FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 GOLF | Page 8 Qatar will host DeChambeau one of the best blasts away World Cups, in Masters says Cazorla practice

Wednesday, November 11, 2020 CRICKET Rabia I 25, 1442 AH Mumbai Indians GULF TIMES rout Delhi Capitals to win IPL title SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT

Doha 2030 guarantees multiple clusters of competition venues to streamline operations and enhance the sports experience for athletes and spectators Flashback to 2006 Games

from the Doha 2006 Asian Games ing that Doha 2030 is a gateway to a through to multiple World Cups and brighter future for Asia. We want to World Championships. And through deliver a Games that supports devel- this existing network, the average opment throughout the continent be- travel time from the Athletes Village to fore and after it is hosted. all venues is just 20 minutes, ensuring “At the heart of our bid is the be- a convenient and cost-eff ective solu- lief that now more than ever, sport tion for all. can play an important role in inspir- “Doha’s transportation network also ing hope, connecting nations and cel- connects to its plethora of top-qual- ebrating our peaceful diversity.” Doha 2030 and QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani . ity hotels which are famed for Qatar’s Doha 2030 proposes a compact, world-renowned hospitality. And like sustainable Games, with athletes’ ex- the venues and transportation system, perience placed at its very core. Travel By Sports Reporter streamline operations and enhance all of these hotels already adorn Doha’s times between venues and the ath- Doha the sports experience for athletes, the streets within a convenient compact letes’ village have been minimised and OCA Family and spectators. In ad- footprint, ensuring a wonderful ac- athletes would be located in the heart dition, all of Doha’s famous existing commodation experience for all. Doha of the vibrant, diverse and welcoming f the 2006 Asian Games in Doha venues together ensure a Gateway to is ready to be ‘Your Gateway to a Safe, city.” were the “Games of your Life” and Certainty, standing ready to welcome Convenient and Memorable Stay at the Doha 2030 CEO and QOC Secretary- put Qatar in the global limelight Asia’s, and some of the world’s, fi nest 2030 Asian Games.” General Jassim Rashid al-Buenain Ilike no other event had done in athletes. Doha 2030 is a national priority for added: “With all our sports venues and the past, the 2030 edition of the event Doha 2030 and QOC President HE Qatar and has the support of His High- infrastructure already planned or in would be “Your Gateway to a Brighter Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said: ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- place, Doha 2030 represents certainty Future for Asian Sport.” “Doha truly is a city that is Games- mad al-Thani. The Bid Committee has at a time of great uncertainty for Asia The Qatar Olympic Committee ready, right now; as are our modern, drawn from Doha’s extensive experi- and the world. We believe that now HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani on the way to light the Asian headed by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad world-class venues and sophisticated ence in hosting sports events and lev- is a time when low-risk, responsible Games Flame at the Khalifa International Stadium. al-Thani couldn’t have put it much transport system. Already, they repre- eraged its wealth of existing state-of- and sustainable solutions are what is better as Doha competes with Riyadh sent Asia’s legacy from 2006. But with the-art venues and infrastructure to needed. to host the continental multi-sport Doha 2030 we want to build on this develop its world-leading plan. With “Doha 2030 is promising a Games gala. The Olympic Council of Asia will and provide a gateway to certainty and all permanent sports venues in place which is low-cost but of the very high- decide the venue next month. an enduring legacy for Asia. or already planned, Doha 2030 is able est quality. In the last 15 years alone, Doha 2030 will draw from its ex- “We will work with the OCA and to focus on delivering a Games that Qatar has hosted more than 500 major tensive experience in hosting major Asia’s NOCs to ensure that the next brings benefi ts to all of Asia before and international sports events, conferenc- international multi-sport events, and ten years focus on Asian sport and its after 2030. es and training camps. We have proven make full use of its iconic venues and development. And we can do this be- While submitting Qatar’s Candidate ourselves as a reliable partner to OCA, training facilities, to ensure that sport cause we are ready now, ready to in- City fi le, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Asian NOCs and many International is front and centre of the Games expe- spire hope through sport and be com- al-Thani said: “We are honoured to and Asian Federations (IFs and AFs). rience. All of Doha’s competition and plementing Doha’s existing venues is submit our candidature fi le to the OCA “We have developed the knowledge non-competition venues are centrally a hyper-effi cient and eff ective trans- and present how Doha is ready to serve and experience to know what athletes located within a compact Games foot- portation network that will service the the OCA and Asia through the delivery need to compete at their very best. We print to minimise travel time and max- venues and Athletes Village. of a world-class, sustainable Games. are ready to work with our colleagues imise convenience. “An integrated system of roads, light “But we also feel strongly that the and partners in Asia once again to en- Doha 2030 guarantees multiple rail, buses and metro that has already Asian Games is about more than elite sure that Doha 2030 is a gateway to ex- clusters of competition venues to facilitated the journeys of large crowds sport. We are committed to ensur- cellence.” HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, right, the Doha 2006 Torch Relay Ambassador, with Indian off icials during a function in New Delhi.

A scene from the opening ceremony of the Asian Games at the Khalifa All required infrastructure to host the 2030 Asian Games in Doha is already in International Stadium. place. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Mumbai Indians thrash Delhi to take fi ft h IPL title The defending champions raced to the target of 157 in 18.4 overs with skipper Rohit Sharma hitting 68

AFP Dubai

rilliant hostile bowling led by Kiwi Trent Boult took Mumbai Indians to an emphatic fi ve- wicket victory over Delhi Cap- italsB and a fi fth Indian Premier League title yesterday. Boult struck twice in his fi rst two overs as Mumbai kept Delhi to 156-7 and the reigning champions raced to the target in 18.4 overs with skipper Rohit Sharma hitting 68. Sharma, 33, led the chase in his 200th IPL appearance to inspire the most successful team in the Twenty20 tournament to add to triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Boult took opener Marcus Stoinis with the fi rst ball of the fi nal in Dubai, giving the upstart Delhi side a grim warning of the tough night ahead in the empty stadium. “It’s been a good few months, giv- ing the franchise a good start,” Boult, who was traded to Mumbai from Delhi Capitals last November, said after being named man of the match. “With every- thing going on, I’ve been welcomed in the side. To have made it across the line, it’s been worth it.” Ajinkya Rahane was caught behind Mumbai Indians’ players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League in Dubai yesterday. (Sportzpics for BCCI) for two in Boult’s next over. Jasprit (Shreyas Iyer 65 not out, Rishabh Pant Powerplayer of the season: Trent Bumrah’s fi ery pace also kept Delhi in fi ve with a slower short ball and he re- mar Yadav was run out for 19 in a mix- the start of this season, so I had a good 56; Trent Boult 3/30) lost to Mumbai Boult (Mumbai Indians) check. Mumbai brought in off -spinner turned fi gures of 3-30 from four overs up with Sharma. Sharma hit four sixes chat with Hardik (Pandya) and Krunal Indians 157/5 in 18.4 overs (Rohit Jayant Yadav to bowl the fourth over of devastating left-arm pace. Iyer went and fi ve fours in his 51-ball innings and (Pandya),” said Kishan. “Wanted to do Most sixes award: Ishan Kishan Sharma 68, Ishan Kishan 33 not out; (Mumbai Indians) and he immediately bowled in-form past 500 runs in a season for the fi rst nearly fi nished the game off with Ishan what was good for the team with the bat Anrich Nortje 2/25) by 5 wickets opener Shikhar Dhawan for 15. time but Delhi managed just 38 runs in Kishan but fell to South African quick and score big runs.” Delhi fast bowler Super-striker of the season: Kieron Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer, who made the last fi ve overs, with the loss of three Anrich Nortje just before the end. Kagiso Rabada took the wicket of Ki- Pollard (Mumbai Indians) an unbeaten 65, and Rishabh Pant re- wickets, and Mumbai quickly took con- Kishan, who scored over 500 runs in eron Pollard, for nine, to lead this sea- INDIVIDUAL AWARDS LISTS Game-changer of the season: KL built the innings with a partnership of trol of the run chase. 14 games, stood fi rm with his unbeaten son’s bowling rankings with 30 scalps Emerging player of the year: Devdutt Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) 96. But Australian paceman Nathan Sharma and Quinton de Kock set a 33 as Mumbai got the better of Delhi for over Mumbai’s Bumrah on 27. Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bangalore) Coulter-Nile took Pant’s wicket for 56 blistering pace with 45 runs in the fi rst the fourth time this year, including a Orange Cap: KL Rahul (Punjab) Most valuable player: Jofra Archer — his fi rst fi fty of a disappointing sea- 25 balls before De Kock was caught be- drubbing in the fi rst semi-fi nal quali- BRIEF SCORES Purple Cap: Kagiso Rabada (Delhi) (Rajasthan Royals) son. Boult got Shimron Hetmyer for hind off Stoinis for 20. Later Suryaku- fi er. “I wasn’t looking in good shape at Delhi Capitals 156/7 in 20 overs Capitals)

