined we kept pressing ahead and en- to Torres who side-footed the mittee, condoled Sheikh passed away.” defensive show in the fi rst half, joyed greater possession. We ball beyond the onrushing Abu- Hamad bin Eid’s passing. “The QMMF mourns Sheikh completely lost the plot in the controlled the match through- bakar. “It is with great sorrow and Hamad, one of the most prom- second. After ’s out. I am delighted that we have With the lead having slipped sadness that we received the inent Qatari rally drivers, and goal was ruled out for handball, beaten Duhail for the fourth away, Lamouchi substituted Ed- news of the death of Sheikh extends its deepest condolenc- Boualem Khouki equalised for Al time in a row,” the Al Sadd coach milson and Muntari – two of his Hamad bin Eid Al Thani, may es to the family of the deceased Sadd with a wonderful header in added potent attacking threats and that God have mercy on him,” HE and motorsport enthusiasts in the 58th minute. Lamouchi said Al Sadd were played into Al Sadd’s hand. Sheikh Joaan tweeted. Qatar,” the statement added. Guilherme Santos Torres dou- superior on the night. “We have Bounedjah, playing as a lone The Qatar Motor and Mo- Sheikh Hamad bin Eid was bled the advantage in the 64th a lot to work on and improve. striker upfront, netted Al Sadd’s torcycle Federation (QMMF) one of the most prominent minute, while substitute Bagh- Al Sadd were clearly the better third goal in the 77th minute, released a statement saying the rally drivers in Qatar and the dad Boundejah made it 3-0 in team. They have better individ- dribbling into the box and scor- death took place after his with- Gulf region, having won many the 77th minute. Rodrigo Tabata ual players and they were good ing with a low shot that went drawal as a participant from local and international titles, then completed Al Duhail’s mis- physically too,” he said. past two Al Duhail defenders and the fourth round of the pres- most notably the World Cup ery in the 88th minute with a While Xavi was upbeat after their keeper. tigious national event. of Saharan Rally Champion- strike from the half-line after the match, he was furious with In the 88th minute, substitute “Sheikh Hamad started the ship in the Cross Country (T2) goalkeeper Khalifa Abubakar was his defensive line as they came Rodrigo Tabata made it 4-1 with fi rst stage of the race but de- category. way off the goalpost. under Al Duhail attack. The hosts Baghdad Bounedjah of Al Sadd celebrates his goal. a shot from near the halfway line, cided to withdraw from the He had also won the Middle “We feel very happy after this could have had two goals inside with Abubakar having advanced competition and returned to East Rally Championship in deserved victory,” said Xavi, eight minutes, with Rezaeian’s Al Sadd’s tactic of playing Sadd goalkeeper’s intended pass outside the penalty box. Duhail the maintenance area. His con- 1993 and Qatar Rally Champi- who was involved in a heated free-kick fl ying just wide off the from the back was fraught with to Woo-young Jung was quickly would end the game with nine dition was very normal,” the onship in 1997. Sheikh Hamad exchange with Al Duhail coach post, while Sultan al-Brake’s danger and Meshaal’s wrong pass intercepted by Mohamed Mun- men after Dudu and Ali Afi f were QMMF stated. bin Eid was also the winner of Sabri Lamouchi on the touch- shot hit the side netting. allowed Duhail an opening. The tari, who then passed it on to sent off in stoppage time. “Sheikh Hamad accompa- Dubai Desert Challenge. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 1, 2020 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT ‘It’s over’, Guardiola Jota caps Liverpool rules out return as Barcelona boss AFP fi ghtback as Man Sheff ield, United Kingdom ep Guardiola ruled out ever taking charge of Barcelona for a second spell as the Manchester PCity boss insisted he retains the “desire” to succeed in England. City, Chelsea win Guardiola is the most decorated coach in Barca’s glorious history after winning 14 trophies in four years in charge between 2008 It was Liverpool’s fourth successive win since van Dijk was sidelined for several months and 2012. Josep Maria Bartomeu fi nally bowed to pressure to resign as win in fi ve games in all compe- president of the Catalan giants titions as they move up to sev- this week, with one of the lead- enth in the , just ing candidates to take over, Vic- two points off the top. Without tor Font, saying he wants to bring a natural striker due to injuries legends like Guardiola and his to Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Je- former players Xavi and Carles sus, City struggled to turn their Puyol back to work for the club. dominance into goals at Bramall “I said many times, my period Lane. “We played really well,” as a manager in Barcelona is over. added Guardiola .”We struggled I think in life there is once you to score goals for the chances we have to do things,” Guardiola said created, 16 shots, eight on target, after City’s 1-0 win over Shef- is a lot against this team.” fi eld United yesterday. “There Aaron Ramsdale was busy in are incredible people who can be the Blades’ goal as he twice de- in charge, now for example (Bar- nied Ferran Torres from close celona coach) Ronald Koeman is range, while he unconvincingly an excellent manager. It is over.” parried Rodrigo’s long-range ef- A boyhood Barca fan, Guar- fort behind. Walker fi nally broke diola also enjoyed an illustrious the deadlock from similar range playing career at the Camp Nou on 28 minutes as his shot arrowed and still holds season tickets as low past Ramsdale’s right-hand, a supporter. “I will come back to but there was a muted celebra- my seats to see my club to watch tion from the England interna- a game. I am incredibly happy tional against his boyhood club. here, still I have the desire to do “My mum and dad live here, so if well and this is the most impor- I’d celebrated I’d have got a lot of tant thing. Now there will be stick,” said Walker. “I’m a Shef- elections in Barcelona. Hopefully fi eld United fan, so I couldn’t they can choose the right board celebrate.” to maintain this incredible club Kevin De Bruyne fl ashed a Barcelona in the highest level.” shot wide following another at- Guardiola is already into the tacking burst from Walker early longest managerial spell of his in the second-half before Ram- career with this his fi fth season sdale produced his best save of at City. His side still look a long the game from Riyad Mahrez’s way off the heights they reached free-kick. However, City’s fail- in winning back-to-back Pre- ure to kill off the game gave Chris mier League titles between 2017 Wilder’s men chances to snatch and 2019, but they are slowly an unlikely point. John Lunds- getting up to speed after a start tram had the best chance for the Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (centre) celebrates after scoring against West Ham in the Premier League at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England, yesterday. (AFP) to the campaign disrupted by in- hosts when he side-footed Sand- juries, coronavirus cases and just er Berge’s low cross over. But AFP In the 85th minute, the Portugal forward Etihad expires at the end of the season. “I bled Chelsea’s advantage from Mason a two-week long pre-season. Sheffi eld United have still scored London ran onto Xherdan Shaqiri’s pass to score am incredibly happy here, still I have the Mount’s corner just after the hour mark. Kyle Walker’s long-range ef- just three goals in seven games to his third goal since joining from Wolves in desire to do well and this is the most im- Timo Werner was due to be rested until fort against his former club was start the season and remain sec- September. portant thing.” an injury in the warm-up to Christian enough to secure City’s fourth ond bottom on just one point. iogo Jota capped Liverpool’s It was Liverpool’s fourth successive On the fi eld, there were plenty of posi- Pulisic forced the German international dramatic fi ghtback as the Pre- victory since infl uential defender Vir- tives for City as the newly-formed cen- into Lampard’s line-up. mier League champions beat gil van Dijk was sidelined for several tre-back pairing of Aymeric Laporte and And Werner rounded off an excellent West Ham 2-1 to move three months with a serious knee injury suf- Ruben Dias played their part in a second second-half performance from the Blues Ronaldo set for return on pointsD clear at the top, while Manches- fered against Everton. Despite their de- consecutive clean sheet. with a fi ne fi nish from Ziyech’s pass. Af- Juventus bench against Spezia ter City and Chelsea both won to keep in fensive issues this term, Liverpool have However, without injured strikers ter much criticism of his side’s defend- touch with the leaders yesterday. opened up a three-point lead over second Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, City ing, Lampard will be equally delighted at Milan: Cristiano Ronaldo has defeat against Barcelona. But Jurgen Klopp’s side were rocked by placed Everton, with their Merseyside struggled to turn their dominance into a fourth straight clean sheet as Chelsea returned a second negative the 35-year-old will travel with Pablo Fornals’ early strike at Anfi eld as rivals in action at Newcastle today. Title goals. “We played really well,” added moved up to fourth place. coronavirus test but will not the team to Cesena on the the West Ham midfi elder punished a rivals City have yet to hit the free-scoring Guardiola.”We struggled to score goals start today’s game against Adriatic coast, where Ligurian poor header from Joe Gomez in the 10th form of Pep Guardiola’s side at their best, for the chances we created, 16 shots, eight Spezia, Juventus coach Andrea club Spezia are playing their minute. The Reds drew level in the 42nd as for the third consecutive league game on target, is a lot against this team.” PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS Pirlo said on the eve of the home games as their Stadio Instead, Walker was the unlikely minute when Mohamed Salah was fouled they were held to a solitary goal. But Kyle Burnley 0 Chelsea 3 (Ziyech 26, Zouma match. “ Picco is modernised for their by Arthur Masuaku and the Egyptian Walker’s long-range strike against his match-winner with his fi rst goal for a 63, Werner 70); Liverpool 2 (Salah 42- The negative result of the first season in the top flight. stepped up to convert the penalty for his former club was good enough to earn a year in his 100th Premier League appear- second swab has also arrived, Juventus are fifth in Serie A pen, jota 85) West Ham 1 (Fornals 10); eighth goal of the season. 1-0 win at goal-shy Sheffi eld United. ance for City. Chelsea are also fi nding so today Cristiano Ronaldo will having drawn three games of Sheff ield United 0 Manchester City 1 Liverpool thought they had claimed A fourth win in fi ve games in all com- their form after a slow start to the season be called up to the team,” said five including 1-1 against pro- the lead with just over 10 minutes re- petition edges City up to eighth, fi ve as Frank Lampard’s men ran out 3-0 win- (Walker 28) Pirlo. “He is fine and has been moted Crotone, and are four maining when substitute Jota turned in points behind Liverpool. And there was ners at Burnley to stretch their unbeaten Today: (GMT time) Aston Villa v South- training individually this morn- points behind leaders AC Milan. a loose ball. Jota had pounced after Lu- another boost for City after the game as run to nine games. Hakim Ziyech was ampton (1200), Newcastle v Everton ing. I don’t think he will start Ronaldo has been named kasz Fabianski saved Sadio Mane’s shot Guardiola ruled out a return to Barcelona handed his fi rst Premier League start af- (1400), Manchester United v Arsenal from the beginning, we will see alongside fellow strikers Paulo but after a lengthy delay that saw referee despite interest from presidential candi- ter scoring in a 4-0 Champions League (1630), Tottenham v Brighton (1915) how it goes tomorrow.” Dybala and Alvaro Morata. dates at the Catalan giants to bring the win away to Krasnodar in midweek and Kevin Friend make use of the pitchside Tomorrow: Fulham v West Brom (1730), The five-time Ballon d’Or Defender Leonardo Bonucci is monitor, the goal was ruled out for a foul club’s most successful ever coach back the Moroccan’s shot wrong-footed Nick Leeds v Leicester (2000) winner has missed four games expected to play after a slight by the Senegal winger. to the Camp Nou. “I said many times, my Pope to open the fl oodgates for the visi- for Juventus including the thigh problem, but Giorgio With time running out, Jota ensured period as a manager in Barcelona is over,” tors on 26 minutes. Played Friday: Wolves 2 (Ait Nouri 18, midweek Champions League Chiellini will not. he would still fi nish as Liverpool’s hero. said Guardiola, whose contract at the Kurt Zouma’s bullet header then dou- Podence 27) Crystal Palace 0