T20 SERIES FOCUS Qadir inspires Pakistan to easy win Babar named Pakistan Test captain, takes charge of all three formats Reuters Babar has been a prolifi c scorer Lahore for Pakistan and currently ranks among the top fi ve batsmen in all three formats. The 26-year-old’s akistan named Ba- fi rst assignment as Test skip- bar Azam as their new per will be the ICC World Test Test captain yesterday, Championship matches against putting the batsman in New Zealand, which will be chargeP of teams across all for- played in Mount Maunganui and mats. Babar replaces Azhar Ali, Christchurch from Dec 26-30 who led Pakistan to a 1-0 series and Jan. 3-7, respectively. defeat in England earlier this year. “I feel truly honoured to have The Pakistan Cricket Board been appointed Test captain (PCB) made the announcement and join some of the most iconic after Babar led the team to Twen- players who have captained Pa- ty20 and one-day international kistan in the purist format of series victories over Zimbabwe the game,” said Babar, who took on home soil. “As we are looking charge of Pakistan’s limited- into the future, it is appropriate overs teams earlier this year. that we appoint him the captain “I am ready and prepared to now so that he continues to grow take up the additional respon- stronger with every match,” PCB sibility and the fact which gives Pakistan players pose with the trophy after winning the Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi yesterday. (AFP) chairman Ehsan Mani said in a upward movement across all for- me additional confi dence is that statement. mats not only through his per- I can do the job is the experi- AFP T20 rankings. Zimbabwe allrounder Elton “It’s not ideal to lose 3-0 and we are disap- “I wish Babar all the best and formance but also with his posi- ence that is available to me in the Rawalpindi, Pakistan Chigumbura was accorded a warm farewell pointed,” said Chibhabha. “Still, there are a remain optimistic that he will tive attitude and result-oriented changing room in the shape of by his teammates, but he scored just two few positives with some young players com- help Pakistan cricket make an approach.” the players and support staff .” runs in his last international match. ing to the fore and with more exposure our eg spinner Usman Qadir grabbed An emotional Qadir acknowledged his team will get better.” four wickets to guide Pakistan to a father’s contribution in his career. “It was Earlier, the visitors, who won the toss BOTTOMLINE 3-0 whitewash of Zimbabwe with quite emotional to remember my father,” he and batted, were derailed by Qadir, who re- an eight-wicket victory in the third said of Abdul Qadir, who died in September corded the third-best fi gures by a Pakistani LTwenty20 in Rawalpindi yesterday. The last year. “He played a key role in my ca- bowler against Zimbabwe in T20s. 27-year-old Qadir — son of the late star reer and I was remembering him with every Qadir started the slide with the wicket of Waugh disappointed Kohli to spinner Abdul Qadir — fi nished with 4-13 wicket I got because they are all for him.” Chibhabha (31), before dismissing Wesley from four mesmerising overs to restrict Abdul Qadir took 236 Test and 132 one- Madhevere (nine), Milton Shumba (11) and Zimbabwe to a paltry 129-9 in 20 overs. day international wickets in a glorious ca- Elton Chigumbura (two) to fi nish behind That proved a walk in the park for the reer between 1977-93. Mohamed Hafeez (4-11 at Harare in 2011) miss Tests for birth of child home team, which cruised to victory in 15.2 Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was all and Imad Wasim (4-13 at Harare in 2015). AFP Waugh, who played 168 Tests, possible opposition, particularly overs losing just two wickets. Pakistan lost praise for Usman Qadir. “We gave chances The home team won the fi rst match by six Sydney said. “This was really shaping up when this is like the heavyweight Fakhar Zaman (21) and Haider Ali (27) but to a number of players in both the series,” wickets and the second by eight. as one the key series of his whole title fi ght.” debutant Abdullah Shafi que top-scored said Azam, whose team won the preceding Chibhabha hit three boundaries and a career after he’s achieved just Cricket Australia interim chief with 41 and saw Pakistan home with Khush- three-match one-day series 2-1. “It’s good six in his 28-ball knock, the highest of the ustralian great Steve about everything. But obviously executive Nick Hockley put a brave dil Shah (36 not out). Khushdil hit a six off to see him taking wickets and he will bowl innings. Number eight Donald Tiripano Waugh said yesterday family comes fi rst.” face on Kohli’s decision, saying “it Faraz Akram to bring up victory. better in future. Every win gives confi dence scored a 22-ball 28 to help Zimbabwe cross he was surprised and India are due leave this week was always on the cards”. “We’re This was Pakistan’s 14th win in as many so that’s an important win for us.” the 100-run mark. disappointed that In- for Australia, where they will thrilled Virat is coming out for T20 internationals against Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe skipper Chamu Chibhabha Pakistani left-arm spinner Imad Wasim diaA captain Virat Kohli will miss spend two weeks in quarantine three ODIs, three T20s, the fi rst- and are now fourth in the international said the series defeat was disappointing. fi nished with 2-27. three Tests to be at the birth of in Sydney before the fi rst one- ever day-night Test against India, his fi rst child, with his absence day international on November and we have to respect the fact he detracting from the blockbuster 27. Kohli will lead India in three wants to be there for the birth of SCORECARD series. The 32-year-old and his ODIs, three Twenty20 interna- his fi rst child,” he said, while also Bollywood star wife Anushka tionals and the fi rst Test — a day- admitting it was a huge disap- ZIMBABWE INNINGS Extras: (b4, lb2, w11) 17 Haider Ali c Taylor b Shumba 27 Sharma are expecting a child in night match in Adelaide — before pointment. B. Taylor c Khushdil b Wasim 8 Total: (for nine wkts; 20 overs) 129 Khushdil Shah not out 36 January, and Kohli has been given heading home. While Kohli will miss part of C. Chibhabha c Haider b Usman 31 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Taylor), 2-33 (Ervine), Extras: (w5) 5 permission by the Indian cricket The second Test starts in Mel- the series, another key batsman, board to return home after the bourne on December 26 followed Rohit Sharma, has been added to C. Ervine c Zaman b Rauf 4 3-55 (Chibhabha), 4-57 (Burl), 5-74 (Shumba), Total: (for two wkts; 15.2 overs) 130 6-75 (Madhevere), 7-87 (Chigumbura), 8-120 fi rst Test in Adelaide, which be- by matches in Sydney on January the Test squad after being initial- W. Madhevere c Azam b Usman 9 (Masakadza), 9-122 (Tiripano) Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Zaman), 2-79 (Haider) gins on December 17. 7 and Brisbane on January 15, all ly left out because of injury wor- R. Burl c Zaman b Wasim 1 Did not bat: Babar Azam, Mohamed Rizwan, While the absence of the su- played under strict bio-security ries. Waugh said the Indian side Bowling: Hasnain 4-0-22-1, Rauf 4-0-38-1 perstar batsman could improve protocols. Waugh said Kohli’s remained a top-quality outfi t. M. Shumba st Rizwan b Usman 11 6w), Wasim 4-0-27-2, Musa 4-0-23-0, Usman Imad Wasim, Usman Qadir, Mohamed Musa, Haris Rauf, Mohamed Hasnain Australia’s chances of regain- absence “does take away from “They’re a dangerous op- E. Chigumbura c Rizwan b Usman 2 4-0-13-4 (5w) ing the Border-Gavaskar trophy, the series”, but Australia would ponent even without Kohli and Bowling: Muzarabani 2-0-13-0, Tiripano 2-0- it is a blow to broadcasters and much rather he played. I think it’s going to be a tightly D. Tiripano run out 28 17-0 (2w), Akram 2.2-0-12-0 (1w), Masakadza PAKISTAN INNINGS cricket chiefs already feeling the “It’s a bit like a couple of years contested series,” he said, pin- W. Masakadza c Wasim b Hasnain 11 2-0-19-1, Madhevere 2-0-14-0, Burl 3-0-27-0 eff ects of a pandemic-aff ected ago when India won without pointing Jasprit Bumrah, K L Ra- Faraz Akram not out 2 Fakhar Zaman c Madhevere b Masakadza 21 (1w), Shumba 2-0-28-1 year. “I’m a little bit disappointed (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith hul and Ajinkya Rahane as dan- B. Muzarabani not out 5 Abdullah Shafique not out 41 Result: Pakistan won by eight wickets he’s not going to be there — and in the side,” he said. “You re- germen. I don’t think there will a bit surprised,” former skipper ally want to win against the best be much between the sides.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 11, 2020 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar ready to host one of the best World Cups ever: Cazorla 'I’ve come here to do my best and help the club win titles. I’m happy in Qatar and it’s the best place to end my career' anti Cazorla wrote his name ning. It was a good start to win the Qa- tactical ideas, so I’m sure he’ll be a great large in Spain’s football history. tari Stars Cup. coach. We all need to wait and see. He was a member of a golden generation that dominated But luck wasn’t on your side in the Take us back to when Luis Aragones worldS football for years, earning La Roja 2020 AFC Champions League? fi rst called you up to the national one FIFA World Cup and two UEFA Eu- Our goal was to reach the fi nal, par- team ahead of EURO 2008? ropean Championships. ticularly as the games were being host- I owe him a lot. This late great coach Now 35, Cazorla made his senior ed in Doha. However, the fact that we gave a lot to Spanish football and pro- Spain debut in 2008 and has proved played successive games in such a short vided many players the opportunity to over the years that he is a midfi elder period made it diffi cult for all of us. I shine and make it all the way to the top. of unique qualities. His nickname, El think we did well in the group stage, I remember getting this call-up before Mago (the Magician), is testament to and the Persepolis game was very close. EURO 2008. As a young player, it felt his laser-like passes, sumptuous drib- We created many chances but unfor- great to get this huge opportunity. bling skills and two-footed shooting. tunately didn’t capitalise on them and Despite some long and serious inju- ultimately lost due to a lapse in concen- Spain won the title and you played ries, Cazorla’s playing career has still tration on that corner kick. your part in it? endured. After impressing at his former Looking back, we’re still frustrated It was amazing. I played alongside club Villarreal, which he rejoined in by the result, but it’s forcing us to im- Xavi, David Silva, Iniesta and others. 2018, he caught the attention of Qatar’s prove. We’ve made the Amir Cup fi nal, I learned a lot, and they supported me Al Sadd and their coach Xavi, who con- and we’re top of the Qatar Stars League. during our training camp and in pre- vinced him to move to the country that We need to maintain this momentum paring for matches. I remember that is set to host the FIFA World Cup in two and try again for the AFC Champions diffi cult game in the quarter-fi nals years’ time. League in 2021. (against Italy). I came on in the second Four months after touching down in half for Iniesta and the match went to Doha, FIFA.com spoke with the Span- You’re currently playing under your penalties. I was nominated to take the iard about his move to Qatar, his time friend and former teammate Xavi. second penalty. The pressure was im- with La Roja, his experience with Luis What can you tell us about him as a mense, but the motivation I got from Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, and player and a coach? my teammates helped me convert it. his opinion of Xavi, the Qatar league Xavi is a great player and the whole and Al Sadd. Excerpts world saw what he did with Barce- Do you think that win compensated lona and the national team. He’s one for your missing out on the 2010 Can you tell us about your decision of the best midfi elders in history, and World Cup? to move to Qatar and play for Sadd? he proved this with his great perform- The World Cup is the most prestig- It’s an exciting experience to move Santi Cazorla joined ances and the titles he won. It’s great to ious tournament a player can ever be with your family to a new country. In Al Sadd earlier this year. play under his management at Al Sadd. part of. Unfortunately, an injury meant fact, I spoke with Xavi several times He’s doing a great job with the club and I couldn’t join my team-mates on their about Qatar and Al Sadd, and he en- has big ambitions, and I think everyone way to winning that tournament. But couraged me do what he did by joining appreciates what he does. I was defi nitely happy with what they the club. He stressed how strong the achieved there. A year earlier, we came competition is. Al Sadd play very good How do you see his coaching future, third at the 2009 Confederations Cup football and always target local and given that many people would love to [in South Africa] and perhaps that gave continental titles. I’ve come here to do see him in charge at the Camp Nou, us the impetus to go back and win the my best and help the club win titles. I’m like Guardiola did before? World Cup title. happy in Qatar and think it’s the best Without a doubt, Xavi is a great place to end my career. coach. I deal with him on a daily basis, Four years later, you got a chance and the many leadership qualities he to play at Brazil 2014? With two years left until Qatar had as a player he now has as a coach. It wasn’t the appearance that I’d World Cup 2022, how do you see the He’s making great strides as a coach hoped for. It was a shock for every- preparations in the host country? and brings his own philosophy. I think one that we exited at the group stage. We’re all excited here. I’ve been re- he’ll be Barcelona coach one day, but Sometimes luck isn’t on your side ally amazed by the preparations in Qa- that’s his decision and he’ll know when when you need it. Despite that, I’d like tar. They seem to be ready to host one of players and fans will experience a fan- fi cial goals in one of the FIFA World that forever. We won that match com- it’s the right time to take that step. to thank coach Vicente del Bosque for the best fi nals in history. I’ve played in tastic atmosphere in two years’ time. Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums. How did fortably, and I got two goals and made Even though he’s a graduate of La giving me this opportunity. He’s a great some of the World Cup stadiums, and that feel? a good impression by giving my all for Masia like (Pep) Guardiola, that doesn’t coach who helped La Roja win every- they’re really impressive with their de- You started well with a league title It felt great to score in one of the Qa- the team. Thanks to my team-mates, I mean he’ll be a copy of him. He has a thing during this golden era. He’s a man signs and pitches. I think all the visiting this year and scored your fi rst of- tar 2022 stadiums. I think I’ll remember was able to adapt well from the begin- diff erent coaching style and a lot of who infl uenced so many players.