SERIE A Inter angered by VAR aft er Parma draw, Atalanta move second AFP drew 2-2 with Ajax in the Champions morrow to see, (defender Rafael) Toloi Milan League in midweek, sit one point be- also had a heavy knock to his knee, so hind AC Milan. Inter dominated the we’ll see who we can recover and who fi rst half at the San Siro, but Perisic we can’t.” nter Milan came back from two volleyed off target and Achraf Hakimi Muriel, who scored 18 Serie A goals goals down to draw 2-2 with Parma nodded over from close range when he last term despite only starting 10 yesterday but were left furious by should have done better. matches, grabbed a 26th-minute open- a contentious VAR decision, while Parma made their hosts pay in the er by collecting Ruslan Malinovsky’s IAtalanta beat bottom club Crotone to fi rst minute after the break, as Gerv- pass and drilling a low shot into the move second in Serie A. inho powered home his fi rst goal of net. Papu Gomez wasted an excellent Antonio Conte’s Inter have dropped the season. The home side were giv- chance to double the lead, but Co- points in three of their fi rst six league en a mountain to climb just after the lombian forward Muriel did slot in his games this season and could slip fi ve hour mark when Roberto Inglese slid second goal seven minutes before half- points behind city rivals and leaders AC the ball through for to score time. Milan, who visit Udinese today. his second. Inter were desperate to try Nwankwo Simy gave the hosts hope Inter had a strong penalty appeal and keep pace with AC Milan and got before the break, but their frustra- when Botond Balogh hauled down Ivan themselves back into the game less than tions boiled over in the second half and Perisic in the second half, with Conte two minutes later thanks to Marcelo coach Giovanni Stroppa was sent to the skipping his press conference, appar- Brozovic’s defl ected strike. Andrea stands after receiving two yellow cards ently in protest at the decision. “It is Ranocchia almost levelled shortly af- in a matter of minutes. our duty also to protest at the referee- terwards, but saw his header saved at ing decisions. This is our only venue for point-blank range by Parma goalkeeper SERIE A RESULTS protesting, as we have no other way of Luigi Sepe. Ivan Perisic headed in Ale- Crotone 1 (Tochukwu Nwankwo 40) making our voices heard,” said sporting ksandar Kolarov’s free-kick in the sec- Atalanta 2 (Muriel 26, 38); director Beppe Marotta. ond minute of injury time, but it was 2 (Brozovic 64, Perisic 90+2) Parma 2 “We realise VAR only intervenes with too late for Inter to fi nd a winner. a clear and obvious error, but today Luis Muriel scored twice as Atalanta (Gervinho 46, 62) there was a clear and obvious penalty. bounced back from successive losses in Playing today (all times GMT): So either the referee pays closer atten- Serie A with a 2-1 win at Crotone ear- Udinese v AC Milan (1130), Spezia v tion or VAR must be used. If VAR is only lier. Atalanta conceded seven goals in Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic scores against Parma in the Serie A in Milan yesterday. (Reuters) Juventus, Torino v Lazio (both 1400), partially used, then that damages eve- back-to-back defeats by Napoli and Napoli v Sassuolo, Roma v Fiorentina ryone and creates a sense of inequality. Sampdoria. win this season. game against Liverpool, after Hans “Serie A and the Champions League (both 1700), Sampdoria v Genoa (1945) They were not at their fl uent best Gasperini said he had tough deci- Hateboer and Cristian Romero were are two very diff erent tournaments and After six games, it is only right to make Tomorrow: Hellas Verona v Benevento this comment.” yesterday, but did enough to edge out sions to make ahead of next week’s both substituted at Crotone with mus- I don’t want to choose between them,” (1945) Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, who Crotone, who remain without a league crucial Champions League group-stage cle problems. he said. “We’ll have to wait until to- Gulf Times Sunday, November 1, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Mueller equals Kahn’s record as Bayern Munich go top RB Leipzig blew the chance to reclaim first place in after losing 1-0 at Borussia Moenchengladbach

AFP gave Augsburg the lead with a superb Berlin bicycle kick just before half-time. Mainz sub Karim Onisiwo equalised on the hour mark, but Augsburg took uropean champions Bayern advantage of tired legs as Germany Munich went top of the Bun- winger Hahn netted twice in the fi nal 10 desliga as Thomas Mueller minutes. Werder Bremen coach Florian equalled Oliver Kahn’s record Kohfeldt picked up a point on his third forE most league wins in the famous anniversary in the job with a 1-1 draw shirt in yesterday’s 2-1 victory at Co- at Eintracht Frankfurt. US striker Josh logne. Mueller, 31, converted an early Sargent swept his shot home early in penalty to put the visitors on the way the second half to give Bremen the lead. to a success which saw him match the Frankfurt’s Japan midfi elder Daichi tally of legendary goalkeeper Kahn on Kamada had a fi rst-half goal ruled out 260 league wins. when VAR spotted Andre Silva was Robert Lewandowski, who scored 10 off side. However, the Portugal inter- goals in the opening fi ve league games, national made amends when he buried was rested ahead of Bayern’s midweek Kamada’s cross into the Bremen net for Champions League match at Salzburg the equaliser on 65 minutes. Schalke, and next Saturday’s top-of-the-table second from bottom, have gone 22 Bundesliga clash at second-placed league games without a win after being Dortmund. “(We were) too nonchalant held to a 1-1 draw at home to Stuttgart up front, even though the passion was on Friday. there,” said Mueller despite the reign- A fi rst-half header by Schalke’s teen- ing champions’ win. Serge Gnabry, who age defender Malick Thiaw was can- scored Bayern’s second goal, admit- celled out by a leveller from Argentin- ted: “We let the opponent back into the ian forward Nicolas Gonzalez for the game, it wasn’t our best performance.” visitors. Schalke are edging towards the An early header by Gnabry led to unwanted record of Tasmania Berlin, Cologne defender Marius Wolf giving who now play in Germany’s fi fth tier, away the 13th-minute penalty which who went 31 Bundesliga matches with- Mueller scored. Gnabry added the sec- out victory in 1965/66. ond on the stroke of half-time when he rolled the ball into the net to fi nish BUNDESLIGA RESULTS a counter-attack. However, Cologne Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Silva 65) Wer- improved in the second half and sub- der Bremen 1 (Sargent 51); Cologne 1 stitute midfi elder Dominick Drexler (Drexler 82) Bayern Munich 2 (Muel- pulled back a late goal. Later, RB Leipzig, who started the ler 13-pen, Gnabry 45+1); Augsburg 3 weekend top of the table, blew the (Vargas 40, Hahn 80, 90+1) Mainz 05 chance to reclaim fi rst place after losing 1 (Onisiwo 64); Arminia Bielefeld 0 1-0 at Borussia Moenchengladbach. Borussia Dortmund 2 (Hummels 53, 71); The away defeat capped a week to forget Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Wolf for Julian Nagelsmann’s Leipzig follow- 60) RB Leipzig 0 ing their 5-0 thumping at Manchester Bayern Munich’s German forward Thomas Mueller scores during the Bundesliga match against Cologne yesterday. (AFP) Playing today: Freiburg v Bayer United in the Champions League. Leverkusen (1430), Hertha Berlin v VfL Leipzig forwards Yussuf Poulsen and fi rst Bundesliga goal on 60 minutes be- mels scored both goals in a 2-0 win at at Club Brugge on Wednesday, say- mels grabbed his second with a header Wolfsburg (1700) Dani Olmo both wasted chances while fore Plea hit the post. The result leaves Arminia Bielefeld. Hummels picked ing: “He’ll make it — he heals quick.” from a Marco Reus cross 19 minutes Gladbach had a goal by Alassane Plea Leipzig third and Gladbach fourth. up a late thigh injury while making a Dortmund took the lead when England from time. Augsburg climbed to fi fth Playing tomorrow: Hoff enheim v ruled off side. Austrian winger Hannes Earlier Dortmund climbed to sec- tackle. However, Dortmund forward winger Jadon Sancho curled in a corner as winger Andre Hahn scored two late Union Berlin (1930) Wolf, 21, who is on loan from Leipzig ond, despite resting striker Erling Julian Brandt backed Hummels to be which bounced off Hummels and rolled goals in a 3-1 home win against bottom Played Friday: Schalke 1 (Thiaw 30) this season, sealed the win with his Braut Haaland, as defender Mats Hum- fi t for their Champions League match over the line on 53 minutes. Hum- side Mainz. Swiss winger Ruben Vargas Stuttgart 1 (Gonzalez 56-pen)

Elite sport in England exempt from fresh lockdown Hazard stunner gives revived Real win over Huesca London: Elite Sport will Alberto, Manuel Lazzari, Lucas continue to be allowed behind Leiva and Djavan Anderson. AFP tory. The Portugal striker missed an open closed doors despite a new The club said in a statement Madrid goal in the early stages of the game before month-long lockdown being that it had conducted a further giving his side the lead at the end of the imposed across England by UK round of tests on Friday. “Some fi rst half from the penalty spot but then Prime Minister Boris Johnson members of the team group den Hazard scored his fi rst goal squandered a spot-kick at the start of the yesterday. The strict series of tested positive,” it said without for Real Madrid in over a year and second period, hitting the post. measures reintroduced to try giving any names. It is the his team appeared to turn a cor- The 126-million-euro ($147mn) player and curb rising coronavirus first time Lazio has explicitly ner as they beat newly-promoted soon made amends by getting Atleti’s HuescaE 4-1 in La Liga yesterday. second, blasting into the top corner to infection rates will begin from confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Thursday, November 5 and last its squad after talking about Hazard has had a terrible time with in- complete a sensational counterattack and until December 2. “doubtful” tests during the juries since joining Madrid for 100mn eu- score for the fourth time in two games af- Pubs and restaurants will week, even though it omitted ros ($113mn) from Chelsea in 2019 but the ter his double in Tuesday’s 3-2 Champi- shut unless serving takeaway players from its squad. Belgian will hope his stunning strike from ons League win over RB Salzburg. food, while all leisure and “The whole team will repeat distance at the Alfredo di Stefano can Osasuna did manage to strike back entertainment venues and today’s checks in order to kick-start his career in Spain. “I’m happy with a header from substitute Ante Bu- non-essential shops will close. identify the players that can with his performance,” said Zidane. “The dimir with 10 minutes to go but Atleti However, Culture Secretary be used in tomorrow’s match other day he played 20 minutes, now a soaked up the pressure well and clinched Oliver Dowden confirmed that between Turin and Lazio,” little more. It’s step by step.” the points with a late strike from Lucas elite sport will continue to enjoy the club said. “The positive Karim Benzema and the excellent Fede Torreira, who superbly controlled a cross an exemption to play behind results were placed in isolation Valverde made the win secure before from Kieran Trippier on his thigh before closed doors. “Travel to a place at home while the team will Huesca scored through , smashing into the roof of the net. of work will be permitted,” he observe a period of quarantine only for Benzema to add his second and The victory took unbeaten Atletico tweeted. “This includes (but not under active supervision by the Madrid’s fourth in injury-time. Zinedine up to third in the standings on 14 points, exhaustive) elite sport played medical staff .” Zidane’s side jump above Real Sociedad two behind leaders Real Madrid. Also behind closed doors.” Lazio are 12th in the Italian to the top of the table to cap an encourag- yesterday, Athletic Bilbao came from be- The 2019/20 Premier League Championship and travel to ing week, which began with a Clasico win hind to beat Sevilla 2-1 at home with two season was suspended for Petersburg to play Zenit in over Barcelona at Camp Nou and fi nishes late goals, infl icting a third consecutive three months between March the Champions League on with them moving nine points clear of Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard (right) vies for the ball with Huesca’s Pablo Maff eo during league defeat on Julen Lopetegui’s side. and June during the first UK Wednesday. the Catalans, who were playing away at the La Liga match in Valdebebas, northeastern Madrid, yesterday. (AFP) lockdown to bring the virus Alaves late last night. LA LIGA RESULTS under control. Rugby, tennis SWANSEA MOVE SECOND In between, Madrid came too close for majority of last season and he was not fi t out. Benzema made it two, chesting down Real Madrid 4 (Hazard 40, Benzema 45, comfort to another damaging defeat in for the start of this one, with Madrid only Lucas Vazquez’s cross at the back post and horse racing are among the AS BOURNEMOUTH FALTER 90, Valverde 54) SD Huesca 1 (Ferreiro other sports that will benefit Swansea moved into second the Champions League but two late goals describing his latest setback as a “muscle and driving in, before Valverde struck a 74); Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 76, Sancet from high-profile events being place in the Championship with salvaged a draw at Borussia Moncheng- injury”. But he made his fi rst appearance sweet half-volley into the corner. Ferreiro 86) Sevilla 1 (En-Nesyri 9); Osasuna 1 (Bu- allowed to continue behind a 2-0 win against Blackburn, ladbach that in the end felt like a win. off the bench in the Champions League gave Huesca brief hope with 16 minutes closed doors. while fellow promotion chasers Huesca, who are yet to win this season, in midweek and, against Huesca, marked left but Madrid were never overly trou- dimir 80) Atletico Madrid 3 (Felix 43-pen, The ATP Tour finals are due Bournemouth had to settle might feel the scoreline was harsh after his fi rst start with a brilliant goal in the bled and Benzema rounded off the win in 69, Torreira 89) to be played in London’s O2 for a draw against Derby With they squandered early chances. fi rst half. “We know the quality that Eden injury-time, converting a smart header Playing today (GMT): Real Betis v from November 15-22. Ruby’s leaders Reading losing at Madrid will hope the dip that put Zi- has,” Zidane said. “He scored a good goal back from Rodrygo. Elche (1300), Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad Autumn Nations Cup will see Coventry on Friday, Swansea dane under pressure earlier this month and we needed it in the fi rst half, because (1500), Granada v Levante (1730), Valen- the countries that normally moved within four points of the is over. Zidane will have been particu- after his fi rst goal the game was diff erent.” JOAO FELIX TAKES CENTRE STAGE cia v Getafe (2000) larly delighted with Hazard, whose goal Until then, Huesca had been the better AS ATLETICO DOWN OSASUNA compete in the Six Nations surprise pace-setters. Tomorrow: Villarreal v Real Valladolid joined by Georgia and Fiji for Goals in each half from was his fi rst for Madrid since he scored team but Hazard’s strike turned the con- Later, Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix (2000) a four-week tournament from Ben Cabango and Andre Ayew against Granada in October last year, and test in the 40th minute, when he received scored two goals and was in the thick of November 13 that will replace saw the south Wales club his second overall in La Liga. the ball on the half-turn and swerved a the action as his side beat Osasuna 3-1 Played Friday: Eibar 0 Cadiz 2 (Negredo the normal November interna- climb above Bournemouth. An Ankle surgery kept Hazard out for the superb shot into the corner from 30 yards away for a third consecutive La Liga vic- 36, Salvador Sanchez Ponce 39) tionals. 81st-minute Rodrigo Riquelme equaliser earned the Cherries ENTIRE LAZIO SQUAD a 1-1 draw after Graeme Shinnie IN QUARANTINE AFTER put Derby ahead in the first half. COVID-19 POSITIVES Riquelme's leveller Rome: Lazio, already deprived preserved the English Foot- of several players, announced ball League's last remaining Rennes return to winning ways ahead of trip to Chelsea LIGUE 1 RESULTS yesterday that it had put its unbeaten run. Teemu Pukki AFP Nayef Aguerd got the goals for Rennes PSG in action late last night at Nantes and entire squad in quarantine netted a first-half double to lead Paris after Franck Honorat had given the visi- Lille hosting Lyon today. Rennes 2 (Da Silva 65, Aguerd 69) Brest 1 after positive coronavirus tests. Norwich to a deserved 3-1 vic- tors the lead at Roazhon Park in a Brittany A third-place fi nish in the last, cur- (Honorat 56) Lazio fielded a depleted team tory over Bristol City at Ashton derby played behind closed doors. tailed French season allowed Rennes to Today: Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (1200 in Brugge in the Champions Gate. Middlesbrough moved ennes got back on track by com- The result allows Julien Stephan’s team qualify for the Champions League for the GMT), Angers v Nice, Dijon v Lorient, League on Wednesday and into the play-off positions after ing from behind to beat Brest to move level on 18 points with leaders fi rst time, but they have taken just one drew 1-1 without last season’s Marvin Johnson's 81st-minute 2-1 in Ligue 1 yesterday as they and reigning champions Paris Saint- point from their fi rst two group games, a Nimes v Metz, Reims v Strasbourg (all top European scorer Ciro Im- strike secured a 1-0 win over prepare to go to Chelsea in the Germain, and also Lille, at the top of the 1-1 draw at home to Russians Krasnodar 1400 GMT), Monaco v Bordeaux (1600 ChampionsR League in midweek. Ligue 1 table. Rennes are third on goal dif- being followed by a 1-0 loss away to Se- GMT), Lille v Lyon (2000 GMT) mobile and Luis Nottingham Forest. Defensive duo Damien Da Silva and ference having played a game more, with villa in midweek. Postponed: Marseille v Lens Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPORT

GOLF Clark and Armour defy winds to share lead

AFP play, none threatening the fi ve lead- the par-5 17th let him share the lead. playing with Taylor. The bonus was Miami ers as they prepared to fi nish the “I enjoy the challenge of it,” said Ar- making the cut.” round yesterday. World number 183 mour. “Today was really hard. We Taylor missed the cut after fi nish- Clark started on the 10th hole, made couldn’t judge the distance very well ing at 12-over. mericans Wyndham Clark an early birdie at 11 and added back- and we had some balls going sideways and Ryan Armour battled to-back birdies at the par-3 16th and out there. It just get up in the wind Leading scores after through brisk winds to share par-5 17th. and it would go 20 yards further left darkness-halted second round a one-stroke lead in Friday’s Clark, 26, eagled the par-5 second or right than you wanted.” (Par-71, USA unless noted) darkness-haltedA second round of the for the second day in a row but bogeys Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat 134-Ryan Armour 64-70, Wyndham US PGA Bermuda Championship. at the par-5 seventh and par-3 eighth fi red a bogey-free 66 to join the pack Clark 66-68 Clark, never better than fi fth in a left him sharing the lead. on 137. 135-Kramer Hickok 67-68 PGA event, fi red a three-under par “I’m overall pretty pleased with “Especially with this condition, 136-Ollie Schniederjans 66-70, Doc 68 while Armour shot 70 to leave how I played,” Clark said. “I’ve hit it I would say this is the best round for Redman 65-71 both on eight-under 134 after 36 pretty good. me for the whole season,” he said. 137-Denny McCarthy 70-67, Luke holes at Port Royal Golf Course in “I played the par-5s pretty solid, “I’ve been struggling a little bit from Donald (ENG) 69-68, Roger Sloan Southampton. I’m making the putts that I need to the beginning of the year. Hopefully (CAN) 67-70, Kiradech Aphibarnrat “I did what I could out there. To get make and I was really just patient out today is the turning point.” (THA) 71-66, Scott Piercy 67-70, Peter it under par was big,” Armour said. there. It was really tough and I didn’t Fred Funk, playing alongside son Malnati 63-74 “I can’t stress how diffi cult it really have any blemishes until the end, so I Taylor at age 64, chipped in for birdie 138-Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 66-72, Brian was out there. It’s physically tiring felt pretty good.” at the par-4 ninth to shoot 72, be- Gay 70-68, Brice Garnett 68-70, Pad- and then mentally... you’re just trying World 217 Armour, 44, took his coming only the fourth player his age raig Harrington (IRL) 67-71, Anirban to keep yourself in the fi ght.” only PGA crown at the 2017 Sander- or older since 1970 to make a PGA cut, Lahiri (IND) 68-70, Doug Ghim 64-74 Kramer Hickok was third on 135 son Farms Championship. joining US compatriots Jack Nicklaus, 139-Beau Hossler 71-68, Troy Merritt with fellow Americans Ollie Schnied- Armour opened with a birdie and Sam Snead and Tom Watson. 69-70, Chesson Hadley 68-71, Mark erjans and Doc Redman on 136. A added back-to-back birdies at the “It feels good to know you can do Anderson 69-70, Matt Jones (AUS) pack of six on 137 included England’s fourth and fi fth, but followed with it,” the elder Funk said. “Not many 68-71, Peter Uihlein 72-67, Michael Ryan Armour of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the second Luke Donald. Five players remained bogeys at the par-5 seventh, par-4 guys even have an opportunity. It Gligic (CAN) 68-71 round of the Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, on the course when darkness halted 11th and par-3 13th. Only a birdie at means a lot, but the biggest thing was WD-Henrik Stenson (SWE) 69. Bermuda. (Getty Images/AFP)

CRICKET IPL All-rounder Holder takes SRH to win, Bumrah and Boult closer to playoff s

IANS/GloFans board as Washington Sundar Sharjah (1/21) drew the fi rst blood. Wriddhiman Saha (39) and Manish Pandey (26) then re- ll-rounder Jason paired the early damage as propel Mumbai to Holder yesterday their side raced away to the 50- pulled a stumbling run mark in 5.2 overs. Sunrisers Hydera- Yuzvendra Chahal (2/19) ap- badA (SRH) over the line against plied brakes on the developing Royal Challengers Bangalore partnership when he account- (RCB) in the Indian Premier ed for the wicket of Pandey in League (IPL), and took them the seventh over. closer to the playoff s with the SRH then lost Saha and Kane big win over Delhi fi ve-wicket verdict. Williamson (8) within another With this win, SRH jumped 27 runs with their scorecard from seventh place to fourth reading 87/4 in 12.1 overs. ‘Boult was exceptional. That’s his strength, bowling with the new ball’ on the points table. Now, as Holder (26 not out) and many as four teams - SRH (net Abhishek Sharma (8) then run rate +0.555), Kings XI Pun- stitched a 27-run stand for jab (-0.133), Rajasthan Royals the fi fth wicket. But just when (-0.377), and Kolkata Knight SRH were seven runs away Riders (-0.467) - are locked at from crossing the line, Nav- 12 points each. deep Saini stuck to send back They all have one match left Sharma in the 14th over. to play, and their fi nal posi- Holder smacked Chahal for tions could be determined by a maximum over long-on fence the net run rate. to steer his side home with 35 Mumbai Indians are at the balls to spare. top of the table with 18 points Earlier, some quality bowl- while RCB and Delhi Capitals ing saw RCB being restricted are placed second and third to 120/7 wickets in the allotted with 14 points each. The top 20 overs as Sandeep Sharma four teams qualify for the play- (2/20) and Jason Holder (2/27) off s. starred for SRH. Apart from Chasing RCB’s 120 for seven the duo, Shahbaz Nadeem, wickets in 20 overs, Holder Rashid Khan and T Natarajan smashed 26 off 10 balls to take bagged a wicket apiece. his team to a fi ve-wicket win Put into bat, RCB batters with just under six overs to failed to convert the start. It spare at the Sharjah Cricket was the collective eff ort by AB Stadium. SRH fi nished at 121 de Villiers (24), Josh Philippe for fi ve wickets in14.1 overs. (32), Washington Sundar (21) In the crucial contest on and Gurkeerat Singh (15 not Saturday, SRH opted to fi eld out) as RCB somehow limped on winning the toss and rode to a moderate total. some impressive bowling ef- fort to restrict a star-studded BRIEF SCORESRCB 120/7 RCB to a moderate total. In re- wkts in 20 overs (Josh Philippe turn, SRH suff ered few hiccups 32, AB de Villiers 24; Sandeep but somehow managed to fi nd Sharma 2/20) lost to SRH 121/5 their way o victory. in 14.1 overs (Wriddhiman Chasing the target, SRH Saha 39, Jason Holder 26; lost skipper David Warner (8) Yuzvendra Chahal 2/19) by five cheaply with just 10 runs on wickets

Mumbai Indians players celebrate the wicket of Prithvi Shaw of Delhi Capitals during match 51 in Dubai yesterday. (Sportzpics for BCCI)

AFP man of the match as Mumbai, kept him for the middle overs.” In the fi rst few overs it wasn’t Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer still Dubai who have already qualifi ed for Bumrah, who came into bowl coming on. I was just playing ac- hopes for the best in his team’s the play-off s, ensured a top-two second change, returned fi gures cording to the ball and waiting fi nal league game on Monday fi nish in the league stage. of 3-17 to go level with Delhi for the loose balls. (The strength) against Royal Challengers Ban- aceman Jasprit Bum- Third-placed Delhi are strug- quick Kagiso Rabada on 23 wick- credit goes to my mom for the galore who play Sunrisers Hy- rah yesterday moved to gling to stay in the fi nal four after ets in the Twenty20 tournament food,” said Ishan Kishan: derabad later in the evening. the top of the bowling their fourth straight loss. but the Indian bowler has a bet- :I was just working on keeping “We’ll have to be fearless and chart in the Indian Pre- Mumbai’s stand-in-skipper ter average and economy rate. my shape when I tried to slog, keep things simple. It’s an im- Pmier League as Mumbai Indians Kieron Pollard praised his fast Boult led the bowling charge and I think helped. I worked re- portant game for us, do-or-die infl icted another blow to Delhi bowlers for the big win. with fi gures of 3-21 including ally hard on these shots. My depending on how they play Capitals’ dwindling campaign “Boult was exceptional. That’s the key wicket of in-form Delhi coach said teams will come up today,” said Iyer. “Not thinking with a nine-wicket win. his strength, bowling with the opener Shikhar Dhawan for with plans against you, because much about the future, trying to Bumrah and fellow fast bowler new ball. He’s consistently given nought off the third ball of the you don’t hit that much through stay in the present.” Trent Boult claimed three wick- us good starts,” said Pollard. innings. the off side. This time I’ve been ets each to restrict Delhi to 110 “Bumrah, I kept delaying him, Kishan took on the Delhi playing more, as you know BRIEF SCORES for nine, a total table-toppers on this track with his angles. bowling including South Afri- my strength is on the leg side. Delhi Capitals 110 for 9 (Iyer 25, Mumbai achieved in 14.2 overs He’s jumping to bowl in the pow- can pacemen Rabada and Anrich There’s always banter when Pant Pant 21, Bumrah 3-17, Boult 3-21) in Dubai. erplays, but again I saw today Nortje. The left-hand batsman is keeping and when I’m keep- lost to Mumbai Indians 111 for 1 Ishan Kishan smashed an un- getting those early wickets, and hit eight fours and three sixes. ing. It was fun, he was saying (Kishan 72*, Nortje 1-25) beat by beaten 72 off 47 balls to be named with the spinners getting grip, “It wasn’t as easy as it looked. something as he always does.” nine wickets.