OOREDOO CUP AL RAYYAN COACH AGUIRRE STEPS DOWN Doha: Diego Aguirre resigned as the coach of Al Rayyan yesterday, the QNB Stars League club Wakrah rout Sadd to top group, confirmed yesterday. Aguirre is believed to have quit the role due to family reasons the club said, adding the Uruguayan will continue as coach till a replacement is found. Duhail out aft er loss to Al Khor Under Aguirre, Rayyan finished second in the league behind champions Al Duhail last season By Sports Reporter and are fifth in the current campaign. Aguirre was Doha also chosen as the best coach by QSL last season. This was his second stint with the club, having also coached Rayyan previously from 2011 to 2013. l Wakrah handed out Al Sadd a 5-0 thrashing to top the Group A in the Ooredoo Cup at the Qatar SC Sta- dium yesterday. It was Al Wakrah’s SPOTLIGHT thirdA win from fi ve matches as they topped the group with 11 points. Sadd, who fi elded mostly youngsters yesterday, remained on seven points in fourth placed. Both teams QFA chief meets ambassadors of qualifi ed for the knockout quarter-fi nals. Cristian Ceballos (third-minute pen- alty), Mohamed Benyettou (ninth and 59th Paraguay, Mexico and Costa Rica minutes), Ousmane Coulibaly (18th minute) and Isaias Sanchez (56th minute) scored the goals. Wakrah hit the ground running by opening the scoring early. Al Sadd’s Mah- moudsafe Korayem was guilty of a rough tackle on Ceballos inside his own box. The referee pointed to the spot and Ceballos eas- ily scored off the penalty kick. Wakrah doubled their lead when Beny- ettou grabbed a loose ball on the edge of Al Sadd box and quickly fi red a powerful shot that bounced in front of goalkeeper Jehad Mohamed. The ball hit the keeper’s right hand and crashed into the net. VAR was re- ferred to check whether Wakrah’s Jassim a- Jalabi was off -side before the goal was con- fi rmed. Wakrah went 3-0 up when Coulibaly heikh Hamad bin Kha- Executive Director of the Stra- particular. produced a classy snap-header off a corner lifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, tegic and Institutional Planning Yesterday’s discussions also kick. Despite pressure from an Al Sadd de- Action from the Ooredoo Cup match between Al Wakrah and Al Sadd yesterday. President of the Qatar Offi ce QFA. centered around Qatar’s maiden fender, Coulibaly smartly defl ected the ball Football Association During the meeting, the QFA participation in the Golf Cup to into the net giving, keeper Jehad no chance three points. Khaled Radwan (22nd minute), slotted the ball into the net. (QFA),S yesterday held fruitful president and the ambassadors be organised by the CONCACAF to stop the ball. Yuki Kobayashi (38th minute), Abdulla Mu- De Souza added his second of the match discussions with the ambas- discussed issues of common in- in the United States of Ameri- In the last seven minutes of fi rst half, barak (51st minute) and Leonardo De Souza when he scored off a penalty kick. Duhail’s sadors of Paraguay, Mexico and terest especially those related ca from July 10 until August 1, Wakrah’s Omar Ali twice missed relatively (56th, 65th-min penalty and 90+4) were Faisal al-Mansoori brought down Ahmad Costa Rica in Al Bidda Tower. to football. They also discussed 2021. Qatar’s participation Copa easy chances to score. On the fi rst occasion, the scorers. De Souza wasted an easy chance Hassan al-Mohannadi and referee Nayef Angel Ramon Barchini, the ways and means to strengthen America in Colombia and Argen- he had only defender Talal Abdulla barely to head home from close range early on. He al-Qadiri awarded a penalty, which was Paraguayan ambassador, Gracie- the bonds of friendship between tina (June 12 to July 12, 2020) was two metres away on the goalline to beat and was beaten to the ball by Duhail goalkeeper converted by De Souza. The Brazilian added la Gomez Garcia, ambassador of QFA and the football federations also discussed. moments later the Sadd keeper blocked his Ahmed Gamal, who punched the ball with a one more deep into the game to complete a Mexico, and Alvaro Mariano Se- in Paraguay, Mexico and Costa The meeting also included header from close range. short jump to kill the move. hat-trick. gura Avila, ambassador of Costa Rica. talks about the friendly match After the break, Al Wakrah continued Yuki then curled in a spectacular left- Meanwhile, Sailiya defeated Qatar SC 1-0 Rica met with the QFA President. The QFA president affi rmed to that will bring together Qatar their goal-scoring act. Isaias scored their footed drive that narrowly missed the goal- to seal a place in the last eight. A last-gasp Diego Estigarribia, Deputy Head the ambassadors Qatar’s keen- and Costa Rica teams on the 13th fourth goal with a powerful strike from just post to the right of Al Duhail goalkeeper. goal by substitute striker Abdulqadir Ilyas of the Diplomatic Mission at the ness further develop the football of this month in Austria. At the outside the Al Sadd box. That was followed Khor opened the scoring when Khaled (90+5) did the trick for Sailiya, who reached embassy of Paraguay, was also relations with Paraguay, Mexico end of the meeting, commemo- by Benyettou’s second goal of the match. headed home off a corner kick. They jumped the knockouts quarter-fi nals as the third- present. and Costa Rican Football Asso- rative shields were exchanged Earlier, Al Khor thrashed Al Duhail 6-0 to a 2-0 lead when Yuki volleyed home off a placed team with eight points. Qatar SC ex- The meeting was also attended ciations, saying sports can bring and the QFA President presented win at the Al Khor Stadium. It was Al Khor’s long loopy shot that crashed into the net. ited the competition with four points. by Saud Abdulaziz al-Mohanna- nations and peoples together. the offi cial jersey of the fi rst na- third win and they fi nished with a tally Six minutes into the second half, Khor Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the di, Vice President QFA, Mansour The three ambassadors tional team to the three ambas- of nine points to qualify for the knockout grabbed their third goal when Abdulla Mu- 49th minute when referee Khamis al-Marri al-Ansari, Secretary-General thanked QFA president for the sadors adorned with their names quarter-fi nals as the second team from barak was quick to pounce on a loose ball red-carded Qatar SC captain Mohamed Sa- QFA, Ali Daoud, Executive Di- meeting, collectively underlin- and the number 22 in reference the group. Duhail bowed out of the tour- that the keeper failed to grab after a power- lem and Sailiya’s Ahmed al-Minhali for a rector of the Offi ce of the QFA ing Qatar’s rapid development in to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be nament as the last team in the group with ful shot by De Souza and the former clamly tussle that followed a tackle. president, and Mushtaq al-Waili, sports in general and football in held in Qatar. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS English FA chairman Gundogan ready to Clarke resigns aft er ‘unacceptable’ step up on Germany racism storm AFP London