Gayle fi ned for fl inging bat eraft missing century

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle to hit 1,000 sixes during his 99 Code of Conduct and accepted jasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer after wickets to the Royals and must has been fined for throwing his innings for King’s XI Punjab, was the sanction,” it added. The state- his 66-ball blitz that included eight win their final game on Sunday to bat in frustration after missing out fined 10 percent of his match fee ment did not give details of his sixes. Gayle then flung his bat, stand a chance of reaching the IPL on a record-extending seventh IPL for a “code of conduct” violation, action, but throwing bats and which hit the ground and bounced playoff s. Gayle has scored three century by one run. said an Indian Premier League other equipment normally comes away. He appeared to apologise half-centuries in six innings this The 41-year-old, who became the statement. “Mr Gayle admitted to under this off ence. The left-hander to the umpire before walking year for Punjab, who are fourth in Sandeep Sharma (right) of Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrates after tak- first batsman in Twenty20 history the Level 1 off ence 2.2 of the IPL’s was bowled in the final over by Ra- off . Punjab went down by seven the eight-team table. ing the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League match. (Sportzpics for BCCI) Gulf Times Sunday, November 1, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL LOSS Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Vikings look for Adderley dies at 81

Reuters I and II and suited up for the Los Angeles club through 1969. “The Green Bay Packers Family was saddened today to ro Football Hall of hear of Herb Adderley’s pass- season split against Fame cornerback Herb ing,” Packers President/CEO Adderley, who played Mark Murphy said. “Herb was in four of the fi rst six one of the greatest defensive PSuper Bowls, passed away backs to ever play the game. Friday at the age of 81. The Few players can match his sta- Pro Football Hall of Fame an- tistics with 48 interceptions nounced Adderley’s passing, and seven pick-sixes. He was but did not divulge a cause of a tremendous all-around ath- Green Bay Packers death. lete, as evidenced by the fact Adderley returned an inter- that he was All-City in Phila- ‘I don’t care what the record says, this is a damn good football team’ ception 60 yards for a touch- delphia in football, basketball down in the fourth quarter to and baseball, played halfback help the Green Bay Packers and defensive back at Michi- post a 33-14 victory over the gan State and was an outstand- then-Oakland Raiders in Su- ing kick returner in the NFL. per Bowl II. “He was instrumental in the “The entire Pro Football Hall great success of the Lombardi of Fame family mourns the teams and was the only player passing of Herb Adderley,” Pro to play in four of the fi rst six Football Hall of Fame Presi- Super Bowls, and was a key dent and CEO David Baker member of six NFL champi- said. “He was a great player onship teams. “We extend our and an even greater man. Herb deepest condolences to Herb’s left an indelible mark on the family and friends.” Game and was respected tre- Adderley later was traded mendously by players and per- to the Dallas Cowboys, with sonnel across the league.” whom he played in Super A fi ve-time Pro Bowl selec- Bowls V and VI. He elected to tion, Adderley was selected by retire after the Cowboys traded the Packers with a fi rst-round him to the Rams in the sum- pick in the 1961 NFL Draft out mer of 1973. He was chosen to of Michigan State. Although the Pro Football Hall of Fame he began his career at running in 1980. “Our thoughts and back, Adderley was shuffl ed prayers are with Herb’s wife, to cornerback by coach Vince Brenda, and their entire fam- Lombardi after Green Bay’s ily. We will forever keep his Hank Gremminger was injured legacy alive to serve as inspi- during a Thanksgiving Day ration for future generations,” game against Detroit. Baker said. “The Hall of Fame Adderley played for the fl ag will be fl own at half-staff Packers in both Super Bowls in Herb’s memory.”

Nets add D’Antoni to Nash’s staff Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni job on Sept. 3. Ten days later, are putting the band back D’Antoni stepped down after together in Brooklyn. four seasons as head coach The Nets on Friday hired of the Houston Rockets. D’Antoni as an assistant Nash, 46, played four seasons coach to Nash, who won two for D’Antoni in Phoenix Most Valuable Player awards (2004-05 to 2007-08), while playing point guard for operating a fast-paced of- D’Antoni’s Phoenix Suns in fense that led to back-to-back the mid-2000s. MVP awards, two 60-win Brooklyn also named Ime campaigns and four playoff Udoka as an assistant coach berths. Nash also played the and added former Suns for- last two seasons of his Hall Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins scrambles in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (USA TODAY Sports) ward Amar’e Stoudemire as a of Fame career for D’Antoni player development assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers Reuters shown that with explosive plays the pocket is really good. I think this league, you’re going to get ruled out with a calf injury on to Nash’s staff , which already in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Los Angeles and moving the football and get- when stuff isn’t there, he does a whipped.” The Vikings have Friday. Cornerback Kevin King includes associate head D’Antoni, 69, owns a 672-527 ting a lot of guys involved, both great job of making off -schedule dealt with a banged-up defense. (quadricep) also was ruled out coach Jacque Vaughn. (.560) record in 16 seasons as running the ball and throwing plays.” The team placed starting cor- for the Minnesota game on Fri- “We’ve assembled an experi- a head coach with the Denver innesota Vikings the ball. So, we know we can get The Vikings expect run- nerback Cameron Dantzler and day. enced staff of high-character Nuggets (1998-99), Suns quarterback Kirk back to that. What we have to do ning back Dalvin Cook to return linebacker Todd Davis on the Off ensive tackle David Ba- individuals with varied (2003-08), New York Knicks Cousins acknowl- is do it consistently.” against the Packers. reserve/Covid-19 list and cor- khtiari (chest), kicker Mason backgrounds, both on and off (2008-12), Lakers (2012-14) edges his appre- Green Bay (5-1) can attest to Cook was listed as question- nerback Mike Hughes on injured Crosby (calf/back), running the court, that will help create and Rockets. He was named Mciation for teammates who have overcoming adversity. After ab- able after being a full participant reserve. back Tyler Ervin (wrist), safe- a solid foundation for me and the NBA Coach of the Year in publicly lent their support de- sorbing a lopsided 38-10 loss at in practice on Friday. He has not Additionally, Zimmer con- ties Raven Greene (oblique) and our players,” Nash said in a 2004-05 and 2016-17. spite his early-season struggles, Tampa Bay in Week 6, their fi rst played since suff ering a groin in- fi rmed that defensive end Dan- Darnell Savage (quadricep), press release. “When I set out Udoka, 43, was an assistant which include an NFL high-ty- defeat of the season, the Packers jury in the third quarter of a one- ielle Hunter had successful, defensive lineman Tyler Lan- to build this staff , I wanted coach with the Philadelphia ing 10 interceptions. responded with last week’s 35- point loss at Seattle in Week 5. season-ending neck surgery caster (shoulder) and tight end to put together a committed 76ers last season after spend- Still, Cousins feels such ex- 20 win at Houston. Cook has rushed for 489 yards Tuesday. Hunter was injured John Lovett (knee) were listed as group that would connect ing the previous seven sea- pressions are a bit premature. At Aaron Rodgers steered the and seven touchdowns in fi ve during a non-padded practice in questionable. with our players and help sons on San Antonio Spurs 1-5, the Vikings may be reeling, Green Bay attack, completing games, including two scores in a August and had sought a second Minnesota ranks 30th in the put them in the best posi- coach Gregg Popovich’s staff . but they’re nonetheless rested, 23-of-34 passes for 283 yards Week 1 home loss to the Packers. opinion on the injury. He hasn’t NFL with a minus-7 turnover tion to succeed as a team. Stoudemire, 37, was a six-time coming off their bye week and and four touchdowns, including His presence in the Minnesota played in 2020. margin. At plus-2, Green Bay is With coaching and playing All-Star who played along- primed to seize an opportunity two to Davante Adams, who fi n- backfi eld was among the rea- In Hunter’s absence, the Vi- tied for ninth. experience at the highest side Nash in Phoenix for six to begin a turnaround with Sun- ished with 13 receptions for 196 sons LaFleur stressed his team kings have employed a rotation Green Bay defeated Minne- level and a deep background seasons (2004-10). He last day’s visit to the NFC North- yards. couldn’t overlook the Vikings. including Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn sota 43-34 at US Bank Stadium in player development, I’m played in the NBA in 2015-16. leading Green Bay Packers. “I think he’s done a great job of “I don’t care what the record Holmes and Jordan Brailford at to open the season. The Packers confident that we’ve put the He scored 15,994 points in “We know what we’re capa- throwing on rhythm and throw- says, this is a damn good foot- defensive end. have won three successive regu- right people in place to lead 846 games with the Suns, ble of,” Cousins said. “We know ing with anticipation,” Pack- ball team,” LaFleur said of the The Packers will play without lar season meetings against the us forward.” The Nets gave New York Knicks, Dallas Mav- what we can do when we’re ers coach Matt LaFleur said of Vikings. “If you don’t get pre- running back Aaron Jones for the Vikings and lead the all-time se- Nash his first head coaching ericks and Miami Heat. at our best, and I think we’ve Rodgers. “I think his balance in pared each and every week in second straight game. Jones was ries 62-53-3.