reg Clarke resigned as chairman of the English duty aft er Covid scare Football Association yesterday after making Ga series of controversial state- ments to lawmakers that pro- ‘I didn’t take the Covid seriously before my illness — afterwards my attitude changed’ voked outrage. Clarke was ear- lier forced to apologise after he used the word “coloured” when referencing black players as he addressed the Digital, Culture, Media, Sport Committee about diversity issues. The 63-year-old, who is a vice-president of world govern- ing body FIFA, also attracted criticism for suggesting the lack “It’s right that Greg Clarke of professional players in Eng- apologised before the commit- land from a South Asian back- tee,” he tweeted. “However, this ground was due to “diff erent isn’t the fi rst time that the @FA career interests”, comparing the has come to grief over these is- situation to the IT department at sues. It makes us question their the FA. commitment to diversity.” Clarke also said that young When asked by another mem- girls were often put off play- ber of the committee, Kevin ing the game because they did Brennan, about whether he not want to be hit hard by foot- wished to withdraw the use of balls. “We can confi rm that Greg the word “coloured” in one of his Clarke has stepped down from earlier answers, Clarke apolo- his role as our chairman,” the FA gised and said the American use said in a statement. “We would of the phrase “people of colour” like to reaffi rm that, as an organ- was the reason for his mistake. isation, we are absolutely com- Anti-discrimination organi- mitted to doing everything we sation Kick It Out accused Clarke can to promote diversity, address of peddling “lazy racist stere- inequality and tackle all forms of otypes”. discrimination in the game.” England defender Tyrone Clarke admitted his state- Mings said people across the ments were unacceptable as the country would have been an- FA aims to become a more diverse gered by Clarke’s words. “Foot- organisation. “My unaccept- ball is such a diverse commu- able words in front of Parliament nity that we have to be aware of were a disservice to our game and what is appropriate for one an- to those who watch, play, referee other and we have to be careful and administer it. This has crys- and mindful of the terminology tallised my resolve to move on,” which we use,” the Aston Villa Clarke said in a statement. “I am centre-back said at an England deeply saddened that I have of- media day. “I won’t comment too fended those diverse communi- much on that, but I am sure there Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (centre) warms up with teammates during a training session in Leipzig, eastern Germany, yesterday. (AFP) ties in football that I and others will be other people around the worked so hard to include.” country who are angry as well.” AFP “That showed me that he was very wor- Tayyip Erdogan. Now Gelsenkirchen- longer possible — there is recovery after The FA confi rmed Peter Mc- On Monday, the FA gave an Leipzig, Germany ried about me, but also for himself. I will born Gundogan wants to nail down a the game, a bit of tactics, the fi nal train- Cormick will step into the role as update on its three-year equality, never forget that conversation, because it place for Germany with one eye on next ing session, and then the next game is interim chairman with the proc- diversity and inclusion strategy, touched me so deeply,” he added. June’s Euro 2020 fi nals. “I want to be a already on the agenda,” he said. However, ess of identifying and appoint- launched in 2018. “In Pursuit anchester City midfi elder Gundogan said he is now determined regular — that’s my ambition,” he added. he admits professional footballers should ing a new chair to come in due of Progress” aims to promote Ilkay Gundogan said yester- to do whatever he can to stop the virus be grateful to be playing at all after Ger- course. Conservative MP Julian equality and increase the diver- day suff ering from Covid-19 spreading. “We have a responsibility, we NEUER WARNS FIXTURE BACKLOG many posted a record high 23,399 new Knight, who chairs the DCMS sity of those playing, offi ciating, has changed his attitude to must not be selfi sh and we must protect HAS PLAYERS ‘AT THEIR LIMITS’ cases of the coronavirus last Saturday. committee, questioned the FA’s coaching, leading and governing Mthe outbreak as he prepares to feature for ourselves as best we can,” he added. Meanwhile, Neuer said top players are at “We as players should not complain, commitment to diversity. English football. Germany. The 30-year-old missed Pre- With Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kim- their physical “limits” due to this sea- even if we have reached our limits — we’re mier League games in September after mich sidelined until January with a knee son’s condensed fi xture list resulting allowed to play, in contrast to many oth- suff ering with Covid-19, which he admits injury, Germany coach Joachim Loew from the knock-on eff ects of the corona- ers (sports),” he said. “We are very happy changed his thinking. said Gundogan is a “key player” for their virus pandemic. Neuer has already made about it, you only have to look at the am- Neymar, Mbappe PSG contract “I didn’t take the coronavirus seri- Nations League matches against Ukraine 14 appearances for club and country in ateur footballers or dare to take a look at ously before my illness — afterwards my on Saturday and Spain next Tuesday. seven weeks since the campaign started. other sports,” he added. talks ‘have started’: Leonardo attitude changed,” Gundogan said ahead However, after the midfi elder played “There has never been a season like Loew backed up Neuer and criticised of today’s friendly against the Czech Re- 90 minutes for City in Sunday’s 1-1 draw this before and hopefully there will never the dense fi xture list. For the fi rst time in Paris: Paris Saint-Germain already very experienced, and public in Leipzig. “It doesn’t just hit you with Liverpool, Loew is in no rush to play be again,” the Bayern Munich goalkeeper Loew’s 14 years in charge, the Bundesliga sporting director LEONARDO we’ll be a top team over the physically, but psychologically as well.” Gundogan today. “Ilkay had a very inten- said. Neuer gets a rare break today with winter break has been slashed from four said yesterday contract ne- next 5 years,” Leonardo added It was an “extremely unpleasant time” sive match — we will discuss whether he Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp in goal weeks to just two over Christmas, with gotiations with Neymar and He said his relationship for the defensive midfi elder, who felt maybe plays 45 minutes or some of the for friendly against the Czech Republic. matches resuming on January 2. “The Kylian Mbappe are underway. with coach Thomas Tuchel has “totally worn out” and his sense of taste second half,” Loew said. However, the 34-year-old Neuer is fi xture list is too full — too much is being The deals of the attacking pair, improved since they made their “was completely gone”. Gundogan has However, as Germany captain Manuel expected to return for Saturday’s Na- put on the players,” Loew said in Leipzig. who cost the French champi- diff ering opinions about the recovered and feels back in his “rhythm” Neuer will be rested, Gundogan could be tions League match against Ukraine, and “If we coaches don’t exercise the utmost ons 402 mn euros ($474 mn) in summer transfer market public after scoring two goals in his last three handed the captain’s armband at some away to Spain on Tuesday. With less than caution now, we’ll have a big problem two separate transfers, are up during media interviews. The Champions League games. stage in Leipzig. Having previously led a month separating last season’s Cham- next year,” he warned. In a thinly-veiled in 2022. Leonardo alo said talks Champions League runners-up However, a phonecall from his anxious his country in March 2019, Gundogan pions League fi nal, won by Bayern, and dig at UEFA, Loew warned if Europe’s top with Angel Di Maria and Juan have lost two of their opening grandfather in Turkey shook him when welcomed doing so again. the 2020/21 term, Neuer said top players nations want fi t players “next March or Bernat are also ongoing. “All three group stage matches this he was ill. “For me, it was worst when In 2018, he had his loyalty to Germany have little time to rest with matches every April” to prepare for the European Cham- the extensions we’re consider- term, but Leonardo denied PSG my grandfather called and cried for most questioned over a controversial photo of three to four days. pionship, “those responsible for the ing, we’ve started to talk about. had looked at replacing the of the phone call,” Gundogan revealed. him alongside Turkey president Recep “Certain training exercises are no schedule must put their heads together”. I think they’ll escalate over the German. coming weeks,” the former “That sort of thing hap- Brazil midfielder told the club’s pens, we spoke, the situation UPDATE video channel. is now clear for everyone,” “I think it is the right time, he said. “The truth and the and we’re approaching a facts are that internally we’ve crucial period when it comes to never thought about chang- Maradona progressing well aft er brain surgery the renewals. We have a team ing Tuchel. We’ve never called with young players, who are anyone,” he added. AFP Leopoldo Luque said. Maradona, who specialist clinic in the capital. Since his time comes, we will discuss them togeth- Olivos, Argentina went into isolation two weeks ago after surgery, he has progressed well, although er with the family. We all agree to take Di- one of his bodyguards displayed corona- Luque had revealed Thursday that Mara- ego forward,” he said. Maradona has been virus symptoms, had looked unwell dur- dona was receiving intensive treatment admitted to hospital three times in the rgentine football great Diego ing a brief appearance on October 30 at his and sedatives for withdrawal symptoms. last 20 years for serious health issues — Maradona is progressing well 60th birthday celebration at the stadium This treatment began to be scaled back two of which were potentially fatal. after brain surgery on a blood of Gimnasia y Esgrima, the Argentine Pri- on Monday. Luque also played down a ru- Last week, his doctor had said the clot and could be discharged mera Division team he coaches. mour cited by local press about the pres- football star would require prolonged thisA week, his doctor said yesterday. He seemed to have diffi culty walk- ence of a Covid-19 patient in the clinic. treatment in a clinic with diff erent speci- Maradona, 60, underwent surgery last ing and did not hang around to watch his “Covid is everywhere, there is nothing alities than the current one. Maradona’s Tuesday to remove a clot lodged between side’s match. The following Monday, he here that there is not elsewhere, and the daughters Dalma, Giannina and Jana visit his brain and skull. “Diego is in the mood was taken to hospital in La Plata, where care and protocols are followed to perfec- him daily at the clinic. His oldest son, Di- to leave, and we are evaluating the dis- the club is based, suff ering from symp- tion,” he said. Luque also avoided speci- ego Jr, who lives in Italy, announced last charge that could be tomorrow or proba- toms of anaemia and dehydration. fying where Maradona will recuperate Thursday on social media that he had bly Wednesday, we have to see the clinical Tests revealed the blood clot, after once he is discharged. tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore parameters, but the progress is very good,” which Maradona was transferred to a “We will discuss these issues when the would not be able to travel.

ROUND-UP Portugal forward Ronaldo ‘fi t’ for Andorra friendly aft er Lazio niggle uventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo is mates so if I decide it, he’s fi t to play diff erence ahead of this weekend’s They are among the decisions De will win a fi rst cap in goal against the senior squad. He had at fi rst been available to face Andorra in a the next three games,” Santos said. visitors to Lisbon. Boer has had to make around team Spain, added De Boer. included in the England Under-21 friendly later this week despite “He hasn’t complained. I know since selection with the Dutch playing three squad but will now join Gareth South- suff ering an ankle injury in the Sunday that there’s no problem, noth- WIJNALDUM NAMED games in the space of seven days. De ENGLAND CALL UP TEENAGE gate’s squad for Thursday’s friendly weekend’sJ draw at Lazio, Portugal ing that could stop him from training Boer’s side face Spain in a friendly MIDFIELDER BELLINGHAM against Ireland and Nations League NEW DUTCH SKIPPER coach Fernando Santos said. Ronaldo, normally,” he added. Georginio Wijnaldum will replace his today in Amsterdam before hosting Borussia Dortmund midfi elder Jude meetings with Belgium and Iceland. 35, who limped off with 15 minutes to The former Real Madrid attacker has injured Liverpool teammate Virgil Bosnia in the Nations League on Sun- Bellingham has been called up to the The FA confi rmed Manchester play of Sunday’s fi xture in Rome, could played three games for his club since van Dijk as Netherlands captain while day and ending their campaign away in England squad after James Ward- United forward Marcus Rashford will also feature against France on Saturday recovering from coronavirus before the Tim Krul will be fi rst choice in goal Poland the following Wednesday. Prowse and Trent Alexander-Arnold report for international duty to allow and Tuesday’s trip to Croatia in the Nations League holders face a re-run when the Dutch play their two Nations Norwich City’s Krul will take over were forced to withdraw due to injury, further assessment on an injury he Nations League. of the Euro 2016 fi nal agains les Bleus. League matches next week, coach from injured goalkeeper Jasper Cil- the Football Association said. sustained while playing against Ever- “He trained normally with his team Ronaldo’s men top their group on goal Frank de Boer said. lessen but AZ Alkmaar’s Marco Bizot It is the 17-year-old’s fi rst call up to ton on Saturday. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 11, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL FOCUS NBA and players announce deal on Patriots top winless 72-game season

Reuters would allow the league to Los Angeles have its annual Christmas Day showcase of games. In a joint news release, the he NBA and the play- two sides also announced a Jets on kicker Folk’s ers’ union announced salary cap of $109.1 million late Monday night an for the upcoming season and a agreement on the pa- luxury-tax threshold of $132.7 Trameters for the 2020-21 sea- million – both fi gures un- ‘IT WASN’T PRETTY son, including the number of changed from last season. games, start date, salary-cap Under the collective bar- BUT IT’S A WIN’ fi gures and free agency key gaining agreement, the cap dates. will increase between 3 and 10 last-second FG The agreement must now be percent each subsequent sea- approved by the league’s board son, though the tax hit would Reuters of governors. As was report- lower should league revenue Los Angeles ed in recent days, the season decrease from one season to would tip off on December 22 the next. and teams would play 72 regu- Free agents would be al- ick Folk booted a 51- lar-season games. lowed to start negotiating with yard fi eld goal with no The typical NBA season be- teams on Nov. 20 and be able time remaining as the gins around Halloween and to sign contracts beginning New England Patriots each team plays 82 regular- November 22. The NBA draft Nrallied from a 10-point, fourth- season games. is scheduled to take place Nov. quarter defi cit to record a 30-27 But the season will begin 18. The announcement did not victory over the winless New late and teams will play fewer mention whether there were York Jets on Monday night at regular-season games because plans to allow any fans to at- East Rutherford, N.J. of delays caused by the Cov- tend games. Cam Newton rushed for two id-19 pandemic. With such a short time be- touchdowns and completed 27 The 2019-20 regular season tween the conclusion of the of 35 passes for 274 yards as New was interrupted March 11 due playoff s and the start of the England (3-5) snapped a four- to the pandemic and did not next season, there have been game losing streak. resume until more than four reports that some players Folk kicked three fi eld goals, months later at a “bubble” en- could miss the start of the sea- Rex Burkhead rushed for a vironment near Orlando. son to rest a little more. touchdown and Jakobi Meyers The Los Angeles Lakers won The Lakers’ Danny Green established career highs of 12 the championship on October said last month that people receptions for 169 yards. New- 11 – four months later than the shouldn’t expect his teammate ton’s 20-yard pass to Meyers season typically ends. LeBron James to play in the with three seconds left set up the The December 22 start date fi rst month. winning kick. Joe Flacco passed for 262 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for the Jets (0-9), who have lost nine Former Zags Petrusev straight to the Patriots. “It wasn’t pretty but it’s a withdraws from NBA draft win,” said Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who rushed for Filip Petrusev is off to a strong start to his pro career in Serbia, two touchdowns and passed for but the former Gonzaga big man withdrew his name from 274 yards. consideration for the 2020 NBA Draft, the league announced New York is the lone winless Monday. NFL team this season. Flacco Petrusev, 20, left the Zags last spring after his sophomore season threw two touchdowns passes and is currently playing for Mega Soccerbet in his hometown of to Breshad Perriman (fi ve recep- Belgrade, Serbia. tions, 101 yards) and one to Jami- The 2019-20 West Coast Conference Player of the Year recently son Crowder. New England Patriots teammates celebrate a game winning field goal by kicker Nick Folk against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East was selected the Adriatic Basketball Association’s Most Valuable He completed 18 of 25 passes Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. (USA TODAY Sports) Player for October after averaging 21.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and in his third start of the sea- 1.4 blocks per game. son and passed Hall of Famer on New York’s next off ensive with 40,726. Castillo kicked a Kendrick Bourne is back on the reserve/Covid-19 list. Bourne, Last season at Gonzaga, the 6-foot-11 forward averaged 17.5 Joe Montana for 20th place on play. Newton guided the Patriots 50-yarder to give New York a reserve/Covid-19 list, landing 25, has 25 catches for 352 yards points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 blocks. the all-time yardage list. New on an 11-play, 72-yard drive and 13-7 lead with 4:33 left before there Monday for the second and a touchdown this season. The Bulldogs were 31-2 overall, 15-1 to win the WCC regular-sea- York quarterback Sam Darnold scored on a 1-yard sneak to tie Folk knocked a 45-yard through time in less than a week. He has 113 grabs for 1,454 son title, then captured the conference tournament champion- (shoulder) missed the game after the score with 1:57 left. the uprights for New England The 49ers placed Bourne on yards and 10 scores in four NFL ship before the NCAA Tournament was cancelled due to the aggravating an injury he initially The Jets scored more points with 1:03 left. But Flacco fi n- the list last Wednesday after he seasons, all with the 49ers. coronavirus pandemic. sustained on October 1. (20) in the fi rst half than they did ished the half with a 20-yard tested positive, shutting down Among the other moves the Gonzaga finished No. 2 in the final 2019-20 Associated Press New England cornerback in seven of their fi rst eight full touchdown pass to Crowder the team facilities in the process team announced Monday was rankings, and they were chosen the No. 1 team in the 2020-21 Stephon Gilmore (knee), the games. Flacco tossed two touch- with 25 seconds left. per league protocols. the opening of a 21-day practice preseason poll that was released Monday. reigning NFL Defensive Player down passes to help New York The Patriots opened the third Contact tracing also led to re- window for Richard Sherman as Petrusev was the only US college player who had applied for of the Year, missed his second take a 10-point halftime lead. quarter with an impressive 13- ceivers Brandon Aiyuk and Dee- the star cornerback tries to re- early entry to the NBA draft to withdraw, per the list published consecutive game. The Patriots Sergio Castillo’s 35-yard fi eld play, 78-yard drive that ended bo Samuel, along with off ensive join the team following a calf in- Monday by the league. controlled the clock for 36:58 goal capped New York’s opening with Burkhead scoring from tackle Trent Williams, going on jury in Week 1 that landed him on The only other US-based player pulling out was Tony Goodwin II, and held a 433-322 edge in to- drive before Newton scored on a the 1 with 7:27 left. But the Jets the Covid-19 list, as well, as all injured reserve. a 6-foot-6 prep school player from Redemption Christian Acad- tal yards. New York ran just one 5-yard run to give the Patriots a responded with an 11-play, 75- four players missed San Fran- San Francisco has three weeks emy in Northfield, Mass. off ensive play in the fi rst 13:03 7-3 advantage with 3:34 left in yard excursion that culminated cisco’s 34-17 loss to Green Bay to move Sherman to the active In addition, 21 international players withdrew their names from of the fourth quarter to aid the opening quarter. in Flacco’s 15-yard scoring pass on Thursday. roster or be forced to place him the draft: four from Lithuania and Spain, three from Italy, two New England in rallying from a The Jets moved back ahead to Perriman with 30 seconds re- The club activated all four on injured reserve for the rest of from Serbia and one apiece from Argentina, Canada, Croatia, 10-point defi cit. when Flacco threw a 50-yard maining in the third period. players on Friday after Bourne the season. Estonia, France, Greece, Latvia and Turkey. The Patriots pulled within scoring pass to Perriman with registered back-to-back nega- In his third season with the That leaves 15 international prospects and 71 players from col- 27-20 on Folk’s 29-yard fi eld 9:59 remaining in the half. The 49ERS BOURNE BACK ON tive tests. 49ers, Sherman, 32, has 102 leges and other educational institutions that remain early entry goal with 6:04 remaining, and long play moved Flacco past COVID LIST; SHERMAN The 49ers did not provide any tackles, three interceptions, one candidates, according to the NBA. J.C. Jackson followed with his Montana (40,551 passing yards). CAN PRACTICE additional information on why sack and 15 passes defended with (Reuters) league-high fi fth interception Flacco concluded the contest San Francisco wide receiver Bourne was placed back on the San Francisco.

MLB Former Astros chief suing team over cheating scandal AFP Los Angeles Mariners’ Lewis, Brewers’ Williams win Rookie of Year honours Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis was a think it was slowing it down and taking it day by ormer Houston Astros unanimous choice in the American League and day,” Lewis said. “When I was young and trying to general manager Jeff Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Devin Williams come back from injury, I was trying to get every- Luhnow is suing the was named the National League winner as the thing back in one day. I gave a lot of credit to the team for breach of con- Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year awards were staff of the Seattle Mariners for helping me out.” tractF following his sacking over announced Monday. Lewis received all 30 first- Williams had to overcome his own adversity on his a 2017 sign-stealing scandal, place votes and is the 12th unanimous winner track to the majors. The second-round pick in 2013 court fi lings showed on Monday. in the AL and 25th overall. He is the first Seattle endured Tommy John surgery and missed the Luhnow was fi red in Janu- player to win the honour since legendary Ichiro 2017 season. He later struggled as a minor league ary along with team manager Suzuki in 2001. “I’m still learning the game,” Lewis starter before being converted into a reliever prior A.J. Hinch after a Major League said on the MLB Network. “I’m still working every to the 2019 campaign. Baseball investigation into the day and trying to write my story.” But there were few struggles this season as Wil- cheating that tainted the Astros’ Williams received 14 of the 30 first-place votes liams posted a microscopic 0.33 ERA and struck World Series-winning season while accumulating 95 points in the NL balloting. out 53 hitters in 27 innings over 22 appearances. three years ago. The reliever joins Pat Listach (1992) and Ryan He gave up just one run, eight hits and nine walks Both Luhnow and Hinch were Braun (2007) among Brewers to win the award. while compiling an 0.63 WHIP. It was quite a stun- sacked by the Astros after being “I never thought I would be in this position,” Wil- ning performance by Williams, who is the first banned for the entire 2020 cam- liams said. “It is just a culmination of all my hard pitcher to win the award without recording either paign by MLB. The Astros were work and it’s nice to get recognised.” a victory or a save. “The biggest thing is that it was also fi ned $5 million. In this file photo taken on October 04, 2019, Houston Astros Manager AJ Hinch talks with general manager Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and all worth it,” Williams said. “Everyone has got their In a lawsuit fi led Monday in Jeff Luhnow (right) prior to game two of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth tied own obstacles that they have to get over and in Harris County District Court in Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (AFP) for second in the NL with 74 points. Bohm received the end, when you put in that work, I can’t put it Texas, however, Luhnow claims nine first-place votes while Cronenworth received into words. It doesn’t feel real right now.” he was scapegoated by the As- organisation while the players in a November 2019 interview. points the fi nger at Astros direc- six. Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert fin- Bohm batted .338 with four homers and 23 RBIs in tros and is seeking $22 million and video-room staff who de- Fiers revealed how cameras tor of advance information Tom ished second in the AL with 83 points. He received 44 games. He led the majors with a .452 average he was owed on his outstanding vised and executed the schemes secretly placed in centerfi eld Koch-Weser, who remains em- 27 of the 30 second-place votes. Houston Astros with runners in scoring position. contract. went unpunished,” the lawsuit would record signals used by ployed by the team. right-hander Christian Javier (11 points) finished Cronenworth batted .285 with four homers and 20 Luhnow and Hinch were the said. opposing pitchers and catchers. The suit also rejected a MLB third. Lewis, who hit .259 with 11 homers and 28 RBIs in 54 games. He had a .477 slugging percent- only two individuals to be pun- “Even more egregiously, most The dugout would then com- claim that there was evidence RBIs in 58 games, is the fourth Mariners’ player age with 22 of his 49 hits going for extra bases. ished by MLB commissioner Rob of the culprits in the sign-steal- municate to Astros batters what Luhnow was aware of the cheat- to win the award. Alvin Davis (1984) and Kazuhiro Two Los Angeles’ Dodgers right-handers rounded Manfred over the scandal after ing scheme remained employed kind of pitch to expect by bang- ing. Sasaki (2000) also won the honour. The 25-year- out the NL’s top five – Tony Gonsolin (11 points) Astros players were given immu- by the club. The Astros con- ing on a trash can. “In fact there is no credible old Lewis was a first-round pick of the Mariners and Dustin May (8). Robert batted .233 with 11 nity in exchange for testimony. cocted grounds to fi re Luhnow In an interview last month, evidence that Luhnow had any in 2016. But just 30 games into his professional homers and a rookie-best 31 RBIs in 56 games for Luhnow’s lawsuit alleged that ‘for Cause’ in order to save more Luhnow insisted he had not been such knowledge,” the lawsuit career, he was involved in a collision at home plate the White Sox. He tied with Lewis for most homers the architect of the sign-stealing than $22 million in guaranteed aware of the cheating scandal. reads, alleging that MLB chief that left him with three torn knee ligaments – ACL, among rookies. Javier went 5-2 with a 3.48 ERA scam remained employed by the salary.” “I didn’t know we were cheat- Manfred had only “one untrust- MCL and LCL. Lewis played in just 49 minor league in 12 appearances (10 starts). In the AL, Oakland team. The sign-stealing scandal ing,” Luhnow told KPRC televi- worthy source – the actual ring- games the following year (2017) as it took him Athletics catcher Sean Murphy and Detroit Tigers “The Astros’ termination of erupted when former Astros sion in Houston. “I had no idea. leader of the Astros sign-steal- awhile to work his way back, both physically and shortstop Willi Castro tied for fourth with seven Luhnow is an attempt to make pitcher Mike Fiers told The Ath- I wasn’t involved.” ing schemes who implicated mentally. But eventually he got over the hump. “I points apiece. Luhnow the scapegoat for the letic website about the scheme Luhnow’s lawsuit instead Luhnow to save his own job.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 11, 2020 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT Lowe set for Ireland debut, Sexton wins 100th cap AFP ish and Irish Lions. partner Conor Murray. “Jamison diff erently. “Only a couple of Dublin Ireland head coach Andy Far- gets the opportunity to see if he games ago he (Stockdale) was rell said if Lowe acclimatises to can handle a full game having being treated as the answer to the step up to Test rugby he will done pretty well coming on from Rob’s retirement. ew Zealand-born add an enormous amount to his the bench,” said Farrell. “There are a couple of things James Lowe will make side in attack especially. “We have been very impressed he had to put right from the his Test debut for Ire- “He brings an extra dimen- with what we have seen so far. France game but he is an impor- land just weeks after sion on how we want to play,” No they (Murray included) have tant player for us.” Nbecoming eligible in Friday’s Au- said yesterday Farrell at his press not been dropped. Other guys Ireland are looking to bounce tumn Nations Cup opener with conference after naming the have been waiting for their back from their defeat by les Wales. The 28-year-old winger, side. chance and we want to see if Bleus, which ended their hopes who qualifi ed through the three- “The way he has played for they can grab it with both hands. of the Six Nations title, while year residency rule, earns his Leinster in the Pro14 hopefully “We have trust enough in those Wales arrive having lost their spot after a series of impressive he brings the same elements. who have we have picked for the past fi ve Tests. performances for Pro14 champi- “A good performance from match to be up to this level.” ons Leinster. him brings another facet to our Farrell has retained his faith Team (15-1): He is joined in the starting game and will be very important in full-back Jacob Stockdale de- Jacob Stockdale; Hugo Keenan, line-up by fellow New Zealander in taking us forward.” spite the 24-year-old Ulster star Robbie Henshaw, Chris Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park, who gets Farrell has blooded several coming in for a lot of fl ak after James Lowe; Johnny Sexton his fi rst start but third cap, hav- fresh faces since he was pro- the French defeat. Stockdale has (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; ing come on as a replacement moted from assistant coach to converted to full-back from the Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, in recent Six Nations matches the top job when Joe Schmidt wing in a bid to replace the iconic Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, against Italy and France. stepped down after a highly Rob Kearney, who recently re- Iain Henderson; Andrew Porter, Jamison-Park will team up successful tenure following last tired from Test rugby. Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy with Ireland captain and Lein- year’s Rugby World Cup. “I am not necessarily putting Replacements: Dave Heff ernan, ster team-mate Johnny Sexton, The Englishman said nothing Jacob into the category of a play- Ed Byrne, Finlay Bealham, Quinn who makes his 100th Test ap- should be read into Gibson-Park er we are giving another chance Roux, Will Connors, Conor Mur- pearance - his 94th for Ireland. for instance starting instead of to,” said Farrell. “Each individual ray, Billy Burns, Keith Earls. Leinster Rugby’s James Lowe scores their first try against Northampton Saints during their European He has six Test caps for the Brit- Sexton’s long-time half-back is diff erent and you treat them Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG) Champions Cup in Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, Britain, on December 7, 2019. (Reuters)