MLB Former Astros manager Hinch hired by Detroit aft er suspension Reuters Major League Baseball’s investigation two seasons as the Arizona Diamond- Los Angeles into sign-stealing allegations. backs’ manager (2009-10). Between MLB ruled that the Astros illegally the two managerial gigs, he worked in stole signs in 2017, and it issued one- the San Diego Padres’ front offi ce. he Detroit Tigers named AJ year bans for Hinch and general man- A catcher during a playing career Hinch as the 39th manager in ager Jeff Luhnow. The club terminated that saw him compete for the Oakland franchise history on Friday, both shortly after the punishments A’s, the Kansas City Royals, Detroit just days after his one-year were announced. and the Philadelphia Phillies from Tsuspension ended for his role in the The Tigers weren’t dissuaded from 1998-2004, Hinch served as minor Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scan- talking to Hinch despite the stain on league operations manager and direc- dal. his resume. tor of player development for the Dia- Hinch, 46, agreed to terms on a “Coming into this managerial mondbacks prior to his fi rst manage- multi-year contract with the Tigers search we already knew that A.J.’s di- rial job. and replaces Ron Gardenhire, who re- verse baseball acumen, knowledge of The Tigers fi nished in last place in tired in mid-September. analytics and passion for the game the American League Central in 2020 “I’d like to thank (owner) Chris Ili- were second to none,” Avila said. with a 23-35 record. They have not tch and (general manager) Al Avila for “However, we also knew there were been to the playoff s since 2014. giving me a chance and the opportu- some important conversations to have “My feelings towards baseball are nity to get back in the dugout to lead about AJ’s time in Houston. Through- the same that so many Detroiters have this historic ballclub,” Hinch said in a out that dialogue he was clearly re- for this team,” Hinch said. “Through press release. morseful and used that time to refl ect thick and thin you always care about “The last year was the most dif- on the situation, and we believe he will it and rely on it to be there as a part fi cult of my life. It gave me time to emerge as a better leader because of of your life, and I’m so proud to play refl ect, which was such a big part of it.” a role in growing that tradition here this process. Everything that has tran- Added Ilitch: “Throughout the in- with the Tigers. spired over the past year, personally terview process it was clear that AJ “Having a talented young core of and professionally, has put so much in had learned from his situation in re- players, dedicated leadership group perspective for me, and re-enforced cent months, and it has changed him and passionate fan base was exactly how important it is to do things with in profound ways. Quite frankly, it’s what I was looking for in a team, and integrity and honesty.” exactly what we wanted and needed it’s clear we have that here in Detroit. Hinch led the Astros to a World Se- to hear.” It’s time to start playing winning ries championship in 2017 and anoth- Hinch produced a 481-329 record baseball, and I am confi dent this or- In this file photo taken on October 20, 2017, AJ Hinch of the Houston Astros celebrates in the locker room after defeating the er World Series berth in 2019, but he in fi ve years leading the Astros after ganisation is positioned to make that New York Yankees by a score of 4-0 to win Game Seven of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park in was fi red by the club in January after compiling an 89-123 mark in part of happen.” Houston, Texas. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPORT

MARYAM, ASMAA SHINE IN SECOND ROUND OF HATHAB DRESSAGE

Maryam Ahmed al-Semaitt put on an impressive show on her mount dark bay gelding Rythm to win the Medium Level Test 1A dressage competition of the 2nd Longines Hathab Tour held at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena yesterday. Maryam tallied 70.893 and 68.036 cumulative points in the A and B category for a total score of 69.464 to also win the top prize of QR4,200. Jassim al-Jaham In the dressage Prelim (Level 2) event, Asmaa Yasser Mohamed excelled on Quatro Junior, a dark chestnut, al-Kuwari on Monopoly took the runner-up spot with a total score of 64.821points. Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, President of Qatar to claim the top prize of QR2,750. Asmaa scored 72.361 points (73.611 & 71.111) and finished ahead of Jassim Equestrian Federation and Asian Equestrian Federation, honoured the podium finishers of the dressage events. al-Jaham al-Kuwari on Sandro Girl. Al-Kuwari tallied a total score of 70.278pts and was awarded QR2,000.

CYCLING TENNIS Djokovic-conqueror Sonego into fi nal Gaudu climbs to did a really great season, so I AFP Vienna came here to enjoy, to do my best, to fi ght for every point, every match, and now here ucy loser Lorenzo Son- I am in the fi nal,” said the ego of Italy followed 23-year-old. up his shock win over “I want to keep thinking in world number one No- the same way and we’ll see victory on 11th stage, Lvak Djokovic by beating Brit- what’s going to happen tomor- ain’s Dan Evans to reach the row.” Vienna ATP fi nal yesterday. Rublev, the fi fth seed, elimi- Sonego had condemned nated defending champion Djokovic to his heaviest best- Dominic Thiem in the quarter- of-three-set loss in the quar- fi nals on Friday and has not ter-fi nals where the 17-time dropped a set this week. major winner claimed just He has also yet to drop serve. Roglic keeps lead three games. The world number 42, who MILLMAN TO FACE described that as “the best MANNARINO IN FINAL victory of my life”, saw off John Millman reached his third ‘At the beginning I wasn’t feeling too good. But in the end I won on a big day like this’ Evans 6-3, 6-4 and will face ATP Tour fi nal when he came red-hot Russian Andrey Ru- back from a set down to beat AFP blev in today’s fi nal. Frances Tiafoe 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 La Farrapona, Espagne “I’m really happy. After yes- at the Astana Open in Nur- terday it was not easy playing Sultan yesterday. against Evans because he has a The 31-year-old Australian, renchman David Gaudu good talent,” said Sonego. ranked 45 in the world, will won the 11th stage of the “He has a good backhand face Adrian Mannarino in to- Vuelta a Espana yester- and it was not easy. But today I day’s fi nal after the Frenchman day on the slopes of La won and I am so happy.” saved four of fi ve break points FarraponaF as Primoz Roglic fi n- Sonego, 25, had initially lost to beat Emil Ruusuvuori 7-5, ished in a group with his main in the fi nal round of qualifying 6-2. rivals to retain the overall lead. in the Austrian capital to Aljaz “It is so hard to make fi nals Gaudu, who rides for Groupa- Bedene six days ago, but en- in ATP events,” said Millman. ma, pulled away from Spaniard tered the draw as a lucky loser “It has been a really unexpect- Marc Soler of Movistar in the fi - when Diego Schwartzman ed surprise. nal metres. withdrew. World number eight “Adrian Mannarino is an es- The two were the survivors of Rublev made the fi nal when tablished Top 100 player. He a long breakaway on a mountain- South Africa’s Kevin Anderson is very comfortable on these ous ride from Villaviciosa. Soler retired with a leg injury at 6-4, courts. He is a lefty, so tough to jumped to sixth in the stand- 4-1 down. break down.” ings which Slovenian Roglic of Rublev, chasing a fi fth title Millman is attempting to Jumbo-Visma tops, although he of this truncated season, has capture his fi rst tour-level tro- remains tied on time with Ecua- won 18 of his past 19 matches. phy after runner-up fi nishes dorian Richard Carapaz of Ineos. “I came here thinking that I in Budapest in 2018 and Tokyo It was Gaudu’s fi rst stage win have nothing to lose. I already last year. in a major tour. “At the beginning I wasn’t feeling too good,” he said. “But in the end I won on a big day like this.” The 24 year-old Breton es- caped the peloton on the second climb of the day, the Alto de la Colladona, and caught a large breakaway group on the descent. The group had been reduced to fi ve by the fourth and fi nal climb. Gaudu was the only man able to go with Soler, winner of the sec- ond stage, when the Spaniard Team Groupama-FDJ rider France’s David Gaudu celebrates as he crosses the finish-line of the 11th stage of the 2020 La Vuelta cycling tour of attacked with 5 kilometres to go. Spain, a 170km race from Villaviciosa to Alto de La Farrapona, yesterday. (AFP) Soler could not shake Gaudu who was able to launch a late put Roglic in the overall lead. charge which the Spaniard did On Friday, after Roglic burst No ceremony but plenty of buzz around 2021 Tour route not have the energy to match. clear in the fi nal stretch, the “When Soler attacked me he stewards declared that the fi rst The pomp may be missing but the punch will be of August), we rushed after the finish for the last was quite quickly down back eight fi nishers had created a there when Tour de France organisers reveal the two-thirds. But all the stages have been approved.” onto his saddle,” said Gaudu. “So large enough gap that every course for the 2021 edition of the race today. The Tour was scheduled to open with three stages Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego returns the ball to Britain’s Daniel Evans I just waited and waited until the member of the peloton would Normally, the presentation masquerades as a cer- in Denmark. After the postponement of football’s (not pictured) during their semi-final match at the ATP tennis last 500 metres and I went for not be awarded the same time. emony with the great and the good of the cycling European Championship, in which Copenhagen tournament in Vienna yesterday. (AFP) it and 75 metres from the line I That meant Ineos man Cara- world among 4,000 people gathering in Paris for is hosting four matches, and the Tokyo Olympics knew he was dropped.” paz lost three seconds, enough a glitzy show designed to make as big a splash as until 2021, the Danish capital decided in July that it Gaudu is the designated lead- with a winning bonus, to put possible. could no longer handle the ‘Grand Depart’. er of French team Groupama- Roglic in the lead. Several other This year, inevitably, it will be diff erent. Corona- “We had to find another ‘Grand Depart’ and Halep tests positive for Covid-19 FDJ which has had a disastrous riders in the top ten also lost virus, which caused a delay to the 2020 edition change a week of the Tour de France,” Prud- time since racing resumed after time, including fourth-placed which only ended in Paris on September 20, has homme recently told AFP. And that starting point Simona Halep tested positive Slam due to health concerns the coronavirus interruption. Hugh Carthy whose Education already pulled the plug on the show and this week is Brest and, according to local press, four days in for the novel coronavirus and over the pandemic. Halep, Their Vuelta started badly First team lodged a protest. the presentation was pushed back from Thursday Britanny, seen by many as the cradle of French cy- is recovering well from her who won the French Open in when their best-known rider Ineos complained they had to Sunday. But it will happen. Live on national cling having produced the likes of Louison Bobet mild symptoms. 2018 and is the reigning Wim- Thibaut Pinot threw in the towel been ‘stung’. Their senior rider television in the early evening on Sunday and and Bernard Hinault. According to local politicians “Hi everyone, I wanted to bledon champion, made the before the third stage. Chris Froome, who has won simulcasting to cycling fans around the world, talking to the regional media, the race will head let you know that I tested trip to Paris for the claycourt “For a few days I’ve not had seven grand tours including the tour director Christian Prudhomme will unveil swiftly for the Alps, take in the iconic Mont Ven- positive for Covid-19,” the Grand Slam but went down good legs. The team was com- Vuelta twice, led the protest at the 2021 course. It wasn’t easy as certain creases toux and several Pyrenean stages including An- 29-year-old Romanian said to eventual champion Iga plaining. We weren’t having the start at Villaviciosa. Other in the map had to be ironed out, although the dorra, Col du Portet and Luz-Ardiden before a time on Twitter yesterday. “I am Swiatek in the fourth round a good race. We didn’t have a teams joined in and the whole site of the ‘Grand Depart’, the biggest headache, trial near Libourne and Saint-Emilion, through the self-isolating at home and at Roland Garros this month. good Tour de France,” Gaudu ex- peloton waited before setting was switched from Copenhagen in July. “We Bordeaux vineyards. Prudhomme, though, has am recovering well from mild The Women›s WTA Tour has plained. “Then Thibaut had to off . finished it in mid-October,” course director Thierry been careful not to give away too much of the symptoms. «I feel good... we a tournament scheduled in quit.” Today’s route remains in the Gouvenou told AFP. “We were dependent on the course in advance. “There is no dogma”, he says will get through this together.” Austria from Nov 9 but Halep The start of yesterday’s stage mountains with a 109.4km ride establishment of municipal teams after the elec- while adding that the only reality is “to vary as The former world number one had said her 2020 season was delayed after Team Ineos led starting in La Pola Llaviana and tions (end of June). It was tense. We did a third of much as possible”. For the full story, cycling fans did not travel to New York for was over following her French a protest against a decision by ending on the notoriously tough the course before the start of the 2020 Tour (end will just have to tune in today. this year›s U.S. Open Grand Open defeat. stewards the previous day that climb up the Angliru. Gulf Times Sunday, November 1, 2020 7 RUGBY