COMMENT FOCUS Nations Cup could be a Nov. window England must be on the future

Reuters due to play New Zealand, Ar- London gentina, Tonga and Australia. That would have made it nine games against the Wallabies ovid-19 put paid to in fi ve years and with Eddie ‘adaptable’ against the usual schedule of Jones’s team having won the north vs south Novem- last seven in a row, the appeal ber rugby internation- is beginning to wane. alsC but, rather than bemoaning England took the Six Nations the absence of the “big three”, title after their largely effi cient fans might instead enjoy the win in Italy but Jones will be relatively structured nature of looking for a much sharper set what has replaced them. of performances against Geor- Georgia: Mitchell The Autumn Nations Cup gia, Ireland and Wales. kicks off this Friday when France appear to be the Ireland play Wales, with Italy team with more momentum ‘Obviously there are key areas around the scrum and we’re looking forward to that challenge’ vs Scotland and England vs - though that was helped by Georgia on Saturday and Italy having a warm-up against AFP vs Fiji on Sunday. The eight Wales before they overcame London competing teams are split Ireland. into four groups and will play Their young team are being the team in the correspond- developed with an eye fi rmly ngland defence coach ing fi nishing position on the on the hosting of the 2023 John Mitchell said yes- weekend of December 5-6 - World Cup but, with the rarity terday that the Six Na- with lips already being licked of a settled halfback partner- tions champions need at the prospect of an England ship in the high-class shape of toE be “adaptable” ahead of their vs France “decider”. Antoine Dupont and Romain Autumn Nations Cup opener Of course, with no fans Ntamack, they should enjoy a against Georgia at Twickenham present at any of the matches run of wins over Fiji, Scotland this weekend. and with some coaches forced and Italy. The former All Blacks coach to juggle their resources to The Scots fi nished their Six also backed comments from limit the minutes played by Nations on a relative high but head coach Eddie Jones last week each player there will be a have been hamstrung by inju- suggesting that England might strange feel to the contests. ries to Finn Russell and Adam play nine, instead of the usual But the TV money gener- Hastings that will keep both eight, forwards against the mus- ated by them - with Amazon fl yhalves on the sidelines until cular Georgians. Prime dipping its toe into the next year. “It’s something that’s really sport for the fi rst time - is an An uninspired Ireland will important,” Mitchell told a con- absolute lifesaver for the cash- be looking for improvement as ference call when asked about strapped unions. new coach Andy Farrell tries to Jones’ idea. They are clinging on via bed down his ideas, not least in “It actually helps players government and World Rugby their ability to score tries. within the squad understand grants as most of their normal Wales will be desperate to that around any point in time, revenue streams dry up. Eng- end the run of fi ve succes- you might have to be adaptable.” land normally make around sive defeats that cost defence A key concern is the number 10 million pounds ($13.25 mil- coach Byron Hayward his of red cards being fl ourished at lion) from every Twickenham job this week, while Italy will top level, notably in New Zea- international and that money probably target their game land’s 24-22 loss to Austraia in supplies the bulk of the budget against Fiji on November 21 Brisbane last weekend when All from which all their govern- having failed to beat any of Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and ance of the sport fl ows. their Six Nations opponents the Wallabies’ Lachie Swinton Fans might initially be less for fi ve years. were both sent off for dangerous tempted to watch a “Six Na- With that dire record in high tackles. tions Lite” but perhaps a break mind, Georgia know this is “You only have to look at from the usual conveyor belt the best chance they will ever the number of cards were pre- might be a good thing and get to stake their case for pos- sented say in the last Rugby World Rugby has long been sible promotion to the Six Na- Championship (Tri Nations) pushing for more of a tourna- tions. match between New Zealand ment structure as opposed to a They will have to fi nd some- and Australia - there’s so many series of one-off games in No- thing pretty special to beat situations now where you are vember and might think this is England, Ireland or Wales but without players in positions and England’s centre Owen Farrell (left) and England’s scrum-half Ben Youngs attend a training session in London ahead of the Autumn Interna- a model they can develop. could yet fi nd themselves go- people have to be adaptable, just tional rugby union match against Georgia. (AFP) ing head to head with Italy to in case that situation occurs for ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT decide last place, but poten- us.” tough game,” said Mitchell who at home, is important and we on our previous success, but that the Champions League in 2009, England had originally been tially much more. was the All Blacks’ head coach want to make sure we continue all comes down to making sure they played the false nine. ‘PRIDE AND PRIVILEGE’ when they lost to a Wallaby team to put smiles on people’s faces we keep our focus on our basics “There’s no reason why you England should beat Georgia guided by Jones in a 2003 World during this tough time for the and looking to get better.” can’t do that in rugby and play a comfortably - the Lelos rarely Cup semi-fi nal. country,” he added, with ongo- Jones, who deployed an extra false 10 or a false winger. Vunivalu to join Australia camp face leading nations outside “Obviously there are key ar- ing coronavirus restrictions forward against Georgia when “These are ideas that we take World Cups and were hammered eas around the scrum and we’re meaning this will be the latest coach of Japan prior to the 2015 seriously and see how we can Fijian flyer Suliasi Vunivalu Vunivalu, who previously 48-7 by Scotland last month. looking forward to that chal- major rugby match in Europe to World Cup, said last week: “Tra- improve the side,” he added. will join the Wallabies squad played the 15-person game But the Georgians could cause lenge. be played behind closed doors. dition says you have eight for- “Maybe the Georgian game is when they meet up in the before joining the Melbourne England problems at the scrum. “The pride and the privilege of “We start a new tournament wards and seven backs. When an opportunity to play a diff er- Hunter Valley today ahead side, is set to switch back to “Georgia is going to be a really playing for England, especially and we want to win it and build Barcelona beat Man United in ent way,” he said. of their two remaining Tri- rugby union and play Nations championship games for Queensland Reds from against Argentina, rugby 2021 after signing with the Australia (RA) confirmed Super rugby club and RA last Argentina itching to join Tri-Nations fray against All Blacks yesterday. year. Having been spectators as Australia and The All Blacks present one of the most ma, tested positive for Covid-19 at a train- players, including a 57-24 win last Satur- Vunivalu, who helped Mel- Former Australia coach New Zealand traded blows in the opening daunting challenges in world rugby but ing camp in Argentina before arriving in day against a side featuring a number of bourne Storm beat Penrith Michael Cheika had similarly weeks of the Tri-Nations, Argentina are the Pumas believe they are ready for the Australia. World champions South Africa fringe Wallabies. Panthers in last month’s brought former rugby league relishing the prospect of joining the fray challenge, and motivated to perform for did not report any positives but pulled out Former Australia coach Michael Cheika National rugby League (NRL) player Marika Koroibete into on Saturday when they face the All Blacks fans in Argentina where the pandemic has of the tournament anyway, saying their has been on hand to help the Pumas grand final, is waiting on the the national fold, with the in Sydney. hit hard. players’ safety would be under threat due prepare, reuniting with his former scrum result of a Covid-19 test before Fijian making his debut in The Pumas have not played a test since “The key to this week is to give up to a lack of match practice. coach Ledesma, who helped the Wallabies joining coach Dave Rennie’s 2017 after a gradual process the rugby World Cup in Japan over a year everything for this jersey,” number eight With Argentine rugby under financial reach the 2015 World Cup final. squad. of development. ago, with the Covid-19 pandemic having Rodrigo Bruni said at training. “The thing stress due to the pandemic, the Pumas Cheika, since replaced as Australia boss RA said on its website that it Australia lost their Tri- played havoc with scheduling. I highlight most about this group is that shrugged off the safety concerns and flew by New Zealander Dave Rennie, guided was “extremely unlikely” the Nations opener against The All Blacks, meanwhile, are battle-hard- they never give up. A few months ago we to Sydney to train while undertaking a Australia to their record 47-26 win over 24-year-old would feature in New Zealand 43-5 before ened after playing four tests against the were training and didn’t know whether we mandatory two-week quarantine period. the All Blacks in Perth last year. the Wallabies’ final two tests beating the All Blacks 24-22 Wallabies in five weeks, and are desperate were going to play.” Freed from quarantine last month, the Cheika has been impressed with the spirit of the year, with Rennie only last Saturday. They next play to rebound after a 24-22 loss to the hosts More than a dozen Pumas players and Pumas have won both their competitive around the Argentina camp and their calling him up to assess him Argentina on November21 in Brisbane over the weekend. staff , including head coach Mario Ledes- warm-ups against selections of Australian work ethic in the face of adversity. from close quarters. and December 5. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 11, 2020 7 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING FOCUS Tokyo Olympics organisers hail Iannone laments vaccine news as ‘relief’

AFP operation between the athletes Tokyo and the other stakeholders.” “I think that is what we need to do to create a safe Games.” okyo Olympics or- Global markets and senti- extension of doping ganisers said news of ment soared after US pharma- a coronavirus vac- ceutical giant Pfi zer said tests cine was a “relief” involving more than 40,000 Tyesterday but insisted their people had provided results bio-security planning for the that were a “critical mile- postponed Games remained stone” in the search for a vac- unchanged. cine. Olympic offi cials have regu- The news is likely to be a ban to four years larly said that a coronavirus shot in the arm for Japanese vaccine is not a precondition offi cials and their Olympic for staging the Games, now counterparts, who have faced ‘Today I’ve received the worst injustice I could ever have imagined’ scheduled to open a year late in continuing scepticism about July 2021. whether the Games can be held But they have acknowledged next year if the pandemic is not that a successful shot would under control. make their task signifi cantly On Sunday, Tokyo hosted easier, and welcomed the 90 its fi rst international sporting In this fi le photo taken on October 25, 2019, Aprilia percent eff ectiveness shown event since the pandemic, a Racing Team Gresini MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone by one trial vaccine. four-nation gymnastics meet (also inset) of Italy speeds through a corner during “The organising committee that organisers hailed as proof the fi rst practice session of the MotoGP Australian is not disconnected from so- the Games were possible de- Grand Prix at Phillip Island. (AFP) ciety... and I heard the vaccine spite the virus. news,” Tokyo 2020’s Games While the event involved delivery offi cer Hidemasa only about 30 athletes and Nakamura told reporters at a 2,000 socially distanced spec- briefi ng. tators, Nakamura said it was “And the organising com- still evidence that the Olym- mittee is feeling the same as pic and Paralympic Games are you probably felt, positive sen- feasible. timent and relief,” he added. “Ultimately the Olympics But he added: “What we are and Paralympics are an accu- doing right now is not think- mulation of each competition ing about the vaccine, because in each venue, so the fact that we don’t have a vaccine yet, a competition was held in No- but rather focusing on testing, vember in a safe manner is a social distance and also the co- huge message,” he said.

GOLF Mills takes ‘green jacket’ honours at ECGC Masters

By Sports Reporter Doha

on Mills won the second Reuters MotoGP star Marquez will not return before 2021 the proceedings but will have to edition of the Education Lausanne look at other riders for the 2021 City Golf Club (ECGC) Six-time MotoGP world cham- participate in the remainder He had a second operation season. Masters Tournament. “We do not regret having JThe ECGC Masters present- pion Marc Marquez, who has of the 2020 MotoGP season in August after an accident talian MotoGP rider And- not raced since fracturing his and aims to return to racing in caused by opening a window stood by Andrea and, to the con- ed by Fifty One East saw over rea Iannone’s doping ban arm in the season-opener, will 2021,” Honda said in a state- at his home, which damaged trary, we continue to stand by 100 participants looking to has been extended from 18 sit out the final two events on ment. a titanium plate inserted into him at this time,” Aprilia Racing win some fantastic prizes and a months to four years, the the 2020 calendar, his Honda “This season I will not compete his right arm during the first CEO Massimo Rivola said. special green jacket. ICourt of Arbitration for Sport “This matter, with its ex- In line with the pristine golf team announced yesterday. again. After evaluating how the surgery. (CAS) said yesterday, in a de- Marquez, 27, had won the title arm is doing with the doctors In his absence, compatriot and tremely long times, has heavily course conditions that are seen cision Iannone said made “no four years in a row but has been and my team, we have decided former Moto3 champion Joan damaged Aprilia Racing and our on regular basis at Education logical sense”. sidelined since crashing out of that the best option is to return Mir has surged to the top of the strategies for this and upcoming City Golf Club and Augusta The sport’s governing body the Spanish grand prix in Jerez next year,” Marquez tweeted. championship. seasons. National, the agronomy team FIM had initially imposed an on July 19. “It’s time to continue with The 23-year-old Suzuki rider “However, we must now look ensured the greens had some 18-month suspension after The Spaniard will now focus the recovery. Thanks for the won last week’s European Mo- to the future, and it is our duty to Augusta like speed and con- Iannone tested positive for the on a return to the track in messages of support. Looking toGP in Valencia and leads quickly fi nd a high-level solution sistent roll for the participants. banned steroid Drostanolone at 2021. MotoGP organisers last forward to returning in 2021.” Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins that embraces the project we be- Jon Mills was leading after last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix. weekend released a provisional Marquez underwent surgery by 37 points. gan with Andrea and that allows day one with an excellent score The CAS panel dismissed calendar featuring 20 races. following his fall in Spain, and He can secure the title with us to continue our growth, which of +1 (73) over Myles Taylor and Iannone’s appeal against the “As his recovery continues, was initially declared fit for the another podium finish at the is there and is clearly evident.” Paul Kelly +3 (75). ban, and instead ruled in fa- Marc Marquez and the Repsol following race before eventu- same Ricardo Tormo circuit in Iannone, nicknamed “The Manon Marselis made up the vour of a World Anti-Doping Honda Team confirm he will not ally dropping out of qualifying. Sunday’s Valencia grand prix. Maniac”, joined Aprilia in 2018 top four player going into the Agency (WADA) request to have but struggled to match team- fi nal round with a superb +4 the suspension extended to four mate Aleix Espargaro for most (76). into a playoff a short putt was years. 2020 season, has maintained origin of the said meat”. out specifying which details he of last season. Britain’s Bradley The closely fought round two missed on the 18th which en- “Andrea Iannone is sanc- his innocence and said he tested In an Instagram post, the was referring to. “For this there Smith has deputised for Iannone saw Myles Taylor drop out from sured Jon Mills a one shot vic- tioned with a period of ineligi- positive because he accidentally 31-year-old said: “Today I’ve re- will be an appropriate place and in the 2020 championship. the leaderboard early into the tory over Paul Kelly. bility of four years commencing ate contaminated meat. ceived the worst injustice I could time,” he said. Autosport has reported out- second round with a few mis- Chunghoon Kim, had an on December 17, 2019,” CAS said The CAS panel, however, ever have imagined. “I certainly do not give up.” going LCR Honda rider Cal takes made, but Paul Kelly kept excellent fi nal day score of 78, in a statement. found that Iannone had estab- “No logical sense on these In a separate statement, Crutchlow has a pre-agreement his steady play all the way until which was good enough to se- Iannone, who has a contract lished “neither the precise type allegations accompanied by Aprilia said they do not regret in place with Aprilia for the 2021 the 18th hole. cure third place overall for the with Aprilia until the end of the of meat he had consumed nor the incorrect facts,” he said, with- supporting Iannone throughout season. Looking to take Jon Mills tournament.

TENNIS Shapovalov nears 2020 fi nish knowing he belongs in top 10 Reuters really happy with where Toronto my game is. I feel like I have defi nitely improved and I feel like my level is with these anadian Denis Shapo- (top) guys. valov has slipped out of “If I am not able to reach top the men’s top 10 rank- 10 again this season, I will defi - ings with some recent nitely try to go for it next season. earlyC defeats, but the 21-year- The important thing is, I feel like old is about to fi nish the 2020 my level is there with these guys season confi dent that he belongs and I am able to compete with in the top echelon of the sport. anyone.” The left-hander reached After suff ering his third the quarter-fi nals of the US straight defeat in Vienna last Open, where he lost in fi ve sets, month, Shapovalov decided to and the following week he made take a break and skipped the the semi-fi nals of the ATP Paris Masters. Masters 1000 event in Rome, The Canadian said he was going down in a fi nal-set tie- feeling fresh again. breaker. In the Bulgarian capital he will Those results lifted him into be joined by countryman and the top 10 for the fi rst time in his friend Felix Auger-Aliassime, career, before early defeats at the who is seeded second. French Open and in Germany “It is defi nitely great for Can- and Austria saw his ranking slip ada and for tennis in Canada,” back to 12. Shapovalov said of the 20-year- “I feel like I have been playing old Auger-Aliassime. some really good tennis,” Shapo- “It is amazing to see us both valov told reporters ahead of the the top of the draw, and hope- Sofi a Open, where he is the top fully this continues, inspires a seed. lot of Canadian kids and keeps “I think I played really well advancing the sport in the coun- throughout the season, and I am try.” Wednesday, November 11, 2020 GULF TIMES GOLF

MOVING ON FOCUS In another sign Augusta National is reckoning with Britain’s Hatton on the past, Elder to join Player and Nicklaus as starters best major form