REPORT SPOTLIGHT All Blacks keep England beat Italy Bledisloe Cup with to keep title 43-5 Wallabies rout hopes alive They accomplished their mission in Sydney by their biggest ever winning margin against the Wallabies, with one match of the series to go next week

Italy’s lock Marco Lazzaroni (L) catches the ball in a line out next to England’s flanker Tom Curry during their Six Nations rugby union match in Rome yesterday.

Reuters more than a Farrell penalty but Rome spent much of the half on the de- fensive. Number eight Jake Polledri below-par England burst through for an excellent beat Italy 34-5 in Rome Italian try and the hosts came to put themselves in close to another as England prime position to win reeled after a yellow card for theA Six Nations championship debutant lock Jonny Hill. but they must wait until the end England constantly kicked of the France v Ireland to discov- away possession and Italy looked er if they have done enough. the more cohesive side. England, who began the day Youngs was the man of the 23 points behind Ireland on moment again a minute after points diff erence and two ahead the restart, however, dummying of France, are now six ahead of twice to sneak through for his the Irish and will hope they don’t second try with Italy down to 14 manage a bonus-point win over with Polledri in the sin-bin. the French that would give them England were fi nally playing the title whatever the score. with more patience and a rolling It was a day to remember for maul sent Jamie George over to England scrumhalf Ben Youngs, mark his 50th cap with a try and who marked his 100th appear- fl anker Tom Curry slipped down ance with two smart individual the blindside to get the all-im- tries and the man of the match portant fourth after 67 minutes. award. Henry Slade chased down a “I’m obviously very proud but Farrell grubber kick for England’s the most important thing for me fi fth try - completing a good few New Zealand’ players celebrate winning the Bledisloe Cup after beating Australia in Sydney yesterday. was to play my part in this team,” weeks for the centre, who scored Youngs told ITV. “It’s a nice in Exeter’s European and Pre- AFP Clarke stretching New Zealand’s milestone. miership fi nal successes. Sydney lead. “We always felt like it was go- It also, possibly crucially, But the All Blacks were red- ing to be a grinding down proc- meant Ireland would need to win hot and Mo’unga scored a bril- ess, we knew if we stuck to it by seven points in Paris, assum- ruthless All Blacks liant individual try, beating we’d get there in the end.” ing they don’t get a bonus point. retained the Bledis- three players, to pile more pres- England did stutter for long “It is a tough game tonight. loe Cup for an 18th sure on. He then bagged an- periods, securing the all-impor- We’ve done our job really and we Astraight year in record- other, sprinting almost half the tant bonus point only 13 minutes will wait and see,” Farrell said. breaking style yesterday, blitzing length of the fi eld after a Beau- from time. “We started the game well, a young Australian team 43-5 den Barrett chip, before Coles England made the ideal start obviously a large chunk of that to reinforce their trans-Tasman fi nally got the try he deserved when fl yhalf Owen Farrell broke fi rst half where we didn’t manage dominance. after a superb rolling maul from clear and sent Youngs over to to get our hands on the ball and After winning 27-7 in Auck- the forwards allowed him to dot mark his 100th cap with the fi rst manage to put our game on the land, which followed a tense down in the corner. try after fi ve minutes. fi eld,” he added. 16-16 draw in Wellington, they Australia looked dejected But absent England fans ex- “But that is what international accomplished their mission in stomping off at half-time but pecting the fl oodgates to open rugby is like. We talked at halft- Sydney by their biggest ever Rennie’s pep talk appeared to were to be disappointed as they ime, came out and did a job in the winning margin against the work and they were far more not only failed to add anything second half.” Wallabies, with one match of the disciplined at the start of the series to go next week. second period. Richie Mo’unga bagged 23 And in a hopeful sign for the UPSET points to ensure bragging rights future, 20-year-old debutant went to New Zealand coach Ian Noah Lolesio romped over for Foster, who like his opposite a try a minute after the restart number Dave Rennie is in charge following a barnstorming run Scotland end long for his fi rst Bledisloe Cup tour- from Jordan Petaia, who is also nament. 20. The game slowed down with “It’s more than a relief, it’s New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett dives to score a try against Australia in Sydney yesterday. conditions heavy and after sev- wait for win in Wales exciting. It’s a lot of feelings eral botched Australian attacks, but I’m just really proud of the the 38,000 allowed under coro- again exposed the frailties of Tu’inukuafe powering over for man-of-the match Mo’unga group and excited about what’s navirus rules, the All Blacks their defensive wall. his maiden Test try on four min- booted a penalty and Reiko Io- ahead,” said All Blacks captain overwhelmed the Wallabies in a And they badly missed the utes. ane darted over for their fi fth Sam Cane, adding that the team breathtaking fi rst half that saw calming presence of experi- Jordie Barrett joined Daugunu try. would celebrate with “a few two yellow cards, four tries and enced backs Matt To’omua and on the sidelines for elbowing Jordie Barrett rubbed salt in fi zzies”. While the match was two disallowed tries. James O’Connor, who were both Wallabies fullback Dane Hay- their wounds with another try the third Bledisloe fi xture, it was A ragged Australia was fortu- out with injuries. lett-Petty in the face, before All as the clock ticked down. also the fi rst of the Tri Nations nate to only be down 26-0 at the The opening 10 minutes was Blacks hooker Dane Coles had It was the fi rst time since also featuring Argentina — re- break and there was no way back action-packed with Filipo Dau- a try disallowed on review for a 2009 the All Blacks had branded from the Rugby Cham- for Rennie’s men despite lifting gunu yellow-carded for tackling knock on. wrapped up the Bledisloe series pionship after world champions their game in the second stanza. All Blacks dangerman Caleb The Wallabies were des- on Australian soil and proved South Africa pulled out. While the Wallabies cut down Clarke in the air. perately defending and only a sweet revenge for their last game In front of just 25,000 fans on missed tackles, New Zealand Australia paid the price top-class tackle from Marika in Australia, when they were at a wet ANZ Stadium, below were physically too strong and with New Zealand prop Karl Koroibete on the line prevented whalloped 47-26 in Perth.

BOTTOMLINE Wales’ lock Alun Wyn Jones (R) shakes hand with Scotland’s flanker Hamish Watson (2nd R) during their 2020 Six Nations rugby union match at the Parc y Scarlets stadium in Llanelli, south Wales yesterday.

AFP By contrast, the result was Llanelli, United Kingdom reigning Six Nations champions Foster hails patient All Blacks Wales’ fi fth successive defeat in Reuters ed improvement. tries and kicking 13 points from on Australian soil for the fi rst all Tests under coach Wayne Pi- Sydney “Rather than talk about any the tee. Foster was quick to time since 2009 against a Wal- cotland fi nally ended vac. areas of concern, I thought the pay credit to the other players labies side they had developed their long wait for a win Scotland went ahead through thing that worked well for us in the backline and said it had a healthy respect for over three against Wales on Welsh an early Finn Russell penalty be- ew Zealand coach Ian was our game management,” been particularly pleasing to see tests this month. soil with a 14-10 success fore Wales hit back through Rhys Foster got another re- the 55-year-old pivoted with Beauden Barrett slotting into “I think for us to play that Sin their Six Nations Champion- Carre’s converted try, a Scotland minder of just how the deftness of the fl yhalf he was the playmaker role from fullback well over here is something to be ship fi nale at Llanelli yesterday penalty cutting the hosts’ lead to high expectations are during his playing days. when the opportunity arose. pretty proud of,” he said. Victory saw the Scots spoil 7-6 at half-time. forN the All Blacks after his team’s “I thought you saw a patient “I thought Richie, that was “The only reason you enjoy Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ But Scotland replacement record victory over Australia in All Black performance in the probably one of the best game trophies like this is that you’ve landmark feat as the home skip- hooker Stuart McInally’s try just the opening match of the Tri- fi rst half. Sometimes we are management games I’ve seen got fear factor for the opposi- per became rugby union’s most- after the hour mark put Scotland Nations yesterday.. guilty of overplaying situations him play for us for a while and tion. capped player with his 149th Test into a 11-7 lead. Despite the clinical win and but in the wet conditions, that’s Beauden’s a class player whether “I know that’s a tough re- appearance. Although Leigh Halfpenny cut ensuring the Bledisloe Cup the area I’m most proud of.” at 10 or 15,” Foster said. sult for them but I thought they This was Scotland’s fi rst win the visitors’ lead to 11-10, Scot- would remain on the eastern Pulling the strings for the All “The fact is that we’ve got two showed a lot of determination on Welsh soil since 2002 and land captain Stuart Hogg put shores of the Tasman Sea for an Blacks at fl yhalf in the 43-5 vic- good options there which is very and energy. (Enough) to show also meant they they had won the result beyond doubt when 18th straight year, the fi rst ques- tory was Richie Mo’unga, who exciting.” Foster was delighted there’s something building there three successive championship he landed a penalty with the last tion he faced in his news confer- was an easy choice for Man of that the All Blacks had been that will ensure the next fi xtures matches for the fi rst time in 24 kick of the game after fl anker ence was about areas that need- the Match after scoring two able to secure the Bledisloe Cup against them will be as tough.” years. Jamie Ritchie won a turnover.