Reuters gender equality at its own gates it AFP Augusta was unable to ignore the #MeToo Augusta, United States and #BlackLivesMatter movements. “I think like all organizations, we’ve been moved by the events of ritain’s Tyrrell Hatton, fter decades of swim- 2020,” said Ridley, when asked why coming off a victory last ming against the cultural the club chose to make the Elder an- month at Wentworth, tide Augusta National was nouncement now. “There’s been a says he has never been in step with the times on lot said about racial justice and op- onB better form entering a major AMonday announcing Lee Elder, the portunity, and our question was not championship than he is for this fi rst Black man to play the Masters, so much what can we say but what week’s Masters. would join Jack Nicklaus and Gary can we do.” The 29-year-old Englishman, Player as honorary starters next Ridley and his predecessor Billy who has fi ve top-10 major fi n- year. Payne have ushered in a new aware- ishes, won last month’s BMW Founded by Bobby Jones and Clif- ness that has included a reckoning PGA Championship on the Eu- ford Roberts and opened for play in with the club’s past. ropean Tour and at Bay Hill in 1933, Augusta National existed as a “I think it’s always important to March in the last event before the sanctuary for some of the world’s look back,” said Ridley. “You learn US PGA’s three-month Covid-19 most powerful men, white men, un- from looking back. shutdown. found success in other events moved by outside forces and events. “You learn from history. We, like “For me, 2020 on the golf thanks to right wrist surgery. It wasn’t until 1975 that Elder all organizations, are acutely aware course has been a very special “I’ve been pain-free for the made his historic Master appear- of our past. year,” Hatton said yesterday. whole year after the wrist sur- ance. “I think we always ask ourselves, “Coming into a major, this is the gery last year,” Hatton said. “I’ve Fifteen years later under mount- when we come up with an idea that best form I’ve had. We have to been training in the gym this year ing pressure Augusta National we think has merit and we execute see how I get along this week.” which is something I haven’t would open its doors to its fi rst on it, we always ask ourselves, why World number nine Hatton done this much previously. Black member and in 2012 fi nally didn’t we do it earlier.” missed the cut in his 2017 Mas- “I’m pretty happy with how welcomed its fi rst woman mem- Augusta National’s new openness ters debut, shared 44th in 2018 things have gone so far, other ber after then chairman William does not extend to private club mat- and 56th last year. But he has no than missing the cut at both ma- “Hootie” Johnson had declared the ters and membership which it con- plans to alter his aggressive style jors.” club would not be forced into a de- tinues to guard as if it were nuclear for Augusta National. Hatton isn’t feeling extra ten- cision on the issue “at the point of codes. “I won’t change how I try to sion because it’s a major. a bayonet”. Despite the policy changes the play. I’m a fairly aggressive play- “I can be hard on myself,” he Change has long come at a glacial club remains largely male, mostly er,” he said. “In previous years, said. “I don’t try and treat the pace at Augusta National but having white, and Ridley refused to discuss my short game hasn’t been too majors diff erently in putting the pioneering Elder, winner of four the membership make-up. good. My putting is normally a pressure on myself than I do the PGA Tour events, join 18-time ma- “I think what’s important is that strength for me and I’ve putted PGA events, trying to shoot the jor winner Nicklaus and nine-time we continue to look at diversity al- pretty horribly here. best score I can. major champion Player in one of the ways as we look at our membership,” “I have some confi dence and “If I can keep myself calm and Masters’ most popular traditions said Ridley. “While progress can al- hopefully I can carry that into in a good place, there’s no reason off ers another sign that the club is ways and should be made, and we do this week.” I can’t go out and have a good paying attention. have progress to be made, but I can Hatton missed the cut at the week here. At the same time, I Lee Elder, the first African-American to play in the Masters, poses with his wife at Augusta While Augusta National once assure you that is an issue that we’re US Open in September and PGA realize the majors haven’t been National yesterday. shrugged off protests over race and focused on.” Championship in August but has great this year.”

SPOTLIGHT PGA champ Morikawa fancies his DeChambeau blasts chances away in practice round ‘I’ve had to re-learn the golf course. There are so many holes that play so diff erently for me’

AFP the next Masters.” positive for Covid-19. Augusta DeChambeau, who bulked up his phy- Garcia, coming off his fi rst US PGA win AFP sique during golf’s Covid-19 layoff from since the Masters last month, said Mon- Augusta March to June, never faced a shot into a day he tested positive after missing the S Open champion Bryson De- green beyond 185 yards. cut in last week’s Houston Open, the fi rst Chambeau blasted routine tee The scientist golfer favours distance US-based PGA event to have spectators GA Championship shots 325 yards on the back nine above all else, ignoring possible deep with 2,000 allowed each day. winner Collin Mori- UMonday in his fi rst offi cial prac- rough for distance and position. With “On Saturday night after driving back kawa fancies him- tice round for the 84th Masters, serving only minor rough at the Masters, the stage from the Houston Open, I started feeling Pself a quick study notice to Augusta National of his intent to could be set for an epic overpowering of a bit of a sore throat and a cough,” Garcia when it comes to solving golf overpower the famed course. the course. tweeted. courses, and he’s not treating While the 27-year-old American didn’t “He’s trying to just take everything out “The symptoms stayed with me on his debut at formidable Au- break the Masters layout as some feared of play,” said fellow ball-basher Matthew Sunday morning so I decided to get tested gusta National any diff erently. after his US Open romp, he certainly made Wolff , the 21-year-old US Open runner- for COVID-19 and so did my wife An- The 23-year-old American a dent in it, using pitching wedges into up. gela. Thankfully she tested negative, but captured his first major title the same Amen Corner holes that play- “The way that me, Bryson and other I didn’t.” in August at Harding Park in ing partner Tiger Woods told him he used people are going with hitting it longer, my For the fi rst time in history, the Masters his PGA debut and likes his during his 1997 Masters win. goal is to not overpower a golf course. It is taking place in November rather than odds of walking away from “I’ve had to re-learn the golf course,” just so happens that sometimes I can do its traditional April slot following disrup- the 84th Masters with a green DeChambeau told The Golf Channel. that because I do hit the ball far.” tion to the season caused by the Covid-19 jacket as the first debut win- “There are so many holes that play so dif- While the approaches and putts must pandemic, which also has forced a ban on ner since 1979. ferently for me.” still be top grade, rivals like Patrick Can- spectators. “I’m not afraid of any course DeChambeau, who says he plays the tlay appreciate the edge extra length gives One worry for DeChambeau and other out here and I think that’s par-72 layout as a par-67, found all fair- DeChambeau. big-hitters was in the forecast, with rain kind of the mind set,” Mori- ways except at 18, where he went over a “It has been impressive,” Cantlay said. and thunderstorms in the projections un- kawa said on Monday. “I can left-side fairway bunker and still had a “I think this place probably fi ts it about til the weekend. Soggy conditions could go out and dissect a course clear shot at the green. as good as any place. It doesn’t surprise deny extra roll to the ball off the tee but and figure out what’s my best “All my misses have been pretty me he’s hitting it much farther than other help approaches hold onto the notori- opportunity to shoot a good straight,” he said. “I want to keep it that guys and having success.” ously treacherous greens. score. way.” DeChambeau and Woods, the 15-time It became tougher to make the Masters “I do a really good job Mon- Instead of playing the front nine, De- major champion trying for his record 83rd cut Monday as Augusta National said it day through Wednesday, so Chambeau went back to the practice US PGA victory and record-tying sixth was ending an extension to its cut policy I showed up today, got my range, working out with his driver, only 45 Masters title, were joined on the back nine that allowed anyone within 10 strokes of 18 holes in, and I’m trying to 1/2-inches instead of the 48-inch one he for the afternoon by 1992 Masters winner the lead into the weekend as well as the figure out what I need to work threatened to unveil this week after dev- Fred Couples and 2017 PGA Champion- top 50 and those level after 36 holes. on and get prepped for.” astating Winged Foot in September’s US ship winner Justin Thomas. Since 1962, anyone within 10 strokes Not since Fuzzy Zoeller did Open. Bryson DeChambeau of the United States walks near the 13th hole during a DeChambeau’s buzz mixed with the of the lead had been allowed into the third it 41 years ago has a player “It’s not right. I won’t use it until it’s practice round prior to the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta shock exit of 2017 winner Sergio Garcia and fourth Masters rounds no matter won his first Masters start. right,” DeChambeau said. “There’s always yesterday. after the 40-year-old Spaniard tested where they ranked in the overall scoring. Knowledge has often meant power at Augusta National, with experience paying off in BOTTOMLINE knowing where to hit the ball and how putts will break. “Even though I haven’t played the Masters before. I’m com- Nearly men Fleetwood, Westwood hope for Masters magic fortable coming out here,” Morikawa said. AFP “You can never learn enough around ing it out as you go along.” “I don’t think age is a barrier as long “Experience never hurts. I Augusta here. There’s always something new. That’s what Westwood has been do- as you’ve still got all the attributes it wish I had played here 15, 20 There’s always like a little snip- ing for decades and it has produced a takes to win at Augusta,” Westwood times. Wish I had that knowl- pet somewhere you hear. Experience stellar career with 25 European Tour said. “It does play into the longer hits. edge, but I don’t. For now ommy Fleetwood was play- around this course plays the best.”Rain wins and two more on the US PGA. But there’s no age barrier to doing what I have to feel like I can still ing shots from everywhere in is in the forecast for the week at Au- But when it comes to majors, the you need to do to win at Augusta.” compete with these guys. It’s Monday’s practice round at the gusta National, making Fleetwood work former world number one has come up Westwood isn’t going to follow Fleet- not like I’m behind the 8-ball Masters while 47-year-old Lee to see about shots he might never need, empty, 10 top-four fi nishes without a wood’s practice studies. already, have a disadvantage. TWestwood was vowing there’s no age or might need when he least expects it. major victory, two of his three career “You can play as many practice On Thursday, we all start at barrier to winning at Augusta National. “You just want to keep playing diff er- runner-up eff orts coming at Augusta in rounds as you want,” Westwood said. even par.” The Englishmen know well the agony ent shots and see how the ball reacts and 2010 and 2016. “But it’s only until the tournament World number four Morikawa of major near misses, with 16th-ranked what kind of lies you get and just how “Experience counts a lot around starts that you start to learn more about likes the way he is playing and Fleetwood fi nishing second in the 2018 the course is playing,” Fleetwood said. here,” Westwood said. “I’ve placed sec- the golf course.” feels he accomplished a lot in US Open and 2019 British Open, while “A lot of things can change very rap- ond a couple of times and quite a lot Westwood fi nished fourth at last his first day of practice under Westwood has 19 major top-10 fi nishes idly. They think that they can do some (six) of top-10s, so there’s defi nitely a year’s British Open, earning him a spot the Georgia pines. without a victory. kind of magic and change the course knack for playing this course.” in this year’s Masters fi eld, his 19th Au- “It’s a place you’ve kind of Fleetwood was fl inging caution to the as much as they want. But around the And while he would become the old- gusta National appearance. watched growing up, and to wind and testing lies and angles where greens it has played a little bit diff erent. est winner in Masters history, pass- “Been excited for about a year now,” finally play 18 holes here as an he might be attacking the green when any other week or golf course, being “You always have to try and conjure ing Jack Nicklaus at age 46 in 1986, he Westwood said. “It’s nice to be back actual golfer in the Masters is the 84th Masters begins tomorrow. out on the course is so important,” said up something and make shots into the doesn’t see Father Time as the biggest playing in this tournament. It’s my fa- something special,” he said. “This week more than pretty much 29-year-old Fleetwood. back. You keep playing and keep fi gur- onstacle at the Masters. vourite tournament to play in.”