Sunday, November 1, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

SQUASH FORMULA 1 Farag hopes to keep Bottas snatches winning momentum pole from in Qatar Classic Hamilton ABDULLAH MOHAMED AL-TAMIMI WILL BE LEADING THE HOME CHARGE

By Sports Reporter Doha

li Farag’s victory in the Egyptian Open on October 17 was an Aextra special one as it ensured he would start the Qa- tar Classic as the world’s top- ranked squash player. The 28-year-old Egyptian has gained a lot of confi dence from winning on his home turf Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (L) celebrates with teammate Lewis and is eager to make an impres- Hamilton after qualifying in pole position. sion in the Doha tournament starting today at the Khalifa AFP was a pretty poor lap from my- Tennis and Squash Complex. Imola, Italy self, but you can’t always get it “I am starting to enjoy myself right. This track is unbelievable, again on court. I am fi nding my- but I’m pretty certain it will be self, I am fi nding my character, altteri Bottas said he a boring race tomorrow — just a fi nding my gameplan!,” Farag had “the shakes” after train after Turn One.” tweeted after winning the fi rst snatching pole position Verstappen said: “It was Platinum title of the 2020-21 Vfor today’s Emilia Ro- tricky, but P3 is not bad really season in Egypt. magna Grand Prix from his Mer- — though I expected to be a bit The man Farag deposed in the cedes teammate Lewis Hamilton closer to the Mercedes.” Egyptian fi nal was the three- with a dramatic late lap in quali- Having been limited to only 90 time champion Mohamed El fying at Imola yesterday. minutes’ practice, several teams Shorbagy, who is also in fi ne The Finn, who is 77 points struggled to deliver a consistent form this year and is keen to adrift of series leader and six- lap, Ricciardo securing his pas- stop his compatriot’s momen- time champion Hamilton with sage to Q2 with seconds remain- tum. fi ve races remaining in this year’s ing. El Shorbagy won the Man- title, grabbed the prime grid po- Among those out in Q2 was chester Open on September 22, sition by a tenth of a second. Kimi Raikkonen, 41, the only after 192 days of recess due to Hamilton, who was fastest in man in the fi eld to have raced be- the coronavirus pandemic. His the only practice in the morning, fore at the circuit. He qualifi ed Manchester title was the 42nd had been on top through most of 18th for his record-increasing PSA title of his career, mov- the qualifying session and took 325th race just days after agree- ing him to fi fth on the all-time File photo of Ali Farag (left) of Egypt in action against Saurav Ghoshal of India during their Qatar Classic match on October 31, 2018. provisional pole on his fi rst run ing to stay with Alfa Romeo next squash win list. in Q3 before Bottas beat him in year. But in the event of Farag’s Last year, two Qataris made the fi nal seconds. As he dropped out, George failure to reach the semi-fi nals it into the second round of the Max Verstappen was third Russell of Williams, who was in Doha coupled with title suc- 2019 Men’s World Champion- for Red Bull ahead of his former also confi rmed for 2021 ahead cess for El Shorbagy, the lat- ships in Doha. team-mate Pierre Gasly of Alpha of the race, maintained his im- ter will become the World No 1 Al-Tamimi overturned the Tauri, Daniel Ricciardo of Re- pressive ‘Mr Saturday’ form by again in December. seedings to topple French- nault and Alex Albon in the sec- squeezing into Q2 for the eighth El Shorbagy was seeded to man Gregoire Marche, while ond Red Bull. time this year. play World Junior Champion wildcard Amjad also made it to Charles Leclerc took seventh At the top, Hamilton’s best lap Mostafa Asal in round two, but the next round after Iker Pa- for Ferrari with Daniil Kvyat was deleted for overstepping the Asal has withdrawn. El Shor- jares was forced to concede the eighth in the second Alpha Tauri track at Turn Nine thus giving bagy is likely to face 2018 run- match for an opponent inflict- ahead of the two McLarens of Bottas top spot in Q1. ner-up Simon Rosner in the last ed injury. Al-Tamimi reached Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. The Finn and the defending eight. Meanwhile, Farag must the Round of 16, narrowly Bottas’s success brought him champion, along with both Fer- negotiate a draw that could see losing to eventual champion his fourth pole of the season raris, headed out on medium him line up against the likes of Momen. Al-Tamimi will meet and his 15th career pole as the tyres for Q2 as Red Bull faced Englishman Declan James, Pe- England’s Patrick Rooney in Mercedes team claimed another trouble — Verstappen’s power ru’s World No 6 Diego Elias and round one. front row lockout ahead of the unit suff ering electrical prob- the 2017 fi nalist Tarek Momen. After picking up some rank- race in which they can claim an lems that left his mechanics Rosner, who won a bronze at ing points this year, Amjad has unprecedented seventh consec- working against the clock to en- the 2019-20 World Champion- inched his way up and is in the utive constructors’ champion- sure he could take part. ships held in the Qatari capital process of moving into the dou- ship. The Dutchman’s team-mate praised the excellent arrange- ble-digit ranking list. They need only one car to fi n- Alex Albon, under pressure to ments during the tournament. “Hopefully I will reach un- ish in the top four to seal that retain his seat next year, spun “Qatar Classic is always a der-100 by end of the year,” said record success. at Turn 15, fl at-spotting his great tournament. Very pleas- Amjad, who will play fi rst round “It’s never easy to get pole tyres, and also had to repair to ant to be in Qatar as people are against Mohamed El Shorbagy position, but I really enjoyed it the pits. looking so much after you,” said Abdullah al-Tamimi (right) will be leading Qatar’s charge. today morning. around this track,” said Bottas. He was 11th with less than the 32-year-old German. The tournament, a PSA Plati- “I knew I had to improve on three minutes to go when Ver- “I’m gonna be 33 on Novem- enough anymore. I am trying to tournament, one of the signa- Qatar’s most successful num event, will abide by strict my last lap, so I found those little stappen, armed with new spark ber 5. So hopefully I’m still in enjoy my game. I’m not looking ture events on PSA Tour, which player and World No 27 Abdul- Covid-19 protocols with rela- gains — and I had the shakes af- plugs, re-joined the fray. the tournament. I might have at the points or rankings. I want carries a total prize purse of lah Mohamed al-Tamimi will be tion to health and safety, inter- ter the fi nal run, which is always With no time to spare, on another 2-3 years. Then I will to give off the best,” said Rosner. $175.000 cash prize. leading the home charge along- national travel policies and so- a good sign!” a single run on mediums, he see what my future will be like. Forty-six players includ- World No 5 Paul Coll and 2011 side Syed Azlan Amjad (a wild- cial distancing guidelines. Hamilton praised his team- grabbed his passage to the top- I have last 2-3 years on the Tour. ing the world’s top-eight are champion Gregory Gaultier card entrant) and Abdulrahman The proceedings begin at mate. ten shootout in sixth while Al- “I wouldn’t say, kind of hungry featuring at the prestigious (wildcard) are also in the fray. al-Maliki. 11am today. “Valtteri did a great job and it bon, on softs, took fourth.

BASKETBALL Al Sadd, Al Arabi to clash in Amir Cup fi nal By Sports Reporter for Al Sadd. Omar Saad scored Doha off both and Al Sadd held on to their slender lead to earn a title clash with Al Arabi, who ac- mar Saad nailed two counted for Al Ahli 80-74 in the free-throws with just second semi-fi nal. 10 seconds remaining Vladimir Dasic was the top Oto help Al Sadd reach scorer for Al Sadd with 22 points, the fi nal of the Amir Cup with while Babacar Dieng and Kon- a thrilling 78-77 victory over Al stantinos Vasileiadis had 17 and Wakrah at the Al Gharafa Sports 16 respectively. Club yesterday. Omar Saad scored only 10 Al Wakrah, on a high since points but fi ve of them came in winning the for the the crucial fi nal two minutes of fi rst time last month, led for al- the game. For Al Wakrah, Julius most 32 minutes of the match V Coles was the top scorer with but were left ruing their luck 23 while Abdelrehman Abdel- after Al Sadd produced a gal- haleem had 18. lant comeback in the fi nal few In the second semi-fi nal, Sam- minutes to steal victory from the my Monroe was the star as Al Ara- jaws of defeat. bi led for 39.48 minutes to edge Al Wakrah led 66-54 going out neighbours Al Ahli. Monroe into the fi nal quarter before Al also provided seven assists and Sadd came up with an explosive was ably supported by Ater Majok performance which saw them who scored 21 points as Al Arabi score a whopping 24 points. led throughout the match. For With Al Wakrah leading 77-76 Al Ahli, Rohndell Goodwin top and the clock ticking away, Ah- scored with 26 while Ndoye Sey- mad al-Darwish committed a dou had 17.The fi nal will be played Al Sadd (in black) and Al Wakrah players vying for the ball during their Amir Cup basketball semi-final foul resulting in two free-throws on Wednesday. at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Action from Al Arabi-Al Ahli semi-final.